Big Bodies are not always best are they?
Big Bodies are not always best are they? |
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By Cain Leatham
IS IT ALL ABOUT THE SIZE??
… Yes, a strange question - but one a lot of people in this world of bodybuilding seem to answer with a single word … BIG!
What of symmetry, beauty, flow, proportion and poise?
In short, what of aesthetics?
Of conditioning and balance?
Approx. size 6mm height
Note the new 5p piece in the background!
To prove the point, take a look at the sculpture featured within this article.
Now consider the fact that it is carved into a standard-sized toothpick!
(yes, you read it right - a toothpick!).
It is small by anyone's standards - a minuscule work of art.
Perfect in form and dimension.
So why can this concept not transpose to real physiques?
Surely a thing of beauty and perfection is such regardless of its sheer size. If a bodybuilder is to stand on stage they should be judged by the package they offer. Should we not look for musculature in accordance with the size of their frame? For symmetry, condition, the separation and flow of muscle bellies as well as their overall stage presence?
This is what body-building should be …
A judgement of the 'complete' package. Of course size is important! but not at the expense of the many facets by which one should be judged. If more of us thought this way then maybe we would have fewer physiques distorted and disfigured with the likes of synthol!?
The man responsible for this amazing piece of art is Willard "Wizard" Wigan. A 46-year-old Birmingham man who has a unique eye for proportion and an appreciation for the fine lines that training can create. He has done many large-scale carvings but feels that his miniature work is more of a challenge. The satisfaction he gleans is from showing people that it is not the pure size of his work that is important - it is the intricate detail that he can create (surely a message to us all?). Due to his talent he is known worldwide and his exhibitions constantly have viewers open mouthed with sheer awe as to the detail that he can create with the naked eye. The elite amongst our sport can have the same effect upon spectators.
This carving of ex IFBB professional Lohani Rochi was created from studying photographs and then engaging in 16 hours of painstaking hand-tooled work (no machines or gadgets are used).
Maybe we should regress back to thinking of body-building as an art form, of 'sculpting' our bodies into something wonderful and precious. Let us be as proud of our work as great artists, such as Willard, are of theirs. Take a look at works such as Michaelangelo’s David, the statues of Hercules, physiques of Steve Reeves thru to Flex Wheeler – all recognised today as a templates for physical excellence.
Take a look at the photo of Brian Yansen…it’s ALL there! Full muscle bellies, awesome conditioning, great separation and detail, symmetry and proportion that is God given…not a weak point to be found!! But…he is a lightweight!! He won the British Championships at under 70 kgs. Now does that make you think any less of his physique …damn right it shouldn’t! Quality is quality, there’s many a heavyweight would kill for his genetics (that’s not to say he doesn’t give 100%).
So consider that the next time you get obsessed with adding another few pounds to that already out of proportion physique. Spend time bringing up any weak areas rather than bringing the needle up on those scales, or even into those oil-filled bodyparts!
While it is true, for better or for worse, that most physiques found in modern body-building bear little resemblance to this ideal we should still be looking to judge them on more than just size. Let us support the beauty that can be achieved with dedication – in the words of Socrates “It is a shame for a person to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which their body is capable”. Of course size is a factor – after all it is body BUILDING, but let us build something of quality,… a physique to be proud of and appreciate.
Display your art - be it on stage or in the street and wear your achievements with pride!