by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
I’m both going to make some mates or some enemies with this text, however it must be stated. There’s a poisonous facet of bodybuilding. When you’ve been within the business for 20+ years like I’ve, it’s simple.
I’ve had the posh of working with a number of the high bodybuilders on this planet again once I labored for MET-Rx. Guys like Phil Heath and Greg Plitt. And women like Nicole Wilkins. There’s an disagreeable and obsessive facet.
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 facet. One which doesn’t get talked about sufficient.
The poisonous facet of bodybuilding is actual. And it’s ugly.
On this article, I wish to unpack the poisonous facet 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 flawed 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 just converse along with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making adjustments to your vitamin 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 plan 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” sort of approach. Extra like, “My shoulders aren’t capped sufficient,” or “I would like extra dimension on my hamstrings.”
It’s an obsession. And it messes along with your head. You’re making an attempt to chase perfection. The one downside is, after getting the perfect physique within the eyes of everybody, your individual eyes inform you that you just aren’t adequate. It’s an especially sickening and poisonous facet of bodybuilding.
I’ve been across the sport for years — 20+ years, to be actual. Writing about it, working with athletes, and coaching myself. I’ve seen guys and women destroy their confidence, all as a result of they’ll’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 received the Olympia time and again, he and Hany Rambod continued to return to the drafting board and determine the place he may enhance earlier than subsequent yr’s Olympia. He was one of the best bodybuilder on this planet and saved seeking to make adjustments to his physique.
It’s actually 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.
At some point, you’re enthusiastic about hitting a PR within the health club. The subsequent, you’re selecting aside each little flaw in your physique. Even when different individuals say you look nice, it doesn’t matter. The mirror tells a distinct story to your mind.
This can be a large a part of the poisonous facet 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 individuals take excessive measures to repair “flaws” that aren’t even there. Additional cardio. Harmful fats burners (unlawful substances). Even ravenous themselves simply to see a little bit extra cuts of their ab definition.
However at what value?
The Drug Downside No One Desires to Discuss About
Steroids. SARMs. Insulin. Progress hormone. Choose your poison.
These things are not the soiled little secrets and techniques of bodybuilding. In actual fact, many leisure lifters are utilizing these substances as a result of bodybuilders right now 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 actual cycles is an effective 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 — many of the physiques you see on social media and the Olympia stage aren’t constructed on simply hen, rice, and laborious work (should you get what I’m saying).
The aggressive and poisonous facet of bodybuilding pushes some individuals to cross the road. First, it’s “only a cycle to interrupt by way of a plateau.” Then, it turns right into a dependency.
I’m not right here to inform individuals what to do with their our bodies. However I’ve seen lives ruined by this. Well being issues. Hormonal shutdown. Melancholy. Even loss of life.
It’s a harsh actuality, however it’s a part of the poisonous facet of bodybuilding that many individuals don’t wish to speak about.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Scroll by way of Instagram, and also you’ll see nothing however shredded physiques, good lighting, and insane health club lifts.
What you received’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. Folks examine themselves to filtered, enhanced variations of health influencers and execs. And after they don’t measure up, they really feel like failures.
I’ve labored with numerous manufacturers within the health and complement business, each once I labored for MET-Rx and now as I work with tons of manufacturers writing their content material and replica. I understand how advertising and marketing works. It’s all about promoting a picture. And for many who don’t perceive that, it could actually do severe harm to their vanity.
Relationships Take a Backseat
Bodybuilding is a egocentric sport. It must be. It’s primarily you versus you on daily basis making an attempt to enhance your physique.
The coaching, the meal prepping, the restoration — all of it revolves round one factor: YOU.
That’s high quality should you’re in it for private progress. However when bodybuilding turns into an obsession, relationships begin falling aside. Buddies cease inviting you out as a result of “you possibly can’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 health club schedule.
I’ve seen it occur. And I’ve been responsible of it, too, again once I first received into bodybuilding. I used to be that dude within the health club very first thing earlier than my faculty lessons after which going again once more within the afternoon to place my physique by way of a second dose of hell. I’d carry my very own meals to holidays in order that I wouldn’t cheat on my weight loss plan. I’d alienate myself from mates as a result of they “weren’t like me.” It’s really the poisonous facet 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 facet of bodybuilding makes that unimaginable.
When Well being Takes a Hit
Bodybuilding is meant to be about well being, proper?
Then why achieve this many bodybuilders find yourself with messed-up hormones, debilitating joint ache, and digestive points from consuming the identical 5 meals on daily basis? 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 choice.
Discovering a More healthy Method 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 plan, or feeling like your physique isn’t adequate — 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 laborious, however additionally they dwell their lives. They eat clear, however additionally they get pleasure from meals. They push their limits, however additionally they know when to relaxation.
If bodybuilding is making you depressing, ask your self: Is it actually value it?
The poisonous facet of bodybuilding is actual. But it surely doesn’t must be your actuality.