Are Figure/Fitness Competitors Role Models?

[Lift Studios]

I posted this on HARDBODY.com What are your thoughts?

Dictionary.com defines role model as:
- a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, esp. by younger people.

I'm curious what the reader's of HARDBODY feel about this topic. Are Figure/Fitness competitors expected to be role models? I've talked with several people in the industry about their take on this and the opinions vary. When a woman is published in a magazine does that elevate her responsibilities to that of a role model? Are competitors what you want your daughters, sisters or mothers to emulate? Some feel that figure competitors should not pose for certain types of photos as that taints their image. Some feel posing for websites who have web cam shows or women flexing is in poor taste and a good role model wouldn't do that.

[Lorie Kimes]

There are some girls who pose nude for some web sites. I even know some of these girls and it hurts my heart that they would lower their standers to do this. I feel this hurts the reputation of fitness & figure. People could get the wrong idea?!?! I wish the girls would keep their clothes on!

[Fit Gourmet]

Well, being a Male Pig. I actually don't mind seeing any woman Nude. Especially if she has a great body and is attractive. However, I would prefer to see a playboy, artistic type of Nude shot. I really would have to agree that actual Pornographic pixes would hurt the industries image. However, That is very subjective. I have seen women with all their clothes on take Photos that are in bad taste. It really isn't that cut and dry.

[240 is Back]

Yes, like anyone in the public eye, they are role models.

Whether they choose to be responsible role models and represent their field in a professional manner, is entirely up to them. 

[kszep]

When more fitness/figure competitors (as well as any other pro athletes) stop using drugs and actually achieve their goals through hard work alone, then maybe we can call them role models.  Right now, to even think about calling the majority of pros role models is laughable.  Of course the ones who are natural could be role models, but I believe this also entails leading a healthful lifestyle (physically and psychologically) in and out of season.  Imo, I have met a just few that could (but only a few).
-Katie S.

[Dina]

I think Katie makes a very good point....  Drug use is quite prevalent, and many of the people in the industry do not live healthy lifestyles.

From the definition, a role model is someone  we choose to emulate.. we all have different values, so our choices will be different. Some may have issue with the nude modeling while others do not.. Gosh.. just this last week I received a letter from a lady berating me for suggestive shots.. Two days after that I got another letter from someone telling me that they wanted me as a role model for their young daughter.  Both are valid points of view...  At no time did I ever imagine myself to be a role model to anyone, but I suppose that exposure puts you out there in the public eye.

I would agree with FitGourmet that it would be nice to move away from the porn (my definition of porn is not nude but penetration/sex/masturbation.. I am sure others have a stricter definition..)  Again, it is all in the eye of the beholder.


This is not to say that some of the ladies do not have outstanding attributes...  some examples...

Jen Hendershott who has built a very successful business
Dr Greenwood who is an academic and manages to compete at an elite level
and countless mothers who manage to take of kids and compete.... Michelle Flake being one...

[Fit Gourmet]

Oh Yes, Here we are again. I would love to see a world without Viagra, Alive, Pregnasome, Muscle Relaxers. Pain Killers. The list goes on. Did I forget Anabolic steroids. How about Caffeine, Ephedrine, Aspirin, Starbucks. All are some form of drugs that Athletes and regular people use for a variety of different reasons.

I am more interested in the abuse of these drugs. I don't give a rats ass if my local or pro Figure athlete, Football Player, hockey player, or WWE Fighter uses something to recover faster (Alive). Build Muscle (Steroids, Whey Protein, or Gaspari nutrition Products-Pro Hormones. As long as he or she does it in private. Alcohol is a drug by the way, I hang out with a lot of athletes that do drink in public.

