Men’s lifestyle trends are always changing based on the times we live in and societal standards and expectations. With that in mind, let us explore three male lifestyle trends in the areas of work, fitness, and what it means to be a man.
Work: the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Men have always been hunters. Since the beginning of time, male human beings have moved from one place to the other, looking for nourishment and shelter for themselves and later on their families. The common description of a man as a provider is more than five centuries old. As such, it comes as no surprise that in modern times, men have created businesses that have left an indelible mark in human history. A few examples are Steve Jobs and Apple, Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Corporation, and Bill Gates and Microsoft.
While a man starting a business is nothing new, currently, we are seeing a shift in what being an entrepreneur entails. There are two reasons for this. The first one is the covid-19 global pandemic and the ravages it has created in societies all across the globe. From a business standpoint, dozens of companies have gone bankrupt, and millions are now unemployed. As a result, the world is experiencing a growing need for people to come up with new businesses to support themselves and survive.
The second is technological development. A quarter into the 21st century, technology allows people to develop and execute new and interesting ideas at a fraction of the price of yesteryear. In addition, with 5G internet communication speeds, products and services can be marketed worldwide at the click of a button.
Because of these two factors, many guys are starting small retail businesses online. By making use of great designs and custom screen printing services, they are selling anything from shirts to tote bags, jackets, desk accessories, and everything in between.
Fitness: an All-inclusive Approach
When it comes to men’s fitness, trends oftentimes come and go at the drop of a hat. In the late eighties and early nineties, the Hollywood movie industry was obsessed with brawn and muscle. The result was a long list of action superstars with giant chests and biceps like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
In the late nineties and early two-thousands, a slimmer, toned physique came to the forefront. Men were no longer interested in transforming themselves into hulks, and the perception of attractiveness and sex appeal adjusted. During this time, both men and women gushed over Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Fast forward twenty years, and we find ourselves in a bit of limbo. But that doesn’t mean it is a bad thing. Instead, if one were to look at it with an open mind, it is, in fact, a better time to be a guy.
In simple terms, we live in an era where anything goes. If you want to look like Dwayne, the Rock Johnson, that is your prerogative. If you prefer a lower walking weight and aim for definition, you can do that as well. As long as a man is healthy, he is free to choose whatever body he feels comfortable with.
Masculinity: Standards Apply
In the 2002 movie Boat Trip, two straight, average-looking guys are tricked into taking a gay cruise. Once the ship has sailed, they realize where they are and panic. After all, they need to protect themselves from the advances of all the other men on board.
Even if the film was funny, it flopped at the box office and was heavily criticized for its portrayal of gays. Among many other things, one of the arguments against it was that it led viewers to think that a gay man would chase just about anybody, that he didn’t have any standards. Not only was this far from the truth, but it was the opposite. In real life, the two straight simpletons on the ship would have probably not been approached by anybody.
If you have ever been to the men’s section in a supermarket or department store, you will have probably seen a wide variety of male beauty and health products. Aside from shaving foams, moisturizers, and colognes, there are also supplements, toners, nail clippers, and hair treatments. What this symbolizes is that a man, whether gay or straight, not only wants to look good but is also willing to put effort into achieving it. Not only that, but he also does not settle for a partner who is lazy and doesn’t take care of himself.
The modern man wants to achieve financial success by starting a small business. He also takes care of his body with a variety of options. Finally, his standards for both himself and his partner, be it man, or woman, are higher than ever before.
