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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: ProudVirgin69 on June 13, 2023, 08:12:25 AM

Title: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: ProudVirgin69 on June 13, 2023, 08:12:25 AM
The Bob Chick thread had me thinking, seems like every pro bodybuilder does pretty well for themselves.  Sure, real life may not reflect the image they put forth on social media but I cant really think of any pro that “struggles”. 

Seems like they all have decent homes, cars, clothes, are able to travel frequently, and treat themselves to various luxuries and creature comforts.  When I started reading bodybuilding forums, one of the common reasons cited not to pursue it as a “career” was because of how little money was in it.

So, do Pro bodybuilders make decent money (arbitrarily defined as ~$85,000+)?
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: IroNat on June 13, 2023, 08:27:26 AM
I think these guys are like Real Housewives.

They are likely in hock up to their eyeballs trying to live large and impress people.

Or they deal drugs or are supported by schmoes.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Mothballs on June 13, 2023, 09:11:54 AM
Outside of the Olympia/Arnold winners they’re all broke unless they married an earner or heiress.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: bhank on June 13, 2023, 11:11:10 AM
They run the full spectrum of incomes just like everyone else remember some of them also have real full time jobs
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: BB on June 13, 2023, 11:36:44 AM
The thing is, you don't really hear about old bodybuilders, and out of Olympia / Arnold contention bodybuilders all that often. When you do, a lot of those stories are sour or they're just barely making it. Also we don't know how much of that life style is on credit. "You had a 4 bedroom mini-mansion a decade ago, now you're in a studio apartment?".

It would be interesting to see if there's an average cut off age where these guys should give it up. Like an age where if you're not in Olympia contention, you should fold up your tent, and become a family man.

Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 14, 2023, 01:22:34 AM
Is water wet?
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Spike on June 14, 2023, 04:10:17 AM
the ones you see now - the ones posting on YouTube and social media

all have supplement sponsors/contracts so they are obligated to push out "content"

isn't a avg supp contract/sposship like 100k ?  that would afford a decent home in Vegas (like Regan and Nick W both have)

I don't see "guest appearances" anymore these days - unless its nearby home base

its like most pro athletes I know - NFL guys can be "in the league" for 3-4 years , never play a full season , just kind of show up to game type dudes - they get paid rookie numbers , still

I'd image any pro sports would be like a sales team - you only have the top 2-5% who top perform and get paid the most
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: ProudVirgin69 on June 14, 2023, 04:31:16 AM
the ones you see now - the ones posting on YouTube and social media

all have supplement sponsors/contracts so they are obligated to push out "content"

isn't a avg supp contract/sposship like 100k ?  that would afford a decent home in Vegas (like Regan and Nick W both have)

I don't see "guest appearances" anymore these days - unless its nearby home base

its like most pro athletes I know - NFL guys can be "in the league" for 3-4 years , never play a full season , just kind of show up to game type dudes - they get paid rookie numbers , still

I'd image any pro sports would be like a sales team - you only have the top 2-5% who top perform and get paid the most

Wow I had no idea the supplement contracts paid that much, but if anything the supp business seems bigger these days than in years past.  I thought I had read that some of the old contracts were basically free supplements and little else.

Anyways, with the rise of social media and online coaching you’d have to be a total lunkhead not to capitalize on it.  Online coaching seems like the easiest money maker possible
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Spike on June 14, 2023, 04:45:42 AM
Wow I had no idea the supplement contracts paid that much, but if anything the supp business seems bigger these days than in years past.  I thought I had read that some of the old contracts were basically free supplements and little else.

Anyways, with the rise of social media and online coaching you’d have to be a total lunkhead not to capitalize on it.  Online coaching seems like the easiest money maker possible

apparently its "undisclosed" but Yamamoto pays the most

not sure what its close to but the Italians have the supp game on lock in the Middle East

but I know for a fact most of the guys in Vegas at least make most of their income money from social media
Nick Walker makes most of his from Youtube and his contract was based a lot on his "fan base"
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Never1AShow on June 14, 2023, 07:30:43 AM
90% do not have and cannot afford health insurance.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Dave D on June 14, 2023, 08:43:04 AM
90% do not have and cannot afford health insurance.
Can’t afford it or willfully choose to go without it?

