What Are The Attitudes Towards Bodybuilding In The Outside World?

TOPIC: What Are The Attitudes Towards Bodybuilding In The Outside World?

The Question:

Once you begin working out and dieting your complete lifestyle changes. You begin eating healthy foods, sleeping longer hours, putting time aside to workout, etc. Not only that, but your physical appearance also begins to change. You become bigger, stronger, more fit, etc. Sometimes these changes have an effect on the way people view you.

What are some of the attitudes towards bodybuilding in the outside world?

How do these attitudes make you feel about yourself and those that judge you?

What are some of the reactions people make when they see how healthy you eat, or how much bigger or fit you are becoming?

MEN: How do the women respond? WOMEN: How do the men respond?

Bonus Question: Have you lost friends by taking up bodybuilding? Have you gained friends?

Show off your knowledge to the world!

The Winners:

1. Aussie LTD View Profile
2. mivi320 View Profile
3. HBY18202 View Profile

Honorable Mention:

• bigcalves View Profile
• RippedJordanian View Profile
• Str8flexed View Profile

Prizes:

1st place - 75 in store credit.
2nd place - 50 in store credit.
3rd place - 25 in store credit.

To use your credit, e-mail Will @ will@bodybuilding.com for more info.

1st Place - Aussie LTD

Once you begin working out and dieting your complete lifestyle changes. You begin eating healthy foods, sleeping longer hours, putting time aside to workout, etc. Not only that, but your physical appearance also begins to change. You become bigger, stronger, more fit, etc.

Sometimes these changes have an effect on the way people view you. In this article I will discuss some of those common attitudes the outside hold about our sport, how they affected me personally, as well as balancing bodybuilding and socializing. Please read on.

Attitude:
What are some of the attitudes towards bodybuilding in the outside world?

Everyone holds stereotypes; it's part of human nature. Bodybuilding is no different; so many uneducated people carry around misconceptions about the bodybuilding lifestyle, and the people who do it.

Getting straight off the bat, one of those attitudes is that "all bodybuilders are self-obsessed with the way they look." If you take your time to speak to a bodybuilder, you will be surprisingly informed that the main motivation behind weight training is rarely for aesthetical appeal. There are so many reasons to use weights other than vanity; to begin with, the endorphin rush alone is enough.

Then there are those who are interested in bettering their health, those who are looking for a self-confidence boost, or those who do it for functional reasons such as sport.

I must admit, before I began bodybuilding I too carried around stupid stereotypes. One I remember was that all "all bodybuilders are macho." You can't really judge someone's inside by the way they look on the outside. Then there are those think, "all bodybuilders are roid junkies," "all bodybuilders are gay," or "all bodybuilders have an inferiority complex."

During my time in the weight room, and my time following Professional bodybuilding, I have grown to realize that people who lift weights are far different than the way they are perceived, being just as down to earth, if not more so, than your average person. The main problem lies when people judge before they know.

Another common attitude in the outside world is that bodybuilders are brainless; that all they have to show for is muscular body, and that they use that as their protection for any intelligence they may lack on the inside. This myth is as stupid as they come; there is simply no correlation between the amount of muscle you have, and your IQ.

The most common attitude I have witnessed personally is that I take my bodybuilding too seriously. People have mentioned "that's all you do," especially my parents.

Although its time consuming, I think exerting my effort in something like fitness and health is so much more productive than spending it in front of a Nintendo. There are so many other destructive things I could be choosing to do with my life and money, but I choose to spend it wisely.

It's not common for someone to tell me that I'm obsessed, but I'd just say straight back to them, what is obsession? And are some obsessions good? I have my own theory that obsession is only a bad thing when you let yourself stress over what you do. I on the other hand really enjoy my life, and would feel 100 percent OK if something came up and I happened to miss a meal, or if for some reason I couldn't make it to the gym.

"So, what's the point of it all?" When you feel this good, have a strong social life and feel very happy in general, I don't see why more people aren't making the change to exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle.

How Do You Feel?
How do these attitudes make you feel about yourself and those that judge you?

It's easy to let these attitudes get to you, but I've learned to put them aside. But they can create a complex that you're this guy who doesn't go out, and doesn't have time for anything, or that all you care about is your body.

I acknowledge that these are just stereotypes. If you don't believe in them, there's no reason to get upset. I have no anger at people who do hold any stereotypes though. Its not their fault; they are simply un-educated. Bodybuilding is largely in the closet, and the only thing people know are the stereotypes people choose to create.

When discussing topics like health with friends, some people say,

As a result, a lot of bodybuilders think what they do is strange and live off the image other people create. You should create you own image of what you do, and live by that.

These things don't bother me because I'm the one is constantly filled with life-force, I'm the one who is able to concentrate in class while the others are falling asleep, I'm the one who dominates football matches with my strength and I'm the one who gets all the hot looking girls.

Other people do their own things, and I just happen to be really involved with weight training, with no regrets whatsoever.

Reactions:
What are some of the reactions people make when they see how healthy you eat, or how much bigger or fit you are becoming?

The bodybuilding lifestyle involves doing things that the average person is completely unfamiliar with. Our bodybuilding lifestyle is very time-consuming and involves behavior that is very extreme to many.

We eat foods like oats and tuna, we lift metal for hours and take strange things in little bottles. How does someone find a meaning too all of this? A lot of the time, they don't, so they choose make their own.

I always take fish to uni with wholegrain bread, a lot of the time not having enough time to make sandwiches. I also bring mixed nuts and some fruit, among other unusual food. Although people don't say anything out of common courtesy, judging by the stares I get, you can tell that a lot of people find it unusual.

Having said this though, there are more guys who compliment me on how big I am than those who shed light on what I do. Countless times, I have been told things such as, 'you're massive,' and 'how do you get so big.' At only 205lbs, I don't see myself as being that big, but to these guys I am like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

There are a few who don't like the look, but the majority of people just aspire to look like this themselves. There is no doubt that everyone wants to look good, but not everyone has what it takes to get there. I think there is a lot of hidden respect for what I do.

Dominating a sporting event is the best feeling. Sports achievment is something almost everyone wants, and how developed you are with sport can largely define you socially, so when people see you succeed in sport and athletics, it's a great feeling.

Gender Response:
MEN: How do the women respond? WOMEN: How do the men respond?

There is no doubt women prefer an aesthetically pleasing physique on a male. I don't want to sound arrogant, but woman definitely respond more compared to when I wasn't built.

If a girl stares at you from a distance, or takes looks at you from the corner of their eye, it gives you a healthy ego. A lot of girls are shy about things like asking you to flex your muscles or to reveal your abs, but its great feeling when a girl does ask.

Of course if all you offer is a great body, then a woman might enjoy looking at you, but she won't like you. But if you have the personality to go with the physique, then you will have her wrapped around your little finger.

Bonus Question:
Have you lost friends by taking up bodybuilding? Have you gained friends?

This is one major downfall to taking up a bodybuilding lifestyle. The amount of time it takes up means you have to be willing to sacrifice some things. Of course, this doesn't mean completely giving up on your social life, but it does mean regulating the amount of time you spend out, and ensuring you get enough sleep.

The first year when I started lifting weights, I completely disregarded my social life. I went from being the most socially active guy in my class the year before hand, to hardly ever going out, just focusing everything on training. I think most beginners have this sort of mind-state where they haven't yet relaxed their beliefs, but being too strict will not get any further than if you also allowed yourself to have some fun too.

Gradually I began to realize that if I went out a few times a week it really didn't matter. In fact, socializing is very productive, and a natural part of a healthy life. I was still growing at the same rate I was previously, and it gave my life more balance.

It wasn't so much that I had more friends before I started, but that I spent more times with the ones I had. In fact, I would have to say I have more friends now than I did before I started. I find if I go out somewhere now, making friends is a lot easier. I have found a lot of people are coming up to me, and I don't have to make as much effort going up to other people.

People have a certain attraction to a fit body. Although it's probably not a good thing that people subconsciously judge you by the way you look, it does happen.

When it comes to making friends, self-confidence is vital. The gym has given me a lot of self-confidence, which has made socializing a more pleasurable experience.

Overall, although I probably spend less time socializing, I end up enjoying the time I do spend more. Many philosophers have said that moderation is the key to a happy life, so if you're able to find that right balance between training, and socializing, I think everything will be OK.

Everyone wants to have a good body, but not everyone is willing to do what it takes to get there. If you're a bodybuilder, be thankful that you do have what it takes, and are able to experience all the amazing benefits exercise will bring.

2nd Place - mivi320

Introduction

If you're into bodybuilding, you can probably recall a time in your life where you were in the office and you suddenly whip out a can of tuna fish or chug a protein shake -- only to be confronted by the others around you sending awkward looks your way.

As you continue eating, one of the others asks,

Welcome to the bodybuilding lifestyle.

The Bodybuilding Lifestyle:

As bodybuilders, we eat like horses, sleep like babies, and train like animals. Come to think of it, we're kind of like machines.

We eat every 2-3 hours, set time aside for training, take our supplements, get at least 8 hours of sleep daily, and then repeat.

The bodybuilding lifestyle is one that requires dedication, devotion, persistence, and most importantly -- time.

Attitudes:
What Are The Attitudes Towards Bodybuilding In The Outside World?

