Are there too many IFBB Pros out there today?

When it comes to competing in any athletic endeavor there’s no doubt that a certain amount of pain and sacrifice has to be doled out. When competing professionally there’s no doubt that those elements are heightened ten fold. There’s a big difference between training in the gym for everyday aesthetics and actually prepping to get stage ready.

Bodybuilding is all about being meticulous, about adhering to a strict program in order to see the best results. If you have hopes of winning a major competition then it means you have to put your best foot forward, train hard, and diet like a madman.

But now with the inclusion of so many new divisions such as physique, fitness, and figure – there seems to be a few pros out there that believe getting a pro card is easier than ever. Gone are the days when the IFBB pro card was something mythic… a true testament to surpassing unreal challenges among the masses. Some even believe many of the new bodybuilders entering into the pro ranks have been given a far easier road than those who came before them. It’s controversial to say the least, but not something completely unfounded.

Jose Raymond is a competitor in the 212 division with a great deal of promise. The bodybuilder has accomplished a great deal during his IFBB career and as the 2015 Olympia approaches, the 212 standout has a lot on his mind. Muscular Development caught up with Raymond to tackle the issue of the ease in which new pros are receiving their pro cards:

“I’m not even 40, but I come from a different time/era. Being an IFBB Pro used to mean something. It was a title to be respected and earned. Today it seems like everyone and anyone has it in front of their name on Facebook, and I’ve never even heard of half of them. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a hater and I’m happy they have reached a goal, but how satisfying was it really to get it after only one or two years of competing or in some cases in their second show ever? There used to be a pecking order where you were groomed and forced to “pay your dues.” By the time one turned pro, everybody knew your name already and that included men’s and women’s bodybuilding, Fitness and even the early days of Figure. Today I have no clue who most of these pros are or even what division they compete in. Still, I congratulate them on their achievements. I just personally wouldn’t get overly excited about something that 55 other people also achieved that same day in the same show!”

– Jose Raymond speaking with MD.

What do you think? Do bodybuilders have easy go of it these days? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

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