3 IFBB pros talk about a different side of bodybuilding

3 IFBB pros talk about a different side of bodybuilding

Bodybuilding seems like a glamorous sport. The athletes take center stage, posing and moving for the audience and being cheered on by fans around the world. But like other sports, there are more components to competition than the final product, and fans don't see these aspects of the sport.

IFBB Pro Bodybuilders Isabelle Turell, MayLa Ash and Sheena Ohlig addressed these issues on a recent episode of The Fit Rockstar Show, including how some athletes deal with depression after the stage lights are turned off.

Ohlig told Turell: "I think for younger athletes, less experienced athletes, I think that's a big thing that they're experiencing." There's such a thing as the post-show blues, where you've accomplished the goal you set for 12, 16, 20 weeks and it's all focused on this one specific date."

Ohlig also suspected that other factors, such as hormone levels and dehydration, could influence these feelings of sadness. Ash agreed with Ohlig and offered her own thoughts on why less experienced athletes might fall prey to these feelings.

"There's no plan for after the finale, other than all the celebratory food and a photo shoot, there's no real plan," she said. She further shared that veterans are aware of the reverse diet and felt that newbies should learn more about how it works and apply it.

“Your whole life has to turn around when you come out of preparation.”

Beyond their own circumstances, athletes must also consider other factors such as relationships, careers outside of sports, and other passions. New athletes come into the sport every year and Ash has advice that can help them see the positive aspects of competition that make it worthwhile, including choosing the right division so they have the best experience.

“You have to go in with your eyes open,” she told Turell and Ohlig. “Get insight from people who have done it and figure out where your body fits best.”

The three bodybuilders also talk about relationships, preparing for competitions and much more. Subscribe to Olympia TV's YouTube channel to watch every episode of The Fit Rockstar Show every Saturday at 12pm Eastern Time.