Introduction

In a society that often equates masculinity with emotional stoicism, men are frequently discouraged from expressing their emotions openly. Crying, in particular, is commonly seen as a sign of weakness. However, tears have an innate therapeutic effect, providing profound benefits for mental and emotional well-being. In this blog post, we will debunk the stigma surrounding male tears and shed light on the numerous advantages of crying for men.

1. Emotional Release and Stress Relief. Crying acts as a natural outlet for pent-up emotions. When men allow themselves to cry, it enables the release of emotional tension and stress, promoting a sense of relief. Research has shown that shedding tears triggers the release of endorphins, known as "feel-good" hormones, which can enhance mood and reduce anxiety. By embracing crying as a valid emotional response, men can find solace in this natural mechanism for emotional release.

2. Improved Emotional Awareness and Communication. Crying is a powerful tool for men to develop emotional intelligence and awareness. By allowing themselves to cry, men can better understand and process their own emotions. This heightened self-awareness can also improve communication skills, enabling men to express their feelings more effectively. Through tears, men can convey emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally, fostering deeper connections with others and promoting empathy.

3. Strengthened Mental Resilience. Contrary to the misconception that crying is a sign of weakness, embracing tears can actually enhance mental resilience in men. Crying serves as a healthy coping mechanism, allowing individuals to confront and process difficult emotions. By acknowledging and expressing vulnerability through tears, men can develop the strength to face adversity, bounce back from setbacks, and foster a more resilient mindset.

4. Physical and Psychological Healing. Studies have revealed that crying can have therapeutic effects on both physical and psychological well-being. Emotional tears contain stress hormones and toxins, which are expelled from the body through crying. This release can help reduce overall stress levels and contribute to a healthier immune system. Additionally, crying promotes a sense of catharsis, allowing men to heal from emotional pain and trauma, leading to improved mental health outcomes.

5. Breaking Stereotypes and Challenging Gender Norms. Embracing crying as a healthy emotional response challenges societal norms and stereotypes that perpetuate toxic masculinity. By allowing themselves to cry, men can redefine traditional notions of masculinity, encouraging more open and authentic expressions of emotion. This paradigm shift not only benefits individuals but also contributes to a more inclusive and compassionate society that values emotional well-being.

Conclusion

The benefits of crying for men are profound and far-reaching. By dismantling the stigma surrounding male tears, men can tap into a powerful emotional release, develop greater self-awareness, and strengthen their mental resilience. Crying promotes healing, fosters healthier communication, and challenges outdated gender norms. It is time to recognize the transformative power of tears and embrace them as an integral part of emotional well-being for everyone.

Photo by Tom Pumford on Unsplash

Adaptive Resistance Training is a fitness and exercise trend that is gaining momentum among the early adopters and biohackers interested in muscle building and cardio workouts in a fraction of the time. This is definitely next level stuff, yet has been around for a while. Instead of weights, band and gravity to provide resistance, a series of highly tuned an calibrated motors generates the resistance, hence the name adaptive resistance. The machines are expensive and not very easy to find, and since the company who make the machines, ARX in Austin, Texas has been around for over ten year, it begs the question: Does it really work?

Strength training has long been recognized as an important aspect of physical fitness, and is well known to boost testosterone in aging men. Regular strength training can improve muscle strength, increase bone density, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of injury. But traditional strength training regimens have certain limitations, like their ability to maximize strength gains and prevent plateaus. This is where adaptive resistance strength training comes in as a potential game changer.

One of the primary benefits of adaptive resistance strength (ARS) training is that it can provide a more challenging workout. By changing the resistance throughout the range of motion of the exercise, muscles are forced to work harder. This can lead to greater gains in strength and muscle mass, and often achieve the same results in a shorter period of time. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that adaptive resistance strength training was more effective at increasing muscle strength than traditional strength training.

Another benefit of ARS training is that it can help to prevent plateaus. Traditional strength training programs often involve using the same amount of weight for each set and repetition. Over time, the muscles adjust and adapt to this stimulus and the gains in strength and muscle mass reach a biologic plateau. By using variable resistance, adaptive resistance strength training can prevent this from happening. By changing the resistance throughout the range of motion of the exercise, the muscles are constantly challenged and forced to adapt and keep working. This can lead to greater gains in strength and muscle mass over time.

