Strange exercises, are they the secret?

Another gym phenomenon that everyone at least witnesses once is some member, often being assisted by a trainer, is performing a bizarre and often dangerous looking exercise. Most likely, that poor creature is being misled in his or her belief that new is always better and this particular form of movement is a breakthrough. Well, not quite so. Bodybuilding hasn't really changed since 1950 , the basics still work . However, in our fast-paced world, new sales gimmicks need to be invented every month to fill magazines , websites etc. Don't get fooled by the hype, as Arnold Schwarzenegger said:" Consistency, not novelty is the key to success".

Stick to squats,they worked well for my legs.

" Das interessiert mich wirklich nicht" or I really don't care

This fabulous quote from a german soccer star was brought to my attention by one of my friends during a recent training session. The more I thought about it, the more it became clear that this is a great way to lead a bodybuilding existence.
Does that mean we should all become social retards? Not at all, but let's face it : bodybuilding requires a lifestyle that is somewhat uncommon and requires certain sacrifices(Why can't you eat like other people? Why won't you have a drink?). Truth to be told " normal" in our society very often equals unhealthy and it is sometimes necessary to take a stand. So in that sense, the next time someone asks you " Why are you so obsessed with working out? Why can't you be like a normal person?" just politely smile and think to yourself " Das interessiert mich wirklich nicht".

A new year.....

So 2008 is upon us, the gym is full of newbies and the news-years-resolution crowd is occupying the flat bench for 4 straight hours. One has to wonder, what is it all about? Are we as bodybuilders engulfed in a self-possessing act of vanity? Vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas, as the bible puts it.
And yet, it is not an all meaningless physique cult. First of all, a bit of vanity can be healthy for the individual and the environment. Secondly, not only bodybuilders are vain, why else would John Edwards be getting 400$ haircuts?
But most importantly, bodybuilding is not just lifting weights and eating chicken with rice. It is also about interacting with people you have nothing in common with but the the love of the iron. Training is a great way to bridge social and cultural gaps, since it is the common denominator. You be surprised by the friendships you might build.
So keep training hard and save those newbies from doing 20 sets of curls and no squats!