How unhealthy is bodybuilding? How long are you expected to live? etc

[SSAlexSS]

* First, lets make sure that we are on a same page. Resistence training can be the healthiest exercise possible... Howeever I am talking about bbing, which means eating and training really hard, and eventually for some people... roids.... *


I know that bodybuilding is unhealthy: eating too much puts strain on your system (anyone know the data on what might happen and what calorie range is accepteble??)
carrying dozens of pounds of muscle mass puts great strain on the heart (the heart has to pump to all parts of the bodies, and by adding miles of cardiovascular networks the heart has to work so much harder)...


Any reason to that? What is unhealthy amount of calories for a bber to consume??

reply please...


P.S.
how much will my life be shorted because of bbing>?>

 

[BigDdaGanjalist]

Good question.


Well if you also train cardiovascularly, the stroke volume of your heart will go up so that it can sufficiently supply blood to the whole body, in theory.

*bump*

 

[MrMuscle]

live fast, die young, be a beautifull corpse

 

[Grizzly]

That's crap! Bodybuilding is not bad for you at all. The whole "carrying lots of muscle" thing is kind of true, but for most people it's not going to be a factor. Until you reach freaking gigantic you're not doing anything your body can't handle. And, even then, there's plenty of guys who have been freaking gigantic and they're all still alive. So, I guess the answer is: it won't do shit to shorten your life.

 

[NYC BOY]

u think u will longer when u are a small chicken?
only the biggest survive!

 

[Blood&Iron]

It depends on what how you approach things. There is some evidence that severe caloric restriction can lead to to a longer life-span, but the only data is from mice, so it's questionable whether this pertains to humans or not. Given the average life-span of a human, it's unlikely there will be any conclusive studies in the near future. Even most non-bodybuilders don't do this though, so it's pretty much a moot point. Additionally, their is some evidence that bodybuilding, even without steroids, might lead to a somewhat enlarged heart, which could also shorten one's life-span. Lifting ballistically, or with improper form, over an extended period of time will lead to joint problems, but this is more a quality of life issue. Bodybuilders also tend to take things to extremes, and since there is little available evidence, it's hard to say what effects very long term creatine use, super-high protein intake, and extened use of things like ECA might have. Steroids, used chronically, will almost certainly have a negative effect on life-span. But if you look at the trainers of the past, e.g. Steve Reeves, Reg Park, Vince Gironda, etc, many lived(Reg Park is still alive.) quite long lives. Most did not use steroids(Park did but in relatively small amounts) or vast amounts of supplements though. Provided you approach things with a modicum of intelligence, you'll probably have at least an average, to above average, life-expectancy

 

[Grizzly]

I'm glad you brought up Steve Reeves, Blood&Iron. When I was in the gym today I was thinking about this, as I was attempting to amass a completely unhealthy amount of muscle mass . Well, I thought of both him and Bill Pearl. Reeves just recently died at a quite advanced age. Bill Pearl, who was a damn big boy, is still alive and must be right around 70 or so. Even if it were to shorten your life span, how much older could someone want to be? Shit, most folks don't make it to 70 let alone beyond. Obviously, it's not going to do too much damage.

Oh, SSAlexSS, who the hell put that notion into your head? Have you been listening to you mommy again? I know mine's convinced that I'm absolutely destroying myself because no one knows what those evil protein powders will do to you in a few years. The ignorance kills me!

 

[Devon1299]

Lifting shorten life BS!

Last year in health class this 60 something year old dude came in, I actually thought he was about 40. He said he started lifting young and has kept up with it his whole life. This guy was ripped and said he is in the healthest condition he's ever been in. It surprised the hell out of me because I thought old people couldn't have ripped huge muscles. He acutually allowed a kid to punch him multiple times in the stomach to "prove" his six pack, after some smart ass claimed it was just fat. quite interesting. Lifting must be healthy!

 

[fhg43]

* First, lets make sure that we are on a same page. Resistence training can be the healthiest exercise possible... Howeever I am talking about bbing, which means eating and training really hard, and eventually for some people... roids.... *


I know that bodybuilding is unhealthy: eating too much puts strain on your system (anyone know the data on what might happen and what calorie range is accepteble??)
carrying dozens of pounds of muscle mass puts great strain on the heart (the heart has to pump to all parts of the bodies, and by adding miles of cardiovascular networks the heart has to work so much harder)...


Any reason to that? What is unhealthy amount of calories for a bber to consume??

reply please...


