Sea Change and Course Correction: A 2024 Editorial

This Muscle Media editorial from March/April 2024 records Dr. Tom Fisher’s reflections on the magazine’s direction and the planned Muscle Media Rx transition. He introduces the issue’s contributors and explains its changing focus on fitness, health and medicine.

How did Dr. Tom frame the magazine’s direction in 2024?

As a former US Naval Aviator, I have a well-developed appreciation for direction, purpose, and mission. For the past year, all three have been under review with regard to the fate of this publication, Muscle Media Magazine (MMM). When I took the helm (forgive the nautical references…!) in 2016, MMM was a focused publication exclusively dedicated to bodybuilding training in the gym.

Essentially, I was brought onboard (whoops!) because of my experience with elite athletes in my Private Practice, and because of my Professorial work in the scientific world of exercise physiology and medical rehabilitation at the University. However, I had been vaguely aware of some changes occurring simultaneously in all three arenas. These changes have also been echoed in the letters-to-the-editor we have received.

This has been even more palpable during and after COVID. To quote Obi Wan Kenobi, “I felt a great disturbance in the Force…”

For the past eight years, I have attempted to gently change the course of the direction, purpose, and mission of MMM to more closely align with changes in the fields of fitness, health, and medicine. After numerous meetings with my production team and professional colleagues, we determined that a course correction was necessary. This perceived need to change has also been the result of evolutionary changes in the bodybuilding arena.

Here at MMM, we have been aware that the “blush has come off the rose” … While the idols featured in photos have extraordinary genetics and have certainly put in the hard work, many are now, although somewhat sheepishly, admitting to using (even over-using) Performance Enhancing Substances (PES).

However, these admissions have served to “clear the air” and promote discussions about the use of hormones (testosterone replacement, in particular) for those experiencing symptoms of “Low-T”. In the past, any discussions would be held in hushed tones in gym locker rooms, or discrete meetings with physician specialists. Not anymore.

Any stigma has been reduced or eliminated. I often lecture about the “mainstreaming” of hormone replacement therapy and the subsequent explosion of anti-aging medicine. We see this as a natural, inevitable evolution, and the next incarnation of health, wellness, fitness, and bodybuilding.

Each of these seemingly separate fields have some common elements with considerable overlap. A term that keeps popping up during discussions of the evolution/revolution is “Functional Medicine”. However, this only represents the tip-of-the-iceberg to explain the reasons for the course correction and the refinement of our direction, purpose, and mission.

What transition was announced in this issue?

We would like to announce that we are approaching the end of our publishing Muscle Media Magazine. In the very near future, the MMM caterpillar will morph into Muscle Media Rx, a reborn butterfly to continue featuring the latest science-based information for use both inside and out of the gym. I’ll be sure to keep you informed as we set sail (sigh) towards new horizons…

Who contributed to the March/April 2024 issue?

But, enough about that… What do we have to offer in this issue…?

We would like to welcome a number of new contributing authors to the pages of Muscle Media Magazine Online. However, I’d first like to welcome the return of our resident entertainment expert, Anne, with her continuing research into healthy fats and oils. For those readers interested in workout strategies, Christian investigates the various components of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

Joel discusses both the similarities and differences between training for hypertrophy and strength training. Caden explores the complexities associated with combining aerobic and anaerobic into a concurrent training program. Ricardo emphasizes the importance of consistency in your training to realize optimum results.

Ashlyn cautions about the inherent risks of over-reaching that could lead to overtraining. Michael offers some tips from his investigation into overcoming plateaus in training. Christina discusses the importance of creating and maintaining the proper mindset when embracing a fitness lifestyle.

Carleigh looks at the complex relationships that exist between balance and performance and injuries. Brook analyzes the potential benefits and consequences of engaging in an active fitness-based lifestyle while aging (gracefully!).

For those interested in supporting tactics and strategies, Ebram discusses various aspects of protecting and strengthening tendons and other connective tissues. Matheus takes us on a journey through a relatively new rehabilitation modality using light known as Photobiomodulation. Kevan offers insights into the impact from the dynamic world of social media influencers in the fitness arena.

Wyatt takes us through the pros and cons associated with consuming the popular hydrogen-enriched water currently available. Then, Aryana leads us through the increasingly popular post-exercise use of cold known collectively as cryotherapy as a viable rehabilitation option.

How did the editorial close?

Be on the lookout for a few more medical and paramedical oriented articles each issue as I try to gently steer this vessel (OK, enough…) towards new adventures.

Train Hard, Train Consistently, but Always Train Smart…

Cheers…!

-Dr. Tom Fisher