Ever watch a Beer Commercial. Alcohol related deaths kill more innocent people than Anything else. I have family members who a retired Pro Athletes. 2-Are in the Hall of Fame. Did you guys know they where given Anabolic Steroids in the late 50's, all of the 60's, 70's, & 80's-Thru the Present. Please Grow up People. Steroids, Fat Burners (Clenbuterol) & Other drugs are only going to become more Mainstream, Not less. NO ONE IS GOING TO STOP TAKING THEM!!!! No matter what we all do or say. Because they work!!! Why don't some of you Figure and Fitness Women Pull Out Your Boob JOBS!!! Fake Tits are not Exactly Healthy, Natural, Or sending the right Message to our Young People!!!!!!

When more fitness/figure competitors (as well as any other pro athletes) stop using drugs and actually achieve their goals through hard work alone, then maybe we can call them role models.  Right now, to even think about calling the majority of pros role models is laughable.  Of course the ones who are natural could be role models, but I believe this also entails leading a healthful lifestyle (physically and psychologically) in and out of season.  Imo, I have met a just few that could (but only a few).
-Katie S.

 

[Fit Gourmet]

The Views and opinions of Mr. Fitgourmet do not represent the opinion or views of getbig's staff, owner or Readers. Nore do they represent the views or opinions of his Wife, Clients, or Drug addicted family members.

[fitfan007]

Well I just think people are people....and there are some in this industry that are good examples and some that are diffently not.  There is a good and bad side to this industry.  These competitors are being literally judged by what they look like everyday.  It's hard to want to promote that lifestyle to people.  Its just how you look at it.  B/c through this type of competition, and extreme discipline must be possessed, and that's what makes it special.

[Lift Studios]

When more fitness/figure competitors (as well as any other pro athletes) stop using drugs and actually achieve their goals through hard work alone, then maybe we can call them role models.  Right now, to even think about calling the majority of pros role models is laughable.  Of course the ones who are natural could be role models, but I believe this also entails leading a healthful lifestyle (physically and psychologically) in and out of season.  Imo, I have met a just few that could (but only a few).
-Katie S.

Katie, you're a pro are you a role model?

[kszep]

Am I a role model?  Well, no matter how I answer, I will end up sounding self-righteous, but oh well....
All I can say is that I have never made a decision in my fitness career that I would not be proud to tell my daughter in the future.  I have never taken a drug or posed for pics in a way that I find inappropriate.  I have never kissed ass to get ahead.  And yes, these decisions are most likely part of the reason that I haven't had the "success" of other competitors.  But again, in the end, I can rest easy knowing that even the small success that I have had, I acheived naturally and morally.  So yes, I think I can be a role-model to those who share my beliefs.
Btw...fit gourmet, legal "drugs" as you call them such as caffeine or whey protein are certainly not what I am referring to.  You obviously think all enhancers are ok and good for you.  I do not.
-K

[Hedgehog]

Role models?

I dunno.

I think more fitness and figure competitors should look into the adult movie industry, do hardcore movies, like Grant Michaels, Kim Chambers, Rhonda Lee Quaresma and a few others succesfully have done.

At least those who are Cali based, living close to San Fernando where a lot of the major Adult Movie companies are located.

My point is, these competitors have an obligation towards themselves to make some dollars.

And if they do that in a legal way, that's something you gotta respect.

I much rather see fitness competitors do hardcore adult movies than engage in private sessions, and other activities that would be considered prostitution.

[dacof]

Oh Yes, Here we are again. I would love to see a world without Viagra, Alive, Pregnasome, Muscle Relaxers. Pain Killers. The list goes on. Did I forget Anabolic steroids. How about Caffeine, Ephedrine, Aspirin, Starbucks. All are some form of drugs that Athletes and regular people use for a variety of different reasons. I am more interested in the abuse of these drugs. I don't give a rats ass if my local or pro Figure athlete, Football Player, hockey player, or WWE Fighter uses something to recover faster (Alive). Build Muscle (Steroids, Whey Protein, or Gaspari nutrition Products-Pro Hormones. As long as he or she does it in private. Alcohol is a drug by the way, I hang out with a lot of athletes that do drink in public. Ever watch a Beer Commercial. Alcohol related deaths kill more innocent people than Anything else. I have family members who a retired Pro Athletes. 2-Are in the Hall of Fame. Did you guys know they where given Anabolic Steroids in the late 50's, all of the 60's, 70's, & 80's-Thru the Present. Please Grow up People. Steroids, Fat Burners (Clenbuterol) & Other drugs are only going to become more Mainstream, Not less. NO ONE IS GOING TO STOP TAKING THEM!!!! No matter what we all do or say. Because they work!!! Why don't some of you Figure and Fitness Women Pull Out Your Boob JOBS!!! Fake Tits are not Exactly Healthy, Natural, Or sending the right Message to our Young People!!!!!! 

