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{{Short description|American dietary supplements company}}
{{Short description|American dietary supplements company}}
{{advert|date=November 2014}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
|name = Bodybuilding.com
| name = Bodybuilding.com
|logo = Bodybuilding.com logo.png
| logo = Bodybuilding.com logo.png
|type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
|key_people = CEO Karl Walsh
| key_people = CEO Karl Walsh
|industry = [[Ecommerce]], Fitness Industry
| industry = [[Ecommerce]], Fitness Industry
|products = [[Dietary supplements]]
| products = [[Dietary supplements]]
|num_employees = 450
| num_employees = 450
|homepage = {{URL|bodybuilding.com}}
| homepage = {{URL|bodybuilding.com}}
|foundation = {{start date and age|1999|2|16}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whois.domaintools.com/bodybuilding.com|title=Bodybuilding.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info - DomainTools|work=[[WHOIS]]|access-date=2016-07-13}}</ref>
| foundation = {{start date and age|1999|2|16}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whois.domaintools.com/bodybuilding.com|title=Bodybuilding.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info - DomainTools|work=[[WHOIS]]|access-date=2016-07-13}}</ref>
| founder = [[Ryan DeLuca]]
|parent = Retail Ecommerce Ventures<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bodybuildingcom-forms-partnership-with-retail-ecommerce-ventures-301579941.html|title=Bodybuilding.com forms partnership with Retail Ecommerce Ventures|date=July 1, 2022|access-date=March 2, 2023|website=PR Newswire|language=en}}</ref>
| parent = Retail Ecommerce Ventures<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bodybuildingcom-forms-partnership-with-retail-ecommerce-ventures-301579941.html|title=Bodybuilding.com forms partnership with Retail Ecommerce Ventures|date=July 1, 2022|access-date=March 2, 2023|website=PR Newswire|language=en}}</ref>
|location = [[Boise, Idaho]], U.S.
| location = [[Boise, Idaho]], U.S.
}}
}}


'''Bodybuilding.com''' is an American online retailer based in [[Boise, Idaho]], specializing in [[dietary supplement]]s, [[Dietary supplement|sports supplement]]s and [[bodybuilding supplement]]s.
'''Bodybuilding.com''' is an American [[online retailer]] based in [[Boise, Idaho]], specializing in [[dietary supplement]]s, sports supplements and [[bodybuilding supplement]]s. The site also once had a highly popular [[Internet forum|forum]] section which was shut down in September 2024 without notice.

Aside from its commercial responsibilities, Bodybuilding.com publishes daily editorial content, training plans and streams live broadcasts of major [[bodybuilding]] competitions. It also operates its own fitness-themed social network, BodySpace, with over 2.7 million active members.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bodybuilding.com achievements|url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbcomcareer.htm|website=www.bodybuilding.com|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref> The success of the website has led to a number of proprietary sports nutrition products and accessories being developed and sold under its name.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bodybuilding.com products|url=http://www.bodybuilding.com|access-date=12 November 2015}}</ref>


In September 2015, the CEO and founder Ryan DeLuca stepped down from his role, announcing he would be succeeded on an interim basis by [[Liberty Media]] CFO Chris Shean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/article40650900.html|title=Bodybuilding.com founder DeLuca steps down|date=5 October 2015|website=Idaho Statesman}}</ref> Chris Shean was subsequently replaced with the appointment of Karl Walsh in October 2021.
In September 2015, the CEO and founder Ryan DeLuca stepped down from his role, announcing he would be succeeded on an interim basis by [[Liberty Media]] CFO Chris Shean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/article40650900.html|title=Bodybuilding.com founder DeLuca steps down|date=5 October 2015|website=Idaho Statesman}}</ref> Chris Shean was subsequently replaced with the appointment of Karl Walsh in October 2021.


