Sly Bald Guys Forum

Confidence and Success => Fitness/Diet => Topic started by: Jack21 on December 21, 2010, 02:23:24 PM

Title: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Jack21 on December 21, 2010, 02:23:24 PM
I've been a gym rat since HS. I've never really paid much attention to the people around me but lately, since I shaved my head, I've been noticing that shaved domes seem ubiquitous. Do sly guys work out more often than their hairy headed counterparts or is it just that because of my job in which I'm surrounded by only kids all day that I'm totally out of touch? I'd love to work in another sector in which I'm surrounded by adults and come face to face with other shaved headed guys on a daily basis. I think I went off topic, but anyway. Anyone else on here a gym rat?  Any thoughts on a relationship between a shaved head and hitting the gym?
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Troy on December 21, 2010, 02:35:50 PM
Yep, I'm a gym rat, too.  I've noticed that of all the places I go, the gym is where I see the greatest concentration of shaved heads and I occasionally see guys shaving their heads in the gym locker room mirror.  As for the gym - shaved head relationship, it could be an overall image thing where if a guy is working out as a way to look and/or feel good, that feeling might extend to acknowledging the best way to deal with any hair loss issues is to man up and shave it all off.  And if one tends to sweat doing cardio like I do, it's great to be able to rub my head with a towel and not worry about messing anything up.  The benefits of a shaved head go on and on. 
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on December 21, 2010, 02:37:26 PM
Certainly would seem that a substantial number of the guys at my gym are sly.  Usually in the morning--I get there when it opens at 5a, and of the say 15-25 guys there, at least 5 or 6 are sly or very tightly buzzed.  I have my own "theory" which is that guys who go to gyms are conscious not only of the health benefits but also about their appearance generally.  And, hence, once mpb starts, it detracts from the overall appearance so ultimately off it comes.  Case in point one of the guys where I go had some mpb going on and went shorter and shorter and a while back he took it to the bone.  I asked him about it and he said one of the things that pushed him over the line was seeing photographs where they caught the back of his head--that convinced him although he said his older brother continues with the mpb look.  The other thing I've notice here on the Forum is that a lot of guys who finally accept the genetics, use the opportunity to get to the gym and get rid of some extra weight and tone up.  
This is set against an ever increasing number of sly guys generally.  My office building has the local headquarters of a national bank and several law firms, etc., and in the food court there are usually at least 3 to 4 sly guys anytime I eat there.  On the streets, between tourists and other workers, lots of us.  If you go to airports, for whatever reason, there seem to be lots of sly guys as road warriors.  I can't tell you the last time I was the only sly guy on a flight--always at least one or two others.  Sly is just part of the accepted culture now in most areas of the States at least.  
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Jack21 on December 21, 2010, 03:20:54 PM
I hadn't stopped to consider how many guys comb and spray to try and cover baldness as well as toupee wearers or guys with other stuff in their hair. Getting sweaty wreaks havoc on all of these. I continued to go to the gym for the couple of years that I had a rug glued to my head but tried to keep the profuse sweating to a minimum and then would go home and spend and hour or more "fixing" the piece. When I had concealer junk in my hair it was less of an issue b/c the stuff doesn't really drip much provided you have 8 tons of hair spray in it. Its disgusting when I think that I would go a week or two of workouts w/o washing my scalp. I have to say (and I think this is the 19th time I've said it) that shaving my head has been the best thing in the world for exercise.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Razor X on December 21, 2010, 06:41:26 PM
I have a few theories on why there seems to be a high number of shaved heads in gyms:

1.  As others have already pointed out, people who are taking time to work out might be a little more appearance-conscious than the general population

2.  Guys who are developing MPB might have a little more incentive to stay in shape.  It's one thing to be a bit overweight or to even be bald, but the two together are generally not considered to be a positive thing

3.  Some of the body-builder types might like to look a little tougher

4.  Steroid use can cause hair loss.  Hopefully this only applies to a small minority.

Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: tomgallagher on December 22, 2010, 08:18:48 AM
I used to work out in a gym for specifically law enforcement types and it was novel to see someone walk in with hair on their head...LOL.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Jack21 on December 22, 2010, 10:14:04 AM
Good points. I hope the last one is confined to a small minority.

