Bodybuilding is a competition sport that on its own has a stigma attached to it. Men have historically dominated in the sport and women’s involvement started to pick up about 20 years after the sports origin.

Dive deep into a subculture that holds misconceptions to understand the true experience and create a video to showcase the findings.

The Ask

Examining the Perceptions Online

We looked across social platforms to see what the general public were saying about women in fitness and bodybuilding. There is a lot of misogyny and overall misunderstanding of the sport.

Common Misconceptions

Wanting to look Masculine

Being jacked is something that can be seen as unfeminine because more muscle can be associated with looking manly. Societal norms play a role into this construct, specifically beauty standards placed on women.

Substance Abuse

A hot topic within the entire bodybuilding community is using drugs as a way to enhance performance. One that appears to be common among women due to disbelief in achieving that much muscle.

All about Aesthetics

Sentiment towards the sport can be not taken as seriously as other sports due to the focus on being judged on physique. Others see bodybuilders motives to be just focused on looks.

Methodology

7 in depth interviews conducted on Zoom

We found the bodybuilders via social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, and majority through word of mouth referrals (bodybuilders stay connected on social media whether they’ve met at competitions or not).

Anna, Bikini Division

Jaidan, Bikini Division

Caileen, Bikini Division

Alanna, Bikini Division

Alexa, Bikini Division

Fran, Wellness Division

Sophia, Bikini Division

What the Bodybuilders had to Say

On wanting to be manly

"The biggest reward is the woman I’ve become. I am so resilient and push myself." - Fran

"Proving people wrong. Everyone has things to say about being a female bodybuilder.”- Jaidan

On the use of enhancements

"That we all do steroids but I think that's bodybuilders in general and I don't think many women do steroids really unless they're top level Pros." - Anna

"For [the bikini division] you can get to the stage being a natural competitor. It takes more time, but it’s not a necessity.” - Sofia

On it being all about aesthetics

"I used to think bodybuilding was such a conceited sport - but it’s not that - it’s being able to be strong enough and resilient enough." - Fran

Hear from the Bodybuilders Themselves

The Highlights of the Bodybuilding World

  • Coaching

    Many hire coaches and check-in frequently with them through video chat or sending them videos and photos. Coaches were noted as very knowledgable guides, that aim to help reach goals as safely as possible. Some even become coaches themselves, highlighting the true passion for the fitness industry overall.

  • Very Expensive

    The sport involves high costs, including groceries, supplements, coaching, posing classes and competition expenses. Show day itself can cost from $1000-1500.

  • Diet

    They invest a lot of time into meal prep to align with physique and performance goals. Like one competitor mentioned, “bodybuilding should be called meal prepping.” They even take their own meals with them wherever they are, like work or with family and friends.

  • FOMO

    There is a lot of self discipline because they often have to say "no” to a lot, or if they do go out, they’ll have to watch others get to enjoy food or activities.

  • Prep Goggles

    Competitors often experience “prep goggles” during their preparation for a competition, where constant self monitoring and social media comparisons lead to a distorted body image, making it hard to recognize progress.

  • Post Competition Recovery

    The reverse diet phase is important and demands significant mental and physical effort to get to a healthy body weight. Being show day lean to gaining more “fluff” can be challenging but bodybuilders recognize it’s necessary. They track their hormones as they fluctuate, to ensure they are doing what’s needed to ensure their hormone levels and overall health is good.

  • Having Your "Why"

    The journey to the stage is mostly hidden. As one competitor put it, “No one in the world is gonna know what I had to go through every single day to get on that stage. You have to be so proud of yourself. No one is gonna be cheering you on or pushing you to do better.”

The Real Pillars of Bodybuilding

Commitment

It’s a lifestyle. It requires dedication year-round, balancing workouts, meal prep, rest, and personal responsibilities.

Sacrifice

Saying no. Bodybuilders often miss out on social events or indulgences to stay aligned with their goals.

Grit

It’s a you vs. you sport. Although the competition is based on how your physique looks, mental resilience is key to this sport.

  • What it Means for Bodybuilders

    Emphasize the importance of mental health by promoting/creating resources tailored to the hardships female athletes experience during and post competition, such as body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and depression.

    Encourage a culture that celebrates personal progress over self comparison by fostering communities sharing relatable experiences like “prep goggles.”

  • What it Means for Related Brands

    Brands should focus on creating inclusive messaging that show the unique hardships of bodybuilders, both physical and mental, and get the true message about what this sport is about out there.

    Leverage social media to educate the broader fitness community about the long road it takes before getting to the stage, and utilize the voices of bodybuilders themselves.

Team

Kam Franks (ST)

Joy Zhou (ST)

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