People who exercise do so for different reasons. Some are concerned with normalising cholesterol, triglyceride, blood pressure and stress levels, through a structured exercise programme, while, believe it or not, some people don't give a damn about the above risk factors and they just want to look good! Here is a little scenario I am going to paint for you- Two women with similar academic qualifications apply for the same job at a large company, at which you are in charge of hiring personnel. They both have great personalities, but one just happens to be 80lbs overweight, while the next one has a body like Halle Berry.
I would like some feedback from you readers as to whom you think is most likely to get the job. Here are a few teasers-You may justify hiring the Halle Berry look-alike, because you figured that the discipline she had in dieting and exercise would also be transferrable to good work ethic. However, bear in mind that her fantastic physique could be due to her being blessed with good genetics. Also, while they may both have engaging personalities, the overweight one may realise that she always has to try harder and may apply herself 150 per cent to her job and to forming a really healthy, friendly bond with co-workers.
The Pros
I have always said that if you were in Hollywood and you wanted to make it big as a singer, but you were not a likely candidate for the Miss World contest; then you better have a really great singing voice, because Hollywood is all about image! If a singer has a mediocre voice, but is aesthetically pleasing to look at, chances are that they will have a good career. So it would seem that while having a great body is not everything, it does enhance the whole package. Remember, our first contact is always visual; it is only when we engage in conversation that we realise that this "Adonis" may have an empty space between his ears.
Knowing that you look good can raise your self-esteem and confidence. A lady I know once told me that a man having confidence in himself is extremely important. She said one of the biggest turn-offs for her, is a man with no confidence. I suspect that a lot of women probably share her view.
The Cons
If you are depending only on the fact that you have a great body to carry you through life; then you are going to be showered with an abundance of disappointments. Besides a body, you need a whole lot of personality traits which include compassion, wit, humour, intelligence etc. Also, possessing a great body is going to stir up a lot of envy from the same sex as you. Many people are going to pre-judge you, and assume that because you have a great physique; it means that you are probably full of yourself etc.In summary, I think you should exercise primarily to maximise health and fitness benefits, and if in the process you develop a drop-dead gorgeous physique, then you should combine this with a warm, spiritually-developed personality and you will be an unstoppable force.
Keep Training.
Brian Chin Leung
is a certified fitness trainer
