

Bodybuilding has long dominated as a sanctuary of physical perfection, where sculpted physiques and unparalleled strength take center stage. However, beneath the muscle layers lies a fragile human side, often overshadowed by their immense physical accomplishments.
Just months ago, the 7-time Olympia champion Phil Heath opened a window into this exposure. When he candidly discussed his experiences with body dysmorphia. Ronnie Coleman, another bodybuilding icon, has now expressed similar comments. He highlighted the darker challenges experienced by athletes who live their lives in the weightlifting spotlight.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ronnie Coleman’s disclosure on the podcast
Ronnie Coleman dived deep into the field of bodybuilding in an open conversation with Graham and Jack on The Iced Coffee Hour, touching on both the physical and psychological challenges of the sport. The legend, whose name is practically associated with bodybuilding, provided an unfiltered look inside the minds of bodybuilding experts.
When confronted with the question of body dysmorphia amongst bodybuilders, Coleman?s response was clear : “I would say so for sure.” This disorder, characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived physical flaws, seems to be an unwelcome companion for many in the bodybuilding realm. Given the pressures of the sport, its commonness, though alarming, isn?t entirely surprising.
This has always been a problem, or has it gotten worse with technology? According to Ronnie Coleman, it’s definitely gotten worse. He says when he was at his peak, things were different, and he believes social media is a big reason why it’s worse now.
Mental battle in bodybuilding
In today’s world, we get feedback right away. Platforms like Instagram serve as double-edged swords for athletes. While they provide a platform for them to demonstrate their efforts, they also expose them to constant review. As Graham remarked, “You post a picture online, and you have thousands of people nitpicking.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad

Phil Heath’s honesty really opened our eyes. He talked about the mental stress that comes with competing at the top levels of bodybuilding. Now Ronnie Coleman is also speaking up, and it’s becoming more and more obvious that we need to pay serious attention to body image issues in the sport.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It’s now up to us, the viewers. We should be mindful as fans and critics. Even strong figures like Coleman and Heath have their struggles, just like everyone else. As we all get more connected online, we should not forget that being truly strong isn’t just about muscles, it’s also about the mind as well. What are your thoughts on this?
Watch this story:?Mr. Olympia Legends Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Ronnie Coleman Body Comparison
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT