Tag: GI News
Stanimal Opens Up About Shawn Rhoden’s Death
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A training partner, roommate, and close friend, Stanimal De Longeaux speaks on Shawn Rhoden’s passing.
The bodybuilding world went into complete shock after news of Shawn Rhoden’s tragic death made headlines. Rhoden was a pro bodybuilding legend, Mr. Olympia champion, and a figure followed by controversy up to his passing. As of the time of this writing, there has been no medical announcement regarding the cause of his death – leaving bodybuilding fans to speculate based on comments made by those close to him. We had the opportunity to reconnect with Stanimal De Longeaux – a longtime close friend, training partner, and even roommate to Rhoden. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Stanimal opens up completely about Shawn Rhoden’s death and the events leading up to his tragic passing.
For quite some time, Stanimal De Longeaux has been a bodybuilder often seen with Shawn Rhoden. They were often seen together in training video updates on social media – as well as our digital series All Eyes On Olympia starring Stanimal’s pro bodybuilding prep. He also appeared in training sessions in the feature film Flexatron: Becoming Shawn Rhoden – a documentary chronicling Rhoden’s rise to winning the Mr. Olympia in 2018. But beyond just caught on film – anyone who knew either Shawn Rhoden or Stanimal understood that they held a close friendship. Before his much-too-soon passing, they were even roommates.
So of course it goes without saying that the shocking death of Shawn Rhoden hit Stanimal very hard. He not only lost a legend in the sport like all of us in the industry. And he not only lost a training partner. Stanimal lost a close friend. While challenging to reflect on, Stanimal was open to speaking about Rhoden and his passing during our most recent video interview.
Stanimal seems to make it clear that while his death was shocking for even those closest to him – in retrospect there were warning signs cropping up over the past two years. Most notably, Stanimal reveals that Rhoden likely suffered a heart attack in 2020 as well. First a smaller “silent heart attack that left him feeling weak and sick – only to give way to a more severe heart attack a few weeks later. He was hospitalized and recovered. After this moment, he became much more focused on monitoring his health.
Sadly, a year later Shawn Rhoden would pass away. While it was not officially or medically announced that he died from a heart attack – this is the most commonly held speculation. Given his past struggles with heart attacks in 2020, this would seem likely. Though Stanimal himself is not 100% sure – as to his knowledge an autopsy was not conducted.
While pure speculation, Stanimal ultimately believes that a variety of factors came together to create a sort of “perfect storm” that led to Rhoden’s passing.
“Honestly, it’s only speculation but it seems like it was just a perfect storm,” Stanimal states in our interview. He continues:
“He was doing a lot, he had like some pre-existing condition. He was traveling. He was tired. Stress. It was late at night, that’s usually when a heart attack happens. And then he got some type of sickness that I think I got after him. And that was pretty hard even for me who was healthy so I can’t even imagine… It was some type of flu but not COVID because he got tested and he was negative. I got tested and was negative.”
Stanimal went on to speak in even more detail about the stress factors that were weighing on Shawn Rhoden over the past two years:
“I mean he was stressed. It was a lot of things to be honest. Of course his case which kept dragging because of Covid. He was supposed to have another hearing in September and that got postponed because they didn’t have enough staff. I mean, he also broke up with his wife. That was stressful… he was somebody who was never really outspoken about his own issues, his own struggles. That’s why I think it was really bad because we talked a lot about all of this stuff his last few months… just the fact that he was speaking about this all so much just shows, I think to me, how much this was on his mind. It was definitely a lot of stress.”
Stanimal goes into great detail not only discussing the specifics of the year leading up to his death – but also celebrating his life. It’s a conversation that might provide some answers to fans in the sport. But more than that it’s a personal account and touching tribute to an athlete who left us far too soon.
It was an emotional conversation and one we hope brings more light to the man behind the muscle and the tragedy of his passing. You can watch Stanimal speak openly about Shawn Rhoden’s passing in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
WATCH: Tom Stoltman Accidentally Breaks Gym Wall During 2021 Training Session
Tom Stoltman was training with his brother, Luke, and Eddie Hall at the time.
Strongman competitions feature many different ways for competitors to show off their brute strength. One we have not seen is the athlete taking down a wall. This is what happened when Tom Stoltman joined his brother, Luke Stoltman, and Eddie Hall for a training session back in 2021.