==History==
==History==
Bodybuilding.com grew out of wholesale-creatine.com, an online storefront created by teenage web marketer and amateur bodybuilder Ryan DeLuca in 1997, to capitalize on the rising popularity of [[creatine supplement]]s.<ref>{{cite web|last1=DeLuca|first1=Ryan|title=Ask a guy who started Bodybuilding.com anything, part I|url=http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=7224141&p=128278351#post128278351|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="titleCatching Up with the 2006 30 Under 30 Alumni, Leading Your Company Article - Inc. Article">{{cite web |url=http://www.inc.com/30under30/2007/catching-up-with-the-2006-alumni_pagen_2.html |title=Catching Up with the 2006 30 Under 30 Alumni, Leading Your Company Article - Inc. Article |access-date=2007-11-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=DeLuca|first1=Ryan|title=Ask a guy who started Bodybuilding.com anything, part II|url=http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=7224141&p=128280211#post128280211|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref> After two years of success, usually filling orders out of his garage, DeLuca purchased the domain Bodybuilding.com for $20,000, at age 21.<ref>{{cite web|last1=DeLuca|first1=Ryan|title=Ask a guy who started Bodybuilding.com anything, part III|url=http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=7224141&p=128280951#post128280951|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref> The site went live on April 13, 1999, and within a year also launched teenbodybuilding.com. It was eventually merged into the primary domain name, bodybuilding.com.<ref>{{cite web|last1=DeLuca|first1=Ryan|title=Ask a guy who started Bodybuilding.com anything, part III|url=http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=7224141&p=128280951#post128280951|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref>
Bodybuilding.com grew out of wholesale-creatine.com, an online storefront created by teenage web marketer and amateur bodybuilder Ryan DeLuca in 1997, to capitalize on the rising popularity of [[creatine supplement]]s.<ref>{{cite web|last1=DeLuca|first1=Ryan|title=Ask a guy who started Bodybuilding.com anything, part I|url=http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=7224141&p=128278351#post128278351|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="titleCatching Up with the 2006 30 Under 30 Alumni, Leading Your Company Article - Inc. Article">{{cite web |url=http://www.inc.com/30under30/2007/catching-up-with-the-2006-alumni_pagen_2.html |title=Catching Up with the 2006 30 Under 30 Alumni, Leading Your Company Article - Inc. Article |access-date=2007-11-20 }}</ref>


After years of rapid growth, a majority stake in Bodybuilding.com was acquired in July 2006 by Milestone Partners for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web|title=Milestone Completes Sale of Bodybuilding.com|url=http://www.milestonepartners.com/News/Milestone-News/2008/Milestone-Completes-Sale-of-Bodybuilding-com|website=Milestone Partners|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref> That same year, [[Inc. Magazine]] ranked DeLuca number five on its list "30 Under 30: America's Coolest Entrepreneurs."<ref>{{cite web|title=Bodybuilding.com CEO ranked number five in America's Coolest Young Entrepreneurs!|url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/pr43.htm|website=Bodybuilding.com|access-date=2014-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125092927/http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/pr43.htm|archive-date=2014-11-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2008, [[Liberty Media Corporation]] acquired a controlling stake in Bodybuilding.com for more than $100 million.<ref name="Liberty Media buying Bodybuilding.com stake: report">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSN0737720520080107 |title=Liberty Media buying Bodybuilding.com stake: report |access-date=2008-01-10 |work=Reuters | first=Ritsuko | last=Ando | date=2008-01-07}}</ref> DeLuca stayed on as the company's CEO.
A majority stake in Bodybuilding.com was acquired in July 2006 by Milestone Partners for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web|title=Milestone Completes Sale of Bodybuilding.com|url=http://www.milestonepartners.com/News/Milestone-News/2008/Milestone-Completes-Sale-of-Bodybuilding-com|website=Milestone Partners|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref> In January 2008, [[Liberty Media Corporation]] acquired a controlling stake in Bodybuilding.com for more than $100 million.<ref name="Liberty Media buying Bodybuilding.com stake: report">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSN0737720520080107 |title=Liberty Media buying Bodybuilding.com stake: report |access-date=2008-01-10 |work=Reuters | first=Ritsuko | last=Ando | date=2008-01-07}}</ref> DeLuca stayed on as the company's CEO.


[[File:Bbcom-new-boise-hq.jpg|thumb|Bodybuilding.com corporate headquarters, Boise, ID]]
[[File:Bbcom-new-boise-hq.jpg|thumb|Bodybuilding.com corporate headquarters, Boise, ID]]


As of 2014, Bodybuilding.com is a nine-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 ranking of America's fastest-growing companies, with a reported revenue in 2013 of $420 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Startup Grind: Ryan DeLuca, CEO of Bodybuilding.com|url=http://startupgrind.com/event/startup-grind-boise-hosted-ryan-deluca-bodybuilding-com/|website=Startup Grind|access-date=17 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012092903/http://startupgrind.com/event/startup-grind-boise-hosted-ryan-deluca-bodybuilding-com/|archive-date=2014-10-12|url-status=dead}}</ref> It has 450 employees working at 3 locations, including distribution centers in [[North Las Vegas, NV]]; [[Shiremanstown, PA]]; and [[Bedfordshire]], U.K.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bodybuilding.com achievements|url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbcomcareer.htm|website=www.bodybuilding.com|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref> The corporate headquarters is also located in [[Boise, Idaho|Boise]], along with the company's customer service [[call center]].
As of 2014, it has 450 employees working at 3 locations, including distribution centers in [[North Las Vegas, NV]]; [[Shiremanstown, PA]]; and [[Bedfordshire]], U.K.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bodybuilding.com achievements|url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbcomcareer.htm|website=www.bodybuilding.com|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref> The corporate headquarters is also located in [[Boise, Idaho|Boise]], along with the company's customer service [[call center]].


