Two bodybuilders-turned-scientists share their personal journeys in bodybuilding, exploring motivations, self-discovery, and the fusion of athleticism and art. They discuss the mindset of competitive bodybuilding and powerlifting, as well as overcoming challenges such as excessive training, concussions, and persistent nerve injuries. The podcast also touches on the early years of lifting, bodybuilding preparation, and the meaning found in a wacky sport like bodybuilding.
Bodybuilding provided a valuable emotional outlet during a challenging time.
The speaker had a strong internal drive to be the best in bodybuilding and powerlifting.
The speaker shifted from external validation to finding intrinsic rewards in personal growth and improvement.
The speaker's passion for bodybuilding inspired them to pursue research and a PhD to deepen their knowledge.
Deep dives
Emotional connection to bodybuilding as an outlet
Bodybuilding provided a valuable emotional outlet for the speaker during a challenging time in their life.
Internal drive to push boundaries and be the best
The speaker had a strong internal drive to be the best in bodybuilding and powerlifting, constantly aiming for the top.
Transition from external validation to intrinsic rewards
The speaker initially focused on external validation, such as winning competitions, but eventually shifted to finding intrinsic rewards in personal growth and improvement.
Bodybuilding as a catalyst for research and pursuing a PhD
The speaker's passion for bodybuilding inspired them to pursue research and a PhD in order to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the sport.
The Journey to Bodybuilding Success
The podcast episode delves into the speaker's personal journey in the world of bodybuilding, highlighting the challenges, successes, and insights gained along the way. The speaker discusses their initial fascination with bodybuilding and the desire to become a coach. They share experiences of following influential figures in the field, such as Lane Norton and Dr. Joe Klimzewski, and explain how they embraced personalized training and goals for their clients. The speaker also reflects on their own insecurities and the emotional connections that drove them to pursue bodybuilding. They discuss the importance of the natural bodybuilding community and the sense of belonging and support it provides. Ultimately, the speaker reveals their excitement and disbelief at earning their WNBF pro card and the upcoming debut at the prestigious World Championship.
Overcoming Setbacks and Insecurities
The speaker candidly discusses the setbacks and insecurities they faced throughout their bodybuilding journey. They open up about personal challenges, including the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, and injuries. The speaker shares how these experiences forced them to reevaluate their goals and approach to the sport. Despite moments of doubt and the frustration of nearing a pro card without clinching it multiple times, the speaker remained resilient and determined. They highlight the importance of the journey, personal growth, and the support of the natural bodybuilding community in pushing past insecurities and working towards success.
Looking Ahead and Defying Age Expectations
The podcast episode concludes with the speaker discussing their future in bodybuilding. They share their belief that their best bodybuilding years may still lie ahead, emphasizing that age should not determine one's potential in the sport. The speaker acknowledges the uncertainty of their own journey due to a nerve injury but expresses a renewed commitment to rehab and the desire to return to training at their desired level. They reflect on the stories of others who defied expectations, such as Jeff Alberts, who achieved success at an older age. The speaker looks forward to continuing their bodybuilding journey, aiming to become a competitive pro and exploring the artistic and philosophical aspects of the sport.
This episode almost didn’t happen. With Omar away, the Erics left to figure out how to do an episode of Iron Culture on their own, and nearly got stuck waiting forever for someone to say “Eric.” But, cooler heads prevailed and they found their way into a thoughtful, introspective, and nostalgic conversation. While both Trexler and Helms ended up taking very similar paths in life when you look at the outcome - competitive bodybuilders with PhDs in exercise-related fields who communicate science - their motivations and perspectives are actually quite unique. In this episode, you’ll learn how someone can find themself competing in the wacky sport/art we call bodybuilding, and what that experience can become, in terms of a cathartic outlet, a personal identity, a career, or even a science experiment. The meaning, in something as odd as flexing in posing trunks on stage, can be quite impactful, and quite personal. So tune in to this episode to learn about the personal history of and the meaning found in both Erics’ competitive journeys.
00:00 The Erics’ introduction to bodybuilding and their newbie gains
07:22 Choosing the natural route and closing the door on prohormones and steroids
20:17 Trexler’s motivation to compete
27:57 Helms’ experience with sports and getting bitten by the iron bug
37:31 Helms’ initial obsession with bodybuilding and the turning point
