by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
I’m both going to make some associates or some enemies with this text, nevertheless it must be mentioned. There’s a poisonous aspect of bodybuilding. Should you’ve been within the business for 20+ years like I’ve, it’s plain.
I’ve had the luxurious of working with among the high bodybuilders on the earth again after I labored for MET-Rx. Guys like Phil Heath and Greg Plitt. And women like Nicole Wilkins. There’s an disagreeable and obsessive aspect.
Bodybuilding is meant to be about self-improvement. About pushing limits, constructing muscle, and getting stronger — each bodily and mentally. However there’s a darkish aspect. One which doesn’t get talked about sufficient.
The poisonous aspect of bodybuilding is actual. And it’s ugly.
On this article, I wish to unpack the poisonous aspect of bodybuilding that not many individuals perceive.
And this isn’t to discourage you away from competing. I’m not seeking to take a dump on the game of bodybuilding (despite the fact that I really feel it’s going within the unsuitable route). I simply wish to give my suggestions, expertise, and opinion on the issues that I’ve seen with my very own eyes over time.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is suggested that you simply converse along with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making modifications to your diet plan, or including any new dietary supplements into your present routine.
The By no means-Ending Chase for Perfection
Irrespective of how a lot muscle is packed on, it’s by no means sufficient. A bodybuilder can weight loss program for months, step on stage in peak situation, and nonetheless stroll away feeling small at 265 kilos and three% physique fats.
Each look within the mirror turns into an inspection. Not in a “Hey, I look good” form of manner. Extra like, “My shoulders aren’t capped sufficient,” or “I would like extra measurement on my hamstrings.”
It’s an obsession. And it messes along with your head. You’re making an attempt to chase perfection. The one drawback is, after you have the best physique within the eyes of everybody, your individual eyes inform you that you simply aren’t ok. It’s a particularly sickening and poisonous aspect of bodybuilding.
I’ve been across the sport for years — 20+ years, to be precise. Writing about it, working with athletes, and coaching myself. I’ve seen guys and ladies destroy their confidence, all as a result of they will’t see what the remainder of the world does. They chase a model of themselves that doesn’t exist apart from of their head.
And belief me — there’s no end line.
Even when guys like Phil Heath gained the Olympia time and again, he and Hany Rambod continued to return to the drafting board and work out the place he may enhance earlier than subsequent 12 months’s Olympia. He was one of the best bodybuilder on the earth and saved seeking to make modifications to his physique.
It’s truthfully a psychological sickness, however many will name it chasing perfection.
Physique Dysmorphia: When the Mirror Lies
Talking of psychological sicknesses… physique dysmorphia is a MFer within the bodybuilding business. It sneaks in slowly, then utterly takes over.
Sooner or later, you’re enthusiastic about hitting a PR within the gymnasium. The subsequent, you’re choosing aside each little flaw in your physique. Even when different folks say you look nice, it doesn’t matter. The mirror tells a special story to your mind.
This can be a large a part of the poisonous aspect of bodybuilding. The pursuit of a greater physique ought to be motivating, not crippling. However when physique dysmorphia kicks in, it turns into self-destruction.
I’ve seen folks take excessive measures to repair “flaws” that aren’t even there. Further cardio. Harmful fats burners (unlawful substances). Even ravenous themselves simply to see a bit of extra cuts of their ab definition.
However at what value?
The Drug Downside No One Desires to Discuss About
Steroids. SARMs. Insulin. Progress hormone. Decide your poison.
These things are now not the soiled little secrets and techniques of bodybuilding. In reality, many leisure lifters are utilizing these substances as a result of bodybuilders at the moment are so open to discussing their cycles and posting them on-line for the entire world to see.
I’m all about being clear, however going over precise cycles is a good way to mess up somebody’s well being who has no clue what they’re doing however follows a protocol they discovered on-line by buying underground gear and blasting.
