bodybuilding subculture essay

Bodybuilders

Although bodybuilding is broadly defined as “the use of weight training in order to improve the muscularity of the body,” bodybuilders recognize that those who take this sport and turn it into a lifestyle – a community even – would more likely self-identify as bodybuilders rather than would the average gym-goer ( Dutton & Laura, 1989 ). That being said, bodybuilding constitutes a wide spectrum of those who self-identify as bodybuilders but just work out locally to those who compete in national and international competitions. The main factor that separates average gym-goers from bodybuilders however, is the active interest in achieving a specific muscular bodily aesthetic, rather than focusing on health or sport ( Denham, 2007 ).

Body building seemed to start with the life of the Prussian Eugen Sandow (1867- 1925 ). Sandow’s performances. Sandow first garnered the title of “World’s Strongest Man” when he began showcasing his strength as its own novel vaudeville act. However, his act soon took an aesthetic turn. Performances transformed into him entering a “glass booth, and perform[ing] a series of muscular poses to a musical accompaniment,” ( Dutton & Laura, 1989 ). Sandow’s shows represented the intersection of three main pillars in bodybuilding: the Studio, the Platform, and the Gym ( Dutton & Laura, 1989 ). However, although Sandow’s role in the conjunction of these components was novel, these three elements themselves were far from new.

Historically, the human form has been a core depiction in and across art forms. In Ancient Greece, for instance, artists were mostly concerned with muscularity, as their Gods were often depicted in this light. People, then, strived to look like these figures, as they represented “supreme energy” ( Dutton & Laura, 1989 ). This representation of the perfect form persisted through to the advent of photography, where, for artistic and even erotic purposes, people began consuming and observing bodies on a larger scale. Additionally, during and after the Industrial Revolution , exercise became popularized now that those in cities were working sedentary jobs. Accessible gym membership became a symptom of leisure time and an age of invention.

The bodybuilding subculture has evolved tremendously over the years. The number of gyms has increased and consequently membership has become more accessible. Internet access has also lead to a rapid and borderless sharing of ideas. With these changes, bodybuilding has simultaneously become increasingly intensive and commercial. The bodybuilding subculture has shifted into a global competitive sphere, created a universal culture of its own out of the physical gym space, led to conventions around the world, and forged its own rulebook on a way of life. Eugen Sandow organized the first small scale bodybuilding contest in 1901 ( Heffernan, 2015 ). Now there are several organizations that hold national and international competitions, for example  International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness’ Mr. Olympia,  the largest competition in the world.

Such intense competition created a massive wave of anabolic steroid use in the subculture. Denham writes, “At the elite level, bodybuilding is saturated with drug use, and steroids are just the first item on a menu that would astonish most pharmacists.” Many hardcore bodybuilders justify steroid use as a legitimate means to an ideal end, where partaking in illegal behavior and the risk of changes in health and hormonal balance are deemed a small price to pay ( Monaghan, 2002 ). Other common behaviors and tactics besides weight lifting and illegal drug use also permeate the subcultural sphere. One bodybuilder equates her excitement upon entering a supplement store to being a “kid in a candy shop” ( Munchies, 2015 ). Additionally, bodybuilders consider dietary practices, called “ bulking and cutting ” – eating heavy amounts during an offseason and heavily restricting calorie intake around the time of competitions – standard for those who compete. Some bodybuilders also engage in “dirty bulking,” a method used to gain weight quickly, which considered solely caloric intake rather than overall health year-round ( Evans, 2017 ). However, this behavior is again risky, as it does not involve the consideration of macronutrients paired with heavy exercise ( Lambert, Frank, & Evans, 2004 ).

Although the bodybuilding subculture has bounced back and forth in the dominant culture’s eyes on a scale of how deviant it is considered, the extremities involved in the lifestyle as well as the aesthetic it glorifies have always been considered deviant ( Johansson, Andreasson, & Mattsson, 2017 ). Although physical fitness is seen as a positive attribute in mainstream culture, bodybuilders are often looked upon as narcissistic, vain, and superficial. Most are also stereotyped as “gym rats” and drug abusers. There are also behaviors deemed deviant by the dominant culture that characterize certain groups of individuals within the scene such as hustling – the “selling of sexual favors by bodybuilders to gay men” ( Klein, 1989 ), as well as of course illicit steroid use ( Monaghan, 2002 ).

This extremely deviant and risky behavior has led to some schisms within the subculture. For instance, those who partake in weightlifting as a sport, rather than an esteemed bodily aesthetic and wholly consuming lifestyle, consider themselves to be “ powerlifters ” – and they make sure to be known as such ( Denham, 2007 ). Additionally, there is a distinction between natural and professional bodybuilding in which natural bodybuilders refrain from using narcotic enhancements ( World Natural Bodybuilding Federation ). Most recently, bodybuilding has become popularized and wider spread through social media. For example, professional and amateur bodybuilders use Youtube and Instagram to share their “gains” and obtain a following. Some even connect and sign onto brand deals with fitness and bodybuilding companies to promote their products to their fan-base ( Chan, 2016 ).

Gender and Bodybuilding

Gender plays a massive role in the bodybuilding subculture. The purpose of bodybuilding is is to achieve the “ultimate” form, and for men that implies simulating the most “manly,” muscular, representations of the male form. For a lot of men, bodybuilding means taking that to the extreme, but it also requires conformity, especially as the community holds certain individuals in the most prestige, and competitions reinforce ideals per each sex. The interesting caveat to achieving a hyper-masculine form is the role that anabolic steroid use plays. Men use these drugs, and they are accepted in the community, in order to increase one’s masculine traits through muscle, but often excessive, long-term use can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels and androgenic side effects, such as a high-pitched voice, or genitalia development ( Denham, 2007 ). Additionally, the “boy’s club” mentality that the bodybuilding community and the gym space foster leads to a very toxic expression of masculinity that endorses emotionlessness and particularly sexism. There is a marginalization of women in gyms and competitions, and there even exist different categories for women to compete in called “bikini contests,” that have little to do with muscle mass and a lot more to do with the perfection of the “feminine” form, dictated by the competitions. Women in bodybuilding often face stereotypes of being too manly – especially while partaking in steroid use – as well as sexual harassment due to their fetishization ( McGrath & Chananie-Hill, 2009 ). The interesting thing, however, is that through similar training and diet plans, as well as steroid use, women and men in the bodybuilding community exist in relative hormone homogeneity.

