Is Bodybuilding a waste of time? What Expert Says

Let’s face it, most of us didn’t get into bodybuilding to become scientists. We got into it to build muscle, plain and simple. So when someone asks us whether bodybuilding is a waste of time, our initial reaction is usually something along the lines of

“Hell no!”

But is that really the case? We decided to ask some experts to find out.

Introduction

Dr. Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., CNS, is a board-certified nutritionist and expert on bodybuilding and supplementation. He believes that bodybuilding can be a great way to improve your health, but only if it’s done correctly.

“If you’re doing lots of anabolic steroids and other drugs, then obviously it’s not good for you,” he says. “But if you’re eating right and training hard, then I think bodybuilding can be very beneficial.”

Dr. Mike Israetel, Ph.D., is a well-known sports scientist and professor at Temple University. He has also competed in powerlifting and bodybuilding himself, so he knows a thing or two about the subject. Dr. Israetel agrees with Dr. Bowden that bodybuilding can be helpful for your health—but only up to a certain point.

“I think anything done in moderation is generally going to be healthy,” he says. “So if you’re doing bodybuilding as part of a balanced lifestyle, then I think it can definitely have some health benefits.”

The Benefits of Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding can offer some amazing benefits both physically and mentally.

Physically, bodybuilding can help you build lean muscle mass, improve your strength and endurance, and help with weight loss.

In addition to the physical benefits, bodybuilding also has mental benefits. A recent meta-analysis found that resistance training can help improve cognitive function in older adults.

Mentally, bodybuilding can help improve your focus and concentration, boost your confidence, and reduce stress levels.

Moreover, bodybuilding can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. One study found that just eight weeks of resistance training was enough to reduce depressive symptoms in young adults.

Conclusion

If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, then bodybuilding can offer some amazing benefits both physically and mentally.

But if you’re not willing to put in the work, then yes, bodybuilding is a waste of time.

So ask yourself—are you willing to put in the work? If so, then get started on your journey today. If not, then that’s okay too.

There are plenty of other activities out there that can help you meet your fitness goals. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you when bodybuilding starts to look appealing again down the road!