Bodybuilding as a sport is dying. This is the most modestly I could have put this into a sentence. Professional bodybuilding, immensely popularized by Arnold Schwarzenegger was as its peak during the 70s and the 80s. The men looked perfectly sculpted and were a treat to look at. It was less about the drugs and more about the training and eating routines. Fast forward to 2017, the sport has mutated into something that's hard to put in words.
While Arnold's love for the sport single handedly brought it out of the dungeons, his direct criticism of the sport in 2015 spilt the beans. Bodybuilders today look horrendous, not pleasing. Arnold said it out loud. Here, take a look.
Fair enough, isn't it?
A Sport That Promoted Aesthetic And Beautiful Bodies Along With Athleticism Has Now Become A Showboat For Who Has The Biggest Muscles.
In the golden era which was marked by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbo, Dave Draper, and Larry Scott; it was about looking great physically, having a flat stomach, a v-taper and a physique which would be desirable. These days, if you look at the pro bodybuilders, they have muscles popping from all areas and making them square blocks of mass. No aesthetics, protruding bellies, synthol abuse and looks of the Michelin man.
What Went Wrong Here? 1. Immediate stardom© YouTube
The sport of bodybuilding was relatively unknown until the 70s. The golden era made it mainstream. Golden era bodybuilders started gracing magazine covers, doing TV appearances, getting movie roles, and getting invited to big events as chief guests. The sport's popularity grew almost instantly and suddenly gyms started popping out everywhere and everyone wanted to look like them. People were ready to do anything and everything to look like them. It was the 'in' thing back in the day.
2. Anabolics On A Kill SpreeOld school bodybuilders were open about the usage of anabolics to look that way and admitted to it. This opened the floodgates for the use by not only competitive bodybuilders but also by average gym goers who wanted to get big and shredded. While drugs were an integral part of sports like Pro wrestling, strongman competitions, American football and even in track and field way before bodybuilding but bodybuilding made drug use look cool. People ignored the hard work and discipline put in by the bodybuilders and started focusing on their drug routines.
3. Big Dead Bodybuilders© YouTube
The misuse of AAS in bodybuilding is far more than that in any other sport. It's not only at the pro level either. Every shady trainer at the desi gyms have the magic formula to make you look like a bodybuilder. It has become more of a thing now that is easily accessible and projected as something everyone does. While bodybuilders are getting bigger than ever, there are also more deaths in the sport. Two recent deaths were that of Dallas Mc Carver and Rich Piana. While their deaths were not attributed to steroid abuse but deep down inside everybody knew the truth.
4. Go Big Or Go HomeBodybuilding today is more about size and less about aesthetics. The judging standards could also be put to blame for this mishap. Bodybuilding has become a sport where the biggest monster takes the trophy. People are doing anything and everything to get big. Not just anabolics, the usage of drugs like insulin and synthol which are artificial size enhancers are common as well.
4. Sponsored Athletes© YouTube
Earlier in the day, the likes of Arnold and Franco used to do bodybuilding for the love of the sport. They did it as they enjoyed it. Fast forward to now, you have fitness models and bodybuilders popping up every day. Every competition you attend, you will see hundreds of new athletes every year. All for the love of sport? Heck no. The main aim of these 'athletes' is to bag a few sponsors and get some fame. This has led to massive competition and in an unhealthy way.
The Sad RealityThere is no regard left for the well-being and health of a person but it is all about treating the athletes as disposable commodities. The athletes too have climbed aboard and are ready to abuse their bodies for these miniscule perks. While bodybuilding as a lifestyle can help you live longer and healthier, bodybuilding as a sport will move you closer to your grave and put you under immense mental pressure.
Author bio:
Pratik Thakkar is the co-founder and director of GetSetGo Fitness, an online fitness company that helps people with fitness goals right from losing weight to competing in bodybuilding shows. He is an online fitness coach who is regarded as someone who will make it easy for you to understand the process by putting things in the right context and providing science-based recommendations. In his free time, Pratik likes to read about psychology or gaming on his PlayStation. You can download a free nutrition guide from his site which will nail down the basics for you. He can be reached at pratik@getsetgo.fitness for your fitness related queries and coaching inquiries.
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