Muscle building as a lifestyle has changed significantly over the years. What was previously a pastime shared by a few with this same passion (often forming a bond of camaraderie unknown in other spheres), has become a diverse mix of training styles. Nearly gone are the days of brothers & sisters of iron, where free weights reigned supreme — although the very popular CrossFit has brought some of it back, albeit with a focus on functional strength as opposed to simply developing a sculpted physique.
Today, millions work out, however, their goals vary significantly, with the gym meaning something very different to each person. With the recent re-emergence of healthy living as a priority, people have quickly begun to question muscle building as an objective. And with steroids unfortunately running rampant in the sport of bodybuilding, getting big has made it less appealing to the mainstream. As a result, several franchise/semi-automated fitness centers now offer the convenience of lower-priced memberships along with access to multiple locations; coincidentally, promoting non-intimidating environments (where muscle building is almost shunned upon) seems to have become the norm.
The personal touch is no longer there, and so, many devout fans of muscle building as a lifestyle, both old and young, have resorted to working out at home or park/outdoor gyms almost exclusively (especially these days, with good reason). As for the elusive camaraderie (which not only helped build lasting friendships, but also assisted each member in acquiring a niched yet strong body of knowledge, no pun intended), bodybuilding forums, and more recently social networks, have filled that void to a certain degree.
While muscle building as a lifestyle has become a more segregated choice, all hope is not lost because not much has changed as far as actual results are concerned. The foundational principles & habits (such as pyramid training and high-protein diets) are still learned & followed (and, therefore, highly-accessible) by hypertrophy enthusiasts. Within other sports, muscularity (and the strength that follows any gains made) continues to be important amongst recreational, amateur, and professional athletes — which sets an example for young trainees & trainers to follow. And contrary to the belief of many, sustained muscular development does improve the subject's mood, ability to focus mentally, and overall physical performance.
I, personally, made muscle building a significant part of my lifestyle because I felt that it would help increase my level of confidence. I was correct in my assumption, later reinforced and, I'd argue, confirmed as a general occurrence when applied to the several clients I've had the privilege of working with in my years as a fitness professional. But it really does help in all areas of your being, let alone one's demeanor. Once again, my own muscle building journey has led me to experience better decision-making, more assertiveness, and, on a deeper level, finding my one true love.