Anabolic steroids appear to increase total cholesterol and decrease high density lipoprotein levels in users. These two factors combined multiply one's risk of heart disease. Additionally, left ventricular mal-adaptations, once thought to be a problem inherent in some forms of weight training, are now believed to be limited to lifters who use steroids. Furthermore, I believe that how a steroid using bodybuilder often looks (severe acne, red-faced, bloated and ready to burst, etc.) would lead any person not familiar with the sport to conclude that bodybuilders are unhealthy. Not so. Bodybuilders are very healthy, steroid users aren't.

Competition

Here again, the drastic measures of a few have served to perpetuate rumor and myth. Many misconceptions in bodybuilding concern how to go about doing things correctly. Unfortunately, a majority of these misconceptions are centered around pre-contest tactics. The extreme measures of many pre-contest strategies (sodium loading, etc.) are very unhealthy. These excessive practices are looked upon by the scientific and medical communities as foolish, harmful and unnecessary. Due to this, many of bodybuilding's benefits are overshadowed by the drastic practices of a few.

You should understand that bodybuilding, in its classic form, is much more of a lifestyle than it is a sport. In other words, competing is fun, but you certainly don't need competition in mind to enjoy the multiple benefits of bodybuilding.

Bodybuilding as a Separate Activity

Far too often, researchers and people not close to bodybuilding lump all the weight training activities (power lifting, Olympic style lifting and bodybuilding) together. Although some similarities exist, there are too many differences between these sports to suggest that the adaptations achieved in all three are equivalent. When the adaptations to bodybuilding's demands are viewed independently of power lifting and Olympic style lifting, the health and fitness benefits associated with these positive adaptations are more clearly apparent.

A new Era

In the past decade, orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, sports professionals, chiropractors, and physical therapists have all 'discovered' bodybuilding as not only the key to building bigger, stronger, more injury resistance athletes, but also the key to rehabilitation, overall health and longevity. Athletes in virtually every sport now realize that bodybuilding can open doors to peak performance. What was once taboo is now state of the art.

Bodybuilding is now getting some of the credit it deserves and as more medical studies are conducted, this substantiation will increase. In addition, progressive cardiac rehabilitation programs include bodybuilding style resistance work in their regimen. Not only will this enhance the fitness level of the patient, but it can give him/her renewed confidence since cardiac patients often view themselves as weak and frail.

The Single Best Activity

Exercise can be a lifesaver. In the past aerobic exercise was typically regarded as the only type of activity that could significantly alter your health and fitness status. No longer. When you need to pick one activity because of time constraints, and when you consider all that bodybuilding has to offer, it seems that bodybuilding, when done correctly, is the best overall activity for improving health and fitness.

Don't get me wrong. Aerobic exercise has many benefits. Bodybuilding is not superior to aerobic work in all parameters of fitness. What I am saying is that bodybuilding seems to have the best overall package. Choosing an exercise program can be both frustrating and intimidating. Bodybuilding will enhance your health status, fitness level - and may just be your subscription for life.