Is elite level contest bodybuilding just too UNhealthy now?

[HowieW]

Think about it. For  a guy or gal to compete in a top amatuer , (never mind pro ) contest, they need to do several things to look "right" to do well.
1.They have to have enough mass, that may involve  dangerous levels of androgenic drugs to achieve.
2. They have to be ripped and "dry". This may involve the extreme use of diuretics and various cutting drugs. The dehydration / fluid restriction alone is one of the few REAL,actual risks of death .

3. They need to full and pumped . This may involve insulin and related stuff .
4. They need to diet in a strict rigid fashion and get down to very, very low body fat levels.
Obviously this is not great for ideal health and well being.

5. Many need to tan and risk skin cancer.

In addition to the above mentioned health risks, it costs $$$  to put it all together, travel and get ready, etc. Some may compromise on relationships, education and conventional careers  as well.

All this  crap makes me wonder why I ever competed LOL I did over 30 shows  . I still love the original ideals of bodybuilding. but when you add it all up, getting serious and into a contest , just doesn't add up.

[kyomu]

Its normal for me. They are pros and they should surprise people. So they should do everything for it.
But,onething I dont like, they earn very little money for it.I want them to make lots of money.
But,unfortunately they are stupid like Onlyme says.

[jaejonna]

Its normal for me. They are pros and they should surprise people. So they should do everything for it.
But,onething I dont like, they earn very little money for it.I want them to make lots of money.
But,unfortunately they are stupid like Onlyme says.

Meltdown

[wood]

i'm starting to wonder about that Howie and i've only done two local shows, i don't have #1 going for me, it's hardly worth going for #2, #3 could be deadly....#4 i have no problem with, it's too easy...#5, i'm really getting tired of, i used to enjoy the nap, but most importantly, the compromise on relationships and the money involved make it not so appealing anymore.

have there been any comp photos of you posted here?

[whitewidow]

Yes it is!

[Azure]

It isn't appealing nor is it motivating

[legbreaker]

Yes, Since the popular use of insulin and gh, more value placed on size which used enormous increases in steroid doses, BB at a top amatuer and pro level has become too dangerous and un healthy.  You simply can NOT be healthy if you are competitive on these levels...NO WAY.

[HowieW]

i'm starting to wonder about that Howie and i've only done two local shows, i don't have #1 going for me, it's hardly worth going for #2, #3 could be deadly....#4 i have no problem with, it's too easy...#5, i'm really getting tired of, i used to enjoy the nap, but most importantly, the compromise on relationships and the money involved make it not so appealing anymore.

have there been any comp photos of you posted here?

As tough as it is to do being MODERATE is the way to go. I still believe that guy or gal can have full, enjoyable life and still be a bodybuilder. I just feel that you need to have a career/job OUTSIDE of the gym and bodybuilding.
The sport provides little in terms of  a long term stable financial life.
If you decide to compete , give it your best, but DRAW the line at what is in YOUR best interests.
In my humble opinion, it is far better to have decent life, good relationship, finances, career and health than to win a bodybuilding title.

The moral to this story is:  Bodybuild, train hard and love the pump. If you see that it is taking away from the really important areas of your life, back off and regroup.
Howard

[Bix]

i'm starting to wonder about that Howie and i've only done two local shows, i don't have #1 going for me, it's hardly worth going for #2, #3 could be deadly....#4 i have no problem with, it's too easy...#5, i'm really getting tired of, i used to enjoy the nap, but most importantly, the compromise on relationships and the money involved make it not so appealing anymore.

have there been any comp photos of you posted here?

[Miss Karen]

No,you have to have a low IQ to abuse all in life for nothing in return,just think of the gear the top guys use and think of the costs.5th place Grand Prix $1000 wow now that is money.If you do it because you like to and not loaded Fine but to ruin your health No thanks.

[TheGoldenPrince]

Yes, it is way too unhealthy to say the least
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[njflex]

it is what it is,can't see it progressing worse though,coleman seem's to be the best of the things required.