Shirtless Freedom

Shirtless Halloween Costume Submissions

2011-01-29T20:03:00.004-05:00

Well, I only got a few submissions from Halloween, but here they are, as late as it is. Obviously, the movie 300 was popular this year.

Wikipedia article "Barechested" needs your help!

2010-11-27T00:58:00.002-05:00

The Wikipedia article "Barechested" needs help. It is the Wikipedia article on shirtlessness, and while it contains some useful content, it could use a lot of improvement. It is currently being considered for deletion. Please consider helping out by adding good content, with scholarly sources. Anyone who has researched social, legal, and historical perspectives on shirtlessness is encouraged to contribute. If you have never contributed to Wikipedia, it isn't that hard. Read some of the helpful information on Wikipedia itself and ask for help if you need it. Thanks guys! I know we can make this article great.

Precedent for Shirtless Wrestling Uniforms

2010-11-10T18:37:00.009-05:00

With wrestling season starting back up, it's a good time to start pushing for a shirtless uniform option again. So, I'd like to present some further arguments in favor of a shirtless wrestling uniform, based on current precedent.

There is currently no requirement for guys to keep their shirts on or singlets up at wrestling tournaments. Wrestlers are frequently seen on the sidelines with their singlets peeled down to the waist.

Wrestling teams frequently have their team pictures taken shirtless.

Shirtless team pictures are even common on official publications, posters, banners, websites, etc.

Wrestlers frequently train shirtless as well. Body contact while wrestling isn't really an issue, as guys often wrestle each other shirtless in training, as well as engaging in non-contact training shirtless.

So why shouldn't wrestlers be able to get on the mat shirtless in shorts or trunks if they want to? For more reasons supporting a shirtless wrestling uniform, see my previous post Wrestling. If you really want to see shirtless uniform options approved, talk to your coach and see Petitioning for a Shirtless Wrestling Uniform Option.

Vitamin D in the fall

2010-11-01T00:43:00.004-04:00

As the days are getting shorter and cooler, it is getting harder to get sufficient vitamin D. One of the best ways to combat this is whenever a warm day does come along, get outside and pull your shirt off to maximize sun exposure. The best time of day to get vitamin D is around solar noon (when is solar noon?) any way because the ratio of vitamin D making wavelengths to cancer causing wavelengths is better[1], but this is even more important in the late fall and early spring. If it feels chilly and you are in reasonably good shape, I suggest running hard enough to shed the shirt and still stay warm. Trust me, if you run hard enough, you will be surprised how much body heat you can generate.

Ok, this may be an extreme example, but you see my point.

Getting that extra vitamin D is important, because optimal levels of vitamin D help prevent osteoporosis, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and high blood pressure[2]. Not to mention that sunlight (and exercise) can help elevate mood, fighting depression.

Shirtless Halloween Costumes

2010-10-29T10:31:00.004-04:00

Here is a suggestion for Halloween, consider a shirtless costume! They can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of options, for instance, a number of super hero types go shirtless, like the Incredible Hulk:
and He-Man:
Or what about a Spartan from the movie 300:
Angels and demons are often depicted shirtless:
Here is the "male waiter" costume suggested by American Apparel:
I thought this one was very clever:
He's a chick magnet, get it? :-)

The Adam costume might take it to a bit of an extreme, but I think it is rather amusing:

If you wear a cool or creative shirtless costume this year, send your pics to ShirtlessFreedom@gmail.com and I'll post them in a follow up!

Petitioning for a Shirtless Wrestling Uniform Option

2010-06-27T11:27:00.005-04:00

It was recently suggested on the Facebook group, "Wrestlers should be allowed to train and compete shirtless!" that advocates of a shirtless uniform option should write letters and emails to the governing bodies who make the rules for wrestling. A list of the organizations responsible was compiled with address, as well as email addresses or links to lists of email addresses. I am reproducing the list below, for any interested parties.

I would suggest that interested wrestlers should send letters, and high school wrestlers might ask their parents to write supporting them as well. As always, if you want people to listen to you, your letter should be polite and well-reasoned.