As bodybuilders, you must also be able to deal with the never-ending questions about what you're eating, why you're eating it, and why you eat so much. You must also be able to deal with the attitudes you get from others regarding your bodybuilding lifestyle.

Now, not everybody in the outside world questions bodybuilding like the examples given above. As a matter of fact, there are actually a plethora of people out there who respect you as a bodybuilder. See, the people who pester you about your eating and "different" lifestyle are simply uneducated. When you try explaining to them that you're a bodybuilder -- the perplexity of the concept deepens.

However, there are also people that respect you for your dedication in the bodybuilding game. These people often dish out compliments to you regarding the changes in your physique and the devotion that you display paying off. These people are the ones that keep me going. It's a great feeling when you dedicate so much of your time to attaining that ultimate physique, and get compliments along the way.

In short, the outside world has two different perceptions towards bodybuilding. There are those people who are simply uneducated about bodybuilding, and there are those who respect your lifestyle and act as a sense of motivation.

How Do You Feel?
How do these attitudes make you feel about yourself and those that judge you?

The people who are uneducated or misinformed about bodybuilding don't bother me at all. Over the last few years, I have learned to tune these people out. The most you can do is simply answer their questions in a straightforward fashion. Explain to them that you live a lifestyle that promotes heart health, a healthy mind and body, dedication, and willpower.

Tell them your story, such as how much weight you have gained or lost since taking up bodybuilding. Who knows, maybe you'll convert them to bodybuilding! Those who respect my lifestyle obviously make me feel good. The compliments they give me act as tiny rewards along the way. Besides, it's always great when the cute girls in class ask me to flex.

I get the most compliments at school. The reason being is that I've been going to school with the same group of kids for the last 5 years or so. They've seen how much I've changed in my appearance over the last 5 years -- going from a weak, anorexic, and unhealthy 87 pounds to a 165 pound healthy human being.

As a result, they praise my dedication and hard work towards attaining my goal of competing in my first bodybuilding show next year.

Reactions:
What are some of the reactions people make when they see how healthy you eat, or how much bigger or fit you are becoming?

The others at the lunch table are now used to the "different" lunches I bring to school each day - consisting of a tuna fish sandwich, a protein shake, and almonds.

At first, they would always comment on how badly the tuna fish smelled. I continued eating my tuna fish sandwiches week after week, month after month, year after year. I also continued gaining more and more muscle mass week after week, month after month, year after year.

As time progressed, I stopped getting the comments and questions regarding my tuna fish. The others see how big I got over time and now respect me for my dedication. In fact, my friend who is trying to gain weight for the football team started bringing tuna fish sandwiches to lunch now!

The reactions of how much bigger I have gotten are the best. I'm sure we can all recall a time when we ran into someone we haven't seen in awhile. Remember the other person's reaction when he or she realized much more fit or bigger you have gotten? It was priceless, wasn't it?

I recently ran into my old buddy back from junior high and he remembers me being gaunt and thin. He was astonished when he saw how big I got! He hardly recognized me! That is one of the best feelings!

How Do The Women Respond?

The women dishing out compliments and asking you to flex is possibly one of the greatest feelings ever. It seems as if I never go a day at school without having to flex or let the girls feel my muscles these days.

Of course, this is a great feeling and I'm usually flattered when they ask me to flex -- but I keep an even mindset about it, as I don't want to get too big-headed or egotistical about it!

Bonus Question:
Have you lost friends by taking up bodybuilding? Have you gained friends?

Gained friends, hands down. I have met so many new people over the last few years or so because of bodybuilding. Bodybuilding has made me much more confident about myself and less self-conscious. As a result, I have made many new friends!

I have also made several friends at the gym because of bodybuilding. We're all the same age and share the same goals. We now workout at the same times, give each other advice, and hang out on the weekends!

Live life to the fullest,
Mike

3rd Place - HBY18202

Introduction

Bodybuilding means many things to many people and has for years. For some, Arnold is just another household name, a meathead, or an idol depending on who you ask. For those who see weightlifting as a hobby, it is only in ones deepest concern that they see results.

Everyone's been there. Remember the first time you heard about creatine? I could have sworn I was going to make Gustavo look like Richard Simmons. I think it's a part of maturing as a lifter. From when your workout plan included nothing but curls and bench press, and now to everything from kickbacks to cable crossovers, it makes you feel better about yourself.

Who doesn't love being asked, "Have your arms got bigger?" Or doing your sets and watching the people around you follow you and start doing the same routines, because obviously it's working, which only fuels your fire to become bigger, faster, and stronger.

Attitudes:
What Are The Attitudes Towards Bodybuilding In The Outside World?

As a student, it has its ups and its downs. There's always some looks during the middle of class when you eat a protein bar or drink a shake. The normal response normally progresses and ends up along the lines of "stupid meathead."

