At what point do you call yourself a "bodybuilder"?

[dabeast75]

I don't consider myself a Bodybuilder per se since I dont do it as a profession, although I know I am engaged in an activity that is called "Bodybuilding". But that would mean any dude who weighs a buck fifty and has been training for 2 weeks could also say "I am a bodybuilder", but people would obviously laugh at that concept and so would I.

I would be interested in hearing people's opinion about this. When can somebody call himself a bodybuilder? After he has reached a certain amount of weight/size? After training for a certain number of years??

 

[cannibal]

Its shouldn't/doesnt matter....1st day you hit gym to build muscle...1st show...there is no "milestone".
You take up golf, and can be a "golfer" you don't have to be competitive or acomplished to be a golfer...why should it be any diff for "bodybuilding"
On the other hand, I've trained 15yrs, competed heaps, but don't call myself a bodybuilder...i just like lifting weights.

This whole "your not a bodybuilder unless you've competed" stuff is bullshit.

 

[notsobig32]

I don't consider myself a Bodybuilder per se since I dont do it as a profession, although I know I am engaged in an activity that is called "Bodybuilding". But that would mean any dude who weighs a buck fifty and has been training for 2 weeks could also say "I am a bodybuilder", but people would obviously laugh at that concept and so would I.

I would be interested in hearing people's opinion about this. When can somebody call himself a bodybuilder? After he has reached a certain amount of weight/size? After training for a certain number of years??

For me, i think the differentiation between a weightlifter/fitness enthusiast and bodybuilder is that bodybuilding is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. Most of us put a lot of hours every week into prepping our food, getting extra rest, doing cardio, working out, etc. I think once it crosses over into a lifestyle thats where i draw the line.

 

[swole79]

In my opinion a "bodybuilder" would be someone who lives the lifestyle and has done so for a good period of time. FWIW

 

[e6er]

You surf, you're a surfer. You run, you're a runner, you build your body you are a body builder. However, those that don't excel are reffered to as posers.

 

[LEX]

when girls would stop looking at me and saying wow thats a hot dude that works out too...ew he's way to big.

 

[aeliop]

When you have built something

If you wanted to be a land developer then you would develop some land. If you wanted to be a homebuilder then you would build homes. So after you went to school, got licensed, etc... you wouldn't be one until you built one. It's the same with bodybuilding. Many guys train arms and chest, eat Dbol, gel their hair up, wear tight tank tops, and sip vodka while hanging out in the clubs on the Jersey Shore praying that a drunk skank asks them if they work out. A bodybuilder gets his rest at night, gets up early so he can train and get his meals in, when he trains he trains all bodyparts equally including his legs, and he is always researching through all means available how to get bigger and better. Some of these guys take it to the next level and jump up on stage to peak their curiosity as to how well they stack up, they are called Competitive Bodybuilders.

 

[concreteguy]

Many guys train arms and chest, eat Dbol, gel their hair up, wear tight tank tops, and sip vodka while hanging out in the clubs on the Jersey Shore praying that a drunk skank asks them if they work out.

See, were never gonna to be friends if you keep useing me as an example.

 

[Diesel City]

If you wanted to be a land developer then you would develop some land. If you wanted to be a homebuilder then you would build homes. So after you went to school, got licensed, etc... you wouldn't be one until you built one. It's the same with bodybuilding. Many guys train arms and chest, eat Dbol, gel their hair up, wear tight tank tops, and sip vodka while hanging out in the clubs on the Jersey Shore praying that a drunk skank asks them if they work out. A bodybuilder gets his rest at night, gets up early so he can train and get his meals in, when he trains he trains all bodyparts equally including his legs, and he is always researching through all means available how to get bigger and better. Some of these guys take it to the next level and jump up on stage to peak their curiosity as to how well they stack up, they are called Competitive Bodybuilders.

AAAAHHHHHH Freaking classic post!!!

 

[notsobig32]

If you wanted to be a land developer then you would develop some land. If you wanted to be a homebuilder then you would build homes. So after you went to school, got licensed, etc... you wouldn't be one until you built one. It's the same with bodybuilding. Many guys train arms and chest, eat Dbol, gel their hair up, wear tight tank tops, and sip vodka while hanging out in the clubs on the Jersey Shore praying that a drunk skank asks them if they work out. A bodybuilder gets his rest at night, gets up early so he can train and get his meals in, when he trains he trains all bodyparts equally including his legs, and he is always researching through all means available how to get bigger and better. Some of these guys take it to the next level and jump up on stage to peak their curiosity as to how well they stack up, they are called Competitive Bodybuilders.

