An open letter to the guys at my gym. . .

Dear guys at my gym,

What a pleasant surprise to see so many new faces and new bodies in various stages of (un)dress around the gym. I'll assume that many of you have included fitness goals in your New Year's Resolutions for 2008.  I think that's great! But, for those of you who've simply resolved to "get buff to pick up chicks" - I think you're selling yourself short.  Of course, physical fitness is not just a powerful elixir for self esteem, it's also appealing to the opposite (or in some cases the same) gender.  However, when the "getting buff" thing goes to extremes you guys start doing more harm than good. . .allow me to elaborate.

You see, the way you guys view silicone is the same way we view your smoothie/supplement/protein-powder enhanced muscles.  Although they may be eye catching, you're not fooling anyone. . .and truth be told, there is nothing like the real thing; whatever the "real thing" may be.  Just as some women have cups that naturally runneth over, there are some men with naturally bulging biceps - but those of either gender who try to be something they are not; well, they just look a bit "off". (Plus, most women like men who can move thier necks and walk through doorways without turning sideways)

Bigger is not always better.  Honestly, when it comes to musculature I've never been caught  up in the rapture of gratuitous bulge. I do, however, appreciate the beauty of a well-toned male form; whatever size it may be.  In fact, the majority of men I find attractive have leaner/svelte/sinewy builds - allow me to present the following evidence:

The lovliness of Lenny Kravitz:

 The boy next door charm of Pharell:

The esoteric charm of Keziah Jones which can only be described as "molten sex" (don't believe me? watch him groove shirtless in this viedo):

 So what I'm saying to you guys at the gym is. . .athletically and aesthetically, strive for YOUR personal best (not someone else's).

See you at the gym soon!

Warm Regards,

The raven-haired jogger on the third treadmill from the right