 Homophobia and Homoeroticism

As mentioned in the Gender and Bodybuilding section, a relatively homogenous standard of masculine representation is a core tenet in the bodybuilding subculture. An important part to adhering to this status comes through homophobic tendencies. Hyper-masculine performance, for bodybuilders, exists, in part, to counter the possibility of homosexuality. Especially in the face of the androgenic side effects of steroid use, men often cling to their sexualities. However, several ironies exist in this heterosexual doctrine. Magazine covers and websites’ representations of men in bodybuilding are often homoerotic. Additionally, for bodybuilders in need of money in the very competitive industry, “hustling” – or same sex sexual favors in exchange for money – or participation in gay pornography are viable options to make a quick buck ( Klein, 1989 ).

Mental Health and Bigorexia

Bigorexia, or muscle dysmorphia, is defined as the obsession with being inadequately muscular. Signs and symptoms of this disorder include spending disproportionately long amounts of time in the gym, excessive spending on sports supplements, abnormal eating patterns, or substance abuse ( Mosley, 2008 ). Due to the strict and high standards that bodybuilders hold themselves to, and the intense competition they face in bodybuilding contest, they are seen by medical professionals and scholars as being at a higher risk for these behaviors. For more information on Bigorexia and the medicalization of the bodybuilding subculture, see the Subcultures and Medicalization page.

Page By: Emily Gold

“The Female Bodybuilder Blended Chicken Shake”

Female Bodybuilder details her diet and regimen, including her supplement routine.

Pumping Iron

Classic part documentary/part scripted film about the 1970’s “Golden Age” of bodybuilding.

“Bigorexia: Never Buff Enough” | BBC Newsbeat

This BBC short documentary looks at Bigorexia, a type of body dysmorphia in which people become obsessed with putting on muscle mass.

“ Swole ”: This Vice Short Documentary Series delves into several aspects of the bodybuilding lifestyle such as aging in the subculture, anabolic steroid use, and gender in the subculture.

“40 Year Old Bodybuilder”: SWOLE Ep. 1

“The Last of the Iron Sisters”: SWOLE Ep. 2

“Juiced Up – The Consequences of Steroids”: SWOLE Ep. 3

“Flex” Photo Gallery and Videos

Bodybuilding magazine’s photo gallery and video pages showing clips of competitions and photos of their winners.

Link: Flexonline Archives – Muscle & Fitness (muscleandfitness.com)

SIGNIFICANT SCHOLARSHIP

 Bunsell, Tanya. 2013. Strong and Hard Women: An Ethnography of Female Bodybuilding . London: Routledge.

Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Hard-Women-ethnography-bodybuilding/dp/0415824370

This two year ethnographic study in the South of England examines women in bodybuilding, their daily practices, and the struggles they encounter in a mainly male dominated field. Bunsell evaluates the nature of social pressure, and she grapples with the question of whether these women are liberating themselves from the restrictions femininity imposes, or if they are ultimately just concerned with achieving “perfect bodies.”

Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Little-Big-Men-Bodybuilding-Construction/dp/0791415600

A core piece of sociological literature on bodybuilding, Little Big Men studies bodybuilders every day activities and the role the subculture exerts in the gender construction and performance of its participants.

Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Readings-Bodybuilding-Routledge-Research/dp/0415878527

Critical Readings in Bodybuilding is the first collection to address contemporary bodybuilding. The readings focus on debates around topics such as gender, eroticism, and sexuality in the subculture/sport.

Denham, Bryan E. 2007. “Masculinities in Hardcore Bodybuilding.”  Men and Masculinities  1–8. ( https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bryan_Denham/publication/249696489_Masculinities_in_Hardcore_Bodybuilding/links/

56e71f9808ae4c354b1a6d87/Masculinities-in-Hardcore-Bodybuilding.pdf) .

Dutton, Kenneth R. and Ronald S. Laura. n.d. “Towards a History of Bodybuilding.”  Sporting Traditions  25–41. ( http://library.la84.org/SportsLibrary/SportingTraditions/1989/st0601/st0601e.pdf) .

Johansson, Thomas, Jesper Andresson, and Christer Mattsson. 2017. “From Subcultures to Common Culture: Bodybuilders, Skinheads, and the Normalization of the Marginal.”  SAGE Open  1–9.

( http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2158244017706596) .

Klein, Alan M. 1989. “Managing Deviance: Hustling, Homophobia, and the Bodybuilding Subculture.”  Deviant Behavior  8:11–27. ( http://williamapercy.com/wiki/images/Managing_deviance_hustling,_homophobia.pdf) .

McGrath, Shelly A. and Ruth A. Chananie-Hill. 2009. “”Big Freaky-Looking Women”: Normalizing Gender-Transgression Through Bodybuilding.”  Sociology of Sport Journal  26:235–54.

(http://journals.humankinetics.com/doi/pdf/10.1123/ssj.26.2.235) .

Monaghan, Lee. 1999. “Creating ‘The Perfect Body’: A Variable Project.”  Body and Society  5:267–90.

( http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1357034X99005002015) .

Monaghan, Lee F. 2002. “Vocabularies of motive for illicit steroid use among bodybuilders.”  Social Science & Medicine  55:695–708. ( https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2e07/90f41d36536ff959dec1e1dfcdb6c90c82e7.pdf) .

Mosley, Philip E. 2008. “Bigorexia: Bodybuilding and Muscle Dysmorphia.”  European Eating Disorders Review . ( https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Philip_Mosley2/publication/23225701_Bigorexia_Bodybuilding_and_Muscle_Dysmorphia/links/

56c62ba408ae8cf828fefb51.pdf) .

St. Martin, Leena and Nicola Gavey. 1996. “Women’s Bodybuilding: Feminist Resistance and/or Femininity’s Recuperation.”  Body and Society  2:45–57. ( http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1357034X96002004003) .  

OTHER RESOURCES

Anon. 2015. “Anti Doping.” World Natural Bodybuilding Federation . ( Anti Doping – World Natural Bodybuilding Federation WNBF (worldnaturalbb.com) .

Chan, Victoria. 2016. “How Selfies and Social Media Changed Bodybuilding.”  Vice ( https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/4w38qg/deadlifts-and-selfies-how-social-media-shaped-the-modern-bodybuilder)

Evans, Rian. 2017. “Dirty Bulking: Why You Need To Know The Dirty Truth!”  Bodybuilding.com . Retrieved October 20, 2017 ( https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/dirty-bulking-why-you-need-to-know-the-dirty-truth.htm) .

