WEEK FIFTY-THREE :: How Can We Educate Others About Bodybuilding?

[webmaster]

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TOPIC: How Can We Educate Others About Bodybuilding?

For the week of: Dec 1st - Dec 7th
(Wednesday @ Midnight Is The Final Cut).

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Many people think that bodybuilding is for freaks. Many people also associate bodybuilding with dumb people. They seem to think that the bigger the body, the smaller the brain – This is absolutely not true!

How can we educate people about bodybuilding?

What are some good ways of increasing the bodybuilding community?

What are some good books/resources to educate people about bodybuilding?

BONUS QUESTION: Do you know anyone who believes in the false bodybuilding stereotypes? How does it make you feel? How did you respond? Did you once believe in the bodybuilding myths and stereotypes?

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Don't discuss any other topic in this section. ONLY discuss the question above.

The best response will get $75 in credit to use in our online store! The other good responses will be used in an article on the main Bodybuilding.com site, with the poster's forum name listed by it. Become famous!

Thanks,
Will
Webmaster
Bodybuilding.com

[sword chucks]

i have such a funny story for this Bonus :D

[gTkw]

probably the best way is for them to experience bb-ing for themselves and see what good it will do to them.of couse they wont have to make themselves look like ronnie coleman.maybe just healthier then they were before.

is that a good answer?lol

[leslie94]

Bodybuilding has and will always be a sport that appeals to a small number of people. The dedication, perseverance and sacrifice needed to compete is much more than the average American is willing to do. Bodybuilders have also isolated themselves with the massive amounts of illegal drugs they take, even for small state level shows. The average person can't make a committment to exercise three times a week, much less push themselves to the level of training needed to do a show. Also, bodybuilding contests are boring to many people, even bodybuilders. Many contests at the local level make the mistake of letting everyone pose, causing the show to drone on for 4 or 5 hours. People that come to watch get bored and become less interested in the sport as a whole. The shows aren't usually promoted very well much less put on well as evidenced by this year's Mr Olympia. I don't think bodybuilding will ever attract large numbers of people, but if the shows were put on and promoted more professionally, the athletes treated better and the shows condensed to two hours in length things would improve. I also think fitness centers should have more bodybuilding oriented information and training programs. It is really hard to find out information in my area of the country on how to train and diet for competition. I love bodybuilding, but stopped competing 10 years ago because I got disgusted with how things were run in my state. I think you have to start at the state level and get things running smoothly. Then you would have more people interested in competing and eventually more competitors and enthusiasts. Thanks for letting me rant!

[Dynotaku]

I think that the perception that bodybuilders are dumb comes from a few factors. Primarily, the two most prominent bodybuilders of our times, Schwarzenegger and Stallone both have heavy accents.

Well, in Stallone's case, yeah he's got a Brookland accent which doesn't help anybody, but the big issue with his speech is slurred due to partial facial paralysis caused during a botched delivery. (When he was born I mean, not that some FedEx guy dropped a package on his face.) When talking about Stallone, it's easy to remind people of his intelligence by noting the fact that he given an Oscar nomination for /writing/ Rocky. Yes he was nominated as an actor for the same movie, but if you're trying to play the intelligence card, it's the writing credit that will get people's attention. Also note that Stallone is the third person ever to be nominated for both writing and acting in the same film, putting him in the same league as Charles Chaplin and Orson Welles.

Schwarzenegger gets a lot of flack for his accent too. There are a lot of spoofs of Arnold and his accent out there, none are too flattering, like the Simpson's Reinheart Wolfcastle. "Zee goggles, zey do nossing!" But these are easy to counter too, especially in America. Yeah he has an accent. But of course, English isn't his first language. How many Americans know more than one language? Becoming fluent in a new language is no small task. Tell your friends that think Arnold is dumb to learn another language and then we'll see how good their accent is. In addition to his accomplishments as a bodybuilder, actor, businessman and politician, Arnold graduated from University of Wisconsin with a major in international marketing of fitness and business administration. He also has an honorary Doctorate from UofW in recognition of his charitable works.