There’s an enormous stress to be larger, leaner, and extra shredded than ever earlier than. And let’s be actual — a lot of the physiques you see on social media and the Olympia stage aren’t constructed on simply hen, rice, and onerous work (if you happen to get what I’m saying).
The aggressive and poisonous aspect of bodybuilding pushes some folks to cross the road. First, it’s “only a cycle to interrupt via a plateau.” Then, it turns right into a dependency.
I’m not right here to inform folks what to do with their our bodies. However I’ve seen lives ruined by this. Well being issues. Hormonal shutdown. Despair. Even dying.
It’s a harsh actuality, nevertheless it’s a part of the poisonous aspect of bodybuilding that many individuals don’t wish to discuss.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Scroll via Instagram, and also you’ll see nothing however shredded physiques, good lighting, and insane gymnasium lifts.
What you gained’t see? The bloating from carb depletion, the temper swings from excessive weight-reduction plan, or the exhaustion from coaching twice a day.
Social media fuels an unrealistic expectation of what a physique “ought to” seem like. Individuals evaluate themselves to filtered, enhanced variations of health influencers and professionals. And once they don’t measure up, they really feel like failures.
I’ve labored with numerous manufacturers within the health and complement business, each after I labored for MET-Rx and now as I work with tons of manufacturers writing their content material and replica. I understand how advertising works. It’s all about promoting a picture. And for many who don’t perceive that, it may well do severe harm to their shallowness.
Relationships Take a Backseat
Bodybuilding is a egocentric sport. It needs to be. It’s primarily you versus you day by day making an attempt to enhance your physique.
The coaching, the meal prepping, the restoration — all of it revolves round one factor: YOU.
That’s tremendous if you happen to’re in it for private development. However when bodybuilding turns into an obsession, relationships begin falling aside. Pals cease inviting you out as a result of “you may’t eat that.” Household will get bored with listening to about your macros or how a lot weight you’re pushing. Romantic companions really feel like they’re competing along with your gymnasium schedule.
I’ve seen it occur. And I’ve been responsible of it, too, again after I first bought into bodybuilding. I used to be that dude within the gymnasium very first thing earlier than my school courses after which going again once more within the afternoon to place my physique via a second dose of hell. I’d convey my very own meals to holidays in order that I wouldn’t cheat on my weight loss program. I’d alienate myself from associates as a result of they “weren’t like me.” It’s really the poisonous aspect of bodybuilding.
And simply to be clear… I gave all of that stuff up on the time with the intent of by no means stepping on a bodybuilding stage ever. Go forward and inform me I’m silly. I deserve it, and looking out again, I see that none of it was value it.
Discovering stability is vital, however for some, the poisonous aspect of bodybuilding makes that unimaginable.
When Well being Takes a Hit
Bodybuilding is meant to be about well being, proper?
Then why accomplish that many bodybuilders find yourself with messed-up hormones, debilitating joint ache, and digestive points from consuming the identical 5 meals day by day? Heck, Ronnie Coleman can’t even stroll nowadays from wrecking his physique from bodybuilding.
Excessive weight-reduction plan, overtraining, and chemical enhancements take a toll. The physique can solely deal with a lot. And when issues begin breaking down, many athletes ignore the warning indicators as a result of quitting isn’t an possibility.
Discovering a More healthy Strategy to the Poisonous Facet of Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding doesn’t must be poisonous. However for a lot of, it turns into an all-consuming obsession.
If you end up stressing over each gram of carbs, avoiding social occasions due to your weight loss program, or feeling like your physique isn’t ok — it’s time to take a step again.
Health ought to improve your life, not management it.
I’ve been on this business lengthy sufficient to know that the happiest, healthiest athletes are those who discover stability. They practice onerous, however in addition they stay their lives. They eat clear, however in addition they take pleasure in meals. They push their limits, however in addition they know when to relaxation.
If bodybuilding is making you depressing, ask your self: Is it actually value it?
The poisonous aspect of bodybuilding is actual. However it doesn’t must be your actuality.
