Should a man wear makeup?

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Men

Over the last twenty years, traditional ideas of masculinity have been overwritten with a new standard. Behaviour and clothes that were conventionally regarded as feminine have become much more accepted by men, and it’s now normal for a man to be just as concerned about his appearance as a woman without fear of being labelled effeminate.

The men’s grooming market has exploded, and while it’s now very common for men to use products such as moisturiser, there is a huge psychological barrier to men wearing make up.

In recent years, many cosmetic companies have attempted to cash in on the idea of men’s make up. The largest has been Yves Saint Laurent, who created a men’s version of their popular “Radiant
Touch” concealer stick. A long favourite of women all over the world, Radiant Touch disguises black bags under the eyes and small blemishes, which are as much a man’s problem as a lady’s one. No one likes to have heavy bags under their eyes, no matter their gender.

However, despite Yves Saint Laurent removing the fragrance and changing the colour of the tube to more masculine gunmetal grey, men haven’t been adopting Radiant Touch for Men in their droves. Most of the consumers appear to be homosexual men and the uptake has been disappointing for the company.

Manufactures of male eye make up have been even more disappointed, with “guy-liner” and “manscara” being even less popular. While the product has been marketed as a subtle enhancement to male eyes, the results are slightly different. Few men know how to apply make up naturally, and those who don’t seem disinclined to learn. Male consumers of eyeliner and mascara are the same as they always were, musicians and members of the gothic subculture.

The days where make up is accepted by the mainstream of male culture seems far away, and it’s far fetched to presume that eventually men will accept make up just as readily as they have more subtly feminine products like moisturiser. Most of the voices claiming that widespread acceptance of men’s make up is right round the corner seem to come from cosmetic companies, eager to double their markets.

Whilst the cosmetic companies are trying to convince men that it’s ok for them to wear make up, men are voting with their feet. The answer is a very resounding no, and men’s cosmetics are floundering on the market.

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Is lifting weights better than cardio?

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Men

Do you want to be stronger, more confident, look and feel younger? Lifting weights can do that for you, and more. We hear a lot about the benefits of cardio. Sure, cardio is important, but in many ways, lifting weights is better than cardio.

When you lift weights and become stronger, you’ll feel more energetic and your every day activities and sports will become easier.

Because muscle burns more calories than body fat, when you increase your percentage of muscle through weight lifting, you’ll burn more calories, making it easier to shed any excess fat.

You might think it’s natural that your strength declines as you get older. Well, maybe it is, but with a solid weight training program, that decline will happen much more slowly. Even older guys can get stronger and reduce their chance of falls with weight training.

Weight training can trigger a natural increase in your body’s production of human growth hormone. Upping these levels safely is just one more way weight training helps you look and feel younger.

So, now that you’re convinced a weight training program is for you, here are just a few things to consider:

- A few sessions with a personal trainer helping you develop a weight training program and checking your form can be money well-spent. You won’t get the results you’re looking for if your program and form are wrong.

- Get enough protein. Some experts suggest 1 to 2 grams of protein per day for each pound you weigh. So, if you weight 180 pounds, you’ll want to eat 180 grams of protein. It might be hard to get that much protein from food. Check out some high quality protein supplements. Avoid supplements with added sugar. Added sugar can undo all your hard work.

- Remember, weight training causes micro-tears in your muscle tissue. Your body needs rest time to repair that tissue, and it’s the rest time that lets your muscles grow. Don’t work out the same group of muscles two days in a row. Have at least one rest day in between.

So, keep some cardio in your fitness routine, but add weight training about 3 times a week to get stronger, look better, and feel more energized.

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Train Better With a Garmin Forerunner 410

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Men

An effective running program includes a variety of workouts. With the Garmin Forerunner 410, the user can make sure he or she is getting the most out of every workout.

The water-repellent Garmin Forerunner 410 records pace, elevation, time, distance and heart rate for each run. Using its scroll feature design, information can be easily accessed during a run.

The 410 allows the user to customize up to three training pages, with the ability to track more than 30 data fields. The user can determine how many data fields are shown on each screen.

The optional heart rate monitor allows the user to track the heart beat during a training run. To help improve a runner’s fitness level, it provides the ability to customize target heart rate zones. It also provides the ability to compare pace and heart rate on a particular run to the pace and heart rate of a previous run on the same course.

The user is alerted if the target pace or heart rate is not maintained during a workout. An alert is also sounded when the desired time or distance is achieved.

To take training to the next level, the user can create detailed workouts, targeting a specific pace, heart rate or distance. The courses feature on the 410 allows the user to try to match or beat a workout previously recorded on the same course.

The navigation feature allows the user to choose his or her own path without having to worry about getting back to the starting point.

Compatible with a PC or Mac, data recorded by the Garmin Forerunner 410 can be uploaded to Garmin Connect. In Garmin Connect, the user can map out the route just completed, see a summary of the run and create training goals.

The 410 has a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that stays locked onto satellites, so the user does not have to worry about losing data near tall buildings or under tree cover.

It can be powered down when not in use to conserve battery life, or worn as a regular watch. A built-in, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to eight hours of use in training mode or two weeks of use in power save mode.

An optional foot pod can be purchased which transmits speed and distance data without the use of satellites. This makes the 410 an attractive training option for indoor workouts.

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Inversion Tables and Back Pain

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Men

If you’re not adverse to the idea of hanging upside down, then an inversion table might be the perfect thing for your back problem. By hanging upside down on these tables gravity is supposed to release spinal compression and relax the muscles and ligaments which surround it. This concept has been used as far back as 400BC when Hippocrates used this method on a patient.

Whether or not there is any truth in inversion tables is a matter of debate, and the response you get is varied from person to person. Because of the blood rush to your head during inversion therapy, it’s not recommended that anyone who is pregnant or suffers from high blood pressure, heart disease or glaucoma try an inversion table. However, for those who do try it they have found that they have better circulation and oxygen flow and feel younger and more flexible. Those who are in favour of inversion therapy will tell you that the traction is very useful in aligning your spine and giving you better posture and stability, but you should always talk to a medical professional before you try it as they might have another suggestion for you.

If you’re buying your own, you should definitely do your research and look around at reviews before you buy one. You can expect to pay between £100 and £800 depending on what kind you get and how sophisticated it is- some offer full inversion whilst others only partial, and some are motorised and portable. However, always remember to avoid cheap models as they might not be safe. Always check when you buy that they come with the right safety equipment and only buy from reputable companies that offer you a product warranty and good customer service along with positive reviews from other customers.

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