Lou Ferrigno is another bodybuilder that sounds dumb when you listen to him, but again there's a reason for it. Due to an ear infection when he was a child, he's partially deaf. Surprisingly few people know that I’ve found. They just make the easy yet irrational assumption that muscles = dumb.

I believe it comes down largely to a problem of presentation. The public sees these big guys and hears them talk and think they're a bunch of middle school dropouts, regardless of their accomplishments. And since bodybuilding is an extremely body centric sport, with lots of posing in mirrors and strutting around in speedos, bodybuilders tend to get lumped into other narcissistic professions like modeling which doesn’t help. Anytime some skeletal model appears on the cover of Vogue espousing the latest grapefruit diet or whatever, it hurts us all.

There’s no easy answer to improve the image of bodybuilders. It’s a defensive mechanism that people like to have to have easily stereotyped groups to rail against, especially when those groups are perceived as being better in some way than the average person. Athletes, actors, rich, and fit people are all eligible. And in a country where 63% of the population is obese, bodybuilders are an obvious target.

Since it’s not likely that bodybuilder actors will be cast as scientists anytime soon, the best approach is ‘word of mouth’. Start with educating your friends and co-workers, but more than that, realize that anyone who is a bodybuilder is a representative of the sport, and be conscientious of that. Dress well. Don’t wear a tank top everywhere just to show off your arms. A button down shirt looks killer on a broad set of shoulders. Take an interest in things that have nothing to do with fitness or bodybuilding, and not the latest reality TV show either. Being able to hold an intelligent conversation about politics or the economy or books by noted authors will make people realize you’re not a dumb jock. You don’t have to memorize Dante’s Inferno or even read poetry. Just don’t bring up creatine in every conversation that you have. If a person knows one intelligent, well groomed bodybuilder, they can write them off as an exception. But what if they know two or three? It all spills into a collective consciousness. If enough people know enough well rounded bodybuilders, then suddenly it’s not so hard to fight a negative image. We’ll find that we’re not the only ones defending us.

[ncybrspce]

I believe that the problem and although it lingers mostly with americans - is that alot of people are looking for the easy fix. One of my friends that begun working out with me was with me at GNC and he loudly asked the employee if there was "just some pill to lose wieght." The lady replied that *alot* of people come in asking for that, but no. That is when I looked at him and said "man, it is a lifestyle change."

I have to agree with the poster below that there is not enough information available in the training centers. Untill I found BB.com I was getting frustrated at the lack of articles and such on the web.

We have to get the word out that a proper diet is not only essential, but it must be supplemented with some kind of exercise. Articles should be written for the supersite showing that not only a healthy diet, but a combo of healthy diet and exercising will garner the desired results.

We as a community have to battle news articles like this one;

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051204/ap_on_he_me/fit_intuitive_eating;_ylt=AoQErr3eL9kupPjd2VjCZ6us 0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3ODdxdHBhBHNlYwM5NjQ-

The Professor in the article eats constantly, but it is noted in the article that "exercise helped". Another problem is Subway Jared, they do not emphasize that he exercised as well.

I am new to this lifestyle - it has been a big change for me, a change for the better I might add. I've only purchased one book so far "Gold's gym Beginners guide" and I would not reccomend it. Although I bought it used off Amazon for rather cheap - I still feel that it was a waste of time and money. I looked there for other books, but haven't seen one that has captured my attention.

So far the best resource has been Bodybuilding.com - The supersite, the cyberstore and the forums.

On the main page where you can choose to enter the Supersite or the Cyberstore you may want to consider adding to the META Keywords - things like;

atkins, diet, sports nutrition, nutritional support, health forums, weight loss, health, healthy, education, supplements, better body, lifestyle change, biggest loser, WWE, MMA, UFC, Low Carb diet, Slim, slim fast, Subway diet or any other popular diet words.

If BB.com adapted the "AOL Everywhere" strategy to bring people here, we might be able to make a dent in the common misconceptions of bodybuilders. On another post someone suggested a Street Team membership. Great idea. I ordered some stuff from another website and I got a sticker with thier logo on it. A BB.com iron on patch or sticker to get the word out. When you purchase stuff like that to give away it is tax deductable as advertising.


