Bodybuilding is a huge industry. People spend billions of dollars annually on supplements, gym memberships, and workout equipment.
But is it worth the time, money, and effort?
That's a question that only you can answer.
In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of bodybuilding and help you decide if it's right for you!
What is bodybuilding, and what are its benefits of it?
Bodybuilding is a type of exercise designed to build muscle mass and strength.
The most common type of bodybuilding activity is lifting weights, but bodybuilders may also use other equipment, such as resistance bands and weight machines.
Bodybuilding can be beneficial for both men and women. It can help to build strong bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and burn calories.
In addition, bodybuilding can help to reduce stress levels and promote mental well-being. For those looking to improve their physical appearance, bodybuilding can also help tone the body and build lean muscle mass.
Is Bodybuilding Worth It?
From Research, the average income for the American household in 2021 was about $87,864. This might be to feed and sustain 2-4 people. However, a bodybuilder could easily weigh as much as double an average human and, of course, have other expenses.
Unless you have a massive passion for the sport, it is not worth it financially.
While the fitness market is massive, bodybuilding remains a tiny niche. It is growing faster than ever, but it remains small.
When it comes to working out, there are many different options. One popular workout routine is bodybuilding.
But is bodybuilding worth it?
Let's take a look at the pros and cons.
On the plus side, bodybuilding can help you build strong muscles and an impressive physique. Bodybuilding is worth considering if you want to increase your strength and size.
In addition, bodybuilding can be a great way to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost confidence.
On the downside, however, bodybuilding can be time-consuming and expensive.
If you're unwilling to commit the time and money necessary to see results, bodybuilding may not be worth it.
Additionally, bodybuilding can put a lot of strain on your muscles and joints, leading to injuries if you're not careful.
So, is bodybuilding worth it? Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
Bodybuilding could be a great option if you're willing to put in the work and have the time and money to spare. However, if you're not sure you can commit or are concerned about possible injuries, then bodybuilding might not be right for you.
Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not bodybuilding is worth it for you.
Is Bodybuilding a Good Idea?
For Instagram? Absolutely. Otherwise, it depends.
Bodybuilding takes much more commitment than most people realize; many will start, and only a few will finish. If you consider it, maybe speak to someone who has done a few shows to get you greater insight.
Bodybuilding is a good idea if you love the idea of finding the limits of your own body and mind.
Many have said that bodybuilding was the most complicated and remarkable thing they have ever done, which speaks volumes.
It will be worth it if you genuinely love the sport and the sacrifice it requires.
For some, it's a means to cope with trauma, becoming both a release and a safe space.
Are Bodybuilders Happy?
A quick Google search of “are bodybuilders happy” yields a trove of articles with titles like “5 Reasons Why Bodybuilders Aren't as Happy as They Look” and “Why Most Bodybuilders Suffer from Depression.”
There's a lot of interest in whether or not the hulking giants of the bodybuilding world are content with their lives.
The answer, it turns out, is a bit complicated. While some studies have shown that bodybuilders tend to be more unhappy than the general population, it's important to remember that these studies often compare average Joes to professional athletes who have dedicated their lives to an intense physical pursuit.
When you compare apples to apples, the picture looks a little different.
A study of amateur bodybuilders found that those who competed in tournaments were significantly happier than those who didn't, regardless of whether they won or lost.
In other words, it seems that for many bodybuilders, the act of competing is what brings them happiness – not necessarily the trophies.
So while it's true that bodybuilders may not be as happy as others, it's also fair to say that they're generally pretty happy with their chosen profession.
Is Natural Bodybuilding a Waste of Time?
The world of bodybuilding and fitness is filled with performance-enhancing drug users.
While nothing is wrong with this, their sports aren't tested for these substances, and some still want to take the natural route due to ethics, health, or religious reasons.
Bodybuilding is already hard to accomplish, so unless you have an undying passion for the sport, natural bodybuilding is a waste of time. Seth Feroce said it best, “I want to see freaks!”.
There is nothing wrong with natural bodybuilding.
However, it will always be the category of making less money, drawing a smaller crowd, and generating less buzz.
You might earn some more respect from your peers, however.
What are the Disadvantages of Being a Bodybuilder?
Being a bodybuilder isn't easy if the message isn't clear yet. It takes years and years of hard work and discipline, and even then, you aren't guaranteed a win on the day of the show. Something as small as 5 grams of Salt could be the difference between winning and losing.
Let's look at some of the drawbacks of being a bodybuilder.
