Elliptical Trainer Ceiling Height
When selecting an elliptical trainer for your home it’s critical to make sure that it will fit into the space you’ve selected. The elliptical trainer “footprint” is the total area that the base of the machine occupies. This is the width times the length of the elliptical trainer.
It is also necessary to allow at least 2 feet all around this footprint in order for convenient mounting and dismounting from the elliptical trainer. This additional clearance is also necessary for the upper arm handles if present. There’s nothing worse than punching holes into your drywall because you didn’t allow sufficient clearance for the handles!
However, there’s another dimension that many people overlook when selecting an elliptical trainer and that’s the elevation of the foot pedals from the floor. You may ask what this is all about, but it’s important to remember that an elliptical trainer is a 3-dimensional machine and occupies space. Elliptical Trainer ceiling height is the often overlooked dimension when selecting and locating an elliptical trainer.
The good news is that rooms in most American homes and apartments are built with a ceiling height of 8 feet. In fact, many newer homes are being built with 9-foot ceilings and higher
Unfortunately the dimension that you need to calculate head clearance is not provided in many elliptical trainer specifications. The dimension called “height”, which is often provided, is of no use in calculating head clearance. Height is the maximum height of the trainer from the floor to the tips of the arm handles. What we want is the height from the floor to the bottom of the lowest extent of the foot pedals.
Precor is a manufacturer that provides this dimension. They call it “Height of footplate at lowest position (step up)”. This is the height that you should add to your own height to determine that your head will not bump into the ceiling.
If the room where you want to locate your elliptical trainer has a 9-foot ceiling then you have nothing to worry about. Just don’t position your elliptical under a low hanging light fixture. You would have to stand 8’4″ to bump your head on a 9-foot ceiling. Not much chance of this happening to anyone I know.
If your ceiling height is 8 feet, then unless you’re 7 feet tall or greater, you will still not bump your head on the ceiling. However, even if you are a few inches shorter, say 6’6″, it may feel like your head is too close to the ceiling while exercising on an elliptical trainer. This can be unnerving, so it’s something to consider.
Now, if you want to locate your elliptical trainer in your basement and the ceiling is a low one – say 7 feet, then watch your head if you’re 6’4″ or taller!
I remember lifting weights in the unfinished basement of my parents’ home and looking up at the ceiling while resting between sets of bench presses. I’d look up at the multitude of nails poking through the floorboards and wonder if I could impale my head on them if I jumped high enough. Fortunately for me I couldn’t jump that high!
Since most elliptical trainers have similar foot pedal elevations, it’s more an issue of selecting a room with sufficient elliptical trainer ceiling height than the other way around.
5 Components of Physical Fitness
While the definition of physical fitness can be a little complex or unclear and the definition of physical fitness can vary, most government health agencies and exercise scientists agree that there are 5 components of physical fitness related to health. These components provide a fairly accurate representation of how fit and healthy the body is as a whole (total or overall fitness). The 5 components are cardiovascular fitness (also referred to as cardio-respiratory endurance or cardiovascular endurance), muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition.
Let’s take a closer look at these components individually.
1.) Cardiovascular fitness (or cardio-respiratory endurance or cardiovascular endurance)
Of the 5 components, cardiovascular fitness is the cornerstone that creates the pathway to improving your other fitness levels.
Cardiovascular fitness is the efficiency with which the body (the heart and lungs) delivers oxygen and nutrients to the required working muscles and transports waste products from the cells over a sustained period of time. Or to put it another way, it’s the ability of your heart and lungs to work together to provide the necessary oxygen and fuel to your body without quickly reaching a high level of fatigue and tiredness.
In our daily lives, we need cardiovascular fitness to handle the physical tasks and all of the “running around” we do.
A common test of cardiovascular fitness usually involves some type of sustained running. But typical examples of physical activities that relate to cardiovascular fitness are jogging, swimming, cycling, brisk or speed walking and any type of aerobic exercises. Aerobic exercise is the best way to improve cardiovascular fitness.
2.) Muscular strength
Muscular strength is the maximum amount of force (weight or heavy resistance) a muscle or muscle group can generate in a single effort to the point that no more repetitions can be done without rest. Muscular strength is quite the opposite of cardiovascular fitness in regards to the fact that cardiovascular fitness is measured over a certain period of time. While on the other hand, muscular strength is measured in one repetition.
