I have been around the bodybuilding scene for many years now and have experienced a number of changes at competition level. There is no doubt in my mind that the standards have hit new levels for everyone concerned in an event and that the evolution of my sport continues and that the results seen will always get better.

I love to go and watch other people competing at international levels and I will always make my own personal opinion on the possible outcome, but there is one thing I will always resign myself from doing and that is judging other people.

I would not like to under any circumstances be seen to be criticising the brave judges at any point in this article as I more than anyone understand the pressure that they are put under. You see their results will give some guys the best sponsorship deals and all the other commercial perks that are involved are the losers will end up with nought. Good old Arnold was virtually set up for life by a panel of judges and I am sure he wouldn't be where he is today if they had opted for another bodybuilder.

To be quite frank with you I am not really sure what the exact percentage of bodybuilders is that train with the sole objective of competing in physique contests. I am pretty sure it is a very small amount as the majority of bodybuilders will have varying alternative targets from rehab, to just getting better in their chosen major sport. Many will just want to get fitter or stronger or just improve their own physique standard, gain or lose weight, as well as just adding some muscle.

Arnold was an exception to the rule as he knew from his very first squat and dead lift that he wanted to become the world's best bodybuilding champion. The normal guy in the gym bodybuilder these types of physique contests are something that figures in the very backs of their mind and probably get really pissed off with their over coverage in the muscle mags. In fact if you look around most gyms there is probably only one guy who is suitable for this type of competition even if it only is only at local level. (Coming soon Part 2)