Get in Shape, and Enjoy the Mental and Physical Benefits - but Think Confidence, not Comparison.

At Guys Resolve, we work with men navigating emotional, relational, and psychological challenges—and sometimes, those struggles begin not in the mind, but in the mirror.

There’s a Latin maxim that says, “mens sana in corpore sano”—a sound mind in a sound body. It’s a reminder that our psychological well-being and physical health are deeply intertwined. When we take care of our body, we’re often also taking care of our mind. And in a world that often encourages men to either neglect their bodies or obsess over them, that balance has never been more important.

Confidence and the Mirror Test

There’s a unique confidence that comes from looking in the mirror and liking what you see—not from arrogance, but from self-respect. For many men, this is about more than muscle or size. It's about feeling strong, energized, and capable.

When you're physically fit—when your body feels solid and mobile and your clothes fit the way you want them to—it positively impacts your mood, self-talk, and interpersonal confidence. Exercise can also help regulate stress, anxiety, and depression through neurochemical shifts, boosting serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.

The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Both cardiovascular and strength training have profound mental health benefits:

• Cardio: Running, cycling, swimming, or even brisk walking increases oxygen flow, boosts endorphins, and supports mood stability.

• Strength training: Builds not just muscle, but discipline, resilience, and routine—habits that anchor mental health.

According to multiple studies, regular physical activity is as effective as medication for mild-to-moderate depression.  It also reduces symptoms of anxiety and helps manage stress more effectively. Over time, cardio exercise can also be as effective in improving erection firmness as taking cialis or viagra.

Body Image, Dysmorphia, and the Hidden Struggle

Despite appearances, men aren’t immune to body image issues. In fact, body dysmorphia in men is rising, especially with the flood of hyper-muscular influencers on social media. Many men feel they're never "lean enough" or "big enough"—and that dissatisfaction drives compulsive exercise, over-restriction of diet, or a masking of deeper insecurities.

We need to talk about this more.

Working out should be about health and strength, not punishment or compensation. There’s also nothing wrong with choosing the look you like and pursuing it for your own pleasure. But, if you're chasing aesthetics to hide from deeper self-worth issues, working harder in the gym won’t heal the wound.

That’s where therapy comes in.

Work Out for the Right Reasons. Heal What’s Underneath.

At Guys Resolve, we help you separate performance from perfectionism and confidence from comparison. If you’re training hard but still feel empty—or if you find yourself relying on physical change to feel okay—we’re here to help you work through that.

Therapy helps clarify your why—and gives you the tools to ensure your fitness journey serves your mental health, not undermines it.

Where to Start: Understand Your Body, Respect Your Mind

Want to understand what healthy male physiques really look like? Check out this visual guide to male body fat percentages by Athlean-X. It’s a refreshing antidote to social media distortion and can help ground your goals in reality.

Final Thought

Whether you want to feel stronger, sharpen your discipline, or reconnect with your body in a more positive way, go for it. (Yes, liability disclaimer: be sure you’re in good health first, talk to your doctor. This blog isn’t specific advice, but rather encouragement to do better in ways that are appropriate for you.)

Let your workouts be a celebration of what’s right, not a distraction from what’s hurting. And if you need help sorting that out, we’re just a call or email away.

Guys Resolve – Therapy for men who want more than just muscle. But who maybe also want muscle too. 

Take a look below at the body fat percentage photos, courtesy of Athleanx.com.

As a general rule, 1 to 7 % is neither sustainable nor healthy in the long run, and above 25% is generally considered obese. If you stay within the 11 to 19% range, you're doing just fine.

If you're healthy and athletic and want to challenge yourself to achieve, even temporarily, that 8-10% look, it can be a real ego boost - enjoy - but with a busy career and/or family life, it may not be realistic to maintain that level of fitness unless you are willing to make significant sacrifices in your social life and eating habits. The 11 to 19% range is more forgiving and may allow you some room for compromise. At 48 years old, and at about 14%, I like to say that I look like I work out, but also like I still eat pizza or cake now and then. I'm happy with that. Find what you're happy with.

Photo credit Atleanx.com Used with permission. Thanks guys.