by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
Let’s not sugarcoat it — the game of bodybuilding isn’t what it was. Again within the day, the stage determined who was the most effective. At the moment? It feels extra like a reputation contest than a real battle of physiques.
When you have thousands and thousands of followers, likelihood is you’re getting extra love — even when your physique doesn’t stack up. We’ve seen it this complete yr, and it’s arduous to disclaim what’s happening.
It’s unhappy to see this transition within the sport. I get it — the IFBB desires extra eyeballs, so that they wish to herald folks with thousands and thousands of followers and followers as a result of the game has been extraordinarily boring the final a number of years.
However what’s taking place is flawed.
On this article, we’re going to dive deeper into how (I imagine) bodybuilding is popping right into a reputation content material. I’m certain there can be lots of pushback from what I’m about to say, however somebody must say it.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is suggested that you just communicate together with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making adjustments to your diet plan, or including any new dietary supplements into your present routine.
Social Media is the New Choose
Neglect conditioning. Neglect symmetry. Neglect general muscle mass. In case you’ve bought the next, you’ve bought the sting.
Nowadays, opponents are successful exhibits not as a result of they introduced the most effective bundle to the stage… however as a result of they introduced essentially the most followers with them.
It’s irritating.
The judges say it’s all in regards to the physique. However increasingly more, the outcomes inform a unique story. It’s turning right into a straight-up reputation contest.
Are the judges actually trying on the physiques? As a result of if that’s the case, maybe they should get their eyes checked.
Followers Over Type
We see guys with common physiques beating out opponents who clearly look higher.
The distinction?
One has an enormous on-line following. The opposite doesn’t.
It’s arduous to disclaim that affect is beginning to sway outcomes.
When promoters and federations know somebody brings a crowd (or higher but, brings consideration to the present), they change into extra precious.
That worth turns into favoritism. That favoritism exhibits up within the placings.
Welcome to trendy bodybuilding, the place attain beats actuality.
The Enterprise Aspect of Bodybuilding
Let’s not faux this sport isn’t additionally a enterprise. Promoters need ticket gross sales. Sponsors need eyeballs. And somebody with one million followers delivers on each.
So, what occurs?
They get extra press. Extra invitations. Extra alternatives.
And when the stage lights hit, they’re already the star. Even when another person deserves to win, they’re simply the undercard. The recognition contest is already determined.
It’s Killing the Integrity of the Sport
Bodybuilding is meant to be in regards to the physique. It ought to be about who introduced the most effective physique. Not who will get essentially the most likes.
However now? It appears like we’re watching a rigged recreation.
Opponents bust their asses all yr lengthy, making an attempt to excellent each muscle group… solely to be overwhelmed by somebody whose greatest muscle is their social media presence with thousands and thousands of followers.
It’s discouraging.
And, fairly truthfully, I believe it’s driving actual expertise away.
The Rise of the Influencer-Bodybuilder
Don’t get me flawed. There are influencers who’re really legit bodybuilders. They put within the work. They present up shredded. They deserve their props. However not all influencers are created equal.
Some get on stage simply to construct their model. They don’t care in regards to the artwork of bodybuilding. They’re there for the selfies, the sponsors, and the story.
And it’s working.
As a result of in in the present day’s reputation contest, notion typically beats efficiency.
What Occurred to the Hardcore?
Bear in mind when bodybuilding was about grit?
When guys like Dorian Yates educated at midnight, with no cameras, simply pure depth?
That period is lengthy gone.
Now it’s all about content material.
Publish the exercise. Share the pump. Hype the prep.
Coaching arduous isn’t sufficient anymore — you must prepare loud. That shift has watered issues down. The hardcore lifters who constructed this sport at the moment are background noise.
They don’t play the sport, so that they don’t get the highlight.
Judging is Turning into a Joke
Let’s name it what it’s — judging has change into inconsistent.
We see guys win one present and place fifth the following weekend, with the identical physique.
What modified?
The placement, the lineup, and perhaps the political pull.
Or worse… the influencer clout of the competitors.
That’s not a sport. That’s a reputation contest with trophies.
I’m certain many are studying this and screaming, “However Matt, the following present there have been simply higher physiques on stage.” Certain, that may very well be attainable. However the identical may very well be stated in regards to the theft the place somebody bought their professional card the week earlier than however didn’t deserve it as a result of different opponents had higher physiques.
And I hate the entire “you simply have to have the most effective physique on that day to win.” Little question. However when you don’t have the most effective physique, why is somebody being rewarded?
These guys getting their professional card currently would get demolished within the IFBB. They don’t resemble any physique we see on a professional stage in the present day. The entire sport is getting watered down.
Actual Athletes Are Getting Ignored
Those who eat, sleep, and breathe bodybuilding are getting handed over.
As a result of they don’t submit each meal.
As a result of they’re not on TikTok doing traits.
As a result of they don’t have a YouTube channel.
As a result of they don’t have over one million followers on Instagram.
As a result of they’re centered on coaching, not chasing fame.
And but, they’re those who embody the spirit of bodybuilding.
They’re those who ought to be celebrated.
Not ignored as a result of they’re not “marketable.”
The place Do We Go From Right here?
This sport wants a reset to convey it again to the fundamentals. Let the stage resolve who wins, not the dimensions of a fan base.
Judges want to remain centered on the physiques. Not engagement charges.
As a result of the extra this turns into a reputation contest, the extra we lose what made bodybuilding nice.
Perhaps I’m Improper? Or Perhaps I’m Simply the Solely Individual Who Feels the Have to Converse Up?
Look, I get it.
We reside in a digital world. And there’s worth in being seen. However bodybuilding is meant to be about our bodies, not manufacturers.
If we maintain taking place this highway, we’re going to lose the guts of the game. It’ll change into simply one other on-line circus the place clout wins over conditioning.
We will do higher.
We have now to do higher.
As a result of actual bodybuilders deserve extra than simply being background gamers in another person’s reputation contest.