Heffernan, Conor. 2015. “THE ‘GREAT COMPETITION’: BODYBUILDING’S FIRST EVER SHOW.”  Physical Culture Study . Retrieved October 20, 2017 ( https://physicalculturestudy.com/2015/05/05/the-great-competition-bodybuildings-first-ever-show/) .

Lambert, C. P., L. L. Frank, and W. J. Evans. 2004. “Macronutrient considerations for the sport of bodybuilding.”  Sports Med  34(3).

( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15107010) .

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Bodybuilding and fitness doping in transition. historical transformations and contemporary challenges.

1. Introduction

2. analytical point of departure, 3. the pre-history of bodybuilding, gym culture and doping, 4. the sculpted and doped body.

First, bodybuilders started to appear much more defined because of the introduction of diuretics that rid the body of excess water fluid, revealing far greater levels of muscularity and definition. Second, if one looks at bodybuilding magazines from this era, the physiques on display quite abruptly changed with an even greater impetus on mass than had been seen before. [...] The reason for this change was partly due to more effective exercise and better diet, but significantly to the emergence of anabolic steroids, a factor that irreparably cut off the sport from its classical roots and would function as the primary armature of a new American Classicism which made Reeves only a nostalgic ideal. ( Locks and Richardson 2012, p. 11 )

Female Bodybuilders—Crossing the Boundaries

Despite increased empowerment, the prominent theme of female bodybuilders’ experience is one of contradiction, often leading to attempts to “balance” popular notions of femininity and muscularity. Critical feminists, postmodernists, and sport sociologists describe how female bodybuilders balance contradictory demands of muscular development versus expectations of normative femininity. These include regulating muscular size to avoid being labeled as “too big,” “mannish,” or lesbian (...) using body technologies such as breast enlargements, plastic surgeries, and feminising hairstyles, outfits, and accessories to counteract the “masculinising” effects of steroid use or loss of breast tissue. ( McGrath and Chananie-Hill 2009, p. 237 )

5. Confessions and Crises in Bodybuilding

And there were other little problems from the drugs, the sheet said, problems like premature baldness, lowered sperm count, increased body hair, rectal bleeding, dizzy spells, thyroid and liver and kidney malfunction, gallstones, cancer, gastrointestinal upset, hepatitis, raised levels of aggression … (p. 121)

Despite all I knew, leaving iron wasn’t that simple, of course. No iron veteran after all, just walks away. Without the buttresses and corbels, the brackets and bolstering devices of muscles, bodybuilders feel they’d collapse quicker than a house of cards. It’s no wonder the rate of recidivism is astronomically high, and all my gym friends assumed that I’d be no exception. (p. 250)

6. The Fitness Revolution—Cleaning Up the Mess

Natural bodies and bodybuilding, 7. a globalised (and virtual) drug market—entering a fifth phase, 8. conclusions, author contributions, conflicts of interest.

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Share and Cite

Andreasson, J.; Johansson, T. Bodybuilding and Fitness Doping in Transition. Historical Transformations and Contemporary Challenges. Soc. Sci. 2019 , 8 , 80. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci8030080

Andreasson J, Johansson T. Bodybuilding and Fitness Doping in Transition. Historical Transformations and Contemporary Challenges. Social Sciences . 2019; 8(3):80. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci8030080

Andreasson, Jesper, and Thomas Johansson. 2019. "Bodybuilding and Fitness Doping in Transition. Historical Transformations and Contemporary Challenges" Social Sciences 8, no. 3: 80. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci8030080

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Muscle as Fashion: Messages from the Bodybuilding Subculture

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Bodybuilding as a Subculture: What Is It, Why It Matters, Pro Tips & More

Bodybuilding is a multifaceted subculture that extends beyond physical activity, encompassing distinct values, beliefs, and practices. The primary focus of bodybuilding is to develop a muscular and defined physique through rigorous resistance training and strict dietary regimens. This subculture fosters a strong sense of community among its members, who often share a commitment to self-improvement, discipline, and perseverance.

Within the bodybuilding community, there is a significant emphasis on aesthetics, symmetry, and the pursuit of physical perfection. Bodybuilding competitions are a central aspect of the subculture, where participants showcase their physiques and are evaluated based on criteria such as muscle size, definition, and overall presentation. The subculture also encompasses related activities like powerlifting, strongman competitions, and fitness modeling, contributing to its diverse nature.

Bodybuilding has developed its own specialized terminology, with phrases such as “bulking,” “cutting,” “shredding,” and “posing” commonly used within the community. These terms describe specific techniques and strategies employed by bodybuilders to manipulate their body composition and achieve desired physical results. Understanding bodybuilding as a subculture requires recognizing its unique blend of physical, social, and cultural elements that distinguish it from other forms of fitness and athleticism.

This comprehensive approach to bodybuilding acknowledges its complexity and the dedication required to participate in this lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

• Bodybuilding is a subculture that revolves around physical fitness, muscle development, and competition.
• Bodybuilding has become significant in modern society as it promotes health, discipline, and dedication.
• The evolution of bodybuilding has seen it transition from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon with widespread popularity.
• Pro tips for success in bodybuilding include setting realistic goals, staying consistent, and seeking guidance from experienced professionals.
• Nutrition and supplements play a crucial role in bodybuilding, providing the necessary fuel and support for muscle growth and recovery.

The Significance of Bodybuilding in Modern Society

Influence on media and beauty standards.

Bodybuilding holds significant cultural and social relevance, influencing various aspects of popular culture, media, and even fashion. The idealized muscular physique promoted within the bodybuilding subculture has permeated mainstream media, shaping societal standards of beauty and physical attractiveness. This is evident in the prevalence of muscular male and female figures in advertising, film, and television, as well as the widespread use of fitness models and bodybuilders as brand ambassadors for health and wellness products.

Fashion Trends and Athleisure Wear

Moreover, bodybuilding has also had a profound impact on fashion trends, with the emphasis on muscularity and athleticism influencing clothing styles and trends. The popularity of athleisure wear, compression gear, and performance-enhancing apparel can be attributed to the influence of bodybuilding on fashion, as individuals seek to emulate the aesthetic and functional aspects of the bodybuilder’s attire.

