Friday, 07 June 2019

Real Men take Baths! - Elements of a Manly Bath

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Like most 'manly dudes', funny guy Brian Donovan admits Friday night is for rounding up his dudes, going out on the town and cruisin' for some ladies. And that's what he often does. What he rarely admits, however, is that the whole time he's doing that, he's wishing he was chillin' in his tub! Yep. You heard me guys. His bathtub. In his Blog, 'Confessions of a Male Bather', Brian Donovan admits to being a bath guy!

And Brian's not alone. Being owner of Shepard Moon has put me in the unique position of feeling like a priest hearing hushed confessions from guys who awkwardly admit they love taking baths. So I say, in honor of Father's Day and men in general, let June be the month to boldly declare: 'Real Men take Baths!' Here's some of my favorite male bathers' confessions and tips.

Baths are totally a 'Dude Thing'

'Sitting in the tub doesn't have to be all scented candles and romance novels", says Brian who likes to listen to football or watch his favorite television shows. (Yes he sticks his notebook on the toilet seat and watches Hulu). And not any Hulu shows. Manly—- blowing people up—- Hulu shows. Allan shared that his recommitment to bathing came reluctantly after a herniated disc sent him crawling to the ER. "Baths were purely therapeutic——at first". After trying physical therapy, acupuncture, deep massage, core tightening, planking and extension stretches, he followed his doctor's suggestion and took a hot epsom salt bath. Not only did his back improve, but his 'chronically sore shoulder, semi-arthritic knee and throbbing feet also heaved a collective sigh of relief'. Now the biggest argument he and his wife have is, who gets the bathtub that night!

What real men do in their bathtubs!

Some guys are adamant about 'No Multi-Tasking (well, except for the bubble-release-from-chest-hair game) While others divide ALL activities into 'Bath Possible (BP) and 'Bath Impossible' (BI). Need an example? Online banking - definitely Bath Possible. Talking to your mom—-totally 'Bath Impossible'—— It's just too weird. But most bath guys agree that baths are NOT for cleaning—— that's left for the shower. The most difficult thing about bathing? ——Not doing anything and just sitting there. Men seem to be under the illusion that they never do that. They see themselves as 'Men of Action' -- 'Born Task Masters. That's usually when I like to ask them how many hours they sit in front of the television watching sports or playing video games!

How to take a manly bath

Mike Vardy wrote a great article on the Five Pillars of a manly bath. #1 Is that it needs to be hot. According to Mike, a manly bath is never lukewarm. 'You must be able to prove that you're a guy that can stand the heat.Steam must rise from your body and if held in the right light, your hand will look like a fireball was just shot from it!' I like that. Makes me want to grunt! #2. Sound. Being alone with your own thoughts is very manly according to Mike but he likes to listen to podcasts —- mostly tech but sometimes inspirational. #3. Lighting. This can be tricky.Lowering the lights —- definitely. Candles? Must smell manly. Mike's tip? Avoid pink, red or any name with a flower or 'baby' in it. #4. Booze. Apparently a drink is a must for a manly bath but like candles you have to be careful. Acceptable bath-time beverages include scotch (single malt), whiskey or bourbon. Any clear liquid booze is out and beer is acceptable only as a last resort. Finally, the Fifth Pillar of a manly bath? Bath salts. Salts not suds. NOT EVER according to Mike. If scented, steer clear of 'flowers or the color pink'. Anything with the name of trees, the word 'musk' or 'wood' in it is required for a manly bath. If that can't be found, just plain epsom salts are the way to go for a true 'Man Bath'.

Manly Baths from Shepard Moon

Okay guys. Thanks for sharing what makes a manly bath. Like you, Shepard Moon agrees that bathing is totally a DUDE THING. And here's some particularly manly blends for you! Our Meditate Bath is one you should definitely check out. Relaxing yes----but in a rugged, musky manly way. Sandalwood, Frankincense and Vetiver come together to make this the Ultimate Man Bath.

Our Ache & Pain Relief is also a 'must have' for you guys. What with your sore, bulging muscles and all the hard work you do! You deserve this tree smelling bath. And finally, check out our Inspire Bath.Cedarwood, Spruce, Pine, Frankincense, and Sandalwood will get you in touch with your primal caveman roots. Hunting in the forest, sitting in front of a campfire and sleeping on dirt----you know--- like men.

So happy June guys, this month is for you! And if you're a man who loves to take baths and confident enough to admit it…. we'd love to hear from you!