FILA

The international governing body of wrestling. High School and College wrestlers around the world might want to write to them, as well as submission wrestlers. While submission wrestlers do generally have the option to train and compete shirtless, FILA is the only governing body I'm aware of that requires submission wrestlers to wear a shirt, or rashguard. It is noteworthy that FILA also recognizes a wrestling style called beach wrestling where shirts are not required.

Rue du Château, 6
1804 Corsier-sur-Vevey
SWITZERLAND
fila@fila-wrestling.com (for high school and collegiate wrestling)
info@fila-grappling.com (for submission wrestlers)

USA Wrestling

The national governing body for wrestling in the United States. High school and college wrestlers in the USA might want to write to them, as well as specific organizations listed further below.

6155 Lehman Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
http://www.themat.com/section.php?section_id=1&page=staff also lists a number of email addresses.

NFHS

The governing body for high school wrestling in the USA.

PO Box 690
Indianapolis, IN 46206
http://www.nfhs.org/ContactUs.aspx

NCAA & NAIA

Both govern college and university athletics, including wrestling.

NCAA
700 W. Washington Street
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6222
tksmith@ncaa.org Teresa Smith, email contact for playing rules regarding wrestling

NAIA
1200 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64106
http://naia.cstv.com/member-services/about/staff.htm has a number of email addresses.

NJCAA

Governs athletics, including wrestling, for junior and community colleges.

1755 Telstar Drive
Suite 103
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
http://www.njcaa.org/contactUs.cfm

Wrestling Around

2010-06-05T21:18:00.006-04:00

One of guys' favorite past-times is wrestling around with their friends. Even for guys who don't wrestle as athletes on a team, it just seems to come naturally. From early childhood, little boys will wrestle around playfully in the floor. They love to wrestle with Dad in the living room, wrestle their friends at play time. And it continues at least through the college years. Even some grown men continue to wrestle around with each other on occasion. And Dads will wrestle their sons, passing on the tradition.

It also just seems to come naturally for guys to pull off their shirts when they wrestle. I suppose this could be an additional argument in favor of a shirtless uniform option for wrestlers. I'm sure you've noticed this, I've even seen girls ask, "Why is that guys always have to pull off their shirts to wrestle or fight?" For us guys, it just seems natural.

Guys often wrestle around shirtless with each other around the house or dorm,

in the yard,

or even in the park or a field.

If you've ever been nervous about wrestling around with your friends, or pulling your shirt off, go ahead and give it a try. It's natural. And it's a lot of fun. It's not all about winning or losing, just give it a good try and have fun. It's a bonding experience. So pull your shirt off, throw your friends around a bit, and have a good time!

Casual Shirtlessness

2010-05-13T15:09:00.008-04:00

I recently watched a movie from the 80's. What struck me about it was that there was a lot of casual shirtlessness. It was an old Disney movie, so you know it's all innocent and child-safe. Now, movies today show a lot of shirtlessness, but it tends to be treated quite differently. Shirtless men in movies these days are mostly put on display, deliberately included for eye candy. Often, it seems quite contrived that the buffest star in the movie gets plenty of skin time. The stars train and preen for their big screen appearance. In more "innocent" films, shirtless exposure may be minimized, even when the plot calls for it.

But what I saw here was casual shirtlessness. It wasn't contrived, it was quite natural. They are not super-buff stars, with their own team of trainers, and their perfect tans. They are normal guys, men and boys. They can be seen in some scenes simply milling about a crowd, and no one treats them differently or gives them strange looks.

The young boy in the lead role is seen to sleep shirtless.

And young boys play shirtless in the yard, quite naturally.

I actually suspect the modern presentation of shirtless males as something sexy and provocative is partly to blame for the decline in casual shirtlessness seen in everyday life. The Running Shirtless blog covered a similar topic, brought up in a comment. Thus, while shirtless men are increasingly seen in media and advertising, they become increasingly taboo in daily life. Taking off your shirt is seen as showing off, inciting lust, provocative. We have a special tolerance for things we see on TV, too. We overlook language on TV that we would object to in person. In the same way, we might let children watch a movie where the male star is flexing his shirtless muscles, but then get offended when a guy goes shirtless in the park. "Doesn't he know there are children here?"

