Weight Equals Cruelty?

Andrew Stutts

I was watching videos of a dogs competing in a weight pulling competition.  These canine athletes are admirable to watch.  I was surprised to read some of the negative comments mostly centered around allegation of animal cruelty.  Some people's opinions make me question if we are all from the same planet.

 A Pitbull competing in a competitive canine weight pull. 

I began to ponder the root of these people's perception of cruelty.  Then the reason became crystal clear to me.  This is due to people's misinformed perception of heavy resistance training.   In their warped sense of reality hard work is cruel.  They view it as cruel and unusual punishment for people so by default it must be cruel for dogs to be forced to do it.  Here is the part they are missing; the dogs are not forced to do the work.  They actually enjoy the work.  Imagine that, they actually enjoy hard work.   I know for some that is hard to believe.  These dogs like people need a physical outlet that light cardio just can't provide.

It is also interesting to note the types of dogs that usually excel at the sport of weight pulling.   They are usually the breeds of dogs with an abundance of drive, courage, and tenacity.  One of the most notable breeds exceling at this activity are Pitbulls. Many of these types of dogs and their owners are vilified, even when their energies are channeled into a positive activity like weight pulling. 

Why do some people automatically assume that just because one chose to own a such a canine, they must by default be a low brow thug or overcompensating for something?  Likewise, why is there this "meat head" stereotype associated with those who are interested in strength training?  Exactly when did it become unfashionable to admire attributes like strength, power, and tenacity?  Like all people who are interested such things are not well balanced and have nothing of significance to contribute to society...Right!!!!

Ukraine's Oleksii Novikov wins 2020World's Strongest Man 

Let me share something with you.  Strength is awesome!  It is something to be admired and emulated.  Strength of body, mind and character should be continually cultivated.  

 

Muscle Apocalypse