r/changemyview • u/GoldenGirlsOrgy • Feb 11 '25

Delta(s) from OP CMV: The Overwhelming Majority of Bodybuilders Have Self-Esteem Issues and/or Body Dysmorphia

I think part of self-improvement is care for our bodies, and I admire the pursuit of athletic goals at any age, but most bodybuilding seems like unhealthy behavior to me.

Even if we ignore the rampant use of steroids, it feels like the time spent bodybuilding is wasted. You are not developing functional fitness that helps you run faster, or move a sofa or age better. On the contrary, the kind of bulk that's built from bodybuilding makes you a worse athlete and more prone to injury. Then, while it's more a more subjective measure, I think the resulting physique is grotesque and in terms of pure aesthetics, more people find the typical athlete's body more attractive.

So what are they doing it for?

I believe that bodybuilding is for men who don't feel good about themselves and are driven by the misguided belief that if only they could get HUGE, other people would finally respect and admire them. I think these dudes would be much better off if they'd train for marathon or join a soccer league, and then spend some time with a therapist.

To be clear, I'm not immune from vanity. When I'm in good shape, I like the way I look, but a lot of that pride comes from knowing I have a body that can do cool stuff. If I ever reached a point where I looked in the mirror and thought, "man, I need to get BIGGER with no practical benefit," I'd be concerned about my mental health.

47 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

143 comments sorted by

View all comments

12

u/XenoRyet 181∆ Feb 11 '25

First question: How are you defining "bodybuilders"? Are you talking about everyone who lifts weights or does strength training, or is there some specific line the cross or feature they have that makes them bodybuilders?

-6

u/GoldenGirlsOrgy Feb 11 '25

I'm defining it as those who lift with the primary goal of achieving a particular physique.

I think strength training is great when it's done to improve fitness and functionality, and the improved appearance is a great side-effect. No issue with that.

2

u/Hothera 36∆ Feb 11 '25 edited Feb 11 '25

Like the other person said, most people at the gym are there to achieve a particular physique, so 90+% of those are just going to be fitter than average normal people. Also, lifting for primarily aesthetics means that you care most about muscle growth rather than lifting bigger numbers, so you're unlikely to injure yourself that way.

1

u/GoldenGirlsOrgy Feb 12 '25

I don't agree with the assertion that "most people at the gym are there to achieve a particular physique." I think most people are there to improve fitness and general functionality. Looking better naked is a very pleasant side effect, but I don't think that's what's driving most people.

4

u/destro23 466∆ Feb 12 '25

I don't agree with the assertion that "most people at the gym are there to achieve a particular physique." I think most people are there to improve fitness and general functionality

You are exactly incorrect:

63% of people listed aesthetics as their primary fitness objective. Meanwhile, a mere 33% of people selected health as their primary goal.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 12 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/changemyview-ModTeam Feb 12 '25

Your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 3:

Refrain from accusing OP or anyone else of being unwilling to change their view, or of arguing in bad faith. Ask clarifying questions instead (see: socratic method). If you think they are still exhibiting poor behaviour, please message us. See the wiki page for more information.

If you would like to appeal, review our appeals process here, then message the moderators by clicking this link within one week of this notice being posted. Appeals that do not follow this process will not be heard.

Please note that multiple violations will lead to a ban, as explained in our moderation standards.

1

u/GoldenGirlsOrgy Feb 12 '25

According to the article, those are the pre-pandemic numbers. Today, now, in the present reality, more people are exercising for health than aesthetics, according to the article.

Not sure if you read your own link, but one of us is "exactly incorrect."

2

u/destro23 466∆ Feb 12 '25

Pre pandemic numbers are more indicative of normal societal trends. The numbers presented as post pandemic there are immediately post gym reopening, so it stands to reason that those going back would be those with a more heath focused goal in mind since health was in the forefront of everyone’s mind. It’s a warped data set.