Ever notice that most of us into hardcore bodybuilding have our own demons?

[FlexManning]

All of us in here it seems have unusual things driving us and if you look at the
top of this lifestyle you see some pretty wild things too. Dan Duchaine certainly had
his own demons. Paul Borresson's killed him. Even Arnold has his. Certainly if he has
women all over Europe saying he groped them then there's something a little weird there.

 

[Nimrod25]

Everyone in the world bodybuilder or not has skeletons in their closet. That's what makes us human.

 

[FlexManning]

Of course, but our skeletons tend to smell worse.

 

[Iron Ghost]

I guess coz the way we are alienated from modern society in the way we always watch what we eat,the way we train and look after our bodies,and the way we have to put up with alot of negative feedback from joepublic,inner demons are always lurking.
Mine are listening to to much negative crap at times which end up effecting everything that i want to seperate me from 99% of everyone else,diet,training and staying positive as much of the time as you can.

 

[Nathan]

My skeletons do "small worse". That might at least contribute somewhat to your poll-type question.

 

[MaxBiceps]

All of us in here it seems have unusual things driving us and if you look at the
top of this lifestyle you see some pretty wild things too. Dan Duchaine certainly had
his own demons. Paul Borresson's killed him. Even Arnold has his. Certainly if he has
women all over Europe saying he groped them then there's something a little weird there.

True, true. Somebody asked me a while back on this board what i use to party with, and I told him I don't party anymore. No beer, pot, extacy, anything. He was surprised, but some people don't realize that some of us have gone through a lot of shit before we become health nuts.

 

[dieslgrl]

alienated

I am a student at a large state school, and I find that prejudice does not only come with race, religion, sex, and national origin. I dream of writing a book someday... "Its Not the Color of My Skin, Its the Size of My Biceps."

I am alienated in this world for doing something that I love. I notice at school some of the funniest reactions to my physique. Some people are intimidated, few are excited to talk to me, and most are obviously dumbfounded. When I dress in clothing not-so-revealing, I get hit on a great bit, but if I take off my sweatshirt, and the guys see the veins in my arms, you'd think someone threw a stink-bomb next to me. I am so proud of what I have done with myself. Maintaining a very muscular, asthetic physique, all while keeping ALL of my femininity has been such a fun challenge each day. Few people can understand that, and usually classify me as a "Freak".

I get everything from laughs and points, to whispers, to even rude (sometimes sweet) remarks. I am strong about it, and would never put my head down, but still it keeps us away from really getting to know many people.

Another thing I notice is that people are surprised to find that more things cross our minds than just bodybuilding. We wear our hobbies just underneath our skin, and I have found that many presume that there is nothing going on in the brain.

I wish there was a place to go (physically) where I can find more like myself. When I compete, or when I attend shows, I feel great and accepted, but on a general, day-to-day basis, my home is the gym, and not many can understand this focus and dedication.

Some may call it skeletons, some may call it a badge, but whatever it is, I am proud to be who I am, and if it stemmed from an insecurity, or an obsession, or just plain good fun, then so be it... The life we choose is fulfilling and one that few could dream of accomplishing.

Proud and true-
Dieslgrl

 

[Sassy69]

There is a local, fairly large organization of born-again Christians near me, and I keep coming across body builders who belong to this group. Many in this group (not all, but it seems to be the trend) are people who's lives have bottomed out due to drugs, rehab, failed relationships, lack of self confidence, etc. One of the guys at my gym made the comment that many bodybuilders do have issues w/ commitment, self worth, potentially drug (recreational or steroid) abuse, etc.

Having pissed off my mom over the last year with calls regarding how crappy I feel during my pre-contest prep periods, I can understand some of the frustration bb'ers experience - as Deislgrl said - we work hard, almost obsessively to achieve the things that we do, deprive ourselves of the "good" & "relaxing" things in life in the name of clean diet, cardio and 15 hours in the gym / week - and all we get for it from society is funny looks and comments about our physiques.

I think its understandable how bb'ers develop issues or perhaps turn to bb to handle existing issues - but it also seems that sometimes we need to take a step out of the "lifestyle" for a minute and relax to let our bodies resettle every now and then just for a sanity check.

Do we have any born again Christians here?

 

[flexed1]

Dies says it best.

 

[decem]

Re: alienated

I dream of writing a book someday... "Its Not the Color of My Skin, Its the Size of My Biceps."

nice title..

i think i'll use it for my book.

thanks for the idea.