Please tell me you are not comparing legal and illegal substances. Are you putting Steroids and Whey Protein in the same category?

A role model for my kids is someone who would not get thrown in jail for what they are putting in there body or someone who does not have to go to a dealer for what they are consuming.  Have we all partied here or there... sure. Maybe even hugged the bowl on more then one occasion.   Not the same as basing your career as a competitor on enhancers or abusing recreational drugs/alcohol.

And you are right...NO ONE WILL STOP TAKING THEM....but I do not think that was the question. The question was.... SHOULD they be expected to be role models. They should be BUT many are not and the main reason they are not is because of their drug use (both recreational and not) and the way they live there lives.

[Butterbean]

I don't think any human being should be considered a role model in their entirety.  That seems both naive and unfair IMO.  Specific desirable aspects of someone could be considered behavior to model oneself after, but no one is perfect!

[Tre]

Valerie Waugaman, Elaine Goodlad, Jamie Reed...just three people I consider to be role models. 

There are several in the industry, just as there are several who are not.

It's sorta like anyplace else you go in the world.  The fitness industry is no different, but it's not accurate to say that every (or even most) fitness/figure competitor is or is not a 'role model'.   

[Dina]

Role models?

I dunno.

I think more fitness and figure competitors should look into the adult movie industry, do hardcore movies, like Grant Michaels, Kim Chambers, Rhonda Lee Quaresma and a few others succesfully have done.

At least those who are Cali based, living close to San Fernando where a lot of the major Adult Movie companies are located.

My point is, these competitors have an obligation towards themselves to make some dollars.

And if they do that in a legal way, that's something you gotta respect.

I much rather see fitness competitors do hardcore adult movies than engage in private sessions, and other activities that would be considered prostitution.

Is your issue with prostitution being illegal or just that it is prostution..?

In some spots prostitution is legal...    I think they make more money doing that. If I am not mistaken a few of the adult stars tour the ranches in Nevada.

[Nancypro]

I don't think any human being should be considered a role model in their entirety.  That seems both naive and unfair IMO.  Specific desirable aspects of someone could be considered behavior to model oneself after, but no one is perfect!

Absolutely, it is behaviors that are being modeled not the individual, your points are awesome and also if we compartmentalize someone as a "role model" in their entirety that is to say that they are somehow elevated, when in fact everyone is all equal, there really is no such thing as self esteem it is all in our imagination.  We are all equal, knowing the things we want to "work on" we choose role models, people who exemplify characteristics that we want to incorporate in our day to day living, that is what modeling is all about, watching behavior and then saying to ourselves, "hey I want to act more like that". But we do not look at the individual in their entirety only the specific behavior we want to model. 

One of my role models in Jenny Lynn, I love that she is a hard worker and seems to easily detach from the grueling efforts of two hours of cardio a day, I want more of that.  But a role model is chosen by the person who wants to change their behavior or have more of that specific behavior, not the person who is the role model. I did not call Jenny Lynn on the phone and say, hey you are my role model, if I did she would maybe say, super.. fantatic, whatever.

But she will just go on being her, because I chose to model something, she did not choose to be my role model. So this person is not obligated in anyway to "change" their behavior to "act" more like a role model, in asking someone to do that is asking them to not be authentic anymore and therefore not real. That I do not believe anyone wants to model.

