Defending the Bodybuilder?
by Mike Westerdal
Elliott is one of my best friends and we have so much in common it’s a little scary sometimes. But when it comes to his post yesterday I’m going to have to go ahead and defend bodybuilding.
Training for muscle growth or looks is the opposite of wanting to fit into skinny jeans. Go ahead and call a true bodybuilder skinny and see if they like it. And just because you want to look jacked and ripped doesn’t mean you want to be an underwear model. Arnold was pretty freakin jacked and ripped and you didn’t see him in underwear commercials. In my opinion just because someone cares about their appearance does not make them a sissy.
The post did make me re-evaluate my reasons for training. Currently these are my top three reasons for training. What about you, why do you train?
My Current Training Priorities.
- Health and Vitality has to be number one on my list. What good is being strong if I’m dead in 10 years?
- Strength. If you’re strong I agree with Elliott, the muscles will appear on their own.
- Muscle Growth/Body Fat Reduction aka aesthetics
When I was in High School in College These Were My Training Priorities.
- Performance athleticism for football which included strength.
- Looks for confidence and meeting girls.
- Didn’t really think about health too much, figured I’d worry about that later.
In yesterday’s post we basically asked you what was more important strength or looks.
After reading the reactions to yesterdays posts I can honestly say that it’s undisputed that 98% of the readership wants to attain a physique that is not only strong and vibrant but also looks the part. Many of you said why do we have to choose one or the other? Why not find the right balance and I agree.
As a powerlifter I have met people that place no value on health or aesthetics. The only thing that matters is how strong they are. Even if that involves gaining massive amounts of body fat simply to improve their leverages so they can lift more weight.
I’ve admitted that I was guilty of this to an extent which is why I started Lean Hybrid Muscle Training with Elliott.
The program itself is meant to combine the best of many different training philosophies while striving to achieve multiple goals at the same time. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I want to have it all. I want to be strong, be healthy, athletic and look good at the same time.
Seriously, the name of this site is Lean Hybrid Muscle… NOT Hybrid Strength. That means we want to build muscles, we want to stay lean doing so and we want to keep our strength and build upon it with functional hybrid training.
Growing up the kinds of guys I looked up to weren’t the super strong fat guys that weighed 300 lbs lifting more weight than anyone in the gym and it wasn’t the skinny fitness model either.
I always wanted to look like guys that were super strong and still looked like a bodybuilder. To me this was the best. I wanted to a be powerbuilder. Someone who’s strength could back up their muscular appearance. I don’t want useless artificially swollen muscles. But how about muscles that are huge for a reason, because they are strong and powerful! That’s what I’m talking about, I’m a greedy SOB and don’t’ want to pick one or the other, give me all of it! I was impressed with guys like Franco Columbu that won bodybuilding and powerlifting titles!
I’ve reached the point in my life now where I don’t’ care what people think of me anymore. I know that the only one I have to answer to is God and the man in the mirror. But I’ll tell you what, looking the part sure helps improve your confidence. If you look in the mirror and see a fat dude that can overhead press 500 pounds, hasn’t brushed his teeth in a week, hasn’t shaved or showered in days, smells like crap, goes to work with his pants falling down and shirt half tucked in with a wrinkled collar, I don’t care how strong you are, you’re still a slob and a physical disgrace.
And for those of you who say you don’t care about physical appearance, what if your wife said the same thing? What if she decided to stop wearing make-up and quit shaving her legs because she was following your lead of “appearances don’t matter”?
Say what you want about bodybuilders. Sure they may be narcissistic, but they’re not all like that. Some that compete on stage may even care too much about what judges and others think of their bodies. I don’t think that’s healthy one bit. You should never do anything in your life simply to seek the approval of the others. However many find the perfect balance of self improvement balanced with the politics of the sport.
I do have to give respect where respect is due. It’s easy for me to say that getting oiled up and standing on stage in a pair of bikini bottoms is a bit feminine, but hey if I had single digit body fat levels, maybe I’d reconsider. Actually, nah probably not. I’m still getting used to being on video on the Internet. Standing half naked in front of a crowd flexing reminds me of a bad dream I had where I went to school without any clothes on! Have you had that dream?
Honestly I don’t see myself ever being a competitive bodybuilder, but I can tell you I’ve been a non-competitive one since I was 16. Bodybuilding or muscle growth and fat reduction has always and always will be part of my workouts even if it’s not my only priority.
One of my new year’s resolutions is to be more accepting and open minded toward other people and their views. I can honestly say that I admire the hard work, sacrifice, dedication, extreme dieting and courage it takes to compete in a physique competition. It takes months of preparation and the will power to eat so strict for so long is amazing to me.