In our daily lives, we need modest levels of strength to be able to perform everyday physical tasks like lifting, moving, carrying, etc.
A common test to measure upper body strength is some type of weightlifting exercise, such as the bench press. Anaerobic weightlifting exercises like the bench press, leg press, shoulder press, or bicep curls are examples of the best ways to improve muscular strength.
3.) Muscular endurance
Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to perform repeated movements (or to hold a particular position) with less than maximum force for an extended period of time or until muscular fatigue. Or, to put it simplistically, it’s how long your muscles can do something before getting too exhausted to finish.
Be careful not to confuse muscular endurance with muscular strength. While they can work together, they are definitely not the same. For many athletes, there may be a need to distinguish between muscular strength and muscular endurance. But for everyday people who want to easily perform their daily routines, are trying to stay healthy and fit, and just want to enjoy physical activities like hiking, biking, or just playing in the park with their children, muscular endurance plays a major role in fitness.
Common testing for muscular endurance can be dynamic (the ability to repeat contractions) or static (the ability to sustain a contraction). Dynamic tests would be to see how many push-ups or sit-ups, for example, a person can complete in a designated amount of time (e.g. 30 seconds, a minute, or maybe longer). Or, without being timed, the person could do as many repetitions of the exercise as they could until they couldn’t do anymore. An example of a static test would be the flexed-arm hang whereby the performer hangs on a bar until the designated stopping time or until they become too weak to continue hanging.
Muscular endurance can be improved by both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Some examples would be biking, step machines and elliptical machines.
4.) Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability to move the joints or any group of joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons through their full, normal range of motion without hindrance, discomfort, or pain.
Flexibility is actually more important to physical fitness than people realize. Not only does flexibility play a big role in performing many daily tasks, but maintaining or even increasing your flexibility is critical to protecting your joints and keeping them healthy. In addition, being flexible contributes to improving your lower back health, reducing the appearance and effects of arthritis, and reducing muscle-tendon injuries.
Not everyone has the same flexibility or flexibility requirements. Your flexibility tells you how limber you are. And, when it comes to testing your flexibility fitness level, the sit-and-reach test is most often used.
Stretching is the best way to improve flexibility. And, most fitness experts recommend a daily routine of static stretches for each joint.
5.) Body composition
Body composition is the percentage of fat in your body compared to your lean body mass (muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, etc.).
Body composition is a better indicator of your overall fitness condition than body weight. So understand that your total body weight or what you see on your bathroom scale does not tell you how much fat or lean body mass (muscle) you have.
Body composition is useful in helping to determine health risks. Therefore, knowing your body composition and how it relates to your overall fitness level is essential. An optimal ratio of fat mass to lean mass is a clear indicator of good fitness.
Your body composition is a consequence of the extent that you perform the other components of physical fitness. In other words, when you improve the other four components, it will have a positive impact on body composition resulting in less body fat. Alternatively, when you have a high body fat content ratio, you are considered overweight or possibly obese. And, it negatively affects the other fitness components as well as your daily performance, your appearance, and your overall health.
There are several methods that can be used to calculate body composition. The best method is underwater weighing. But due to the expense, this isn’t practical for the everyday person. Incidentally, if you can go to a university or some other place that is set up to do it, it would be well worth your time to check it out. Therefore, the most common method of determining your body composition is skinfold readings – using skinfold calipers and taking measurements from certain areas of your body.
A regular program involving aerobic exercise and strength training can help you decrease your body fat and increase your muscle mass; and thereby, significantly improving your body composition and general overall health and fitness.
In conclusion, you now know that being fit is not just about being able to bench press a lot of weight, but you also need to know how well you can handle running a mile, for example, and a few other things. The key is that by understanding the 5 components of physical fitness, you’ll be better able to assess your fitness level and determine what specific health and fitness goals you’d like to achieve.
Where to Buy the Best Wooden Swing Set
If you are currently in the market for a wooden swing set, one thing has probably become evident – these products bear no resemblance to the swing sets you grew up with. The models available today are less like an old-time swing set and more like a playground, complete with slides, ladders, forts, and more. With so many variations to choose from, it can be difficult to make the right decision for your children. How can you know where to buy the best wooden swing set? In this article, we’ll give you some easy suggestions on where to buy a wooden swing set that fits the bill.