I guess this isn't true in all cases, but the majority of the fifteen minute breaks that I have are spent browsing the supplement and workout routine forums here, and it never fails that the same people pass everyday and ask if I've been looking at steroids again.

The outside world's lack of knowledge is also annoying in certain areas. I hate it when you work day and night to achieve gains, and when you start to reap your profits, word going around is you're on steroids, when the truth is the majority of the people you lift with could easily progress as well as you if they dedicated themselves in the manner that you have.

In a way, I guess it's sort of mental push. Everyone expects me to do it, and who am I to let them down? I love being the guy that when someone starts looking into creatine, they come and ask me which they should get, when they should take it and if it's going to make their testicles shrink (honestly, creatine is considered a steroid to most outside of bodybuilding).

I wouldn't even call it bodybuilding. There's so much more that goes into than just building your muscles. Mental preparation is key, because if you walk into the gym lazy, you're going to lift lazy, and it's a simple fact.

How Do You Feel?
How do those attitudes make you feel about yourself and those that judged you?

It used to bother me, because all I cared about was becoming what I thought others liked to see. But as of late, it's a mixture or appearance, becoming what I want to be in my own standards. When you become stronger, you size others up. You say in your mind "I can deadlift more than him," and you can. Things that you used to feel insecure about suddenly don't seem as important.

The outside world's view of bodybuilding serves as a fuel for my routine. As a morning lifter (and a hard sleeper!), any motivation for me to succeed and do what others don't is happily welcomed. In the latest issue of muscle and fitness, one supplement company said a statement that gave me chills.

I blew it up over 10 sheets on Microsoft word and put it overtop my bed, so it's the first thing when I wake up. The quote says,

"There are two kinds of people in this world. The Ninety-Nines and the Ones. The Ninety Nines... That's what I call 'em. Ninety-Nine out of a hundred people can't fathom what I do.

They scratch their heads, can't believe my dedication to this great sport. Many don't even think this is a sport or that I have a life. Never let others define your 'life' for you. This is what I have chosen. This is the road I've taken, with all the potholes, bumps, and turns. The Ninety-Nines, they can't commit 100% to being their best, to step up and one day stand tall among the giants."

To some it's just another boring quote, but to me, its motivation to get out of bed in the morning and do what has become my addiction, my lifestyle. Some won't like my lifestyle, my choices, or my personality, but nobody will question my drive and work ethic, and that I can guarantee you.

Reactions:
What are some of the reactions people make when they see how healthy you eat, or how much bigger and fit your becoming?

In my situation, it was bulk and size. I was never extremely skinny, or big, just average, and I wasn't content with that. About a year and a half ago I started browsing forums and became addicted. I started doing splits I found off this web site, rather than unplanned workouts every week.

I started eating more than three meals a day, got the right amount of calories and protein, and gained size relatively quick. You'll always get the negative reactions when your friends see you drinking oats and almonds (an idea I got from someone on the message board), but that's to be expected.

Honestly, who wants to eat grilled chicken when everyone going out for Wendy's? I'm not saying I don't ever cheat, but there are sacrifices that I'm willing to make if it helps me achieve my goals. I think that when people know you are eating and working out correctly, they are more likely to comment your results, which only adds fire to your dedication.

No quote or slogan will make me workout harder than a friend asking did my shirt shrink, or have my arms gotten bigger. Self-esteem is the motivation behind every weightlifter. Ask how many pros on the IFBB if they feel insecure about overall physique. You know it can't be true, or they wouldn't be out there. All winners have to have a confident mindset, just as bodybuilders do to be successful.

How Do The Women Respond?

This is by far the easiest question to answer. Every girl loves a muscular guy. If they say they don't, they're lying. Girls want to feel protected, and it's hard to do it if walking from your car to the front door requires a rest break.

At my lunch table the other day, a female friend of mine said "Have you been taking something? Your arms look A LOT bigger!" Any guy that says they don't enjoy that is straight up lying. I think it's safe to say that female attention is at least in the top 3 reasons for 99% of bodybuilders everywhere, and why shouldn't it be?

Like anything else, you worked hard and you earned what you have, you should want to be praised for your efforts. Nothing is more satisfying than taking your shirt off during the summer after working like a madman during the winter. It's when all your long term goals pay off, and all your work actually gets seen (especially by the females).

Bonus Question:
Have You Lost Friends By Taking Up Bodybuilding? Have You Gained Friends?

I have easily gained more friends. I think its part of bodybuilding to make friendships and strengthen previous ones. My lifting partner (my best friend also) and I have done nothing but become closer during my time of bodybuilding.

When you're around others doing what you've based your life around, and their doing the same, it's only natural that you form bonds. You start talking bodybuilding, and before you know it you're watching games on the weekends.

Thanks for the opportunity and your time in reading this.

