The life of a competing IFBB pro..........is it worth it?

[DIVISION]

Waking up to a meal, then a series of daily injections, followed by a workout.......nevermind the struggles of daily life....this is your life.

The added burden of the food and drugs you are pouring in to your body, pushing the protein turnover, the waste through your kidneys and liver....

Girlfriend?  What time for a girlfriend?

Job?  A job outside of bodybuilding?  I thought bodybuilding WAS your job?

You mean a job to support your bodybuilding ambitions?

The constant pressure to always be "on", even when your body and your mind want to be on vacation.

......and all of this for what, exactly?

A trophy?

Winning a contest so you can get sponsors and keep furthering the vicious cycle that is professional bodybuilding which runs through bodybuilders like porn goes through women.

After it's all over, what exactly are you left with?

Memories?

Hopefully your health intact, but what of value have you really gained that will stay with you for the rest of your life?

There are a few success stories in professional bodybuilding but many, many more examples of tragedy.

For every Lee Priest, there are ten who don't make it and compromise their health permanently in the process.

I'm not a bodybuilder so I can't relate to the mentality and I don't see the worth in it.......for me it's all about strength and power, not the aesthetics.

For those of you who have pro ambitions, can you explain to me how you justify the choices you make and will have to make in light of many pitfalls that await you?   



DIV

[Luolamies]

In a word, YES!

I wouldn't call myself a bodybuilder, but from my point of view it really is worth it, i'd say it's worth everything.

[columbusdude82]

Div, you are portraying the extreme, which I admit lots of guys go to.

There are also guys who will get an education, get a job, have a career, and still manage to do bodybuilding. For them, turning pro is still a goal, but also something of an "optional extra"...

Then there are young guys (18-23) who put everything into bbing and little into school, work, and building their lives, and they are the most at risk. They either make it big, or they crash.

[trab]

Many are called and few are chosen sums it up.

the Bar is gettin' So High, its hard to even imagine where its all headed....
400lbs and Ripped 20 yrs from today? 

I don't think thats impossible. Look at WWE's "The Big Show", a genuine pituitary disorder Giant.
He's what? A little south of 500lbs?

Ok, we know - The human Body can do that much "Naturally"   w/ 100% certainty.
What happens when "Research Lab"  Genetic alterations  become a reality? They will in time.

[DIVISION]

Div, you are portraying the extreme, which I admit lots of guys go to.

There are also guys who will get an education, get a job, have a career, and still manage to do bodybuilding. For them, turning pro is still a goal, but also something of an "optional extra"...

Then there are young guys (18-23) who put everything into bbing and little into school, work, and building their lives, and they are the most at risk. They either make it big, or they crash.

Am I portraying the extreme or the reality of what someone chasing an IFBB card will go through.

IT IS EXTREME.

Don't fool yourself in to thinking otherwise.


DIV

[uckmo]

You cant hate on the ones that are tring and even make it.

I feel you thats what you wanna do? go for it.

your better off playing the lottery,

[columbusdude82]

Who's hating

Let's say you're a 23 year old who lives and breathes and sleeps and dreams bodybuilding. You've been training hard, eating well, juicing in heavy doses, and struggling since you were barely 18. Your entire life plan is bodybuilding. You haven't paid much attention to school. Then, at 23, you tear a muscle and your bodybuilding ambitions are basically over, before they had a chance to take off. What then?

The above is a description of a guy I knew. It took him two years to get himself back on track, and he enrolled in law school at 25...

[Arnold jr]

It's just like any other pursuit in life that is considered out of the norm. I think many bodybuilders understand that in all they are doing, there will be little if any reward other then a pile of worthless trophies...so why do it? Simple, for self-satisfaction...not being content with simply going through life like the other 95%. Sure, there are other avenues you can follow to be in the small minority that gain some sort of self-satisfaction, but for some it's BB..and the risk should be assumed by the individual.

That said, people who choose to live this way should by no means put every last bit of energy they have into the sport...yes give it your all, but everyone has to find time and energy to live, i.e.. pay bills, buy things, etc. Of course if BB is part of the equation, there is a good chance, almost guaranteed that you will not have as much extra money as you would if you didn't participate in the sport, but this is understood by the individual and he accepts this as part of the reality.

I have no pro aspirations...I am in no way delusional. I would imagine I will lift and exercise as long as my body allows, but I know that it will not always be at the extreme like it is now...and because of that I like to think I have and continue to take steps to ensure that when the "hardcore" aspect diminishes, I have paved ways for myself to succeed in other avenues.

