I think AAS is actually the cheapest part of competing though.

I think you're absolutely correct, given the costs off quality food

I’ll agree with that. I do beleive though that even a guy with poor genes can build a great looking body. Bodybuilding to me is looking great and feeling good about myself on vacation. I think today’s pros look like shit honestly. All the pictures on my gym wall are guys from the 60s and 70s.

Its crazy to me how these big pro make less money than these young youtubers talking the talk and they dont even compete

Food costs have gotten rediculous in the last few years. As soon as crude oil hits a big gain we are really gonna be screwed.

You said it right here. Each and every one of those points is correct.

1. Genetics

This is a double edged sword. One could even argue that having elite genetics can put you at a disadvantage. What? Yeah. Imagine a natural who starts training and blows up very quickly, almost looks like he juices after a year of training even though he has no idea what he’s doing. Imagine never learning how to lift weights properly and perform technical barbell movements correctly because… well, you never had to. You responded to anything and everything, so there was never any need to worry about that thing called “form.” Jeremy Buendia tore his pec tendon off the bone just recently benching like a noob, touching high on the chest and bouncing the weight. Someone with average genetics is more likely to realize that benching that way isn’t safe or optimal and correct it. Look at Calum Von Moger and his little 405 barbell curl stunt. His arm may never be the same after a grade III tear that never should have happened. Being genetically gifted robs many athletes of their humility, leading them to believe they’re invincible. Not quite.

2. G4P

Does anyone realize how long G4P has gone hand in hand with hardcore bodybuilding? Ever since Joe Weider revolutionized bodybuilding, muscle fetishists like Weider himself have been paying good money for good times with bodybuilders. A lot of what goes around is hearsay with no names attached to it. Understandable, but still to be taken with a grain of salt. There’s unsubstantiated gossip like a famous BBer living with a wealthy man for a very handsome paycheck, there’s straight up videos that surface of gay porn BBers have participated in (I won’t name names). I don’t think anyone’s surprised at how many bodybuilders do cam shows and muscle worship for easy money. Muscle Metrix made a striking video about this subject recently.

3. Endorsements and sponsorships

Only upper level bodybuilders are fully funded. Like, money money. Most only get supplement allowances from companies for free. Most sponsored bodybuilders know perfectly well that most supps are bogus and in turn sell the products to kids at the gym for a reduced price, taking the money as their compensation, presumably to buy stuff that actually works (AAS). I doubt anyone here is naive enough to believe pros actually use the supplements they pimp in the magazines.

4. Disregard for health

Unfortunately, this is practically a requirement for modern pro bodybuilding. Look at the proportions that are considered the norm these days. We’re not just talking steroid abuse, but a whole host of taboo compounds along with site enhancements that carry their own risks.

I highly recommend you all watch this brief clip of a 1990 Reg Park interview.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6tkOCsZysLM

The man is so health conscious he even recommends against OTC supplements except under the guidance of a medical doctor. Attitudes have changed, and the days of pros like Reg Park appear to be long over.