As for the BONUS question.. Nah.

ncybrspce

[t81964]

The best way for us to educate others is to make this sport more mainsrteam.I know this is earsier said than done.But lets not only have these aerobics and endurance programs on tv.Lets also have a show totally geared around bodybuilding.One hour training with the pros and amatuers, lets put our sport out there for all to see.Lets try to get more bodybuilding shows advertised, in the amatuer and pro division,natural and normal.Lets educate our audience on the use and misuse of streiod,or come up with some great alternative that will set fine with the masses.We work to hard to not get the respect and recognition we deserve.Lets not let them push us away,lets push back with all the positive and good our sport has to offer.Why are our shows natural or normal not highlighted on ESPN,lets try to get them there.Lets treat our pros better with million dollar contracts and endorsementsfrom clothing and shoe companies.Pros lets treat our sponsors better with more publicity of their products,andwhatever else they have to make a buck maybe then you will get more money for your work.As for books the exercise and physiology books will help understand the body and its function, and its need for muscle development.As a community we should be able to once again advertise more for our sport.Lets also lean more towards the sports aspect so others will know it is a sport by getting more of our shows publicized, magazines in all stores and doctor offices.I've known people that believe in the myths but I set them straight by being knowledgeable of all aspects of bodybuilding that I can,and passing on these truths to those who ask about or believe in these myths.It upsets me that people don't seek the truth before reaching a false opinion of anything especially bodybuilding.Never did I believe in the stereotypes or myths I researched and studied for myself,thats why I chose bodybuilding it did not choose me.And please lets promote bodybuilding for both men and women.on all levels.Lets not block our ladies out, society will not support you if you treat their women unequally believe that. Thanks for listening.

[vadergrd]

(attention - from a non-pro-bodybuilder point of view!)tough question!BodyBuilding has gone through more phenomen during diferent time.There was a time when people were unaware about the link between weight lifting and muscle mass.The muscle mass was linked among folks, only with GENETICS (wich i know is true only like a small percentage,the rest is workout ).I recently saw the movie Kinsey wich is ,from my opinion ,mainly about social beliefs!At this time the uninitiated,a part of them we may call ignorant!, have diferent opinions:eg."SPORT ARE DAMAGING YOUR HEALTH !! (I'VE HEARD THIS ONE PERSONALLY!!),IT MAKES U IMPOTENT (ALSO HEARD PERSONALLY).I like to put it under this perspective:when u are on the roof of a building you can see whats down but the ones down can't see on the roof!so how to make them believers!well we can show them pictures with what's on the roof or tell them...!! BB-practiced corect - at leats at the health and appeareance level is a good thing many of us experince:
-better energy level
-more strenghts
-lower the BF%
-self confidence
-anti-stress exercise
and so on...SHARE THIS EXPERIENCE WITH ODERS.i could say let's make an experiment and try to "preach" BB - benefits to people like AlchAn !!
Now i'm gonna say something that maybe will upset many of you!
Q:WHY IS BB NOT AN OLIMPIC SPORT???
posible A:BECAUSE AT A PRO LEVEL IT ENCOURAGED AND STILL DOES THE USE OF STEROIDS!!
SOLUTION: DOPING TESTS AT OLYMPIA AND OTHER IMPORTANT COMPETITIONS!
so bye bye many pros!!!ASOCIATE BB WITH A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!

[perldog007]

Many people think that bodybuilding is for freaks. Many people also associate bodybuilding with dumb people. They seem to think that the bigger the body, the smaller the brain – This is absolutely not true!

How can we educate people about bodybuilding?

