Muscularity in itself is usually not a controversial subject. For a man to be considered muscular, is not an uncommon sight. Although, adorning extreme muscularity is not something you see on a daily basis, for men, it's more accepted and validated. Women, on the other hand, have a much tougher time with acceptance if they carry extreme muscles on their frames. It's been a volatile topic for many years but even in today's day and age, the topic is still known to create just as much of a stir as it ever has.
Anyone who is in tuned to the sport of bodybuilding knows of its double standards. In competition, criteria changes from show to show. You never really know what the judges will be looking for each year, you just have to make sure that you train as hard as you can, leaving nothing on the table. When it comes to the pro shows, of course, money is involved. You diet and train for several months to become as big, as ripped and as muscular as you possibly can because in the end, you could take home that first place prize money and title. For many, that's what competing is all about, that's if you're male.
Male pro competitors make quadruple the amount of female competitors in the pro circuit. In the beginning, bodybuilding was thought of as just a "man's sport". What woman, in her right mind, would want to develop huge muscles on her frame and carry them still claiming to be feminine? Well, times have definitely changed and the fact that some female bodybuilders build huge muscles, just as their male counterparts, have become part of the draw in competition for themselves and their fans. For females in the pros, the draw may be about winning but is never about the money. The money, for them, is literally just "a drop in the bucket" and is never enough to sustain their livelihood. This is why most female bodybuilders usually supplement their earnings with other jobs such as personal training, modeling, video webcams, or even muscle worship sessions. If they're lucky, they can obtain sponsors which will usually keep them from having to do "odd jobs" just to make ends meet.
On the other hand, the male competitors' titles and winnings, especially first place, can aid in building their futures and they usually will come away with sponsors or already have sponsors in place. (SEE EXAMPLE: Arnold Classics Prize Money Allocation for 2012)
For a woman to desire huge muscles, whether she competes or not, is a decision based on personal preference, more so than money. She already knows that in some settings, she will not be accepted, understood or even liked. There are several reasons for this. It could be that others feel she is trying to look like a man, or there is a certain image in their own minds of how a woman is supposed to look; for some it's intimidation, and for others, it's just plain jealousy. However, being muscular and female is not for every female. It's okay if a muscular frame is not something Betty, Ann or Sue desires for themselves but it's okay if Jane does. In other words, every woman does not have to fit the same mold to be considered a woman.
Bodybuilders each have their own reasons for why they choose to build their bodies. A woman with extreme muscularity does not become extremely muscular by accident. It is a conscious choice. It takes years to build huge defined hard muscles and it never happens on a whim.
So, for women who want to workout with weights but are too afraid because they fear they will develop huge muscles, there is good news for you. You will not develop huge muscles if you train to stay lean and toned. Your training will require lighter weights and higher reps. However, if you are a woman who wants to build big, you should not be surprised to learn that you are not alone; although, in society, you will feel that you are, or experience that lonely feeling simply because you will not fit that "perfect mold" some call "WOMAN".
Regardless, if bodybuilding is your thing and you have or want to experience huge muscles, your conviction will need to be strong so that you will have the courage to sometimes stand out and stand alone.
READ MORE:
Bodybuilding: The lonely sport;
A woman's muscular body does not destroy the softness within;
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