The bodybuilding industry is huge and everyone wants a piece of the action. The internet makes it easy to share information and find information. As a result, there has been a huge influx of terrible bodybuilding information on the web.
When I started this site, Fitness Expose, my intention was to create a sort of consumer reports for bodybuilding and fitness. While that idea morphed into what is here today, I still do my best to point out problematic bodybuilding information. I am not afraid to call out someone who is much better known than I am in an effort to get them to improve the information that they put out. It infuriates me when I see inconsistencies in the mantra from some big name industry people.
Promoting Bodybuilding Products Only for the Money
One thing that truly gets under my skin is inconsistency for the sake of money. So many in the bodybuilding industry are guilty of this. Imagine for a moment you read an eBook by Bob Bodybuilder and in that book he states:
Workouts need intensity and the best way to get that is to work out harder and longer. Workouts lasting less than 90 minutes are for pansies.
Now imagine that you open up your inbox one day and there is an email advertising the 4 Minute Workout. You read the following:
We really don't have time for long workouts. The 4 minute workout will give you results in just 4 minutes a day. It is the exact program I use.
You take a closer look and guess who the email is from? You guessed it! Bob Bodybuilder is promoting a 4 minute workout. Am I the only person on this planet offended by this? Can you tell me why someone would write one thing in their own book while promoting exactly the opposite? It is all about the money to them. At that point I no longer believe anything Bob Bodybuilder says because he can clearly be bought for a price.
Dangerous Bodybuilding Techniques
Bodybuilding as a sport can be quite harmful to your health. The types of dieting that is done and the supplements taken can have terrible effects on your body. However, when a bodybuilder does these things they do it fully aware of the potential consequences. It worries me when I see famous bodybuilders giving out training advice and promoting things that are known to be quite dangerous. It is fine to present the information, but I would like to see a disclaimer that warns people it might not be for the beginner to intermediate trainee.
Making Bodybuilding the Only Way
I personally love bodybuilding. I think it is an amazing way to get inside your own head and become a better person. However, I am aware that bodybuilding isn't for everyone. I believe too many bodybuilders act as though their way is the only way. Get off your high horse and realize that you have the ability to help people just because of how you look.
Getting Caught in the Process
I was on Facebook the other day and saw a picture that showed a cardio machine with the final data from a cardio workout. One comment that was made was regarding fasted or unfasted cardio and the person making the comment is in incredible shape. If she told me she got in that shape by doing nothing but push ups for cardio I would likely try it. She is an IFBB Professional and knows her stuff. Her comment hit me hard because I am the analytical type. She said:
Too many people want to argue about doing cardio fasted. I say just do your damned cardio. It has to get done so go do it.
I loved the simplicity of that comment and it has changed my mind about a lot of things. I am no longer going to get caught up in the process. I am going to enjoy my training whenever and wherever I can. How about you?