A friend of mine recently posted an article to Facebook posing a provocative question: “Is Men’s Physique Doomed?” The blog article cites some of the controversy surrounding the division and the cancellation of a few pro shows as evidence why Men’s Physique has run its course. Personally, I say hogwash.
I just finished competing in my third NPC show in 2012 and I have to say that the Men’s Physique Division is alive and well. But more importantly, it’s here to stay! Over the last six months I have had the pleasure of competing against and getting to know some amazing athletes from Michigan to Central Florida.
During each one of my contests I’ve been impressed by the excitement and passion that motivates each of these competitors to hit the gym day-in and day-out. And, thanks to technology like Facebook and other social media, we’ve managed to create a virtual support group where we can actively track and monitor one another’s progress in real-time. On a daily basis I exchange countless texts, instant messages and “likes” with my fellow competitors. Given that we’re men, some of these exchanges consist of very few words. For example:
Buddy: Working back today.
Me: Get some!
Buddy: Done
In guy-talk this seemingly mundane 6-word exchange is a complete conversation chock-full of meaning. Of course, our discussions turn to more substantive topics such as the judging criteria and the differences between a bodybuilder’s body and that of a physique competitor but never have I seen anyone threatening to hang up their board shorts over the so-called controversy. What I have witnessed are guys focused on improving their physique, nailing their diets and lining up the next show. If fact, many competitors are already in the off-season trying to make improvements for contests in 2013 that have yet to be scheduled.
Although I have only been competing for a short period of time, I’ve been a fan of bodybuilding and physical fitness for decades. Maybe it was all of those Arnold Schwarzenegger movies in the 80s that got me hooked. Regardless of the origination, Men’s Physique has undoubtedly attracted countless fans to the sport of bodybuilding and afforded us an opportunity to participate in something that we love. My last contest, the Florida State Championship, featured twenty-five competitors in both the open and Masters but I’ve heard about some level V shows with more than twenty-five guys in just the tall class alone.
The Men’s Physique division has also given self-proclaimed gym rats, like myself, an opportunity to compete and more importantly a chance to express ourselves. Personally I like to draw an analogy between bodybuilding and art, which is another passion of mine. Believe it or not, the two actually share some similarities. In many ways I consider bodybuilding an art form. It’s about picturing the end product in your mind then shaping your reality (daily) to conform to that mental picture. Reportedly, when people asked Michelangelo how he made his famous statue of David, he is cited to have said, “It is easy. You just chip away the stone that doesn’t look like David.” Just like Michelangelo, there are thousands of guys creating their own “Davids” in gyms across the country.
In addition to speaking with my fellow competitors, I get emails and messages from guys and gals that have seen something that I’ve written or appeared in. A few of them have a desire to step on stage but each of them has a desire to improve their physical health. Thanks to Men’s Physique, I’ve been able to provide these folks with a little direction, inspiration and motivation to be better than they were yesterday. In fact, one of them sent me an email telling me that he had lost 35 pounds thanks to some information that I provided. While I can’t take credit for his incredible weight loss, I do like to think that I played some small part in helping him to achieve his goal. My story isn’t unique because my fellow competitors are helping other individuals in their local communities either informally or formally as trainers and coaches.
Having just completed my final competition for the year, I can honestly say that I’ve learned something each and every time that I’ve stepped on stage. And, while my placements haven’t been stellar, I am having a blast and enjoying every minute of this journey. So far in 2012 I was selected as the Bodybuilding.com Amateur of the Week, placed 3rd in the Simmons-Peckham Classic (Men’s Physique Masters) and placed 5th at the Mid-Florida Classic (Men’s Physique Open). I have conducted two photo shoots with Jeff Sygo and John Hawley and I have had articles published here on ShapeFit.com and Geneticwar.com.
As I look at wrapping up my first year of competition, I am looking forward to making progress in the off- season and coming back strong in 2013. My plan is to follow a repeating lean bulk and cutting cycle that will hopefully allow me to improve lagging body parts and add some overall size to my 6-foot frame.
If all goes according to plan, I also intend to start working with a nutrition and posing coach in the coming months. If I’m really lucky next year, I might be able to land a modeling gig or earn an opportunity to promote a supplemental product. And, of course, this is all possible because of the Men’s Physique division.
I want to send a special thank you to the NPC, the judges and promoters of Men’s Physique. I also want to thank my fellow competitors and friends. Keep the faith and stay the course.
