A rant on bodybuilders of today
Ok, so the reason i’m posting this is because I recently saw a picture and thread of a bodybuilder who is a few weeks out from a pro bodybuilding contest.
This thread had over 3 pages of discussion on how amazing this guy looks - a total beast!
I looked at the pictures and simpy shook my head.
A guy with huge arms, huge chest, huge shoulders, huge lats, huge legs… And huge waist.. Oh.. but the waist is small compared to a lot of pro’s.. And that makes it absoultely fine!?
In my honest opinion, a champion bodybuilder is a guy who would not look out of place as a greek god statue. The kind of guy you’d look at and think he had perfect lines, perfect symmetry, strong as a bull, yet fast as a cat.
When I see most pro bodybuilders of today.. I think they look like they could eat mcdonalds dry, or would do well in a food eating contest, or play the role of a mutant in a horror movie.. Oh yeah, and could lift a lot of heavy stuff.
This is what I call a bodybuilder:
http://www.classicbodybuilders.com/bodybuilder/frankzane/frankzane5.jpg
http://www.classicbodybuilders.com/bodybuilder/frankzane/frankzane15.jpg
Symmetry, lines, small waists, and broad shoulders.
Clothed and every day life you’d think of someone like Frank Zane to bevery athletic and had nice shape. Posed up and shirtless, you’d think he was a god.
Some where down the line we have lost the ‘greek god’ like look and have adopted the ‘comic book’ over exaggerated style of physique.
January 16, 2008 at 4:34 am
I agree great post, what was the link to the guy your talking about??
January 16, 2008 at 5:39 am
yeah man I agree on that they look like they will be in a eating contest playing a horrible movie
January 16, 2008 at 6:34 am
They look like the old Muscleheadz characters come to life. I gave up on pro bodybuilding pretty much after Dorian’s reign, and even he ended up overboard. Favorite body builders of all time would have to be the greats, Zane obviously, Arnold, Columbo, Sergio Oliva, Steve Reeves, Bertil Foxx, Rich Gaspari, Lee Labrada, and Shawn Ray in the 90’s. Talk about symmetry. Oh how I wish they would go with the classic lines and small waste look again.
January 16, 2008 at 9:54 am
I think the issue here is “perception” and how over time the general publics ideas on physical magnificence has become blurred. What you have pointed out is a prime example of how the lines between the quest for physical perfection and the quest to just be to next hugest thing or what I would like to call “over indulgence” in our sport/lifestyle. It not just about the perfect symmetry or even the pursuit of a well rounded fitness structure, but these days it seems to all about being the hugest, freakiest, most muscular man around with no real quest for actually being an all around athlete, other then their quest for the ability to be to grow as much muscle as possible. The irony here is huge muscle head at my gym, (nice guy I talk to from time to time) came up to me and told me I was doing was to much cardio and that I should not run at all if I want to grow to be like the pro’s! I was like thanks for the info man! But in reality I was like dude I want to be fit as well as swole, why in the world would I want to be as big as house and cant run five feet without breathing heavy?
The trend does not stop at body building, but actually has spread too many areas; I can remember a time when the ideal women was fit and tone and care about her health, but not it seem 99% of the females on the planet (not to mention the guys) could care less about the health period. I recently went to local bar to catch up with some old friends and (even though don’t drink I had a grand time) although when it came to the women in the bar I was blown away on how many over weight women there were in the bar period, now I know you probably think well the bar is not the best place to use as an example but its everywhere, the mall, my college, hell even walking around my grocery store. The sad part is my old friends (whom have nothing to do with fitness lifestyle) were checking these women out and tell me how hot they are!?!?! Maybe it just me (not to sound in any way conceded) but when I see a women with a muffin gut; one it’s huge turn off and two it tells me she does not share my same passion for fitness, but if this trend continues my female options are defiantly dropping!
I unfortunately don’t have an answer for these trends, but perhaps the more we bring attention to these growing trends maybe we can change things.
January 16, 2008 at 10:11 am
Hey there! I agree with you 100% I think the worst part is seeing them walk on stage, they are not even functional!!! There arms look out of places and their belly sticking out! If only they could all look like you
January 16, 2008 at 11:14 am
I am in agreement also, whatever happened to being lean and strong instead of Hulk want to smash!!! strong? I see a majority of these guys at the gym and wonder does he actually feel comfortable carrying all that weight and the abs on these guys are not that far off from being a beer gut that has some definition to it when I first picked up my first bodybuilding mag back in the mid 80’s the word symmetry was used constantly now we see words like massive and freakish growth.What the heck happened?
