Research Work Inspired by FFG: Guest Post by Airnel T. Abarra (MSc)

Picture of the author.

Picture of the author at his graduation.

After taking my master’s degree at the University of the Philippines (College of Human Kinetics), I returned to the public school system where I am currently teaching. As I try to push for some reforms in the athletic training of track and field athletes, superiors do not endorse my views. According to the biblical concept, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” Because of this situation, I have decided to pursue PhD studies soon, focusing on the topic of bodybuilding. I was in high school when I first saw the Ms. Olympia competition on TV, becoming fascinated with women bodybuilders. Continue reading

Against Tolerance

I cannot really tolerate this guy.

I cannot really tolerate this guy.

The other day I received the following comment on a post called “Love of Labour Lost,” which I published on December 25, 2013. In the original post, I nastily rant against unfit people who are afraid of becoming “too muscular” by accident: Dear FFG, I really enjoy your blog and find your posts very satisfying to read, so first off, thank you! However, on the issue of bodybuilding, I must say that there seems to be a great deal of intolerance on the part of the athletes towards anyone who doesn’t agree with the aesthetic. I fully agree that the comments by the gym-goers who fear bulking up are ignorant and uninformed (and in very poor taste), but one’s body shape is a matter of personal preference. It is possible to achieve various healthy alternatives. I understand your point that there is a lack of appreciation for the hard work and time investment in achieving a muscular physique, but I find the lack of regard for someone else’s aesthetic quite jarring. Continue reading

Reflecting on 2013: More New Year’s Advice to Ignore (about the art of debate)

Sometimes a dung beetle is just a dung beetle. Forever.

Sometimes a dung beetle is just a dung beetle. Forever.

It is the beginning of 2014, spurring many people to plan for a better future and transform themselves from dung beetles into magical butterflies. I wish them well. As for me, I am perfect already so no changes will be necessary. This is not just my opinion; I read it online, Continue reading

Love of Labour Lost

FFG after a back workout last year. I cannot wait to train hard again!

FFG after a back workout last year. I cannot wait to train hard again!

Hard work no longer gets much respect. That pisses me off, something easily accomplished these days. I am curmudgeonly, quick to anger as I carefully slide my swollen ankles—they are in fact cankles—across the icy sidewalks in Edmonton. Foetor is now quite large, weighing me down while Continue reading