Before you jump right into making a decision, there are a few factors to consider. The first and most critical thing for you to determine is how much money you are willing to spend. Many of these new wooden swing sets cost thousands of dollars, while others can be had for a fraction of the cost. As with anything else, you get what you pay for, but it is probably best to have an idea of your price range before shopping. The second thing for you to keep in mind is the amount of space you have available. Many of the newer wooden swing sets take up quite a bit or room, and you will have to make sure that you have the yard space needed to accommodate one.
O.K., now that we have covered some of the preliminary concerns, let’s turn our focus on where to buy the best wooden swing set. Basically, you will either be buying your swing set from a retail chain store or from a specialty dealer online. Is there really any difference between the two? Well, that depends on what is important to you. While both options provide wooden swing sets that meet all safety standards, buying from a retail store might give you the additional option of installation. This is especially helpful for those of us who might not want the hassle of trying to build the swing set. So, which retail store has the best selection of wooden swing sets? While many retailers offer a few swing sets, Wal-Mart offers a huge selection of wooden swing sets made by several quality manufacturers. Names such as Backyard Venture, Gorilla, and Creative Playthings are all carried by Wal-Mart, and these names represent some of the very best in the wooden swing set business.
If you prefer ordering online, there are several different merchants that specialize in children’s swing sets. One such company is Detailed Play Systems, which gives you all of the necessary components to build your own wooden swing set. This company is especially good for those people who are handy, as you can save a lot of money by buying the lumber and doing the install work on your own. Another reputable dealer is PlayNation Play Systems. They offer a massive selection of wooden swing sets that come with everything you will need (even lumber) to construct your child’s swing set. In addition, the retailers mentioned above in Wal-Mart’s inventory also have web sites from which you can order.
These companies represent the cream of the crop when looking for a quality wooden swing set for your family. They use only tested and heavy-duty materials, which guarantee your children a fun and safe experience that they will enjoy for years to come.
Weightless Workout – Strength Training Without Equipment
Resistance training, also known as strength training, does not require a gym membership. It does not even require an expensive home gym. In this article, you will discover the secret of isometric training and its effectiveness for muscle growth.
Weightless Strength Training:
Still requires a warm-up, with stretching afterwards.
Still requires protein to increase musculature.
Can be more effective than lifting weights, because you can “max out”
Is safer than lifting weights, and can be done without equipment of any kind.
Requires just a bit of experimentation to determine proper position.
Consult your physician regarding chronic problems before starting.
Before and After
Just like lifting weights, you should always warm up before isometrics. This means a
light jog or other low-impact activity that will raise your heart rate and raise your
core temperature by a few degrees. This should last at least 5 minutes, preferably
10 or more. After this, you should do joint rotations. This is not a stretch, it is
preparing the joint for work by encouraging blood flow. Then, do the resistance
training. At the end, stretch all of the joints you have worked that day. Studies have
shown that stretching before strength training actually reduces the muscle’s
capacity, and does not prevent injury as was previously thought. Stretching after the
work out will protect the joint and prevent cramping.
Maximum Overload
Anyone who has done a little research into muscle growth knows that what triggers
muscle growth and strength gains is overload of the muscle. If you can do 20 reps
with 20 lbs, you’re exhausting the muscle, not overloading it. If you pile on 100 lbs,
and can only do 3 reps, this is ideal for lifting weights in a gym. But it is still not the
maximum overload possible. Your goal for the most efficient workout is to flex with
all your might during a partial rep (the range of motion where you can exert the
most power).
You can’t really accomplish maximum overload at all using conventional weights.
For one thing, you’d need a spotter to hand you the weights when you’re in the
optimum range, and you’d have to instantly get a perfect grip on them.
Furthermore, what weight do you use? You can’t be sure how much stronger you’ve
gotten since your last workout, if you put too little, you’re not maxing out, and if
you put too much you’ll drop it and risk muscle injury.
The answer is easier than you think. Get into the optimal range, then press (or push
or pull) on something immovable. You can exert your absolute maximum force, and
there’s no danger. That’s Isometrics: Intense muscle contraction at an ideal muscle
length without moving – because the muscle is acting against an equal force. About
10 seconds of maximum force is the most that anyone can sustain, so try to aim for
3 sets of 10 seconds for each exercise.
Ideal Length
Your muscles aren’t made to exert the same amount of force throughout their range
of motion. You have a weak range and a strong range. The ideal length for isometric
exercises is at the muscle length where you can exert the most force. It is different
for each muscle, and varies a bit person to person. For this reason, you may have to
experiment a bit by varying the positions I recommend below until you feel the most
force.
