Some people say activities that don’t involve an objective means of measure (for example: scoring points, beating a clock, moving a weight, knocking out an opponent, etc.) aren’t truly sports. Regardless of a person’s opinion, they’re competitive none the less.

Throughout my early to mid-twenties I was involved in amateur bodybuilding (sometimes considered an exhibition sport).I liked the aesthetics of it. The art of sculpting the body taught me that we have much more say in our condition than what our genetics would naturally afford. The fundamentals that I learned have always remained a part of my lifestyle.

In my thirties I became involved in amateur bench press meets. There’s something appealing about the pure/simple nature of benching. It is very black and white. You either lift the weight, or you don’t. Someone is either stronger than you, or they aren’t. There’s no arguing with it.

Ultimately though, no matter what your sport, or competition, you’re competing with yourself.