Is Bodybuilding Beneficial or Challenging for Mental Well-being?

When academics delve into the world of bodybuilders, they often carry a certain perception, sometimes implying that bodybuilders are somewhat unconventional or perhaps even mentally troubled. My journey into the realm of bodybuilding began with the intention to challenge these misconceptions. I aimed to explore how bodybuilding could be seen as a logical response to our current cultural fixation on the perfect physique, almost like a manifestation of our Western ideal of bodily control, seemingly taken to the extreme with the help of supplements and steroids. My goal was to highlight mentally well-adjusted bodybuilders.

However, after five years of immersing myself in the world of bodybuilders, I've discovered that, while many do indeed appear to be mentally sound and bodybuilding itself has its cultural relevance, there is an undeniable aspect of complexity and even eccentricity within the bodybuilding community. I've encountered descriptions of bodybuilding as a breeding ground for obsessive-compulsive behaviors. I've heard bodybuilders confess how their dedication to bodybuilding has pushed them to the brink of madness: the relentless scrutiny of their bodies and diets, the rollercoaster of bulking and cutting phases, and the involvement of mirrors and steroids have sometimes led to distorted body image perceptions and obsessive thoughts and actions. I've witnessed stories of incredible personal struggles from within the bodybuilding community.

However, focusing solely on the mental health challenges associated with bodybuilding, as some academics tend to do, only reveals part of the story. The relationship between bodybuilding and mental well-being is far more intricate. For many bodybuilders, this practice is a return to self, a form of meditation, a way to anchor themselves within their own bodies. It's a path to self-discovery and an exploration of their physical limits.

As an anthropologist, my approach to studying bodybuilding was not just observational but participatory. I intended initially to conduct a brief study, simply engaging in online conversations with bodybuilders for a year or so, penning a paper, and moving on to the next project. I had no intention of lifting anything heavier than a pen. However, as I spent more time with this community, I started to immerse myself further. The desire to lift weights began to consume me. I found myself meticulously tracking macros and working with a trainer. A colleague, a psychologist, warned me about the slippery slope of bodybuilding, but I dismissed his concerns. I felt amazing. Having spent most of my life absorbed in thought, I felt as though I was constructing myself, becoming more attuned to my body in ways I'd never experienced before. My body was becoming a tangible part of my identity.

Yet, the journey took a challenging turn. The fluctuations in my body image became extreme. One day, I would marvel at my appearance, while the next, I would loathe it, seeing myself as utterly far from my goals. My relationship with food took an unusual turn as well; it ceased to be about enjoyment and nourishment and became a matter of grams of protein, carbs, and fats.

I had only ventured partway into the world of bodybuilding, but I decided to step back because I feared that continuing would permanently alter my relationship with my body and food.

From what I've learned from bodybuilders and my own experiences, it's evident that bodybuilding has both advantages and drawbacks for mental well-being. It's time to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this complexity. We must examine not only the psychopathological aspects of bodybuilding but also its positive impact on mental health. We need insight into how bodybuilders navigate the precarious path of bodybuilding, recognizing that while some may struggle, others find their footing.

Strangely, there has been limited attention given to defining and describing mentally healthy bodybuilding. Academia has predominantly focused on psychopathological aspects, and it's time for a shift towards a more balanced perspective. By doing so, we can offer support to those bodybuilders who may be grappling with challenges and help them regain their equilibrium in the world of bodybuilding.