I prefer to compete in strength sports, but I must say I have more in common with my brothers in iron that compete in bodybuilding than I do with the typical lazy couch potato that does nothing with their free time. Besides who am I to judge? Train for whatever reasons you want, I’m just glad you train. To each his own, I really feel that way.
In fact I’ve said this before but when designing the Lean Hybrid Muscle program we’ve borrowed training ideas from many different sources to compliment the strengths we have.
One of the people I talked a lot with is a good friend of mine named Brian Cannone. In fact I help Brian out with his Web site which is called FitnessAtlantic.com. He runs one of the country’s biggest Natural bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and bikini competitions.
Brian used to compete as a bodybuilder himself and now he focuses on helping athletes further their careers and promoting his competition. Here’s where it gets cool. Brian has made friends with so many high level drug free physique stars it’s insane how much insider information he has attained.
I’ve been telling him for years that he shouldn’t keep all this info to himself and that there are lots of people that would give an arm and a leg for the tips. I mean who wouldn’t want to know exactly how these guys and gals eat and train before getting ready for a show? Brian sent me a copy of his 14-Week Pre-Contest meal plan schedule. It’s actually a bonus item you get with his new eBook called, Stage Ready Nutrition & Training.
Whether you compete or not wouldn’t it be cool to follow this diet before going on vacation, hitting a reunion or wedding. Wouldn’t it be cool if people could look at you and know that you are strong without you having to demonstrate it for them?
Besides we’ve had a lot of the ladies emailing us and asking when we were going to recommend something they could use as well. Well top figure, fitness, bikini and model competitors have all provided input for Brian’s book.
And in case you already know you don’t’ ever want to compete the program isn’t about competing it’s about getting ins shape as though were going to compete.
We also got Brian to throw in Mo Mendez’s Maximum Muscle Mass Book as well. Mo is freakin huge and ripped and his program is a nice fit for those of you really wanting to pack on some mass. If you’re wondering who the pic of the “swole” guy sitting on the bench pictured above, well that’s Mo! I dare you to call him a sissy pretty boy. He’ll have you wrapped up in a pretzel before you have time to scream Mo Mercy, Mo Mercy, Mo Mercy!
Anyway if you want to be Stage Ready, Beach Ready, or Life Ready check out Brian’s new release. I got him to leave the discounted price for you until Friday. Go here to see some of the other bonuses he’s throwing in until Friday. There’s an even a physical DVD included that has girls doing back flips and summersaults. You’ll see what I mean, go here: http://tinyurl.com/ydg96dc
If you don’t care about your appearance than this probably isn’t for you, but if you do care, than these are the guys and gals that can really add some ammo to your arsenal.
Now as a fun little poll, I have a question for you. You guy have been following us for a few months now. Just for fun, who do you think is more likely to ever wind up doing a bodybuilding show in the future, me (Mike) or Elliott? Leave a comment below.
Also feel free to list your reasons for training and what your priorities are. Than go here and see what the hoopla is all about http://tinyurl.com/ydg96dc
Strength Training
January 12, 2010
10:24 pm
1. Health
2. Vanity
3. It has become part of my lifestyle
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January 12, 2010
11:17 pm
As was stated on the other discussion. Two words:
Marius Pudzianowsky.
Dude benches over 606 lbs. and looks like it.
‘Nuff said.
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leanhybr Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Agreed. Why selttle. Be super strong and look like it!
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January 13, 2010
1:27 am
1. Health
2. Rugged Muscle (I need to carry at least a 4 pack)
3. Pushing myself
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January 13, 2010
4:08 am
Who would do it?
Whoever lost the bet.
Why do I lift?
1. Body composition
2. Strength / practicality
3. I suck at yoga (it’s “me time” after work to clear out the daily BS)
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January 13, 2010
4:21 am
I’m almost 50. I’ve torn both achilles tendons (still recovering and in a cast from one!), have arthritic knees, low level of overall fitness and 3 sons 16, 13, & 10.
Why lift?
tie1. health/vanity
tie2. strength/practicality
tie3. identity/confidence
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January 13, 2010
7:29 am
1. Overcoming my potential ( living lyf the way it oughta be lived)
2. Athleticsm
3. Health
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January 13, 2010
9:10 am
Great article, its good to see you guys have different veiws on some things.
Reasons for training are probably (in no order) strength, looks/confidence, and just the feeling of success when you beat previous records or goals set.