A recent video has gained popularity from a training session involving this trio. They were preparing for the 2021 Britain’s Strongest Man Competition at the time. This video can be found on the Giants Live STRONGMAN YouTube page. The session includes four major workouts but the highlight of the video was Tom Stoltman breaking a wall at the gym.
Hall explained that they were not training using full competition weight because it was more important to get the proper motions down. This was a session involving form but the strongmen still lift much more than the average person.
The final leg of their session involved a 90kg tire. Following his turn, Stoltman let the tire go but was too close to the wall. The impact of the tire hitting the wall left a big crack in it. To make matters worse, Stoltman was unable to beat his brother in the loading session.
“Tom, I wouldn’t be angry at you for this mate but you didn’t even beat Luke. You got one second less,” Eddie Hall joked.
“I think Tom going for the wall like a juggernaut has put a little bit of a damper on the session.”
All three competitors have made major strides since this session. Tom Stoltman is the reigning World’s Strongest Man while Luke Stoltman won the 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition. Eddie Hall has returned from a triceps injury and is continuing to work his way to the boxing ring.
The Stoltman Brothers are already in line to compete at two major events. First, they will be present during the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic, which will take place from Mach 3-6 in Columbus. Next, they are slated to compete at the 2022 Shaw Classic on Aug. 13-14 in Loveland, CO.
This is an old video but there is still plenty of entertainment value to it. Both Tom and Luke Stoltman continue to be huge names in powerlifting and will continue to build their legacy with a busy 2022.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
42-Year-Old Alanna Groom Reveals How Bodybuilder Saved Her Life
Alanna Groom is a mother of two who battled depression for years.
Bodybuilding is more than sculpting the perfect physique to compete on stage. For some, fitness is a way to improve mental health and improve overall lifestyles. This is especially true for Alanna Groom, a mother of two from London. Groom battled depression for years and was on the brink of suicide before she began venturing into bodybuilding.
Groom is the mother of two girls and this is when her depression began. She was diagnosed with post-natal depression and it intensified in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic caused stress to many but especially those who were forced to shut down their businesses. Groom was forced to shut down her business and this is when her depression was at it worst. This is when Groom began thinking that she was “worth more dead than alive.”
Throughout her life, Alanna Groom had tried different diets but nothing was substantial. When the gyms were closed during the lockdown, Groom’s sister hired a personal trainer for her. Scott Francis began training Groom and they began a 10-week program.
“In my head, I was going to end up killing myself in the next few weeks, so I had nothing to lose,” Groom said.
Alanna Groom quickly began losing weight quickly. In December, she began turning her attention to bodybuilding. Her next goal was to train hard enough to be able to enter a competition. She began taking classes to learn poses and perfect her craft. Groom entered her first competition in December and won gold. This was the culmination of all of her hard work.
Groom admits that she hit rock bottom during the lockdown. This is when she began drinking, self-medicating, and her eating habits got worse. When she began her training program with Francis, she went off her antidepressants and fixed her eating habits. After the 1- weeks were up, training for bodybuilding was an easy next step.
“The body building look isn’t everyone’s dream figure, but it’s mine.”
For Alanna Groom, her victory in her first bodybuilding show was worth much more than a gold medal. It showed that she could achieve her goals no matter the obstacles.
“The winning was amazing but I could finally say ‘wow I got myself here, I look like one of them girls I’ve always dreamed of.’”
Bodybuilding is a sport that shows off some of the best physiques in the world. This is a level that is difficult to reach and weightlifters should not be discouraged if they do not get there. For some, the activity of going to the gym and bettering your health can help both mentally and physically. Alanna Groom is the perfect example of that and an inspiration to others.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ronnie Coleman Reflects On Emotional Speech During 2021 Arnold Classic
Ronnie Coleman reflected on his speech after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Arnold Classic.
Ronnie Coleman is no stranger to the bodybuilding stage. Coleman won eight consecutive Olympia titles from 1998-2005 and is one of the best competitors in the history of the sport. During the 2021 Arnold Classic, Coleman took the stage for a different reason and was given an incredible award.
