Stop demeaning female bodybuilders

TheSlorax

Also I would like to point out that contrary to popular belief you can cut weight and build muscle at the same time. Now don't get me wrong, you won't make the muscle gains you would from bulking, but your muscles will grow as you lose fat. I know as I've dropped 30 lbs of fat and increased my muscle mass exponentially as well as my lifts.

Could it be the fat is gone and now muscle is more visible??

That's not nearly as interesting or special as gaining muscle on a deficit!!!!

ItsCasey

I don't like the use of the words "disgusting" or "gross," but let's face it; there is no way to say you don't find those body types attractive without coming across as demeaning or critical or negative. And I realize these competitors are not driven by what other people find attractive, but that is the heart of this piece ... "You think this is gross, but let me tell you how hard they work ..." Well, that's beside the point. Nobody is saying they don't work hard.

I know the author of this piece is talking about comments like the hurtful terms above or equating a female bodybuilder to a man, and certainly I agree with her on those points. But there is also a budding "If you don't find this attractive, go F yourself" sentiment in this community, and that's not right either. I respect anyone for working hard to achieve a goal, but I'm allowed to like what I like without apology or defense.

Galatea_Stone

I admire the hard work and dedication that goes into the sport. I work out a lot, lift 3-4 times a week with respectable weights for my size, and I know I will never be able to build the kind of muscle these athletes possess. It's more than lifting. It's diet, it's maintaining the right nutrient balance, it's symmetry, it's commitment. Leaning out for competition is brutal. Bulking can be really hard because sometimes, food just looks like a horrible chore. To keep that up day in and day out is impressive.

The ability to mold the human form into a work of art should be commended.

rml_16

A lot of people only work out so they will look more attractive to others. So when they see people who are taking physical fitness to such an extreme they can't understand why they are doing it if it is not making them more attractive to others. They just don't understand the goals and motivations of a bodybuilder.

Note: To clarify I do not mean to say that bodybuilders are not attractive in general, but the competition/stage look with the thick glossy tans and the lights and the hiked up swimsuits and the low body fat levels that are not normally maintained, that look, while I understand it has its purpose, is not attractive to many people and is kind of freaky. So when average people see it on a poster or wherever they make rude comments even though they shouldn't.
I have a friend at my gym who does figure competitions and I think she looks really good every time I see her person, but I did see some of her competition pics one time and in my head my initial reaction was 'yikes!'

I would say most people DO NOT work out to look more attractive to others. It's an added side benefit but not the main motivator.

Perhaps this would make a good poll question, I'm sure someone has already done one somewhere. Still, many people won't come out and say that looking good is their main motivation because they don't want to appear shallow.

Call me shallow. I'm perfectly healthy and not all that overweight (not to a dangerous level). I work out and eat healthy 95% to look good.

The other 5% is to keep in shape so that as I age I can continue being active and healthy.

stealthq

A lot of people only work out so they will look more attractive to others. So when they see people who are taking physical fitness to such an extreme they can't understand why they are doing it if it is not making them more attractive to others. They just don't understand the goals and motivations of a bodybuilder.

Note: To clarify I do not mean to say that bodybuilders are not attractive in general, but the competition/stage look with the thick glossy tans and the lights and the hiked up swimsuits and the low body fat levels that are not normally maintained, that look, while I understand it has its purpose, is not attractive to many people and is kind of freaky. So when average people see it on a poster or wherever they make rude comments even though they shouldn't.
I have a friend at my gym who does figure competitions and I think she looks really good every time I see her person, but I did see some of her competition pics one time and in my head my initial reaction was 'yikes!'

I agree that the difference between everyday appearance and competition posing for bodybuilders is pretty dramatic. I would bet that most natural bodybuilders would not necessarily be pegged as such on a normal day, when they're close to a competition.

When I was a teenager training at the local Gold's, there was a female bodybuilder that worked out around the same time I did. She was ~5ft tall. She looked amazing all the time - no one in their right mind would have called her anything like 'manly'. It was always fun to see the new peoples' eyes get really big when she'd grab the 50lb dumbbells and crank out bicep curls, or load 200-250 lbs on the bar for squats. Yet I'm sure at competitions she looked as developed as the photos in the articles.

jwdieter

The farther along the body modification spectrum someone gets, the fewer people appreciate it.

Man, woman, any kind of modification.

wheird

Oh hey there. I wrote this article!

I'm glad some of you enjoyed it and that it's provoked some conversation. Love seeing some of the responses for this.

I agree it's just as wrong to body-shame someone who is overweight as much as someone with a bodybuilder's physique - I like that someone pointed that out. They're very different situations, but the principle still stands.