A Symbol of Dedication and Self-Improvement

Furthermore, bodybuilding has become a symbol of dedication, discipline, and self-improvement in modern society, inspiring individuals to pursue their fitness goals and adopt healthier lifestyles. The subculture’s emphasis on hard work, perseverance, and goal setting has resonated with people from all walks of life, leading to a widespread appreciation for the values espoused by bodybuilders. As such, bodybuilding has transcended its niche origins to become a cultural phenomenon that continues to shape societal attitudes towards health, fitness, and personal development.

The Evolution of Bodybuilding: From Niche Hobby to Mainstream Phenomenon

The evolution of bodybuilding from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon can be attributed to several key factors that have contributed to its widespread popularity and cultural significance. One of the most significant developments in the evolution of bodybuilding is the advent of organized competitions and events that have provided a platform for bodybuilders to showcase their physiques and skills. These competitions have not only elevated the profile of bodybuilding but have also attracted a broader audience, leading to increased public interest in the subculture.

Additionally, advancements in training methodologies, nutrition science, and sports supplementation have played a pivotal role in the evolution of bodybuilding. The development of innovative training techniques, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and periodization, has revolutionized the way bodybuilders approach their workouts, leading to more efficient and effective training regimens. Similarly, the evolution of sports nutrition and supplementation has enabled bodybuilders to optimize their diets and enhance their performance through the use of specialized supplements designed to support muscle growth, recovery, and overall health.

Furthermore, the rise of social media and digital technology has had a profound impact on the evolution of bodybuilding, providing a platform for bodybuilders to connect with fans, share their knowledge and experiences, and promote the subculture to a global audience. The accessibility of online resources, such as workout programs, nutritional guidance, and motivational content, has democratized the practice of bodybuilding, making it more accessible to individuals seeking to improve their fitness and physique. As a result, bodybuilding has evolved from a niche hobby practiced by a dedicated few to a mainstream phenomenon that continues to inspire and empower people around the world.

Pro Tips for Success in the Bodybuilding Subculture

Achieving success in the bodybuilding subculture requires dedication, discipline, and a strategic approach to training, nutrition, and lifestyle management. One pro tip for success in bodybuilding is to set clear and achievable goals that align with your personal aspirations and physical potential. Whether your goal is to build muscle mass, improve strength and endurance, or compete in bodybuilding competitions, having a clear vision of what you want to achieve will provide you with the motivation and direction needed to stay focused on your fitness journey.

Another pro tip for success in bodybuilding is to prioritize proper nutrition and hydration to support your training efforts and promote muscle growth and recovery. This involves consuming a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to fuel your workouts and facilitate muscle repair and growth. Additionally, staying adequately hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal performance during training sessions and promoting overall health and well-being.

Furthermore, seeking guidance from experienced coaches, trainers, or mentors can provide valuable insights and support to help you navigate the complexities of bodybuilding. Whether it’s receiving personalized workout programming, nutritional counseling, or mental coaching, having access to expert advice can help you optimize your training regimen and avoid common pitfalls associated with novice bodybuilders. In addition to physical training and nutrition, it’s important to prioritize rest and recovery as part of your overall approach to success in bodybuilding.

Adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and active recovery strategies such as massage therapy or foam rolling can help prevent overtraining and promote optimal muscle repair and growth.

The Role of Nutrition and Supplements in Bodybuilding

Nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the demands of intense training and promoting muscle growth and recovery within the bodybuilding subculture. A well-balanced diet that provides an adequate intake of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) is essential for fueling workouts, supporting metabolic processes, and maintaining overall health. Protein is particularly important for bodybuilders as it serves as the building blocks for muscle tissue repair and growth.

Consuming high-quality sources of protein such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and plant-based protein supplements can help meet the increased protein requirements associated with resistance training. In addition to whole foods, many bodybuilders also incorporate sports supplements into their nutrition regimen to optimize their performance and support their fitness goals. Protein powders are commonly used by bodybuilders to increase their daily protein intake in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

Whey protein isolate, casein protein, and plant-based protein powders are popular choices among bodybuilders due to their high protein content and rapid digestibility. Furthermore, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, caffeine, and pre-workout formulas are among the many supplements used by bodybuilders to enhance exercise performance, increase muscle strength and endurance, reduce fatigue, and support recovery. While supplements can be beneficial when used strategically within a comprehensive nutrition plan, it’s important for individuals to prioritize whole foods as the foundation of their diet while using supplements as complementary tools to support their training efforts.

The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Bodybuilding

Mental resilience and confidence.

Engaging in regular exercise through weight training not only promotes physical strength but also fosters mental resilience by challenging individuals to push past their perceived limits and overcome obstacles. This can lead to increased self-confidence, self-efficacy, and a greater sense of empowerment as individuals witness their progress in the gym translate into other areas of their lives.

Stress Relief and Emotional Expression

Bodybuilding provides an outlet for stress relief and emotional expression by allowing individuals to channel their energy into productive physical activity. The release of endorphins during exercise can elevate mood levels while reducing feelings of anxiety or depression. Additionally, the discipline required for consistent training fosters mental fortitude by instilling habits of perseverance, determination, and goal setting that are transferable to other aspects of life.

Community and Social Support

Participating in the bodybuilding subculture can create a sense of community belongingness through shared experiences with like-minded individuals who share similar fitness goals. This social support network can provide encouragement during challenging times while fostering meaningful connections with others who understand the dedication required for success in bodybuilding.

The Future of Bodybuilding: Trends and Innovations in the Subculture

As we look towards the future of bodybuilding, several trends and innovations are shaping the trajectory of the subculture. One notable trend is the increasing emphasis on holistic health and wellness within the bodybuilding community. This includes a greater focus on sustainable approaches to nutrition that prioritize whole foods over processed supplements while promoting environmental sustainability through ethical sourcing practices.

Additionally, advancements in exercise science are driving innovations in training methodologies that prioritize functional movement patterns over traditional isolation exercises. This shift towards functional fitness reflects a broader recognition within the subculture of the importance of mobility, flexibility, balance, and coordination for overall physical well-being. Moreover, technology is playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of bodybuilding through the development of wearable fitness trackers, virtual coaching platforms, online training programs, and digital communities that connect individuals from around the world.

