Do you think body builders are generally more insecure?

[Anonymous]

Despite having “ideal” physiques, my experience has been that these guys are more insecure and usually single. To some degree it’s almost like their muscle mass is directly proportionate to their level of insecurity. Smaller guys I’ve dated usually seemed less desperate and more confident overall. Guys - do you agree with this opinion? If so, do you think they work out so much because they are insecure or do you think they’ve spent soo much time focusing on working out they’ve just neglected building on other parts of their personality/life?

[ak667]

Just in my limited experience bodybuilders are some of the coolest guys I've met with a very laid back personality. Many of the ones I've known though work at clubs as bouncers or security, and so they might have learned to be the bigger person from having to deal with belligerent drunks all the time, e. g.

Now I have seen some cases in the media of the types you describe who seem so into bodybuilding that it has taken over their entire lives. But the ones I've met and befriended aren't like that at all.

I've had a habit of befriending them since I'm not the biggest guy at 5'7. So I had a tendency when I was drunk to find the biggest guy I could spot in the vicinity and befriend him. Now I have a bodyguard! :-D

[ak667]

I think one of the things about bodybuilding that is rather constant is that it does have what appears an element of vanity to it, especially when you see bodybuilders posing and flexing in front of a mirror. But there's kind of a sense of detachment in many bodybuilders I've seen, like their body is their work of art. It's the canvas upon which they paint. They sculpt and shape it as they like (within their genetic limitations) to try to form it into the picture they have in their minds. So it looks very conceited when you see a bodybuilder posing, but it's almost like they've detached themselves from their bodies. Of course I'm talking about the serious ones and not the ego-lifting gym rat who talks big and puts others down.

[ak667]

Another bodybuilding stereotype is the idea that they're meatheads, and that's not true from what I've seen. I hope I don't offend bodybuilders but the serious ones are kind of "geeks" when it comes to fitness and nutrition, with a vast amount of knowledge and ideas on how to achieve results. They're rather scholarly, if I might say, at least in this one area. :-D

[furiousrat]

Well I've only gotten more confident since I started lifting, but I'm also a powerlifter and not a bodybuilder which means I only care about performance and not at all how I look. I don't really know if most people that work out are insecure, but I feel like most people who take the gym very seriously had a hard time during their early teens which is why they started lifting. So yeah maybe insecurity and bodybuilding are kinda commonly seen together but probably not for the same reason you might think

[WeirdoWerdo]

How much do u weigh? You might be competing with my cousin?

[furiousrat]

83kg

[WeirdoWerdo]

Maybe🤔 my cousin was 83kg back in August but caught a virus just before a competition and just recently recovered and back to full strenght and working out at max.

[furiousrat]

I know, I gave him the virus to sabotage his progress, gotta wipe out all the competition you know

i will win by any means necessary

[WeirdoWerdo]

Lol also depends on how tall u r? like 83kg and being 2m tall is worse than like a 83kg muscle fuck at 1.5m

[furiousrat]

well weight doesn't change what weight class you compete in, 83kgs will compete against 83kgs no matter what their height his. im 182

[WeirdoWerdo]

Yeah it won't change your weight class but your body takes it differently. The muscles would technically be shorter so. If u want to I can share my cousins public insta where he actually uploads about his porgress?

[furiousrat]

yeah do that, imma check him out

[WeirdoWerdo]

let me pm it ;(

[princessfromjupiter]

Well, they’re constantly in competition with other guys so I’d imagine that they might be more insecure unless they always come out at the winning end.

[azzntittiz]

They usually are, kinda sad and hilarious. I like a nice body but I'd like some self esteem with that shake,

[Benedek38]

What makes you think they care about your opinion?

[valualty]

And when women sadly women skimpy clothes and tons of make up and bust the line "oh i do it for myself" bitch please trust you to talk lol

[ImSoSquishy]

as a powerlifter currently training at a commercial gym, the vibe and feel of the people is completely different. from my experience training at gyms specialized for powerlifting, the people usually are more friendly, we're always just bouncing off tips, tricks, and techniques to each other all the time and motivating each other, and when people are struggling for a heavy rep, people will be like "LET'S GO!!! UPPP!!!" even if they don't know you they still fist bump you for a good rep or try and etc.

but at commercial gyms, it seems to me like most bodybuilders starts off as insecure people. some train every day and doesn't get anywhere due to the lack of knowledge about training and nutrition, not wanting to do research or seek help/advice. most people are just there to dick around and not actually training seriously. some will just creepily follow you around the entire gym and just stare at you without saying anything at all. but the ones that do get big (either as a natty or a steroid user), they usually seem to have a huge ego. they seem to feel like they're entitled to certain things now that they got somewhere with their physique, and some will they feel like they're better than the other gym members. there were many times where i'm just doing things based on my programming and minding my own business, then some bodybuilders will come and try to assert dominance, to show off, and get attention while using bad form, doing quarter/half reps, and grunting loudly for no reason while. the days use lighter weights to do speed squats, there's always one bodybuilder that will squat next to me, he will keep looking at me with a smirk like he's look down on me, while thinking he had bested me in his little one sided competitions to boost his fragile ego.