Really agree with you were you say “Train for whatever reasons you want, I’m just glad you train”
Id say Mike would make a better bodybuilder.
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leanhybr Reply:
January 13th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Hitting goals and reaching PRs really makes you feel alive. I love it!
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January 13, 2010
9:21 am
Why lify? Because that barbell is there looking at me with THAT look, “you won’t make it dude” is thinking the GD barbell…
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January 13, 2010
11:26 am
The number one reason for my work outs? My kids, just like any other father, I want my children to say outloud that they want to be like Daddy. Second reason? Strength for injury prevention. Third reason? To still be the same guy that my love fell in love with, even ten years from now.
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January 13, 2010
11:47 pm
my reasons to lift:
1. looks (muscular and lean)
2. achieving goals (first competition this fall !)
3. health
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January 14, 2010
4:17 am
Give Elliot a break! I really didn’t think he was advocating to be a fat ass couch potato who never showers! I presently am at 8% bodyfat and Elliots article resonated with me. I’ve been married for almost 30 years and have been training for about 25 yrs. Who said being a man meant you had to be any of those things. As men we like hot women because we are very visually focused but most women want somthing more than just a great body in a man.
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leanhybr Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
We’re just messing with eachother. We actually pretty much agree with each other. And when I said hygiene is important I didn’t mean to imply that Elliott doesn’t care about his cleanliness. Elliott smells great actually (in a manly way)!
Yes, a lot of guys want to look good to try and attract women, but like I said in the article, don’t train to impress someone else. But if getting a certain look makes you feel good about yourself than I think it’s great.
Looks will fade and people get old. I think wise men also look for more than physical beauty in their mates.
Not sure what you mean when you say “Who said being a man meant you had t be any of those things.”
Sometimes Elliott and I like to argue opposite sides of the coin just for fun even if for the most part we’re on the same page.
Thanks Dave, have a good one! Mike
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leanhybr Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Congrats on the 8% bodyfat level but more importantly the 30 years of marriage. Both are super impressive! Mike
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January 14, 2010
5:51 pm
1 i was given one body, one chance to live a healthy life why not do it right?
2 physical and mental dominance, you have to just define confidence
3 i body build for all of those who said i couldnt do it (when i weighed 104) now i am at 195 and well lets just say the ones who didnt believe in me now live by everything that comes out of my mouth
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January 16, 2010
7:34 am
Why I lift?
1. One Life, One Chance and I really don’t wanna miss it! I only got one body and that’s my home, my castle, my everything. And I don’t want to live in a dirty home or a shitty castle! Who else wants to?
2. Reaching my limits and crossing them! I like the feeling of pushing myself across the limits every workout.
3. Looking the way I want to look. Sure, everybody wants to look good. And I’m getting closer (101kg, 14% Bodyfat, 185cm) and I won’t stop!
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January 17, 2010
4:44 pm
Reasons for lifting:
1. Pretty much my whole childhood I was obese. 225lbs at 5ft8 5ft9…I got a chance to change my life playing football in highschool. I am now 177lbs at 9% bodyfat (trying to get down to 7.5% before April) and can lift more than what I look like. Knowing both sides of the coin I never want to go back.
2. Healthy life = successful life in my book. Who cares if you make six figs if you dont have the energy to go play ball with your kids.
3. Looks. I know what it was like being obese. Being in shape gives you a confidence that is unbelievable. I almost feel like an aura is emminating off of me.
I agree that no matter the reasons for training, at least your doing it. People who dont keep themselves physically fit are wasting an amazing part of their lives.
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January 27, 2010
9:37 am
1. super strong
2. athletic
3. aesthetics
I figure if you train for 1 and 2, 3 will follow. As long as I keep bodyfat levels in check, I think it’s imposible to be both super strong and athletic without your muscles growing
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April 22, 2010
2:42 pm
At 56 yrs old after having a stroke at 50 my priorities are.
1. Health
2. Health
3. Health
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April 22, 2010
3:04 pm
Go to any nursing home and look at their butts! I am not being sick. Their glutes are gone and can not stablize their hips. So they fall and break their bones. I train to keep as much muscle as possible as late in life as I can.
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April 22, 2010
6:33 pm
I LIFT BECAUSE I NEVER WANT TO BE IN THE HOSPITAL AGAIN, PARALYZE UNABLE TO MOVE MY BODY FOR A LONG TIME AND WHEN THERAPY TOUGHT ME WEIGHT TRAINING AND I STARTED TO MOVE AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO WORK AT IT EVERY DAY TO USE WEIGHT TRANING AND OVER COME THE DAMAGE , THANK TO HARD WORK AND RIGHT TEACHING, I OVER CAME AND NOW AM WALKING AGAIN AND NOW TRAIN TO BE STRONGER THEN THE PEOPLE WHO ATTACK ME AND NOW I CAN SAFTY SAY, ”TRAINING FOR LIFE”" BECAUSE LIVING TODAY IS SUCH HARD WORK.