Coleman received the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award during the event in September. This is when he was able to get in front of a microphone and delivered an incredible speech that will be remembered forever. On a recent episode of Nothing But A Podcast, Coleman explained the difficulties of giving this emotional speech.
“It was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my whole life.”
“When I was practicing in my head, it went through smoothly. And then I got up there in front of all those people, then I started thinking about it I think that’s what really got to me, I really started thinking about it. It just hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m like, man! I’m not gonna be able to say this.”
Ronnie Coleman has won plenty of competitions in his career and is tied with Lee Haney for the most Olympia victories in history. Coleman added a victory at the Arnold Classic back in 2001. He discussed his emotions receiving this award from Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is known as the greatest bodybuilder of all-time.
“I haven’t won a lot of wars, you know. I have had a few here and there but lifetime achievement and then being presented by Arnold also, somebody you look up to, idolize in a was, it was a quite blood reaching experience.”
Coleman stepped on stage and let his emotions and feelings takeover. This is one aspect that makes the speech memorable. During this recent episode, Coleman joked about how he wished he have read off a card.
It is difficult to plan a speech ahead of time. Rehearsing a speech is a preparation tool but it never seems to workout how you expect it too once you get up there to speak. Also, Coleman explained how he felt knowing his mother was unable to be there to see him accept this award.
“When you rehearse something, you rehearse it so it’s easy. You’re just by yourself and you’re not thinking about it because you’re rehearsing it, you know. But once you get up there and all those people in front of you and then you get caught up in the moment.”
“The fact that my mom wasn’t there to see it and she always made the big events that I was involved in… that made it even more gut-wrenching. So it was quite an experience… I’ll say it was a very overwhelming experience.”
Ronnie Coleman is a name that remains influential in the sport of bodybuilding. He is an inspiration and has been since he began his career. This was the reason he was given the award. It was a very deserving honor and one that Coleman and those watching will never forget.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Bodybuilding Promoter Chris Minnes: Should Michal Krizo Move To The IFBB Pro?
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IFBB Pro/NPC Promoter Chris Minnes looks back on how the IFBB Pro vs IFBB Elite Pro split affected the sport – and his thoughts on Michal Krizo.
Promoter Chris Minnes has been quietly at work producing some of the fastest rising bodybuilding competitions and events of recent years. Starting originally with the Tahoe Pro, Minnes has grown his endeavors extensively and now runs some of the sport’s biggest shows such as the Legion Sports Fest Pro. With an extensive behind the scenes knowledge of bodybuilding, we connected with Minnes to talk about the IFBB Pro’s future, it’s past, and how the IFBB Pro and IFBB Elite Pro split changed the directory of the sport. Chris Minnes also touches upon the IFBB Elite Pro superstar Michal Krizo and whether or not he should move (or be even be allowed to move) into the IFBB Pro league.
The IFBB Pro league has long been the number one bodybuilding league in the sport. Home to the Mr. Olympia competition and the biggest names in bodybuilding. But a monopoly this sport is not. There are a wide variety of other leagues across the globe providing events for athletes passionate about bodybuilding. One such league is the IFBB Elite Pro. If the names sound familiar – well, that’s because they were once one united organization.
The IFBB Elite Pro was originally part of the IFBB Pro proper. They organized the international and amateur league (separate from the NPC – which resided largely only in the US). In 2017, it was announced that these two entities would split. This changed the landscape to some degree in terms of qualifications for the Mr Olympia – especially for international competitors. Ultimately we landed on two parallel leagues, the IFBB Pro and the IFBB Elite Pro.
During our conversation with IFBB Pro bodybuilding promoter Chris Minnes, we asked for his reflection on the split and how it looked from behind the scenes. Minnes has been promoting bodybuilding shows for quite some time – and can recall the conversation he had with Jim Maino, president of the NPC and IFBB Pro league, just after the decision of the split.
Chris Minnes points out that the split ultimately led to two different approaches to the sport. The IFBB Elite Pro league now receives funds from the government at each international location. Minnes believes that this, in some respects, limits the possibilities of what a bodybuilding competition could be. On the flip side, it also allows the budges of the events to not be solely based on income from fans and athlete registration fees.