ARS can be beneficial to athletes looking to enhance their training regimen, develop muscle to prevent injuries, and get a leg up on the competition. Many sports require explosive movements, such as jumping and sprinting. Adaptive resistance strength training can help to improve explosive power by providing a more challenging workout. By forcing the muscles to work harder throughout the range of motion of the exercise, the muscles become more explosive and powerful. This can help to improve performance in sports that require explosive power.

Safety is another reason trainers and trainees like ARS. It can be safer than traditional strength training. Traditional strength training often involves using free weights, which can be dangerous and lead to injury and accidents if not used correctly. Comparatively, ARS training typically involves the use of machines that are designed to provide safe and controlled resistance. This can help to reduce the risk of injury and make strength training more accessible to people who may be intimidated by free weights.

Many early adopters of ARS have reported that this kind of workout is more time-efficient than traditional strength training, and who doesn't love saving a little time while getting in a comprehensive workout? Traditional strength training often involves performing multiple sets and repetitions with the same weight. This can be time-consuming and can lead to boredom. Adaptive resistance strength training, on the other hand, typically involves performing fewer sets and repetitions, but with variable resistance. This can help to make strength training more interesting and engaging, and can help to reduce the amount of time required to complete a workout.

In addition to the benefits listed above, ARS training has also been found to be effective at improving functional fitness. Functional fitness refers to the ability to perform everyday activities, such as lifting groceries or climbing stairs, with ease. Adaptive resistance strength training can help to improve functional fitness by improving muscle strength and endurance. This can help to make everyday activities easier and reduce the risk of injury.

As far a machines and equipment goes, there are several companies manufacturing this kind of specialized equipment, including ARX in Austin, Texas. Chances are, there is a machine near where you live and you should do some research online and find gym nearby that your can try out. Each type of equipment has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of equipment will depend on the individual's goals and preferences.

 

Photo by Anastase Maragos on Unsplash

It hurts and defies logic, really, to shell out $100 or more for new shoes when your current pair still looks good. You can probably get away with holding onto dress shoes a little longer but clinging to an old pair of athletic shoes too long can cost you plenty.
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine reports that if runners don’t replace their shoes every 350 to 500 miles, they face a potential litany of injuries, including stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and heel spurs. Exactly how long shoes will continue to provide the needed level of protection depends on individual size and weight.

Average runners pound their shoes on the ground around 700 times per mile so it doesn’t require an active imagination to see how shoes lose their shock absorption rather quickly. And once that occurs, it can change your stride and alignment, meaning pain and possible injury are just down the road.

So whether you’re a marathoner or you just like to take a spirited walk or light jog around the neighborhood, here’s what to keep in mind when you shop for new shoes:

Anatomy of a Running Shoe
The heart of running shoes is EVA, a polyurethane material that makes up the midsole, says Daniel Hortoin at Cincinnati’s Bob Ronker’s Running Spot, named the nation’s top specialty running store in 2008 by the Independent Running Retailer Association. The part of the shoe between the hard outer sole and the insole, the midsole delivers the protective spring and cushioning that keeps you running smoothly. It’s also the first part of the shoe to wear out, as its ability to rebound diminishes with miles logged. Hortoin explains that it’s the technical midsole or EVA upgrades to shoes that separate a manufacturer’s introductory model found at many big box chain stores and the higher-end shoes sold by running specialty stores. "Each brand has its specific technology and strategic placement of cushioning (like heel and forefoot gel pads)," says Hortoin, adding that plusher insoles with additional cushioning are a distinguishing characteristic of upper echelon running shoes as well.

Securing the Fit
To find the right shoe for you, Hortoin urges runners to take their old shoes with them to the store. Specialty retailers with knowledgeable sales associates will want to analyze your old shoes for clues to how you run.

"There is an ideal wear pattern we like to see that’s central as possible part in the shoe’s forefront with wear on the outside of the heel which is part of natural outward/inward roll as you run," he says. "If we see certain wear patterns that aren’t ideal, we can suggest a specific type of shoe to help correct it."

One common condition Hortoin and his colleagues at Bob Ronker’s see is excessive rolling or over-pronation, a potentially serious problem that frequently plagues runners (or walkers even) with flat feet. Pronation is the natural inward rolling of the foot as it strikes the ground, but when it’s too pronounced, it can lead to painful plantar fasciitis or long-term joint issues in knees or ankles. "If we see over-pronation patterns, we can suggest a shoe that adds stability and more rigid materials to the medial or inside to help control the motion."