I love when the author of an article shows up.

Gilbrod

Lots of sexy female body builders out there. I have yet to see or hear anyone say anything to their face. It probably wouldn't end well. Great read.

pattimacaulay

Nevermind. Nothing to see here. Move along people.

Elsie_Brownraisin

I would not demean anyone, particularly if they look as though they can snap my neck with their thighs.

It makes me really cross, though. We can't win. If a woman exercises and builds her body up for her own enjoyment and her own achievement, that's bad. If she's fat, that's bad, and so much the worse if she doesn't give a s**t about it.

I do not find male or female competition builders sexually attractive, but I imagine that they (rightfully) do not give one toss about that. The whims of a chubby trainwreck living in a rainy little hole in England should not factor into anyone's decision making.

in_the_stars

I agree about not being demeaning towards anyone, regardless of their bodies. Calling someone's body "disgusting" is really, really rude, and I associate that kind of thing with internet trolls.

Needless to say, that goes both way. Overweight people shaming those who are thin, thin shaming the obese. Slim women shaming female bodybuilders, and female bodybilders referring to just about everybody as "not in shape".

I don't dislike female bodybuilders at all, but I have experienced a few times that they are critical of others and have a low bar for calling others "skinnyfat". Some love to promote the "strong is the new skinny" and how health is more important, although some appear to be obsessed. Sometimes it's accompanied by random commandments, telling strangers over social media to "lift properly girls!"
In a discussion about weight goals one fitness woman gave me a strategy as to minimize my body fat. I wrote that I wasn't really interested in going below 18% and that 22-23% was fine by me. It then turned into a discussion where I felt like I had to defend my goal, and the simple reason is that I think a woman's body is more attractive with a bit more fat on it, and secondly, that going down to 18% bodyfat, a woman's fertility gets compromised. These are really just facts, but I was called "hateful".

I am fine with whatever other people want for their own bodies, as long as they are fine with me handling mine. One person's goal is not everybody's goal, and that's ok.

Love this post.

BobOki

My biggest thing about how people want their bodies to look... IT'S THEIR FREAKING CHOICE!
I remember a time, no so long ago, when internet bullying did not exist because everything was still local, and you talked trash online someone came over and broke your face. Now it is a bunch of pathetic kids who get their jollies trying to insult anything not just like them.

Never before has the world had more freedoms with more hatred to go along with it. The more free we get the more jackoffs we seem to become. Sad.

rml_16

you talked trash online someone came over and broke your face.

Where do you live that people behave that way?

As for there being more "jack-offs," that isn't the case. We have the same number, they just have a wider more public platform.

Josalinn

Oh hey there. I wrote this article!

I'm glad some of you enjoyed it and that it's provoked some conversation. Love seeing some of the responses for this.

I agree it's just as wrong to body-shame someone who is overweight as much as someone with a bodybuilder's physique - I like that someone pointed that out. They're very different situations, but the principle still stands.

Thank you for the article. It was good perspective a little shamming on my part. I don't like the look of overly built people, its a little terrifying to me. I can respect the effort and dedication, but I used to be one of the people who'd say "ew" in my head. I try really hard not to comment on people's bodies negatively because I don't like to be negatively commented on. Amending my thinking, however.

Could someone explain the spray tan thing though? I think that has a lot to do with my initial response of "ew". People aren't supposed to be orange....

BusyRaeNOTBusty

A lot of people only work out so they will look more attractive to others. So when they see people who are taking physical fitness to such an extreme they can't understand why they are doing it if it is not making them more attractive to others. They just don't understand the goals and motivations of a bodybuilder.

Note: To clarify I do not mean to say that bodybuilders are not attractive in general, but the competition/stage look with the thick glossy tans and the lights and the hiked up swimsuits and the low body fat levels that are not normally maintained, that look, while I understand it has its purpose, is not attractive to many people and is kind of freaky. So when average people see it on a poster or wherever they make rude comments even though they shouldn't.
I have a friend at my gym who does figure competitions and I think she looks really good every time I see her person, but I did see some of her competition pics one time and in my head my initial reaction was 'yikes!'

I would say most people DO NOT work out to look more attractive to others. It's an added side benefit but not the main motivator.

Perhaps this would make a good poll question, I'm sure someone has already done one somewhere. Still, many people won't come out and say that looking good is their main motivation because they don't want to appear shallow.

Call me shallow. I'm perfectly healthy and not all that overweight (not to a dangerous level). I work out and eat healthy 95% to look good.