[JediKnight]

If you need a "role model" then your weak minded. Be our own person. You can learn from others, but you need to have your own goals and drive for life.

[Hedgehog]

Is your issue with prostitution being illegal or just that it is prostution..?

In some spots prostitution is legal...    I think they make more money doing that. If I am not mistaken a few of the adult stars tour the ranches in Nevada.

You are correct in that a lot of the adult stars work as pros as well.


My stance against prostitution is purely ideological. I believe it to be a part of the patriarchal society that prevents equality between genders.

FWIW, I would like to see a change of the prostitution law, so that it was legal to sell sex, but illegal to buy it.

That way, the focus would be changed.


Sorry for the off-topic rant.

[Lift Studios]

If you need a "role model" then your weak minded. Be our own person. You can learn from others, but you need to have your own goals and drive for life.

I'd disagree on the weak-minded part. We were all kids once and venture to guess had someone we considered a "role-model". As adults we inherently take on roles we may or may not have signed up for but find ourselves in. IE that of a mentor, teacher and perhaps at times a "role model".

[Tre]

Absolutely, it is behaviors that are being modeled not the individual, your points are awesome and also if we compartmentalize someone as a "role model" in their entirety that is to say that they are somehow elevated, when in fact everyone is all equal, there really is no such thing as self esteem it is all in our imagination.  We are all equal, knowing the things we want to "work on" we choose role models, people who exemplify characteristics that we want to incorporate in our day to day living, that is what modeling is all about, watching behavior and then saying to ourselves, "hey I want to act more like that". But we do not look at the individual in their entirety only the specific behavior we want to model. 

One of my role models in Jenny Lynn, I love that she is a hard worker and seems to easily detach from the grueling efforts of two hours of cardio a day, I want more of that.  But a role model is chosen by the person who wants to change their behavior or have more of that specific behavior, not the person who is the role model. I did not call Jenny Lynn on the phone and say, hey you are my role model, if I did she would maybe say, super.. fantatic, whatever.

But she will just go on being her, because I chose to model something, she did not choose to be my role model. So this person is not obligated in anyway to "change" their behavior to "act" more like a role model, in asking someone to do that is asking them to not be authentic anymore and therefore not real. That I do not believe anyone wants to model.

Uh, Nancy, just so we're clear - you ARE a role model.   

[Tre]

If you need a "role model" then your weak minded. Be our own person. You can learn from others, but you need to have your own goals and drive for life.

Role models are the people who teach us that. 

[Tre]

My stance against prostitution is purely ideological. I believe it to be a part of the patriarchal society that prevents equality between genders.

FWIW, I would like to see a change of the prostitution law, so that it was legal to sell sex, but illegal to buy it.

That way, the focus would be changed.

I don't understand why it should be illegal to buy sex. 

It's just sex.

Role models have sex.

[Hedgehog]

I don't understand why it should be illegal to buy sex. 

It's just sex.

Role models have sex.

In order to prevent prostitution.

Prostitution is one of many phenomenons that retains the current patriarchal structure, which prevents economical and social equality for women.

The very social function of men paying women for sex, prevents our society from giving women a level playing field.

Constantly objectifying, giving women a different arena to play on.

Which is, from a macro economical perspective, idiotic, since every society needs to recruit its sharpest minds, regardless of gender, to the toughest jobs.

And prostitution is part of all this.

[JosephineD]

I don't think any human being should be considered a role model in their entirety.  That seems both naive and unfair IMO.  Specific desirable aspects of someone could be considered behavior to model oneself after, but no one is perfect!

Now THIS I fully agree with. There has never been one single person on this earth who embodies 'all' the characteristics of what I would consider a role model.  I feel a role model should be a fantasy entity that does embody the qualites the person who has created it, would want to live up to.  This role model should be a person's ideal "her" or "him" in his/own opinion.

The closest thing to a role model that represents the majority of characteristics and achivements I find most admirable is Oprah.   But she isn't exactly an inspiration in fitness.