January 16, 2008 at 11:32 am
I also would also like to double up on what psycho739 had to say and add to that next time you are in the mall look at our 13 and 15 year old children, when I was in high school a majority of the girls and boys for that matter looked fit even if they were not. Today most of these young girls have bellies hanging over their jeans as if they had babies already and here on this very site we have women in their 40’s and 50’s who are mothers and have abs that some men would die for, it says a lot about the importance of fitness in our youth and society in general.
January 16, 2008 at 2:28 pm
You really hit a nerve, Jay, based on the responses so far. And I also agree with you. But only when you and others speak out is there a chance for change. Otherwise the vocal minority that loves the current look continue to be the ones heard.
January 16, 2008 at 7:48 pm
First out of the gate, let me say, I too prefer the leaner more classic body type of a “Frank Zane”, than the overly robust contest winning behemoths we have today. I don’t exactly think it was overnight, that this new conception of what the BB world considers the ultimate physique came into being. Rather, it was a gradual evolutionary process in the minds of the bodybuilding world at large, that placed more and more value on MASS. How many times have you heard that it’s all about MASS…after all, it is a muscle show, and not the lack of it, that the judges, along with us are looking for. So, (who’s got the most of it?) has become the question of the day! As long as the symmetry and proportions are intact, then we have our winner. So what? - If the sheer monstrous size of the guy, renders him useless on any playing field other than the contest stage.
It was when steroids were just beginning to find their way into the BB arena in a big time way, and guys started putting on this really unprecedented muscle mass, that I heard Bob Paris being questioned about his lack of size in comparison to some of the other top competitors of the day. (To me, Bob Paris was kind of like the next Frank Zane.) He said, (sorry I can’t quote him verbatim) that there’s only a certain amount of muscle mass the human body will fit…and that some competitors, through the use of muscle enhancing drugs, have become grotesque caricatures of what we used to admire in a physique. I totally agreed, then and now. You know, the word “freak” when used to describe a BB, used to be a bad word, but now, sadly, it’s a good word. Not to mention, how many more premature graves will have to be filled, before it all comes to an end! Let’s face it, the drugs are not only killing the “look” for so many of us, but the competitors as well. You see, I love bodybuilding. I have since I was a child. That’s why I started lifting when I was thirteen. I’m only 5’6”, but when I got to where I was lifting twice my own body weight, my chest taped in at 45”, and my arms were busting 16”, I said to myself, wait a minute…I’d better back off this thing while I still have some semblance of a human being left. Lol
Jay, I wish more people like you would speak out about this distortion of, not only the body itself, but this distorted idea that today’s top ranked BB’s represent athleticism.
January 21, 2008 at 5:22 am
No doubt that the modern bodybuilder is an average much larger than the classic bodybuilders. But this trend started even back during Zane’s heyday as even then Frank was one of the few competitors who spoke against the constant quest for size and mass at any cost. But, as long as the "big boys" keep winning the contests I can’t see there being much change in the current attitude. Plus, I think in generally that people are impressed with biggness and equate it with strength and power. Look around even at this site - a lot of us will state a goal of "get bigger" but not too many saying "improve my symmetry."
Keep fighting the good fight!
January 21, 2008 at 5:33 am
Wow. First off, let me applaud you for an excellent blog. I agree. rest assured that the younger generations and guys just comin in (like myself) recognize this and are not all just out to meet the current ’status quo’. also, really good point from dpaul there. Why isn’t ‘improve my symmetry’ an option on the ‘main goal’ section?
January 26, 2008 at 12:41 pm
i also agree. I loved the old school builds of Frank Zane and Steve Reeves. the guys nowadays are just too big and don’t even look good. Their builds are not attractive and only gym freaks love that look. i prefer lean and cut. JammerJay, you have a great physique. that is the look i am trying to achieve too. This is a great blog and great responses.
January 28, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Couldnt agree more…the hype with getting bigger bigger bigger and people going to shows to see freaks, continues to make many perceive bodybuilding as a circus show.
If we make the mainstream muscle media know maybe things will change in the right direction before the only way for many to get on stage is rolling them on
January 31, 2008 at 3:45 am
Today’s champion seems to be the one who can take the most drugs and not die.
When Bonds was about to break Ruth’s record the popular line was, "The Babe did it on hot dogs and beer."
Ross, Reeves, and Grimek did it on weight training, whole foods and lots of milk.
It’s sad how far they’ve come from a classic adonis look such as that of the Farnese Bull, Michealangelo’s David or The Seated Zues at Olympia.
Is there room on today’s Olympia Stage for a build of yesteryear’s Mr. America? Sadly, I think not.
But, there should of hell should be!