How do I perform weightless exercises?
Let’s start with the chest muscles, called the pectoralis (major and minor). Using
standard equipment in the gym, you would normally use a barbell bench press or a
dumbell flies. To convert this into an isometric exercise, you may think that you can
just do the same action against a wall, since the wall is immovable. But that’s not
true, because it’s really your legs that are pressing your hands into the wall, not
your chest. (Try it!) This would only work if you were in a narrow hallway, with one
wall against your back, and your palms flat against the opposite wall. That way
you’d be pressing with your chest. However, unless you’re 9 feet tall, most hallways
will be too wide for you. There are two practical ways to do the isometric chest
exercise: sqeezing an object (one that won’t be easily crushed) between your palms,
or pressing your palms together (since one side of your chest should be about the
same strength as the other, each arm should provide exactly the right amount of
resistance for the other arm).
For most people, the ideal muscle length for the pectoralis is nearly fully contracted.
If you were doing a standard dumbell flye or a bench-press, that’s the top of the
action, with the weight almost fully pressed away above your chest. So, when trying
to crush a wooden box between your palms, or pressing your palms together, your
arms should be nearly fully extended. You should have a small bend in the elbows,
and your wrists, elbows and shoulders should be level. Do not drop your elbows, or
you won’t be able to exert yourself as much, and you risk hurting your elbow joint.
Concentrate on flexing your chest as much as possible for 10 seconds, exhaling
slowly as you do. Then relax, and move on to your upper arms.
Once you understand the chest exercise, the biceps and triceps should be pretty
obvious. With palms together, press your writs together as in the chest exercise, but
this time with one hand facing up and the other down. The hand facing up will be
flexing the biceps, attempting to pull towards your chest. The palm facing down will
attempt to push away, flexing the triceps. Apply as much pressure as you can for 10
seconds, wrist to wrist (not into your palm or fingers, because that relies on your
wrist strength, which will limit the development of your biceps and triceps). Then
switch hands, and work the complementary muscle on the other arm.
The ideal length for the biceps is just more than half-way flexed. Make a “L” with
your arm, then flex it a little more. For the triceps, the ideal length with the arm at
almost full extension. This means that, for me, when I work my left biceps, my right
arm has to cross my chest. Unlike the chest exercise, both elbows should be
pointing towards the floor.
What about the shoulders or deltoids? For this one you will need a doorway, and if
you’re short, you’ll also need a stool. Simply stand with spine straight and legs
flexed, and press your palms into the top of the door frame for 10 seconds.
The biggest back muscle is the latissimus darsi, otherwise known as the “lats”. Still
standing in the doorway with your hands above your head from the previous
exercise, press your elbows into the sides of the door frame. The ideal length of the
lats is almost a full extension, so technically, the narrower the door the better. A
linen closet usually has a smaller door, so if you have one, use it.
If you’ve tried these exercises and feel the principles, you should be able to make up
weightless exercises for any muscle in your body. I personally cannot figure out an
isometric ab exercise without using special equipment, so if you can invent one,
please write me to tell me about it. Email: info@weightlessproducts.com”>info@weightlessproducts.com
Caution
The best part about the Weightless Workout is that it is so safe. If you ever feel pain
or discomfort you can stop immediately and not risk dropping a heavy weight on
yourself. You can just stop, and you should. Even the weakest elderly people can do
isometric exercises because your own muscles define how much work you do.
However, as with any other activity, there is a risk of injury, so consult your
physician, especially if you suspect that your muscles are stronger than your joints
or bones. Persons with osteoporosis can actually cause bone fractures because their
muscles exert more force than their brittle bones can take.
If you haven’t already, it would benefit you to read my previous article, Weight Training for Weight Loss?
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4 Day Bodybuilding Workout Plan
If a 4 day bodybuilding workout plan is too much for you, consider starting out with a two or three day plan. Keep in mind that you won’t get results as quickly with a fewer day workout, but if you need to start out slowly, it can still be effective.
Here is a sample three day workout.
Day 1 – Back, Chest, and Abs
Do three sets of 12-15 reps each.
- Bent over barbell row
- Stiff legged barbell dead lift
- Barbell bench press
- Incline dumbbell press
- Dumbbell flies
- Crunches
Day 2 – Legs and Shoulders
Do three sets of 12-15 reps each.
