Standing on stage wearing not much at all, darkly tanned muscles flexing in the bright lights – bodybuilders put countless hours into looking their muscular best.
Is it vanity, self-assurance or a search for some deeper sense of fulfilment that drives participants to parade their well-toned bodies to the world?
“The first few times you’re on stage, it’s terrifying. You feel incredibly self-conscious and quite honestly like ‘a bit of a dick’, ”explained Slade Walker, who’s been into bodybuilding for the last four years.
I mean you’re up there in your underwear, with a stupidly dark tan flexing your muscles in front of a panel of judges and spectators. But it is so much more than that – it’s about achieving your goals, overcoming your struggles and stepping out of your comfort zone."
As a single father to two young kids, it was his marriage breakdown that triggered a more intense interest in the gym – a place he had previously enjoyed a few times a week to stay fit.
Slade Walker decided to take up bodybuilding after a marriage breakdown Source: Supplied
“I needed a distraction and more importantly, a plan to stay mentally strong and present for my kids. I sorted out the best personal trainer to help me with a plan and to stay focused.
“My inspiration and drive came more from the philosophy that a healthy body equals a healthy mind. Also being surrounded by fit, positive and supportive people kept me engaged,” he said.
Bodybuilding athletes are judged on their overall physique, including the size of their muscles, muscle symmetry, their conditioning, and having the ‘correct’ proportion of upper and lower body musculature.
With the help of calorie-counting, a diet plan, his trainer and up to six gym sessions a week, soon after he upped his training, Slade was able to quickly beef up his physique.
In his first competitive season, he podiumed 17 out of 19 stage appearances at both State and National level, competing in the fitness model-sports model category of the ‘natural’ or drug-tested bodybuilding federations’ events.
Source: Nolan White - Ban Studios
“Fitness sports modelling is at the slighter end of the bodybuilding categories so I have not been accused of steroid use - much, plus the multiple drug tests that are mandated in the natural federations confirm my status.
“Unfortunately drug use is prolific not only in the non-tested bodybuilding federations but also amongst the general gym-going population,” said Slade.
It’s an assessment echoed by Dr Krissy Kendall, a lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science at Edith Cowan University in Perth, who is also a former science editor for Bodybuilding.com
“Unfortunately, steroid use is an issue in the sport of bodybuilding. Not all competitions require drug testing, making it easier for athletes to use steroids or illegal substances to enhance performance.
“The potential risks of using steroids include liver abnormalities, increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, heart problems, severe acne, increased risk of a muscle injury - due to the added stress on tendons, and drug dependence…just to name a few,” she said.
In subsequent seasons competing as a professional, Slade has won numerous national and international titles. He was the first and only fitness model athlete to win a professional title, including two world championships, in all four ‘natural’ federations.
Dr Krissy Kendall, a lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science at Edith Cowan University. Source: Supplied
“On the surface, most people think that doing a sport like bodybuilding is all about vanity, arrogance and being a roid-raging meat-head. Everybody admires the commitment and disciple it takes, but few understand the inner growth and positivity the industry cultivates.
“Just making it up onto the stage is an achievement in itself and if you actually make it onto the podium, it is exhilarating and incredibly fulfilling,” he said.
Preparation for a bodybuilding competition starts at least four months out from an event. A significant aspect of this is dietary management, which is not without its risks.
Dr Kendall said some competitors will drastically cut down their calories in the weeks and months leading up to a show.
Slade keeps to a strict diet, counts his calories and hits up the gym six times a week. Source: Nolan White - Ban Studios
“Short term, this can lead to greater amounts of fatigue, irritability, constant hunger, headaches, dizziness, and for women—loss of their menstrual cycle.
“For athletes who diet regularly, chronically low levels of calories can lead to disruptions in hormone levels, a decrease in bone mineral density—potentially leading to stress fractures, and a poor relationship with food which can lead to cycles of binging and purging,” she said.
There’s also the risk that high volumes of training coupled with a low-calorie diet can lead to disturbances within the body’s immune system, potentially leading to dangerously low levels of body fat—which can cause infertility and damage to major body organs.
“The bottom line is, serious bodybuilding is not a DIY sport, you must employ the right people to guide you through to stage,” said Slade.
This is something that Dr Kendall is keen to stress as well, as looking after your body is the key to both enjoying the sport and staying healthy afterwards.
“If you are brand new to the sport, I would recommend working with a coach who has a background in exercise science and nutrition,” she said.
“I’d also recommend having your body composition assessed and a resting metabolic rate test done prior to establishing a meal plan. This will help you and your coach design a diet that is suited to your needs and goals.
“As clichéd as it sounds, slow and steady will win the race - or at least keep you healthy in the long run!” she said.
Slade said staying fit has also helped him in his work and parenting life.
“My time commitment to bodybuilding has minimal impact on family life and if anything made me way more time-efficient and more productive with other aspects of my life.”
Phil Tucak is a Perth-based journalist and former WA Correspondent for SBS News and Living Black.
