Competitive bodybuilding and fitness lifestyles aren't ideally the most healthy

ninerbuff
ninerbuff Posts: 49,092 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Being a former competitive bodybuilder in the 80's, I used to think that seeing all of them meant they were in good health because of their physiques. Then I came to the realization (after 7 shows) that it's not ideally a healthy lifestyle.
Especially for competitive bodybuilding, the goal is to put on as much muscle as you can so you can display it in a contest. In the offseason, you're consuming a lot of calories, high amounts of protein, and not doing hardly any cardio (because it can deter muscle gains). Then once you're precontest dieting, you're going into a calorie deficit which for many, they try to lose 30lbs-50lbs in a 12-16 week span. And as you near contest dates, you try to dehydrate your body and only drink minimal water up to contest day. And some do this 2 to 3 times a year. Gaining weight then losing it in short periods of time is rough on the body. And I haven't even talked about PED use in the process (unless of course competitors compete TOTALLY NATURAL).
Fitness competitions also require strict dieting and dehydration so you're "tight" for competition. Many will also take mild diuretics to help rid themselves of water so it doesn't blur out their lines.
In essence when you see them on stage, you'd think they are in their best health. But I can attest, that you're tired, drained, thirsty, hungry and your immunity system is probably at it's most susceptible.
So while many may want to look like some of the bodybuilders and fitness models out there, realize there's a lot of unhealthy things they have to do to retain that look all year around.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Replies

  • chris_in_cal
    chris_in_cal Posts: 2,674 Member
    I appreciate you experienced perspective.

    As an outside it is hard to even relate to the obvious devotion and commitment they have for mass and cut.

    On the other hand the activity has probably really pushed our understanding of what extremes our bodies can be pushed into.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,092 Member
    chris_in_cal wrote: »
    I appreciate you experienced perspective.

    As an outside it is hard to even relate to the obvious devotion and commitment they have for mass and cut.

    On the other hand the activity has probably really pushed our understanding of what extremes our bodies can be pushed into.
    Realize that in the pros, male bodybuilders are SHREDDED at about 240lbs on average now. Guys like Nick Walker will step on stage shredded at about 265lbs-275lbs. And he's my height of 5'7". I walked around being uncomfortable at 218lbs. In the off season, Nick gets up to 300lbs. It's crazy how huge these guys are and the abuse they put their bodies through with PED's and the amount of food they consume (easily 4000+ calories a day for many off season).
    But there are consequences. We're seeing pro bodybuilders dropping dead before 50 year old now more than ever.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png

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