[SWOLETRAIN]

Professional anything = THE BEST OF THE BEST. As Trab stated, many will try, few will make it. Bodybuilding is not just skill,... Its genetics. Not everybody can make it. To hold a pro card is an honor, even if not a champion with it, the holder ws a champion on that givin day when it matterd most. That is something that cant be taken away from anybody, Arnie, titus, long, even kovacks, but palumbo....NO. Would he go tho the extremes to get it;sure... but on that givin day, he was defeated. Bodybuilding is more along the lines of a lifestyle and a game rather than sport. Many elements come into play, technique, diet, drugs, time, $$$, and DISCIPLINE. The pro card is the end of the game, you won, you may now play with the other winners. So the desire may invole consequences, some severe (health related, anti social, family breakups, etc) some not so severe (siezed packs, flu, scar tissues, no libido for the lady, pain). But ones personal quest to defeat that game, and call themselves a PRO (the best) might be worth it. Bodybuilding wont make you famous, rich or healthy. Its a game/hobby people similar to fishing but some carzy mothers wanna be guy they call the best.

[trab]

Im no accomplished BBer, its simply been a interest and hobby from the days of Arnold.

What I see here (GB) time to time is, a few guys that are sucessfull, and devote a lot of time and energy and money... Somehow Feel guilty about it. Well, Most young guys dont think real far into the future.
They spend their time and money much more freely on lots of stuff way less productive then BBing.

Yes Everything needs ballance, but I know guys that are as obssesive about: Fishing, Hunting, Racing, Bowling, Golfing etc.

Some to the point of absurd costs to their family. Ballance is the key.

Also, theres a big differance in when your young and later in life, but again we just dont know the future.
Relationships can and do fail...For MANY REASONS.

But I do know, even if I feel like crap, If I can get a decent workout and nice pump - I feel like a million bucks. And you can do that for years. No matter HOW messed up some bodypart is injured, I can usually find  somthing to work out.

Being a pro is so out of the reach of 95%+ of lifters its in the realm of fantasy anyway.
Its not like you can just "Chose to accept the price of being a pro" 
Sorry, not even if very gifted.

[DIVISION]

Being a pro is so out of the reach of 95%+ of lifters its in the realm of fantasy anyway.
Its not like you can just "Chose to accept the price of being a pro" 
Sorry, not even if very gifted.

Lee Priest is probably the best someone with above average genetics can aspire to.

For his height, he appeals to alot of people, because he fights the odds.

Don't think for one minute he doesn't have medical issues relating to bodybuilding that he has to keep on top of.

Eventually he had a scare and started to watch his weight during the off-season.

At his height, you can only get so big before it affects your cardiovascular health, kidneys, not to mention how much fat he gains when he takes time off.

I can't imagine carrying around that much mass on a frame like his.

I'm not even close to his size and at 5'7" I feel it sometimes...



DIV

[trab]

Lee Priest is probably the best someone with above average genetics can aspire to.

For his height, he appeals to alot of people, because he fights the odds.

Don't think for one minute he doesn't have medical issues relating to bodybuilding that he has to keep on top of.

Eventually he had a scare and started to watch his weight during the off-season.

At his height, you can only get so big before it affects your cardiovascular health, kidneys, not to mention how much fat he gains when he takes time off.

I can't imagine carrying around that much mass on a frame like his.

I'm not even close to his size and at 5'7" I feel it sometimes...



DIV

I agree, and Lee aint tipping his cards. a "Heart virus" ? WTF?
I like Lee and wish him the best, and yes theres likely a heavy price(s) for being heavy like that.

Most couldn't ever pull it off anyway.  That Pic BB put up  of him all max swole says it all.
Its just near supernatural.

For what they get out of the deal? Worth it? NO. I think they should get more, and the magazine and supplement empires that amass fortunes off their sacrifice ought to pony up.

I'm surprised we are not seeing them dropping like flies. Still time 4 that.

[dragonheart]

For what they get out of the deal? Worth it? NO. I think they should get more, and the magazine and supplement empires that amass fortunes off their sacrifice ought to pony up.

well said, most pros who compete at a show lose money in the ordeal.  Look at the most recent montreal pro.  I guarantee you anyone who placed under 3rd lost money.  Meanwhile the supplement and magazine industries are making billions off them.

[trab]

well said, most pros who compete at a show lose money in the ordeal.  Look at the most recent montreal pro.  I guarantee you anyone who placed under 3rd lost money.  Meanwhile the supplement and magazine industries are making billions off them.

And it ought to be the other way around...
Who REALY holds the power when ya think about it, but they all So eager to try to win.
Lee was 100% Right and look what they did to him.
Yes, He may have used a little bit of Winny now and then (With all the chicken), but he still do have some balls!

[Rimbaud]

Is it worth it? I don't know I suppose it would depend on your ambitions. I don't think I could do it but that's just me. There's too much work & not enough compensation for the average bodybuilder. I know money isn't everything but at lest some low paying hard jobs have a greater purpose - I thinking of people like social workers & such.

[Rimbaud]

well said, most pros who compete at a show lose money in the ordeal.  Look at the most recent montreal pro.  I guarantee you anyone who placed under 3rd lost money.  Meanwhile the supplement and magazine industries are making billions off them.

True.

[Knives]

the magazine and supplement companies are making billions?  that sounds like a stretch to me

[Rimbaud]

the magazine and supplement companies are making billions?  that sounds like a stretch to me

...ok maybe a billion. Either way the bodybuilders don't get enough compensation.