P.S.
how much will my life be shorted because of bbing>?>

Well it really all depends on how you go about it. If you add lots of muscle you should do some cardio to strengthen your heart so it can pump more blood about your bod. Eating healthy is good, but constant dieting and caloric restriction can be bad (I mean eating 2000cals to lean out).

My $.02: By working out and having a well balanced diet you won't shorten your life.

Adding 30lbs of musle in 12 weeks and not simultaneously training your cardiovascular system will put a strain on your heart. Seriously restriction calories or not eating carbs and only protein won't be good for your liver or kidneys. Taking roids all the time will probably screw your hormone levels.

You can do all the above stuff but if you do it wrong and don't look out for your health you're fucked. Do your cardio. Eat clean, balanced meals and don't starve your body. If you use AS do your homework and be careful-If you want freaky size (thru AS,GH, etc..) you may need to accept the fact you are doing permanent damage is some way...possibly-who really knows?!.

Really there are healthy ways to do everything, but you have to do your research and know how to do the right way for you and your body.

FHG

 

[Blood&Iron]

Grizzly-
The bodybuilders to whom you refer are examples of "healthy" bodybuilding. Steve Reeves, in particular, never used AS, had a fairly moderate bodyweight, and was always as concerned with general health as with his appearance. Bill Pearl has been a vegetarian for the last 40 years or so(Not saying this is necessarily healthier than eating meat.) and used very small amounts of AS(5mg of D-bol a day) for a fairly short period of time. If you even skip ahead 10 to 20 years to look at the crop of bodybuilders of Arnold's era they seem to be dropping like flies. Arnold's recent heart troubles(He full of shit IMO when he denies they had anything to do with AS.) Don Stevens, a contemporary of Arnold's, died recently, as well as a BB'er featured in Pumping Iron whose name I can't recall at the moment. I figure a lot of today's pros won't make it much past their mid-fifties. Look at Don Long, Lee Priest, Flex Wheeler, etc, etc, etc. That kind of pharmaceutical abuse definitely has consequences, as, in all likelihood, does anything taken to extremes.

 

[fhg43]

Blood&Iron-
I have been curious about the current crop of BBer's-how long will they last? There are lots of new drugs out there that are awesome in what they do for people-when used theraputically. I think a lot of guys who ingest stuff like candy are signifcantly shortening their lives. Newer AS and other drugs which are performance enhancing are helpful when administered in a clinical sense, but I think a lot of guys are using outside of this supervision and are far from healthy. I have Bill Pearl's book and he looks great for his age-I was impressed. He added years to his life while I think some of the newer guys have seriously shortened their lives.

FHG

 

[Mike P.T.]

live fast, die young, be a beautifull corpse

hahaha now thats some funny shit!!!

 

[Imnotdutch]

u think u will longer when u are a small chicken?
only the biggest survive!

I think you mean only the strongest survive.......or perhaps those with the best functional physique (which isnt what most bodybuilders have) survive. Then theres only the smartest survive......

How big figures in survival I dont know.......it slows you down, gives you a shitty power to weight ratio, your food requirements are huge.......all of which means you have a lesser chance of survival.

Anybody else get tired of all the macho bullshit associated with size??

Merry Xmas.....

 

[FitnessFrk]

The heart is a muscle and does increase in size to accomodate a larger body to some extent. It's ability to function properly is dependent on genetics, excercise and the overall nutritional intake.

about the only negative things about bb'ing is the large amounts of free-radicals produced which have a negative effect on the aging process and how they effect oxidative stress.

 

[Grizzly]

If you even skip ahead 10 to 20 years to look at the crop of bodybuilders of Arnold's era they seem to be dropping like flies. Arnold's recent heart troubles(He full of shit IMO when he denies they had anything to do with AS.) Don Stevens, a contemporary of Arnold's, died recently, as well as a BB'er featured in Pumping Iron whose name I can't recall at the moment. I figure a lot of today's pros won't make it much past their mid-fifties. Look at Don Long, Lee Priest, Flex Wheeler, etc, etc, etc. That kind of pharmaceutical abuse definitely has consequences, as, in all likelihood, does anything taken to extremes.

Even if his heart troubles are from AS, and not a congenital deffect like he claims, he's still alive, isn't he? Ah, the wonders of modern medicine. And they'll only get better. Here's some names for you. Arnold, Lou, Tom Platz, Vince Taylor, Robbie Robinson. All contemporaries and all still kicking.

