51 | Toxic Masculinity: The Dark Side of Fitness Culture

Send us Fan MailIs the fitness industry helping men get healthier or just teaching them to suffer in silence?In this episode “Toxic Masculinity: The Dark Side of Fitness Culture” of The How to Fitness Podcast, Kate Lyman and Michael Ulloa confront the damaging influence of toxic masculinity in the fitness industry. They explore how modern fitness culture has become more about proving dominance than promoting true health and well-being and the real-life consequences are staggering.From the rise of steroid use among young men and the glorification of shredded, emotionally numb "alpha males" to the mental health crisis among male gym-goers, this conversation goes deep. Michael shares the personal toll of calling out toxic culture online, while Kate reveals why she left the CrossFit world after years of enduring misogyny.This episode isn’t just a takedown of “gym bro” culture, it’s a wake-up call. If you're a fitness professional, health coach, or simply someone navigating your wellness journey, this conversation will change how you see the industry.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Unrealistic Fitness Ideals00:17 Hosts Catch Up After a Break00:56 Kate's Offline Week Adventures03:35 Michael's Excitement for Today's Topic 04:49 The Impact of Toxic Masculinity in Fitness 05:55 Reading from 'Men Who Hate Women' 10:59 Defining Toxic Masculinity 15:43 Personal Experiences with Toxic Masculinity 19:10 Social Media's Role in Perpetuating Toxic Ideals 20:57 The Power of Self-Talk in Fitness 21:04 Toxic Masculinity in the Fitness Industry 21:34 Social Media's Role in Promoting Toxic Fitness Culture 22:40 Masculinity Marketing in Wellness Trends 23:15 Viral Fitness Influencers and Performative Masculinity 25:02 The Harmful Impact of Toxic Fitness Culture 25:41 Mental Health and Body Image Issues in Men 28:30 Steroid Use in the Fitness Industry 34:32 The Normalization and Risks of Steroid Use 37:12 Creating Inclusive Fitness Spaces 41:26 Final Thoughts and Call to Action📚 Resources Mentioned:Book: Men Who Hate Women by Laura BatesTV Show: Adolescence – A must-watch on toxic masculinity and youth cultureMental Health Stats: Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), Mental Health FoundationInfluencer Analysis: Liver King, Brian Johnson, and the problem with performative health- 48 | How to Fix Your Feed and Feel Better About Your Body with Natasha Devon- UK Anti-Doping Report - The global epidemiology of anabolic-androgenic steroid use: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis - Current use and abuse of anabolic steroids Uso y abuso de agentes anabolizantes en la actualidad 💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!