We bodybuilders do a lot of foolish things in the gym. Demonstrating strength is one such foolish thing. There is no need ever to do anything less than 5 reps of a movement. Arthur Jones was right about that. We also do exercises that were handed down to us. Someone said you do lat pulldowns for back. Well, that exercise works the arms, shoulders, abs, chest and lower back, too. A great all rounder for the upper body. Naturally most bodybuilders never transcend what they pick up at the gym or read in magazines.
Why would anyone do a deadlift? The biceps are stretched and are in a very weak position. It is literally asking for trouble. Look at all the guys tearing biceps and chest muscles. All that high intensity stuff is dangerous. Most bodybuilding is dangerous. It took until about 5 years ago to realise that arm machines and benches should not have pads under the elbows. Why? Well, pressure on the elbows will damage the sheath that goes over the elbow joint. If you damage that area you will experience a lifetime of elbow pain. I still have to do heaps of pressdowns with a light weight to warm the elbows up. No one told us about that worry and most gym equipment companies have no idea about the dangerous pads they install under the elbows. It would be the same if someone put pads under the knees in leg curl machines.
Fitness First are a worry everywhere in Australia but I wonder if Aussies will keep going to them. At least their concept of a gym is light years ahead of any other chain that has opened up in Australia in the last 30 years.