TUFF TIMES MAKE TUFF PEOPLE. HARD WORK DOESN’T KILL YA, LAZY DOES.
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April 22, 2010
7:21 pm
I lift weights because I feel lousy when I don’t … and have done so since I was 15 years old (my SS# is higher than 4 – so I’m not quite as old as God).
Workouts make me feel strong and both physically and mentally confident and competent. I can do more than most other men my age … and for longer durations (including up on the 2nd floor!)
They also act as a great stress reliever and provide contemplative time, allowing me to review my day, life and actions.
It also keeps me out of bars and eating healthy’
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Paul Reply:
April 23rd, 2010 at 3:03 am
One word — SANITY!
Lifting helps my moods. I feel confident, but not aggressive. I feel in control, but willing to let go. I feel personally challenged and professionally motivated. When I lift, I resonate vitality, energy and grace. Lifting feeds my intrinsic need for relavence and stability. I am my own rock! All the physical benefits are a happy but lesser reward.
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April 22, 2010
8:52 pm
1. Health ,my family has terrible genetics
2. strength, as a wrestler you have an edge when your stronger
3. the look, like you said its nice to be confident that you look good
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April 22, 2010
9:03 pm
The number one reason I workout is because I had back surgery about 9 years ago and the doctor told me if my stomach would not have been so strong I would have not been able to lift again.
About three years ago I was diagnosed with germ cell cancer and had to take six of the strongest chemotherapy there is. The last treatment almost killed me but the doctor said that if I would not have been in the shape I was I would not be here.
I have five children and as long as there is blood running through my veins I will strive to be better, sorry about the run on.
stay STRONG.
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leanhybr Reply:
April 23rd, 2010 at 2:24 am
Way to go Chris, keep up the good work!
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April 22, 2010
9:09 pm
15 years ago at the age of 37 I quit smoking, poor eating habits and 8-10 Pepsi’s a day. Walked into a local gym owned by a 2 time NW natural bodybuilding champion and never turned back.
I am currently finishing up my degree and aquire my ACSM and NSCA certs. to become a personal trainer at the age of 52. This is a way of life for me, a philosophy of living better not only for myself but for my spouse and my children. I have a 7yr old and a 9yr old, and I would like to be around to enjoy them in my later years. That is why I lift.
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April 22, 2010
11:48 pm
I started lifting in August of 2008. At that time it was to lose fat and build muscle, purely aesthetics. I have recently just started doing Crossfit to prepare me for Navy life as a rescue swimmer.
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April 23, 2010
3:36 am
Lift to prolong youthfulness…
1. better resistance – stay healthy
2. better shape – prevent injury
3. better image – improve confidence
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April 23, 2010
4:11 am
5 years ago I became ill. Was misdiagnosed by 4 doctors. Was given an antibiotic that destroyed over 95% of my inner ear balance. I virtually walk drunk with out a cane. Was a builder for 30 years and extremely athletic. Had been working out and running everyday. Needless to say for the last 4 1/2 years I have been pretty much dormant. Finally made up my mind that this damage was not going to beat me. Am doing this for my health and well being. Really appreciate finding you guys and your method of training. Am also doing as much crossfit as my balance allows. Really getting stoked with the workouts. I will be 62 this summer. Am getting stronger day by day. thanks
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leanhybr Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 3:48 am
Godl Bless you Garb. Stay strong. Mike
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April 24, 2010
4:48 am
I train to,1; feel good and 2;look good 3;lift heavy!
I always enjoyed the olympic weightlifting when I was a kid, and wanted to be a “weightlifter with big muscles”, so now I’m living the dream!!!!
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April 24, 2010
10:16 am
to become like samir bannout
that man had it all, big muscles combined with a small waist
arnie still no. 1
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April 25, 2010
5:33 pm
Well for me its:
Health { temple }
Strength {the best l can be}
Atheletic and tight
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May 27, 2010
1:56 am
1)To be strong and lean to be at my full athletic potential
2)For the ladies
3)Show my masculinaty and be intimidating
4)Sometimes just for the hell of it
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May 27, 2010
3:53 pm
I have much respect for the bodybuilders from the early years up to the 70′s but these modern guys not so much the guys from the early years routines are of a certain strength bias.
