There is a certain perspective being missed here. Also, the issue of financial gain/return.
So many guys in the gym that never would have dreamt of competing are now standing on the "bodybuilding" stage. Most of them don't yet think of themselves as "bodybuilders" per se, because the behemoths are still around and very much in their faces.
The physique that is being brought to the posing dias is now more of an "attainable" look, making a lot of guys and gals believe that they can achieve this look without drugs....
Well, most "bodybuilders" know better. Many of the "men's phsique" competitors are boatloading PED's, just not the same ones or in the same fashion or for the same results as the behemoths. Unfortunately this new 'men's physique" is no more 'attainable' than a hardcore bodybuilder's... but the public doesn't know this.... yet.
There is still the issue of genetics, hardcore dieting, cardio, committment, did I say genetics? Oh yeah, and coiffed hair, veneers, board shorts that these guys go through great lengths (no pun intended) to get 'just right'
The audience that watches these guys has much more financial prowess. They are advertisers, promoters, people looking for book cover models, etc, etc... bottom line: people that have no interest in a "Colmanesque' physique...
These pretty boys, pretty men, girlie girls, etc, etc are taking up a majority of the NPC and IFBB cards now. Don't take much to get one and doesn't mean much once you do, but someone is making some money off of handing them out like candy.
Having someone walk up to you and say "Excuse me, can I hand out the trophies?"
"I have a Pro Card"
those words are now actually laughable. EVERYONE has their Pro Card now. Why?
Money. Money. Money.
75 - 100 guys in one class alone... the money is being raked in like never before.
It's a good time to learn how to "spray-tan" at the "hotel across the street" and actually get good at it. You will soon be in high demand, also raking in the profits.
Most guys at the gym have no clue who Ed Corney is, or Jose Raymond, Flex Lewis, Lee Labrada... but!
If you start mentioning Mark Anthony or Jeremy Buendia.... lol
Dude and dudettes... let me tell you: This shit is NOT LEAVING anytime soon.
It's sad. It's laughable. It's hard for those of us who can name-drop all the way to 1962 when Larry Scott was the first official winner of what was to be the Mr. Olympia.
These physique competitors run around the gym with their entourage's saying "he's the next Mr. Olympia.."
they don't even bother to differentiate anymore.
Personally.. I don't really care. As a trainer, I have a lot more physique competitors blowing up my phone these days than bodybuilders, and yes, I ALWAYS differentiate between the two.
