Can I put bodybuilding as EC on my app?

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yeah thats what I meant but it's not weird to put it right?
 
I wouldn't if I were you. You small smallesque in that pic.
 
Go for it. Its different than the usual soccer baseball etc.
 
wlee43 said:
like what?
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Just random stuff from a couple of people who worked out as well. Any particular program/plan/workout regime I was using (3 day split vs full body vs 2 day split etc), efficacy of p90X vs crossfit. I think it was more just a test to see if I was just bull****ting them in my application. I also mentioned being interested in foreign and independent movies and one of my interviewers asked me to name three foreign movies I loved <-- so you get the idea.
 
what if you aren't up to the level of bodybuilder.....

but you work out on regular basis and have lost a good amount of weight in the past few months? (like 50+ lbs)
 
Have you entered any competitions? Won anything? Natural bodybuilding, or chemical supplement-based? I've worked with several guys over the course of my career who have competed on the international bodybuilding circuit, that's why I'm asking how in-depth you are with the bodybuilding. If it's just hitting the gym and bodybuilding to stay in peak physical shape, that's a whole different ball-game than competition bodybuilding. If you competed, even as an amateur, it's impressive and shows dedication....mention it.

@vanillabear - I'm not sure you'd mention it as a hobby, but maybe if it affected you somehow and mention it in your personal statement as part of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle overall. Maybe some others would chime in on that though....
 
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vanillabear55 said:
what if you aren't up to the level of bodybuilder.....

but you work out on regular basis and have lost a good amount of weight in the past few months? (like 50+ lbs)
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I would definitely include it. Anything that rounds you out as an applicant (haha well I guess in this case you're actually making yourself less round, but you know what I mean) is helpful to include.
 
silleme said:
Have you entered any competitions? Won anything? Natural bodybuilding, or chemical supplement-based? I've worked with several guys over the course of my career who have competed on the international bodybuilding circuit, that's why I'm asking how in-depth you are with the bodybuilding. If it's just hitting the gym and bodybuilding to stay in peak physical shape, that's a whole different ball-game than competition bodybuilding. If you competed, even as an amateur, it's impressive and shows dedication....mention it.

@vanillabear - I'm not sure you'd mention it as a hobby, but maybe if it affected you somehow and mention it in your personal statement as part of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle overall. Maybe some others would chime in on that though....
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Agree. If you just work out a few times a week, like a ton of people do, don't list it -- it will be regarded as filler and will detract from everything else on your application. If you do it competitively or at some high level, by all means list it as a hobby. But I wouldnt list things like working out as hobbies unless these things are so important to you that it's going to be worth discussing at an interview. Bear in mind that to the clinician who works out daily and might be interviewing you, saying your hobby is "body building" is going to have to be on a whole different level then what he deems maintenance. And you have to look the part -- if you say you are a body builder and look scrawny or doughey, it doesn't fly.
 
sector9 said:
I would definitely include it. Anything that rounds you out as an applicant (haha well I guess in this case you're actually making yourself less round, but you know what I mean) is helpful to include.
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👍 :laugh:
 
I put lifting weights as one of my hobbies (not bodybuilding, but I try to stay fit)...I knew several people in my pre med classes who did cardio stuff, but hardly anyone who lifted weights. Plus many of the people who lift don't list it as a hobby so I don't think it's a bad idea to put it down. I did get asked about it on my interview too, so be ready for that
 
I don't do competitive bodybuilding but I would say it changed my life. Coming into college I weighed around 115 lbs. I started to weight lift heavy and use weight gainers and I gained almost 20 lbs of muscle and lean mass.
 
Do it OP! And I'll do it too! I never competed or anything, but I took it very seriously for awhile and was on the verge of considering a competition. Then I noticed I was putting too much time into it and it was detracting from my school work, so I cut back. I won't mention that bit, but I will mention that it has been something I have been dedicated to for some time now and something that I decided to continue for my own benefit after quitting football freshman year.
 
JohnnyRomanes said:
I don't do competitive bodybuilding but I would say it changed my life. Coming into college I weighed around 115 lbs. I started to weight lift heavy and use weight gainers and I gained almost 20 lbs of muscle and lean mass.
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I don't use weight gainers. Just eat right brrrro
 
Personally, I would put weight lifting as a hobby unless you a) teach other weight lifters, b) compete, or c) help plan events at the gym. As a competitive Crossfitter, I'm putting it under EC's. I have taught form, timed workouts, organized potlucks, etc. The competitions take measurable time and dedication to train for; it may be harder for adcoms to quantify your weight lifting without a definitive endpoint or involvement.

