Questions for the Audience (that's you!) Answer 1

Regarding gym guys that smoke, I think the answer is pretty simple. Smokers generally smoke for one of two reasons - a vice or a reward. In other words, they derive pleasure from the 'buzz' or fix (vice) or they enjoy the social reward (a smoke after a hard workout or a long day).

The reason that it's easy to infiltrate your body with deadly chemicals is simple - the cause-and-effect takes years to come to roost. Their bodies will remain rock-hard and in shape day after day (well, for true gym guys). They can see the reward of their efforts. They gain pleasure every day from being in shape, being admired, being desired, etc.

Smoking, however, will not have a negative effect (generally) for years to come. If after smoking for a few months, say, you suddenly had yellow fingernails, bags under your eyes and 'smoker's cough' - most gym boys would realize it is not worth the effect on their bodies.

Since (for the most part), these negative consequences are in some far, distant future (when, ostensibly, they are old and decrepit), it's easy to 'play now, pay later.'

Finally, let's not pretend the gay boys at the gym are into some holistic idea of their bodies. They want to be in shape for sex appeal and physical prowess. We can say the same thing for food that we do smoking. Even without fast food, the American diet is basically processed and bad for you. We don't see gym guys becoming vegetarians, eating only whole grains and fruits and treating their body like a temple.

And who are we all to judge - I like to eat healthy and have rarely turned down a filet mignon or delicious piece of pizza. Does this mean I hate my internal body? Of course not, life is meant to be enjoyed, and longevity is not the only determining factor in quality of life.

In other words, you can derive pleasure from a sexy, in-shape body and still derive pleasure from a vice such as eating junk food, drinking alcohol, and yes, smoking.

You'll excuse me now, I have an appointment with a very dry martini!