And suddenly we stand there and feel like we’re in the wrong film: the everyday life we knew so well, with which we had arranged ourselves so perfectly, no longer exists in this form. Things that we took for granted are suddenly no longer possible – even if it is only the way to the gym to do our training.
The measures around the corona crisis have changed a lot. This confronts us with new, at first sight unpleasant topics. Thoughts on how we could make the best out of this quite unusual situation are dealt with in this article.
The world as we know it
To describe the world as we know it – in the so-called “western industrial countries” – could be something like this: Largely free people live a largely free life on the basis of a largely free economy. Well, there are rules: The rule of law should ensure that society does not gradually establish the law of the strongest in the exuberance of market economic successes, but that a certain social safety net is in place.
If we add to the description of our world so far, we could also say: There is too much of everything, which has led to an economic struggle with brutal excesses in almost all areas. Everybody tries with more or less socially acceptable methods to make potential buyers aware of himself and his offer and to distinguish himself from other suppliers. And this in the global competition that digitalization has brought to the doorstep of every individual.
What could be different?
In my opinion, the key to change for each actor lies in the following question: How could I use my personal strengths to solve an existing problem for others or to satisfy an unmet need? And in which niche could I position myself to become a complementary partner for other actors instead of the umpteenth competitor offering the same as thousands of others?
Such a form of specialization and positioning seems to be quite suitable to make the whole thing work better. And would thus probably also be a small contribution to a “better world”.
What does this have to do with bodybuilding?
We as bodybuilders are also a part of our entire social system: as trainers we help other people to get their bodies in shape or keep them in shape. As studio operators, we offer athletes the opportunity to perform a variety of exercises with a wide range of equipment. And as competition athletes, we serve as an incentive and role model for many people, often enabling them to take the first but decisive step towards their own training.
And even though we have often been in competition with each other or as competitors only one of us could stand at the top of the podium: From now on we are challenged as a community – as a community of those who already know how to shape their own bodies and maintain their health through targeted and effective training.
The social significance of bodybuilding as a popular sport
Everybody knows them, the before-and-after photos (sometimes even without digital post-processing), which are supposed to represent the change of a person over time. But one can also put the transformation theme on a super-personal, social level: it makes a difference whether a large part of the population pays attention to their own bodies and their health, or whether everyone gives in to even the slightest desire, which in the long run massively damages their well-being.
And that brings us to the point: As a bodybuilder you not only get to know your own body better, but also practice discipline and stamina. And, even more important: You learn over time that you have the ability to influence your own life in many areas. This tends to leave individuals who are less prone to fatalism or manipulation. And ideally, it also leads to loving what is reasonable.
My conviction: Bodybuilding should not only be an issue for fringe groups, but a proven model for all those who want to spend their lives as fit and healthy as possible – not only physically, but also mentally. A presentable way that can lead people into a desirable future.
Every single person can contribute something?
This raises the question: What can we personally contribute in our own role to a meaningful development of our society?
First of all: Everyone can have an impact in their own environment. Not only by explaining, but also by living it. However, even theoretical insights will certainly not harm, because people often ask why. And the answer “Because it feels right for me” is unfortunately not entirely satisfactory. There are a lot of useful sources – some even freely available on the Internet.
Concrete steps for the time of the crisis and afterwards could be: Continue to educate yourself and think about topics by yourself (and even critically). Trying out things that have been neglected so far. Often it also helps to think or do something new or unconventional – to check what it is good for. What is necessary to run an build-up training successfully and sustainably healthy? Find out – through your thoughts and actions: curiosity, learning and experimenting.
And in general, it’s probably all about finding suitable profiling options for you, which will make you fit better into the overall picture as a puzzle piece. Whether you’re a coach, a gym owner or an athlete – find the right role for yourself. And who knows: Maybe you are a very essential element that is still missing for the step-by-step creation of a better world at the moment?
Good luck in your search for opportunities, and stay healthy – we still need you!
