Thank you so much for your detailed response.
I respectfully disagree. My issue is with the criteria. To me, it’s similar to a High Jump competition, where athletes are now mandated to use the Fosbury Flop. Prior to the establishment of such a rule, athletes were allowed to clear the bar using any style that they found most effective. Originally, there wasn’t even a protective mattress to land on, which made the Fosbury Flop impossible at the onset. Though the Fosbury Flop might be the most effective way to clear the bar, it eliminates several styles that are nearly as effective, and also makes it impossible for people with different takeoff styles to compete, such as double leg jumpers who are capable of front flipping over the bar.
Though a well shaven & tanned body may be the most efficient way to win a physique contest, I personally don’t think it should be considered a joke or a mockery for one to not shave, and not tan. I also don’t think it should result in automatic deductions or removal from an event.
I’m not religious but I do feel that my body & facial hair are a source of power, so removing it is not something i’d be willing to do. I shaved my arms once, as an experiment, and I really hated it.
Regarding tanning, I normally wear long sleeve shirts in the sun, high socks, and a large protective hat or beanie, to prevent the UV rays from reaching my skin. I’ve had several potentially cancerous moles removed, so that’s something I won’t ever play around with. As far as tanning oils go and such, i’m “afraid” of chemicals, so tanning lotion and sun screen is not really an option for me. For example, I rarely wear deodorant, except in cases where i’m going to be out in public for several hours. Also as I mentioned a few sentences ago, I use clothing to protect from the sun, not sun screen. I try as hard as possible to avoid medications, chemicals, lotions, etc. Some of these lifestyle choices make it “impossible” for me to compete. Not impossible in the truest sense, but impossible due to the culture surrounding Men’s Physique and bodybuilding in general.
Thanks so much. I didn’t mean to call people who shave or tan followers. I can see how it could be interpreted as such. Later on in the post I mentioned, i’m supportive of everyone’s physique/athletic goals, such as “big dude beefy”. So hopefully that helps express my true intent. To me it’s not just the “result” compared to some cookie cutter idea of a male or female physique, it’s the pursuit of perfecting ones self, whatever self that might be.
I fully respect people’s choice to follow, or not follow the rules.
My idea of bodybuilding is a bit different than most, it seems. When I call myself a bodybuilder, most people laugh. I understand why they laugh, though at times it can be slightly upsetting. People form ideas of what X is to them, and then they often defend their idea of X, especially when an outsider challenges their idea of X. People can become quite combative and disrespectful.
I follow this definition from Merriam-Webster:
The physiques i’ve built in my years training, are optimized towards running, jumping, and sprinting. Through the use of diet & exercise, I sculpt a physique that allows me to maximize my athletic performance in said actions. The only thing I haven’t done is “compete” with my physique, though I have posted photos which checks off the “exhibition” portion of the definition.
Finally, you mentioned genetics. Are body hair, facial hair, & skin color not genetic? In a physique competition, why are we “removing or altering” genetic features, in order to attempt to better display musculature, which has in many cases been “increased” using methods that are not very “natural”: weightlifting, tanning, shaving, pharma. I’m not saying those components diminish bodybuilding in any way, i’m just stating that the exclusion of some components may not allow us to present the full package.
An example. Kimbo (RIP) Slice, a legend in my area, had a solid physique. He never cut down to “contest level body fat”, but if he did, I imagine he would look pretty impressive. Regardless, Kimbo’s chest & facial hair, to me, are a source of power & strength. If I saw him posing on stage, in contest shape, with such chest & body hair, I personally would not deduct. An entirely different conversation, would be his level of body fat & whether or not that is acceptable in a physique competition. Personally, i’d say yes.
Sorry for the long post.
Thanks again!