As for the new crop, I guess Dorian is the oldest of the big names. I suppose he'll be the guinea pig. What's he now? Damn near, if not already, 40. We'll only have to wait ten years to see what happens. I suppose that it'll be interesting.

 

[Grizzly]

Here's a thought: Do you really want to live that long to begin with? Ok, sure, as a young'n' it's easy to say that I don't want to get old. But, seriously, look at old people. Who the hell wants to get like that? All the disease, the decrepit bodies that don't work right, the emotional turmoil. Take my grandpa, for example. He's 78 and healthy as a horse. He doesn't really have any of the typical ailments of the old, except for the fact that his hands barely work due to the arthritis. Bodily health-wise, he's doing alright. But his mind isn't. My grandmother died a few years ago so now he lives by himself. He's going crazy. Most of his friends are dead. No one to talk to. No one to hang out with. What kind of life is that? Just waiting to die sounds like a shitty existence to me. Hasn't anyone seen the Highlander? It's the shitty part of immortality. You live while everyone you've ever loved dies. Old age is just a little overrated.

I just thought of something. Depending on your religious beliefs death is a blessing anyway. If you're a member of "the big 3" (Islam, Christianity and Judaism) you end up going to a much better place, unless you fucked up. So just don't fuck up. If you're like me, then you believe that you just plain die, fade to black and become fertilizer. If that's the case, then shit! Who gives a fuck if you die because you won't remember it anyway. One second you're alive and the next you're not. It's kind of hard to miss something that you don't remember.

 

[Blood&Iron]

Here's a thought: Do you really want to live that long to begin with? Ok, sure, as a young'n' it's easy to say that I don't want to get old. But, seriously, look at old people. Who the hell wants to get like that? All the disease, the decrepit bodies that don't work right, the emotional turmoil. Take my grandpa, for example. He's 78 and healthy as a horse. He doesn't really have any of the typical ailments of the old, except for the fact that his hands barely work due to the arthritis. Bodily health-wise, he's doing alright. But his mind isn't. My grandmother died a few years ago so now he lives by himself. He's going crazy. Most of his friends are dead. No one to talk to. No one to hang out with. What kind of life is that? Just waiting to die sounds like a shitty existence to me. Hasn't anyone seen the Highlander? It's the shitty part of immortality. You live while everyone you've ever loved dies. Old age is just a little overrated.

In general I'd agree. Frankly, the thought of old age scares the shit out of me. But look at the alternative.

I just thought of something. Depending on your religious beliefs death is a blessing anyway. If you're a member of "the big 3" (Islam, Christianity and Judaism) you end up going to a much better place, unless you fucked up. So just don't fuck up. If you're like me, then you believe that you just plain die, fade to black and become fertilizer. If that's the case, then shit! Who gives a fuck if you die because you won't remember it anyway. One second you're alive and the next you're not. It's kind of hard to miss something that you don't remember.

Well, I'm an atheist but I still think Plato was full of shit(At least I think you're paraphrasing 'Crito'. Maybe I'm misremembering.) Death scares the shit out of me. That's why I plan on being cryogenically frozen, unless I'm really old, then I'm asking for a viking ship burial(Joking here...well, kind of.)

As for your examples of bodybuilders who are still healthy, I never claimed there weren't any, I was just pointing out a fair number of them have also bit the dust.

 

[mattcanning99]

about the only negative things about bb'ing is the large amounts of free-radicals produced which have a negative effect on the aging process and how they effect oxidative stress.

damn true, very important, and probably the only adverse effect bodybuilding can have on regular (non greg kovacs extreme) guys and gals. research this more if you want, but from my research, this has been the single largest "potential" hazard of recreational bodybuilding

 

[BigDdaGanjalist]

about the only negative things about bb'ing is the large amounts of free-radicals produced which have a negative effect on the aging process and how they effect oxidative stress.

hmmmmmmmm....

 

[Grizzly]

Well, I'm an atheist but I still think Plato was full of shit(At least I think you're paraphrasing 'Crito'. Maybe I'm misremembering.) Death scares the shit out of me. That's why I plan on being cryogenically frozen, unless I'm really old, then I'm asking for a viking ship burial(Joking here...well, kind of.)

