Men's Workout Keeps It Simple

Most in the competitive world of men's fitness magazines down grade Men's Workout as little more than porn taken to another level. While there is some truth in the comment with the sensual ads for gay porn included in the magazine, I have been a reader of Men's Workout for a couple of years and can attest to the helpfulness of the workouts and routines that are found in each issue.

Published by Harris Publications and edited by the talented Michael Catarevas, Men's Workout seeks to give alternative workout sessions to those of us who have fast-paced lives and need simple, weight-free exercises that we can do on the road.

The color photos of the models (usually only wearing gym shorts or swim wear is helpful to see the definition and the muscles worked while they are positioned in the exercises. This helps to illustrate the exercises better and adds encouragement. And who doesn't like looking at a well defined body for inspiration?

The articles are usually more superficial than those found in say Men's Fitness, but still provide enough to wet the appetite. And I appreciate the variety of exercise routines that come in every issue.

The magazine is published 8 times a year and contains great graphics and photography, and each action of the individual exercise is clearly illustrated both visually and with written instruction.

Men's Fitness has also begun a column they call "Fitness Profile" where they give biographical information about a trainer, body-builder, would-be actor/model, or just everyday Joe who happens to have a wonderful physique. They follow the bio with a series of that person's routines.

The editor also includes good information about nutrition. I have found this information more helpful and accurate than information in most other men's magazines.

On the negative side, there are the porno (well concealed workout videos--they workout, all right) ads, and a great number of ads for supplements including steroids. But some of these ads I have also seen in other popular magazines.

There are also celebrity profiles like the recent interview with the wonderfully talented and tremendously built Marshall Hilliard from Life With Roger and Guiding Light.

I have been fortunate to correspond with a couple of their models whose email addresses are sometimes included at the end of the article. That has been an interesting and informative engagement.

All-in-all, Men's Workout is a high quality, informative, and well-done publication from which almost anyone should be able to benefit.