Bodybuilding is a sport that requires discipline, self-awareness, and sacrifice. Bodybuilders forego many of the amenities that most people may afford to enjoy with little cost. Bodybuilding is a lifestyle that demands mental, emotional, and physical power to flourish.
Most people cope with routine everyday difficulties subconsciously, with little or no consideration for the results. Some of these choices include waking up whenever they want, rolling out of bed, pouring yourself a large bowl of Coco Pebbles or Honey Bunches of Oats, and then making your way over to the couch and resting for many hours playing video games or watching their favorite TV shows.
Unfortunately, when living the Bodybuilder Lifestyle, these indulgences are not affordable.
Bodybuilders, like everyone else, face daily challenges, but ours take different forms, dimensions, and sizes. These may not mean much to most people, but for the average Gym Rat, Fitness Freak, Power Lifting, Bodybuilder, or whatever you want to call yourself, these should ring true in your daily fight to get Big and Swole.
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Cheating on Your Cutting Day.
The guilt of consuming “regular” food that the rest of the human population consumes on a daily basis, as well as eating pretty much everything in sight. We’ve all had that sensation, and many of us have succumbed to it by agreeing to a Cut.
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Putting on your Clothes
As a Bodybuilder, achieving Swoleness, Mass, and pure muscle is a way of life. As a result, fitting into clothes that restricts movement and mobility is something you deal with on a regular basis. Nobody wants to see a guy in tight khakis, let alone one who rips his shirt every time he scratches his back or tries to comb his hair. This leads us to our next point.
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Having to purchase new clothes
Finding garments that are proportionate to your size takes effort and care. After all, having biceps that are 18′′ in circumference is no easy task, natty or not. On a side note, I’m curious how all the Synthol freaks manage to get their clothing over their stretched muscles every time they dress?
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Dysmorphia of the Body (Body Dysmorphia)
Yes, every bodybuilder struggles with the never-ending desire to be bigger than they are. This fight is genuine, and every dude who sits in front of the mirror for interminable minutes is aware of it. Your body’s ongoing turmoil is your incentive to get bigger and outmuscle the mirror and your bros. This is a physical, mental, and spiritual challenge that all bodybuilders must face on a regular basis.
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Calorie and macronutrient shaming
Nothing destroys momentum faster than a friend, family member, or even your GF/Wife pointing out your calorie/macros counts. You’re working hard to acquire the body you desire, and the last thing you want to deal with is people condemning your calorie/macro intake. It’s difficult enough to consume the appropriate foods in the proper amounts and at the right times throughout the day.
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On a Cut, you’re always hungry.
Hunger pangs are the order of the day. This is a significant obstacle for many bodybuilders who want to reduce in order to get thin and clean in time for a show or the summer. Hallucinations are widespread among cut bros, to the point where thinking about devouring a full stack of pancakes with melted butter and warm syrup spilling down the sides is something you have to cope with when you wake up. We can’t deny that these are Real Bodybuilder issues.
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Being Shamed Due to a Cut
There’s the “Cut Shame” on top of the Hunger Pains and the Calorie/Macro Counting Shame. Your closest loved ones, particularly your parents, are concerned that you are dropping too much weight too quickly. This is one of the reasons you avoid Grandma’s house when on your cut, because saying no to Grandma or your parents does not go well.
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In comparison, the penis appears considerably smaller.
When you notice your penis shrinking every time you look in the mirror, you know you’re becoming huge. Your body is developing, swoling, and defining faster than ever before, and you’re now coping with the ego-killing Disproportionate Body-to-Penis Syndrome. Except for your Penis, every component of your body grows in proportion and proportionately to the other half. Fortunately for you, your physique compensates for this flaw.
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Taking Compliments Correctly
It’s difficult to understand compliments like these: “I could never wear those compression tights like you do.” I have way too much stomach. It must be good to be so young.” – As though they’re dismissing your efforts because of your age. And this one: “I wish I had the determination to stay on track like you.” Sure, buddy, it’s called discipline, hard work, and not being a slacker, but thanks for the compliment?
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Schedule and plan your day around the gym and eating.
Setting and sticking to a strict plan that revolves around going to the gym, not skipping a meal, and the most hated of all, food prepping for the next day, week, or two-weeks. When they first start bodybuilding, every bro learns to cook. Unless they have a GF or Wife who is AMAZING enough to do it for you, Bro’s, you’re on your own. Prepping has to be the most difficult aspect in bodybuilding. That’s the end of your social life!
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You are missing your favorite foods.
When bulking season ends and it’s time to start Your Cut, everyone’s worst nightmare is missing out on some of their favorite foods. Bodybuilders put in a lot of effort every year to get in the best form of their lives, and cutting out their favorite foods is something we have to cope with for a long time. Consider the concept of selflessness.
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Scratching your back and causing your hair to fall out
Combing your hair, scratching your back, or even face palming has become a chore for Bodybuilders, particularly after a punishing Arm workout. Do you have a back scratch? You’d better locate a corner wall or someone to try it on, since those Biceps at that size aren’t going to work!
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During your bulk, consume 10-15 meals per day.
There’s always the Bulk on the other side of bodybuilding. When consuming specific types of foods every 2 hours becomes a chore in a bodybuilder’s life. Of course, not eating as much and as frequently can jeopardize your gains, but this is a problem you don’t mind dealing with, despite how bothersome it might be at times.
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Farts of Protein
Taking vitamins on a daily basis can have some unwelcome side effects. One of them is Protein Farts. Just stay away from us when they come running.
Conclusion: The Struggle is a Part of the Bodybuilding Journey
When you experience a lot of struggles at the same time, it can make you feel like it’s the end of the line, and that continuing is a moot point. However, always keep in mind that strength is what we gain from the madness we survive. These struggles will soon come to pass, and you will emerge from the rubble bigger and stronger. If you are experiencing at least one of these struggles, do not lose heart, though it may be a really good move to consult your trainer and your doctor, as they can help you move past your obstacles safely and efficiently.
