Art of Manliness - Latest Comments in There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Workout Routine — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:28:09 -0000

I so concord. Guys who are not active but having vast muscles are loathly. muscles are junked meat if you don't hump places to use them (e.g. in sports). Girls are hunting for athletic guys, not gym nerds. If you're not gymnastic, then terminate disagreeable to get buffed honourable to seizure grouping. it's not majestic at all!!
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cruz

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Justin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:46:01 -0000

The fact of the matter is...you don't need to spend a crazy amount of time in the gym or obsess to have 6-pack or even 8-pack abs. I love to work out and find going to the gym pleasurable. However with working full time in an office all day and going to school at night working on my masters... there is no time for the gym. I packed on about 15 pounds in the mid section (Beer) when I fell out of my routine. However, I have been doing core strengthening exercises at home 20 minutes a day as well as 20 minutes of cardio first thing in the morning and I am more ripped and in better shape then when I went to the gym and worked out 1-2 hours a day! The fact is...to get the body you want, you don't have to be a gym-fly, just eat right and use muscle targeting exercises. As always...if everyone in the world isn't doing 20 minutes of cardio a day....they are just lazy! It helps promote health and vitality in many ways! People in America always want something, but are very rarely willing to do the work it takes to get it. I take pride in my body...because i eat right and work to keep it healthy and in shape, even with my crazy schedule. People here want to eat double cheese burgers all week and then buy a quick fix diet supplement and get pissed when it doesn't work. And BTW Ryan :) I agree!

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

JP — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:22:40 -0000

Very interesting article and reactions

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Ryan — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:31:08 -0000

I did not read a single word of this article beyond the title and I won't.
I agree that there is much more to life than 6pack abs. I have a strong inclination that this article is making that statement in attempt to comfort the men who don't have great genetics in regards to body fat storage or simply choose not to dedicate themselves to strict diets, can't commit to aggressive workout routines, have a problem only sleeping with hot women, and want to be one of those guys who wears a tshirt at beach.
Don't have it, don't fret, life isn't over. But that doesn't mean you should try and put the washboarded population in a class that would make them seem like they don't have their priorities in line.
-RVS

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

RuppaRuppa — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:32:53 -0000

This is actually sad to read, the idea is not to get ripped, getting ripped comes with the loving ability of exercise. I play hockey, I am in the type of shape that those guys at the top are in, I like to eat healthy because it makes me feel great, not because I am giving up my six dollar burger at Carl's, If I want to go have one I'll go get one, the point is I don't want one. Sounds to me like you have no willpower at all my friend, and the girls do like a six pack, it's true, it's true.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Bert — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:49:29 -0000

Alessandro...but Rambo was a Green Beret. Kinda like the Army version of the SEALS.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Johan — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 16:34:26 -0000

Why did you make this website so difficult to scroll through. Urgh.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:41:29 -0000

I so agree. Guys who are not athletic but having huge muscles are disgusting. muscles are useless meat if you don't have places to use them (e.g. in sports). Girls are looking for athletic guys, not gym nerds. If you're not athletic, then stop trying to get buffed just to impress people. it's not impressive at all!!

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Jerrick — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:58:45 -0000

Man, the comments on this post are so moronic that they unfortunately add weight to the stereotype of the dumb meathead. They apparently need to be spending less time at the gym and more time reading books. All this dude is saying is that making six pack abs your goal is not a good goal. And really, it's not. An above commenter mentioned that no one yet had answered the question of why-why make six pack abs a goal. It's not related to your fitness or health level, so why? I work out 6 times a week for an hour and I don't have six pack abs. I'm just an average looking bloke and I've had no problem with the ladies.

Came across this article today-it basically says the same thing-the obsession with six pack abs is just a recent cultural thing-
http://www.timesonline.co.u...