These technological innovations are democratizing access to fitness resources while providing personalized support for individuals seeking to improve their health and physique. Furthermore, there is a growing movement towards promoting diversity and inclusivity within the bodybuilding subculture by challenging traditional beauty standards and celebrating a wider range of body types and athletic abilities. This shift towards greater representation reflects an evolving understanding within the subculture of the importance of embracing individual differences while promoting acceptance and respect for all members of the community.

In conclusion, bodybuilding is a multifaceted subculture that encompasses physical fitness, nutrition science, mental resilience, social connection, and personal development. Its significance in modern society extends beyond its physical attributes to encompass cultural influence across various domains such as media representation fashion trends health promotion personal empowerment community building technological innovation environmental sustainability diversity inclusion. As we look towards the future trends innovations will continue shape evolve this dynamic subculture while inspiring empowering individuals pursue their fitness goals lead healthier more fulfilling lives.

What is bodybuilding as a subculture?

Bodybuilding as a subculture refers to a community of individuals who are dedicated to the pursuit of physical fitness and muscular development through weight training, nutrition, and supplementation. This subculture often has its own unique set of values, beliefs, and practices that distinguish it from mainstream fitness and athletic communities.

Why does bodybuilding as a subculture matter?

Bodybuilding as a subculture matters because it provides a sense of belonging and identity for individuals who are passionate about fitness and body transformation. It also serves as a platform for personal growth, discipline, and self-improvement, as well as a source of inspiration and motivation for others.

What are some pro tips for bodybuilding?

Some pro tips for bodybuilding include setting specific and achievable goals, following a structured workout program, prioritizing proper nutrition and adequate rest, staying consistent with training and diet, seeking guidance from experienced coaches or mentors, and being patient with the process of building muscle and strength.

How does bodybuilding as a subculture impact society?

Bodybuilding as a subculture impacts society by promoting the importance of physical health and fitness, challenging societal norms and stereotypes about body image, and fostering a sense of community and support for individuals who are dedicated to their fitness journey. It also serves as a platform for promoting discipline, dedication, and perseverance in pursuit of personal goals.

What are some common misconceptions about bodybuilding as a subculture?

Some common misconceptions about bodybuilding as a subculture include the belief that all bodybuilders use performance-enhancing drugs, that bodybuilding is solely focused on appearance rather than overall health, and that bodybuilders are all narcissistic or self-absorbed. In reality, many bodybuilders prioritize natural and sustainable approaches to training and nutrition, and are dedicated to promoting holistic health and wellness.

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Female Bodybuilding and Patriarchal Civilization. The Intrusion of a Practice in Sport into Artistic Fields and Visual Culture

• First Online: 06 September 2022

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• Isabel Fontbona Mola 5 &
• Ulf Wuggenig 6  

Part of the book series: Kunst und Gesellschaft ((KUGE))

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This essay focuses on the practice of female bodybuilding (in the form we know it today) from the perspectives of domination and empowerment, social influence and power. The primary theoretical frame of reference is Bourdieu’s field-habitus-capital approach, though this essay also discusses some limitations of applications of this theory, since Bourdieu linked bodybuilding with the working class only and did not discuss it as a middle class and feminism connotated female practice as well. Using a critical queer approach, the practice of female bodybuilding is discussed in terms of its similarities and fundamental difference with male bodybuilding. The essay furthermore looks at the practice on a systemic level, analyzing its expansion from sport and entertainment into several cultural and visual fields, including eroticism and the arts, in a process of social differentiation; and its globalization beyond its origins in the United States and the United Kingdom, which was also facilitated by the internet—psycho power—and which redefined the practice’s visibility after the iconic turn in an overall economy of appearance and attention. Of special relevance, this essay analyzes some of the intra- and intergender struggles within the field in light of the male dominance on the institutional level, which is enforced by heteronomous orientations (demand as well as male gaze) that support heavily sexualized, essentialist expectations of “femininity” for performing bodybuilders. These expectations are similarly reinforced by the demands of marketing interests and are supported by the complicity of the negatively privileged, which is characteristic for the functioning of symbolic power in Bourdieu’s sense. The ambiguity involved in the affirmative reproduction of the dominant gender order, as well as the critical intentions and dissident interventions in the patriarchal order, are discussed using the theoretical frame provided by French constructivist structuralism and further approaches to social power.

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Mola, I.F., Wuggenig, U. (2022). Female Bodybuilding and Patriarchal Civilization. The Intrusion of a Practice in Sport into Artistic Fields and Visual Culture. In: Gaupp, L., Barber-Kersovan, A., Kirchberg, V. (eds) Arts and Power. Kunst und Gesellschaft. Springer VS, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-37429-7_9

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Sport and the body.

Given the centrality of the body in sport performance, it might be assumed that the corporeality of athletes has been an essential facet of sport sociological analysis. Despite its vital role, however, the body has occupied ‘‘an absent presence’’ in this research and only since the late 1980s have sport sociologists expressed a growing interest in this topic.

This rather late awakening to the social construction of the body can be attributed to the persistent mind body dualism that has had a deep impact on how the sociology of sport and sport studies view themselves as academic disciplines. The break of sport sciences from physical education reflected the move away from the bodily experience into an intellectual understanding of sport and a validation of sport as a scientific discipline. Opting for the science route, in its early phase from the mid 1960s to the early 1980s, sport sociology was dominated by structural functionalist theorizing that focused on examining human beings as role actors within social structures ignoring the embodied actor. However, in the late 1980s and during the 1990s, along with other social sciences, the ‘‘non body bias’’ started to lift and there was an increased awareness of the importance of studying how the sport ing body has been constructed within power relations.

Examinations of the sporting body have evolved through several theoretical traditions. Inspired by the work of Norbert Elias, several sport sociologists have looked at how the (male) sporting body has become more civilized when molded through different figurations of power over time. This has evolved into further process sociological examinations of interrelation ships between the body, power, and identity construction.

Interpretive sociology, particularly the dramaturgical work of Erving Goffman, has inspired sport scholars to examine the presentation of the body in its everyday context. In addition, phenomenological approaches have been used to examine how the lived body is experienced within the sporting context.

Critical cultural studies examine how the body has been shaped by the ideological construction of sport and by the dominant groups that maintain the current structure of sport. In addition, researchers using this approach have drawn attention to how different bodily identities – such as gendered bodies, lesbian/gay bodies, disabled bodies, ethnic bodies, and aging bodies – have been constructed within commercialized, globalized sport. They have also examined how a body can act as site of agency to resist the dominance of the powerful groups in sport.