First we have to be solidly grounded in the subject matter under discussion. What exactly is bodybuilding? According to Websters.com (http://www.websters.com);


bod·y·build·ing

n: The process of developing the musculature of the body through specific types of diet and physical exercise, such as weightlifting, especially for competitive exhibition.

bodybuilding

n : exercise that builds muscles through tension [syn: anaerobic exercise, muscle building, musclebuilding](1)



The first order of business then is to let people know that bodybuilding is much more than what they have seen on television. Pro competitions are the pinnacle of the sport. They are not the whole sport. In the minds of many the word bodybuilding invokes visions of chemically enhanced freaks popping veins and looking like alien life forms.

Those of us who know how hard it is to build muscle can really appreciate such displays. A lat spread from an IFBB pro can scare the children, the weak, the meek, and the middle class.

Bodybuilding is a life built on the premise that we can become better than we are. Our physical health is an extension of our very selves. The human physique cannot be completely seperated from the mind or soul. To improve one is to improve all three.

We know that by sacrificing some fast food and quality time with the remote, we can be better. We know that within the realm of bodybuilding art and science, nearly any goal can be achieved. We understand that the dedication to work out when we don't want to carries over to other areas of life. Our community knows that outward appearance is a goal and a side effect.

Telling others about it can be hard. We instinctively fear what we do not understand. We fear and loathe that which makes us feel inferior. We see this behaviour within our own community, especially online in discussion boards everywhere. If we can turn on each other, why should "civillians" be any different. They should not.

The next step to educating others about bodybuilding is to understand that their fear and ignorance is natural. People who have misconceptions about the life are just following the instructions of their on board computers.

In a classic work long out of print there is a story of a verbal attack on a bodybuilder. A lady paid a compliment to a bodybuilder, her male companion expressed derision and contempt for the athlete. Said male companion then stated that he would kick the bodybuilder's a**.

This particular bodybuilder (who shall for reasons of human kindness remain nameless) took umbrage with the bravado of the little man and grabbed him by the neck. The little wolf ticket salesman was advised to "never say these things again".

The idiot was just trying to mark his tree. The bodybuilder could have smiled and said " and I would happily take that a** kicking if the lovely lady will be patching me up". Did we lose a fan because he did not?

When confronted by a wise acre beta male it is the gentleMANLY duty of the bodybuilder to work it out gracefully. When verbally attacked, let the other guy be the jerk. It isn't likely to get physical unless you get stuck on stupid. Most bodybuilders take this approach. Those who don't need to.

Sometimes people will attack the sport because they have real fears borne of ignorance. Women are universally afraid of looking like the pros on "SuperSize She". Alot of men do not want to look like an ifbb pro, even if they could. The most extreme and elite group of our sport attracts the most attention.

No matter how you feel about gear, steroid use is an easy target for haters. Be prepared to talk about the vast drug free majority of bodybuilders.

When you encounter fear and ignorance, letting them know how uninformed they are might work. Usually it will just tighten their defenses. There is a better way than head on.

Salespeople call it overcoming objections. There have been many methods of doing this taught over the years, here are some basic principles.


Get the person on your side by agreeing with them.

Yeah, I know what you mean, I wouldn't want to be musclebound either.

Give up a little logical explanation.

You know, even those guys(gals) only look like that with alot of dieting and shaving and oil, they don't look like that all the time. They are also very athletic and flexible. Besides, it doesn't happen overnight or by accident.

Make a positive statement.

Almost everyone wants to look and feel their best.

Ask a positive assumptive question.

Don't you know somebody who might want to have more muscle and less fat?

Close 'em up.

Wouldn't it make sense to follow a program that does just that?



If you don't get a convert on the first try listen and be respectfull. Be gracious in defeat. In essence you will be thanking the know it all for being intellectually mighty enough to kick your weak mental hindparts. This leaves the door open for future conversations.

Knowing that working out keeps us healthy in a sedentary world seems to be a mystery outside the community. Spreading the word without zeal is the trick. The glassy eyed intensity of a true believer puts you in a category with those folks who knock on doors spreading their version of the gospel. Yet another prime example of less being more.

The art of diplomacy consists of not saying what is immediately on your mind. The science of diplomacy is the art of knowing when to cut your losses. The know it all already thinks you are stupid, let's not add rude to your list of charges. Respecting the hater's feelings puts them on the spot for not extending the same slack to you.

