Bodybuilding: journey and therapy

Today was a great day! The gang hammered out a no-holds-barred leg workout with dumbbell lunges with 90s and a stacked leg press. All reps were done using full range of motion, of course. No half reps here. I had a bit of a harder time since I was completely carb depleted but my friends and training partners pushed me through.

Afterwards, we all felt great and very accomplished. But did we really achieve?

The quest for a better body never stops, there is always the next meal, the next workout. So why bother?

Because the journey is what makes it great. The people you meet, the workouts you have and the way your body changes, these are the moments to cherish. After your next great workout, soak in that feeling and try to remember it the next time you don't feel like lifting heavy.

To me, bodybuilding is my life, my therapy and my defense against the outside world. It helps me overcome my insecurities and deal with everything life might throw at me.

For my part, I am very grateful to be able to pursue such a great endeavor.

Responsibility

Scott Gerst . All rights reserved

Is it just me or is someone else also getting annoyed at the inherent lack of responsibility during this crisis? I am not calling to bring the guillotine back, but it is obvious that a large number of people (politicians, regulators, bankers, brokers) slept on their watch, and yet it seems that this meltdown just happened. It would be nice if some people actually delivered a mea culpa (and a strategy going forward).

What does this have to do with bodybuilding? Well, the way Citigroup should accept their flaws and toxic assets, you need to shoulder the burden when it comes to your body. When I look back on last years shows, it becomes clear that my not-so-good placings weren't the results of bad calls from the judges but it was my fault not to bring a better physique to the stage. The camera and an honest friend are your best tools, if you are serious about your physique.

The truth hurts but it is the only way to improve. As you can see from the attached picture I do not intend to make the same mistake twice. Spring 2010......