Hunter

Honorable Mention: - bigcalves

Bodybuilding is a very special sport. It's not made for most people. You need to have certain qualities such as individualism and great discipline to be successful. In order to be successful you need to have tons of persistence and dedications to this sport. Some call it an art form.

I think it's a mix of both, but in order to become successful and known you have to really pay your dues. Every workout, every meal and every second that passes by is critical for your body. It's something that not all people can handle. Judging from the regular gym goers, you need to be very intense and more dedicated than the average gym rat.

In order to get really big and be successful one must need to workout. This is not your one hour a week bench press routine. The whole body needs to be trained and you need to develop each muscle equally and symmetrically. This is not only a simple routine but a task that you must do for years, even decades to be the best.

Most people cannot comprehend that. Aside from gym time meals are important. You must eat a large amount of calories split up in 6-10 meals through out the day. This is hard and takes time getting used to but once you have it, all you need to do is repeat. Just like lifting, food is brought back to the basic principle of using nutrients to rebuild, replenish and maintain the body.

Even after following all the routines and diets in the world you have to have heart, otherwise you won't make it. This is one of the few sports that as time passes by you get better. Just like quality red wine from the Italian valleys. It ages good.

You need to have the right mindset to pass through all the plateaus, all the bullsh!t and heartache. There are a lot of sacrifices that you must endure just so you can be a bodybuilder. To most people this principle is very shallow. They don't understand what we go through.

Attitudes:
What are some of the attitudes towards bodybuilding in the outside world?

Ask the average man what he thinks about bodybuilding. What will you often get? I can bet all the money I have that within the first minute you will hear 'dumb,' 'steroids,' and 'protein.' This is basically what most people think. They cannot admire the size, dedication and the art form of the well developed human body.

Most people think bodybuilders, and then think of anabolic steroids. It's like an automatic analogy in their brains. If one says Jordan, most people will say 'basketball.' If someone says bodybuilding, then the obvious world is 'steroids.' This is a curse that we brought on to ourselves.

Not all, but some bodybuilders embrace the drug part of bodybuilding, and help portray this unhealthy, negative image that the public has of us. In their minds, if you're bodybuilding you're an angry person, with problems.

Meat-Heads:

Secondly, the public also has the 'dumb' factor when it comes to bodybuilding. Most people imagine that meat-headed voice that doesn't know left from right. In order to be successful you need years of training and dedication. Well, during those years you need food, shelter and someone to pay your gym dues.

Most people don't realize that bodybuilding doesn't happen overnight. In order to be good at it, you need to have a regular job, and make money like everyone else. You don't pick up a dumbbell and start competing. Every bodybuilder I have met has been a smart person.

Sure there are the gym punks that are roided up, with no knowledge whatsoever. Unfortunately, the public always seems to portray bodybuilders as stupid juice-monkeys and never shows the educated side of bodybuilding. All the knowledge about training and nutrition is replaced by 'uhhh.'

Self-Obsessed:

Lastly, the public thinks that bodybuilders are self-obsessed, selfish individuals. Again, if you look at the media you will see how we are portrayed. Sure as bodybuilders we like our bodies, and the certain motivation to get better and be the best is there, but that's not what it's all about.

You have to stop and realize that the media is mocking us and making fools of us. You always see the 'big guys' always looking in the mirrors, checking their arms out and never paying attention to others. Again that's not true and most bodybuilders know that.

Sure there's the rotten bunch from all the apples, but that's a part of every group/sport. You cannot generalize us into one group. Unfortunately the public has. Most people are very, very lost. They are on the wrong track about bodybuilding, and we must help change that.

How Do You Feel?
How do these attitudes make you feel about yourself and those that judge you?

These attitudes make me sick. Sure I don't body build for attention but it's nice for someone to appreciate what you do. But with all the stereotypes and all the bullsh!t in the media it's hard to get some appreciation from the average person. I mean look at Michael Jordan.

Every person says how great of a basketball player he is. Majority haven't seen him play, especially the younger generation but he is still a hero and no one talks bad about him. He has his clothing line, along with other products and endorsements.

I don't like being put into a generalization box, but that often happens. If someone notices you body build they stereotype you into all the negative things, and judge you in a bad way before talking to you.

Personally, it makes me feel sad that people judge us in a wrong way. Without giving the individual a chance but giving in to all the negative things and bad reputations. But as an individual, I don't let that bother me. I think of it as another plateau I have to overcome.

After all, bodybuilding is full of challenges and people hating on what you do makes it more exciting. It also gives you a chance to shove it in their face. If you like me and hate to be controlled, body building can be a source for rebellion. I don't judge people, so I don't expect to be judged back. But when that happens, I just shake it off and look right ahead.