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

orlando — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:32:10 -0000

the stupidest article i have ever read
wtf
that man with big biceps is the one that should be pitting you for eating that crap
whats the point of exercising if u are going to eat crap all day

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Sean — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:16:38 -0000

I used the Abs IQ six pack abs program by Bogumil Gizewski and found it to be very easy to follow and very effective. In Abs IQ Mr Gizewski teaches you have to work smarter not harder to get nice abs. http://www.absiq.com

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

ChrisC — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:19:43 -0000

Wow. I wouldn't have thought people were still commenting on this article. I just came across it after googling "Matthew McConaughey" (try typing that three times fast) and seeing the author call him a pretty boy. Hmm. Men will laugh when their wives or girlfriends express dislike for another woman simply because she's attractive, but when a man sees another man who's considered attractive, he's a "pretty boy" and they don't see how it's the same thing. I bet there were some in Dean's day who considered him a "pretty boy". Good-looking and not much of an actor. I've seen Rebel Without a Cause. I was not impressed. Don't get me started on John Wayne.

The comparison of James Dean and MM up there is unfair. Dean's sitting down and slouching and McConaughey is posing for maximum effect. I can't see what Dean's physique looks like in that picture. HIs pecs look somewhat developed there, though. Hard to tell.

In any case, I've seen UFC types that I thought were attractive, actors I've thought were attractive, pro wrestlers that I thought were attractive (usually the ones who are obviously not using steroids) and everyday joes who I thought were attractive. And, horrors, I do like to see some muscle, though not muscle-bound. The first time I saw Johnny Depp without a shirt it was a turn-off. Jack Sparrow's kind of hot. Johnny Depp, not so much. But that's just a physical thing. I don't know him personally.

I do like Matthew McConaughey's physique. I love his voice. It's his hair I can't stand.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Dr. Sanity — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:35:53 -0000

@martin-

You certainly try to make yourself sound like the expert. Notable considering you are still pursuing your UNDERGRAD degree ( an uncompleted undergrad degree with, OOOH, a MINOR in Psych). How about you, yourself get PhD in medicine (i.e. a doctor) before you keep on blabbering. You aren't exactly one to talk like the expert you try to come off as.

Considering your credentials and my apparent absence of education and life experience, I humbly submit to your argument. You are correct and the bottom line is that 95% of us will never have ripped abs, will never be able to change our physique, and are slaves to our genetics and metabolism. There is minimal hope for 95% of non-sick or injured adults to ever attain a fit physique whether it be lean and fit or bodybuilder huge. There is simply no point in even trying. Don't. You most likely all have the 'fat gene' and will never overcome it. AND, should you actually succeed in your fitness goals, you will be labeled as an asshole for telling other people they can actually do it too ( clearly a massive lie). So for you, 95% of the non- sick, uninjured masses I decry: GIVE UP!-- I mean, EVERYONE KNOWS that :

"no matter how much work outs they do they cant burn off all their body fat without getting critically ill. Not only that there are conditions where people tend to break down muscle glycogen and burn less fat when they work out. A serious problem for such individuals, but if they do not pursue these heavy activities they are just fine."

The above statement, it must be noted, is directed at the afforementioned 95% of non- sick, uninjured individuals. There is only a miniscule 5% of people that actually show a dramatic benefit from exercise. Hell, I even learned that during my undergrad at a university in Texas. I reiterate, GIVE UP! There are simply too many reasons and excuses to not even try. Way to go Martin! You hit the nail on the head. You are better off not even trying since only 5% will respond to a fitness regimen.

*sarcasm*

quote of the day: "Remember this, dont chew off too much than what you can handle, and its always a bad idea to act as if you know the subject because sooner or later someone is going to expose your disinformation charade."

--- a round of applause for our undergrad at the fine institution of the University of Texas.

my personal quote: " you can put a man through school but you cant make him think"

ASS

But, then again, what do I know? I only have a "Phd in Medicine" from the University of Colorado. I really wish I would have found more excuses to give up sooner. All that work.......UGH.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

kevin — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:26:00 -0000

Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym... which defeats the entire argument of this bogus article. anyone who really knows anything about working out and nutrition would agree. if you don't agree then you don't know what you're talking about. ARTICLE FAIL.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Martin — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:22:07 -0000

Anyone else think Rob, Elaine and JustAman and some others have the SAME style of writing and putting things, two of them on the same day with little time gaps between their posts.

