The Male Mindset
The Male Mindset Learn what exercises most appeal to men and what will help improve counseling sessions. In 1992, the book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus hit bookstores and was an immediate best seller. The basic premise of the book—that relationships between men and women can improve if their differences in needs, desires, and behaviors are acknowledged—also can apply to fitness. Men and women may share the same goal of getting and staying in shape, but their motivations and exercise choices are very different. In this month’s column, I’ll discuss these differences and outline strategies for adhering to an exercise and fitness plan that dietitians can share with male clients. Men who are competitive athletes, seniors, or overweight or obese have specific fitness needs that generally transcend gender differences. Therefore, I’ll focus on the average male exerciser, who’s slightly out of shape, carrying a few extra pounds, and interested in developing an exercise program for ma...