The same can be said for men except in a different context as muscles are associated with masculinity.
The question is why does anybody take things to the extreme?
For one thing, to be number one in the world at anything means you are just not a normal person. You want to be something that nobody else in the world is and therefore have to do things nobody else is willing to do.
Why?
Some are just driven. They're not content just being part of the herd sleep walking through life and just going through the motions.
In fact, it seems many high achievers kind of look down on the masses. They tend to keep it to themselves but personally they just can't understand why someone, someone who just gets one shot in this life, just wants to skirt through and get by comfortably. A lot of this has to be for attention. To be recognized as one who is different.
Arnold, who is an extreme case, said that his Dad favored his older brother and he resented it and always tried to get his father's attention and approval. But I think it's more than that. Arnold was born with the thirst to conquer -- to do whatever it took. To fight and strive and suffer to get what he wants.
For our species to survive and advance you need exceptional people. People that the normal don't really understand.
Woman's bodybuilding is really tough to understand because even most bodybuilders don't like it. It's definitely not normal. But I remember some bodybuilder saying when asked about his choices in life:
"Because being normal sucks."