The other 5% is to keep in shape so that as I age I can continue being active and healthy.

See, I'm at the point that any future improvements are just not that evident with clothes on. I lift because I like it. I bike because I like it. I want to get leaner, basically just to see if I can so I can be happier naked, which only one other person sees. Looking more attractive to "others', meh, I don't care that much.

rml_16

See, I'm at the point that any future improvements are just not that evident with clothes on. I lift because I like it. I bike because I like it. I want to get leaner, basically just to see if I can so I can be happier naked, which only one other person sees. Looking more attractive to "others', meh, I don't care that much.

But if you stopped doing those things, you might not look so good in clothes anymore (take my word for it! lol).

So on some level, even if it's not your top priority, it is probably one of the reasons you do it.

Bernadette60614

Ever noticed when someone meets a woman how quickly they say: You look great!

It is as if the first thing we feel we can judge about a woman openly is her appearance.

astronomicals

how about everybody just shuts the ####up....

men demeaning women.. steroid users demeaning naturals... cats pooping on dogs heads... all of that ####

Perrybarger

To me.. any human that takes their body to the higher levels of fitness I am in awe of them. As much hard work and dedication as it has taken me to lose weight, I can only imagine the sacrifices they make to achieve those levels. I don't give a damn if it is a male or female you have nothing but my respect. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what one person does not find attractive another person will. Anyone who looks at these folks and don't see nothing but hard work and determination will never get it and should just keep their mouths shut. If I can take my body to even a 10th of what a lot of these ladies have done I will be very happy.

Josalinn

Oh hey there. I wrote this article!

I'm glad some of you enjoyed it and that it's provoked some conversation. Love seeing some of the responses for this.

I agree it's just as wrong to body-shame someone who is overweight as much as someone with a bodybuilder's physique - I like that someone pointed that out. They're very different situations, but the principle still stands.

Thank you for the article. It was good perspective a little shamming on my part. I don't like the look of overly built people, its a little terrifying to me. I can respect the effort and dedication, but I used to be one of the people who'd say "ew" in my head. I try really hard not to comment on people's bodies negatively because I don't like to be negatively commented on. Amending my thinking, however.

Could someone explain the spray tan thing though? I think that has a lot to do with my initial response of "ew". People aren't supposed to be orange....

First of all, original author, great article. I also liked the one it linked to about what "toning" means.

Second, as to spray tan, darker skin just helps show muscle definition better.

Thanks!

lilRicki

I lift weights next to a natural female bodybuilder, and all I want to do is stare at her. I am not anywhere near her league of lifting, my piddly little weights don't compare to what she deadlifts. Her form, her dedication, her amazingly ripped back...I have appreciation for all of that. I see people stare at her, and I get defensive lol I don't have enough in my to put that much dedication into the sport, but I sure love watching her squat and i'm a hetero female. I keep saying "you go girl" in my head.

KatissimusDorsi

I don't like the use of the words "disgusting" or "gross," but let's face it; there is no way to say you don't find those body types attractive without coming across as demeaning or critical or negative. And I realize these competitors are not driven by what other people find attractive, but that is the heart of this piece ... "You think this is gross, but let me tell you how hard they work ..." Well, that's beside the point. Nobody is saying they don't work hard.

I know the author of this piece is talking about comments like the hurtful terms above or equating a female bodybuilder to a man, and certainly I agree with her on those points. But there is also a budding "If you don't find this attractive, go F yourself" sentiment in this community, and that's not right either. I respect anyone for working hard to achieve a goal, but I'm allowed to like what I like without apology or defense.

My idea with detailing the difficulty of their exercise / diet regimen was just to highlight their hard work and have THAT be what we focus on when we see a bodybuilder, rather than your personal opinion on their level of attractiveness. So many comments are derogatory and degrading, seeing only the end result instead of respecting the journey and the kind of person it takes to get their.

I'd never tell anyone to change their preferences, and I don't think bodybuilders would care if you did either way. The idea is that judging these people by how attractive you find them is completely missing the point of their sport.

KatissimusDorsi

Oh hey there. I wrote this article!

I'm glad some of you enjoyed it and that it's provoked some conversation. Love seeing some of the responses for this.

I agree it's just as wrong to body-shame someone who is overweight as much as someone with a bodybuilder's physique - I like that someone pointed that out. They're very different situations, but the principle still stands.

Thank you for the article. It was good perspective a little shamming on my part. I don't like the look of overly built people, its a little terrifying to me. I can respect the effort and dedication, but I used to be one of the people who'd say "ew" in my head. I try really hard not to comment on people's bodies negatively because I don't like to be negatively commented on. Amending my thinking, however.