Looks like some troll who is sore about the facts that the article talks about, must be an avid bodybuilder, an obsessed one. Or maybe they are in it for the chicks and they dont like it being pointed out??

As for people talking about psychology, elaine-rob-anonymous whatever blurb your real name is,

Two things:

1) If you don't know psychology, its safer to keep it zipped.
2) I am a psychology minor in Health Sciences: so news for you, its human psychology to defend something when you know you are proven wrong and you realize you have been doing exactly that. Like you all have obviously.

Hows that for taste? You see this works both ways, so dont try that little trick again. Its old plus uninformed.

And to all those who have in here spouted complete and utter nonsense about "anyone being able to get a 6 pack", stop disinformation and stop acting like you practice medicine. You are all just proving the author's point that muscle men are dumb.

Of course they are not dumb but your collective nonsense (or one person depending on how many names he is posting under in here) is making the author's case.

So coming back to genetics, the reason why genetics plays into all this is because some people do not have digestive systems that can absorb enough proteins to build extra muscle than what their natural body functions permits. Futhermore, many have cases of excessive metabolic activity compounding the lack of extra proteins and carbohydrates needed for body building. But that doesn't mean they are not fit or stronger. They just don't have the body make up for building on extra muscle like some others can. But without bodybuilding as their main agenda, they are perfectly fit and healthy individuals but when they try results never come. This is a biological condition, trying to sound smart with deductive reasoning without any pedigree in medicine is foolish.

And the assumption that everyone can simply burn off fat and build the abdomen muscles can gain 6 packs is as rubbish as suggesting just about anyone can become smart with an Intellect that rivals or matches some of the greatest scientific minds the world has ever known.

It seems like the people who are sore about the article are really ignorant hot heads who just don't seem to apply some common sense before they assume their own personal fancy versions of fictional biology and other hilarious concoctions about 'all people getting 6 packs'

Did you know some people have other reasons for which no matter how much work outs they do they cant burn off all their body fat without getting critically ill? Not only that there are conditions where people tend to break down muscle glycogen and burn less fat when they work out. A serious problem for such individuals, but if they do not pursue these heavy activities they are just fine.

To chirs, karmazon and all others who have come up with their own laughable 'theories' as to how 'all people can get 6 packs'. try going to university and get a PhD in medicine, Because what you are suggesting is challenging established facts and knowledge carried out researchers.

Or are you telling that you know more than them? Dont try, it only makes one look even more stupid.

So what say you all? Hmm? Care to try doing a PhD on a new discovery? Entitled "All humans can get 6 packs regardless of their genetic and other biological factors" This could be the discovery of the century.

Whats pathetic is that behind the computer anyone can come online and type away a lot of nonsense and pass it off as "oh i know it possible by so and so method you can attain abs". Well guess what when people from the academia and from the field with experience and knowledge come along these liars are caught and exposed.

Remember this, dont chew off too much than what you can handle, and its always a bad idea to act as if you know the subject because sooner or later someone is going to expose your disinformation charade.

Its not for you people to form opinions that everyone can attain 6 packs, this is a medical fact that not everyone can. If you want to challenge this go to university. If you cant, keep a lid on it and accept the fact that most of you are indeed doing it for the chicks or whatever trivial desires. Its no wonder why there is such a stern and almost belligerent reaction to the article ;)

Its pretty easy to see where these people are coming from

Martin,
University of Texas, El Paso.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Sully225 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:18:38 -0000

Well, I was running for a cross country team, then I noticed that I was starting to get a six pack (I ran and did push ups + sit ups to achieve this). And now my main goal of working out is to get in shape for sports. I run cross country so you could say I am skinny as hell, so lifting is just to stay at a normal weight and stay in shape.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

me myself and i — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:23:44 -0000

i think matthew has the most cutest almost outie belly button i have ever seen on a man every time i see it i want to see it more and more and the most handsome so called wash board abs on him the gorgeous pearly white smile the biggest bluest eyes the sexy shiny blond hair and the tallest boy in the world he is the most sexiest man next to matthew damon to bad matthew cant gain the weight and keep it on instead of losing it right away they both would look good with weight on them

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

dtz — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:05:16 -0000

Well its obvious that many guys are pissed by this article as they feel talked down to, assuming the autor is looking for ways to avoid exercising and eating right.