-Savage
January 31, 2008 at 8:59 am
I completely agree with you. The individual look in bodybuilding today is lost. Everyone has the same massive, blocky, generic look. Back in the day you could tell who was who by seeing their shadow behind a curtain. Each had a unique individual look that I think today is lost by excessive drug use. I love bodybuilding and it is entertaining to see these guys today, but is it the look that I want to achieve? Definantly not. Not taking anything away from bodybuilders today - they are monsters and doing a great job at "building" their bodies. Thats what its all about right? I just think that symmetry and aesthetics should play a much bigger role than it currently does. To me, guys like Zane and Serge Nubret are examples of what a "perfect" body should look like. Thats the look that I work towards.
February 10, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I have to say, I fully agree…….when the physiques of guys like Shawn Ray, Lee Labrada, Fran Zane, etc; are no longer considered the epitome of the sport, then there is a definite problem. I pretty much don’t even follow bodybuilding these days, since the emphasis is on who can get the biggest irrespective of health, possible career threatening injuries, potentially lethal overuse of diuretics, along the prevalent abuse of HGH, plus Testosterone. Certainly, the bodybuilders of today are impressive, but if they aren’t healthy and/or athletically functional, then what’s the point of it all? When did these guys get the idea that having 20 plus inch biceps paired up with a big gut is good looking?
February 20, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I totally agree - and I think that’s why so many people admire you.
You’ve stayed true to the Greek God look that Frank Zane represented so well.
HamCan
February 29, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I don’t understand why people need to cling so hard to the past, why we as a human race are so afraid to evolve or are afraid of what the next stage in life will bring.
It 20-30 years someone will be saying the same thing about the body builders of today. The fact of the matter is if Zane had the resources to be like Jay, Ronnie, Dennis and the up and coming phenom Trey Brewer you are delusional if you think he wouldn’t have.
Reading this post is like talking to my 47 year old uncle who still believes too much powdered protein will damage your kidneys. Knowledge is the true power even in weight lifting and after lifting that is the true test of strength. Ignorance is what muscle heads are supposed to be a bunch of dumbbells, when I read this post I wonder are we just a bunch of dumbbells or are we strong in all facets of life.
Arnold, Frank, those guys pushed as far and hard as they could and that’s where the knowledge and equipment of the day took them. Today our advances have taking us to levels those guys couldn’t even imagine.
Don’t be afraid of change and growth embrace it. I will never understand why people only look at a portion of the picture and then make a judgement nor do I understand why people need to hold on to the past. Life is like a flowing river always changing and moving.
This post reminds me of a clock always moving but never going anywhere. I want to always take it to the next level as is what Trey Brewer has done, and I bet if you asked Frank he would agree that if he could have he would have, and it’s fact Arnold and Lou would have if you have watched Pumping Iron Arnold would have done anything to remain on top.
I do not choose to praise what was I am here to embrace the new and look to grow along with the champions of the day. Always building all my muscles especially my mind.
March 3, 2008 at 9:51 am
Not surprisingly, I will disagree with TheRassss. What has happened in bodybuilding over the past 15 years or so is neither progress nor evolution, nor "the next level". Not all change is progress. It IS true that knowledge and technology have made more things possible, and some have chosen to pursue those new possibilities. However, if you read what Frank Zane has written, let alone have a chance to talk with him, he would NOT have pursued those new possibilities, and in fact utterly rejects them. Those who pursue the new possibilities have the freedom to do so and I support that freedom; those paths are clearly NOT the future, and if evolutionary then they are a dead end of evolution quite literally, and those who reject those paths are sounding a valid danger warning, not clinging to a dying past.
March 6, 2008 at 8:52 am
I could not agree more. I know Arnold is the reason so many of you starting training, but for me it was Frank. To this day he continues to be the physique I strive to emulate. I don’t see a change happening anytime soon in the competitive BB world. I do however see a shift in the way noncompetitive guys are working out. They’re using more functional training (pull ups, squat jumps, the rings, kettle bells, medicine balls etc…) combined with traditional weight training. I think the movie 300 helped to open a lot of eyes to a new (old) approach to training. It made the Greek God the goal, replacing the BB for a lot of us. I only hope the BB world finds it’s way back to the idea.
March 28, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I couldn’t agree more. I prefer the physique/look of Frank Zane, Lee Labrada, and Bob Paris. I prefer going to the natural bodybuilding shows because these guys are using more functional training and it’s about symmetry, being fit, athletic, and aesthetic. I would rather have a physique like yours than the freakish mass like Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler.