When you are aware of the history and diversity of the sport your conversation toolbox is loaded. You can talk about health benefits. You can talk about all of the young bodybuilders in the forums who go to the gym and then come home and post their workouts. For every negative that a naysayer visits, you can politley riposte two positives.

You can talk about how Thomas Inch lived from the 1880's to the 1960's and could deadlift over 500 lbs one handed at age 60. Charles Atlas was getting hit on by the ladies in his late seventies. Discuss the history of physical culture and let them discover that it is really about being the best you can be.

A good ambassador is a diplomat. Such a person can get others to listen to them. This is important in educating others. This life is not for everybody. By being good ambassadors, we can at least get their respect and possibly their support. More people watch football than play the game.

At the end of the day, many people might agree with all of the benefits of bodybuilding, they may even try it for a short time, but they will not keep to it. The myriad of reasons for this are beyond our scope here. Just know that this is not for everyone. If we can't get them into the life, being a good ambassador might gain us some support. How strong does somebody have to be to write a letter to their legislator about over regulating supplements?

[perldog007]

What are some good ways of increasing the bodybuilding community?

Those timid souls in the middle are our gold. So many people go to the gym amd work blindly just to look and feel better. These people are bodybuilders, they just haven't been told yet.

Find a way to reach that lifter who is on the fence. Listening to people talk about what they are trying to accomplish is the first step. Armed with this knowledge it is easier to relate a bodybuilding solution to their goals.

An overweight person might be more interested shedding fat. A firefighter or EMT may want savage strength without mass. A police officer or security guard may want size and strength. All of these goals can be reached with weapons in the arsenal of bodybuilding. If these disparate folks can be drawn into the sport peripherally, they may become fans.

The booming supplement industry is the commercial arm of our sport. Are we holding them accountable? Do we vote with our wallets and buy from venues and companies that promote? Do we boycott companies who hurt the sport?

Gym communities can organize local events to benefit charities. It could be a show, a barbeque, whatever. We can e-mail news stations and ask for coverage of major events. Find out what shows are in your area and take a non-bodybuilder with you if you can get it done without duct tape.

Women who are turned off by the "monsters" might really like natural bodybuiders. Same with guys, show them the fitness models and welcome them to the world of bodybuilding.

Educate yourself on the history of physical culture. Bodybuilding and physique modeling have been around for a long time. Some of the first photographs were taken of strong men of the day. Physical culture has always been the best medication for the sickness of modern life.


Find allies where ever they may be. When we increase the types of trainers we accept as bodybuilders we increase our numbers. A supplement manufacturer or publishing company doesn't care if you are preparing for a contest or a class reunion. As long as your money is good, it's all good.

What are some good books/resources to educate people about bodybuilding?


Bodybuilding.com (http://www.bodybuilding.com)
Dave Draper's excellent site (http://www.DaveDraper.com)
Online Physical Culture Museum (http://www.sandowplus.co.uk/Competition/compindex.htm#att)
Dr. Squat, Fred Hatfield (http://www.DrSquat.com)


You have to be carefull where you send people. I enjoy all kinds of websites. Sending your mother in law to the more extreme websites may not provide the optimum dining experience at the next holiday meal.

Bodybuilding.com has the greatest variety of articles. Any subject remotely related to body building can be found here. Everybody from competitors to folks trying to get healthy are catered to. Some of my co-workers at my last job were amazed at the depth of topics coverd on this site.

Books are another story. Just about any competent writer can keep my attention. Not everybody is so easy. Generally speaking Fred Hatfield or Dave Draper will speak to most serious readers. Tom Venuto (http://www.burnthefat.com) also has a good style and his e-book has a great bibliography of other books.

You really have to let them browse and find their own thing. Handing somebody a book and saying "read this" seldom works in my experience. Where you can help is by finding out what their particular interest is and suggesting something you have read or a place where they can find a book like that.

Read everything you can on bodybuilding. You can't lift all the time. Knowing the subject matter makes you a better representative. Better represent.