[LeoElias]

This. I fucking hate it too

[Benedek38]

1) Just as there are good powerlifting gyms, there are good bodybuilding gyms. Generally conventional gyms don't reflect either community. No need for a pissing contest.
2) There are plenty of people in conventional gyms who are cool, who help you, who like talking, take lifting seriously, etc... this is not exclusive to powerlifting. Again, you seem to be unnecessarily biased against bodybuilding.
3) A powerlifter talking about ego lifting and bad form? LOL.
You DO realise Oly lifters say the same thing about you, right?

[Haaps]

There is a lot of jealousy in these comments. I don't necessarily work out nearly as much to be considered a bodybuilder, but I can appreciate anyone who works towards bettering themselves and living a healthy lifestyle. Working out to get that physique takes a lot of time and effort, so naturally a relationship may not be a huge priority to them. This could be unhealthy based on how much time they work out or the reasons they are working out so much, but I will say it is highly addictive since you feel and look better which does help out with confidence and attracting women. They may seem more insecure because they spend so much time at the gym they forget how to talk to women, plus bodybuilders can be very competitive with each other since they're constantly comparing themselves to others which may make them more self-conscious.

[Jaximus-Lion]

I have to disagree with you here. I do workout a lot, am not a bodybuilder but in my surroundings i've met few and it's an achievement for them, they have a dream and they work hard to reach it. It has a good health benifits and a very nice life style. Few maybe started because they needed a self boost but not all of them. The mentality level for bodybuilders is fantastic, i've learned few things from them, self control, diets, how avoid haters and how to avoid injuries, 99% of these guys i met are extremlly friendly and nice they won't hurt a fly. It's like any other hobby that people have to do in their free time

[Mornin23]

I’m not a bodybuilder by any stretch, I’m 6’4” 240, but no, not at all. I personally feel a hell of a lot more confident since gaining the weight, and the actual bodybuilders I know, who are basically the guys I work out with at my gym, are chill, helpful, and strong as a fucking ox. I would assume that, like me, anyone putting on mass like that would be extremely confident in themselves, but I guess that perhaps being around a bunch of other people doing the same thing can make you feel average in comparison. Also worth noting that these guys might be focusing way too much on their imperfections, which I like to think that most people do, rather than admire the bodies they’ve built for themselves.

Interesting question for sure. Not something that I ever really considered.

[Banyan]

This is the thing. Very few people do things for the right reason. Many, many people, are just in that dick measuring contest to be the best in the room. Their security is tied directly to how the outside world perceives them. People who are like this would naturally be more inclined to try and gain positive reinforcement to try and combat those feelings. They never however, atop to consider that they need to be doing it for themselves. Confidence is grown, not bought. It is something we all tend to by the substance we put into it. Some people don't get that, and try to get it from the store. But it just don't work

[SngBirdy]

What are you saying? The confidence and respect from going to the gym is not earned?

[Banyan]

No, I am saying that confidence from others is secondary. Others praise will only ever be circumstantial to our own confidence, it can never BE our confidence. People go in and earn that pride, but they forget to cash it in for themselves

[SngBirdy]

Sorry, i dont try to annoy you. But i still dont understand.
Can you rephrase it? Im serious

[Banyan]

No I'm not annoyed. I just see people, after all the hard work they put in, looking for others to recognize them. They want someone to say, "holy shit" when they walk into a room, be intimidated, or comforted by their strong presence; they want their work to be acknowledged by those around them. Want is even too weak of a word, they rely on that recognition for their pride. Rather than becoming internal, and appreciating themselves regardless of what others think. They use recognition as a platform for their esteem, rather than a bonus from it.

[SngBirdy]

Okay, you seem like a smart guy so i think you are going to understand what im going to tell you now (atleast to some degree).

