I don't see where someone else's belly size can be used as a legitimate excuse for anyone's not trying to bodybuild themselves, if they were ever drawn to it in the first place. You've gotta have the attitude that you're gonna make out of it whatever you want to. You should look to define the sport, not let the sport define you. And for those that say you've gotta do too much shit now to place well in the NPC or IFBB, well, nobody's ever in this shit for the money anyway. They're here because they wanna be awesome and achieve some degree of semi-celebrity. If it's "too much shit" you feel that someone's making you take, then take a hike...go be a movie star or something. Maybe get a real job. But you know what? You're still not gonna be jacked and that's what you'll miss.
Also Howie acts like he's waiting on the IFBB/NPC to say that drugs are allowed before he's gonna approve of what they're doing or at least quit bitching. Hey, hint hint...you've gotta at least SAY certain things as a sort of disclaimer and to keep the government off your ass. It's irrelevant. Just do whatever you need to do to look the way you wanna look and nobody's gonna say anything, get it? Why need for them to make a formal policy saying, "Hey guys, do all the juice you want; not a problem." Bodybuilding would be shut down quicker than shit! It's all bullshit nitpicking on Howie's part because he needs reason to think he's doing the right thing by just still benching on Mondays and "helping" high school kids pass science tests. He only wants to see himself as having a "casual" interest in the sport when it's very obviously still in his blood.
Sure its' in my blood and yes, I wish I had more discipline to diet at this point in my life, but sadly, I have not.
I also have mixed feelings on the overall world of bodybuilding. Man of Steele wrote a wonderful insightful post on this in this thread for example. I am an idealist and simply would like ths sport to be one that promotes good health along with a great physique. I did compete a bunch of times, but never won any big, national title, just a few Mr Podunks.
As you get older, get into a career and realtionships, etc, the value of your place in bodybuilding contests loses its' luster. So my friend, you are right on the money about my mixed feelings and thanks for pointing out some deep rooted issues about bodybuilding in me.
I am a respected teacher and enjoy teaching as a my career. I also am proud of how I have treated the few woman in my life that I was lucky enough to have love me back. If some knuckleheads want to call me a child abuser hidden behind a fake name on a cpu, all I can do is simply shake my head and wonder . I think,why in the hell would anyone want to do this kind of thing to a regular, working Joe Blow like me is beyond my comprehension. What possible positive gain can they obtain from that except to bring me down...which they won't. My actual record as a man and teacher is pretty decent and I am proud of how I live my life. I served my country as a US marine and help teens as a HS teacher and former coach. I never cheated on either wife and try to live an ethical, decent , modest, humble life.
If you really have an issue with me , contact me with a legit post with your real name attached.
I am not out to kick anyone's azz and at my age am no threat to anyone . It would be nice to simply identify who and what they are and be REASONABLE. Is that too much to ask? Thanks.
As for your view that you need to "cover your ass to avoid the feds", well, I do understand that.
My issue is that the bodybuilders themselves are the only ones hurting their health and possible freesdom.
I think it wrong that one should have to risk their health and breaking drug laws, just to compete fairly in the sport they love.
Man of steele- great post! and thanks Jujoshu.