That being said, the IFBB Elite Pro league has been making a bit more headlines over the past year due to a viral rising superstar. Michal Krizo is an IFBB Elite Pro bodybuilder who is turning heads amongst fans of the IFBB Pro. This has led the community to call for Krizo to switch leagues. The logic being that most of the biggest talents in bodybuilding still compete in the IFBB Pro league. For Michal Krizo to really prove himself – he should be able to compete against these talented competitors.
But the IFBB Elite Pro and the IFBB Pro are now separate. Unless Michal Krizo formally switches leagues – he cannot quality to compete against the likes of Big Ramy or Brandon Curry at the Mr. Olympia.
We asked Chris Minnes if he felt that it would be a good move for Michal Krizo to switch leagues – when he’s already found great success in the IFBB Elite Pro. Minnes admits that he had never even heard of Krizo’s name. Which he attributes to proving just how much farther behind the IFBB Elite Pro league is compared to the IFBB Pro.
Of course, there are many others who know his name. He’s gone viral online across the divisions of all leagues. He even won Best Arms in the fan-voted Generation Iron Bodybuilding Awards 2021. Minnes believes that if Krizo were interested – he should be 100% allowed to switch leagues. But this comes with one condition – Minnes doesn’t believe in cutting to the front of the line.
Chris Minnes would be happy to see Michal Krizo enter into the amateur NPC league, compete, earn his pro card, then earn qualification to the Olympia. If he goes through the paces – and still proves himself to be a threatening athlete. Then he will really start to turn heads.
Until then, Chris Minnes points out that photos are very different than the real thing. Until we can see Michal Krizo standing side by side with the best of the IFBB Pro league, there’s no real way of knowing just how threatening his physique really is.
You can watch Chris Minnes’ full comments about Michal Krizo and the aftermath of the IFBB Pro vs IFBB Elite Pro split in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Blessing Awodibu Looks Huge At 300 Pounds In Recent Physique Update
Blessing Awodibu has made some serious strides preparing for a return to the stage.
Blessing Awodibu has not competed since the 2021 New York Pro. He has taken an extended break from the stage but has put in some serious work during his time off. Awodibu recently shared a physique update where he is looking massive while weighing 300 pounds.
Awodibu took to Instagram to share some early-year poses. In his physique update, Awodibu shows off his massive back and admits that he has some more work to do, especially with his legs.
“Light vacuum at 300 cannot wait to make that waist disappeared.Love this pose .Learned so much last year about my body ?Excited for my next move .@georgefarah_guru ?”
Blessing Awodibu has turned into a star on social media. He is a bodybuilder who many believe could turn into an Olympia champion. With the look of his physique, Awodibu certainly has the size and will work to make some necessary improvements. It is unknown when he will return to stage but when he does, Awodibu will be a force.
Awodibu began competing in bodybuilding at 18 years old. He quickly made name for himself and earned a victory at the 2016 Arnold Classic Amateur. In 2017, Awodibu earned his Pro Card at the IFBB Diamond Cup. He did not compete in a professional competition until last year. Awodibu finished third at the 2021 Indy Pro in May before taking on the New York Pro.
This is where Blessing Awodibu began his rivalry with Nick Walker, who won the New York Pro and finished fifth at the 2021 Olympia. This was the last time Awodibu stepped on stage and he has clearly made some strides in adding necessary size. In December, Awodibu and Walker were seen training together. Walker is one of the stars in bodybuilding and Awodibu could be on his way to taking that next step.
Awodibu has gained 1.7 million followers on Instagram during his career. He has not been shy about showing off physique updates and where he is in preparation. Fans are looking forward to the day Awodibu returns to the stage and reaches his full potential. Stay tuned for an official announcement on when Blessing Awodibu makes his return.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Redcon1’s Aaron Singerman Reveals All On His Falling Out With PJ Braun & Blackstone Labs
Aaron Singerman details his rise in the bodybuilding supplement world and gets honest on falling out with PJ Braun.
Aaron Singerman is a notable name in the bodybuilding industry – mostly for his success in the world of supplements. With the supplement industry so oversaturated – it’s always a major accomplishment when one succeeds to such a high degree. But that doesn’t mean Singerman’s rise didn’t come with some hurdles. Most notably, he had a very public and somewhat dramatic falling out with his former business partner PJ Braun. In our latest GI Exclusive, Aaron Singerman details his rise and also reveals the truth behind is split with PJ Braun and Blackstone Labs.
