This isn’t going to be the last self proclaimed natty exposed as not being a natty.

Bodybuilding is a sport. It’s not an endeavour that seeks to maximise longevity or improve health. There are competitions and arbitrary targets of an ‘ideal’ aesthetic. And like in every other sport, competitors will do insane things to win or have a shot at winning. Why are we surprised by this? And Instagram is a competition that rewards physiques. Nothing wrong there. Just don’t be surprised when you realise what it takes to win that game. 

I look nothing like a bodybuilder. 

Never aspired to it. And honestly, my genetics in terms of joint circumferences, muscle belly lengths etc are just the opposite of what it takes to create a good bodybuilder. 

But I’ve never prioritised the training outcome of aesthetic. I started off wanting bigger arms. But I’ve pivoted to enjoying training for the capacities it gives me. 

Don’t get me wrong. I am not advocating for body positivity sans reasonable body composition. 

Carrying more than 20-24 percent body fat for men feels unnecessary and counterproductive for good health. 

But the thing i enjoy most about fitness and training are the capacities that come with it. 

Be able to lift 150-160 kgs without a warm up, belts, straps or fuss. Those are not elite numbers. There are lots of people who can do it. But I want to be able do all of it without fuss or drama. 

Same goes for weighted pull ups, pushes, carries with double my bodyweight etc. 

A body capable of doing things. I’ll eat my protein, I’ll be measured with my energy intake and I’ll eat my veggies and multi-vits. I’ll sleep well. And I’ll train many times a week to get stronger and better at certain skills. 

But I refuse to agonise over my chest or bicep peak or having every striation of my quadricep be visible for a selfie. It feels absurd to me. You’re thinking that’s because you haven’t done it. True. I’ve gone as low as 14 percent body fat levels and stopped. It felt like needless agony. I am happy at 18-20 percent body fat levels. Just like I’ve also never wanted to play golf. It feels like a stupid waste of space, water, good metal and time. 

My point with all this is straightforward. You can turn strength training into a sport like bodybuilding. You can agonise over aesthetics, peaks, lighting, selfies etc. 

Or you can also chill and enjoy the capacities strength training enables. Strong legs, mobile and stable joints, capable midsection and an upper body that won’t struggle to throw, push, pull or carry. All this makes it easier it to work, run, hike, swim, play and carry things. Life just well lived.