More recently, the work of French poststructuralists such as Pierre Bourdieu and particularly Michel Foucault have become increasingly visible tools to examine the social construction of the sporting body. Bourdieu’s work has enabled sport scholars to locate the body within the context of social fields where different sport practices construct distinctive habitus for its participants. Foucault’s understanding of the body as a material site of disciplinary, discursive practices has been used to examine sport as a technology of domination. However, there is also an expanding literature on how the body might act as practice of freedom from the truth games that dominate sport and subvert the ethics of self care. Feminist sport research, particularly, has contributed to growing Foucauldian interpretations of sporting bodies (Markula 2004).

Against this theoretical backdrop, several major topics emerge. One of the major premises for the current investigation of the sporting body as socially constructed is not just about how it is shaped but also about how individual bodies are shaping the power relations in sport. From the modernist perspective, the sporting body is seen as a contradiction: simultaneously being constructed by and constructing the dominant ideologies of sport. Sport, therefore, has been identified to act as a social field that has potential to liberate such oppressed identities as women, lesbian/gay people, disabled, aged, minority ethnicities, or economically underprivileged groups, but who simultaneously conform to the current dominant ideologies of sport. Similarly, different sports, such as male contact sports, have been identified as particular sites for oppressive bodily practices, whereas other sports, such as women’s team/contact sports or women’s bodybuilding, have been analyzed as sites for liberation from the structures of power.

Poststructuralist/postmodern theorists aim to expand the possibilities for the body’s ability to change the existing power relations by assuming the embodied human being as an antiessentialist self who, instead of struggling to resist against power that someone else exclusively holds, assumes a certain amount of power themselves. In this scenario, power relations turn from something to be resisted and eventually overturned into a potential source of creative and positive change through bodily practices. These examinations have also transgressed the boundaries of ‘‘traditional’’ definitions of sport to examine bodily dimensions of such popular phenomena as extreme and adventure sports, ‘‘trash sport’’ events such as the performances by World Wrestling Enterprise (WWE), and the fitness industry within the increasingly global economy of leisure.

While sport scholars have used a variety of methods, their examination of the sporting bodies can be located within two broad categories: textual readings of the sporting body and the sporting body as experienced by the athletes. The textual readings range from the representation of women athletes’ bodies in the media, to the signification of celebrity athletes in the current socioeconomic climate. Individual bodily experiences have been mapped primarily by interviewing athletes within a diverse range of sports and at diverse levels of sport. These studies have focused on such bodily issues as violence, physicality, the impact of injury in a sporting career, body image, disordered eating, sexuality, sexual harassment, sport for disabled, and becoming disabled through sport. Several researchers have also embarked on interview studies to determine whether a particular sporting body can be interpreted as a transgressive body. In addition to interviewing, ethnographic studies have been conducted to trace the social construction of sporting bodies within such contexts as bodybuilding, boxing, the fitness industry, sport spectatorship, football hooliganism, football industry, adventure sports, WWE, women’s ice hockey, and rugby union. There is also a growing literature of autoethnographically based examinations of bodily experiences. These studies trace, through the authors’ personal experiences, how the physically active body has been lived into existence within the structures of power.

The sporting body has been examined from diverse theoretical perspectives using multiple methods to create a rich and varied body of literature. This multiplicity is likely to characterize future research on the social analyses of sporting bodies. However, there appears to be a theoretical trend toward the postmodern/poststructuralist analysis of the body. Therefore, while the modernist body as ideologically constructed into such categorical identities as gender, class, race, or sexuality will persist as part of sociological examination of the sporting body, the performative, postcolonial, queer, cyborg, and embodied postmodern body that is fragmented and in constant flux in the hyperreal, global economy of the sign will feature strongly in future research, as scholars expand their research horizons to further transgress the definitional boundaries of sport. In addition, the storied bodily writing continues to challenge social science research texts through their engagement in performance and performative writing.

References:

• Coakley, J. (2004) Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies. McGraw-Hill, Boston.
• Cole, C. L. (2000) Body Studies in the Sociology of Sport. In: Coakley, J. & Dunning, E. (Eds.), Handbook of Sports Studies. Sage, London, pp. 439-60.
• Featherstone, M., Hepworth, M., & Turner, B. S. (1991). The Body: Social Process and Cultural Theory. Sage, London.
• Gruneau, R. (1993). The Critique of Sport in Modernity: Theorizing Power, Culture, and the Politics of the Body. In: Dunning, E. G., Maguire, J. A., & Pearton, R. E. (Eds.), The Sports Process: A Comparative and Developmental Approach. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL, pp. 85-110.
• Hall, M. A. (1996) Feminism and Sporting Bodies. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL.
• Klein, A. (1993). Little Big Men: Bodybuilding Subculture and Gender Construction. State University of New York Press, Albany.
• Markula, P. (2004) Tuning Into One’s Self: Foucault’s Technologies of the Self and Mindful Fitness. Sociology of Sport Journal 21(3): 302-21.
• Rail, G. & Harvey, J. (1995) Body at Work: Michel Foucault and the Sociology of Sport. Sociology of Sport Journal 12: 164-79.
• Shilling, C. (1993). The Body and Social Theory. Sage, London.
• Sociology of Sport Journal (2001) Special issue on disability and sport. 20(1).

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The Bodybuilding Subculture!

Is bodybuilding its own subculture or just a sport? Are physique athletes too diverse and self-consumed to have a true collective identity? Will bodybuilding ever go mainstream or should it remain sequestered and hardcore?

I s bodybuilding it's own subculture or just a sport? Are physique athletes too diverse and self-consumed to have a true collective identity? Will bodybuilding ever go "mainstream" or should it remain sequestered and hardcore? John, Lonnie, and Rob Fortney of www.virtualmuscle.com throw in their two cents.

[ Q ] Is bodybuilding its own subculture?

competition

I say "pharmaceutical" because I don't want to confuse it here with recreational "drugs." The truth is, most upper-level competitive bodybuilders are fascinated by anabolic drugs and value them as a necessary part of the subculture. They literally enable physique athletes to become supra-human - and that's seductive. It further creates delineation between the "average" citizen and the bodybuilder. In great contrast, the "just say no" generation is shocked and dismayed by drugs in general. I think members of the subculture take great pride in learning about and using drugs that shock the average person.

