Negative effects of competitive bodybuilding on health

There are certain risks associated with competing in bodybuilding categories that are important to know before we decide to prepare for our first competition. This sport is not healthy, as I'm sure many of you know. Not only can it put our physical health at risk, but also our mental health. That's why I decided to make this video, or rather podcast, about the negatives of competing in fitness that I consider the most common ones you may encounter.

Personally, I have experience preparing for competitions in bikini fitness and wellness fitness in the IFBB Elite and NPC federations. However, I think this topic is applicable to any category and federation, because if the goal is to get in racing shape, the road to get there is always challenging and carries some risks. I'd like to talk to you about those today.

Full video here:

Body dysmorphia: a risk to be aware of

One of the main risks to be aware of is body dysmorphia (or body dysmorphic syndrome, BDS). This is a mental illness characterised by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance, even though these flaws are often invisible or unimportant to others.

It is this syndrome that can occur if your goal is to achieve racing form. This is because the sport is primarily about appearance - in bikini fitness, for example, no one at a competition cares about your performance in the gym. Only appearance is judged, which can bring with it a number of pitfalls. Some people can become completely consumed by this fact and start to base their value primarily on their appearance. However, this is not a healthy approach to oneself/himself.

However, if you choose to race, or are already racing, you will probably agree with me that over time you will realize that this approach gets you nowhere. As racers, we must strive to improve our bodies, which of course requires frequent examination and evaluation of ourselves. However, we need to set boundaries so that these efforts don't hurt us.

My experience.

When I compare my first competitive seasons with how I see myself now, I see a big difference. In the early years, I focused mainly on my shortcomings, especially my form, and was often dissatisfied. Over time, however, I have come to understand that I don't want to feel bad, and that my worth should not be built solely on my appearance.

I started to focus more on my performance in the gym and on the more important things in life that move me forward. Yet even today, there is still the occasional "little devil" that whispers to me that appearance is the most important thing. The key, however, is to keep your head, not let that voice influence you, and maintain a healthy outlook on fitness, a healthy lifestyle, and competitive bodybuilding. After all, fitness is much more than just looks - it's about improving yourself in all areas, and that's something to be remembered.

Conclusion

Learn more about the important risks associated with competing in a new video. I hope you find it useful. If you'd also be interested in a video about the positives of bodybuilding racing, let me know in the comments below this video - I'd be happy to make it happen.

I'll be grateful for every opinion, like or comment shared. Thank you!