Reactions:
What are some of the reactions people make when they see how healthy you eat, or how much bigger or fit you are becoming?

Reactions are things that come from bodybuilding. After all most bodybuilders like attention and it's something that we appreciate. I've had people look at me weird, or just take a double-take.

I personally enjoy being the center of attention and that motivates me to keep pushing. I always look straight ahead and shake off any negative things people say. Also I appreciate any positive comments, but never let them get to my head.

After all I still have tons of work to do and bloating now could cause motivation/goal problems down the road. In general people notice that you body build. It is something that occurs on a daily bases that I'm very used to and can't complain about.

When people see that I'm bigger than average they ask if I'm taking anabolic steroids. After I deny it they start asking about supplements. What do I take, or what is the best one, are often questions that I try and answer. Sure it gets annoying but it's always different people.

I try and be as friendly and helpful as possible because otherwise you could be accused of 'roid rage.' When people see me eat a lot of food, and mostly healthy food they ask why I do it. Or how can I do it without cheating. Or why do I want to get so big. I always try and be as helpful as I can because I can remember when I was like that.

If I am able to help someone live their life better, then I'm all for it. Some people are amazed and like to learn more, and some are turned off, and don't want to talk about it. It's all good for me, since I enjoy socializing and sharing my experiences.

How Do The Women Respond?

Most women think it's odd. Now we have the ones that hate it and the ones that are fascinated. If the girl happens to lift/diet too, then you have it made. Because she understands what you go through and how tough it is. She can also be a fantastic spotter/partner and also girlfriend material.

Those are the minority of girls. Most girls think that it's 'gross' when the male body is pushed to the limit. They cannot understand why, or they don't like how big and veiny your biceps look. Me, I take it all in stride. I am still looking for the 'one' but I know that when I find her, it will be a match made in heaven.

Common Responses:

• "That's so big!"
• "Why do you have so many veins?"
• "Dang you're huge!"
• "Uhhh, gross!"
• "Why do you want to get so big?"
• "Are you on steroids?"
• "How much can you bench?"

Bonus Question:
Have you lost friends by taking up bodybuilding? Have you gained friends?

Bodybuilding is a sport that requires a lot of time and energy. As I started I spent more time in the gym, resting and educating myself. I stopped drinking and didn't party that much either. I am happy to say that I lost friends that kept bringing me down.

After all, even in The Bible it says that if you are around a certain crowd of people, you soon will become like them. So by changing my lifestyle and adding more positive aspects, I lost a lot of friends.

But, positively enough, I gained more and more gym buddies. We worked out together, watched ball games and just had good fun without alcohol or junk food.

That motivated me and helped me stay in the right track as I started my bodybuilding journey. Now years later down the road, I'm not sorry for one friend lost and happy for every friend that I've gained!

Honorable Mention: - RippedJordanian
Attitudes Towards Bodybuilding?

Introduction

Almost all of us hold prejudice or stereotypes towards specific people or ideas. We may not realize it, but its there in our subconscious usually. Most Americans believe Arabs are terrorists. Most Arabs believe Jews are murderers and cheaters, most people believe African-Americans are drug-dealers.

You might hold some of these stereotypes without even knowing it, so it's no surprise that "bodybuilders are on steroids," or that "bodybuilders are mean grumpy stupid brutes." We can't blame people for their stereotypes towards us, what we can do is try to correct society's negative stereotypes, as we are correcting stereotypes towards blacks, Arabs, and Jews.

As bodybuilders, we should strive to remove these misconceptions, and show people how much dedication, sacrifice, and effort it takes to become healthy, fit, and muscular.

Attitudes:
What are some of the attitudes towards bodybuilding in the outside world?

Bodybuilders obviously have healthier diets and habits. As a result, in a society where it is hard not to see an obese person wherever you look, we are the outcasts, we are different. But, in this case, that's exactly what we want to be! As bodybuilders, we want to enter a room with a presence, a vibe. We want people to notice how different we are, how much more fit and muscular we are.

"A stereotype is a generalization about a person or group of persons. We develop stereotypes when we are unable or unwilling to obtain all of the information we would need to make fair judgments about people or situations." (Gary M. Grobman, online).

Notice stereotypes occur when people are unwilling to understand what we do. This sounds to me like a form of jealousy. I think most people would love to look like us, or would love to have the dedication and commitment we have towards our sport. They seem to get jealous when they see you not drinking or eating at a party, or drinking diet soda.

It amuses me when someone gets jealous and decides to come up and tries to embarrass me at a party. They usually make lame comments about protein or obsession or whatever. I've been blessed with the wittiest mind in my class, so he ends up humiliated and has to walk away head down.

Another attitude is the doubter, or the person that will attribute all your hard-earned muscular gains or fat loss to "all those powders he takes," or to steroids. They think you are just on steroids and don't workout at all.