I train for health. Look good for my girl. And physical preparedness
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June 25, 2010
11:30 am
Well I’am 57, and had the disc at l4-l5 removed in 1977, since then, in the last 10 yrs. I have degenerative hip disease, both hips.
Some days are tough, but i keep on pushing! It’s just life, tossing me a curve.
So if anyone tells you that you can’t workout, don’t believe them. Take your time and try.
At my age I’am still stronger than most guys half my age, with nothing wrong with them.
Just use a little wisdom when you work-out, and hopefully it will all be OK.
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July 20, 2010
5:24 pm
I am 16, and I used to be one of these computer nerds. I was in front of my computer all time, and was hardly able to do anything. Than basically one day, I decided I will start working out. I became much stronger, healthier, and more social ever since, so I don’t regret it.
I don’t know why I still train, probably to get stronger.
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August 3, 2010
10:08 pm
I train first for health and secondly for looks and strength. I have been training for almost seven years. Although I started training at my doctor’s urging, it has become something I enjoy and look forward to.
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August 12, 2010
2:53 am
Why I Work Out:
1. Vanity. I love that feeling when somebody touches my body and goes, “ooh!”
2. To kill the little fat kid inside me who used to get beat up after school.
3. Stress relief
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September 27, 2010
5:08 pm
Win the Florida High School Weightlifting State Title
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September 29, 2010
1:02 am
I train to strengthen and thereby injury proof my back, etc. Well, that was the catalyst to me starting. Now I keep going because the feeling I get after a workout is one of vitality and power. I love the endorphins flooding my system, making me feel great… I was diagnosed with mild depression so feeling positive and capable is something I cherish. Also, being unemployed at the moment, it keeps my body in work ready condition as I do labouring jobs mostly.
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November 3, 2010
10:21 am
Oh how training focuses/priorities change. I’ve had nearly the same shift in my training since high school as well Mike.
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November 20, 2010
6:47 am
All i ever apply to my workout is focus and more focus.Need i tell you that it has put me on the right form and frame of mind.Thanks a million Mike.
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December 14, 2010
3:33 am
I TRAIN TO GET FIT. IT MAKES ME WHOLE. I LOVE IT.
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March 3, 2011
11:03 pm
I train because I have kids.
Play with them,grow old to see them grow up, set a good example, and most important protect them.
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April 9, 2011
7:06 pm
1.to be in the best shape
2.to be strong
3.to be healthy
But most of all because being in gym makes me happy,I enjoy going there and being there,pushing as hard as I can…even if sometimes it’s hard I never give up.Sometimes I’m lazy to go to gym and skip,sometimes I skip a lot but everytime I go back it reminds me how much I missed it and makes me think twice next time I want to skip it.
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April 12, 2011
3:07 am
1. Vanity, but Im not talking just pretty, I want to be one look pretty lol… I also want to look professional, I find it hard to be a dominate image in the room if I am the short fat guy.
2. Health, I love feeling always on top of my game, and being able to never feel crappy because of diet problems ( Elliot’s scientific approach to health is awesome and its proven shit not guru asshole BS..) THANK YOU
3. Prove to myself I’m not a lazy piece of crap.
I say the last one blatantly because I spent 4 years inside never even cared about what was happening outside. I played a stupid video game and WASTED 4 effin years.. but not now.. not today and not ever again!.. and with Elliots techniques have really helped me formed my own educated approach to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle…
Needless to say I have droped 15 lbs fat and gained a decent amount of muscles..
a better contrast is.. last year my top number of pushups was 1.. yes 1…
now days I do over 150 and I can do 10 with my 75lb sister on my back..
Go Tribal!!!
-just another endomorph striving for abs.
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April 12, 2011
7:04 pm
50 years old been training for40years and i cannot stop always looking to improve on it.try to pass on the healthy habit on my son.
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April 25, 2011
6:56 pm
My reason for working out?
3) The original reason is to be strong-I grew up being puny and weak, but very athletic and speedy. I have the natural lean muscular look from my dad, but I’m still puny and weak but gaining progress in my goal.
2) The second reason after the #3 is because I simply love lifting. I realized my body was just addicted to lifting. It was hard for me to rest. I didn’t work harder because I wasn’t gaining strength or muscles, but because I have fun working out.
1) The most important reason out of those 3 reasons is health and fitness.
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Joby Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
To give you an idea of what my body type is so you can understand the reasons behind my choices… I consider myself Meso-ectomorph.
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May 16, 2011
11:53 am
stay healthy – mind- body -soul
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