I have a few theories on why there seems to be a high number of shaved heads in gyms:

1.  As others have already pointed out, people who are taking time to work out might be a little more appearance-conscious than the general population

2.  Guys who are developing MPB might have a little more incentive to stay in shape.  It's one thing to be a bit overweight or to even be bald, but the two together are generally not considered to be a positive thing

3.  Some of the body-builder types might like to look a little tougher

4.  Steroid use can cause hair loss.  Hopefully this only applies to a small minority.


Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Pshrynk on December 22, 2010, 10:44:48 AM
I believe there is also a causal link between high testosterone and MPB -- working out = higher testosterone.

or perhaps higher testosterone individuals are more prone to work out as well?

YMMV
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on December 22, 2010, 10:53:21 AM
I believe there is also a causal link between high testosterone and MPB -- working out = higher testosterone.

or perhaps higher testosterone individuals are more prone to work out as well?

YMMV

I've heard this, but I doubt that there's any real proof that the "elevation" of testosterone from exercise has that much of an effect or the girls who are "gym rats" would demonstrate the same issue at a younger age since that's what causes female androgenic alopecia too.  From what I've seen it just gives them a great body for the most part.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Jack21 on December 22, 2010, 01:15:43 PM
After today's trip to the gym I think I realized what it was: Virtually every guy at the gym with mpb has a shaved or buzzed head. I saw only 1 guy sporting a horseshoe. Still there are a hell of a lot of guys with shaved or buzzed heads at the gym. Also noticed a lot of guys who appear to have full heads of hair but shave it. Maybe its all part of the image of the athlete. I think we can thank MMA for that...and of course MJ.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: syrian sly on December 23, 2010, 01:16:14 AM
same way in my gym. most of the bigger guys have shaved heads or buzz.

i know some people that take the certain steroids that cause hairloss, but every single one of
them uses finestride or dutesteride to combat it. they are sometimes sold together
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Arnie on December 23, 2010, 08:22:52 AM
I don't really notice...then again I'm not really looking...there was this woman on the treadmill the other day... :@`
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: marty22 on December 23, 2010, 10:41:05 AM
Most of the trainers in my gym are bald except mine, who has dreadlocks.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Jack21 on December 23, 2010, 11:58:00 AM
A woman sighting is pretty rare at my gym.


I don't really notice...then again I'm not really looking...there was this woman on the treadmill the other day... :@`
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: baldsurfer on March 09, 2011, 07:30:18 AM
I thought maybe my gym was the only gym overflowing with sly guys. In the "real world", you may see 1 out of 20 guys is sly. In my gym in the morning, it's seriously at least 1 out of 3!

Same observations as most of you: almost every guy under 50 with MPB is either sly or really tightly buzzed. And there are plenty of BBC guys too - especially among the really big dudes. Quite a few seem to have shaved every hair on their bodies, except their eyebrows!

I think there's a chicken-egg thing between sly and working out. Guys who feel good about their bodies are more likely to have the confidence to shave their heads. And guys who have the nads to go sly care enough about their appearance that their more likely to be a motivated work out guy.