When people say they don't want to look like "that" show them a picture of Brenda Kelly (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/brenda.htm) on bodybuilding.com. Most women really do want to look like her and most men really do want to look at her.

BONUS QUESTION: Do you know anyone who believes in the false bodybuilding stereotypes? How does it make you feel? How did you respond? Did you once believe in the bodybuilding myths and stereotypes?

Most people I know who are not severely brain addled in this area are in the life. Ignorance about bodybuilding is infuriating.

The best thing to do is not to get mad, even or ahead. The best thing to do is to kill them with kindness. Escalating is a loser's game. For a detialed explanation read Marc "animal" MacYoung's work. (2)

I try to respect the ignorant speaker, hear them out. Then I will see if can overcome any of their misconceptions. If all goes well they never know what hit them. A proper mental beatdown turns an adversary into an ally, and the victim never knows it occured.

I came into bodybuilding awareness in the 70's and 80's so I never did beleive the hate hype. That was the thing of the older generation. Bodybuilding was so hip that even professional dart throwers like Kevin Hayes were hitting the weights.

One thing has remained constant over the years. Whenever you talk about bodybuilding in front of people, there is an excellent chance that the all knowing hater will visit upon you. It is not the verbal skills or knowledge of the hater that matter, rather how you respond that will win or lose support for our world.

Thanks for reading, spread the word.

references:
1. Webster's online Dictionary http://www.websters.com
2. No Nonsense Self Defense http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/psychology.html#verbaljudo

[CardiMuscles]

"Many people think that bodybuilding is for freaks. Many people also associate bodybuilding with dumb people. They seem to think that the bigger the body, the smaller the brain – This is absolutely not true! How can we educate people about bodybuilding?"

The first way is to get bodybuilding recognised for what it is, and that is a sport performed on an international basis and the best way for that to happen is for a NATURAL (and I mean all competitors tested for drugs at random intervals starting from 12 months prior to a contest and having to take a lie dectector test on the day of the contest) international bodybuilding federation to restart talks with the IOC and getting a firm commitment to hold an exhibition Olympic bodybuilding contest in the 2016 Olympic Games, wherever they may be held.

"What are some good ways of increasing the bodybuilding community?"

Getting bodybuilders into the community. I know this may sound a strange idea, but get yourselves known. Heck, stand for election to a local council, state house or Senate, run for federal office even, just get people to notice that just because you are muscled doesn't mean you have a one track mind!

"What are some good books/resources to educate people about bodybuilding?"

I can strongly recommend the following websites for online bodybuilding resources:

http://www.athletesagainststeroids.org/ (Athletes Against Steroids)
http://www.bodybuilding.com (Bodybuilding.com)
http://www.discussbodybuilding.com/default.aspx (Discuss Bodybuilding)
http://horajo.epsylon.org/forum/index.php (French Body Forum)
http://********.com/forums/index.php? (Iron Mass Forums)
http://www.johnstonefitness.com/ (John Stone Fitness)
http://www.netconex.com/kenchi/ (Kenchi's Senior Fitness)
http://musclekingdom.com/index.php? (Muscle Kingdom.com)

"BONUS QUESTION: Do you know anyone who believes in the false bodybuilding stereotypes? How does it make you feel? How did you respond? Did you once believe in the bodybuilding myths and stereotypes?"

Yes, I do indeed. Namely several members of my family. Whenever a bodybuilder appears on screen posing his guts out, the usual reaction is "Oh, my goodness, that's ugly". This makes me feel very disappointed, but then as the story continues along the lines of "Bodybuilder convicted of drug abuse" or "Bodybuilder dies of steroid overdose", they tend to say that it's a good thing and the less of them around the better. In fact, their opinion is so entrenched that I am only able to fully explain my interest in bodybuilding when I am left alone to look after the family's pet cat and sheep farm. I have tried to put an alternative agrument their way, but they never accept the fact that bodybuilders can (and compared to the majority of the population) are a lot healthier than the norm.

[Dallas68]

TOPIC: How Can We Educate Others About Bodybuilding?


