Definition of "A Bodybuilder"

Food For Thought: What Is The Definition of A Bodybuilder To You?

I got thinking about this while I was at work talking to my lifting partner.

Normally, when someone says "Bodybuilder", images of needles, massive veins and bulging muscles come to mind. But what exactly is a bodybuilder?

Is a bodybuilder someone who uses steroids? I think not. We have natural bodybuilding competitions.

Is a bodybuilder someone who weighs a certain amount? I think not. We have different weight classes.

Is a bodybuilder someone who lifts heavy weight? I think not. Powerlifters have more claim to that title anyhow.

So what is it that makes someone a bodybuilder. Looking at me, no one would guess that I am a bodybuilder because I'm not freaky huge, but I do consider myself one. To me, a bodybuilder is someone who tries to sculpt and change their body to achieve their definition of a "perfect" body. We all have different goals. Some want pure size. Some want to be ripped and shredded etc... I think as long as you are looking in the mirror every day, are dedicated to training, eating a certain way and the main reason you train is to achieve a certain body image, you are a bodybuilder. I lift weights more to achieve a certain body image instead of health. If I was training to stay in shape or be healthy, I would do a hell of a lot more cardio and I would have a completely different diet.

To me, bodybuilding is trying to achieve the "perfect" body in your own eyes and being completely dedicated to that.

That's my 2 cents.

How about yours?

Oh, one last thing. Do you consider yourself to be a bodybuilder?

A Bodybuilder is one who practices the religion of Bodybuilding. imo

I personally think a bbr is someone who works there ass off day in and day out. Who is completetly dedicated. Someone who realizes this is a lifetsyle and not a hobby or some passing fancy. Someone who does this for themself and doesnt care wtf other think.

I am a bodybuilder

What is a bodybuilder?
One who trains in the gym to acheive a certain body image and someone who tweaks their diet to manipulate their own body, simply put.

I remember many years ago, I called someone in a thread a "weight lifter." He took such offense to that my respect for him was all lost. Some people and their egos. He went on and on defining weight lifters and bbers.

I would consider myself a "power bber" though. That would be a combination of power lifter and bber. Because we all know, if the weight aint growing the body aint growing. So I'd like to think we all have a little bit of power lifting in us.