Kevin Levrone 2002 Mr. Olympia

From a health point of view marathon running is also proven to produce negative health affects; from greater susceptibility to colds, to knee and lower-back damage from the repeated impact, to loss of lean-body-mass, etc. The reason why marathoners do not don’t get criticized is because a marathoners physique does not send out any strong signs of masculinity. The average man doesn’t see a marathon runner to possess a threatening and overpowering body.

There is no doubt that using steroids does have potential side-effects, but most men who demean bodybuilding don’t do it because of elite bodybuilding’s link with steroids alone. Many athletes in other sports are also caught for using steroids but do not face the same ridicule. Seeing a man that is well built and getting attention builds a lot of insecurity in those that do not possess these qualities.

Past experiences or situations where one sees big muscular men in positions demanding physical strength (Bouncers in night clubs, debt-collectors, etc.) can magnify these feelings of weakness and insecurity. Past childhood experiences of bullying by bigger boys in school can also be responsible for this.

Bodybuilders also seem to be enjoying their ‘own world’ of training in the gym, and this is also annoying to others who see a bodybuilder as a kind of ‘at peace with himself human’. And not many activities or professions give this kind of a feeling to the man that doesn’t train. A bodybuilder is also at ease with his body and wouldn’t mind showing his body to others, and certainly doesn’t feel awkward admiring his own. Every human being (man or woman) that looks in a mirror wishes to see himself or herself in some good form, but mostly don’t. The bodybuilder’s fascination with his own body and his confidence about it could be un-nerving to those that are not happy with the way they look. So seeing someone that does enjoys his own reflection in a mirror creates envious feelings towards them.

It is seen that there are two types of reactions that are the outcome of seeing a bodybuilder. One is of awe and one is of envy. So when a man sees a bodybuilder he is either going to be openly impressed with the size (awe), or will show envy due to his own inborn deep-seated insecurity (envy). The sociological research is still ongoing and it would be very interesting to

I am doing my masters degree research on the topic of attitudes towards bodybuilders and here are some of the non-biased points that we have found in our research so far. I am doing sociological research on this aspect and have also involved with sports coaching for around ten years now.

It is a primal instinct in men to have qualities of muscle size and strength, because that is how you protected your woman and protected your belongings from other men and beasts as well. Also, if you had these qualities you could beat up the other weaker man and probably take his woman and his goods. Though in today’s modern, civilized society we don’t live like that, the fact remains that a bodybuilder’s physique sends out very strong messages of masculinity to other men, which they subconsciously find threatening. When people see bodybuilders they also see dedication, seriousness, size and strength.

Also, in modern society even though men don’t fight over women or goods, a bodybuilder with this intimidating size and strength can beat a smaller guy if he wants to, while the smaller guy cant (physically) no matter what his social status. Sometimes martial artists also face this kind of 'hatred' or ‘envy’ from the general public (men) because of the fact that they are learning or have learnt how to defeat another man physically. But what makes it worse for a bodybuilder is that his appearance itself does the talking, in comparison to a martial artist who has to prove his fighting skills.

Women also find muscles and some size a positive trait in their men, as it again ensures that they are with someone that can protect them. This again is a deep-seated subconscious feeling and is not overt. In the animal kingdom it is about the strongest male that they want to mate with, so that the off-springs that they produce have the best possible genes. Though many studies have proven that women don’t really prefer very big muscular men, studies have also proven that men always presume that women would find them more attractive if they(men) had more size then what they have.

It is a deep seated desire in men to be strong and when they see someone that is stronger, then the easiest and only possible way to bring him down becomes by way of non-direct confrontation. Which is why one sees a lot of myths perpetuated about bodybuilders like bodybuilding makes your penis small; bodybuilders only eat, sleep and train; bodybuilders cant have proper sex; bodybuilders die young; bodybuilding is bad for ones heart, etc.

Many times bodybuilders are criticized for being ‘too big’ and therefore looking ‘gross’, assuming that bodybuilding makes them look that big. An absolute contradiction to a bodybuilders ‘look’ is a marathon runners ‘look’. The marathoner will also have muscles, but they would definitely not show the same hypertrophy as seen in a bodybuilder. But, marathoners are never criticized for being ‘too small’ and therefore looking ‘gross’.

every definition i have ever seen of 'sport' has either "competition" or "physical exertion". both of which are present in what this guy is doing.

CREED, Who's Got My Back

CREED, Who's Got My Back

STFU AND SHOW SOME RESPECT

dude... these body builders are weak ass F**k but just packed with showing guns... not impressed at all..

you stupid jealous f*ck I am a bodybuilder and I am strong. you are an idiot. Go look for the video of Ronnie Coleman Deadlifting 800lbs

can't walk past a shop window without looking at your own reflection

sure I like to look at myself because I am sexy! people come up to me everywhere just to tell me I am hot and is it wrong for me to enjoy it? there's nothing stopping you from acheiving what I have except for a lack of discipline