As for your examples of bodybuilders who are still healthy, I never claimed there weren't any, I was just pointing out a fair number of them have also bit the dust. [/B]

Let's see here. First, none of that had to do with Plato. Secondly, I think it's funny that you mention the viking ship thing. I've always planned on going out that way. That's odd, eh? Thirdly, and most importantly, yes you did imply that tons of them were dying. You said, that they were "dropping like flies." That's an expression used when you mean to imply that many, many people are dying. Maybe you should have said that a few, a very few, are dying now and again.

 

[Bigsatan13]

live fast, die young, be a beautifull corpse

And get burried in a "V" shaped coffin!

 

[MrMuscle]

And get burried in a "V" shaped coffin!

Fo sho bro

 

[Blood&Iron]

Let's see here. First, none of that had to do with Plato. Secondly, I think it's funny that you mention the viking ship thing. I've always planned on going out that way. That's odd, eh? Thirdly, and most importantly, yes you did imply that tons of them were dying. You said, that they were "dropping like flies." That's an expression used when you mean to imply that many, many people are dying. Maybe you should have said that a few, a very few, are dying now and again.

1)In one of the Platonic dialogues(Again, I think it's entitled "Crito" but not sure) Socrates states exactly what you said when his friends try to convince him to leave Athens to escape his sentence of death. (Though maybe it was one of the pre-Socratic sophists, but I don't think so.)
2)Well, three bodybuilders(There were all well-known.) of Arnold's era, all of whom I mentioned, died within a year of one another. I think that qualifies as "dropping like flies." But again, I didn't say there isn't an equal or greater number that are still around. Magic Johnson is still alive for Christ's sake, but I'd hardly call him healthy. Frankly, I'm waiting for him to kick it. I am a firm believer in consequences.

 

[Grizzly]

1)In one of the Platonic dialogues(Again, I think it's entitled "Crito" but not sure) Socrates states exactly what you said when his friends try to convince him to leave Athens to escape his sentence of death. (Though maybe it was one of the pre-Socratic sophists, but I don't think so.)

You are correct. It was in the Crito. However, I didn't get it from there. That's one of the biggest problems I have with being a philosophy student. I honestly couldn't give a single fuck as to what someone else has said. I'm only interested in my own personal philosophies. Unfortunately, due to being born several thousand years too late, many others have come before me and have said what I would say. Damn my poor choice of birth! So, my original point was simply that I wasn't quoting Plato. He did, indeed, say that, but I wasn't using his logic.

 

[Grizzly]

I think you mean only the strongest survive.......or perhaps those with the best functional physique (which isnt what most bodybuilders have) survive. Then theres only the smartest survive......

How big figures in survival I dont know.......it slows you down, gives you a shitty power to weight ratio, your food requirements are huge.......all of which means you have a lesser chance of survival.

Anybody else get tired of all the macho bullshit associated with size??

Merry Xmas.....

Technically, being bigger will make you survive better. First off, animals are loathe to attack a much larger animal. I don't usually get into fights because I plain scare the shit out of most people. It is true about the food requirements, but someone with an extra 50lbs of muscle can survive in a starvation situation longer than a smaller person because their body has more to eat of itself. And, who cares about power to weight ratios? Only the smaller guys who want to say "well, I lift more according to bodyweight." Well, the elephant can still kick the shit out of the mouse, despite the fact that the mouse can lift more according to the bodyweight formula. (Actually, I don't know about the whole mouse thing, but I didn't want to completely rip off the passage in Power Mag.)

Who ever said that powerlifting helps with functional strength? It measures three lifts that are all 1) assisted with suits, wraps and shirts 2) performed in a very technical manner which enables the lifter to lift more. I don't know. I've never been in a situation where a 500lb bench would help me any. Especially since, even if I was pinned under a car, I most probably couldn't get into proper benching position.

Anyone ever get sick of small powerlifters thinking that size doesn't matter? Let's just face it. We (bodybuilders) think you look like shit and you(powerlifters) think we're weak. Guess we're just always going to disagree.

 

[Imnotdutch]

Yeah we'll have to disagree But there are powerlifters that look good as well as being strong.

I like the mouse/elephant analogy.....but the difference between bodybuilders and others isnt necessarily that big. So chances are the smaller guy is faster as well as matching the strength of the big bodybuilder. That sounds like a survival strategy to me. Coming to think of it, how many of the bodybuilders here are actually big?? Very few seem to be over 250. As far as powerlifting and functional strength. I work my way through university on a construction site, I think its fair to say that the deads and squats stand me in good stead. Powerlifters do use equipment at meets.....sure. But they train without it for much of the time. They use equipment in competition because the rules allow it and it means they lift more.....but it isnt a lot more. In the deadlift, equipment doesnt help either......

