Eight Common Stereotypes When It Comes To Bodybuilding, Now Classified as a Sport

By  //  October 9, 2018

Thousands of people partake in bodybuilding exercises and competitions

Bodybuilding is now classified as a sport. It involves many challenging and at times intense exercise regimens designed to build and enhance our body’s muscles. Thousands of people partake in bodybuilding exercises and competitions every year.

We all want to feel healthy and have enough energy to tackle anything that life throws our way. As we get older, we want to maintain strong muscles and good body tone.

For some of us, this means taking our fitness routine a step or two further and entering the world of bodybuilding.

Bodybuilding is now classified as a sport. It involves many challenging and at times intense exercise regimens designed to build and enhance our body’s muscles. Thousands of people partake in bodybuilding exercises and competitions every year.

Some people rely strictly on a detailed workout plan and a healthy diet to achieve their results, while others may need a little help due to their age or body chemistry. There are natural supplements and over the counter products that can aid in building strong muscles.

You can find more information about some of these products at https://mymusclepal.com/top-legal-steroids/ and other sources. Talk to your doctor or physician before taking any supplements or starting an exercise regimen. Let them know of any current injuries, illnesses or other concerns.

A lot of us may have an idea of what bodybuilders are like, but the truth is that they’re not all the same. Here are 8 common stereotypes when it comes to bodybuilding:

1. They’re dumb jocks.

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to how people typically see bodybuilders. It doesn’t matter what your intelligence level is when you decide to start working out and taking better care of yourself.

There are some professional bodybuilders with advanced college degrees. Their intelligence level doesn’t really matter. What matters is that they are taking time and effort to improve themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. Realizing that there are things that you may not like about yourself and actually taking steps to improve those things is what’s really smart.

2. They’re hopped up on drugs.

During the modern home run era of major league baseball, more and more professional ballplayers appeared on the field looking remarkably fitter and stronger than average players. Some of them began to put up remarkable production numbers at the plate.

It was later revealed that some of them used artificial enhancements like creatine, HGH, steroids and other supplements to rapidly boost their physique and physical capabilities in the field. Some of these substances were banned from the sport and others were not.

This created the misconception that athletes and bodybuilders rely solely on drugs to help them obtain their muscles. In reality, for most of them, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Sure, there are some professionals who have juiced to fast forward the process. In reality, most bodybuilders, weightlifters and athletes rely on a good diet and exercise program, with some of them adding supplements added in for a little extra assistance at times.

3. They suffer from “roid rage.”

This stereotype was caused by the popularity of steroids and other substances used during workout and bodybuilding practices to enhance strength and stamina. There are a few notable cases of people who have suffered from some anger issues as one of the side effects of steroids and other chemicals.

However, most people who are working to build strong, healthy bodies only use artificial products in moderation, if they use them at all. The best results come from determination and hard work.

4. They’re muscle-bound jerks.

A few of us can remember the “98-pound weakling” advertisements in magazines and comic books from when we were younger. There were products and courses aimed at people who were unhappy about their physical appearance, or who were bullied by people who looked stronger and more muscular than them.

There have been many instances in the media where bodybuilders, weightlifters, professional wrestlers and others have been portrayed as preying on the weak.

In the real world, most athletes not only train their bodies but also train their minds. To be a healthy athlete, you also have to be healthy mentally. Some of them often become trainers or coaches to help others improve their health and self-confidence. Just because someone may look physically tough or intimidating doesn’t mean that they’re a bully or a bad person.

5. They’re ugly.

Sometimes people will comment while watching bodybuilding competitions that the participants are “too muscular.” Their physique can even be seen as ugly by some people. While such competitions aren’t for everyone, the competitors are usually very happy in their own skin. They see themselves as strong and focused. They are driven to look and feel healthy on a daily basis. Feeling good about yourself is definitely not ugly.

6. Bodybuilding is all they do.

Sure, there are a few people who become obsessed with weight lifting, crunches, curls and building muscle that these things can be the primary focus of their lives.

Sometimes, they’re called “gym rats” as a derogatory term. However, for many bodybuilders, that’s just one part of their lives. It’s something that they enjoy because they can feel and see the results of their hard work. Most of them have busy work and family lives, too.

7. They are vain.

When some people see bodybuilders flex their muscles in the mirror or while working out at the gym, they may get the impression that all those people care about is their own self-image. The truth of the matter is that most of them are just trying to see their progress. Posing is part of bodybuilding competitions, but we all examine ourselves in the mirror from time to time, no matter how fit we are. It’s just part of human nature.

8. It’s an expensive hobby.

When some people go into natural health stores and start comparing prices for supplements, they sometimes think that bodybuilding is a lifestyle that only the rich can afford. However, building stronger, leaner muscles rarely takes much of a bite out of your budget.

Aside from a gym membership and some equipment, the greatest investment is your time. If you choose to spend additional dollars on supplements or coaches, that’s an option that’s entirely up to you.

Bodybuilding may seem intimidating to people who have never tried it, but it’s really not much different from other pursuits. Like anything else, the results are derived from the time and effort that is spent. Building strong muscles help your overall health and helps people live long, healthy and active lives.

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