Then rock your interview and flash some guns and you'll be in.
 
In one of my interviews I got asked "how much do you bench?"...it was awesome.

If you compete (Oly/PL/BB'ing) then put it. If it's recreation then don't put it, it's far too common for the "bros". CrossFit doesn't count unless you actually made it to the regionals/games because everyone "competes" at X-Fit.
 
wlee43 said:
can I?
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DO IT (as long as that's you in your avatar).

But seriously, I put stuff like mtn biking, skiing, running, hiking, camping, etc. in my "hobbies" section. A lot of my interviewers asked about it.
 
For those who say don't list it if I don't compete...so the hobbies you guys list are those you take very seriously and compete in??
 
wlee43 said:
For those who say don't list it if I don't compete...so the hobbies you guys list are those you take very seriously and compete in??
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Somewhat. For the record though, you're not a bodybuilder if you don't compete- as competition is what makes one an actual bodybuilder. You can be a "physical culturalist" or "avid fitness enthusiast" but competition separates the posers from the real deal.

For instance I wouldn't put mountain biking on my AMCAS unless I participated in a riding group, races, criterium (road), trials meet, etc. Why not? Because it's just not a significant enough activity, to you, because you have not pursued it extremely far. Not taking anything away from you (or anyone) who lifts multiple times a week and puts in the effort but there is a significant difference when there is a competition involved. A person is not a powerlifter if they've never competed, and olympic lifter if they've never been on the platform in a competition, or a bb'er if they've never posed down in an organized show.

Every interview I've had has had a question resembling- "What do you do for fun/to relax?" and that's where they hobby thing comes in. If a person runs a lot but never competes in a marathon are they a marathoner? The BS stops when the competition starts- it's a much more dedicated endeavor than just being a hobbyist. Would you put down you did research if it was never formalized-ie you just went into the lab on your own account and started do some measuring/tinkering but nothing ever came from it? No. Similarly you could write all sorts of cool things on your own time but if you never published any of them you could not call yourself a blogger, author, etc. Just sign up for a show, they're fun and your training instantly goes to the next level!
 
DrFit said:
Somewhat. For the record though, you're not a bodybuilder if you don't compete- as competition is what makes one an actual bodybuilder. You can be a "physical culturalist" or "avid fitness enthusiast" but competition separates the posers from the real deal.

For instance I wouldn't put mountain biking on my AMCAS unless I participated in a riding group, races, criterium (road), trials meet, etc. Why not? Because it's just not a significant enough activity, to you, because you have not pursued it extremely far. Not taking anything away from you (or anyone) who lifts multiple times a week and puts in the effort but there is a significant difference when there is a competition involved. A person is not a powerlifter if they've never competed, and olympic lifter if they've never been on the platform in a competition, or a bb'er if they've never posed down in an organized show.

Every interview I've had has had a question resembling- "What do you do for fun/to relax?" and that's where they hobby thing comes in. If a person runs a lot but never competes in a marathon are they a marathoner? The BS stops when the competition starts- it's a much more dedicated endeavor than just being a hobbyist. Would you put down you did research if it was never formalized-ie you just went into the lab on your own account and started do some measuring/tinkering but nothing ever came from it? No. Similarly you could write all sorts of cool things on your own time but if you never published any of them you could not call yourself a blogger, author, etc. Just sign up for a show, they're fun and your training instantly goes to the next level!
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I dont know if I completely agree. The hobbies section of your AMCAS is for hobbies. It is something you do in your spare time - not to compete - just because you enjoy it and like it. I am not saying that you shouldn't compete in something if you enjoy it but the point is you don't have to go that far. You can mention is along with any other hobbies you might have. But if you are planning on taking an entire slot in your AMCAS work and activities to mention body building, then I agree with your advice. List it only if you have spent a significant amount of time dedicated to it, have competed, won prizes etc.
 
