Maggie's Farm

Body-building is a somewhat common hobby for men and women. You can term it foolish, but most hobbies are sort of pointless but personally rewarding anyway.

The Guardian is upset (It is always upset about something. That is their brand.) about males who want to look buff:  The idealised male body has become bigger, bulkier and harder to achieve. So what drives a generation of young men to the all-consuming, often dangerous pursuit of perfection?

I will join the Guardian in criticising steroid use by both men and women. It just sacrifices health for muscle bulk. The gyms I use have no real body-builders. Strength-builders, sure. General ftness-seekers, lots - but General Fitness includes strength.

On our website, we prefer to focus on "Fitness for Life", while bearing in mind that few women do not want to look "beach-ready" and few guys want to be, or to appear, physically weak or flabby. Some degree of narcissism is just a part of self-respect.

Photo: Jamie Eason is a lady body-builder, no steroids.