Hortoin adds that when they measure feet for length and width, they look at arches because that can also dictate style and fit. "Some brands and models offer more arch support than others, and we also offer aftermarket inserts that provide additional support," he says of Bob Ronker’s, which has been selling running shoes since 1981.
Once you find a pair you like, the AAPSM suggests spending at least 10 minutes walking about the store in your new shoes and even running a block or two outside -- most good stores don’t mind. And once you make your purchase, resist the temptation to run a marathon in them, to avoid blisters and other race-day disasters. Break them in with a few short runs first to make sure they’re going to work for you.

Thickness of sports socks also can affect fit, so bring the socks you normally run in with you shopping. Synthetic fibers that wick moisture are recommended to avoid blisters.

Price Can Matter
Hortoin says that Bob Ronker’s generally stocks running shoes in the $80 to $150 range, and a pair that will work well for most runners can be found somewhere in the middle. "Price levels generally are a good indicator of quality in running shoes, and most runners should be able to get a good shoe at the $100 level."

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 10 Americans suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to our completely unscientific reckoning, the rest of us get totally bummed out in the winter too. How could we not? We wake up to darkness, we commute home in darkness, and it’s as cold as a witch’s you-know-what outside.

Fortunately, there are ways to beat the gloom, beyond buying a one-way ticket to Miami. We contacted a basket of experts -- including the man who first discovered SAD -- for advice on how to combat the winter funk. So rise and shine; it’s time to bring the sunshine back!

The SAD Specialist
The major cause of SAD is lack of light. So my advice to sufferers is simple: Get more light! You can do this by walking outdoors (especially in the morning), bringing more light into your home, or using special light fixtures. If you opt for light therapy fixtures, remember that bigger is often better, mornings are usually the best time to use the lights, and you needn’t stare at the light -- just sit in front of it with your eyes open. Light therapy usually works within four days or so. -- Dr. Normal Rosenthal, author of Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder

The Yoga Instructor
When posture improves, so does confidence. People who feel down have slumped shoulders, a collapsed chest and a tendency to look downward. This posture puts pressure on the heart and stops the diaphragm from moving freely. Yoga postures increase blood flow, which flushes the muscles, organs and glandular system of waste while delivering oxygen and nutrients. They also soften the muscles, allowing the energy lines of the body to open and restoring balance to your nervous system. -- Ducky Punch, founder of Yummy Yoga

The Naturopath
Try St. John’s Wort, which serves as a tonic for the nervous system and balances mood. Ashwagandha helps you cope with stress and environmental changes, and astragalus restores energy and helps prevent lethargy. You can also try certain vitamin supplements. B6 will help with mood, as will vitamin E. Magnesium is good for anxiety, insomnia and winter aches. -- Dr. Kathia Roberts of the Seasonal Health Wellness Center

The Life Coach
Tell the truth. When the seasons change, be honest about what makes you happy and go after it. For example, when mornings get cold and dark, you might be inclined to hide from life under your blankets. But if what actually makes you happy is to get your blood flowing, then that’s what you must do. The no-snooze-button rule is a good one. -- Will Craig, director of educational programming at the Handel Group

The Personal Trainer
When we are physically fit, we manage stress better. The most effective way to get out of a rut this winter is to work out. Most any kind of exercise will help, from Pilates to cardio, just as long as you’re physically active. Like the quote says: “If it’s physical, it’s therapy!” I recommend a strength-training program since it naturally increases your body’s testosterone levels, which will increase your feelings of well-being and confidence. -- Kevin Kohout at Personal Trainer Los Angeles

The Nutritionist
Eating mini-meals throughout the day is a good idea. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids relieve symptoms of depression; you can find these in fatty, cold-water fish like salmon, or walnuts and flaxseed. If you can cut out caffeine, sugar and alcohol, do so! Alcohol and caffeine are both mood-altering and habit-forming substances, and too much sugar can lead to fatigue and mood swings, wiping out any benefit of serotonin. Finally, stay hydrated. Do not replace water, the liquid of life, with any other beverage. -- Carrie Wiatt of Diet Designs

The Happiness Expert
Go for a walk. In the winter, it’s easy to get in the habit of hurrying from one indoor space to the next, but it’s dreary to be inside all the time. You’ll get a jolt of energy and cheer -- and also boost your mental focus and productivity -- if you take a quick walk outside, where you can get the sun in your eyes and experience the weather. Even bad weather can be therapeutic! -- Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project

The Therapist

The best way to combat depression is to be proactive about avoiding a spiraling mood. When you experience depressive thinking -- like “I give up” or “Why bother?” -- try to recognize these thoughts and adjust them. If the world seems hostile and painful, remind yourself that this might not be true; you just feel terrible today. And do what you don’t feel like doing: Start an exercise program or get involved with a group of people. Don’t let the negative thoughts win! -- Doric George at Visions of Freedom Therapy

If you’ve been cooped up all winter and can’t wait to get active outdoors, more power to you. But be warned: Whether you’re hitting the track, the links or the tennis courts, you’re going to build up a real sweat, which, if left unchecked, could leave you facing a host of unappealing side effects. We’re talking body odor, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and the dreaded bacne.