Many people think that bodybuilding is for freaks. Many people also associate bodybuilding with dumb people. They seem to think that the bigger the body, the smaller the brain – This is absolutely not true!

How can we educate people about bodybuilding?

Education is profound in our world and creates huge impacts when implemented to third world countries so how can we teach those around us? From our close friends to our family and acquaintances it is something we must help them to learn.

Bodybuilding must be taught in a way that is simply “on the ignorant or un-educated person’s level. You heard of the “For complete idiot books?” well that is how you must bring this lifestyle across. You may be speaking to very intelligent individuals yet you must understand it is a new world for them.

Simply rule #1

Ask them to state a question about bodybuilding or “continuous acclimation lifting” as it can be called. And you will reply to the best of your profound knowledge to bring back an answer that is researched and valid.

Simply rule #2

Ask them to say what they think about bodybuilding in all respects. Then answer with what your point of view on the sport is. When finished with that then come to a conclusion with what you will decide so there is a mutual understanding between the both of the individuals.

Simply rule #3

Explain how incredibly difficult it is to the person to be competition ready or to gain 30 pounds of reasonably solid muscle and to retain it when cutting down. Show that the largest part of bodybuilding is the mentality behind it all.

Simply rule #4

Supplements and anabolic-androgenic steroids is all that most people assume with the large freaky looking guys. I would know I live with individuals who oppose this lifestyle without knowing the truth. So here you should show that hard work and dedication can bring your wildest physical achievements to light! They must also learn many rumors of the supplements are very untrue and ludicrous. Yes be cautious and advise them but show them the way.

Simply rule #5

The last rule is to take them if they willing (offer them something if they reach their goals) and take them through a week of your life and maybe they will learn something. Remember you need to walk in someone else’s shoes to understand their reasoning.

So summed up you need to have:

UNDERSTANDING

PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE

FIND COMMON GROUND

WALK IN THE BOOTS OF THE BODYBUILDER



What are some good ways of increasing the bodybuilding community?

Well our community is obviously growing due to the epidemic of obesity and weight problems in our junk filled western world. This is turning people to take action and to take a hold of their bodies. Week after week we see incredible transformations and that show it is growing.

A few good ideas:

Create pamphlets for “classes” like karate or dancing it could bring some people to become interested as they are in a group and can bring friends or family. Along with trained professionals to supervise and take charge.

Keep our own community together there is much strife in people’s ideas, so there must remain a love for lifting and to acknowledge those who are willing and to help.

Along the lines help again those men /women or young teenagers who are in gym. Yet not doing the right routines or spending too much time on one weight must be helped and set on the right track.

If you’re in school or at work you must ask if they would like to try to change their body and mind forever. I know that a dear friend of mine is obese at about 250 pounds and at least 35 BMI he is not very healthy. Next year I am going to get him to lose fat. That’s the key to find someone who is ready to supply the passion and energy which is myself and the commitment should follow from the other person.

[Dallas68]

What are some good books/resources to educate people about bodybuilding?

It all depends if the person is:

Serious
Casual
And what their age is.

___If they are serious on competing then they must simply find and use all the resources here at bodybuilding.com. It is simply the world’s best site with the most coverage for all areas of the lifestyle.

The amount of pure amazing articles that come direct from qualified sources is insurmountable. I would say all enthusiasts must read Arnold Swarchenegger’s book of the encyclopedia of bodybuilding. With 700 plus pages of pure information it is good to read.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684843749/bodybuildingco05/103-1107180-3969435

___The more casual trainer should still check out the bodybuilding.com site but they will be more into the word of mouth of other fellow lifters. That sadly passes disinformation which leads to media up cry when something goes wrong. Advise them on the right path.

One book I recommend for those who lift to see their rectus abdominus (Abdominals)

Is the body for life book by Bill Philips my brother does not like bodybuilding but he is very lean and very much defined and healthy from this book it is for those who need to look trim and not bulky.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060193395/bodybuildingco05/103-1107180-3969435


___Age is merely a factor due to if they have a future on the stage or if they have to rebuild the wreck they have built over the years and fix their body up.