I listen to what people tell me that can’t afford all the time, but they still have outlandish car payments, use Uber eats on the regular, drink Starbucks daily….
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: sync pulse on June 14, 2023, 11:13:24 AM
For the most part...yes.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: sway on June 14, 2023, 12:21:43 PM
the ones you see now - the ones posting on YouTube and social media

all have supplement sponsors/contracts so they are obligated to push out "content"

isn't a avg supp contract/sposship like 100k ?  that would afford a decent home in Vegas (like Regan and Nick W both have)

I don't see "guest appearances" anymore these days - unless its nearby home base

its like most pro athletes I know - NFL guys can be "in the league" for 3-4 years , never play a full season , just kind of show up to game type dudes - they get paid rookie numbers , still

I'd image any pro sports would be like a sales team - you only have the top 2-5% who top perform and get paid the most

Regan lives with ManagerMatt. It’s his house not Regans. He’s Cutlers and DLB and Regans manager.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: DIABOLIC on June 14, 2023, 07:10:32 PM
A lot of them do muscle worship and escorting.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: pkaz on June 14, 2023, 07:42:43 PM
Looking at Robby Robinson. On Gov disability...
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Never1AShow on June 14, 2023, 08:11:22 PM
Can’t afford it or willfully choose to go without it?

I listen to what people tell me that can’t afford all the time, but they still have outlandish car payments, use Uber eats on the regular, drink Starbucks daily….

Can't afford, and half or more of the rest willfully choose to go without.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: The Keto Kid on June 14, 2023, 08:18:01 PM
Majority do online coaching, let's say on average they have 40 clients (which is very low) and they charge $300 a month (which is low, average is $300-500) from that alone that's $12,000 a month, toss in various other income streams like consultations, sponsorships, appearance fees, seminars, etc... the ones that do coaching do well.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Flexacon on June 14, 2023, 08:19:03 PM
Do a lot of them marry normal women who have regular jobs to get on their insurance?
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Flexacon on June 14, 2023, 08:31:24 PM
Regan lives with ManagerMatt. It’s his house not Regans. He’s Cutlers and DLB and Regans manager.

ManagerMatt was a legit fat turd and I loved giving him shit for it back in the day, but to his credit he's got himself semi decent shape.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: The Keto Kid on June 14, 2023, 08:31:33 PM
Do you think they can't afford insurance??
Do a lot of them marry normal women who have regular jobs to get on their insurance?
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: keanu on June 14, 2023, 08:54:27 PM
The money used to be all at the top. Most guys made peanuts. Prize money is laughable, and it costs quite a bit to get ready for a show. The internet has opened things up. There are social media stars with good followings that make good money. Larry Wheels has 4.5 million Instagram followers. Minus the bots he is still making big money.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Flexacon on June 14, 2023, 08:57:25 PM
Do you think they can't afford insurance??

Absolutely.

Most "pros" these days won't make a single dollar out of bodybuilding.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: keanu on June 14, 2023, 09:02:30 PM
Absolutely.

Most "pros" these days won't make a single dollar out of bodybuilding.
  Yup. All those pro cards floating around , the prestige is gone. Some of these guys look terrible.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Flexacon on June 14, 2023, 09:12:32 PM
  Yup. All those pro cards floating around , the prestige is gone. Some of these guys look terrible.

Yeah pretty much, as bhanky said a lot have real full time jobs and probably fairly well played jobs as bodybuilding is expensive. Loads get the pro card and never even get on a pro stage.

There must be some bums out there though who scraped together a pro card whilst mooching off the spouse. Bodybuilders were notorious in the past for using others, can't have changed that much.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Coach is Back! on June 14, 2023, 09:46:54 PM
Majority do online coaching, let's say on average they have 40 clients (which is very low) and they charge $300 a month (which is low, average is $300-500) from that alone that's $12,000 a month, toss in various other income streams like consultations, sponsorships, appearance fees, seminars, etc... the ones that do coaching do well.

