Chapter 1: The Male Wellness Paradigm

In previous discussions, I've noted that the wellness industry—especially its Instagram portrayal—often targets women, pushing products that promote unrealistic physical standards. However, pseudoscience doesn't only appeal to women; men too are susceptible to the allure of enhancement. The male perspective often focuses more on performance than physical appearance.

I recently attended the Silicon Valley Health and Performance Summit in Menlo Park, California. Much of the dialogue echoed the questionable self-improvement rhetoric found at events like the Goop Summit, but this time, it was tailored for elite athletes—another demographic grappling with unreasonable physical expectations and a constant drive for self-betterment.

Instead of the usual graceful figures draped in luxurious fabrics, the predominantly male audience donned tight khakis that highlighted their athletic builds and high-tech sweaters emblazoned with team logos. I stood out as the least physically fit individual in attendance. The event was organized by Sparta Science, a sports tech firm that employs a specialized plate to analyze movement and balance, aiming to develop personalized training regimens to mitigate injuries and enhance overall health and performance. The phrase “optimizing health and performance” was a recurring theme throughout the day.

Science author Christie Aschwanden, who also writes the Test Gym column for Elemental, opened the summit with insights from her book, Good to Go, which examines the science behind athletic recovery. She informed the audience that many of the trendy sports science gadgets (like compression pants and float pods) provide their effects mainly because they compel athletes to rest and relax, rather than offering any inherent benefits. Following her presentation, representatives from the very companies she critiqued took the stage to tout the effectiveness of their products, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere.

When it comes to wellness pursuits, men may face even greater pressures, often feeling encouraged to resort to illegal and potentially harmful substances.

One of the sponsors showcased pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) technology, claiming it could alleviate pain and promote healing. They asserted that brief electrical pulses invigorate the body's cells by temporarily opening the cell membrane, effectively recharging it like a battery. The company made bold assertions about the pulses being able to eliminate tumors, accelerate wound healing, and bolster bone density, but I remain skeptical of these claims.

It's easy to get swept up in the jargon-laden treatments offered. Jim LaValle, a fast-talking pharmacist and nutritionist, conducts blood tests to identify vitamin deficiencies in men who complain about common issues like fatigue and poor sleep. He recommends a concoction of over 20 supplements that supposedly cure ailments by combating inflammation and correcting metabolic imbalances. Despite my skepticism, I found myself almost convinced until he suggested dopamine pills—an impossibility to elevate through supplements—and I was jolted back to reality.

This isn't to suggest that the entire event—or the wellness industry—is without merit. Celebrity physical therapist and trainer Kelly Starrett discussed the importance of maintaining proper form in exercises from squats to sprints, particularly for injury prevention. His most practical advice was to shift focus from gym-centric training to activities that enhance life; instead of drilling on cutting and pivoting, go outside and play frisbee.

The most impactful speaker was Robert Paylor, a UC Berkeley student who suffered a spinal injury during a rugby match, rendering him paralyzed from the neck down. Against all odds and defying medical predictions, he regained use of his arms and even took his first steps during a Cal football game. Paylor's aspiration is to walk across the graduation stage, and his story of determination and the support from his team exemplified the very best of athletics. The audience was rapt, with silence permeating the room—except for the astroturf underfoot.

Then, Lance Armstrong made an appearance, representing an unspoken reality. If these sports science products are ineffective, yet athletes continue to excel, what is their secret? I suspect it isn’t the magnesium supplement championed by LaValle. It’s important to clarify that not all elite athletes resort to doping; however, two individuals I spoke with at the summit indicated that the prevalence is significant.

In the quest for wellness, men may indeed bear an even heavier burden than women, often feeling pressured to experiment with illegal and hazardous drugs to achieve an ideal physique. Instead of yearning for Gwyneth Paltrow’s flawless skin and long legs, they might aspire to Tom Brady’s sculpted features and MVP performance well into his forties. Regardless of gender, societal and physical pressures push individuals to invest in self-improvement. But rather than resort to mystical remedies like rose quartz water, men might find themselves turning to veterinary drugs meant for livestock to “enhance performance.” What a curious era we live in.

The video title is "Chiropractors Are Not What You Think They Are - YouTube," which dives into misconceptions surrounding chiropractic care and its impact on health.