In 2013, the company donated the equipment for Boise's first outdoor gym, located in [[Ann Morrison Park]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Boise's first outdoor gym opens Thursday in Ann Morrison Park|url=http://www.ktvb.com/story/news/2014/07/01/11894085/|access-date=17 November 2014|agency=KTVB News Channel 7 Boise}}</ref>
In 2013, the company donated the equipment for Boise's first outdoor gym, located in [[Ann Morrison Park]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Boise's first outdoor gym opens Thursday in Ann Morrison Park|url=http://www.ktvb.com/story/news/2014/07/01/11894085/|access-date=17 November 2014|agency=KTVB News Channel 7 Boise}}</ref>


===Misidentified drugs===
In 2007, an [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] agent purchased several dietary supplements from the company which were determined to contain [[anabolic steroid]]s. In May 2012, Bodybuilding.com was fined $7 million, and as part of the settlement, CEO DeLuca and his brother Jeremy were both fined $600,000 for selling misbranded drugs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roberts|first=Bill|title=Bodybuilding.com agrees to pay $7 million fine for violating Food and Drugs act|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/05/09/2109572/bodybuildingcom-agrees-to-pay.html|publisher=Idaho Statesman|access-date=19 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="FDA">{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/CriminalInvestigations/ucm305494.htm|title=US FDA Criminal Investigations- May 22, 2012: Bodybuilding.com, LLC, Ryan Deluca, and Jeremy DeLuca Plead Guilty in Federal Court to Violating FDCA|website=[[Food and Drug Administration]] |access-date =2012-09-28}}</ref>
In 2007, an [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] agent purchased several dietary supplements from the company which were determined to contain [[anabolic steroid]]s. In May 2012, Bodybuilding.com was fined $7 million, and as part of the settlement, CEO DeLuca and his brother Jeremy were both fined $600,000 for selling misbranded drugs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roberts|first=Bill|title=Bodybuilding.com agrees to pay $7 million fine for violating Food and Drugs act|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/05/09/2109572/bodybuildingcom-agrees-to-pay.html|publisher=Idaho Statesman|access-date=19 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="FDA">{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/CriminalInvestigations/ucm305494.htm|title=US FDA Criminal Investigations- May 22, 2012: Bodybuilding.com, LLC, Ryan Deluca, and Jeremy DeLuca Plead Guilty in Federal Court to Violating FDCA|website=[[Food and Drug Administration]] |access-date =2012-09-28}}</ref>


⚫
In September 2015, founder and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] Ryan Deluca suddenly announced he would be stepping down from his position as CEO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/companies/article40650900.html|title=Bodybuilding.com founder DeLuca steps down|website=idahostatesman|access-date=2016-05-03}}</ref>
=== Ryan Deluca Steps Down ===

⚫
In September 2015, Founder and [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] Ryan Deluca suddenly announced he would be stepping down from his position as CEO.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/companies/article40650900.html|title=Bodybuilding.com founder DeLuca steps down|website=idahostatesman|access-date=2016-05-03}}</ref>
In April 2018, it was publicized that Bodybuilding.com experienced a security breach, though the site would not say if any of its users' data was stolen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hadley |first=James |title=Bodybuilding.com Breach: Proof That An Organization's Biggest Cyber Risk Is Its People |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jameshadley/2019/04/24/bodybuilding-com-breach-proof-that-an-organizations-biggest-cyber-risk-is-its-people/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Bodybuilding.com discloses security breach |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/bodybuilding-com-discloses-security-breach/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=ZDNET |language=en}}</ref>


== Vitalize, LLC. ==
== Vitalize, LLC. ==
Line 42: Line 40:
In 2015, [[Liberty Interactive]] spun off Bodybuilding.com and its stake in [[Expedia, Inc.|Expedia]] into a new company, Liberty Expedia Holdings.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Liberty Interactive to spin off CommerceHub, Liberty Expedia| work = Reuters| access-date = 2017-09-24| date = 2015-11-12| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-liberty-interactive-divestiture/liberty-interactive-to-spin-off-commercehub-liberty-expedia-idUSKCN0T11GF20151112}}</ref> In December 2016 after a massive layoff,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ktvb.com/news/local/bodybuildingcom-lays-off-about-90-in-boise/361027780|title=Bodybuilding.com lays off about 90 in Boise|last=TEGNA|newspaper=KTVB|language=en-US|access-date=2016-12-29}}</ref> Bodybuilding.com reorganized to form 4 different companies/brands.
In 2015, [[Liberty Interactive]] spun off Bodybuilding.com and its stake in [[Expedia, Inc.|Expedia]] into a new company, Liberty Expedia Holdings.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Liberty Interactive to spin off CommerceHub, Liberty Expedia| work = Reuters| access-date = 2017-09-24| date = 2015-11-12| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-liberty-interactive-divestiture/liberty-interactive-to-spin-off-commercehub-liberty-expedia-idUSKCN0T11GF20151112}}</ref> In December 2016 after a massive layoff,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ktvb.com/news/local/bodybuildingcom-lays-off-about-90-in-boise/361027780|title=Bodybuilding.com lays off about 90 in Boise|last=TEGNA|newspaper=KTVB|language=en-US|access-date=2016-12-29}}</ref> Bodybuilding.com reorganized to form 4 different companies/brands.