JB: Bodybuilding? A subculture? Na, it only takes one look at Muscle Media 2000 to see that bodybuilding is as mainstream as Microsoft and ... Oh wait a freakin minute! What am I saying? Of course bodybuilding is a subculture!

But before the argument begins, we have to define what exactly we mean by bodybuilding. By bodybuilding I'm referring to the drive (some call it obsession) for physique perfection including huge amounts of muscle mass and low levels of body fat. Included in this definition is also the drive for maximum intensity both in and out of the gym. Physique competition has something to do with the definition but not everything.

Bodybuilding is more a state of mind characterized by excess that is manifest in the gym and on the stage. Everything about bodybuilding is hardcore. Excluded in this definition is the desire to "look a little more cut", to "see all my abs," and to "get a little stronger."

Nothing is wrong with these latter goals, but they are not bodybuilding goals . Bodybuilding, by its very nature, screams "LOOK AT ME! I'M NOT NORMAL AND I LIKE IT." Does that sound like a subculture to you? Of course it does. And if you don't think so, you're not a member.

One of the most interesting things I find about this subculture is the following. A member of it is easily recognizable. And I don't just mean the silly tans and the pumped up physiques. Since I'm pretty big and lean, I can walk into any serious gym across the US and Canada and once I start training, you'll see the members of the subculture rise to the surface. I know this because in the last 7 years I've had memberships at more than 20 gyms. Immediately as I begin squatting over 500 pounds, the average gym lifter views me as peculiar. And why wouldn't he or she.

My head looks like it's about to rocket launch from my body. In contrast, the bodybuilder views me as "one of us" and is the first one to offer a spot or to start conversation. These are the guys have often become my best friends. It's like being part of a secret society that few others understand.

In this life there's a strange irony. We are all looking for a certain defining individuality but we also want to share that with others like us. It's not a rugged individualism but just something that makes us different from most. And bodybuilding sure does offers that to us.

RF: I don't think there can be any question about bodybuilding as a subculture. When one becomes fully immersed in bodybuilding his life changes and he adapts in varying ways to the pursuit. Lonnie's points about performance drugs and their widespread use cause subculture-like attributes as well.

Take a look at any group who share preference for a certain drug - be it alcohol, pot, cocaine, crack, etc ... Do they not gravitate toward each other? I think in looking at this it is apparent subcultures are created when groups of like-minded people with similar desires unite in opposition to a social environment that views such interests as "abnormal." Building ridiculous-sized muscles is the subculture of bodybuilding.

[ Q ] Is the bodybuilding subculture bad? That is, is there something pathological about it compared to the general population?

JB: Is the subculture bad? I guess it depends on your surroundings and the context. Again, since I move around a lot, I've seen the many faces of bodybuilding. I've seen a bodybuilding full of competitive sprit and camaraderie. This is that essence that Lonnie made reference to. Interestingly, at the time, I was training in a very old school gym full of black and white photos of Arnold and some other 60s and 70s bodybuilders.

In fact the gym owner used to hang with Arnold back when Arnold was still bodybuilding and loved to tell the stories of the good old days. Sure they were delusional in their thinking that the current bodybuilders couldn't hold a candle to Arnold and Franco. Sure there were drugs in that gym just like everywhere else.

Sure there was that hint of body image obsession. But all these potential disasters were held in check by something, I don't know, more wholesome. It was all about lifting weights and pride. Muscles were synonymous with work and in such a place, the bigger you were, the harder you worked. We weren't worried about getting the perfect tan or always being smoothly shaven.

On the flip side, though, I've also seen bodybuilding as a destructive endeavor full of physical obsessions (including the eating disorders, sex fetishism, and drug abuse) and mental obsessions (including obsessive compulsive disorder, addictive personality disorders, and paranoia). This side was full of after hours "photo shoots" with the female fitness models and bodybuilders, full of parking lot pharmacists, and full of dime store thieves and addicts trying to get some money together for their next steroid cycle. In such situations, of course pathos runs rampant.

Low self worth, antisocial behavior, and physical, social, and mental insecurities turn into the desire for some sort of muscle suit to cover it all up and make one "OK." And being part of this over the top subculture seemed to make them feel ok for a while. But ultimately they became defined by the subculture and never were able to develop other coping skills. The threat of no longer being part of this group meant loss of identity and that's how addicitions and paranoia begin. Looking back, it's frightening. With this said, though I'll be honest. The guys in this second scenario were bigger.

And sometimes felt and seemed to be superhuman in the context of their little world. To give an extreme example, I remember days when these guys would have steroid parties where they would play loud music, shoot up lots of juice, and then go "power eat" thousands of calories in a sitting. Again, it was all about excess and they loved it! But from the perspective of an outside observer, they were just sick little children in big boy clothes.

At this point, I hope I'm presenting a fair depiction of both sides of the coin. But no matter how bodybuilding presents itself, in either context, the potential for danger is still there. Like I said earlier, bodybuilding is all about extreme and hardcore. And anything taken to that level for too long may destroy. It's like running a car at 100mph all the time.

On the autobon, it's probably OK. But do that while ripping around your neighborhood and you're just hanging on the edge of disaster. I guess it's more important to know when it's appropriate to speed up and when it's appropriate to slow down. Unfortunately many bodybuilders don't know how on earth to do that.

RF: I feel bodybuilding, when taken to extremes, is horribly damaging to a person's well being, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, if you want to achieve competitive success, you must go to the extreme. The drug abuse, social isolation and inevitable body-image problems can create havoc on one's life.

You'll find most hardcore bodybuilders obsessed and with little to talk about outside of the sport. It's sad and leads to destructive behaviors. I've said it before. Most upper-level bodybuilders are socially impotent and have serious body-image problems.

[ Q ] Can bodybuilding evolve into a mainstream sport or will the attempt destroy its true nature?

Some of the stagnation has come from pressure on magazine editors and contest officials to be politically correct. Bodybuilding should not be "PC." It's unique set of values and mores define it. Lose these to outside influences and you lose the sport.

JB: I'm not sure what to think on this one. For the sport, I'm certain that going mainstream is not where it's at. In the mid 90s when I was in the thick of my competitive days, Bill Phillips was trying to convince people bodybuilding is in fact a mainstream activity. And with this belief he decided to define bodybuilders as regular old Joes picking up weights in the weight rooms and fitness centers across the world.