But sly and fit is a great "club" to be a part of!
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: KC on March 28, 2011, 07:39:59 AM
I'm a gym rat too and at least half of the guys who work out at my gym are sly or extremely buzzed regardless of when I workout.  Very short/shaved styles seem to go along with the persona.  As an active person, I could never see having any hair style that required a lot of maintenance and would get spoiled by way too much sweating.  Life is too short to worry about that.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: mangosink12572 on March 28, 2011, 08:46:16 AM
All the troopers from around here are at the gym and  - - -they are all SLY BALD   - - -who wants to bother with hair when there is little up there on the dome
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: KJTQ29 on April 03, 2011, 08:21:30 PM
Going to the gym and being sly go together.  Working out builds confidence.  The sly look goes well with a fit body.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: KC on April 04, 2011, 05:26:32 AM
Going to the gym and being sly go together.  Working out builds confidence.  The sly look goes well with a fit body.
Hopefully, you will be making it to the gym.  my friend.  Celebrate the soon to be new look with a more fit body!
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: KJTQ29 on April 04, 2011, 11:26:39 AM
Thanks, KC.  Started regularly going to the gym about 15 months ago.  Dropped 25 pounds and am toning up.  Noticed a lot of sly guys and got to thinking about it.  Will make the leap in a few weeks.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: sailor61 on April 04, 2011, 12:09:00 PM
ok K, so I'm going to push....why in a few weeks?  why not tonight?  it's not all that big a deal once it's done - it's the way some of us turture ourselves prior that's the big deal.  do you pull the bandage off quickly and get it over with or sllllooowwllllyyy and feel each little hair on your skin as it gets yanked?   buzz it, hot shower, lather it up and then just scrape it off and get on with life.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on April 04, 2011, 12:17:27 PM
ok K, so I'm going to push....why in a few weeks?  why not tonight?  it's not all that big a deal once it's done - it's the way some of us turture ourselves prior that's the big deal.  do you pull the bandage off quickly and get it over with or sllllooowwllllyyy and feel each little hair on your skin as it gets yanked?   buzz it, hot shower, lather it up and then just scrape it off and get on with life.

He told you, weren't you listening? :/O

Thanks for the advice.  It is eating at me that the St. Baldrick's event is several weeks away.  I plan to shave smooth immediately after the event so that I get the full feeling of being sly.  As you can tell, I'm anxious to experience being sly.  It's hard to picture the actual end result, though.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: sailor61 on April 04, 2011, 12:57:38 PM
bad day and I'm cranky to boot.....missed that part.  my apologies
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: KC on April 04, 2011, 03:05:39 PM
Thanks, KC.  Started regularly going to the gym about 15 months ago.  Dropped 25 pounds and am toning up.  Noticed a lot of sly guys and got to thinking about it.  Will make the leap in a few weeks.

Good job!!  Keep up the fine work you are doing.  I truly believe that working out is the true "Fountain of Youth" plus it gets you in shape to do whatever you want. 
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: KJTQ29 on April 04, 2011, 08:39:41 PM
TJ - don't worry about it!  No offense taken - we all have bad days.

Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Johnny Foster on April 30, 2011, 02:17:59 AM
Another gym rat here - It's interesting to read so many posts about so many guys worrying if women will find them attractive ( or not ) because of their sly look / baldness...

As I am 47, been married twice ( currently separated ), the thing I've learned, finally is :

Why should any guy care if a woman finds them attractive or not ?

Be careful what you wish for ; although I've been with some great women in my life, it's come down to the fact that all of the trouble, hassle, game-playing, control issues, etc., etc., just haven't ended up being worth the amazingly hard work and trouble of finding, and then KEEPING, a woman in your life.

Some people claim that "hard work" and "lots of effort" are a must for this sort of "happiness" ( i.e., finding the right woman, attracting the right woman, keeping the right woman ). I completely disagree. When it becomes work, when you have to jump through hoops like a dog in order to "get" a woman in your life - at this point in my life - I no longer need the bother or hassle.

Bottom line : Guys who are stressed about wanting to attract the "right" woman - just quit. Quit trying to be attractive for them. Be attractive for you. Who gives a s#$% if women are attracted to you or not ? I am CERTAINLY not - not anymore. If I have to have hair to be "attractive" or "youthful" looking, then count me out. I work out for me. I eat right, keep my weight and lifestyle healthy FOR ME. Period. I'm sick of women thinking they can run the show in this respect. You can keep the women. I'm fine being alone, and not compromising myself or who I am, or how I live my life.

Perhaps if enough men took this attitude, women's attitudes about what is "attractive", might change.

Either way - I don't care anymore. Being alone is just fine with me, and I'll be damned if I'm going to jump through any hoops for women. Enough is enough, and I enjoy the peace and tranquility without the emotional and financial "money pit" that most women end up becoming, whether the men want to admit that truth or not.

And that's my rant for the evening.

All the best to you, guys !

