The internet is now at a point where anyone can write a paper, make a blog, make a youtube channel, post on a forum, or pretty much put their ideas out there to the public in every way imaginable. This is extremely positive in some ways! In bodybuilding, you’ll find the younger generation trying to pick a major at their college based on their passion for bodybuilding, but there is no course that will lead directly to bodybuilding. So, fields like anatomy and physiology, dietetics, and other degrees become the main choice for these students! As the years of college pass they begin to realize that this formal education is extremely important but is rather a broad overview of what they really want, which is geared towards our small population of bodybuilding. That is where the internet comes in! Formal education is the base we all need to have, but when you want to specialize your field, the internet becomes a great tool! Tremendous minds like Dr. Scott Stevenson, Dr. Brad Schoenfield, Dante Trudel, and many others have article upon article written to help you further your “bodybuilding specific” education. You can learn from the top minds for free instead of the massively high cost of university education (even though you do need both.) But for this single positive aspect, remember what I said, ANYONE can post anything they want to online. So for every Dr. Scott Stevenson thats out there, there are thousands of no name posters that can write anything they want. While you have those top guys utilizing real world application such as Dante Trudel adding 50+ lbs of lean tissue on to people or Dr. Scott Stevenson who backs up almost every claim with a dozen or so references, you still have those few people that can argue those claims and make articles about how their program or viewpoint is superior (when in many cases, they are just internet no names that like to cause trouble because they have nothing else to do in their lives.) This obviously makes social media for the purpose of learning good and bad, as there is somewhat of an “information overload” happening, where the uninformed do not know who to believe.
Now for the aspect of social media that again is double edged sword…Instagram and Facebook. In terms of how its helped bodybuilding, I think thats pretty clear. Back in the day people had to wait weeks to find out who won a contest or who was competing in which show. Essentially the polar opposite of today where we can see live streaming videos, pictures, and results immediately after or even while the event is still taking place! Thats pretty cool right?! Bodybuilding has begun to gain more popularity because its becoming less and less of a sport that hides in the dark, but rather, a sport that has been walking into the light. This has caused bodybuilding to open new divisions which drives more business and eyes to the sport which again, simply enhances the sport! But, for as great as social media has been for the actual growth and coverage of bodybuilding, once again we run into an issue. Sadly, this issue I feel sometimes takes over and is more discussed than all the good social media has done for bodybuilding. This issue is typically labeled “Instagram or youtube famous.” This is where someone who may or may not have ever competed before, has an even bigger following than some of the professionals on the circuit. But it still goes further than simply having more followers. These “stars” are once again decimating information that is typically just flat out wrong. Even worse is their ability to only show the highs of their life and never the lows. This leads to people having unrealistic expectations. This is most commonly seen by the “star” that apparently is shredded year round and eats whatever he wants. But what most people dont understand is that that is simply not reality. The reality of the situation is that he dieted down, took thousands of pictures, and simply uses those to post throughout the year to keep their business relevant and to put on a persona to the public. To make matters worse, some of these guys flat out lie. By the amount of articles I’ve written you all know I am completely unbiased on whether or not someone chooses to be natural or enhanced. Thats a personal decision and as long as your honest about it then to me, it doesn’t make a difference. But some of these guys will literally use contest prep type cycles JUST to end up taking these pictures for their business. They will essentially abuse gear simply to put on a false persona to the public. To me, thats not right. That aspect of bodybuilding is usually taboo to discuss but again, its the reality of our sport.
As I’m sure you can tell, I could write on and on about social media and bodybuilding as this hasn’t even scratched the surface of what is really going on in some situations. But, I can say that no matter how long I talked about this matter, the end conclusion would be the same. Social media has helped and hurt bodybuilding for a variety of reasons and its your job to stay positive and focus on the positive aspects of that and simply avoid the negatives. With the amount of internet trolls there are on social media you need to learn to have thick skin if you plan on being on social media in the bodybuilding community. So stay positive, use social media for good and not selfish or evil purposes, and help to expand bodybuilding by not bringing each other down or putting out poor information.
Alex Kikel
MS, PES, CPT, Speed and Explosion Specialist Level II
Owner of www.theprepcoach.com
]]>In a society propagated by social media and instant gratification, the concept of substantial, visible results are a lure to those whorish for attention. That is not to say every participant falls into this category as bodybuilding has existed in some form or another for the better part of a century preceding the advent of the Internet. There is, however, no refuting the correlation between the growth of online socialization and the growth of muscular interest. Unfortunately, the use of this new technology within the industry has birthed a warped perspective of the bodybuilding lifestyle. It is disheartening to watch the “Drugs and Butts” of Instagram take precedent over the “Blood and Guts” of the 1990’s. While the dwindling number of draconian diehards forge iron in their under-furbished torture chambers, a new breed of “lifter” has emerged. These commercialized sikkunts have infiltrated the bodybuilding scene with excessive hair gel and cutoff tank tops that wouldn’t pass for a bench towel. What has prompted an entire underground culture to surface as a flamboyant display of manbuns and Gym Shark apparel?
For all of its many benefits, social media often misrepresents, or falsifies, the lives of industry figures. While the populace may feel they are gaining insight into the day-to-day activities of these athletes, they are merely fed excerpts of a much more complex storyline. What is made visible to the public eye is a calculated strategy of hashtags, filters, and image choices. Seldom are followers privileged to seeing the less glamorous aspects of mass acquisition. The use of regimented training, precisely calculated nutrition, and performance enhancing drugs is often downplayed or vehemently denied. Pump sets, cheat meals, and claiming natty, however, have struck a chord with casual gym-goers across the Internet. These individuals are particularly susceptible to unscrupulous marketing tactics and for them it is far too enticing to reject an acronym laden PopTart plan. Although they may have convinced themselves that cookies don’t count, the truth of the situation is that this subset is merely in love with the idea of bodybuilding, but revile the necessary applications involved.
