"I love the site and have been totally consumed with it for the past two days. I'm considering it 'research' since I'm supposed to be working!" -M
Read More Testimonials»

Our Getting in Shape Experts

Paige Waehner

Paige Waehner

Personal trainer and author of About.com's guide to exercise

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Gin Miller

Gin Miller

Creator of step training and a top fitness professional for...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Dr. John Spencer Ellis

Dr. John Spencer Ellis

CEO of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»

Meet all of our Diet and Fitness Experts»

News

The latest news on this change — carefully culled from the world wide web by our change agents. They do the surfing, so you don't have to!

My Magazine Ruined My Workout

My Magazine Ruined My Workout

Just like the idea of shopping with a supermodel for swimsuits may deter you from hitting the local mall, experts say reading a fitness magazine while working out may keep you from reaping the positive benefits of exercise.

A recent study at the University of Wisconsin showed that women who read Oxygen magazine—a fitness read chock full of buff women—while exercising proved to be more anxious, depressed and in a worst mood than they had been before working out. On the other hand, the group of women who read a general interest magazine, like Good Housekeeping, or no magazine at all showed the psychological improvements that are typically reaped from exercising.

The study was followed up with a similar one for men in which the researchers determined that guys, too, felt anxious when looking at muscle magazines. The men did not, however, show signs of depressed feelings. And while the same feelings of unease may also occur when viewing images of thin models often featured in fashion magazines, researchers are currently focusing on the effects of muscular model photos.

Health experts say their biggest concern is that, ultimately, such discouraging feelings may cause people to stray from their workout plans. The verdict: Trade up for a non-fitness magazine or toss reading while working out altogether. The best results from a fitness plan are often obtained when you are focusing on the task at hand anyway. [MSNBC]

Posted: 6/27/08
carolineshannon

I agree, hercules. Seeing fit women is inspiring. But when you see some of those girls in magazines, it can be a bit of a downer. I would much rather focus on myself when I am breaking a sweat!

hercules

I think this is true. A good workout happens when you focus on yourself; not on an
airbrushed or steroid inflated
model.