This…for the most part.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Never1AShow on June 14, 2023, 10:21:47 PM
Majority do online coaching, let's say on average they have 40 clients (which is very low) and they charge $300 a month (which is low, average is $300-500) from that alone that's $12,000 a month, toss in various other income streams like consultations, sponsorships, appearance fees, seminars, etc... the ones that do coaching do well.

I call BS on 40 people paying $300 a month for online coaching.  No one is paying that, much less 40 people paying that every month, pure BS.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 15, 2023, 01:24:58 AM
I call BS on 40 people paying $300 a month for online coaching.  No one is paying that, much less 40 people paying that every month, pure BS.
I've never met anyone who pays anything for online coaching.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: IroNat on June 15, 2023, 04:45:48 AM
Some sell t-shirts.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: The Keto Kid on June 15, 2023, 06:47:50 AM
I call BS on 40 people paying $300 a month for online coaching.  No one is paying that, much less 40 people paying that every month, pure BS.
Lol..what? You obviously aren't involved in this industry whatsoever, anyone who competes know this is average prices for coaching, . Im friends with a few pros who coach and this is absolutely true, the good coaches charge more and have way more clients, John Meadows had over 100 and had to cut it down himself because he couldn't handle that many, Jordan Peters (JP) had over a hundred, guys like Shelby Starnes, there's big money in this you know how many bikini chicks, men's physique guys are out there hire coaches worldwide mind you. It's absolutely true, Coach knows he's in the industry.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: oldtimer1 on June 15, 2023, 06:54:15 AM
Lol..what? You obviously aren't involved in this industry whatsoever, anyone who competes know this is average prices for coaching, . Im friends with a few pros who coach and this is absolutely true, the good coaches charge more and have way more clients, John Meadows had over 100 and had to cut it down himself because he couldn't handle that many, Jordan Peters (JP) had over a hundred, guys like Shelby Starnes, there's big money in this you know how many bikini chicks, men's physique guys are out there hire coaches worldwide mind you. It's absolutely true, Coach knows he's in the industry.

Are they actually coaching or giving steroid advice on quantities and where to obtain? I couldn't imagine an online coach making any serious money giving exercise and diet advice.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: The Keto Kid on June 15, 2023, 07:04:12 AM
Are they actually coaching or giving steroid advice on quantities and where to obtain? I couldn't imagine an online coach making any serious money giving exercise and diet advice.
What?? They give you your diet, your cycle, Training recommendations obviously how much cardio to be performed, usually once a week check in, then changes are made from there, as show grows closer, check ins may be every few days or even daily, changes are made throughout the prep diet wise, drug wise, training and cardio wise.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Never1AShow on June 15, 2023, 07:18:16 AM
Lol..what? You obviously aren't involved in this industry whatsoever, anyone who competes know this is average prices for coaching, . Im friends with a few pros who coach and this is absolutely true, the good coaches charge more and have way more clients, John Meadows had over 100 and had to cut it down himself because he couldn't handle that many, Jordan Peters (JP) had over a hundred, guys like Shelby Starnes, there's big money in this you know how many bikini chicks, men's physique guys are out there hire coaches worldwide mind you. It's absolutely true, Coach knows he's in the industry.

You’re right, I’m not and you may well be right. I admit that and frankly I hope I’m wrong and people are making such huge amounts. But I dont think the math works out and this is more internet influenced bullshit.

100 people is now $30K a month, every month. Maybe somebody’s paid $300 for 3 months but not every month.

How do you know you aren’t just being bullshitted. It’s bodybuilding for cripes sakes.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: The Keto Kid on June 15, 2023, 07:33:42 AM
You’re right, I’m not and you may well be right. I admit that and frankly I hope I’m wrong and people are making such huge amounts. But I dont think the math works out and this is more internet influenced bullshit.

100 people is now $30K a month, every month. Maybe somebody’s paid $300 for 3 months but not every month.