" and appreciating themselves regardless of what others think"
"they rely on that recognition for their pride".
And you do too, and everyone else. Out of all the things you could have done with your body, you picked the one thing that is universally seen as attractive and is respected. There is a direct connection with how you feel about building muscle, and how other people feel about it.
You tell yourself you only do it for yourself, and you do it because you, yourself think it looks good or it makes you feel good. Now tell me, is it a pure coincidence, that everyone on this world thinks the same as you? Do you think you would be proud of going to the gym, becoming stronger and getting muscly, if it wasn't seen as attractive and respected by the entire world?
Why is it that, that going to the gym and building muscle makes you feel good (cont...)

[SngBirdy]

and not, being 100 lb of just skin and bones, or 300lb of fat. Why is it precisely going to the gym, and being strong.
I ask again, do you think its coincidence that that very thing you choose to do with your body, is universally seen as attractive and is respected? Do you think thats pure coincidence, and these two things have nothing to do with each other.

Another question is, why do people lie. Why do people feel so ashamed of admitting that they want to look pretty for other people. Why are people so ashamed of admitting that being respected by other people, males or females, makes them feel good and happy. What is wrong with that? We are humans. We are by far one of the most social animals on this world. Why does everyone think, pretending to be a badass lone wolf, who doesn't care about the people in his sorrounding, makes him look so special, or strong, or awsome (or whatever it is that he tries to achieve with saying that)

[Banyan]

You're right, Im not pure in my intentions. Im looking for others praise as well. And so is everyone else to a degree. But you don't have to just, embrace that. You reduce it as much as you can, everyday, working for yourself to the highest degree. And tbh it's not a coincidence, people like it, and people take pride in it, because it is a good thing. It is inherently hard, and rewarding, and that's easy to see from an inside and outside perspective. And you're right, a lot of people over romanticise hyper independence, but hyper dependence is equally as bad. We have to decide what we do for others, and what we do for ourselves. And make sure that it's not unhealthy.

[SngBirdy]

Yes i know what you mean. Its not a black or white thing. Its not 100% "i do it for myself, i dont care about others", and its not 100% "my happiness entirely relies on how other people see it".
BUT, there very key foundation, or base, to gaining happiness, attractivness and confidence from going to the gym and getting fitter, is that its universally seen as something attractive, and something to have respect for.
Because if that wasn't the case, then everyone would just try to be fat or skinny. But thats not what we strive for. The general opinion about muscles and strength, is the very reason why people strive for it in the first place.

As i said before, you seem like a smart guy and i can see you are. But its just so cringy and chidlish to see, how stubborn and ignorant people are in this matter. How hard they try to convince you that they dont care about anyone or anyones opinion. As if they are going to look so cool and tough because of that.
Nice chatting with you

[SngBirdy]

"they’ve spent soo much time focusing on working out they’ve just neglected building on other parts of their personality/life?".
It doesn't work like that. When you go to the gym, everything about your personality starts growing too.
You dont stay an imbecile child while you look like a grown and strong man. This just doesn't happen with most people.

And if a bodybuilder is an asshole, he was an asshole before he started lifting.
If you are a nice and intelligent person, you'll be a nice and intelligent person even with 18inch arms.
Neither me or any of my friends changed one bit after going to the gym. We are literally 100% the same people as we were before.

[ManOnFire]

I definitely agree with this and it has always been my own philosophy as well. If these guys really thought they were the bomb they wouldn't be so worried about their size - penis size as well - and wouldn't need to put other guys down either. When you're really content with yourself, you don't want or need to looklike that.

[Mikhania]

Well spoken👏🏼

[ManOnFire]

@Mikhania ✌

[BeMuse]

I think guys that are ectomorphs tend to be somewhat insecure. They’re the scrawny ones growing up, it takes longer to build muscle mass for them than a typical mesomorph, and they tend to take more crap from other guys. The ones that want it bad enough though get big over years sometimes decades and end up more defined/cut. Not everyone that lifts weights and gets big is like that though.

[SelfishGuy]

I don't know really. I mean I am not a body builder but... I still can't talk to girls without breaking a sweat (yes, Im 33).
I mean body building should make them more confident. Or may be because they are insecurity drove them to body building.
Anyways I think insecurities stem from past experiences and personalities. I am an ENFP-A so I always worry too much what other people is thinking, so I can never reach my 100%.

[englisc]

I don't think so. Some probably are insecure, many of them suffer with body dysmorphia actually which os a disorder similar to anorexia. Anorexic people, no matter how skinny they are, always look in the mirror and see themselves as being too fat. For those bodybuilders who suffer with this it's the opposite - no matter how big they are, they always think that they're too small.

But I've known many bodybuilders and most of them aren't insecure.

[Kurαȷ]

No, I certainly do not agree with this opinion.
Fit people tend to represent highest quality of people I have ever met.
There is the occasional meathead, but most of them are driven, successful people who approach all the other areas of their life with as much dedication and discipline as they do with their physique.