Discrimination: You may not believe it, but bodybuilders are often judged. Whether for being stupid or not having good brain function, many still treat them as faceless meatheads.
Size Restrictions: This goes without saying; the larger you are, the harder life becomes. Fitting into car seats or planes becomes nearly impossible once you become big.
Food Bill: If you go the bodybuilding route, you must have a job that pays very handsomely. Your food bill will be pretty high, as most bodybuilders consume more than 4000 calories daily.
Health Bill: If you are unaware, bodybuilders will abuse Steroids and other Drugs to get the best results on the day of the show. Doing so will come with health complications, and you will need to prepare for this by living as healthily as possible and following strict guidelines from a medical professional.
Time Sacrifices: Bodybuilders train anything from one to four hours a day, eat for three, and sleep between eight and ten. The time you have free to spend with family and friends will be very limited.
Why are Bodybuilders so Weak?
Bodybuilders are often derided as being weak, despite their impressive physiques.
There are a few reasons for this misconception.
First of all, bodybuilding is primarily concerned with aesthetics, not strength.
This focus on appearance means bodybuilders often forego heavy lifting in favor of exercises emphasizing muscle definition.
As a result, they may not be as strong as powerlifters or Olympic weightlifters who devote themselves to lifting heavier weights.
Additionally, bodybuilders typically use steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs, reducing muscular endurance and increasing recovery time after workouts.
Finally, the muscles of bodybuilders are often overloaded with glycogen, which makes them appear larger but can also make them feel weaker.
In short, there are a few reasons why bodybuilders might appear weaker than they are. However, it's important to remember that looks can be deceiving; many bodybuilders are quite strong, despite their seemingly frail appearance.
Do Bodybuilders Live a Long Life?
In the past five years, many bodybuilders have passed away relatively early.
Some were due to natural causes, but the lifestyle and Steroids' influence in this is not denied. The heart is not equipped to handle a 300+ lbs body.
The Baylor College of Medicine surveyed 1578 pro bodybuilders and found an average life expectancy of around 48 years.
This is substantially lower than the world average of 73 years.
Is Bodybuilding Healthy Long Term?
Bodybuilding has become increasingly popular as people look for ways to improve their physical appearance and build muscle.
However, some experts have raised concerns about the long-term health effects of bodybuilding.
While there is no doubt that bodybuilding can have some benefits, such as improving strength and cardiovascular health, there are also potential risks that should be considered.
For example, bodybuilders often use large amounts of supplements, leading to liver damage and other health problems.
In addition, the intense training required for bodybuilding can put a lot of strain on the muscles and joints, leading to injuries.
Finally, bodybuilders often have very low body fat percentages, resulting in health problems such as hormone imbalances.
As with any physical activity, it is important to consult a doctor before beginning a bodybuilding program.
Taking these precautions will help minimize the risks and ensure that bodybuilding remains a healthy activity.
Why Do Bodybuilders Have Heart Attacks?
According to a new study, bodybuilders are more likely to have heart attacks than the average person.
The study, which the University of Michigan conducted, looked at the medical records of over 3,500 bodybuilders and found that they were 2.5 times more likely to suffer from a heart attack than the general population.
There are several possible explanations for this increased risk.
First, bodybuilders often take steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs, leading to high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.
Second, bodybuilders tend to have low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is a recipe for disaster.
Finally, bodybuilders often have large waistlines, which can cause their arteries to become blocked.
While the findings of this study are certainly alarming, it's important to remember that most bodybuilders do not suffer from heart attacks.
So if you're hitting the gym hard to get ripped, don't panic – be sure to monitor your cholesterol levels and see your doctor regularly.
How can I get started with bodybuilding?
Bodybuilding is a great way to get in shape and build muscle mass.
However, it cannot be easy to know where to start. For beginners, we recommend starting with a simple dumbbell routine.
Another important part of bodybuilding is diet. Be sure to eat plenty of protein-rich foods such as chicken, fish, and eggs. You can find some basic dumbbell exercises here.
You should also consume complex carbohydrates such as oats and sweet potatoes for energy.
Finally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If you stick to these basic guidelines, you'll be on your way to a ripped physique in no time!
Final thoughts
So is bodybuilding worth it? In short, it depends. Some risks are associated with bodybuilding, such as the potential for injuries and heart attacks.
However, these risks can be minimized if you take precautions and consult with a doctor before starting a program.
Bodybuilding can also have great benefits, such as improved strength and cardiovascular health.
So if you're looking to get in shape and build muscle mass, bodybuilding is a great option – be sure to do your research first.