BONUS QUESTION: Do you know anyone who believes in the false bodybuilding stereotypes? How does it make you feel? How did you respond? Did you once believe in the bodybuilding myths and stereotypes?

Sadly my answer to this is yes I live in a roof of them. My dear family is very quick to criticize that they use all sorts of funny drugs to look as they do without referring to the large amounts of quality calories to be eaten day in and day out. Along with intense training. I say that that most of the guys in the magazines such as Flex do use steroids but they eat and train like beasts. Then they keep quiet.

Another is a close friend of mine who is only now adjusting and acknowledging that I am who I am. He used to say the bigger you get the smaller your brain gets which is obviously shamefully ignorant.

As well as one of his teachers says that exact statement but I see him and he is a wreck so I am happy to be content I know I look better and I am a better person so be patient with it.

So I do feel angry and violent sometimes towards them but I try not to. What’s the point? At the end of the day when my friends stick some spirit coolers down their throats I am better and I know I ma healthier for it.

My own family does adjust and my mom accepts it and my father is proud. With my bad emotional background of being overweight I know they overjoyed that I do what I do. To stay as people say good looking.

Yes when I was small I would just say they stick needles in and all you need are supplements to get big of course though that changed quickly.

The problem is all you see are large muscled guys saying well this helped put on 20 pounds of quality muscle meanwhile they have a good training and diet regimen behind to back it up.

The funniest person to judge me is my gran. She is the sweetest and best old person I know but when she saw the weights I bought for my Olympic bar she freaks and says no Alistaire you getting too big you can’t do that I won’t let you!

I just say I know I won’t anyway well when she points to my poster of Dexter Jackson at least I mean the guy is just incredible. i will get bigger no one can stop me besides me.

I bid you adu and fair judging and happy holidays again!

[spursfan111]

i think in order to educate more people in bodybuilding there should be more information in local gyms,health clubs, nutrition stores,and especially t.v. the closest thing to info about BB. is fit T.V. which usually has some aerobics crap on it or late night infomercials i wish there was a channel on T.V. dedicated to bodybuildingbut unfortunatly there's not.Also not a lot of people take the time to try this lifestyle because they don't understand it and what kind of dedication it takes to do this. most bodybuilders i know are some of the smartest people i know they know so much information on nutrition,fitness, ect. so when people classify bodybuilders as dumb muscleheads i would tell them sit down with one and lets see who the dumb one is.

[ncybrspce]

i think in order to educate more people in bodybuilding there should be more information in local gyms,health clubs, nutrition stores,and especially t.v. the closest thing to info about BB. is fit T.V. which usually has some aerobics crap on it or late night infomercials i wish there was a channel on T.V. dedicated to bodybuildingbut unfortunatly there's not.Also not a lot of people take the time to try this lifestyle because they don't understand it and what kind of dedication it takes to do this. most bodybuilders i know are some of the smartest people i know they know so much information on nutrition,fitness, ect. so when people classify bodybuilders as dumb muscleheads i would tell them sit down with one and lets see who the dumb one is.

There was an earlier post stating that we as a community need to be more versed in other things than just nutrition, fitness, bodybuilding and the like.

ncybrspce

[GORILLA_GILL]

IMO, i believe that people fail to accept bodybuilding because of drugs. drugs are so widely used in professional bodybuilding that its hard to deny. the general public hear of drugs and immediately its a bad thing, so in fact bodybuildign is being associated with something that is bad, something that shouldn't be around. im natural, always have been, always will be but if people want to use steroids or whatever to look better then thats there choice. trouble is most people don't think that way, so when they see someone who clearly works out, they think drugs! i've seen huge guys walking around and my friend said to me, 'he must be on 'roids!' maybe he was or maybe he wasn't, the thing is, a big guy who so obviously got his size from being in the gym will be labelled as using steroids just by walking down the street.
how can people be educated if their views are already made by seeing someone walk down the street.
IMO, as long as drugs are widely used, bbing will always be for the minority.

[gTkw]

who rep-ed me?