Legendary bodybuilder and seven-time Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath, recently shared a heartfelt message that has resonated deeply with bodybuilding fans. After 36 years of dedicated athleticism, with 21 of those years spent dominating the bodybuilding stage, Heath took some time away to reflect on his journey and offer a glimpse into his life beyond the stage.

In an Instagram post, Heath revealed that his hiatus from the stage was not merely about physical appearance or competition. He expressed a desire to reveal more of himself beyond the persona of a champion bodybuilder. The Gift admitted to grappling with personal traumas and the pressure of public scrutiny, which took a toll on him emotionally.

Phil Heath urges everyone to embrace life

“Life is a stage which has no rehearsal,” Heath said, reflecting on his experiences. Stepping away from the spotlight gave him time to reassess his life beyond bodybuilding. “People would say Phil’s downsized, is Phil coming back? And I learned that everybody just keeps talking about me as if I’m just a bodybuilder when I’m much more,” he shared.

Heath acknowledged the challenges and pain he faced, emphasizing that they were more intense than any physical workout. “Having to address a lot of the traumas that I’ve gone through over my entire life was extremely tough,” he confessed. According to Heath, this helped him understand his true self and realize that his identity extended far beyond his physique.

The 43-year-old emphasized the value of facing life’s challenges, saying scars remind us of our strength. Heath’s message to his fans was clear: “In every breath, every step and/or rep has its challenges, which allow us to seek courage in becoming our best selves,” he said. He encouraged everyone to view each day as a “gift” and to seize the chance to improve their minds and bodies. His wise and encouraging words resonated with fans, as they appreciated their favorite bodybuilder of all time.

Fans express admiration and respect for ‘The Gift’

Fans showed their respect for Phil Heath, saying, “Nothing but Respect Champ!” One fan acknowledged Heath’s talents and qualities, referring to his nickname, “True gift, on and off the stage,” highlighting his impact beyond the bodybuilding realm. That being said, a few praised him for being an inspiration as they put it, “The real Phil Heath will truly inspire a Generation, KING.”

Not only did his fans praise him, but they also expressed gratitude for being a source of inspiration in their journeys. One such comment read, “Always been a huge inspiration to me @philheath wouldn’t be where I am without you pulling me aside as a kid and telling me I had what it takes.” Another reaffirmed his status as a legend and penned, “Thank you for being an example of what greatness can be and that despite how vulnerable we may feel at some point, we all can be great and achieve what we want, you’re a legend.”

As Heath himself says in his video, despite knowing “only 10%” of his life, his fans adored him, and that is why he wanted to share the entire journey with them. What do you think about Heath’s “Amazing, incredible, vulnerable, deep, raw fuc**ng journey”? Let us know in the comments.