Men More Dependent on Exercise Than Women

Mohammad H. AlAbandi

EAP 1 – Section D

Reference:

Stannard, P. (2002,Oct.23), Men more dependent on exercise than women, UF study shows, Eurekalert, Retrieved on (Feb.02,2011) from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-10/uof-mmd102302.php

Summary:

This article is about the studies in the University of Florida. The studies show that although women care more about their appearance, men are more likely to be addicted to exercise. It also says that men become furious and frustrated when they miss their scheduled exercise; furthermore, the researcher divided men into three groups, and state that men who care more about health are the most addicted group to exercise; however, the article quotes Heather Hausenblas as suggesting “Remember that too much of a good thing can have harmful effects on well being”.

Reaction:

It seems like the author has some good points; however, there is one point I disagree with.

The article state that men are more dependent on exercise than women, which I think is true. On the other side the studies show that men who work out to be healthier are more dependent than men who care about appearance or improving their technique. This is the point I disagree with. What I feel is that men trying to improve their technique are more likely to depend on their exercise than the others, because they have many reasons to exercise more and stick with it. First of all they will be enjoying what they are doing and that will increase the chance of sticking with it longer; furthermore, it has the element of competition. It’s more fun to be playing with friends than exercising alone; also, being a good player could bring you to a bright future. You may join the national team, get money and become famous, which could be inspirations for you to exercise more.

On the other hand men who exercise to be healthier may give up any time soon.

When you exercise to be healthier you will exercise not because you love it, but because you want to reach a goal. Some people may do it even if they don’t like it but to stay healthy. They may face some barriers in their way and give up soon. One of the problems is when you exercise to be healthier, you would expect yourself to be healthy all the time; therefore, when you get sick from influence or another reason you may be disappointed and get stressed; therefore, that will not help you to exercise more.