5 Forgotten Benefits of Being a Bodybuilder
The bodybuilding lifestyle is certainly not for everyone. It takes a different type of commitment, dedication, consistency, and a level of patience, that most people do not possess. However, it is these characteristics that set us apart from the rest of society and allow us to achieve other life goals in synergy with the ones we have set out to accomplish alongside our bodybuilding endeavours. Being a bodybuilder and living the bodybuilding lifestyle has so many benefitting factors, many of which you may have forgotten about or perhaps, not even realized yet. There are plenty to pick from but in my humble opinion, the five benefits of our lifestyle that will be discussed within this article, may just be the most important. Read on to see if you agree and feel free to share other positive benefits you have encountered yourself, that may have not made my list.
Benefit #1: You Are Different
Yes, you read that correctly, you are different from just about everyone else around you. Take a look around your place of work, while at family gatherings, while out roaming the malls or even while strolling through the park; how many people do you see carrying around Tupperware containers full of food? I’ll ask you another question; other than yourself, who looks like they are more capable than most in times of say danger, threat, or even basic survival? Do you think most people you talk to have a daily routine they follow consistently? Are you doing more than most to improve your health, not just gain muscle? Think about the answers to these questions and then think about all the things you do in the run of a regular day and remind yourself that you are different, and that’s a great thing.
Benefit #2: The Crossover
There is so much to living the bodybuilding lifestyle that depends upon your level of discipline and commitment. Most people do not carry these traits around with them as consistently as we do. And because we are so committed to being the best bodybuilder we possibly can, there is no way it doesn’t cross over into our life outside of this lifestyle. That same work ethic and determination you’ve used to build muscle easily carries over into other areas of your life such as family obligations, business, education and even your leisure activities. In doing so, everything gets better, and you become a much more efficient individual with everything you do.
Benefit #3: Role Model and Inspiration
There are so many people looking at you right now that are envious of not only what you do and how you look , but how you do it all. The simple comprehension of seeing you being so strict with your meals every day, so decisive with your training and so efficient with your work schedule, makes most people scratch their heads in wonderment. You need to remember that you are doing things differently from most people and your success isn’t shared by others, so you are in fact a role model for a lot of people that you may not even know about. My advice is to lead by example, much the same way you currently are, and the people you inspire will many.
Benefit #4: Educator
You will be looked upon as a beacon of knowledge when it comes to health and fitness. You will be the go-to person for anyone looking to better themselves be it physically, mentally, spiritually, or fundamentally. Take your role as an educator in this realm seriously because your influence means a lot and can change the lives of those who seek your advice. This is important and the impact you will have will be long lasting. When you see someone turn their unhealthy life around and become a better version of themselves, the gratification you will feel is unlike anything else. So, take time when someone asks for your help and set them off on their own health and wellness journey.
Benefit #5: Opportunity
You will stand out from the crowd. You will accomplish things most can’t, and you will set yourself apart from the masses. What this will do is give you opportunities that you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. People will want you to be involved in different types of initiatives. You will be asked for your input in areas of your expertise. You will get chances to participate in things like fitness expos, competitions, photo shoots, editorials, sponsorships, and you will get to meet a lot of great people in the industry. If you keep an open mind and a discerning eye, say yes to opportunities you deem positive, you will reap the rewards of your choice to be and live the bodybuilding lifestyle.
There are, of course, many more benefits to being a bodybuilder including the most important one; muscle! I would be remiss if I left that part out here today because after all, we’re all in this because we love muscle, love how it looks and feels, love knowing we can train every day in the gym and get that pump, take our favourite supplements like TESTDEX, ALPHA and GO DARK to get huge and secure our standing within the fitness community as people who simply want to be better with every day that passes. As a byproduct of living that way, we will motivate others, show them a better way of doing things and leave a lasting positive impression on those we encounter. That in itself, is a fantastic benefit of what we do and something else, we should always keep in mind and never forget.
Author: Dana Bushell
Dana Bushell, a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University (BAHK, B.Ed) is an Educator, Writer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Nutrition Advisor, Contest Prep/Lifestyle Coach and former competitive bodybuilder, who has been involved in the Fitness Industry for over 25 years. He has worked and written for major fitness publications and many popular bodybuilding sites, is a Gym Star Team member and works hard at teaching and promoting a fitness-based lifestyle in his career as a Physical Education Specialist.