== Forums ==
Vitalize, LLC owns and operates multiple brands dedicated to health, fitness & nutrition. Verity Brands is a food technology and manufacturing company focused on functional food and nutritional supplements.
At the time of their discontinuation, Bodybuilding.com's [[Internet forum|forums]] were the internet's largest online forums for fitness discussion.<ref name=":0" /> They were known for their strong sense of trolling and their expansive discussion of unrelated subjects in the Misc. (miscellaneous) subforum.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Kate Davis |date=2015-03-26 |title=Bodybuilding Forums Are One of the Last Relics of Web 1.0 |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/mvxveb/bodybuilding-forums-are-one-of-the-last-relics-of-web-10-456 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Vice |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-10-20 |title=Gable Tostee's journey from an introvert to a self-styled playboy |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-20/the-story-of-gable-tostee-and-warriena-wrights-tragic-date/7941720 |access-date=2024-07-31 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> As of 2022, 18 million people used the forums.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-17 |title=5 Best Bodybuilding Forums (Reviewed For 2024) |url=https://muscleandbrawn.com/bodybuilding/forums/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |language=en-US}}</ref> This popularity led to them becoming one of the last remaining [[Web 2.0|Web 1.0]] forums.<ref name=":1" /> They were politically diverse, notable in comparison to other boards like the right-wing [[4chan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-11 |title=The Unheard History of Bodybuilding Forums, as Told by the Trolls and Counter-Trolls Who Made Them Huge |url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/the-unheard-history-of-bodybuilding-forums-as-told-by-the-trolls-and-counter-trolls-who-made-them-huge |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=MEL Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

Notable people who posted on them included bodybuilder [[Zyzz]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-21 |title=Zyzz Can Never Die |url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/who-is-zyzz |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=MEL Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> [[WWE]] wrestler [[Lars Sullivan]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Konuwa |first=Alfred |title=Lars Sullivan And WWE's Recent History Of Turning A Blind Eye To Bigotry |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2019/05/10/lars-sullivan-and-wwes-recent-history-of-turning-a-blind-eye-to-bigotry/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> and the perpetrator of the [[2014 Isla Vista killings]], [[Elliot Rodger]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Woolf |first=Nicky |date=2014-05-30 |title='PUAhate' and 'ForeverAlone': inside Elliot Rodger's online life |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/30/elliot-rodger-puahate-forever-alone-reddit-forums |access-date=2024-07-31 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The site popularized the GOMAD diet (drinking one '''G'''allon '''O'''f '''M'''ilk '''A''' '''D'''ay) and dry-scooping (consuming [[pre-workout]] powder [[Stimulant|stimulants]] without water); both methods are known to be dangerous.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-12 |title=Meet the Bodybuilding Bros on the 'GOMAD' Diet — a Gallon of Milk a Day |url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/gomad-diet-before-after-side-effects |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=MEL Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rodrigues |first=Ashwin |date=2021-06-07 |title=Dry Scooping Pre-Workout Is a Terrible Idea |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7ebdn/dry-scooping-pre-workout-is-bad-for-you |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Vice |language=en}}</ref> In 2008, 19-year-old Abraham Biggs committed suicide after being bullied on the forums. He [[Live streaming|livestreamed]] his suicide on [[justin.tv]], and posted the link to the stream beforehand on the site.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-17 |title=The Dark, Disturbing Trend of Teens Live Streaming Suicide, and How It Can Be Stopped |url=https://www.insideedition.com/25564-the-dark-disturbing-trend-of-teens-live-streaming-suicide-and-how-it-can-be-stopped |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Inside Edition |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2011, user ThePoz discovered and publicized a way to access private photographs of [[Facebook]] CEO [[Mark Zuckerberg]] on Facebook itself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Kashmir |title=Mark Zuckerberg's Private Photos Exposed Thanks To Facebook Flaw |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2011/12/06/mark-zuckerbergs-private-photos-exposed-thanks-to-facebook-flaw/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-12-07 |title=Facebook glitch reveals private photos -- including Zuckerberg's |url=http://www.today.com/money/facebook-glitch-reveals-private-photos-including-zuckerbergs-118698 |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2014, Australian man Gable Tostee was found not guilty of murdering his girlfriend Warriena Wright. He had defended himself by posting a full testimony of his actions at the time of her death on the forums, alongside photographs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bogle |first=Ariel |date=2016-10-24 |title='Tinder murder' accused posted testimony on a body building website |url=https://mashable.com/article/gable-tostee-bodybuilding-forum-post |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Mashable |language=en}}</ref> Also in 2014, the site popularized the word "nutting" as slang for [[ejaculation]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hathaway |first=Jay |date=2016-08-26 |title=The sexy, sloppy history of 'nut' and 'succ' |url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/nut-succ-meme/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=The Daily Dot |language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 19, 2024, the company discontinued its entire forum section without notice. All links to its forums redirect to the message below:
<blockquote style="font-style:italic;">
Hi Team,

No good growth came without change. We’re building new ways to connect our global community.