Incidentally, I didnt focus on powerlifters as examples of functional strength.....strongman competitors would be a good example of functional strength (I just wish I had the time, balls and resources to train that way).....many track and field athletes are stupid strong at light weights.

On the largest survive thing......if you are carrying 50lb more bodyweight you might need the extra ability to withstand starvation because you'd never be able to catch any food......you'd be a vegetarian (veg's cant run away) pretty damn quick......and prob wouldnt weigh 50lb more for much longer (ok so I exaggerated a bit here ).

So we agree to disagree I guess . Sorry about the kinda disjointed ramblings above. That macho bullshit from a little skinny guy (who posts like he is huge) just got on my nerves a bit!!

Merry Xmas

Technically, being bigger will make you survive better. First off, animals are loathe to attack a much larger animal. I don't usually get into fights because I plain scare the shit out of most people. It is true about the food requirements, but someone with an extra 50lbs of muscle can survive in a starvation situation longer than a smaller person because their body has more to eat of itself. And, who cares about power to weight ratios? Only the smaller guys who want to say "well, I lift more according to bodyweight." Well, the elephant can still kick the shit out of the mouse, despite the fact that the mouse can lift more according to the bodyweight formula. (Actually, I don't know about the whole mouse thing, but I didn't want to completely rip off the passage in Power Mag.)

Who ever said that powerlifting helps with functional strength? It measures three lifts that are all 1) assisted with suits, wraps and shirts 2) performed in a very technical manner which enables the lifter to lift more. I don't know. I've never been in a situation where a 500lb bench would help me any. Especially since, even if I was pinned under a car, I most probably couldn't get into proper benching position.

Anyone ever get sick of small powerlifters thinking that size doesn't matter? Let's just face it. We (bodybuilders) think you look like shit and you(powerlifters) think we're weak. Guess we're just always going to disagree.

 

[Blood&Iron]

You are correct. It was in the Crito. However, I didn't get it from there. That's one of the biggest problems I have with being a philosophy student. I honestly couldn't give a single fuck as to what someone else has said. I'm only interested in my own personal philosophies. Unfortunately, due to being born several thousand years too late, many others have come before me and have said what I would say. Damn my poor choice of birth! So, my original point was simply that I wasn't quoting Plato. He did, indeed, say that, but I wasn't using his logic.

That's why I never studied philosophy formally. It always pisses me off when I see something in print that I've thought myself. My immediate thought is usually something like "See I'm smart. I thought the same thing as <insert philosopher's name here>" Then I move onto "Fucker. Now everyone's gonna think I ripped off your lame ass." Oh, well.

 

[Grizzly]

Coming to think of it, how many of the bodybuilders here are actually big?? Very few seem to be over 250. As far as powerlifting and functional strength. I work my way through university on a construction site, I think its fair to say that the deads and squats stand me in good stead. Powerlifters do use equipment at meets.....sure. But they train without it for much of the time. They use equipment in competition because the rules allow it and it means they lift more.....but it isnt a lot more. In the deadlift, equipment doesnt help either......

Incidentally, I didnt focus on powerlifters as examples of functional strength.....strongman competitors would be a good example of functional strength (I just wish I had the time, balls and resources to train that way).....many track and field athletes are stupid strong at light weights.

So we agree to disagree I guess . Sorry about the kinda disjointed ramblings above. That macho bullshit from a little skinny guy (who posts like he is huge) just got on my nerves a bit!!

That's true. Most of the bodybuilders here aren't that big, but we're all trying. I'm 270 now. It's not like I'm Yates 270 or anything, but I will be.

Functional strength does play a role in everything. I delivered dry-wall over the summer and I was definitely the best at pulling the boards because of my weight training background. But, for the most part, you can get functional strength from any resistance training. Really, one is not going to need an 800lb deadlift for anything in real life. Of course, why wouldn't someone want a huge dead?

I still think the equipment really helps. From what I understand, a double ply bench shirt will give you 50lbs on the bench. Not a bad increase in 3 minutes. Knee wraps will give a good 30 and the squat suit another 50ish. Once again, an 80lb gain in a matter of minutes. If I could gain like that without the equipment I'd be one happy motherfucker!

I definitely agree that the strongmen are the best examples of functional strength. Of course, Svend Karlsen is a card carrying IFBB professional bodybuilder.

