We’re bringing you this bonus post this week because this past weekend was the biggest weekend in Professional Bodybuilding. . . Joe Weider’s “Mr. Olympia” Competition. This is where the top bodybuilders that compete year round take the stage for the most prestigious title in bodybuilding: To be crowned “Mr. Olympia.” So, in case you’re wondering who won, it was Phil Heath. There are also other main events in addition, including four women’s events, such as the Ms. Olympia, Fitness Olympia, Figure Olympia, and Bikini Olympia. In that order, they go from the most intense event (Ms. Olympia) down to the least intense (Bikini Olympia), which is still incredibly intense and takes plenty of work.
On a slightly related note, I often use the phrase “Natural Bodybuilder” when referring to my hobby because I don’t want to be compared to our modern day competitors– Even the physiques that are visually appealing are much larger than I ever want to be. Let me explain. . .
There’s terminology occasionally thrown around in bodybuilding that describes the different “aesthetics” of bodybuilders– These also coincide with “eras.” While I respect the hard work that modern era, or “X Aesthetic” bodybuilders, put in to their training and nutrition, I don’t appreciate the overall aesthetic of their body. They look overly muscular to me; However, “Y Aesthetic” bodybuilders (Also known as the “Golden Era”) have a much more appealing body. While I never plan to get anywhere near that size, I can appreciate both the hard work, and the aesthetic of the bodies from the “Golden Era.” For a visual example:
And of course, another reason I refer to myself as “natural,” is because Alissa and I only take natural supplements; We also don’t take anything that is a banned substance as defined by the USADA, and / or the International Natural Bodybuilding Association. For the sake of disclosure, we would like to point out that the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness does have an anti-doping policy.
Regardless, congratulations to everyone who competed at the Olympia, and to those who didn’t place as well as they wanted, remember: “Without sports, there is no ‘next year.'”