At the beginning of the year, Spanish actor Álex González shared a motivational video on his social media, expressing an enthusiastic commitment to fitness and self-discipline. “Beers today? I can't, I have plans,” he noted, emphasizing his focus on workouts, healthy eating, and ice baths. At age 45, González showcases a youthful and athletic physique that many aspire to emulate. His social media feeds are filled with various workout routines, including a recent collaboration with trainer Jorge Darek. In their conversation, Darek intriguingly stated that he prefers training and nutrition over sexual encounters.
In April, Darek is set to host the second edition of a unique seven-day retreat in Bali, distinguishing itself from typical tourist offerings. “There are no processed food buffets or filler activities. There's butter from grass-fed cows, training under the Balinese sun, and an environment designed to elevate your standards,” he declared. Bali also hosts the Bali Time Chamber, an exclusive training camp for men that prohibits alcohol, smoking, and junk food. Participants are encouraged to reconnect with nature, engage in rigorous training, and reflect, as detailed on the camp's Instagram. This emphasis on masculinity and training is also explored in the new season of the Netflix series Machos Alfa (Alpha Males), where characters undergo a grueling masculinity boot camp.
Retreats and Life Changes
Xabier Sánchez, a trainer specializing in breathing and movement, critiques these camps, noting that such retreats may reinforce polarizing views of masculinity. “Many people have a biased and polarized view of health. Each person has to figure out what works for them and what doesn't,” he warned. As health and fitness trends continue to surge, sociologist Mariano Urraco of Complutense University highlights that Generation Z increasingly prioritizes health, declaring “the new god is the body.” Public figures are gaining traction by sharing their transformative health journeys, as seen with coach Tyler McManus, who transitioned from a partying lifestyle to one focused on discipline and fitness. “By cutting out distractions, building discipline, and committing to consistency, I transformed not just my fitness but my life,” he shared on Instagram.
The Addiction to Healthy Living
However, the pursuit of health can tip into obsession. Luis Miguel Real, author of La Mentira de la Fuerza de Voluntad (The Lie of Willpower), warns of individuals who become overly rigid in their health habits, avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and ultra-processed foods. “On the surface, they appear disciplined; in practice, they may be substituting one addiction for another,” he explained. A fixation on healthy living can indeed become problematic when strict routines induce anxiety at the thought of deviation. Real argues that in today's society, traditional models of masculinity are being replaced by a new validation system centered around physical appearance and fitness performance.
Javier Menéndez, CEO of the exercise app Entrena Virtual, emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to health. “The problem arises when the discourse becomes extreme or moralistic. Health shouldn't be experienced through fear or guilt,” he stated. Menéndez advocates for sustainable practices over perfectionism, suggesting that maintaining a flexible lifestyle allows for occasional indulgences without adverse consequences, provided foundational habits remain intact. He points out that the ages of 30 to 40 are critical for establishing enduring health habits as the body becomes less forgiving of excesses.
Real also highlights the psychological factors behind stringent health regimens, including a fear of losing control or facing judgment. He describes this cognitive rigidity as a black-and-white mindset where any deviation is seen as failure, leading individuals to perceive themselves as morally superior for maintaining strict health standards. “They are not freer, but quite the opposite,” he asserts.