I hope we as a culture can combat this tarnishing of innocence. Why should shirtlessness be something dirty, or even provocative? Can we return to the innocence I saw in this movie, and learn to enjoy casual shirtlessness again?

Innocence and decency

2010-04-20T22:07:00.007-04:00

Why does it seem that some people these days want to treat male shirtlessness as if it is somehow dirty? Of course, most wouldn't say it so bluntly, but if you asked why guys can't take their shirts off at the gym, for instance, you might get an answer like, "This is a family-friendly establishment", or "It's a modesty (or decency) thing". The implication, of course, is that a shirtless man would have been indecent, immodest, and inappropriate for families with small children. Strangely enough, most of the same people might not have had an objection to a bare chested man at the beach or pool, but might have qualms about the same man in a gym or other establishment. While again, I am not trying to establish that men should go shirtless anywhere and everywhere, there is no reason for a shirtless man to be considered indecent, particularly in places where it has often been customary for men to go shirtless and where there is good reason for it (comfort while working out, for instance).

Shirtless freedom isn't about men vainly showing off their bodies, and it's not about sexual innuendo. Rather, it's a matter of comfort and simple innocence. Think of a group of boys playing shirts versus skins. They aren't being lewd, in fact, they probably haven't given much thought to the idea of being seen shirtless. They just aren't concerned with such things. Most guys tend to want to be on the skins side, simply for the comfort of being shirtless.

As a last example, I am going to reference the classic TV program from the 50s, a veritable symbol of decency and innocence, Leave it to Beaver. Here we have Beaver and Wally getting ready to play ball.

And here getting ready to go snorkeling.

Wally reading a book on the lawn, enjoying the sun on his shirtless back.

And Wally working out shirtless.

Just normal innocent boys, comfortable and free. Why don't we all learn to enjoy this innocence?

Bouldering

2010-04-12T14:19:00.001-04:00

Definitely one of my favorite sports that presents an opportunity to peel off your shirt is bouldering. It's an intense, full-body exercise and it's a lot of fun. Plus, it's a great chance to get outside and enjoy some sunshine and the beauty of nature as many bouldering locations are outdoors in nature. Basically, bouldering is climbing lower rocks without ropes. A crash pad is frequently used for safety to break your fall if you slip. It is always a good idea to have a partner to spot you. He can move the pad to make sure it is still under you if you climb to the side, or catch you when you hit the pad, so you don't roll off to the side and hit something hard anyway.

It's pretty common and widely accepted for guys to go climbing shirtless, especially when it is warm outdoors.

It's even fairly common for guys to shed their shirts when bouldering at indoor facilities and dedicated bouldering gyms.

I highly recommend you give bouldering a try. Find some guys in your area who have the right equipment and ask if you can tag along, or find a gym and give it a try. Be safe, use common sense and proper safety practices. If you like it, you may want to invest in your own climbing shoes and crash pad. So get out there and have fun!

Volleyball

2010-04-08T13:05:00.003-04:00

Beach or sand volleyball is another great sport for going shirtless. In fact, it's pretty much expected for shirts to come off in this sport. Afterall, swim trunks or board shorts are standard attire for men at the beach anyway. It's a lot of fun, great exercise, and a good chance to get some sun.

Even an indoor volleyball game could go shirtless, though.

So, get out, try some new sports, and most of all, have fun!

Support the Longhorn Hellraisers on Facebook!

2010-04-05T13:57:00.005-04:00

The Hellraisers, a group of shirtless supporters of the University of Texas athletic teams, has a fan page on Facebook!

Rain or Shine

2010-04-01T18:17:00.003-04:00

Just getting out in the park on a sunny day is a great chance to experience shirtless freedom. Lots of guys tend to run and play sports shirtless in the park. It's a good chance to get some exercise, sun light (which makes vitamin D and lifts your mood), and build camaraderie.