LMAO, i have yet to see one of tony's posts that doesn't bring some humor to my day

 

[carrierdome]

Im looked at as a weightlifter and then when I go on cycle, people call me a bodybuilder.

Unfortunately I wouldn't be taken seriously in my personal and business life if I ever used the term "bodybuilder".

 

[Avz]

If ur asking ur self "am I?" then ur not. If ur honestly better than u think u are and not purposly delusional about how good u look then u are. (but that's Something only people around u can see) Also no need to claim the title unless ur stepping on the stage.
Basically everyone knows if they are or if they're not.. It's just the level of delusion they chose to believe.

 

[eroc613]

I think you are from day 1. But there are levels to everything in life.

But when perfect strangers ask you "are you a bodybuilder" when your fully clothed, I would feel safe to call myself a bodybuilder.

 

[Avz]

I think you are from day 1. But there are levels to everything in life.

But when perfect strangers ask you "are you a bodybuilder" when your fully clothed, I would feel safe to call myself a bodybuilder.

Yea but look at this expmle. Remember the "fat pix" of lee priest. If people saw him fully clothed they'd say he's a fat sorta buff guy. Yet he's still a great bodybuilder. It's not other peoples opinion. It's the amount of knowlge and skill u have in this game. Priest can get shredded in months. Other people are usually cluless so their opinion is not valid most of the time.

 

[duke123]

I have been in the gym for over twenty years on and off.I have trained for the last 4 years without taking any time off other than a week here and there.People have always commented on my size in and out of the gym.This year I made a New Years resolution to see if I was really a bodybuilder or just a guy who works out.Starting in January I hired a IFBB pro to train me for competion.December 5th i got on stage and took second in my division in master over 40.I now consider my self a competitive bodybuilder.It was one of the most difficult,yet rewarding acconplishments of my life.The dedication,discipline and sacrifice that had to be made was like no other and has changed me forever.It is forsure a lifestyle,it is not a hobbie or a part time endevor.It take's 100% commitment.24-7 day in and day out.i don't believe that you have to compete to be called a bodybuilder,but until you do get up on stage you will never know what it is like to be called a competitive bodybuilder.It is a feeling like no other.For all you that are wondering,try it,you will be changed forever!!!

 

[Johnny Smiles]

when you enter a bodybuilding contest and COMPETE.

until then you are only a wightlifter.
anyone can lift weights. few have the guts and determination and will power to go thru contest prep and show the world what body they have built.

i don't think you are a powerlifter unless you compete in powerlifting as well. you may be a heavy lifter but not a powerlifter.

my 2 cents -JS

 

[knucklehed]

If you wanted to be a land developer then you would develop some land. If you wanted to be a homebuilder then you would build homes. So after you went to school, got licensed, etc... you wouldn't be one until you built one. It's the same with bodybuilding. Many guys train arms and chest, eat Dbol, gel their hair up, wear tight tank tops, and sip vodka while hanging out in the clubs on the Jersey Shore praying that a drunk skank asks them if they work out. A bodybuilder gets his rest at night, gets up early so he can train and get his meals in, when he trains he trains all bodyparts equally including his legs, and he is always researching through all means available how to get bigger and better. Some of these guys take it to the next level and jump up on stage to peak their curiosity as to how well they stack up, they are called Competitive Bodybuilders.

Hahaha! I will say it again: Great Post!

 

[knucklehed]

I have been in the gym for over twenty years on and off.I have trained for the last 4 years without taking any time off other than a week here and there.People have always commented on my size in and out of the gym.This year I made a New Years resolution to see if I was really a bodybuilder or just a guy who works out.Starting in January I hired a IFBB pro to train me for competion.December 5th i got on stage and took second in my division in master over 40.I now consider my self a competitive bodybuilder.It was one of the most difficult,yet rewarding acconplishments of my life.The dedication,discipline and sacrifice that had to be made was like no other and has changed me forever.It is forsure a lifestyle,it is not a hobbie or a part time endevor.It take's 100% commitment.24-7 day in and day out.i don't believe that you have to compete to be called a bodybuilder,but until you do get up on stage you will never know what it is like to be called a competitive bodybuilder.It is a feeling like no other.For all you that are wondering,try it,you will be changed forever!!!

I like this post. Good for you!

 

[RINO]

You don't put the label on yourself others do.

 

[EYE2EYE]

The day i start to look like one. Peace.