March 30, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I agree as well, this apparent view of more mass more mass has pushed too far. I for one also look toward Frank Zane as a prime example of what I want to achieve. Is there a level of mass there? Yes, but just with everything else in life there needs to be a stopping place. These freakishly massive guys you see can lift ridiculous amounts but when it comes down to it, I agree with numerous others, there’s no functionality outside of that area and it’s sad. JJay, you hit it straight on. You’ve got an impressive physique and I hope to achieve something close to that myself. Great blog!
April 3, 2008 at 3:21 pm
couldn’t agree more.
April 5, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Hey man, I just stumbled upon this blog but I have to say I ABSOLUTELY AGREE with everything expressed here. You put it quite nicely- it seems like bodybuilding is drifting from aesthetics and functionality and preferring freakish hugeness, which is quite a shame. Certainly not the ideal of the human form.
April 16, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I have just got back into bodybuilding after a 15 year layoff.
I couldn’t agree more with this post. I stumbled upon it by doing a google search to actually see if anyone had written such an article reently, or in this case, a blog. Arnold was massive, did use steroids, but nowhere near the amount what these idiots today use. Add in GH and other rubbish that they all (even if they deny it) use. At 6′2" he (Arnod)weighed 235 lbs in his best shape, and looks so superior to the likes of Jay Cutler or Ronnie Coleman, that it is just not worth the comparison. "Comic Book Characters" is an apt description of the top contest winners of today. They look like a bunch of morons. Arnold, Zane, Mentzer, Nubret, Bannout, even Ferrigno & Sergio, that was the heyday of bodybuilding - before the freaksters of today have taken over, and wrecked the sport.
May 21, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Once upon a time bodybuilding was about lifting weights, good nutrition, and attaining good muscular symetry and form. Nowadays it’s just another form of drug abuse.
May 22, 2008 at 2:45 pm
mr olympia is really the incredible hulk contest these days. it’s more about muscle mass than anything now. it also seems anyone over 5′10" will not likely achieve the weight to height ratio required to be successful in bodybuilding. seriously. 5′8" 300lb blocks of meat look a bit silly in person.
i thought kevin levrone looked pretty impressive at his peak, but apparently he was never massive enough to win the big one.
May 25, 2008 at 6:09 pm
110% agreed!
May 29, 2008 at 7:17 am
Unfortunately the golden age of true classic bodybuilding is long gone, what has evolved is the "type", one BB looks like the other, there are no real differences between them. Their proportions are irregular and their bodies don took normal. To boot now somne bodybuilders resort to wearing contact lenses to make them look like demons…it’s nothing but a circus…And now the women are so big that they look like the classic bodybuilders of the Zane era!
June 25, 2008 at 9:49 am
So well put!
I’m proud that my role model in working out is my younger brother, who does everything he can to improve himself for sport — not bulk or vanity. Yeah, being ripped is a nice bonus… But having a massive vertical to snag what would be a homerun, quickness to react to a line drive, and the strength and flexibility to hit the ball 400 feet consistently is so much more important. If he was too big, none of these — his ultimate goals — would be possible.
Being being a woman, there really isn’t much pressure for me to bulk and bulk and bulk. But also in being a woman (therefore, whether into BB or not, I’m expected to look a certain way), I can understand the pressure men face in this sport.
June 27, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I would like the Classic look Body Building competitions would pick up steam thats what im interested in doing not juicing and looking awkward everywhere i go.
June 29, 2008 at 6:05 am
I agree wholeheartedly. I feel the bodybuilding pros have forsaken symmetry and aesthetics for freakish size and density. Size and density are good, but when you begin to distort the human form to the point where it begins to lose its beauty, there’s a problem.
July 3, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I agree, man. The classic look is way better. Perfect measurements…the calves, biceps, and neck are all equal!
July 11, 2008 at 9:41 am
I belive the real concept of bodybuilding is been lost, for me bodybulding is like body sculpture, one of the physics I really admire besides Arnold is Serge Nubret he has like 28" waist while his arms are almost 20", besides most of those pros of this new era looks like their heads does not belong to their bodies, for me is important to have a completely functional and muscular body that I can perform other activities like playing soccer.
July 24, 2008 at 6:09 am
It’s curious how people go ape $hit when professional atheletes get popped for gear (even erythropoeitin!) yet defend the practice in bodybuilding as a natural technological progression. It’s interesting (according to surveys) how many women actually prefer the massive physique. The percentages are low…and I’m glad…because I can’t build one! (translated: I’m biased). I once read a "day in the life" of a 300+’er & he couldn’t touch his own hair to shampoo it! Forget hand-assisted urination! No thanks but God’s speed. Love the post, Jay.
August 18, 2008 at 6:54 am
i completely agree with what you’re saying. they look like they have a tree for a waist. where’s the V shape. I’m glad to see others agree, and that i’m not the only one.