- Barbell squat
- Seated calf raise
- Front dumbbell raise
- Side lateral raise
- Upright barbell row
- Lunges
- Barbell squats
Day 3 – Biceps, Triceps, and Abs
Do three sets of 12-15 reps each
- Barbell curl
- Incline dumbbell curl
- Lying triceps press
- Barbell triceps extension
- Front dumbbell raise
- Dumbbell hammer curls
- Crunches
About an hour before your workout, you should eat some protein and carbohydrates. This is to make sure that you have enough energy to make it through your entire workout. By doing this, you are putting your body into an anabolic state that will provide the necessary energy and power to effectively work your muscles.
During training, there is increased blood flow to the muscles. When you consume protein and carbohydrates prior to a workout, your body can take advantage of that extra blood flow and work the muscles more efficiently.
Many people opt for a protein shake and a bowl of rice, but you can choose whatever foods you want to get what you need.
Controlling The Dangers Of Compressed Air
There are two concerns in safety when using compressed air. (Flying objects and the air itself) Horseplay has been a cause of some serious workplace accidents caused by individuals not aware of the hazards of compressed air. Some television shows have shown bad examples on the use of compressed air.
Compressed air is extremely forceful. Depending on its pressure, compressed air can dislodge particles. These particles are a danger since they can enter your eyes or possibly the skin. The potential damage would depend on the size, weight, shape, composition, and speed of the particles. There have also been reports of hearing damage caused by the pressure of compressed air and by its sound caused by the nozzle.
Compressed air itself is also a serious hazard. On rare occasions, some of the compressed air can enter the blood stream through a break in the skin or through a body opening. An air bubble in the blood stream is known medically as an embolism, a dangerous medical condition in which a blood vessel is blocked, in this case, by an air bubble. An embolism of an artery can cause coma, paralysis or death. While air embolisms are usually associated with incorrect diving procedures, they are possible with compressed air due to high pressures. The consequences of even a small quantity of air or other gas in the blood can quickly be fatal.
Although many people know using compressed air to clean debris or clothes can be hazardous, it is still used because of old habits and the easy availability of compressed air in many workplaces. Cleaning objects, machinery, bench tops, clothing and other things with compressed air is dangerous. Injuries can be caused by the air jet and by particles made airborne.
When compressed air cleaning is unavoidable, hazards can be reduced. Use the lowest air pressure that is still effective to handle the task. A “quiet” nozzle should be selected. Personal protection equipment must be worn to protect the worker’s body, especially the eyes, against particles and dust under pressure. Air guns should also be used with some local exhaust ventilation or facilities to control the generation of airborne particulates. The use of chip guards can deflect flying dust or debris, extension tubes will give the worker a safer working distance, or even air guns equipped with injection exhausts and particle collection bags are other options to consider in compressed air safety.
Dorian Yates
Dorian Yates is a man synonymous with bodybuilding, and one who proved that being intelligent goes hand in hand with the sport.
Admitting himself as a troublemaker growing up in Birmingham, England, Dorian Yates didn’t begin bodybuilding until the age of 20. “When I first began bodybuilding, I immediately knew it was for me,” Yates has said. “I read as much as I could about training, nutrition, and anything else that would help me succeed as a bodybuilder. Once I found the things that interested me, I’d give them a try in the gym.”
Even early in his career, he paid very close attention to which routines worked best for him, not just what other people told him he should be doing. “Through a lot of trial and error, I found the training system and diet that worked for me,” Yates said.
Yates has a lot of advice for young, beginning bodybuilders, too; something that has made many come to admire the man even more. “Training is not just about heavy weights. It’s also about really clean form, full mental involvement, and taking the muscles to the point of failure.”
There are certainly a lot of people who get into bodybuilding so they can look good on the beach and appeal more to the opposite sex. I’ll admit, that’s one of the reasons – probably the main reason – I started lifting weights myself!
But not Dorian. “I never walked around in a tank top and never wanted people to notice me or adore me. I didn’t ever build my body for that reason; I did it for myself.”
Bodybuilding truly is a sport!
Adding Muscle Mass and Size With Bodyweight Training!
Lifting weights three or four days a week is the typical way that guys seek to pack on muscle mass. If you can get to the gym on a consistent basis, you can develop a muscular physique.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to hit the gym regularly. Travel related jobs, family responsibilities, and unexpected schedule changes can cut into a personal workout regiment.
