Men and muscles: the influence of masculinity on selected physical fitness components of Pathfit 1 male students

The study examined the influence of masculinity norms on flexibility, endurance, agility, and leg power among 168 first-year male students enrolled in the Physical Activity towards Health and Fitness 1 course (AY 2024-2025) at Bulacan State University, selected via simple random sampling. Fitness levels were assessed using validated instruments: flexibility (Trunk Lift, Zipper, Sit and Reach Tests), endurance (Three-Minute Step Test, Wall Sit, Push-Up, Plank Tests), agility (Hexagon Jump Test), and leg power (Standing Broad Jump, Vertical Jump Tests). Masculinity was measured with the Masculinities Attitude Norms Inventory-III.Data collection followed ethical clearance and included informed consent, confidentiality, and accessibility of results. Multiple linear regression analysis (SPSS v30) revealed that masculinity did not predict flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, lower extremity/core endurance, agility, or leg power but was a predictor of upper extremity muscular endurance. The findings challenge stereotypes linking masculinity to physical superiority and advocate for gender-neutral, individualized training. Limitations include narrow testing methods and the exclusion of muscular hypertrophy and strength, suggesting the need for broader future research.