The question is, what is bodybuilding and why do people start it? It’s an industry for both men and women becoming a specific group of weight lifters that are working to achieve greatness. Not a lot of us can truly go into the bodybuilding path since it takes risks, dedication, commitment and risks. Bodybuilding is a sport that started off in the 1890’s. It was created by Eugene, also considered “Father Of Bodybuilders”. The primary focus of this sport is to look muscular to the audience. Over the years since bodybuilding has become a sport, it has also changed and developed. This means that the ways of getting muscles has changed as well. There are different types of ways to increase muscle mass, there is the healthy way, and the unsafe way. Supplements such as Creatine and others have been made to increase your energy with the boost of caffeine. There are other supplements that can cause problems to the human body such as “Steroids” which will increase your abilities to become stronger in a faster method. Bodybuilding has given people opportunities to become stars and something much more than just a normal human, but a superhuman which people look up to. 

Besides what bodybuilding is, this sport made many people famous such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom etc. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a retired bodybuilder that won 19 bodybuilding competitions. “There’s no argument that Arnold Schwarzenegger has got to be one of the biggest stand out icons in the history of bodybuilding.”(Flex Equipment). Arnold is seen as the most influential bodybuilder out of all the others. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself states “Bodybuilding is much like any other sport. To be successful, you must dedicate yourself 100% to your training, diet and mental approach.” He is seen to be a hero to Austria. Tom Steven is another retired bodybuilder that would focus on the development of leg strength. His purpose was to increase his leg strength and stay disciplined. Tom now is a famous workout influence who influences other bodybuilders to strive for success. Both Arnold and Tom had the same mentality when it came to lifting, discipline and commitment, that is how they became who they are today.  

Different types of methods have been used to increase muscle mass and strength. Yet, the most common method that has been being used till today is steroids. There are Anadrol, Oxandrin, Dianabol, Winstrol, Decca-durabolin, and equipoise. Each of these types of steroids can cause liver damage, strokes, etc. “Anabolic steroids can cause severe, long-lasting, and in some cases, irreversible damage. They can lead to early heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure, and psychiatric problems. In addition, stopping steroid use can cause depression, often leading to resumption of use” (Advancing addiction Science). Even with this information being given to men and women who choose to enhance the drug, they believe that their sport comes first then their health. “Anabolic steroids were first discovered to promote muscle growth and enhance athletic performance in the 1930’s.” (American Congress) Many superstars in the sport have used a type of steroid such as Ronnie Coleman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jay Cutler etc.  

Although it may take forever to see improvement in your body during a bodybuilding season, many may be tempter to take a short cut which would be a type of steroids, yet, there is a healthier way which is a supplement called creatine other wise known as (Pre Work Out) “ Creatine is often used by athletes involved in high-intensity intermittent activities that require a rapid recovery during training and competition.”(Mayo Clinic Staff) The only downside to creatine is that you will from time to time get cramps. “Creatine is possibly safe when taken long-term. Doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 years have been safely used. Side effects might include dehydration, upset stomach, and muscle cramps.” (Web MD) Besides the side effects, athletes believe it’s more healthier to take creatine rather than steroids since steroids cause long term damage to your body instead of creatine.  

Bodybuilding is a hard industry to be a part of. It takes time, patience, commitment, and most importantly, dedication. This sport has its ups and downs, men like Arnold Schwarzenegger are admired and looked up to. This new generation is seen to have increased its interest in the gym, many choose to just work out and stay healthy, while others have high goals to become a bodybuilder and be looked up to. Although many can say they want to be a bodybuilder, only the few can truly accomplish the goal.