Could someone explain the spray tan thing though? I think that has a lot to do with my initial response of "ew". People aren't supposed to be orange....

First of all, original author, great article. I also liked the one it linked to about what "toning" means.

Second, as to spray tan, darker skin just helps show muscle definition better.

Thank you for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. The "toning" one was much more well-received than I had anticipated so glad to hear your thoughts there too.

geebusuk

My thoughts generally:
It's a tad rude to directly tell someone their physique is ugly, unless the have specifically asked for opinions.

However, I don't think people should be prevented from expressing their opinions in other situations. Yes, even those opinions that may offend others.

I think people that intentionally try and make their body a specific way should accept that not everyone likes it.
Just as someone in car 'modding' may find that when out of their 'scene' others think they've made it look horrible, so may others regarding bodybuilders.

As it goes, I'm not a fan of the 'competition' look for female body builders, but generally do like the "off season" appearance .

jvsghost

Also I would like to point out that contrary to popular belief you can cut weight and build muscle at the same time. Now don't get me wrong, you won't make the muscle gains you would from bulking, but your muscles will grow as you lose fat. I know as I've dropped 30 lbs of fat and increased my muscle mass exponentially as well as my lifts.

Did you start fairly recently?

I have been a member for about 6 months now, but didn't start seriously dieting and lifting until 3 months ago.

SezxyStef

Also I would like to point out that contrary to popular belief you can cut weight and build muscle at the same time. Now don't get me wrong, you won't make the muscle gains you would from bulking, but your muscles will grow as you lose fat. I know as I've dropped 30 lbs of fat and increased my muscle mass exponentially as well as my lifts.

Did you start fairly recently?

I have been a member for about 6 months now, but didn't start seriously dieting and lifting until 3 months ago.

Don't you dare try and hijack this thread with this ....only because you are new will I not really go up one side of you and down the other...

You want to debate gains on a deficet search out one of the most recent threads and join in...otherwise....

KatissimusDorsi

My thoughts generally:
It's a tad rude to directly tell someone their physique is ugly, unless the have specifically asked for opinions.

However, I don't think people should be prevented from expressing their opinions in other situations. Yes, even those opinions that may offend others.

I think people that intentionally try and make their body a specific way should accept that not everyone likes it.
Just as someone in car 'modding' may find that when out of their 'scene' others think they've made it look horrible, so may others regarding bodybuilders.

As it goes, I'm not a fan of the 'competition' look for female body builders, but generally do like the "off season" appearance .

Agreed - people shouldn't be -forced- to stifle their opinions. Preventing people from saying their thoughts doesn't do much to change said thoughts and make positive change.

I was hoping with articles like this that we could change the perception and the focus when we see a bodybuilder so that one wouldn't want to make such comments in the first place. After all, bodybuilding is not about what's pleasant to the eye - it's about competing and seeing what the body is capable of.

pettychia

Lions do not concern themselves with the opinions with sheep.

Period.

I'm going to try to remember this. Thanks!

You look FANTASTIC!

Aw, shucks :blushing:

SezxyStef

Oh hey there. I wrote this article!

I'm glad some of you enjoyed it and that it's provoked some conversation. Love seeing some of the responses for this.

I agree it's just as wrong to body-shame someone who is overweight as much as someone with a bodybuilder's physique - I like that someone pointed that out. They're very different situations, but the principle still stands.

Thank you for the article. It was good perspective a little shamming on my part. I don't like the look of overly built people, its a little terrifying to me. I can respect the effort and dedication, but I used to be one of the people who'd say "ew" in my head. I try really hard not to comment on people's bodies negatively because I don't like to be negatively commented on. Amending my thinking, however.

Could someone explain the spray tan thing though? I think that has a lot to do with my initial response of "ew". People aren't supposed to be orange....

First of all, original author, great article. I also liked the one it linked to about what "toning" means.

Second, as to spray tan, darker skin just helps show muscle definition better.

Thank you for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. The "toning" one was much more well-received than I had anticipated so glad to hear your thoughts there too.

I also enjoyed it and it was right on point based on comments I had recently read (quote on first page) in another satirical article about women who life or are body builders.

I can personally say I lift for me...no one else.

I have had many of my "Friends" comment on my physique since I started saying I have no *kitten*...which I had to laugh at..or that my shoulders are too big now for sleevless tops...etc. and I am not a body builder so I can just imagine...

in_the_stars

Ever noticed when someone meets a woman how quickly they say: You look great!

It is as if the first thing we feel we can judge about a woman openly is her appearance.

Sad, but true.