Beyond the Muscle: A Call for Balance in Bodybuilding

 

In the wake of the recent heartbreaking news about world-renowned bodybuilders Illia Yefimchyk, Neil Currey, and Antonio Souza leaving us far too early, it's time to take a pause and ponder. What are we learning from these tragic losses? Or are we taking any lessons at all?

The gym culture has been thriving for years despite multiple reports of heart failures, strokes, and dangerous injuries. But often, we are trapped in a cycle of indifference, dismissing these incidents as mere anomalies, thinking, "it won't happen to us."

I understand that the euphoria of progress is challenging to resist when you're in the flow, seeing results. But we must remember that our bodies have limitations, boundaries that we must respect.

These athletes were eating like giants, training like beasts, pushing their physical boundaries day after day, toeing the line of their physical capacities. The result? An imposing physique but at what cost?

The more you train, the stiffer you become, and that physical stiffness doesn't just elevate ego, it hardens the mind as well.

There's an insightful story of Paramhansa Ramakrishna and a Hatha yogi. The yogi, proud of his superpowers gained from over 10 years of rigorous practice, challenged Ramakrishna. When asked to jump across a river, Ramakrishna simply hired a boatman and crossed it. The yogi laughed, questioning his divinity. But Ramakrishna replied, "You spent over 10 years to achieve something of no utility to others. Why waste energy and effort, when you can simply pay the boatman?"

This story underscores a profound truth - we are here to serve others, not to serve ourselves. Physical wellness is crucial; it's the vehicle that enables us to function. But excessive fixation on ourselves can be mentally and physically damaging.

While physical activity is crucial for maintaining health, moderation is key. Yoga, as an ancient science, offers a balanced approach that incorporates physical exercise, mental discipline, and spiritual growth. By practicing yoga with mindfulness and avoiding extremes, we can cultivate a healthy and harmonious lifestyle.

Let's reflect on this. Life is about balance, about living fully, and serving others, not just about muscle, might, and self-indulgence. Let's treat our bodies with respect, not as mere machines to be pushed to their limits. 🙏✨