Even steroids can't give you muscle if you don't work out, and I'm surprised at how many people think they do! And my favorite one, "creatine is a steroid!" Society's doubts about bodybuilders can only be explained by their inability to accept and embrace people with different lifestyles.

This is my favorite attitude though, the person who comes up to you, usually at school, and tries to sound important as he converses with you about the latest supplements, training techniques, and the best exercises. He will ask what your stack is but not what your training routine or diet are.

Usually a lanky teenager on January 1st who decides that his New Year resolution is to get into shape. Two months later you ask him how his workouts are going and he looks at you like your speaking Chinese.

The best attitude is that of the people that admires and understands your dedication. They aspire to have your physique, and you enjoy talking with them about bodybuilding and training and supplements. These people are people that truly respect you, and have no stereotype towards you. Usually, I don't get the dumb brute stereotype though, because I am known in my school to be smart.

But not all attitudes are negative, in fact, most of the people at my school tend to be these people. These are the people that keep me going. It's the small things that count for me, like a "you're getting bigger" while your walking down the hall.

These are the people I truly respect, because they know how encouraging it is and how important it is to you. They compliment you, ask you for tips or advice, or generally respect you for what you do.

How Do You Feel?
How do these attitudes make you feel about yourself and those that judge you?

The negative attitudes make me feel like punching the person in the face for being such an idiot. However, if I chose to do that, people would start saying just because he has all those muscles he thinks he can hit everyone. Although I am a very non-violent person, people tend to conveniently forget about that.

I channel negative attitude to motivate me even more at the gym. Personally, I have disrespect towards people who stereotype because they don't bother to understand our lifestyle which promotes a healthy body and heart. It's been scientifically proven many times that a healthy body promotes healthy thinking and awareness in the mind.

The positive attitudes are the best though, because, in the end, they get me through the day. All the eating, sleeping, and sweat we get pays off when you see a difference in the mirror, or when some kind person throws you a compliment. My feelings towards them are limitless respect, because they know that encouragement and willpower can overcome any barrier.

I try to correct some attitudes, but as we all know, gossip prevails. Protein powders are considered steroids, and many people come up to me every day and ask me to stop because it's not good for me. What really bothers me is that they have know idea what they're talking about, because when I ask them do you know what type of protein I take, or what are exactly the negative effects of it, they don't know.

I have realized this point, which is that individuals in society usually try to convince themselves that all the improvement I've made is from the steroids or proteins I take. They also convince themselves that I'm wasting my time to cover up their lack of dedication or willpower. I really feel pity for them.

Reactions:
What are some of the reactions people make when they see how healthy you eat, or how much bigger or fit you are becoming?

The reactions I usually get are bombardment with questions about diet, supplements, and routine. I also get people asking me how I can find the time to go to the gym with all the homework we get. Some guys ask me to flex, and they will feel my arms and tell me I'm getting better. This attitude is a serious motivator, for me and the people who are asking me.

Some reactions bother me slightly though, like people asking me to eat something unhealthy, or telling me it's ok to cheat once in a while. They don't understand that you already cheated for the week, or that you are sacrificing the pleasure of a piece of chocolate or a hamburger for the amazing feeling and pride in an improved and more muscular physique.

Sacrifice is obviously a part of bodybuilding. I used to be overweight, not to the point of obesity, but I was extremely uncomfortable with my body. Deciding to change, and dedication made my body improve and made me what I am today, and I really came a long way. Many of my friends look in at a yearbook from the previous year and can't believe I used to look like that!

How Do The Women React?

Compliments from men are motivation, but compliments from the women are priceless! It's great when you start seeing more and more chicks and girls that you used to have a crush on watching you from the corner of their eye.

It's an amazing and extremely motivating feeling. I cannot even express how much the added muscle helps with your confidence when talking with chicks. Nothing better! I remember someone saying that it's not the muscle that gets the chicks, it's the confidence that comes along with the muscle that gets the chicks. Amen!

Bonus Question:
Have you lost any friends to Bodybuilding?

Not really no. But I have gained lots of friends on forums, at the gym, and at school who share my passion and love for the sport.

Honorable Mention: - Str8flexed

Attitudes:
What are some of the attitudes towards bodybuilding in the outside world?

As with any niche sport, there are not many people that are well-educated about bodybuilding so you will find that there are a very wide range of attitudes. Some of the more extreme negative attitudes you will encounter include people who believe the majority of bodybuilders are extremely vain & narcissistic, or that the majority of them are drug users or homosexuals.

Many people have positives attitudes as well. I've encountered people who have told me how much they admire the dedication it takes to eat right and train hard. You also have the people that when you tell them you are a bodybuilder they say "so you're one of those guys who poses in a thong?"