- John.  :)
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: hairless joe on April 30, 2011, 04:13:55 PM
absolutley ditto
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: xnewyawka on April 30, 2011, 04:24:41 PM
Good post Johnny. I absolutely agree, more men should follow this.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Johnny Foster on April 30, 2011, 06:42:50 PM
Thanks for the support, guys - I appreciate it.   :)
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Snakehandler on November 19, 2011, 08:21:24 AM
The sly look among bodybuilders has been popular for quite a while now because one of the side effects of many of the drugs they take is premature balding. They shave everything else so shaving their head is no big deal
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Paul the Headblader on November 19, 2011, 09:21:39 AM
this is an old topic but I'mma reply anyway... :)
Bald looks hot for a girl with some muscles on:D
I've got a nice body here, and girls are kinda looking at me while I'm wearing a t-shirt and no hat (so they can see my beautiful shavedhead:D)
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: baldjoeg on November 20, 2011, 09:53:37 AM

Well said KC and Johnny.

I do work out but need to do so on a more regular basis.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Baldstu on March 26, 2012, 03:32:10 PM
Going to the gym and being sly go together.  Working out builds confidence.  The sly look goes well with a fit body.
Well said could not agree more
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: 1GoZoom on May 01, 2012, 02:37:38 AM
I work out in my college rec center and I am one of only 2 known bald guys who frequent it.  Its mostly occupied by 'bros' with $100 haircuts and more product than brains.  :P
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Morton on May 01, 2012, 11:52:59 PM
There are only 2 sly guys at my gym (I live in an apparently hairy country). The other guy is a runner though.

One thing I hate about this look and lifting is my face going red but the rest of me staying white. Might have to change the vest for a t-shirt.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: Baldstu on May 02, 2012, 01:21:05 AM
There are only 2 sly guys at my gym (I live in an apparently hairy country). The other guy is a runner though.

One thing I hate about this look and lifting is my face going red but the rest of me staying white. Might have to change the vest for a t-shirt.


Dont worryabout it or what other folk are doing , and free weights , got my own veiws on that just look after yourself with em . Gymns have this tendency to be competetive , dress how you feel comfortable
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: SalWalker on May 08, 2012, 01:17:39 AM
Short, military-style cuts or sly domes are may be more common among athletic folk because it's a relatively low-maintenance hairstyle.  You don't have time to maintain your part or poof, or whatever when you're running a half-marathon or transitioning from the lake to your bike, or humping a ruck over the next hill. 

And you look bad-@ss.  So, you know, win-win.
Title: Re: The gym and shaved heads
Post by: TyMoore122 on June 24, 2012, 02:50:03 AM
oh so true!!!

Another gym rat here - It's interesting to read so many posts about so many guys worrying if women will find them attractive ( or not ) because of their sly look / baldness...

As I am 47, been married twice ( currently separated ), the thing I've learned, finally is :

Why should any guy care if a woman finds them attractive or not ?

Be careful what you wish for ; although I've been with some great women in my life, it's come down to the fact that all of the trouble, hassle, game-playing, control issues, etc., etc., just haven't ended up being worth the amazingly hard work and trouble of finding, and then KEEPING, a woman in your life.

Some people claim that "hard work" and "lots of effort" are a must for this sort of "happiness" ( i.e., finding the right woman, attracting the right woman, keeping the right woman ). I completely disagree. When it becomes work, when you have to jump through hoops like a dog in order to "get" a woman in your life - at this point in my life - I no longer need the bother or hassle.

Bottom line : Guys who are stressed about wanting to attract the "right" woman - just quit. Quit trying to be attractive for them. Be attractive for you. Who gives a s#$% if women are attracted to you or not ? I am CERTAINLY not - not anymore. If I have to have hair to be "attractive" or "youthful" looking, then count me out. I work out for me. I eat right, keep my weight and lifestyle healthy FOR ME. Period. I'm sick of women thinking they can run the show in this respect. You can keep the women. I'm fine being alone, and not compromising myself or who I am, or how I live my life.

Perhaps if enough men took this attitude, women's attitudes about what is "attractive", might change.

Either way - I don't care anymore. Being alone is just fine with me, and I'll be damned if I'm going to jump through any hoops for women. Enough is enough, and I enjoy the peace and tranquility without the emotional and financial "money pit" that most women end up becoming, whether the men want to admit that truth or not.

And that's my rant for the evening.

All the best to you, guys !

- John.  :)