Ep. 249 - The Spirit of Bodybuilding (with Dr. Mike Israetel)
Nov 20, 2023
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Dr. Mike Israetel, a sports scientist in bodybuilding, discusses the spirit of bodybuilding in this episode. They talk about the highs and lows of a competitor's journey, the personal growth through criticism, the significance of perseverance, and the motivations behind competing. They also touch on the negative effects of using steroids and the potential use of myostatin inhibitors in bodybuilding.
Bodybuilding is a transformative journey that intertwines art and sport, pushing individuals emotionally and requiring deep introspection.
The spiritual aspect of bodybuilding is a continuous pursuit to reach new heights, a journey of self-discovery and physical transformation.
Bodybuilding is a lifelong commitment to excellence, where dedication and constant improvement serve as a way of life.
Bodybuilding provides a profound emotional impact, offering purpose, personal fulfillment, and growth through setting goals and striving for achievement.
Deep dives
The Transformative Power of Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding provides a transformative experience that pushes individuals emotionally and requires them to become more introspective. It can be seen as a rite of passage, where achieving specific goals, such as turning pro, carries weight and signifies acceptance and recognition within the bodybuilding community. The journey forces individuals to put their soul into the process and deeply connect with their motivations and sense of self. It is a blend of art and sport, where individuals strive to create a visually pleasing physique and push their limits to reach their full potential. The journey is characterized by highs and lows, emotional roller coasters, and a sense of personal growth and resilience.
The Spiritual Component of Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding has a spiritual component that stems from pursuing something that one has talent in and pushing oneself to reach new heights of achievement. It is comparable to looking at Mount Everest and wondering how high one can climb. It is not about reaching a final destination, but rather about continuous growth and expansion. The spiritual aspect of bodybuilding is intertwined with the pursuit of personal improvement and the desire to see how far one can go in the sport. It is a journey of ascension and a quest for self-discovery and physical transformation.
A Lifelong Pursuit and the Quest for Excellence
For both Mike and Eric, bodybuilding is not just a temporary endeavor, but a lifelong pursuit of excellence. It is a journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to constant improvement. The pursuit of perfection in bodybuilding can be compared to being a lifter's lifter, where the focus is on the art and beauty of the sport itself. It is a deeply personal and meaningful journey that challenges individuals to push their limits and discover their true potential.
The Emotional Impact and the Quest for Achievement
The emotional impact of bodybuilding is profound, as individuals experience the highs and lows, the triumphs and setbacks, and the personal growth that comes with the journey. Striving for achievement and setting goals in bodybuilding provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as individuals endeavor to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams. Bodybuilding becomes more than just a sport or a hobby, but a way of life and a source of personal satisfaction and growth.
Chasing Physical Limits and Overcoming Challenges
The speaker reflects on the intense physical and mental challenges that come with bodybuilding and competing at a high level. He discusses the sacrifices and suffering that are part of the journey, emphasizing the importance of pushing oneself to the limits and finding strength in moments of struggle and adversity. He also shares personal experiences of overtraining and the lessons learned from those experiences. The speaker highlights the role of mindset and the drive to constantly improve, while acknowledging the need for balance and self-care.
Navigating Criticism and Embracing Growth
The speaker explores the lessons learned from facing criticism and setbacks in bodybuilding. He shares personal stories of dealing with negative comments and facing insecurity, highlighting the importance of developing a resilient mindset. He discusses the balance between seeking improvement and accepting one's limitations, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and self-belief. The speaker also reflects on the role of praise and how it can positively impact personal growth.
The Intersection of Bodybuilding and Jiu Jitsu
The speaker discusses his passion for bodybuilding and his desire to pursue excellence in Jiu Jitsu. He explains how he sees these two disciplines as complementary and how he aims to continue his bodybuilding journey by focusing on physique development while also becoming a skilled Jiu Jitsu practitioner. The speaker shares his thoughts on training, competition, and the mindset required to succeed in both sports.
Iron Culture and the Shared Experience of Competing
The speaker reflects on the shared experience of bodybuilders and athletes who push themselves to the limit. He emphasizes the common ground and shared mentality among athletes who compete in demanding and challenging sports. The speaker shares a personal story that symbolizes the spirit of iron culture, highlighting the dedication, perseverance, and sense of achievement that comes from pushing one's limits and achieving greatness.
It’s hard to explain to those who haven’t competed what it is about bodybuilding that can grip people and transform them. The near-spiritual experiences that some physique athletes gain through prep and competition are something shared regardless of division, federation, natural, or enhanced. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Israetel, not to talk sports science like you're used to, but to talk about what lies at the heart of the sport. Mike has been pushing forward through multiple seasons in his attempt to become an IFBB pro bodybuilder, an incredibly challenging feat that requires tremendous sacrifice and drive. What fuels a journey like that? What does a competitor experience - highs and lows? What do they learn, and how do they change? You might be surprised as well, that despite the different paths Dr. Helms and Dr. Israetel took as competitors, that at the heart of their experience lie many similar threads. Join us in this episode as they discuss the spirit of bodybuilding.
00:00 An introduction to a unifying (but still controversial) episode
08:09 The purpose of discussing your personal journey