Be on the lookout here on Bodybuilding.com, or subscribe to our emails below to stay up to date on the newest brand developments.

Together, we’ll move forward to discover more ways to Build Your Body, Build Your Mind and Build Your Life.

Team BBCOM


Enter your email address to subscribe
Jas Krdzalic acts as CEO of Vitalize, and Bodybuilding.com.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/jask1/|title=Jas Krdzalic LinkIn}}</ref>
</blockquote>


Ten days later, former users of the Bodybuilding.com forums organized to re-create the misc section on a self-hosted domain titled newmisc.com, which opened to public registration in October 2024.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bodybuilding.com Forum Notice of Shutdown|url=http://forum.bodybuilding.com/|website=Bodybuilding.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001012838/https://shop.bodybuilding.com/pages/forum|archive-date=2024-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Misc. Bodybuilding Forum|url=https://www.newmisc.com|website=New Misc}}</ref>
==Retail Ecommerce Ventures==
On July 1, 2022, Bodybuilding.com formed a partnership with Retail Ecommerce Ventures, in which they acquired and have full control of the brand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bodybuildingcom-forms-partnership-with-retail-ecommerce-ventures-301579941.html|title=Bodybuilding.com forms partnership with Retail Ecommerce Ventures|date=July 1, 2022|access-date=March 2, 2023|website=PR Newswire|language=en}}</ref>


=== "Days in a week" debate ===
On March 2, 2023, Retail Ecommerce Ventures, Bodybuilding.com's current parent, announced that it was mulling a possible bankruptcy filing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2023/03/02/owner-of-radioshack-pier-1-in-danger-of-bankruptcy-filing-sources/|title=Owner of RadioShack, Pier 1 in danger of bankruptcy|date=March 2, 2023|access-date=March 2, 2023|website=New York Post|language=en}}</ref>
The forums are notable for a [[Thread (online communication)|thread]] titled "Full Body Workout Every Other Day?" created on May 17, 2008,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Bois |first=Jon |date=2016-02-18 |title=The Dumbest Boy Alive |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2016/2/18/11051974/pretty-good-bodybuilding-days-in-a-week |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}}</ref> in which two users got into a long and intense argument over the number of days in a [[week]]. The thread started when user m1ndless posted: "If I go [to the gym] every other day I will be at the gym 4-5 times a week, is that over training? [...]" User steviekm3 responded: "That makes no sense. There are only 7 days in a week. If you go every other day that is 3.5 times a week."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2015-01-05 |title='You My Friend Are El Wrongo': Two Bodybuilding Meatheads Argue Over How Many Days Are In A Week |url=https://uproxx.com/viral/seven/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}</ref> m1ndless, from this point on posting under the username TheJosh, responded: "Monday, Wednesday, Friday, [[Sunday]]. That is 4 days. How do you go 3.5 times? Do a half workout or something? lol".<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> User Justin27 agreed with stevekm3 by saying "7x in 2 weeks = 3.5 times a week, genius."<ref name=":3" />


The argument went on for two days, mostly between TheJosh and Justin27. The argument narrowed down to a disagreement over whether or not a week is seven or eight days; Justin27 said a week is defined as Sunday to Saturday, while TheJosh defined it as Sunday to the next Sunday.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The argument then hinged on whether Sunday counted as a "real day".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waugh |first=Rob |date=2015-01-05 |title='How many days are in one week?' Bodybuilders argue it out |url=https://metro.co.uk/2015/01/05/how-many-days-are-in-one-week-bodybuilders-argue-it-out-5009448/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Metro |language=en}}</ref> It intensified to where they were posting harsh insults, such as when Justin27 told TheJosh: "You are the dumbest boy alive. Jump off a bridge."<ref name=":3" />
==Contest broadcasts==
Since 2007, Bodybuilding.com enlisted pioneer internet webcast company Chapman Media Group owner Travis Chapman, to use TheFitShow.tv on Bodybuilding.com as the basis for the first video marketing platform highlighting bodybuilding's top Pro athletes and trainers, recorded training at Golds Gym Venice beach. The first webcast was produced in LA and secondly the Tribeca Center in New York City, followed by Dallas, Columbus, and Las Vegas. Travis Chapman and Greg Helberg produced and directed all broadcasts to 2021. Shows streamed free online broadcasts included the world's two largest bodybuilding and fitness and figure competitions, [[Joe Weider]]'s Olympia Weekend and [[Arnold Schwarzenegger|Arnold Schwarzenegger's]] [[Arnold Classic]], now known as the [[Arnold Sports Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bodybuilding.com|title=Bodybuilding.com Announces Exclusive 2014 Olympia Webcast|url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2014-olympia-webcast-replays.html|website=www.bodybuilding.com|access-date=17 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019023041/http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/2014-olympia-webcast-replays.html|archive-date=19 October 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> At the Olympia Weekend, the events broadcast include the [[Mr. Olympia]] and [[Ms. Olympia]] competitions, as well as the 212 Olympia Showdown, Fitness Olympia, Figure Olympia, and since 2013, the Men's Physique Showdown and Women's Physique Showdown. At the Arnold Sports Festival, broadcasts cover the Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition and, since 2014, the Arnold Classic 212 for men, and the [[Ms. International]], Fitness International, Figure International, and Bikini International for women.


