Bodybuilding Thesis

Hi there,

I am a young bodybuilder currently in my 4th and final year at university in Nottingham, England. I am trying to prove that bodybuilding has had a positive effect on society.

Below is a list of questions that by answering would help my final report on bodybuilding. I would be extremely grateful if you could answer the questions and send them back to me.

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?

If so, in your opinion what are they?

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?

If so, what are they?

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?

Thank you so much for your time, your opinions are extremely valued and please keep up the good work.

Jonno

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?

Male, 19, Purdue University, first year student.

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?

One year.

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?

Because it's something productive to do between classes, and my girlfriend appreciates it.

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?

Watching my squat max increase ~10lbs every week is pretty fun.

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?

Yes.

If so, in your opinion what are they?

There are many. But since I properly stretch, warmup, and do weight acclimation sets before muscle building sets I don't really have to worry as long as my form doesn't start slipping.

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?

Yes.

If so, what are they?

Whey and Creatine.

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?

DB.

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?

Male, 32. Computer Systems Enginner.

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?

16 years.

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?

Didn't like how I looked. No muscles. Skinny. Always felt like I had no strength to defend myself.

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?

Dedication and passion. Long-term committment.

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?

Seeing the changes physically and seeing my strength increase over time. Knowing that last year I could only bench XXX and now I'm doing XXX.

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?

Yes. As with any sport, things taken to the extremes can be harmful.

If so, in your opinion what are they?

Use of illegal drugs, improper form leading to injury. Lure of quick results disregarding the risks associated with taking a shortcut.

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?

Yes

If so, what are they?

Creatine. Multi-vitamins. Glucosamine. Fish oil. Saw Palmeto. Protein.

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?

DB. Industry research and writing articles to post to various newsletters, forums and fitness portals. Gym research (talking to the people using the supplements and training programs). My own research by purchasing supplements and/or programs and giving them a try with a detailed review at the end.

Marc C. David
Support DB! Buy your supplements at Supplements101.com

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?
2 years
What caused you to take up bodybuilding?
It was a class offered at school and I had to take a PE type course
What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?
A natural passion to improve yourself
What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?
Confidence boost, increases peoples respect, more appealing to the opposite sex, more able in a fight
Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?
Yes but its limited
If so, in your opinion what are they?
Damage to joints such as elbows and knees, and damage to back through improper form.
Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?
Yes
If so, what are they?
Tried creatine but dont feel its necessary, now taking only whey protein with milk
Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding
This forum, besides that I just do what works for me.

Good luck, be sure to post it when your done

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?

Male, 21, Self-Employed Consultant

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?

3 Months

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?

Desire to increase physical stature, and confidence.

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?

Discipline.  Without sticking to your goals, your diet, your routines, your gains will be limited.

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?

Increased confidence, and people noticing already isn't a bad thing.

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?

Yes.

If so, in your opinion what are they?

Generally the greatest risks are injury, and the desire to compete for gains, which could lead to illegal supplement use.

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?

Does a Multi-Vitamin count?

If so, what are they?

If the Multi-Vitamin counts, then see above.

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?
 
Magazines and the Internet.

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?
Male, 24, medical electronic service representative
Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?
4 years
What caused you to take up bodybuilding?
I needed a discipline. Wanted to gain some muscles and weight.
What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?
courage, passion, discipline, money (yep money), perseverance
What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?
seeing results in strenght and mass
Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?
yes, like anything else, there are always risks
If so, in your opinion what are they?
illegal usage of steroids, injuries from bad form, no flexibility when you don't stretch
Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?
yes
If so, what are they?
Protein, Omega 3-6-9, Fish Oil, Muti-Vitamin, ZMA
Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?
This site is great, some magazines, school (study in Kinesiology...2 weeks left)

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

Could you state your gender, age and occupation?
 
Male, 20, med student

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?
 
3 years - on and off

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?

felt too weak - didnt feel like i was strong enough to be man

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?

dedication, perspiration, inspiration, perseverance, vision, positivity

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?
 
self confidence

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?
 
I feel i do - however im sure theres a lot i dont know

If so, in your opinion what are they?
 
1) Risk of injury - including severe disability
2) cardiovascular effects of bodybuilding - can be negative if lifting weights is not balanced with cardiovascular training
3) hormonal changes - bodybuilding is associated with higher level of testosterone and hence higher degree of aggression, irritability and even short temper - these are more so in steroid use (along with a whole other host of side-effects) however, current studies have indicated an increase in the level  of hostility(though not major) in adolescents-young adults compared to those individuals who do not weight-train

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training? If so, what are they?
 
Yes - Whey protein

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?
 
The training aspect of bodybuilding? through the internet
The scientific aspect of bodybuilding? through exercise physiology and medical journals

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?

Male, 30, DB & Network Admin, Senior Developer

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?

8 years

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?

I was underweight and weak

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?

The same process as anything else, knowledge, experience, dedication, inspiration

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?

seeing and feeling the results

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?

yeah sure

If so, in your opinion what are they?

Injury

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?

Yep

If so, what are they?