[Trolloween]

It depends, there are guys who work out a lot because they are really insecure, either just the way they look or sometimes they were bullied by their dad's and its some manifestation of a shield. But then others just want to look good and will do martial arts or some other sport and are more confident because they can protect themselves. I think yes it's mostly insecurity driven, the same media hype that affects everyone about looking perfect on social media etc

[Dtegesd123]

Yeah I feel those really jacked guys at the gym who are not athletes, models, etc are probably poor. They literally spend every waking moment of their life thinking about their physiques. A lot of them also develop the condition of body dysphoria. For some reason those 5'6 guys think walking around at 200 pounds ( 6% body fat) is not enough mass.

[steveguitar]

I think that it starts as a goal, to have gigantisaurus muscles. I don't understand the logic behind it, maybe it's being able to lift heavy things, how come they aren't professional movers?

Also I wouldn't call this physique ideal. More likely has just one purpose. Besides have you seen what these guys have to put in their bodies? Powdered protein, they eat like a hungry monster, also they don't seem to do much else. They can count numbers in singular progressions very well.

[MusicMayhem]

This reeks of judgement. Being single doesn't mean someone is insecure. Body builders are more likely single because they are focussing on their hobby and have better things to do than chase girls. They have a goal and are working hard towards that as that makes them happy. I think that's admirable. Many people lack their drive and commitment.

[Anonymous]

It’s an extremely vain and obssessive sport. But it is a SPORT. These guys sacrifice a lot to get that. You have to respect their ambition. It’s not like they are decoting their life to being a drug dealer.

I’m a former pro fighter. Most people would care about the surface, when I was on the spotlight. They don’t know they hours of sacrifice, pain, sweat, tears that went on in the background.

What drove me nuts is often would find girls who got way turned on at first when they found out I did that. Then they thought I was supposed to magically have all the time and energy in the world while training.

[CornKing]

Coming from a recovering anorexic who is getting into bodybuilding at home, yes generally people who put a lot of emphasis on appearances will always be insecure no matter how good looking they become even when they feel and know they're better than most they will still never feel good enough, or at least that's my experience so far with an obsession of appearance which I'll probably never get over

[SngBirdy]

Every single human on this planet is insecure about their appereance.
The second you wake up in the morning and take a look at your face in the mirror, you are insecure.

[ClauseViter]

Well body building as a sport is very superficial, they aim to inflate the musculature but the neglect the overall joint health of the body, the rarely stretch, the motor patterns they develop are mainly non functional and don't translate well to other sports. But that's because people don't revere their exercise, look at the difference between a gymnast and a 'body builder', watch their performance, study how they train, you'll see a huge difference in understanding.

[NerdInDenial]

Part of it is that they put in so much work and if their results are not the best, it seems their hard work amounted to nothing. Thus, they become insecure. Also, what you see as perfect is not to them. They see the flaws. There is a correlation where body builders tend to have body dysmorphia.

[acstyles]

You rarely see someone building their body and personality at the same time. It's either this or that. They focus on one thing. And maily bodybuilders take lots of steroids and hormones which causes them depression whocj leads them to feeling insecure and unsafe around people. All they want is to be in good shape. It's really sad tho.

[valualty]

Bodybuilders build muscle to enter contests and compete with other bodyduilbers so you can say that they're perfectionists and critical of how they look because it's a subjective. Insecure is the wrong word maybe they're never complacent.
Now if you're talking about Somrone who just lifts and eats to show off and be recognised as "mr super hero" then you can make an assessment on whether they are or not insecure.

[LeoElias]

Definitely insecure. All they think about is getting ripped, it's an obsession. They don't want to be skinny weak bitches. They can be pretty chill sometimes but I had a group lunch with a bodybuilder where he needed to count the micro and macros in his food to make sure he hits his daily goal. In my mind I just thought about eating fucking food and not caring as much as he did

[JackJPershing]

There are three types that I have encountered:

1. The insecure. They are the type who ridicule newbies who are trying to get fit.
2. The vain. They are complete narcissists.
3. The guys who like working out. This is the vast majority whom I've met. They give tips and encourage others.

[Sixgun77]

Body builders, im not sure about. I don't know any, and it seems like kind of a boring competition.

Strength athletes, on the other hand are not body builders, they develop strenth that's useful in everyday situations. The ones I've met through my friend (who competes) have all seemed pretty cool and well adjusted.

[Northern_star]

i am one. listen, i think many of us only does this thing because its healthy both for our body and our minds. not because we wanna live up to something.. ablit insecurities: I don't know. i've met so many people in the gym that had as much as did not, im not sure of correlation.