Of course, rain is also a great excuse to get out and have fun in just your swim trunks!

Young and Old

2010-03-28T17:40:00.003-04:00

Wow, I think the above pic tells a great story all in itself. Experience and youth, side by side. Shirtless freedom is for everyone, for all ages. Innocent and normal, family friendly. A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say.

Hit the Gym

2009-12-30T16:52:00.006-05:00

Some how, working out shirtless just seems to inspire guys to work harder. I really don't even think it is necessarily the thought of other guys (and possibly women) watching you lift, although that probably helps. When I pull off my shirt to lift, I feel more attuned to my body, I'm more aware of each muscle and it helps me to push harder, lift heavier, and focus on working each muscle to the max.

Besides that, I think seeing other shirtless guys can also help you push harder. Seeing other guys working out shirtless and pushing themselves to build their bodies motivates me to push myself harder, to keep up with them. Even though we may not be lifting the same thing, I feel like I have to push myself at least as hard as the guys around me. Actually seeing the other guy's muscles flexing intensifies the effect. So, I recommend not just working out shirtless, but finding some other guys to workout shirtless together.

Some people will probably object that working out shirtless is not sanitary. That is nonsense. Your hands are much more likely to spread disease because you touch everything with them, including your own eyes and nose (mucous membranes are a common way disease organisms are spread). Yet, we would never think of requiring gloves to be worn! Instead, we suggest washing your hands frequently. Besides, with tank tops and shorts there is already plenty of skin contact with equipment, what makes the little extra that would have been covered by a tank top or cut up gym shirt less sanitary than the part which is already touching the gym equipment? The proper solution is to wipe down equipment between users, preferably with disinfectant. And I hope you shower after working out anyway!

If your gym doesn't allow guys to workout shirtless, ask them about why. Maybe they will reconsider. One possible solution where offending the opposite sex is a concern is to have designated male-only hours where shirts are optional. Many gyms already have a female-only time, in which case it is only fair. That said, I don't see any reason to require shirts when women are present. Women don't find shirtless men offensive at the beach or pool, and many do not find it offensive for men to lift shirtless in the gym, either. If your gym won't make shirtless accommodations, look into finding a gym that does. And if you actually run a gym, consider letting guys workout shirtless. It may even be a selling point to get members who prefer to workout shirtless. And remember, shirtless-friendly and family-friendly are not mutually exclusive.

Show your team spirit!

2009-12-27T16:40:00.005-05:00

One of the best ways to show team spirit and support your sports team of choice, is to paint your chest. Die hard fans show up in the stands in groups, painted in team colors, with an encouraging message emblazened on their bare chests. What better way to show your support? It shows you're serious and really gets the message across.

Some people shy away from this tradition when the weather is chilly, but the really serious fans will stand and shiver proudly, bearing their team colors. Ok, please don't make yourself sick, you know if you can handle the weather or not. But seriously, it's encouraging to look up from the field in inclement weather and say, "Those six fools up there are so into this game, this team, they are up there freezing their nipples off to support me. Dang, let's give 'em game they can be proud of!"

So, next time you go to a game, get together with some of your buds and show some team spirit!

Some places, this is a serious tradition. Check out the Longhorn Hellraisers:

Check it out, even the coach is getting into it!

Golf? You guys rock! You expect to see this at a football or baseball game, but way to push the envelope. And of course the player approves.

Now, the more of your torso and face you cover with paint, the better. The more paint, the stronger the spirit, so don't slack off here. Same thing with quality of the paint job. Make it look sharp. Now this guy wins all around. Mad props, man. You rock!

Now these guys win points for a really crisp paint job, and for the artistry on that eagle.

Watch out for this problem:

Strong sunscreen and a base tan can help prevent this.

Like I said, next big game that comes up, try it out. If you are nervous about the idea, doing it in a group should help. Besides, its pretty much expected at many sporting events anyway. Don't be afraid to be the bold one!

Stick your chest out!