The thread went on for 120 posts,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-01-05 |title=Bodybuilders row over the number of days in the week |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/bodybuilders-row-over-the-number-of-days-in-the-week-9958198.html |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}</ref> or five pages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordie |title=Throwback: A Bunch Of Meatheads Get Into Argument Over How Many Days Are In A Week In Body Building Thread |url=https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/594031/throwback-a-bunch-of-meatheads-get-into-argument-over-how-many-days-are-in-a-week-in-body-building-thread |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=www.barstoolsports.com |language=en}}</ref> It was rediscovered by [[Reddit]] in 2015, and as of 2016, was viewed 3 million times. It was the subject of a documentary by [[Jon Bois]] for ''[[SB Nation]]'' in 2016. He referred to it as the "perhaps the dumbest argument in the history of the Internet".<ref name=":2" /> ''[[Deadspin]]'' said it was "the least essential discussion ever had".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Deadspin {{!}} How Many Days Are In A Week? Internet Steakheads Go To War |url=https://deadspin.com/how-many-days-are-in-a-week-internet-steakheads-go-to-1677492703/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=deadspin.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2015, ''[[Vice News]]'' contacted mathematician Joanna Nelson for a resolution, and she said that TheJosh would have to schedule his workouts in two-week chunks, claiming a week is seven days from Monday to Sunday.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conti |first=Allie |date=2015-01-05 |title=We Got a Mathematician to Settle the 'How Many Days Are There in a Week?' Controversy That Tore a Bodybuilding Forum Apart |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/av4pk5/we-got-a-mathematician-to-settle-the-how-many-days-are-there-in-a-week-controversy-that-tore-a-bodybuilding-forum-apart |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Vice |language=en}}</ref>
Bodybuilding.com's commentators at these events include former and current physique competitors and analysts such as Dave Farra, Larry Pepe, [[Bob Cicherillo]], Dan Solomon, [[Lou Ferrigno]], [[Ronnie Coleman]], [[Nicole Wilkins-Lee]], and Layne Norton, among others. In addition to analysis and play-by-play, the broadcasts include interviews with current and former competitors and a Webcast Fan's Choice.


== See also ==
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 17:02, 9 October 2024

Bodybuilding.com
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryEcommerce, Fitness Industry
FoundedFebruary 16, 1999; 25 years ago (1999-02-16)[1]
FounderRyan DeLuca
HeadquartersBoise, Idaho, U.S.
Key people
CEO Karl Walsh
ProductsDietary supplements
Number of employees
450
ParentRetail Ecommerce Ventures[2]
Websitebodybuilding.com

Bodybuilding.com is an American online retailer based in Boise, Idaho, specializing in dietary supplements, sports supplements and bodybuilding supplements. The site also once had a highly popular forum section which was shut down in September 2024 without notice.

In September 2015, the CEO and founder Ryan DeLuca stepped down from his role, announcing he would be succeeded on an interim basis by Liberty Media CFO Chris Shean.[3] Chris Shean was subsequently replaced with the appointment of Karl Walsh in October 2021.

History

[edit]

Bodybuilding.com grew out of wholesale-creatine.com, an online storefront created by teenage web marketer and amateur bodybuilder Ryan DeLuca in 1997, to capitalize on the rising popularity of creatine supplements.[4][5]

A majority stake in Bodybuilding.com was acquired in July 2006 by Milestone Partners for an undisclosed amount.[6] In January 2008, Liberty Media Corporation acquired a controlling stake in Bodybuilding.com for more than $100 million.[7] DeLuca stayed on as the company's CEO.

Bodybuilding.com corporate headquarters, Boise, ID

As of 2014, it has 450 employees working at 3 locations, including distribution centers in North Las Vegas, NV; Shiremanstown, PA; and Bedfordshire, U.K.[8] The corporate headquarters is also located in Boise, along with the company's customer service call center.