Yeah, we have to agree to disagree, but not nearly as much as I made it out to seem. I couldn't help myself. I've just been in one argumentative mood. I'll argue with anyone about anything. It just may be the tren I'm on.

 

[Imnotdutch]

Originally posted by Grizzly:

That's true. Most of the bodybuilders here aren't that big, but we're all trying. I'm 270 now. It's not like I'm Yates 270 or anything, but I will be.

Well if thats your goal.....good luck in achieving it.

Functional strength does play a role in everything. I delivered dry-wall over the summer and I was definitely the best at pulling the boards because of my weight training background. But, for the most part, you can get functional strength from any resistance training. Really, one is not going to need an 800lb deadlift for anything in real life. Of course, why wouldn't someone want a huge dead?

Why do people climb mountains? Or jump out of aeroplanes? Or run marathons? I think the psychobabble for it is "intrinsic" motivation". It makes you feel good when you do something that few can achieve, or that you couldnt do before. I might ask why anybody wants 20 inch arms.....I dont get that one, but to each his own.

I still think the equipment really helps. From what I understand, a double ply bench shirt will give you 50lbs on the bench. Not a bad increase in 3 minutes. Knee wraps will give a good 30 and the squat suit another 50ish. Once again, an 80lb gain in a matter of minutes. If I could gain like that without the equipment I'd be one happy motherfucker!

A person skilled in using equipment might match those numbers.......but some people get hardly anythnig from equipment. The problem with equipment is that you have to learn to use it properly.....which isnt easy. I could be wrong, but I believe the current record holder for the largest total, Garry Franks, is one of these people. For a big lifter, the numbers you quoted might amount to 10% extra on a lift.......so if the squat 800 with, they are still doing 725ish without equipment. I'd be happy with that . Many people think equipment does virtually everything for you.....but your numbers are more realistic.

I definitely agree that the strongmen are the best examples of functional strength. Of course, Svend Karlsen is a card carrying IFBB professional bodybuilder.

lol......and how many of them are ex-powerlifters??

Yeah, we have to agree to disagree, but not nearly as much as I made it out to seem. I couldn't help myself. I've just been in one argumentative mood. I'll argue with anyone about anything. It just may be the tren I'm on.

You and me both . It livens the place up a bit.....so long as it doesnt turn into a flame war. Merry Xmas to you and yours......I prob already said that but I'm trying to get into the festive spirit!!

 

[mattcanning99]

u think u will longer when u are a small chicken?
only the biggest survive!

LOL!!

only the strongest?

is that what you meant?

 

[Aussie Juga naught]

I dont see why a bodybuilder who doesnt use steroids...or limits the use of steroids would live any less than the average joe. Alot of older people are being told to lift weights to try and fend off there muscles wasting away! Also arn't people trying to extend there life using HGH and other stuff.

 

[1/2man1/2god]

bump . this thread is very interesting

 

[1999TL]

Working out has gotten my cardiovascular system much better, so i'd have to say it prolongs life.

 

[mad_monkey59]

I think unless you approach an exceptionally high level of muscularity, and, as such partake in all of the associated practices neccessary to attain such a level - for example steroids, an exceptionally harsh diet, an exceptionally gruelling training routine etc. Your health will not be negatively affected.

Once you start approaching levels such as those who currently compete, you may have problems with steroids, you may have problems with your heart, but you probably won't.

Its based on extremes, if you act like an idiot, then yes your health will be negatively affected by stuff outside of resistence training, diet and light drug use... a certain Mr Valentino springs to mind.

 

[tuti]

No Man, BBing is a bad choice if u wanna get in shape. bbing has too much isolation and the human body wasnt designed to move in isolation. you'll just end up ruining your joints. if u wanna hit the weights just do mass building exercises:BENCH PRESSING, DEADLIFTING, SQUATING, PULL UPS, AND BENT ROW. Sets of 3-6 reps. Machines are never good. Machines move in a single plane but u wanna move your body in multiple planes of motion to reach hypertrophy.

 

[breakneck]

Personally I think, chasing and putting on more muscle when you're younger will not have a bad effect on your health in and that of itself. Start doing steroids, drugs, junk food etc and you're shortening your life to some extent. When I get older I'll stop putting on muscle growth and start training more muscle endurance. This will put less stress on your heart. Natural testosterone will be lower when you hit 'old' age and gaining massive amounts of muscle would be a bad idea for an old body if not impossible.
Everybody is different though. What is good for you may be a deadly formula for me and vice versa.