While Aarong Singerman might be best known for his supplement company Redcon1, he was also involved in the shockingly fast success of Blackstone Labs. Blackstone Labs was known as a more “hardcore” supplement company. Aarong Singerman and PJ Braun worked together to make it such a massive success.
But that success came with a hefty load of drama. Soon after Blackstone Labs cemented itself as a success, Aarong Singerman had a very public falling out with PJ Braun. Not only that, but Singerman eventually left Blackstone Labs completely.
Many rumors swirled around the web as to exactly what happened. Even beyond that, both Singerman and Braun are thought to now be bitter rivals in the public eye. But is that true? And what is the true story about the falling out between these two successful bodybuilding entrepreneurs?
During our video conversation with Aaron Singerman, he explained in honest detail exactly what happened from his perspective. While the entire falling out was surely a long story of multiple events, the broad stroke of it is that the two men started to change in opposite directions.
“As people get older, your values change,” Aaron Singerman states in our interview. He continued:
“And as money is involved, people’s personalities could change. And so, I think what really happened was – two guys were best buddies who had so much in common and then it really dramatically shifted apart. Because you know, PJ was doing what we were initially doing – having fun doing his thing. And then I had babies, more babies, another baby, you know? And my life was so much different and my values changed too. Where his were pretty much still the same and mine had dramatically shifted… The things that appealed to me before don’t appeal to me now.”
We then followed up by discussing the present. Does Singerman still have a problem with PJ Braun and vice versa? According to Singerman, not at all. He claims that he has no ill will towards Braun.
You can watch Aarong Singerman’s full comments about the rise of Redcon1, Blackstone Labs, and his falling out with PJ Braun in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Kai Greene Looking Downsized In Recent Videos
Kai Greene might be training with a different goal.
Kai Greene has not officially announced his retirement from the sport of bodybuilding. He often posts physique updates and workout videos but there might be a different goal in mind. Greene has maintained a shredded physique but is seems unlikely that he will return to the stage at 46 years old. In recent videos, the legendary bodybuilder has looked a bit downsized.
Greene posted a recent video to Instagram where he is promoting machines and equipment made by Powertec. In the video, Greene is seen using the machines and is looking a bit slimmed down.
At this point, Kai Greene might be interested in building a healthier version of himself. He was one of the elite bodybuilders during his time and still has a huge following that wants him to return to the stage. Greene has not competed in six years despite holding off on retiring. There was speculation that he was going to return during the 2021 Olympia but that did not happen.
During his career, the Olympia title has eluded Greene but he has three second-place finishes. Greene has three victories at the Arnold Classic and finished third in 2016. It is clear that Greene can still put in the work in the gym and he shows it on a daily basis.
Kai Greene continues to inspire others and share some workouts to try. He is using his massive following to share knowledge and insight on weight lifting.
“The body you see is just a physical manifestation of my own thoughts, my ideas, and my actions. Our own super powers are not external strengths but more so found deep in within.
I want you to think about your dreams…and more importantly I want you start living your dreams.
There’s never been a better time then right now in our own self isolation to start moving forward.”
If Kai Greene is downsizing, this does not mean that he is out of shape or losing strength. Quite the opposite actually. At age 46, Greene is focusing on his health and might not be interested in waking around at his competition weight. This might upset some fans if Greene is not interested in returning to the stage but his presence in bodybuilding is still busy and he continues to show off an impressive physique.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Liam Hemsworth Looks Shredded In Recent Photo Shared By Brother Chris
Chris Hemsworth shared a birthday post for his brother, Liam Hemsworth.
The Hemsworth brothers are no strangers to the limelight. Over the years, both Chris and Liam have been featured in some massive films while turning their attention to fitness. Liam, who turned 32 on Thursday, seems to be paying some extra attention to his physique lately. Chris shared a birthday post where his brother is looking as shredded as ever.
Like any brother would, Chris Hemsworth made sure to troll Liam Hemsworth a bit with his post on Instagram and even offered some help.
