Building a career in fitness.
Introduction
For someone passionate about bodybuilding and considering it as a career, it’s crucial to understand the financial and health implications. When focusing solely on professional bodybuilding, the financial rewards can be quite limited. Competitors often risk their health by using steroids and enduring intense physical strain, yet the monetary gain is minimal. Typically, only the top three competitors in a show receive any prize money, while the rest of the participants receive nothing. This narrow scope for earnings, coupled with the significant personal sacrifices involved, makes it a challenging field to build a lucrative career solely based on competitive success.
Competitive bodybuilding
In competitive bodybuilding, the financial rewards are often not substantial, even for the top athletes. For instance, Chris Bumstead, a leading figure in the classic bodybuilding division, earned only $50,000 after winning the Classic Olympia. While this might seem like a significant amount, it pales in comparison to the sacrifices and hard work involved. Bumstead’s substantial earnings actually come from other sources, such as his YouTube channel and sponsorships, rather than competition prize money.
At the highest levels, only the top three competitors receive any prize money, and even then, it’s not enough to sustain a living solely from competition earnings. For most bodybuilders, especially at the local or regional levels, prize money is virtually nonexistent. If your goal is to build a career solely based on competitive success in bodybuilding, the reality is that it’s not financially viable. However, if you pursue bodybuilding as a passionate hobby or for personal satisfaction, without expecting substantial financial returns, it can be a fulfilling endeavor.
Exit the rat race.
In competitive bodybuilding, the financial rewards are often limited, even for top athletes. Take Chris Bumstead, a prominent figure in the classic bodybuilding division; he earned $50,000 for winning the Classic Olympia. While this amount might seem impressive, it is relatively modest compared to the extensive sacrifices and hard work involved. Bumstead’s significant income actually comes from alternative sources, such as his YouTube channel and sponsorships, rather than competition prize money.
At the highest levels, only the top three competitors receive prize money, and even then, it often isn’t enough to sustain a living. For most bodybuilders, especially at local or regional competitions, prize money is minimal or nonexistent. If you’re aiming to build a career solely based on competitive success in bodybuilding, the financial prospects are not promising. However, if you pursue bodybuilding as a passion or hobby, and not with the expectation of substantial earnings, it can still be a rewarding pursuit.
Fitness influencer
To earn money as a bodybuilder, focusing on becoming an influencer can be a more viable path than relying solely on competition prizes. Many successful influencers generate substantial income through platforms like YouTube or Instagram by showcasing their bodies, posing skills, or sharing fitness knowledge.
For example, there are numerous influencers, both from India and abroad, who earn significant amounts monthly through online marketing, without needing to compete professionally. Take Uzair, a Pakistani YouTuber, as an example. Despite not having a particularly muscular physique, he earns well by providing insightful, scientific analyses of bodybuilding topics. His success demonstrates that knowledge and effective communication can be as valuable as physical appearance.
In today’s digital landscape, having a strong online presence can open up numerous opportunities. If you have a well-developed physique, you can leverage it by creating engaging content with high production value—good lighting, cinematic effects, and strategic marketing. Building a career as a fitness influencer or YouTuber can offer various revenue streams, including brand deals and promotions.
Ultimately, while competitive bodybuilding alone may not offer substantial financial rewards, the broader fitness industry provides numerous avenues to earn a good income through online influence and marketing.
Fitness and acting
There are many actors who rely heavily on their physical appearance rather than their acting skills. For example, Tiger Shroff is one of the highest-earning Bollywood actors in India. His popularity and high earnings are not solely due to his acting prowess but largely because of his impressive physique. Many actors in the industry have achieved success and fame based primarily on their looks and body rather than just their acting talent.
Another example is Sahil Khan. His initial goal was to compete in professional bodybuilding and become Mr. Maharashtra. However, his striking physique led a director to offer him a role in a film. Sahil Khan’s story shows that having a great body can lead to various opportunities beyond competitive bodybuilding.
In the fitness industry, there are numerous career options if you have a well-developed physique. You can become a fitness model, engage in fitness influencing, or even build your own fitness brand. The online space provides many opportunities for those interested in fitness, not just through professional bodybuilding.
While professional bodybuilding is a valid pursuit, it may not always be financially sustainable. If you are dedicating all your resources and energy to bodybuilding without seeing financial returns or being able to support yourself and those around you, it may not be the best strategy. Exploring other career options within the fitness industry can offer more practical and financially rewarding opportunities.
Competitive bodybuilding is destroying people.
There are countless bodybuilders who invest their life savings into pursuing a championship, driven by a deep passion for the sport. However, achieving that champion status alone often does not provide a sustainable income. While striving to become a champion is admirable, it’s important to explore additional avenues for financial stability.
Having a strong purpose and a burning desire to succeed is valuable, but it’s crucial to consider your financial needs as well. If you are struggling financially and focusing solely on becoming a champion, it might not be the most practical approach. Many successful bodybuilders balance their passion with other income-generating activities. They often run side businesses, offer personal training services, or build a brand through platforms like Instagram or YouTube.
These individuals successfully integrate their passion for bodybuilding with practical financial strategies. They earn money through various channels in the fitness industry while continuing to invest in their bodybuilding goals. By diversifying their income sources, they support their passion and create a more balanced and sustainable career.
If you are interested in a career in bodybuilding, remember that you don’t necessarily need to compete professionally. There are numerous opportunities in the fitness industry that can offer financial stability and personal fulfillment while pursuing your passion.