Fortunately, all of these conditions are largely avoidable -- and also treatable. Men’s Life Today consulted with three experts from very different backgrounds -- a dermatologist, an herbalist, and an Olympic athlete -- to get a range of approaches to these all-too-common afflictions. Pick an approach or mix and match from all three, but ignore their advice at your peril. Girls really don’t like bacne.

Sweat and Body Odor

The Doctor:
“As you perspire, particularly in areas under the arms and feet and around the groin, bacteria grows that can create an odor,” explains Dr. Francesca Fusco, a New York City­-based dermatologist with more than 25 years of experience. “Anything you can do to minimize perspiration will help cut down on that odor.” She recommends an antiperspirant with deodorant, and daily or more frequent showers. Little-known fact: If you have excessive sweating on your hands or feet, you can use deodorant there too.

The Herbalist:
A healthy liver assists in dealing with some of the toxins that can cause you to stink, says Barry Sherr, who opened Chamomile Natural Foods in Danbury, Conn., more than 30 years ago. If your liver is overtaxed or unhealthy, it simply can’t keep up. To help get it back on an even keel, Sherr recommends chlorophyll tablets, spirulina, chlorella, mixed greens, wheatgrass or barley grass. Fiber in the diet is also important, and hydration is essential -- particularly when engaging in athletic activity -- so that the body can continue to flush out the toxins, even as it loses water through perspiration.

The Athlete:
“I sweat a ton,” says three-time Olympic triathlete Hunter Kemper, “so I always have towels ready and a spare shirt too.” Mostly, Kemper recommends staying hydrated. “If you’re running a loop, put water bottles out along the route beforehand so you can hydrate as you go.” If you’re running particularly hard, he adds, it’s a good idea to occasionally pour the water over your head. “Not only will it help you stay cool, it will help you in your performance.”

Athletes Foot and Jock Itch

The Doctor:
“Moisture is your worst enemy here, so it’s very important to keep these areas dry,” says Fusco. “Towel between each toe and in all the nooks and crannies of the groin area.” If you get a fungus despite your best drying efforts, try an over-the-counter product such as Lamisil, she says, which should clear up your issues within two weeks. If not, you’ll need to seek assistance from a dermatologist.

The Herbalist:
Sherr recommends a three-pronged approach. “Fungus lives off glucose, so you should cut down on carbs; yeast in the body can mutate to a fungal form outside the body.” Second, Sherr advises consuming antifungal foods and supplements, such as garlic, caprylic acid and black walnut. Lastly, he counsels a diet with an ample supply of probiotics -- the good bacteria that will help your body fight the good fight.

The Athlete:
“When I go cycling, my shoes get really wet,” says Kemper, who is hoping to qualify in London this summer for his fourth Olympic games. To keep them from becoming fungal breeding zones, he changes out the insoles regularly, and never steps into a pair of shoes with a wet insole. His key to avoiding many fungal issues is simply to be smart -- for example, wearing sandals in the locker room and gym shower to protect himself from contagious fungus.

Bacne

The Doctor:
Good hygiene is particularly important here, says Fusco. As your pores get clogged from sweating, and dead skin begins to build up, acne can take hold. To prevent it, she says, you’ll need to exfoliate and make sure you keep yourself clean, ideally with a deodorant soap. If you’ve already developed a bad case of bacne, don’t fret: Your dermatologist can prescribe a low-dose antibiotic such as Oracea, or a prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide.

The Herbalist:
According to Sherr, the herb sarsaparilla will prevent testosterone -- which can contribute to back acne -- from getting to the skin. Zinc supplements, omega-3 fish oils and B-vitamins can also help keep problems at bay. The larger issue, though, could be that you need to detoxify. “Skin problems stem from impure blood and impure lymphatics,” he explains. For those with intolerances, cutting out gluten and/or dairy can work wonders toward correcting skin issues.

The Athlete:
Kemper suggests investing in clothes that wick moisture and dry quickly. Or you can make it even easier on yourself: “Outdoors, I run without a shirt,” he says.