44 “DO YOU HAVE A HEALTHY

We asked a bunch of regular gay guys this question. Their answers may surprise you.

We asked a bunch of regular gay guys this question. Also, are they happy with their bodies? And, are “healthy” and “sexy” the same thing?

There’s much wisdom in their answers. The guys offer great insight into the gay male world’s expectations of “perfection” and the pressure to conform to certain body types.

But age and experience, it seems, may have a greater influence on how we feel about ourselves than external social pressures.

While putting together this Balance: Body ourselves the same questions that follow in these interviews, and we encourage you to

Do you think you have a healthy body?

Yes.

In your opinion, what makes a body healthy?

A healthy body is that which, above all, feeds the health of the mind and the soul of the human being who inhabits it.

How do you think your body could be healthier?

I could increase my flexibility so that when I dance I’m even more limber. I’ve been hiking a lot during COVID-19 and have been reminded how much I love it, how good it is for the body, lungs, legs, etc.

What would you like to change about your body and why?

I need to focus more on my core and lowerback. I have to remind myself to stand up straight, as if I was my own mother. When I strengthen my core I generally stand up very straight without much effort or reminders.

Do you work on improving your appearance?

Ever since I was very young I’ve played sports and done physical activities. I knew it was good for my health but I did it more for fun. In high school, in between the plays and musicals, I played basketball. I also played golf and tennis and ran some track. I skied and played hockey. Always moving. But I don’t belong to a gym now.

I do a series of calisthenic activities in the park or in the woods every other day that strengthen my legs and butt, my arms and biceps and triceps, and my chest. I do the exercises in succession without a break so that I get cardio while doing them.

I was in a gay soccer league for a while. I also love to bike, hike, jog, play tennis, and dance. I do some yoga and meditation, too. I’ve been chopping a lot of wood during COVID19, and raking. I like doing activities that are productive. When I worked in a restaurant I loved the physical activity of being a server. Theatre acting involves a lot of physical activity. Also, singing regularly is important. It exercises the lungs and improves my mood. I love doing vocal exercises.

Sometimes I worry about diet too much. It can stress me out, and stress gets in the way of my mental and physical health. I don’t eat or crave sweets, for the most part, and I try to eat organic. I enjoy black coffee and drink some alcohol. Moderation is the key for me but it is hard because I have a huge appetite. I grew up eating and liking all kinds of different foods. In my twenties I explored vegan raw foodism but that didn’t work for me. Now I eat meat again. I think my body was brought up eating meat and it’s something my body enjoys. And I like the taste!

Has working on your body improved your outlook on life?

When I focus on exercise, and singing, I am happiest.

What do you think of words like “skinny” “fat” and “fit”?

I don’t think everybody should conform to the same kind of body type. However, I believe that the body is connected to the mind and therefore people should recognise we have a responsibility to at least try to be happy and productive for the sake of humanity.

If our bodies are getting in the way of our productivity, and we have the ability to change it for the better, we should.

Who finds you attractive and why do they find you attractive?

Most people who find me attractive in the long term (for a relationship or friendship) are interested in my playfulness and passionate sides. And they seem to like my nose even if I never really thought it was attractive!

Who do you find attractive and why?

I generally like fit, moderately muscular men.

There’s currently a trend to praise guys who are overweight for not being victims of “body fascism”. What’s your take on this?

To each his own.

The body and mind are connected… we have a responsibility to try to be happy and productive for the sake of humanity.