2009-12-06T20:48:00.004-05:00

No, I'm not talking about pride. Although we often think of sticking your chest out as a show of pride, it is also an essential part of good posture. Good posture is very important when running and jogging. Sometimes we tend to let our shoulders slump forward or look down at our feet, which leads to neck and back pain. The solution is to pay attention to good posture when you run. You should keep your head straight and tall, like you trying to touch an invisible ceiling with the top of your head. Stick your chest out and pull your shoulders back, as though you are squeezing your shoulder blades together. And pull your stomach in. No, not to hide your gut, to align your lower back! You want to tilt your pelvis by pulling it in with your abs. So, what does this have to do with shirtlessness? Well, sometimes when guys run shirtless, they tend to be self-conscious about sticking their chest out, fearing they will appear conceited. But remember good posture is important. Be confident, stick your chest out, and your neck and back will thank you!

Wrestling

2009-11-18T14:18:00.006-05:00

While modern wrestlers don't exactly wear a shirt, the singlet does cover much of the upper body like a tank top shirt would. Now, I'm not opposed to the singlet, per se, but why shouldn't wrestlers be permitted a completely topless uniform?

Historically, wrestlers competed shirtless in trunks or tights:

Modern-day UFC fighters, who use a lot of wrestling techniques, compete shirtless, usually in special shorts or trunks designed for the sport.

Submission wrestling or grappling competitors in the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) are permitted a variety of uniform options, with or without a shirt or rash guard, frequently wearing shorts or trunks. These events are open to competitors of all ages.

So, why shouldn't wrestlers in high school, college, and the Olympics be permitted a topless uniform option, such as trunks or shorts, as an alternative to the singlet? It couldn't hurt to give the competitors a little more freedom, and it might even encourage participation by guys who don't like the singlet.

Shirtless Uniforms

2009-11-15T23:08:00.003-05:00

I think that more sports should consider having a shirtless uniform, or at least making it optional. In writing this, I'm really hoping to reach some of the promoters and organizers and encourage them to think about whether their sport really needs a shirt or jersey as a requisite uniform component. Whether it's a national or international organization, or just a small local league, it's worth considering a less restrictive uniform requirement.

Now some sports governance bodies have some truly assinine uniform regulations, and I think if you are busy regulating the stitching on participants' undergarments you need to stop and think about what purpose the uniform really practically serves for your sport.

That said, running is actually a prime candidate for a shirtless uniform. It's already wide-spread practice to train shirtless.

Many other sports are also commonly practiced shirtless. Any sport that is commonly practiced shirtless should consider an official uniform that doesn't require a shirt or jersey. Team colors and even player numbers can be displayed on shorts.

For instance, basketball:

baseball:

soccer:

And even tennis, although it has traditionally been rather stuffy about uniform in formal tournaments:

While some sports, like football, call for upper-body protective gear, why not forgo the shirts when playing two-hand touch or flag football?

Gymnastics is another excellent example of a sport commonly practiced shirtless.

It's also noteworthy that it is not uncommon in sports that require a shirt or jersey as part of the standard uniform to see players on the sidelines without them. Why should this be accepted, but not for them to play without them on the field?

So, if you are involved in organizing a sports league or event, or writing the regulations for a sports governance body, why not consider a shirtless uniform, or at least making the jersey optional? A little bit of freedom for the players does no one any harm.

Running Shirtless

2009-11-12T19:48:00.018-05:00

Running outdoors in warm to hot weather is one of the best times for a guy to be shirtless (aside from swimming).

Why? First of all, it just feels great. It's much cooler and more comfortable without a shirt and the sun feels nice on bare skin. It's also pretty widely accepted most places. A lot of guys go running shirtless. It's expected. Sure, there are always some jerks out there, but for the most part the world's a pretty nice place for a shirtless runner. When that one jerk yells, "Put a freakin shirt on!", just remember the last five people who smiled, waved, or nodded their head and let it roll right off your bare back. And humbly accept any cat-calls as a complement and keep on truckin.

I think most serious runners train shirtless in warm weather, so you'll be in good company.

