A stage-lean physique IS UNSUSTAINABLE.
This is a message worth continuously preaching to athletes.
Undertaking a competition prep serves a purpose - to strictly challenge yourself for a duration of time with the goal of stepping on stage with a physique that illuminates extremely low levels of body fat, high levels of muscularity, and immaculate stage presence paired with a relentless mindset.
Those who have competed before understand that the time, effort, and grit that is required to successfully accomplish a comp prep start-to-finish demands an immense level of sacrifice, and operating at this level cannot be sustained indefinitely.
This is not in relation to sustainably living a bodybuilding lifestyle year-round, but rather the unavoidable physiological consequences that can come with the territory of competing and attempting to maintain a stage-lean physique.
A few negative ramifications that can stem from achieving a bodybuilder’s composition include:
🔹Chronic low energy availability
🔹Irritable and depressive moods
🔹Insatiable hunger and increased food focus
🔹Compromised training performance
🔹Lack of desire and energy for socialising
🔹Decreased libido and suppressed endocrine function
🔹Impaired sleep quality
🔹Increased body-checking and body image obsession
Is temporarily experiencing these symptoms worth the trade-off to achieve results in this sport? For some, yes.
Is living in a state of sub-optimal psychological and physiological health worth it just to walk around 24/7 looking shredded? NO.
Pushing yourself during a competition prep can be immensely rewarding because you can truly SEE the years of work you have poured into yourself. For this reason, we understand why most competitors become emotionally attached to their final physiques, and how it’s incredibly difficult to watch your work “fade” once shows are over.
However, remind yourself that a highly-conditioned and muscular physique serves one, sole purpose: for competing on stage.
If the methods you employed and the consequences you faced in the pursuit to achieve a stage-lean physique are unsustainable, then accept that maintaining that physique is unsustainable.