StoicJosher said:
I dont know if I completely agree. The hobbies section of your AMCAS is for hobbies. It is something you do in your spare time - not to compete - just because you enjoy it and like it. I am not saying that you shouldn't compete in something if you enjoy it but the point is you don't have to go that far. You can mention is along with any other hobbies you might have. But if you are planning on taking an entire slot in your AMCAS work and activities to mention body building, then I agree with your advice. List it only if you have spent a significant amount of time dedicated to it, have competed, won prizes etc.
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That's what I meant. I actually haven't looked at my AMCAS since like July so I forgot there is a hobby section in addition to the work/activities section. Nice catch!
 
xBODOMx said:
Don't be mad bro because you don't do anything besides study. I would ignore this entire post.
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Haha riiiight, bro. I've actually competed in all three arenas. There is a huge difference in commitment as anyone who has done it will attest to. I've done a lot more than just study, try to keep up.
 
DrFit said:
Somewhat. For the record though, you're not a bodybuilder if you don't compete- as competition is what makes one an actual bodybuilder. You can be a "physical culturalist" or "avid fitness enthusiast" but competition separates the posers from the real deal.

For instance I wouldn't put mountain biking on my AMCAS unless I participated in a riding group, races, criterium (road), trials meet, etc. Why not? Because it's just not a significant enough activity, to you, because you have not pursued it extremely far. Not taking anything away from you (or anyone) who lifts multiple times a week and puts in the effort but there is a significant difference when there is a competition involved. A person is not a powerlifter if they've never competed, and olympic lifter if they've never been on the platform in a competition, or a bb'er if they've never posed down in an organized show.

Every interview I've had has had a question resembling- "What do you do for fun/to relax?" and that's where they hobby thing comes in. If a person runs a lot but never competes in a marathon are they a marathoner? The BS stops when the competition starts- it's a much more dedicated endeavor than just being a hobbyist. Would you put down you did research if it was never formalized-ie you just went into the lab on your own account and started do some measuring/tinkering but nothing ever came from it? No. Similarly you could write all sorts of cool things on your own time but if you never published any of them you could not call yourself a blogger, author, etc. Just sign up for a show, they're fun and your training instantly goes to the next level!
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I somewhat disagree. You may never publish, but if you write a lot you can definitely list "writing" as a hobby on your primary application.

Hobby - n. 1. An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.

Competition or formal engagement is not necessary to include something on your application if you feel it is a significant part of your personality or background.
 
DrFit said:
Somewhat. For the record though, you're not a bodybuilder if you don't compete- as competition is what makes one an actual bodybuilder. You can be a "physical culturalist" or "avid fitness enthusiast" but competition separates the posers from the real deal.

For instance I wouldn't put mountain biking on my AMCAS unless I participated in a riding group, races, criterium (road), trials meet, etc. Why not? Because it's just not a significant enough activity, to you, because you have not pursued it extremely far. Not taking anything away from you (or anyone) who lifts multiple times a week and puts in the effort but there is a significant difference when there is a competition involved. A person is not a powerlifter if they've never competed, and olympic lifter if they've never been on the platform in a competition, or a bb'er if they've never posed down in an organized show.

Every interview I've had has had a question resembling- "What do you do for fun/to relax?" and that's where they hobby thing comes in. If a person runs a lot but never competes in a marathon are they a marathoner? The BS stops when the competition starts- it's a much more dedicated endeavor than just being a hobbyist. Would you put down you did research if it was never formalized-ie you just went into the lab on your own account and started do some measuring/tinkering but nothing ever came from it? No. Similarly you could write all sorts of cool things on your own time but if you never published any of them you could not call yourself a blogger, author, etc. Just sign up for a show, they're fun and your training instantly goes to the next level!
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What if you haven't competed in a BB contest, but are training for one? Because I know that I know that I'll have to train for years just to do well in one and that time period would probably end up exceeding my time in UG. So in my case, the contest is an end point that's a long term goal, but it's a goal that I'm putting serious work towards.
 
xBODOMx said:
Don't be mad bro because you don't do anything besides study. I would ignore this entire post.
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+1
I don't think you have to compete to list bodybuilding. Bodybuilding is just how it sounds, building your body. Just because he chooses not to lather up in tanning lotion, dehydrate himself and prance around in a speedo a couple times a year, he can't list bodybuilding? IMO that is what separates a lot of avid weight lifters from professional bodybuilders.
 
When people call themselves bodybuilders and they don't actually compete I personally think it sounds silly. What I would do is list under my hobbies section that I lift 3ish times a week and maybe write something about how much Ive improved.
 
ElCapone said:
What if you haven't competed in a BB contest, but are training for one? Because I know that I know that I'll have to train for years just to do well in one and that time period would probably end up exceeding my time in UG. So in my case, the contest is an end point that's a long term goal, but it's a goal that I'm putting serious work towards.
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To be honest, you'll never feel ready for a show. You could always be bigger, better conditioned, more symmetrical, etc. I'd just set an end point at one in the near future (6 months-1year max) and train like hell to do the best you can and learn how you respond to different diet and training variables as well as refine your posing. The second show will be much better more than likely. Competing is what it's all about. Do it!

@Retro- actually that is the difference between avid weightlifter and a bodybuilder (amateur or pro). If you don't compete you're not a bb'er, which is by nature a competitive event. If you play football in your backyard but aren't part of an organized team do you really play football?

@sliceofbread- truth.
 
you mean you were a weight lifter? no ones a bodybuilder unless they competed on a national level in my opinion, a lot of people go to the gym and claim bodybuilding as their sport.
 
DrFit said:
To be honest, you'll never feel ready for a show. You could always be bigger, better conditioned, more symmetrical, etc. I'd just set an end point at one in the near future (6 months-1year max) and train like hell to do the best you can and learn how you respond to different diet and training variables as well as refine your posing. The second show will be much better more than likely. Competing is what it's all about. Do it!

@Retro- actually that is the difference between avid weightlifter and a bodybuilder (amateur or pro). If you don't compete you're not a bb'er, which is by nature a competitive event. If you play football in your backyard but aren't part of an organized team do you really play football?

@sliceofbread- truth.
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Yes, I believe that is still playing football.... It may not be professional, but it is still football and I believe if you do it enough it sure as hell sounds like a hobby to me.

Does this mean this guy can say he is a bodybuilder? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KecmysuUq4

So, because I lift, maintain a strict diet, but I choose not to look like a d-bag infront of an audience, I can't say that I am a bodybuilder?
 
xBODOMx said:
I may not have competed, but I completely reversed my lifestyle. Lifting 5-6 days a week with cardio 6 days a week. Lost 125+lbs. Still lifting 6x a week and eat the part too.

I am a bodybuilder.
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No that's not bodybuilding, I'm sorry that's more like just going to the gym and working out. Bodybuilding most people mention is a real sport that most people pursue as a career not a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Also, bodybuilders compete at competitions, and people who are an IFBB pro or competing at national shows those are the bodybuilders
 
torshi said:
No that's not bodybuilding, I'm sorry that's more like just going to the gym and working out. Bodybuilding most people mention is a real sport that most people pursue as a career not a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Also, bodybuilders compete at competitions, and people who are an IFBB pro or competing at national shows those are the bodybuilders
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Are you sure? I mean, I could be wrong, but we call people who run "runners" whether or not they compete. Could we possibly extend the title "bodybuilder" to people who practice the sport of bodybuilding but aren't competitive?

I mean, I would call myself a runner, but I've never run a real race.

Maybe I'm wrong about this, and feel free to correct me if you think so, but I don't think we need to try to strip this guy of his identity as a bodybuilder just because he doesn't do what "most bodybuilders do." But I'm not a bodybuilder, so I'm not exactly sure how the culture of this specific sub-culture works.
 
tantacles said:
Are you sure? I mean, I could be wrong, but we call people who run "runners" whether or not they compete. Could we possibly extend the title "bodybuilder" to people who practice the sport of bodybuilding but aren't competitive?

I mean, I would call myself a runner, but I've never run a real race.

I mean, maybe I'm wrong about this, but I don't think we need to try to strip this guy of his identity as a bodybuilder just because he doesn't do what "most bodybuilders do."
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No because people claiming they are a bodybuilder contribute to misconceptions of the real sport, and now there are so many "fakes" out there which leads to people thinking just working out and eating healthy is bodybuilding in general, the people at the gym are improving their physique. Using BB as the term is just foolish. See when most people might say "I'm a runner" no one really thinks about the sport, and at least they're being honest, running is running. There is a difference between BB and weight lifting in general at the gym, but BODYBUILDING you can't just go to the gym and workout really good to claim that, because it's a career to most people, and if they really are a bodybuilder they should be getting sponsored and competing at shows. Also, most of the "bodybuilders" honestly don't know exactly what to do besides from just "working out" and "eating healthy"The only reason why I'm mentioning this is because I know some close people who have competed on national levels, and I have a close relative pursuing this with a well-known coach.

People who go to the gym, they are weight-lifters not bodybuilders, but most people get tied to that word of body-building and use that word instead, because it might sound better, but they really don't know, and if they do they're still using the term incorrectly purposely,
 
torshi said:
No because people claiming they are a bodybuilder contribute to misconceptions of the real sport, and now there are so many "fakes" out there which leads to people thinking just working out and eating healthy is bodybuilding in general, it's improving your physique. Using BB as the term is just foolish. See when most people might say "I'm a runner" no one really thinks about the sport, and at least they're being honest, running is running. There is a difference between BB and weight lifting in general at the gym, but BODYBUILDING you can't just go to the gym and workout really good to claim that, because it's a career to most people, and if they really are a bodybuilder they should be getting sponsored and competing at shows. Also, most of the "bodybuilders" honestly don't know exactly what to do besides from just "working out" and "eating healthy"The only reason why I'm mentioning this is because I know some close people who have competed on national levels, and I have a close relative pursuing this with a well-known coach.

People who go to the gym, they are weight-lifters not bodybuilders, but most people get tied to that word of body-building and use that word instead, because it might sound better, but they really don't know, and if they do they're still using the term incorrectly purposely,
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Sports change, though, as do the required parameters of involvement from their participants.

And if competition is the only thing that sets a bodybuilder apart from a regular huge-muscled person who works out, eats healthy, and does whatever else bodybuilding requires (minus the competition part), is it any skin off your back if he calls himself a bodybuilder?

I'm certain that you could explain, to an admissions committee or otherwise, why competing in bodybuilding is important to you and the impact the actual competitive sport has on your life. He can call it what he wants, and you can still be superior for competing, and that way no one's involvement is mitigated.
 
torshi said:
No that's not bodybuilding, I'm sorry that's more like just going to the gym and working out. Bodybuilding most people mention is a real sport that most people pursue as a career not a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Also, bodybuilders compete at competitions, and people who are an IFBB pro or competing at national shows those are the bodybuilders
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bod·y·build·ing/&#712;bäd&#275;&#716;bildiNG/

Noun:
The practice of strengthening and enlarging the muscles of the body through exercise.
 
xBODOMx said:
bod·y·build·ing

&#8194; &#8194;/&#712;b&#594;d
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i&#716;b&#618;l
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d&#618;&#331;/ Show Spelled[bod-ee-bil-ding]
noun the act or practice of exercising, lifting weights, etc., so as to develop the muscles of the body.


Edit: beaten by above!
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You guys will not understand apparently. This is the example of the gym rats who go in their with their gelled up hair, tattoos, and cut off sleeves claiming they are a bodybuilder. Quite disgusting in my opinion, but posting an idiotic definition that defines the gym rats that think they are is pretty sad. This is when strews the conception of this sport to be just going to the gym. If only y'all understood, sad that you guys don't.
 
torshi said:
You guys will not understand apparently. This is the example of the gym rats who go in their with their gelled up hair, tattoos, and cut off sleeves claiming they are a bodybuilder. Quite disgusting in my opinion, but posting an idiotic definition that defines the gym rats that think they are is pretty sad. This is when strews the conception of this sport to be just going to the gym. If only y'all understood, sad that you guys don't.
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Ok. You're right. We don't understand, and I'm sorry about that, but I'd like to understand you better.

My question is this: How much does it actually hurt you to have your sport associated with those people? I mean, you don't identify with them, right? I'd bet you certainly don't dress like them or style your hair like them based on the comment you just made. Are you worried that you'll be identified as one of them?

If so, by whom? By your fellow bodybuilders? Because presumably, they understand the sport and they understand you. I don't think you'd be mistaken for this kind of person at all.

By the layperson? Well, what does the layperson know about competitive bodybuilding? It's a golden opportunity for you to teach someone something new about a sport they've never even heard about.

By a medical school admissions committee? You'll have a chance to explain yourself! And there's a good chance they've come into contact with bodybuilders before. With the correct mindset, though, your status as a competitive bodybuilder could really help you stand out!

So what harm does it actually do to you to acknowledge these people not as equals in bodybuilding prowess, but as people who practice bodybuilding noncompetitively?
 
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