by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
Let’s not sugarcoat it — the game of bodybuilding isn’t what it was once. Again within the day, the stage determined who was the very best. Immediately? It feels extra like a recognition contest than a real battle of physiques.
If in case you have tens of millions of followers, chances are high you’re getting extra love — even when your physique doesn’t stack up. We’ve seen it this complete yr, and it’s arduous to disclaim what’s happening.
It’s unhappy to see this transition within the sport. I get it — the IFBB desires extra eyeballs, so that they need to usher in individuals with tens of millions of followers and followers as a result of the game has been extraordinarily boring the final a number of years.
However what’s taking place is mistaken.
On this article, we’re going to dive deeper into how (I consider) bodybuilding is popping right into a recognition content material. I’m positive there will probably be plenty of pushback from what I’m about to say, however somebody must say it.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is suggested that you simply communicate together with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making adjustments to your vitamin plan, or including any new dietary supplements into your present routine.
Social Media is the New Decide
Neglect conditioning. Neglect symmetry. Neglect total muscle mass. For those who’ve acquired the next, you’ve acquired the sting.
As of late, opponents are successful exhibits not as a result of they introduced the very best package deal to the stage… however as a result of they introduced probably the most followers with them.
It’s irritating.
The judges say it’s all in regards to the physique. However an increasing number of, the outcomes inform a special story. It’s turning right into a straight-up recognition contest.
Are the judges actually trying on the physiques? As a result of in that case, maybe they should get their eyes checked.
Followers Over Kind
We see guys with common physiques beating out opponents who clearly look higher.
The distinction?
One has a large on-line following. The opposite doesn’t.
It’s arduous to disclaim that affect is beginning to sway outcomes.
When promoters and federations know somebody brings a crowd (or higher but, brings consideration to the present), they change into extra invaluable.
That worth turns into favoritism. That favoritism exhibits up within the placings.
Welcome to fashionable bodybuilding, the place attain beats actuality.
The Enterprise Facet of Bodybuilding
Let’s not fake this sport isn’t additionally a enterprise. Promoters need ticket gross sales. Sponsors need eyeballs. And somebody with 1,000,000 followers delivers on each.
So, what occurs?
They get extra press. Extra invitations. Extra alternatives.
And when the stage lights hit, they’re already the star. Even when another person deserves to win, they’re simply the undercard. The recognition contest is already determined.
It’s Killing the Integrity of the Sport
Bodybuilding is meant to be in regards to the physique. It must be about who introduced the very best physique. Not who will get probably the most likes.
However now? It seems like we’re watching a rigged sport.
Opponents bust their asses all yr lengthy, attempting to good each muscle group… solely to be crushed by somebody whose greatest muscle is their social media presence with tens of millions of followers.
It’s discouraging.
And, fairly actually, I believe it’s driving actual expertise away.
The Rise of the Influencer-Bodybuilder
Don’t get me mistaken. There are influencers who’re really legit bodybuilders. They put within the work. They present up shredded. They deserve their props. However not all influencers are created equal.
Some get on stage simply to construct their model. They don’t care in regards to the artwork of bodybuilding. They’re there for the selfies, the sponsors, and the story.
And it’s working.
As a result of in at the moment’s recognition contest, notion typically beats efficiency.
What Occurred to the Hardcore?
Bear in mind when bodybuilding was about grit?
When guys like Dorian Yates skilled at midnight, with no cameras, simply pure depth?
That period is lengthy gone.
Now it’s all about content material.
Put up the exercise. Share the pump. Hype the prep.
Coaching arduous isn’t sufficient anymore — you must prepare loud. That shift has watered issues down. The hardcore lifters who constructed this sport at the moment are background noise.
They don’t play the sport, so that they don’t get the highlight.
Judging is Changing into a Joke
Let’s name it what it’s — judging has change into inconsistent.
We see guys win one present and place fifth the subsequent weekend, with the identical physique.
What modified?
The placement, the lineup, and perhaps the political pull.
Or worse… the influencer clout of the competitors.
That’s not a sport. That’s a recognition contest with trophies.
I’m positive many are studying this and screaming, “However Matt, the subsequent present there have been simply higher physiques on stage.” Positive, that may very well be doable. However the identical may very well be stated in regards to the theft the place somebody acquired their professional card the week earlier than however didn’t deserve it as a result of different opponents had higher physiques.
And I hate the entire “you simply have to have the very best physique on that day to win.” Little doubt. However in case you don’t have the very best physique, why is somebody being rewarded?
These guys getting their professional card currently would get demolished within the IFBB. They don’t resemble any physique we see on a professional stage at the moment. The entire sport is getting watered down.
Actual Athletes Are Getting Missed
Those who eat, sleep, and breathe bodybuilding are getting handed over.
As a result of they don’t put up each meal.
As a result of they’re not on TikTok doing developments.
As a result of they don’t have a YouTube channel.
As a result of they don’t have over 1,000,000 followers on Instagram.
As a result of they’re targeted on coaching, not chasing fame.
And but, they’re those who embody the spirit of bodybuilding.
They’re those who must be celebrated.
Not passed over as a result of they’re not “marketable.”
The place Do We Go From Right here?
This sport wants a reset to deliver it again to the fundamentals. Let the stage determine who wins, not the dimensions of a fan base.
Judges want to remain targeted on the physiques. Not engagement charges.
As a result of the extra this turns into a recognition contest, the extra we lose what made bodybuilding nice.
Perhaps I’m Incorrect? Or Perhaps I’m Simply the Solely Particular person Who Feels the Must Communicate Up?
Look, I get it.
We stay in a digital world. And there’s worth in being seen. However bodybuilding is meant to be about our bodies, not manufacturers.
If we preserve happening this highway, we’re going to lose the guts of the game. It’ll change into simply one other on-line circus the place clout wins over conditioning.
We are able to do higher.
Now we have to do higher.
As a result of actual bodybuilders deserve extra than simply being background gamers in another person’s recognition contest.