And running is great exercise. If you aren't doing it already, you should consider taking it up. And I mean really running, if you aren't running hard enough to feel the need to take off your shirt when you run (breaking a sweat, getting hot) you should try to step up the intensity. Of course, everyone has to start somewhere and if all you can do is walk or jog lightly at first, then by all means do it. But the goal is train progressively more intensively. And that can be an added motivator for guys who are shy about taking their shirts off. Run hard enough that the sticky sweat and humidity under your shirt makes you desperate to peel it off. Go ahead. You've earned it. Not that going shirtless is something you have to earn, but if anybody has earned it, the serious runner has.

So, what do you do if you are shy about taking your shirt off? Well, start off by making it a little easier on yourself. Are there particular people you are uneasy about bumping into? Plan to go jogging at a time and place you are unlikely to see them. Maybe you want to pick some place where you won't see many people you know, or many people at all. You can start out running with your shirt on and peel it off when you get hot and sweaty.

Maybe you can find a friend who will run shirtless with you. That kind of moral support can be a big help. Maybe you know someone who runs shirtless, or perhaps there is someone you are close enough to that you can ask him.

Gradually, you will want to expand your comfort zone. Unfortunately, that means encroaching on your uncomfortable zone. But your new-found freedom will be worth it. Join the ranks of the shirtless runners, you'll enjoy it too!

It's not about being narcissistic and showing off your body. It's not about having the perfect body. It's just about being comfortable in your own skin. So don't worry too much about what other people think. And if anybody out there reading this used to think all of those shirtless runners they saw where just showing off, I hope this will enlighten you. There are a lot of reasons guys choose to go without their tops, don't presume to know what someone is thinking.

It can, however, be an encouragement if you don't have quite the body you would like to. When you run shirtless, there is no more hiding. Let it motivate you to build the body you desire. And I don't mean what you think somebody else thinks you should look like. Do it for you. And when you get there, don't feel like taking your shirt off is vain. Have a healthy sense of pride about your accomplishment and your body, but don't let it go to your head. Encourage others to follow the path you have taken.

Maybe one day, you'll want to run in competition races or charity events.

Maybe that's not for you, but you can always enjoy a good shirtless run.

I hope you will give it a shot. Also, check out the great blog, Running Shirtless. It's one of the things that inspired me to start this one. Another one was this facebook group* where a cross-country team was protesting a new rule forbidding shirtless running. That helped convince me there was actually enough opposition to be worth writing this blog. Another XC team in a similar position has started their own protest group. Feel free to drop by to show your support, or write to the schools advocating a more relaxed policy.

* Pardon the language, I didn't create the group.

Note how all of the shirtless guys are in the front. For those who don't know, faster runners position themselves toward the front and slower runners further back so the faster runners don't have to pass so many slower runners. It just makes everything work a little smoother that way.

What shirtless freedom is all about.

2009-11-12T19:13:00.003-05:00

So what is all of this about? It's about guys feeling free to peel off their shirts and be comfortable in their own skin.

Why? It's fun. It's comfortable. It's healthy to be comfortable with your own body. But there are various inhibitions that tend to keep guys from taking off their shirts, even when heat and vigorous exercise call for it. I want to encourage guys to feel free to take off their shirts and I want to encourage various organizations to be more accepting of it.

So, are you saying that guys should walk around shirtless just anywhere they feel like it? No, this blog isn't really about promoting the "guys should be shirtless anywhere they want, any time they want" philosophy, although I suppose it wouldn't be a bad thing. But this blog is focused first of all on encouraging guys to feel free to take off their shirts in the settings it is mostly already accepted. A lot of guys still have some inhibitions here that keep them from taking their shirt off when they are jogging down the street and enjoying the cool breeze on their chest, for example. Secondly, this blog is meant to encourage people to expand some of the current venues for shirtlessness. I hope to encourage sports organizers to be more permissive of shirtless uniforms.

To these ends, I am going to write posts with specific suggestions along these lines, and I'll include some pictures for encouragement and to add a little interest to the blog.