[Anonymous]

A lot of body builders are body builders because they are insecure. A friend of mine who was a bodybuilder actually had his penis enlarged so he could feel more secure in the lockeroom. I mean he says it doesn't get any bigger but just hangs at its erect length

[denis94]

I dont think so. It might have happened just that one case to you. However my friend who has worked good on his body was inspired from his nipples. He had females hormones and looked really bad, but after hard working his niples dont look bad now and he has become fully muscular.

[NapKweenNinteyFive]

I guess it’s the same reason women workout to get a bigger butt and work on themselves. To look good and feel good. I have met body builders who have insecurities but then again don’t we all?

[Logorithim]

I have a hard time believing that accomplishing a lot of success like that in Building up your Body wouldn't generate confidence, and I'm a skinny guy myself.

[Selina_Kyle_]

I guess it depends on why they do it? I know some guys just do it for their personal ego, but not to show off to others. They want to do it to look better for themselves.

[Ellie-V]

Probably. I wouldn’t blame them, they look ugly as hell.

[ChgzDaniel]

Truth! After dating muscle-bound guys I have noticed that it's like they are building armour to cover up their feelings.

[abc3643]

https://youtu.be/q7gzmoqmL7g

[stormbreaker06]

I've heard bad things about that gym

[Decentguy]

I dont know what bodybuilding has to do anything with that, Im doing bodybuilding since more than 7 years , its my passion, im making a career in it. im a certified trainer and im a gym trainer, and im not insecure about anything at all

[ArabianPwincess197]

Not really, I think it depends on the person - some guys are just into fitness the same way some girls love makeup

[stormbreaker06]

Of course and they took action to make them self feel and look better rather than stay home and eat popcorn all day.

[avalonbob]

there's got to be something wrong there. They look deformed. Maybe I'm just jealous.

[Pamina]

I more often than not get that impression from them, yes.

[emmily2396]

They are not desperate. They may be shy, introverts, but that doesn't mean they are not confident. They are just minding their own business.

[red324]

I'm 5' 4" 120 pounds. in my opinion she either likes me or she doesn't. I'm not going to hit the gym just for a girl.

[englisc]

You shouldn't hit the gym for a girl, but you should for yourself.

[ALGuez01]

Ask her out and you will find out... Good Luck

[red324]

@englisc I had a good amount of muscle mass a few years ago. Unfortunately have a core body injury from overuse, so I can use my muscles line I used to.

[BrittBratt2416]

I think so, the obsession with getting bigger muscles is bit much.

[Pizza_lover159]

No. They work because they have the motivation. Saying about someone to put work in his own body is insecure is the same as saying Overweight people are confident.

[sp33d]

Why would they be? They have a lot to show for their efforts. I'd say that sense of fulfilment or accomplishment has positive influence on their self-confidence.

[kitty71]

I also believe they are insecure and they put this mask that are their muscles to really know their security issue

[Piteka5]

I don't think so, but the recent surge at gyms has been linked to the recession of 2008, people compensated the lack of money with looking good

[Asker]

That’s really interesting. I’ve never heard that.

[Piteka5]

It was a study a saw, I got access to all sorts of data bases im college and I have free time on my hands, the recession has always been a topic of interest

[Guardian412]

Some of them are. Others are simply building to show to themselves they can go beyond their limits.

[Notabadguy]

i know a guy who started body building to attract girls and have worked out for him

[FakeName123]

People who are hyper-focused on their looks usually are insecure.

[Leviathan_Charmer]

But that's not why.. but... Fuck. You may be right..

[Cask23]

Let’s flip the question - are fit athletic females insecure?

[SketchForger]

I don't body build, but I at least want to have a trained body, and enough of a muscular shell to prevent injury via assault.

[BeyondPlusUltra]

That's just how most passionate people end up. They leave almost everything behind and develop only their passion.

[monkeynutts]

You are probably attracting the wrong guys, the maturity issue may have nothing to do with body building.

[bladedshard]

I found that girls find athletic guys more attractive and when i started going to the gym i felt happy exercising and forgot about girls completely.

[worldscolide]

I think its because the vast majority of them due to steroid use have incredibly tiny cocks.

[Danny_dan92]

I think what makes people insecure is that they have shit to lose

[Anonymous]

All of them that I know are insecure. They also have little weewees

[Anonymous]

No I found they are usually over confident haha
Not into them at all.

[Anonymous]

I ve never dated a bodybuilder... i think they care about their body and muscles more than anyone else

[Anonymous]

In general, I think it holds true, yes. Overcompensation.