I guess the author left too much room for interpretation, as he was rather condemning obsessive, narcisstic behaviour regarding our physique than the persuit of fitness.

However we can see in the comments sparked by the article, what an emotional and important looks looks are for us men.
Having been fat, not too long ago, in high school and fully admiring my new body in the mirror I can see both sides.

The Key to Happiness, as with most in life, lies in the Balance between excessive exercise and lazy couch potato.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

AlanP — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:45:43 -0000

girls want humor, intimacy, security, freedom, attention, care probably more and more..as this society gets more complex the list will go longer. In some asian countries like South Korea. Girls don't get chance to take their pick for their husband, parents of two parties would formally meet up in a classy place. Yea. That's the arranged blind-dating. It's not of my business to judge, I certainly and thankfully don't/won't need to go through that kind of process.

It really doesn't matter whether you are a bag of bones or a young Arnold especially in asia. Girls just don't care about the physique much. They care more about your facial features more than anything in terms of appearance. I was a bag of bones, I'd been training my body to get to a normal non-thin physique. It's a long process since my body isn't made for a magazine cover. I did look up to a lot of movie/tv stars try to get to the shape i want. I'm still trying, it's possible to attain that kind of body, with enough rest and healthy diet. Put your imagination into action. Don't be so obsessed with the results after each workout session. And heck, stay healthy don't use drugs to help you. Girls want health guys not drug addicts. :)

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Wazzup — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:59:59 -0000

Girls don't necessarily go for 6-packs abs, but they don't go all too often for fat blobs either...

Apart from that, getting, or having 6 pack abs is such a great motivation which gives an incredible feeling good about yourself and THAT shows even WITH your clothes on. That confidence is what will attract girls... so build your personality one way or the other (and yes, six packs CAN help with that, but are not the end all)

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

TJ — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:10:24 -0000

Haaaaahahaahaaaaaaaaahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!! That's funny. You mean we should want to look like John Wayne or James Dean? Ugh! Pathetic, and the only reason either one of those guys could "kick ass" is because they read the script. Neither one would have the stamina to last in a real knock down drag out...just look at the pics. You say get on a program like Cross fit, have you seen pics of the serious Crossfitters? Ripped man, ripped. It takes toughness to push through the pain required to gain strength and muscle,even "fuctional muscle" ( which is the best and most usefull kind) this article is to make those who don't have the toughness for such activities feel better about themselves. "If it don't hurt it don't work". Oh, and you don't have to "organize your life" around fitness to get a good body,or gain lots of strength, it takes 30 super intense minutes a day... hardly obsesive. This sight has some good stuff, but sometimes wants to "go back to the good 'ol days" because they guys writing can't keep up with the times. So take off your sissy bow tie, drop the freakin top hat, and hit the gym, the ladies will be grateful...Pilgrim!

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Jas — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:35:59 -0000

A real man doesn't have a limited amount of willpower no matter what your study shows. Perhaps real men where the outliers in that particular study. A solid gym routine could easily take less than 4 hours a week! If four hours a week is detrimental to your study, work or relationships then you really need to find some "me time" in your life.

And another thing- most men who see any progress in the gym are doing it for themselves rather than to impress women. In my experience I have also found that those who also succeed in any physical pursuit are usually of good character and succeed in other areas of their lives.

Yes a great body is not the be all and end all of life but it's a great thing to have and to pursue!

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Elaine — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:36:29 -0000

*Claps* for Robs comment, so true. This guy reaks of insecurity, "I can't figure out how to get a nice body and juggle other things in my life, so I'll just make excuses".... it's basic psychology, we love to make excuses for things we suck at. I guarantee you, if you had nice abs, you would be taking quite an opposite stance!

