Today we’re talking with Sal Kassam, founder of Red Pill Fit, as part of our new series The Life Gauntlet. Sal is a strength coach based in London and a former paratrooper who has combined his skills and city living with a passion for fitness. We will be discussing toxic masculinity and dealing with representation.

For Sal, there’s no such thing as toxic masculinity. Ryan goes on to bring up the role of the press in the view of the masculine. The pressure to always be strong and dominant is perhaps causing a schism among young men and creating the idea of toxic masculinity. Sal believes that the press and media are trying to change the meaning of masculinity. People know what masculinity is when they see it, and the new prevalence of distorting masculinity to come across as more feminine isn’t fooling people.

A realistic picture of masculinity doesn’t mean trying to reach for the unobtainable pinnacle of masculinity, it’s more about being on a journey of self-improvement and striving for more. It doesn’t have to be the billionaire lifestyle or the rat race.

When it comes to the media and the responsibility it has in representation, Sal believes it is important to have someone to look up to. The image we see is a standard, but we don’t necessarily have to reach it. Know that it isn’t reality, and we can’t all be perfectly airbrushed all the time. 

Remember that masculinity isn’t all about aesthetics. It’s about reaching out and lifting up other men, it’s about mindset and intention. You can be a masculine man and reach out for help; you don’t have to change your entire identity. It’s about being true to yourself and owning your identity.

Red Pill Fitness: https://redpillfit.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverbacksal/