[kingkongreveng_]

> connecting bodybuilding with health

Strength is perhaps the single best predictor of longevity and health. That's not to say vigorous strength training has been clinically shown to increase lifespan, but strong people are much healthier than weak people overall. Geriatric care givers get dramatic results out of strength training. I don't think one can make a similar case for jogging or tennis, or whatever. Strength training has uniquely powerful benefits.

"Body Building" as an aesthetic goal or a "sport" is stupid. But there a ton of reasons to think everyone should try to keep up a respectable ten rep bench/squat.

[dkarl]

All of the sports I mentioned benefit from strength training, and I mentioned powerlifting twice. I know strength training is valuable. The thing is, a bodybuilder caring how much he can lift is like a poker player caring how well he can roll chips on his knuckles: it might correlate with dedication and therefore indirectly with performance, but it doesn't win him any points in competition.