Similarly, a common fallacy is the notion of finding motivation. Certainly, there is a lot of quality content that can assist in strengthening a preexisting mindset, but the idea of discovering an outside force to coerce an otherwise unwilling participant is flawed at best. Motivation is a pure intangible that must come from within oneself. To develop a God-like physique for the purpose of impressing others will inevitably result in continued self-dissatisfaction and, ultimately, the total abandonment of such a pursuit. The very nature of bodybuilding is a selfish one and the extreme rigors required of it will break the will of any who do not fully embrace its difficulties. Passion is the greatest driving force in any endeavor and it is this very passion that removes limitation to afford new opportunities in achievement. The tools and knowledge can be obtained with a simple search on Google, but the desire to overcome adversity is internal.
This changing of interests within the industry has incited concerns over the longevity of open-class bodybuilders. As trends ebb and flow with the tides of society, bodybuilding purists will stay the course and continue to push the boundaries of physical development. Their steel determination cannot be weathered and is the deciding factor in what will preserve this elite group amidst “aesthetic’s” sudden rise in popularity. As is true in all aspects of life, complacency is the nemesis of progress. Take a position to challenge yourself with new experiences and discomfort.
]]>One of the downfalls of social media’s ability to market supplement companies is the saturation of the supplement industry. You see a lot of these companies sprout at bodybuilding expos yearly and by the next year vanish, or if they are lucky, they stick around for a few more years. Various people, including myself, advocate for entrepreneurship and for people to live their dreams by creating their company. However, to be successful in the supplement industry, you have to provide value to your consumers. Countless companies who benefit from social media outlets hurt the business of the supplement industry by proving quantity rather than quality products. Even though some companies have the great work ethic to launch their products and establish their brand, if their product lacks the proper ingredient composition to produce results and taste well at the same time, then the company will likely not be around for much longer.
Now, for prudent and respectable supplement companies, the impact of social media can be beneficial, however, if they are not proactive then it can be detrimental. In the past few years various companies have emerged and as a result, have made the incoming revenue unpredictable and inconsistent. For this reason, now more than ever, supplement companies are now mindful of who they sponsor and their athlete’s reputation. Whomever the corporation chooses at their athlete, it is imperative for him or her to be active and engage with fans to establish a lucrative atmosphere that not only promotes the company but themselves as well. As the supplement industry has evolved, it has become evident that an athlete is not a trophy wife. Athletes must pull their end of the contract to be of value and produce for themselves as well as the company. If the commitment is not present, then their value decreases and the athlete becomes nothing more than a lagging muscle within the company.
Sponsored athletes need to be mindful of networking and establishing great relationships amongst athletes in their industry. Social media has allowed athletes to interact amongst each other and collaborate to develop or promote their brands. However, these interactions or relationships can create several drawbacks. Sponsored athletes and supplement companies are easily accessible to not only their fans but the fans of other athletes as well. If relationships among sponsored athletes and their fans take a turn for the worse, then social media warfare is inevitable. As a result, blemishes emerge not only on the athlete but on the supplement company he or she represents. In the 20th century, this would not have been an issue but as the supplement industry has evolved the impact of social media has been felt. Those who follow the bodybuilding/supplement industry understand the repercussions of an Order 66, fake weight claims, and racist comments. Therefore, being proactive, consistent, and honest is imperative to establish a loyal fan base that respects the athlete and the supplement company he or she represents.
Overall, the impact of social media on the supplement industry is both positive and negative while favoring those who are proactive and adapt to the constantly evolving industry. Supplement companies who are not tech savvy or do not use social media are at a disadvantage as the targeted market has developed a new ideology. Many of the consumers today receive their information from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Snapchat. Those who are unaware of this will lose in the industry. In the foreseeable future, this trend will likely continue, however, new trends are always emerging, therefore, it imperative to be attuned to the targeted market to develop new strategic plans to reach the consumer and win in the industry.
By: Robert E. Salazar MS (candidate), RDN
]]>Join Redcon1 as we interview retired Navy Seal Brandon Cruz and his wife Tessa Cruz. Brandon shares with us his outlook on life, stories from his time at B.U.D.S. and how to “Aim for the bushes”
]]>Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD), created to be the most efficient carbohydrate supplement for high demand training.
From an organic chemistry stand point, in most cases the more branched a compound is the longer it takes to be broken down… Compared to a single linear compound a highly branched compound will take longer to digest. So why in the hell would you want that for a workout?
BENEFIT 1:
Cluster Dextrin reduced the release of stress hormones induced by physical activity, far more than glucose, which in turn reduces the depredating effect of vigorous exercise. Meaning an improvement in overall athletic performance by limiting the negative effects of rigorous exercise.
BENEFIT 2:
Test subjects reported their level of exhaustion to be notably lower when using HBCD, compared with maltodextrin. This was also reinforced by blood samples, in which HBCD group exhibited higher blood sugar levels.
BENEFIT 3:
Due to the fact that HBCD does not break down as rapidly in the small intestine you will not get a steep rise in blood sugar and insulin response which means your body will continue to burn fat and will not have a dramatic drop in blood sugar resulting in an energy crash. It’s higher molecular weight offers the ideal interaction between carbohydrate breakdown and the normal release of free fatty acids. Resulting in superior carbohydrate absorption/endurance.
BENEFIT 4:
When Cluster Dextrin forms the energy foundation of a sports drink, its high-solubility and fast gastric emptying time bring it rapidly to the small intestine.
A carbohydrate supplement with an expedited transit time into the small intestine with a slower and sustained rate of breakdown will provide the best carbohydrate source to push you to new levels.