Protein, NO, Creatine, Green Tea, Multi-vit, Fish Oil

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?

Net, Magazines

Forum Rules & Guidelines

[image]http://www.bodybuildingjournal.com/bodybuilding/images/bbjbanner.gif[/image]

Could you state your gender, age and occupation?

Male, 62 (tomorrow), Vice President, Communications of a international religious multi-media organization
 
Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?
 
I have been weight training for 15 years and have been training as a competitive bodybuilder for 11 months. 

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?
 
Health issues due to the aging process and the disire to look and act vigorous. 

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?
 
Desire, goal setting, determination, discipline and stamina. 

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?
 
Looking and feeling 10 years younger than my actual age.

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?
 
Yes.  If you don't know what you are doing or don't pay attention to what you are doing, you can get hurt. 

If so, in your opinion what are they?
 
Trying to do more than your body is capable of doing, mainly lifting, pushing, pulling beyond your capacity,  and using new or different equipment without instruction on its use.

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?
 
Yes. 

If so, what are they?
 
Creatine, protein powder, amino acids, glutamine, multi-vitamines. 

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?
 
Websites like this one (DB.com), Bodybuilding.com,
SNBF.com, WNSO.com, NPC.com, plus a selection of magazines, mostly the "natural" vs. "steroid" pubs

Scott "Old Navy" Hults, NFPT-CPT; NGA-CPT FAME, NGA & IDFA Natural Master Pro Bodybuilder FAME, NGA & OCB Contest Judge [image]http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6610/shlogo2hor8tk.jpg[/image]

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?
 
Male. 20. College Student


Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?


2 years
What caused you to take up bodybuilding?
Originally lifted for help in basketball and then just got addicted to gaining muscle and getting stronger

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?
Dedication, discipline, knowledge

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?
looking good without a shirt on
Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?
yes
If so, in your opinion what are they?
Injury, tons of incorrect information out there, increased libido ...haha
Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?
yes
If so, what are they?
Protein
Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?
Mostly this forum, only place I can trust.  Bodybuilding magazines and websites are generally bs, and all they do is push their products and give people fake routines.

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation? Male, 20, student at Westchester University of Pennsylvania

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?
20 months

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?
Wrestling in high school

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?
Faith in the sport and the results that will come with time

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?
Being admired by others

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?
I think so

If so, in your opinion what are they?
Immediate injury, as well as long term joint damage

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?
Yes

If so, what are they?
100% Whey Protein, and a generic multivitamin

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?
The internet and word of mouth at the gym

Thank you so much for your time, your opinions are extremely valued and please keep up the good work.

Jonno

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?

Male, 25 IT Manager

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?

5 years on and off (have been really off lately and coming back here to get pysched up)

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?

Not happy with my self-image. Didn't want to have a heart attack by 48 like all the other men in my family.

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?

Dedication and self restraint, because its really easy to say "well its just a *insert junk food here*"

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?

Strength, serenity and a feeling of accomplishment.

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?

Yes.

If so, in your opinion what are they?

Improper form, roids and other illegal/questionable substances.

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?

Yes.

If so, what are they?

Whey protein w/ milk, creatine, multi-vitamin, fish oil, saw palmetto, glucosamine and ginseng

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?

DB has really been an inspiration for me. Its really helped me get back into training and everyone here is _very_ helpful. Occasionally I read Muscle & Fitness.

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?
male, 19, full time college student
Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?
i began lifting weights lightly when i was 12, seriously at age 15
What caused you to take up bodybuilding?
initially, better athletic performance and appearance
What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?
dedication, know how, willingness to learn
What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?
now, my improved appearance (was athletic benefits)
Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?
of course, there are risks in almost everything
If so, in your opinion what are they?
injury, overtraining, and use of illegal supplements
Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?
yes
If so, what are they?
creatine, protein, fish oils, daily vitamin
Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?
mainly from friends at the gym, on this web site, and from reading articles and books. NOT from bowflex ads etc.

Age: 19
5'9 173 lbs.
PR's
Benchpress: 285x1, 250x5
Squat: 360x1, 330x3
Leg Press: 850x6
Straight bar curl: 125x2
Deadlift: 335x4
"K.I.S.S. - Keep it super simple"

Woops missed part of it
Gender: Male
Age:16
Occupation: Chef

In order to form an in-depth analysis please could you state your gender, age and occupation?
Male, 17, Student

Approximately how long have you been bodybuilding for?
3 Years

What caused you to take up bodybuilding?
Athletics (Hockey, Lacrosse)

What do you think it takes to become a good bodybuilder?
Self motivation, determination, will power

What is your favourite outcome from bodybuilding?
Competitive Edge

Are you aware of the risks and dangers that bodybuilding could hold?
Yes

If so, in your opinion what are they?
Physical stress, muscle strains, soreness

Do you take any supplements or substances to benefit your training?
Yes

If so, what are they?
100% whey protien, Mass gainer

Finally, what ways do you find out about the current goings on surrounding the bodybuilding industry?
DB, Flex magazine, Bodybuilder.com, the gym.