How Do You Feel?
How do these attitudes make you feel about yourself and those that judge you?

When I was younger they used to bother me quite a bit because I was insecure and I cared so much more about what other people thought about me and what I did.

Now I could really care less. I love bodybuilding and it makes me feel good about myself and nothing anyone says will make me feel any different. If people compliment me, I graciously accept, if they say something negative, I try to chalk it up to their ignorance and I try to educate them as respectfully as I can.

What are some of the reactions people make when they see how healthy you eat, or how much bigger or fit you are becoming?

The comments run the gammit just like people's attitude and the comments usually reflect the people's attitudes towards bodybuilding. You'll have positive comments such as "you look great" or "I admire what you do so much" to "you are really inspiring" and those can really make you feel great.

You'll also have comments such as "are you taking steroids?" "What is going to happen to all that muscle when you get older... doesn't it just get flabby?" Once again, one has to accept the positives graciously, and respectfully educate the ignorant.

Gender Response:
MEN: How do the women respond? WOMEN: How do the men respond?

I only care about one woman's opinion, my fiancé Isabel. She loves bodybuilding and everything that comes with it. She is my number one fan and my number one supporter. Men typically ask questions about what type of training protocol I use, the diet strategy I employ, and what supplements I use.

Bonus Question:
Have you lost friends by taking up bodybuilding? Have you gained friends?

I have gained many, many friends from bodybuilding and many of them I met through the bodybuilding.com forums! I can honestly say I've never lost any true friends because of bodybuilding, in fact most of my friends that I had before I started bodybuilding respect me more now than before because of my long-term dedication to the sport.

Layne

Review Of Other Articles
Or "Why Wasn't Mine Picked?"

lucky579

Pro's

• Acceptable style and structure.

Con's

• Did not provide enough content or strictly follow outline.

Comments: TOTW is a pro forma exercise in writing. By selecting the outline, the webmaster has done half of the author's job for you. Provide enough content for a good webzine article (see current articles for a guideline) and you're off to a good start.

Matt5387

Pro's

• Author conveys a passionate strength of position.

Con's

• Style is difficult to follow. Brief on content. Structure could use improvement.

Comments: A good article is a good story. Reading this article is not like hearing a friend tell a story. While this writer definitely displays knowledge of the territory, more practice is needed.

Sentences need to be tightened. Read the work out loud and shorten or break up breathy sentences. Each paragraph needs to be a separate point of discussion.

stonecoldtruth

Pro's

• Apt display of wordsmanship. Good flow and nice structure. Sentences and paragraphs have been crafted well.

Con's

• Light on content.

Comments: This capable writer has provided us with an enjoyable read. Too short to be an aritcle but a good effort none the less.

coaster-carl123

Pro's

• Intelligent and Original.

Con's

• Constipated paragraphs. Overuse of first person pronoun "I".

Comments: A computer geek like this reviewer may find this submission an entirely enjoyable read. The "average" Joe will find the paragraph structure very awkward.

Each separate point of thought deserves its own paragraph. The first sentence introduces the point. The body of the paragraph supports it with logic, reference and facts. The conclusion should re-enforce it. While the rules of style are broken by many capable and successful writers, they are mastered first.

squat_princess

Pro's

• Masterful self portrait in words. Great conversational style.

Con's

• Some simple spelling errors. Paragraph structure is weak.

Comments: A great read! This writer really took the reader inside the fishbowl. Better proof reading would help the spelling. The author's conversational flow makes departures from established style work in this context. More content and breaking up paragraphs into separate points of thought will improve this already strong style.

Vaughner

Pro's

• Good job of owning the territory. This author convincingly displayed knowledge of the subject.

Con's

• Structure was awkward. Light on content.

Comments: The second paragraph (the mega-paragraph), killed this submission, before it was well breathing on its own. Earlier advice on paragraph structure applies here especially. Adding a conversational style and more content will bring this knowledgeable author closer to the top.

dnborycz

Pro's

• Honest and intelligent work.

Con's

• Not enough content for an article. Nothing to really set this one apart from the pack.

Comments: This writer shows promise. Control of the first person pronout "I", better paragraphs and more content will be steps in the right direction.

BakesPimpRB23

Pro's

• Intelligent reply.

Con's

• Structure of paragraphs is tortured. Over use of first person pronoun "I".

Comments: Here is another submission that displays good knowledge of the territory. Nothing really sets it off from the pack and lack of good paragraph structure pulled this one right down.

Xsamson

Pro's

• Great depth. This writer commands the subject.

Con's

• Run on sentences and awkward paragraphs.

Comments: This knowledgeable author shows strong conversational style. A state that could be described as calm confidence is displayed engaging the subject. A review of Strunk's elements of style will put this writer in contention.