How do you know you aren’t just being bullshitted. It’s bodybuilding for cripes sakes.
I'm close personal friends with 3 coaches, one who is super well know worldwide the other 2 are known pros and trust me they do VERY well. You have that IFBB pro title by your name and you can charge high monthly rates.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 16, 2023, 12:58:21 AM
What?? They give you your diet, your cycle, Training recommendations obviously how much cardio to be performed, usually once a week check in, then changes are made from there, as show grows closer, check ins may be every few days or even daily, changes are made throughout the prep diet wise, drug wise, training and cardio wise.
I agree with Lee Haney who never used a coach. He said "bodybuilding is your job!" Why wouldn't everyone competing learn how to diet themselves? Training, for real? Are bodybuilders today just too lazy to learn themselves?
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Flexacon on June 16, 2023, 04:17:49 AM
I'm close personal friends with 3 coaches, one who is super well know worldwide the other 2 are known pros and trust me they do VERY well. You have that IFBB pro title by your name and you can charge high monthly rates.

They give out something like 1,000 pro cards a year now and have done so for several years and your sample size is 3 pros you know?

No one is hiring Rajesh Kumar Chakrabti IFBB pro from Uttar Pradesh for online coaching at $300/month
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: GymnJuice on June 16, 2023, 04:59:20 AM
Trainers are necessary. Bodybuilders need help counting the reps. Some bodybuilders have trouble counting on their own even when they watch themselves on video afterwards.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 17, 2023, 12:53:48 AM
Trainers are necessary. Bodybuilders need help counting the reps. Some bodybuilders have trouble counting on their own even when they watch themselves on video afterwards.
Good point. I never considered that.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: ProudVirgin69 on June 17, 2023, 04:35:09 AM
I call BS on 40 people paying $300 a month for online coaching.  No one is paying that, much less 40 people paying that every month, pure BS.

If you have 40,000 followers (which isn’t that much, really) is it that hard to believe that 1/1000 would pay $300 to get “coaching”?  These people get followers from all across the world and some people feel important  knowing that their training/diet is being done by an IFBB pro—even if they look totally untrained. 
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: ProudVirgin69 on June 17, 2023, 04:38:44 AM
A lot of them do muscle worship and escorting.

I feel like we don’t hear about that much these days.  Maybe getbig just isn’t as good about reporting it anymore  ;D

I think some still do it early on when trying to make ends meet , like Nick Trigilli or whomever people say has a small c0ck, PJ Braun also comes to mind.  Maybe they’re just better about concealing their “activities” these days.

Aaron Clark is the last ifbb pro I remember hearing who did gay shit
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: Flexacon on June 17, 2023, 06:39:50 AM

Aaron Clark is the last ifbb pro I remember hearing who did gay shit

What did he do? (no homo)

He had a lot of supportive supplement companies and a gf taking care of him during his issues. Don't remember hearing anything about gay for pay.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: _bruce_ on June 17, 2023, 07:04:01 AM

Some of them make good money and if they had a less pricey life style they would be set for life after some years.
"Big Bad Wolf" made the best deal by marrying a well off "mom"... figuratively dipped his benis in gold.
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: ProudVirgin69 on June 17, 2023, 08:39:55 AM
What did he do? (no homo)

He had a lot of supportive supplement companies and a gf taking care of him during his issues. Don't remember hearing anything about gay for pay.

I think it was private cam shows but I can’t find anything about it so maybe just a rumor.  He started posting on t-nation board around the same time as me and some other people around the same age and we all had a loose online community and I remember that was one thing that got mentioned as part of the high price he had to pay to be a pro bodybuilder.  Unsurprisingly his drug stack was staggering, with adderall/weed/xanax/viagra to manage the side effects

I can’t find anything besides this though so feel free to chalk it up as untrue
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: ProudVirgin69 on June 17, 2023, 08:43:06 AM
Some of them make good money and if they had a less pricey life style they would be set for life after some years.
"Big Bad Wolf" made the best deal by marrying a well off "mom"... figuratively dipped his benis in gold.

It’s pretty funny that Dennis wolf’s wife married some rich guy, divorced him and took half his money, and now Dennis uses it to stuff his face with mass amounts of chicken breast
Title: Re: Are pro bodybuilders actually poor/low-income?
Post by: BB on June 17, 2023, 08:49:40 AM
I think Onlyfans, Snapchat, and a few other services syphoned off the Bodybuilding to G4P market. A lot of huge muscle guys are still doing schmoe business, but don't bother with going the bodybuilding route anymore. Right to OnlyFans, and then the Onlyfans stuff is paywalled, so it takes longer to get out.