when i was young, i thought bodybuilders were the peak of physical perfection. probably because they serve as the models for all the heroes in videogames, comic books, movies, etc.
eventually, i saw a bodybuilder who needed an oxygen mask after posing, and i realized how weak they had to become to compete. and the offseason isn't much better. they may look incredible, but they can't run a mile, do a muscle up, or even lift as much as smaller athletes. i finally learned that bodybuilders weren't anything like the heroes modeled after them. instead, they were just guys who pursued illusion at all costs, even their health.
on the other hand, while i'll never consider professional bodybuilding a particularly admirable role, i can understand the appeal for gifted guys who stand to make a lot of money (i.e. like, the top 5 olympians). given their circumstances, maybe it's not a bad job.
even without the money, if you have talent, you'll likely be tempted to compete just to beat other people. for this reason, people will compete in nearly anything, even eating. while winning is always fun, it's better when the competition doesn't degrade you.
