Magazine Deconstruction

Media language-- Muscular picture of Arnold to show the reader the outcome of following the steps outlined in magazine. It uses bright, contrasting colors to get the readers’ attention. Celebrity portrayed is known to be very fit and strong from roles in movies such as terminator. “Get lean in less time” right in the middle so that the audience will think there is a simple solution to gaining muscles without the hassle of time in the gym. The same concept is with the “20 inch arms in 3 big moves”. It provides a fast solution to a common heath issue in society today. It uses intensity to compare the techniques described in the article to general workouts by stating that following their method instead of others will allow the reader to “burn more fat”. Putting the page numbers for the specific articles on the cover intrigues people to learn the secrets in the magazine.
Institution--Front cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine
Genre--Men’s health magazine
Representation--Arnold is a character associated with strength and toughness in the terminator movies. He is a model for the results a person would hope to obtain by following the easy steps outlined in the magazine. He represents the current stereotype for men who are “attractive”.
Audience--The audience for this magazine is most likely men ages 20-35. Men in this age group would be looking to increase fitness to attract women and show off to other men. It would appeal to those working men in the age range who do not have the time or energy to spend time at the gym. The “stay out of the gym” and “3 big moves” comments support this.
Ideologies and Values--The biggest positive value that this magazine raises is that health and fitness is important. On average Americans are out of shape and are interested in finding a successful workout routine. It gets the reader excited to try a new method to obtain a healthier life. The cover feeds off of the negative ideal that men need to be very muscular to be seen as attractive. It also coincides to the need for instant gratification that everyone today has. People want results fast, which this magazine promises on the cover.
Narrative--This magazine cover tells the end of the story of getting into shape and gaining muscle. It shows what someone can look like if he follows the steps given inside.