He thought physique competitions should be like his transformation challenges . In fact, I remember the scene in his Body of Work video where he actually went up to a pro bodybuilder and with a derisive tone, he mocked him, calling him "the next Arnold." He then implied that all this obsession with muscles was ridiculous. So, inherent in this, his bias was clearly stated. "Get out of the gym you freak, your days are numbered."

Numbered? I'm not so sure. But times, they are certainly a changin.' It seems like the soft core is in. But in a subtle yet different way than Bill espoused. Bill simply wanted to soften the image of bodybuilding to the general public so that they too saw the value in weight training. But rather than focusing just on that, he decided to combine being apologetic for the bodybuilders with a mocking of them. And although I didn't agree with his methods, that's not all that reprehensible. In fact it's kind of cool to see more and more people lifting weights than ever. But what I see today in bodybuilding is surely what I would define as "soft."

Bodybuilding today has become so image conscious. And in doing this, it has lost its hardcore. With its new attempts at going mainstream there is this carnival-like atmosphere. And it seems to be becoming less and less of a sport. I can't imagine anyone thinking the new carnival is cool. It's Vince McMahon marketing style at its "finest." The bodybuilding aristocracy has created these whirlwind events and publications that emphasize video, magazine, and supplement sales.

Not that big of a deal. But since the consumers no longer think they actually have a chance of attaining the physiques of the pros it's more of a WWF-like interest that keeps them coming back to the sport. Bodybuilding crowds and enthusiasts used to be participants. Now they are just spectators. And to perpetuate this, 16 token bodybuilders will walk onto the Olympia stage every fall. And every fall they're bigger and more unattainable.

Maybe, for the benefit of those who are searching for the essence, the new carnival has to die. But my fear is that if bodybuilding does die, something may be lost. I'm not saying it definitely will, but without public physique heroes, some of the drive is certainly gone. When I was 18, I had a pictures of Gary Strydom, Shawn Ray, and Lee Haney up on the wall in my bedroom. But what I did was cut out pictures of my face and paste it on the faces of the bodybuilders. Obsession? Maybe, but it was definitely motivational for me.

So the bottom line is that mainstream acceptance of lifting is cool. And the practice of it in health clubs is also fine. But bodybuilding as I defined earlier should stay in the gyms. Don't try to take it out to the public. And don't try to bring the public to it. Either way, it gets soft. And whether it thrives as a sport or not makes no difference to me. I never viewed the bodybuilding I do as a sport anyway.

[ Q ] What are your predictions/suggestions for the future of the subculture?

Selling products within the pages is not, in itself offensive, but when it taints the content of every article, you have to wonder: why am I paying to read a 100-page advertisement? Besides, this type of setup pressures editors to only serve-up sugar coated, more politically correct articles that essentially dissolve the subculture. If no one can get a new "voice of the people" off the ground financially, I predict corruption and dilution to the point of demise for bodybuilding as we know it.

As a web site contributor/editor, I see this type of online publication potentially leading the way toward cultivating a reader-first paradigm that's purpose is to educate/motivate -and only sell products peripherally. The problem with web sites is the ocean of worthless ones. Still, web site/printed mag combos like www.t-mag.com , www.virtualmuscle.com, and the small start-up pub, Muscle Monthly, are steps in the right direction. If they can instill a fresh sense of community, we'll see a new era.

JB: I see a huge shift in the direction of bodybuilding and weightlifting. I don't think that the magazines that are currently portraying themselves as the "voice" of bodybuilding are going to be able to continue as they have been. The bodybuilding media and culture have been corrupted by money. And the money men are wiesels that haven't ever know the pain and subsequent reward of puking after a real 20 rep set of 405 on the squats. Without that knowledge, how do they ever expect to appeal to me? They can't tap into what makes me want to train and get huge.

I think that the hardcore subculture needs to separate from the farce that has become pro bodybuilding (namely the pencil-neck bodybuilding aristocracy) and simply go to where other hardcore athletes are. What about joining forces with sprinters, pro hockey players, football players, and the like?. Are they really all that different than we are? Sure our training goals are different, but is the attitude any different? I don't think so.

We all want to go to the edge in our performance. Heck even the drugs are the same. So why not join forces. Running, football and hockey are certainly more mainstream than bodybuilding and will always be. But I'm not talking about the commercial side of sport here. I'm talking about the athletes themselves.

I think that if the subculture expanded to include these hardcore athletes, if supplements and training programs were designed with all of us in mind, and if real gyms included all of such athletes, then although the subculture might lose a bit of it's identity, it will thrive in different ways and become a bit more mainstream without a deterioriation in its essential character. We may need a change like this to create a new identity. I think it's a hugely mutually beneficial relationship. Think about what we can and have already done for them in terms of training and nutrition !

To illustrate my point look at the individuals who are becoming successful in the industry. The guys who are targeting serious weight trainers and athletes. Sure physique enhancement is included in this. But mags like T-mag are becoming wildly successful without ever showing a bodybuilder's picture or training routine. Such mags are searching to get that essence back. And are finding it in the gyms not on the stages.

RF: I can foresee a time when professional bodybuilding is outlawed. This may seem far-fetched, but is it? The whole thing has gotten so out of hand. What the sport needs to do is lose Ben Weider and other like-minded fools. They want mainstream acceptance and it is drawing in all sorts of deviants and scum. These people want money, nothing else. But really, what isn't corrupted by man's greed? The hawking of lies and crap has become epidemic.

We need to trim the fat and go back to the essence of the sport. Bodybuilding has become corporate I'm sad to say. It's lost its innocence. What ever happened to a pure love of training and the friendships that develop with others who share the same passion? To me, weight training is a natural extension of all else in a healthy life. One must not forsake everything for one attribute. There has got to be balance. I was losing that balance several years ago. Thank God I caught myself. And guess what? I'm a better person and better lifter. Coincidence? I don't think so. Bodybuilding needs mentally strong participants. It's not for the weak.

Well, there you have it. Bodybuilding does seem to be more of a subculture than merely a sport - although even those with competitive experience disagree on its defining characteristics. You can become a force for positive change or you can lose your naivete in very destructive ways. It's up to you.

About The Author

John Berardi

John Berardi is president and founder of Science Link Inc and johnberardi.com. John specializes in human performance and nutrition consulting.

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