In 2013, the company donated the equipment for Boise's first outdoor gym, located in Ann Morrison Park.[9]

In 2007, an FDA agent purchased several dietary supplements from the company which were determined to contain anabolic steroids. In May 2012, Bodybuilding.com was fined $7 million, and as part of the settlement, CEO DeLuca and his brother Jeremy were both fined $600,000 for selling misbranded drugs.[10][11]

In September 2015, founder and CEO Ryan Deluca suddenly announced he would be stepping down from his position as CEO.[12]

In April 2018, it was publicized that Bodybuilding.com experienced a security breach, though the site would not say if any of its users' data was stolen.[13][14]

Vitalize, LLC.

[edit]

In 2015, Liberty Interactive spun off Bodybuilding.com and its stake in Expedia into a new company, Liberty Expedia Holdings.[15] In December 2016 after a massive layoff,[16] Bodybuilding.com reorganized to form 4 different companies/brands.

Forums

[edit]

At the time of their discontinuation, Bodybuilding.com's forums were the internet's largest online forums for fitness discussion.[14] They were known for their strong sense of trolling and their expansive discussion of unrelated subjects in the Misc. (miscellaneous) subforum.[17][18] As of 2022, 18 million people used the forums.[19] This popularity led to them becoming one of the last remaining Web 1.0 forums.[17] They were politically diverse, notable in comparison to other boards like the right-wing 4chan.[20]

Notable people who posted on them included bodybuilder Zyzz,[21] WWE wrestler Lars Sullivan[22] and the perpetrator of the 2014 Isla Vista killings, Elliot Rodger.[23] The site popularized the GOMAD diet (drinking one Gallon Of Milk A Day) and dry-scooping (consuming pre-workout powder stimulants without water); both methods are known to be dangerous.[24][25] In 2008, 19-year-old Abraham Biggs committed suicide after being bullied on the forums. He livestreamed his suicide on justin.tv, and posted the link to the stream beforehand on the site.[26] In 2011, user ThePoz discovered and publicized a way to access private photographs of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook itself.[27][28] In 2014, Australian man Gable Tostee was found not guilty of murdering his girlfriend Warriena Wright. He had defended himself by posting a full testimony of his actions at the time of her death on the forums, alongside photographs.[29] Also in 2014, the site popularized the word "nutting" as slang for ejaculation.[30]

On September 19, 2024, the company discontinued its entire forum section without notice. All links to its forums redirect to the message below:

Hi Team,

No good growth came without change. We’re building new ways to connect our global community.

Be on the lookout here on Bodybuilding.com, or subscribe to our emails below to stay up to date on the newest brand developments.

Together, we’ll move forward to discover more ways to Build Your Body, Build Your Mind and Build Your Life.

Team BBCOM

Enter your email address to subscribe

Ten days later, former users of the Bodybuilding.com forums organized to re-create the misc section on a self-hosted domain titled newmisc.com, which opened to public registration in October 2024.[31][32]

"Days in a week" debate

[edit]

The forums are notable for a thread titled "Full Body Workout Every Other Day?" created on May 17, 2008,[33] in which two users got into a long and intense argument over the number of days in a week. The thread started when user m1ndless posted: "If I go [to the gym] every other day I will be at the gym 4-5 times a week, is that over training? [...]" User steviekm3 responded: "That makes no sense. There are only 7 days in a week. If you go every other day that is 3.5 times a week."[34] m1ndless, from this point on posting under the username TheJosh, responded: "Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. That is 4 days. How do you go 3.5 times? Do a half workout or something? lol".[33][34] User Justin27 agreed with stevekm3 by saying "7x in 2 weeks = 3.5 times a week, genius."[34]

The argument went on for two days, mostly between TheJosh and Justin27. The argument narrowed down to a disagreement over whether or not a week is seven or eight days; Justin27 said a week is defined as Sunday to Saturday, while TheJosh defined it as Sunday to the next Sunday.[33][34] The argument then hinged on whether Sunday counted as a "real day".[35] It intensified to where they were posting harsh insults, such as when Justin27 told TheJosh: "You are the dumbest boy alive. Jump off a bridge."[34]

