by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
The health and bodybuilding business was about constructing energy, endurance, and total well-being. It was about pushing limits naturally, fueling the physique with correct vitamin, and coaching with depth and function. However someplace alongside the way in which, issues took a darkish flip.
I’ve been within the health and bodybuilding business for over 20 years, and what we see at present isn’t health. It’s not even bodybuilding within the conventional sense. It’s a reckless pursuit of measurement at any value. And that value is, sadly, larger than ever. And persons are paying the value.
This isn’t a enjoyable or glamorous article that I’m writing. In reality, it pains me to even really feel the necessity to write it. However I do know that if I don’t discuss this matter, nobody will, and we’ll be in the identical place 10 years down the highway (or in a good worse place).
So, if individuals wish to get offended at me for my opinion on the health and bodybuilding business, that’s effective. However I stated what I stated, and I really imagine what I’m saying may assist change the trajectory of the business if individuals begin listening and drive change.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is suggested that you simply communicate together with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making adjustments to your vitamin plan, or including any new dietary supplements into your present routine.
The Health and Bodybuilding Trade is a Harmful Science Experiment Right this moment
The variety of medication getting used within the health and bodybuilding business at present is completely mind-boggling. It’s actually insane.
What began as primary anabolic steroids has was an all-out chemical warfare on the physique. It’s not nearly testosterone or development hormone.
Now, rivals are stacking harmful cocktails of insulin, diuretics, SARMs, and experimental compounds that most individuals can’t even pronounce.
And for what? A plastic trophy? A examine that doesn’t even pay your payments for a month? Social media clout?
Let’s be actual — many of those athletes are playing with their lives. And we’ve seen the implications firsthand. Too many younger women and men are dying earlier than they even attain their prime. Coronary heart failure, organ failure, strokes — these aren’t fluke incidents. They’re the direct results of excessive drug use.
On the time of penning this, we simply heard of a number of individuals within the business dying attributable to among the substances they have been taking. Sufficient is sufficient.
The place Are the Position Fashions?
Once I received into this business, I regarded as much as guys like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Serge Nubret (who I had the privilege of interviewing), Frank Zane, and even the golden-era bodybuilders who targeted on aesthetics, symmetry, and longevity.
Positive, some (okay, most) used enhancements, nevertheless it wasn’t wherever near the extent we see at present. Their aim was nonetheless to be wholesome and purposeful.
Now, we now have influencers and rivals who appear like strolling science experiments. Their physiques are unattainable with out the usage of a ridiculous variety of medication. And but, they push dietary supplements and training applications as if that’s the key to their success.
It’s deceptive. It’s harmful. And it’s killing the integrity of the health and bodybuilding business.
How Did We Get Right here?
Social media performed an enormous position on this shift. Likes, followers, and sponsorships grew to become extra vital than longevity. Persons are chasing excessive physiques as a result of that’s what will get consideration on-line. However what’s the true value of that focus?
Coaches (lots of whom haven’t any actual information of well being or endocrinology) are pushing harmful drug protocols onto younger athletes. These athletes belief them, considering it’s the one method to be aggressive. And the worst half? The health and bodybuilding business simply turns a blind eye.
How Do We Repair the Health and Bodybuilding Trade?
First, we have to change the dialog. The health and bodybuilding business needs to be about sustainability, not self-destruction. Well being ought to come first. Schooling is essential and must be on the forefront of issues.
Athletes want to start out being trustworthy. Should you’re utilizing it, come clean with it. Cease deceptive younger youngsters into considering they’ll obtain a large, shredded physique with simply protein powder, creatine, and an excellent exercise plan.
Right this moment, practically everybody is aware of that’s a lie.
The IFBB and NPC are additionally in charge. Judging standards in competitions want to vary. Rewarding measurement over aesthetics and conditioning has pushed rivals to extremes. We want a shift again to the golden period beliefs — balanced, aesthetic, and sustainable physiques.
Most significantly, we’d like extra individuals talking out. Coaches, athletes, business leaders — everybody who cares about the way forward for this sport must step up. Silence is a part of the issue.
Once more, the entire motive I’m writing this text is as a result of I would like individuals to grasp that we now have an issue, and we have to collectively discover a answer earlier than the health and bodybuilding business goes thus far down the darkish path that there’s no getting back from the toxicity it’s develop into.
My Perspective as a Health Trade Skilled
I’ve been on this business for many years. I’ve seen the evolution, the highs, and now the damaging lows. I’ve labored with athletes from the highschool ranks all the way in which as much as NBA and NFL gamers, written hundreds and hundreds of articles, and constructed my profession round educating individuals about well being and health.
And I’m sick of seeing younger athletes throw their lives away for just a few moments of glory.
It doesn’t should be this manner. The health and bodybuilding business will be and do higher. However it begins with us (coaches, athletes, followers, and leaders) making a change.
Well being ought to at all times come first. With out it, what’s the purpose?