The first thing that comes to mind with the title of this blog is the book John Gray wrote in 1998. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus is about the differences between men and women. I am not an expert on this book (nor the difference between men and women), I have just always liked the title.   A sense of humor is being used as I write, and hopefully as you read these thoughts about why men really are from a different planet in fitness.  

As I coach, listen, watch, and learn about health and fitness, I have noticed a difference between how some men and some women go about redefining their bodies.  The first actions women take are to increase their time doing cardio and eat more salads.  The first actions men take are to increase their time lifting weights and eat more protein.   

Which method “works”? Which method is “better”?  I do not have the answer to those questions and there are many “stories” that support each method.  Let’s look at some of the information behind the actions.

Cardio/Weight Lifting

• Cardio exercises help in burning sufficient calories.
• Weight training helps build muscle and increases metabolism.
• Building muscle tissue helps your body burn more fat than muscle, which is important if you want to redefine your body.
• Muscle mass is the primary factor in increasing your basal metabolic rate, the energy the body needs even at rest for functions such as breathing, growing and repairing cells, and pumping blood.

Salads/Protein

• Leafy greens are high in fiber.
• A high-protein diet can boost metabolism, which helps your body to burn more calories.
• Protein takes longer to digest than other types of nutrients, so it can keep you satisfied longer.

The facts listed support why men turn to protein and weights and really are from a different planet in fitness!  Protein can help your body burn more calories. Building muscle helps your body burn more fat. These two practices help to redefine the body and can be the key to a healthy and strong body.