The thread went on for 120 posts,[36] or five pages.[37] It was rediscovered by Reddit in 2015, and as of 2016, was viewed 3 million times. It was the subject of a documentary by Jon Bois for SB Nation in 2016. He referred to it as the "perhaps the dumbest argument in the history of the Internet".[33] Deadspin said it was "the least essential discussion ever had".[38] In 2015, Vice News contacted mathematician Joanna Nelson for a resolution, and she said that TheJosh would have to schedule his workouts in two-week chunks, claiming a week is seven days from Monday to Sunday.[39]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Bodybuilding.com WHOIS, DNS, & Domain Info - DomainTools". WHOIS. Retrieved 2016-07-13.
  2. ^ "Bodybuilding.com forms partnership with Retail Ecommerce Ventures". PR Newswire. July 1, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  3. ^ "Bodybuilding.com founder DeLuca steps down". Idaho Statesman. 5 October 2015.
  4. ^ DeLuca, Ryan. "Ask a guy who started Bodybuilding.com anything, part I". Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  5. ^ "Catching Up with the 2006 30 Under 30 Alumni, Leading Your Company Article - Inc. Article". Retrieved 2007-11-20.
  6. ^ "Milestone Completes Sale of Bodybuilding.com". Milestone Partners. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  7. ^ Ando, Ritsuko (2008-01-07). "Liberty Media buying Bodybuilding.com stake: report". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
  8. ^ "Bodybuilding.com achievements". www.bodybuilding.com. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  9. ^ "Boise's first outdoor gym opens Thursday in Ann Morrison Park". KTVB News Channel 7 Boise. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  10. ^ Roberts, Bill. "Bodybuilding.com agrees to pay $7 million fine for violating Food and Drugs act". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  11. ^ "US FDA Criminal Investigations- May 22, 2012: Bodybuilding.com, LLC, Ryan Deluca, and Jeremy DeLuca Plead Guilty in Federal Court to Violating FDCA". Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
  12. ^ "Bodybuilding.com founder DeLuca steps down". idahostatesman. Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  13. ^ Hadley, James. "Bodybuilding.com Breach: Proof That An Organization's Biggest Cyber Risk Is Its People". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  14. ^ a b "Bodybuilding.com discloses security breach". ZDNET. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  15. ^ "Liberty Interactive to spin off CommerceHub, Liberty Expedia". Reuters. 2015-11-12. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  16. ^ TEGNA. "Bodybuilding.com lays off about 90 in Boise". KTVB. Retrieved 2016-12-29.
  17. ^ a b Jones, Kate Davis (2015-03-26). "Bodybuilding Forums Are One of the Last Relics of Web 1.0". Vice. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  18. ^ "Gable Tostee's journey from an introvert to a self-styled playboy". ABC News. 2016-10-20. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  19. ^ "5 Best Bodybuilding Forums (Reviewed For 2024)". 2020-12-17. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  20. ^ "The Unheard History of Bodybuilding Forums, as Told by the Trolls and Counter-Trolls Who Made Them Huge". MEL Magazine. 2019-04-11. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  21. ^ "Zyzz Can Never Die". MEL Magazine. 2022-04-21. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  22. ^ Konuwa, Alfred. "Lars Sullivan And WWE's Recent History Of Turning A Blind Eye To Bigotry". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  23. ^ Woolf, Nicky (2014-05-30). "'PUAhate' and 'ForeverAlone': inside Elliot Rodger's online life". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  24. ^ "Meet the Bodybuilding Bros on the 'GOMAD' Diet — a Gallon of Milk a Day". MEL Magazine. 2018-12-12. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  25. ^ Rodrigues, Ashwin (2021-06-07). "Dry Scooping Pre-Workout Is a Terrible Idea". Vice. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  26. ^ "The Dark, Disturbing Trend of Teens Live Streaming Suicide, and How It Can Be Stopped". Inside Edition. 2017-10-17. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  27. ^ Hill, Kashmir. "Mark Zuckerberg's Private Photos Exposed Thanks To Facebook Flaw". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  28. ^ "Facebook glitch reveals private photos -- including Zuckerberg's". TODAY.com. 2011-12-07. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  29. ^ Bogle, Ariel (2016-10-24). "'Tinder murder' accused posted testimony on a body building website". Mashable. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  30. ^ Hathaway, Jay (2016-08-26). "The sexy, sloppy history of 'nut' and 'succ'". The Daily Dot. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  31. ^ "Bodybuilding.com Forum Notice of Shutdown". Bodybuilding.com. Archived from the original on 2024-10-01.
  32. ^ "New Misc. Bodybuilding Forum". New Misc.
  33. ^ a b c d Bois, Jon (2016-02-18). "The Dumbest Boy Alive". SBNation.com. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  34. ^ a b c d e "'You My Friend Are El Wrongo': Two Bodybuilding Meatheads Argue Over How Many Days Are In A Week". UPROXX. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  35. ^ Waugh, Rob (2015-01-05). "'How many days are in one week?' Bodybuilders argue it out". Metro. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  36. ^ "Bodybuilders row over the number of days in the week". Evening Standard. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  37. ^ Jordie. "Throwback: A Bunch Of Meatheads Get Into Argument Over How Many Days Are In A Week In Body Building Thread". www.barstoolsports.com. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  38. ^ "Deadspin | How Many Days Are In A Week? Internet Steakheads Go To War". deadspin.com. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
  39. ^ Conti, Allie (2015-01-05). "We Got a Mathematician to Settle the 'How Many Days Are There in a Week?' Controversy That Tore a Bodybuilding Forum Apart". Vice. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
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