Look, if you can't achieve something, don't go around saying it's impossible... it might be for you, but that's your problem. Let's be honest, what's more pleasing to look at? A girl with a slim waist, big boobs and a firm butt or a girl with a figure that goes straight up and down? That works both ways! As a woman I will be the first to admit, that while it's not everything, a nice, muscular body (even if non-functional) is very nice to look at.

Lastly, my male friend is a MMA fighter and his life revolves around training and dieting, just because those guys in the UFC don't look like models doesn't mean their whole lives don't revolve around the sport. Any athlete who has made it to the top is consumed by his sport.

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

Rob — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:25:35 -0000

This article is one of the most pathetic, biased pieces of work I have ever read. I'm going to steal a very true quote from the Pursuit of Happyness and it goes along the lines of "A person can't do something so he tells you you can't do it"... not in the exact words but so true. I was a scrawny weakling as a kid, I am now a competitive bodybuilder.... hmm, guess all my time must be consumed huh?

I'm at the gym one hour per day, five days a week... I could spend that time writing crap online, but I'd rather be improving my physique. That's FIVE hours per week, that's NOTHING. Diet? I eat 6 meals per day, what's it to you if I own tupperware? It takes me 15 minutes to down a meal and I can do so anywhere no problem. That's it.... my life isn't consumed by this, I am a grad student, I do lab-work, I volunteer at my local animal shelter, I am in a long-term relationship and you know what? I STILL have time to lounge around and watch some tv. If I choose to eat healthy when I go out... how exactly does this affect my date?? Will we have less of a good time because I ate a lean piece of chicken rather than a greasy burger and fried?? I hardly doubt it! The only difference is I may not have as much gas to hold in the rest of the date, but aside form that I can have just as much fun.

Trust me, from someone in the fitness industry, telling people they can't achieve the look of a Men's Health model is like telling a drag racer that it's impossible to do the quarter mile in under 15 seconds.... it's RIDICULOUSLY easy and very much attainable for anyone without some sort of illness.
I saw one guy reply claiming he was at 5 percent bodyfat yet looked like James Dean and had no abs... uhmm.... wow. It can't be that hard to use a bit of judgement.... if you have a body like James Dean, I promise you, you are NOT at five percent bodyfat.... I compete at 4 percent bodyfat and I can see striations in my glutes at that point, believe me if you were at 5 percent bodyfat you would NOT look like James Dean! Your doctor/trainer is lying to you or you can't use calipers worth a damn buddy!

The guy at Red Robin... hmmm so, because someone is a bodybuilder and eats healthy meals, he can't take his family to a fun restaurant? Well, looks like I have to tell my girlfriend that from now on we have to stay locked inside our house because some guy from the internet looks down on me for going out, paying for a meal with MY money, and eating it the way I please. Worry about yourself, to some of us, food is not the most entertaining thing in the world! For all you know that man went home and had some amazing sex with his wife, which could have been just as good as your silly burger.

The "limited willpower" excuse is the most pathetic thing I have heard in my life. Look up Layne Norton (biolayne.com). This guy is a top notch NATURAL bodybuilder, pursuing a pHd, member of a supplement company, is recently married and is a trainer and diet consultant, he also has a team of people he trains for bodybuilding competitions. Great guy, well educated, well rounded, loving his life, hasn't reached this so called "limited willpower" yet.... BUT just because YOU find it too hard to achieve a good body while doing other things in your life you would probably give this guy a negative label huh? Hey, how about this, next time, actually look into a group of people before you blindly judge them!

Re: There’s More to Life Than Six Pack Abs

JustAMan — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:34:06 -0000

Terrible article. It is so outrageously biased against those with ripped physiques and those who are attempting to attain that height. Using small part of the UFC picture is just disgraceful many of the top contendeds in the UFC have six packs and in professional boxing as well look at Roy Jones Jr. He is ripped regardless of the weight class he fights in.

Though I will concede the hottest of chicks probably aren't into the biggest of muscles they are more into quality vs quantity. Considerable muscle mass with low body fat will almost always trump excessive muscle mass with double digit BF