[Arnold jr]

the magazine and supplement companies are making billions?  that sounds like a stretch to me

The supplement business, as an economic whole is definitely a billion+ dollar a year deal. We as a society (speaking of the U.S.) have reached the age where there is a much larger concern with health and well being. True, most are not willing to do what it takes to achieve this, but that's why the supplement industry is more and more successfully each and every year...and I would suspect that it's revenues will continue to climb at a rapid rate, especially as the baby boomer generations continues to age. After all, the baby boomer generation is a large key to the supplement industries success. These individuals have reached the age where they are not quite as vibrant as they used to be in their youth, and will try anything to reclaim some of this vigour. IMO, unless our economy experiences a recession comparable to that of the late 70's early 80's during the Carter years, the pockets of the supplement dealer will grow exponentially.

[dragonheart]

the magazine and supplement companies are making billions?  that sounds like a stretch to me

the billions was just an expression, but it certainly wouldnt surprise me.  Think about all the supplements in a GNC in the mall, in all the different USA cities.  Then theres MD magazine, flex, etc. etc.

[Beener]

the billions was just an expression, but it certainly wouldnt surprise me.  Think about all the supplements in a GNC in the mall, in all the different USA cities.  Then theres MD magazine, flex, etc. etc.

A billion in revenue doesnt equate to a billion in profits, or even half a billion in profits, or even a fifth of a billion in profits. Seems like you guys think that the evil supplement companies are hoarding alllllll that money that they so cruelly scam off people while making bodybuilders live in ditches.

Also, think of all those amazing photos, posters etc of all your famous bodybuilders, they're sorta immortalized in them.  Wouldn't you love the world to see you lookin like that? And you'd be able to know that you were the king at least for a while.

[whitewidow]

Waking up to a meal, then a series of daily injections, followed by a workout.......nevermind the struggles of daily life....this is your life.

The added burden of the food and drugs you are pouring in to your body, pushing the protein turnover, the waste through your kidneys and liver....

Girlfriend?  What time for a girlfriend?

Job?  A job outside of bodybuilding?  I thought bodybuilding WAS your job?

You mean a job to support your bodybuilding ambitions?

The constant pressure to always be "on", even when your body and your mind want to be on vacation.

......and all of this for what, exactly?

A trophy?

Winning a contest so you can get sponsors and keep furthering the vicious cycle that is professional bodybuilding which runs through bodybuilders like porn goes through women.

After it's all over, what exactly are you left with?

Memories?

Hopefully your health intact, but what of value have you really gained that will stay with you for the rest of your life?

There are a few success stories in professional bodybuilding but many, many more examples of tragedy.

For every Lee Priest, there are ten who don't make it and compromise their health permanently in the process.

I'm not a bodybuilder so I can't relate to the mentality and I don't see the worth in it.......for me it's all about strength and power, not the aesthetics.

For those of you who have pro ambitions, can you explain to me how you justify the choices you make and will have to make in light of many pitfalls that await you?   



DIV

Im with Div not worth it at all. I could see doing one show every few years but bodybuilding is the shittiest career anyone could choose. WWE wrestling is better

[DIVISION]

Im with Div not worth it at all. I could see doing one show every few years but bodybuilding is the shittiest career anyone could choose. WWE wrestling is better

One of the guys who sells training at my gym part-time is a professional wrestler who routinely circuits Japan.  They pay him about 10K per trip plus expenses and he loves it.  If you're going to use anabolics and lift for a living, you should probably consider wrestling if you're looking at it from a financial perspective.

The guy drives a hummer and pretty much does what he wants when he wants and you can't exactly do that as a professional bodybuilder.



DIV

[Arnold jr]

Im with Div not worth it at all. I could see doing one show every few years but bodybuilding is the shittiest career anyone could choose. WWE wrestling is better

Although I agree, BB in terms of the financial aspect is pretty much a sucky deal, it doesn't make it a "Shitty career" IMO. It's like all things in life, you're better off doing what makes you happy but at the same time you have to be smart about it, IMO.

Take myself for instance, I'm not going to lie, being a pro BB in my opinion would be pretty cool, but as I've said on this board time and again, I am in no way delusional. Although living a BB style life is more then demanding and by many is viewed as nothing short of retarded stupidity, it is what I enjoy and it is not harming anyone around me, so why not do what makes me happy? Sure, a lot of people would claim that this type of lifestyle is irresponsible and a waste...I disagree. How can something that one truly loves and provides them self gratification be a waste? The next guy might say that this same love and self gratification can come from many other things that are far more reasonable...maybe so, but everyone has their own niche and why should we bust the balls of those who's niche is BB?

[trab]

Waste?   As if a $30K -1 Million Dollar    pleasure Fishing boat makes sense?

Or even a $10K Alumacraft  for that matter. ($10K buys a lot of fish) 

I could go on w/ other examples, but you get the picture.