It definitely better to exercise more often, even every day to do something. Whether it taking the stairs or doing 50 push ups. However, if you want to build mass, it needs to be more structured than this. That is why it is important to integrate body weight exercises into any free weight exercise program.
Meet the real life alternative to a training regime that requires you to visit the gym every second day, that can be done fast, and in the privacy of your own home.
Body weight exercises are the exercise revolution that is making its comeback, and sweeping the world. Do you remember the honed and tones bodies of the boxers or strongmen of old. Did you know that the largest part of their exercise regime involved bodyweight exercises.
Skeptical? Try three of four rounds of chin ups, and report back, and if you’re still not sure add in some one arm push ups, maybe a few one legged squats and a back bridge.
In the gym, mass is usually achieved by performing compound exercises (exercises that work several muscle groups simultaneously) with heavy weight/low reps, often weights that are actually too heavy for you.
The most common gym exercises include squats, dead lifts, bench presses, shoulder presses, etc with lots of weight. Frequently tearing the muscles in the same place does add mass, and bulk you up but at what cost?
Now, if you only hit the gym on Saturday and Sunday, the resultant five day break limits the ability to maintain large muscle size. This is where bodyweight exercise training starts to look outstanding.
For two or more days during the week, it will be critical to perform either, or a combination of both high reps of some of the more challenging body weight exercises such as hindu push ups, and one armed push ups.
With a solid bodyweight exercises regime, performed regularly you will marvel at the increases in both upper body size, strength and muscular endurance.
Similarly, a routine of Hindu Squats, dynamic squats, and one legged squats will be excellent for lower body development, and increase strength, endurance and agility, as your smaller muscles get a much greater workout as they are challenged to stabilise your body.
If you’re training for greater strength, muscular endurance and muscle mass then bodyweight exercises are the way to go. If you want to develop a toned and strong core then have a look at Bruce Lee, a master in bodyweight exercises and one of the most formidable martial artists of the 20th Century.
Bodyweight exercises work, and they will work for you.
Pro Bodybuilders – What Are They Really Like?
Pro bodybuilders are bigger than most people they encounter on a daily basis. They likely feel like superman because they are the Alpha male in every room they enter. They have no problem making friends because almost every man wants to ally himself with the biggest man in the room. And the girls, well, they like muscles.
Pro bodybuilders are a smelly lot. It’s true. You cannot eat 500+ grams of protein per day with some serious flatulence. And being 250+ pounds when you’re supposed to be 170 means you’re going to do a lot of sweating.
Pro bodybuilders take bigger risks with their health than your everyday joe – but they are also much more aware of their bodies than most people. Their livelihood is their body, and they notice everything. Many people just shrug off symptoms because they’re simply not in touch with their bodies.
They live just as long as the rest of us. Usually. Some will pass away from the rigors of contest dieting and dehydrating, coupled with high drug use. But some everyday joes will die of heart disease in their late 30s thanks to their McDiet. Typically, they have the same life expectancies.
They are aggressive. In business dealings, in line at the grocery store, their artificially high testosterone levels do lead to them being a tad more feisty than their more-compliant, and less muscled, peers.
They try to avoid conflict. Sure, you have your jacked, test-ridden idiot who likes to make a scene for his own insecure purposes. But most are regular people like the rest of us, and the last thing they want in their life is drama (the law) being involved.
They hate scrutiny, even though they pose nearly naked on stages for strangers to evaluate them. They are continually being evaluated in daily life, and that does take a toll.
They are people just like everyone else. They have a job without a lot of job security. They know they’ll be changing fields in a few years. They’re always looking out for the next “new” guy dying to knock them off their perch. There are no guaranteed paychecks in competitive bodybuilding. Imagine a job where only the top 20% of employees got a paycheck, and the rest came to work for free. That is pro bodybuilding.
They are not rich. The top 20 bodybuilder in the WORLD make a good living from the sport. The rest use it as a means to catapult them into other moneymaking endeavors. Many are personal trainers or endorse supplements, but many work 9-to-5 jobs like most people.
They are hard workers. Many people will utter “all drugs…” at the sight of a bodybuilder. But it really does take years of hard work, disciplined eating, and avoiding many of the pitfalls which take away muscle gains (the fun things in life). They are disciplined, save for that small group of genetic freaks who grow giant muscle by simply walking past a gym.
Pro bodybuilders are just like the rest of us. They’re just a hell of a lot bigger.