Opinion Says Fitness Influencers Fail Men's Health With 1-Dimensional Dogma
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 12
Opinion Says Fitness Influencers Fail Men's Health With 1-Dimensional Dogma
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 12
Summary
A New York Times opinion essay argues male-focused fitness influencers are not making men healthier, saying they turn exercise into status competition rather than a tool for well-being.
The critique centers on advice that prizes optimization, intensity and masculine signaling — from fasting tactics to synthetic ketones and steak talk — while sidelining emotional health and basic common sense.
The writer says he entered weight training after a friend's sudden death to support family life and creative work, but found the surrounding media culture hollow and overly fixated on "gains."
Using medieval literature as a frame, the essay argues men need fitness role models who connect physical strength to moral purpose and a fuller definition of health.