Men's Health Week: Turning “Curls for the Girls” into a Lifelong Commitment to Wellness

Men's Health Week is upon us, and as I pondered the direction of this blog, a myriad of topics crossed my mind. Should I emphasize the importance of exercise? Should I share advice I'd give my younger self? Or perhaps delve into the intricacies of performing the perfect bicep curl? Then, I recalled a favorite saying by Yogi Berra: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it!" So, that's what I'll do.

The Vital Role of Exercise

Exercise, in all its forms, is undeniably beneficial when done correctly. Whether lifting weights, playing sports, practicing martial arts, or climbing trees as kids (and sometimes falling out of them), all these activities contribute to building strength and endurance. However, with the inevitable bumps, bruises, and post-workout soreness, it's crucial to recognize our limits and listen to our bodies.

One key lesson I'd impart to my younger self is to heed those "warning signals." If your shoulder aches after a deep bench press or your elbow throbs post-arm bar, it's wise not to ignore the pain and push through. Nowadays, my workouts include corrective exercises to address past injuries, along with strength training. During cardio sessions, knowing when to stop hitting the bag due to elbow discomfort allows me to stay active without long-term damage. Incorporating corrective exercises earlier and easing up when needed would have undoubtedly paid off. But, as they say, "you don't know what you don't know," and in our youth, we often feel invincible.

The Evolution of Exercise Importance

Exercise was critical in our youth, helping us build the strength to withstand the physical challenges we imposed on ourselves. As adults, exercise becomes even more vital. When done correctly, it helps maintain strength, improve cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol, and strengthen our core, preventing back issues and maintaining bone density to cushion falls. Additionally, studies have shown that exercise boosts brain function and cognitive abilities. "Wait, isn’t that what the New York Times crossword puzzle is for?" you might ask. Yes, but exercise induces hormones in the brain that enhance cognitive and executive functions, helping us age gracefully while continuing to enjoy our favorite activities.

As we grow older and qualify for senior discounts, appropriate exercise remains crucial. It will keep us strong, maintain our balance, and mitigate lingering issues from our younger years, such as that tree fall from childhood. Exercise keeps both body and mind resilient.

Mastering the Bicep Curl

So, what about those bicep curls? Whether using dumbbells, cables, machines, bands, kettlebells, or even jugs of water, each method can be effective. The secret lies in variety and proper execution. To maximize bicep development, it's essential to work the muscle through its full range of motion and challenge it appropriately. Key factors include the correct elbow and shoulder positioning, the right line of force, appropriate load, and adequate time under tension. I combine this knowledge with my previous workout experiences, current elbow condition (remnants of that arm bar years ago), and future workout plans to craft the best bicep curl exercise.

A Lifelong Journey

Collecting all my forks in the road, I've come to understand the profound importance of exercise for both immediate and long-term health. Men’s health isn't just a week-long event; it's a lifelong commitment. Just because we could perform deep bench presses, endure kickboxing rounds, or climb trees effortlessly in our youth doesn’t mean we still can or should. Listening to our bodies, adjusting exercises as needed, and maintaining strength training will transform Men’s Health Week into a lifetime of wellness.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” ― Buddha

“A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.” ― Muhammad Ali