“Happy birthday @liamhemsworth hopefully this is the year you finally get in shape and take care of yourself ??To help with your transformation I’m gonna gift you 10% off a @centrfit membership #familydiscount love you”
Chris is referring to his health and fitness app CentrFit in his post. Both Hemsworth brothers have been seen working on their physiques in recent months. Chris is no stranger to bulking up for a role, which he is currently doing as he prepares to play Hulk Hogan is an upcoming Netflix biopic. Chris has shared some intense workouts that feature boxing and different ways to build strength.
Despite being trolled by his brother, Liam Hemsworth is looking shredded in this picture. He is best known for his work during The Hunger Games series. Chris Hemsworth has also done well in the box offices with films like Thor and The Avengers.
The Hemsworth brothers have turned into heartthrobs on the big screen with a huge following on social media. This is where they have shared recent workouts and physique updates. Liam has even graced the cover of Men’s Health because of his work to improve his physique. This includes strengthening muscles in many different ways.
In November, the Hemsworth brothers were seen putting themselves through a brutal pilates workout. This was a session that was led by Chris’ CentrFit app and it certainly tested their strength by the looks of it. It was a workout that was aimed to build core strength and joint flexibility. This is just one way the Hemsworth brothers have built impressive physiques.
One thing we know is that both Chris and Liam are dedicated to fitness and are always interested in bettering themselves. They have inspired others to do the same by sharing workouts and even creating an app to lead. It will be interesting to see where their fitness venture takes them next.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Santi Aragon: “There Is No Light On The Other Side” When You Push To Bodybuilding Extremes
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Santi Aragon opens up about his retirement – claiming that the risks started to outweigh the rewards of bodybuilding.
Last month, bodybuilder Santi Aragon announced that he would be retiring from the sport. At only 33 years old, this was a very surprising statement. Many bodybuilders compete well into their 40s, and in some cases, 50s. More shocking was the reason. He did not suffer a major injury or have health issues. He wanted to leave at the top of his prime before long term damages rear their head. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Santi Aragon opens up about how the risks of steroid use and contest prep led to his retirement from bodybuilding.
Santi Aragon has been completely open and honest about steroids and other drug use in bodybuilding for quite some time now. Having built his own businesses and no longer sponsored by other brands – he felt free to speak openly without reflecting poorly on any of his obligations. So it comes as no surprise that Santi was very open and detailed while speaking with us about his reasons for retiring.
First things first, Santi Aragon doesn’t want anyone to think that he was against PEDs in the sport. He knew the risks going in and was willing to take them. He wasn’t naive to the reality that top level bodybuilding requires. That being said, as he got older, he felt the risks started outweighing the rewards.
On top of this, he was witnessing many deaths in the sport during the 2021. While he acknowledges that these deaths have no real link – he also understands that drug use in the sport can lead to long term health damages and even death. His very own trainer suffered through heart issues last year (good news: he recovered), which “really hit home” for Santi just how painful those kind of health situations can be.
While he didn’t confirm or state if the heart problems were in relation to steroids, the reality became clear. This is a risk of what can happen down the road from consistent steroid use. Santi Aragon has been on top of his health in recent years, with blood tests every three months, his heart and his blood pressure are all healthy. He wants to keep it that way for as long as possible. So he decided to retire.
But for Santi Aragon, it’s more than just the drugs that pose a risk. Santi believes the entire lifestyle required for top level pro bodybuilding is dangerous – especially rising to meet the higher weight requirements for the biggest divisions.
“It’s very difficult for a guy thats 5’5″ to carry over 200 pounds. At least for me,” Santi Aragon states in our interview. He continues:
“I’m not built to be 200 pounds. I’m a 175-180 max. But when I’m starting to push that 212, when I was trying to be 212, I had to force everything. I had to force training, I had to force food, I had to force drugs at such a high level that I could not see myself sustaining that for over a year… that reality sets in really fast. The drugs, the food, and you know – when you force yourself to do things like that and push your body to that extreme, there’s no light on the other side.”
Santi Aragon goes on to say that most bodybuilders don’t realize the reality of this until it’s too late. They are only aware just how far their health can be at risk once the long term effects start appearing. Santi didn’t want to be one of those people. That’s why he changed course.
And Santi Aragon also wants to point out that nothing is set in stone across the board. Much like cigarettes, some people can smoke their whole lives with no issues. Others can smoke for one year and get lung cancer. Genetics and random luck play a big part. It’s to each their own in how far an individual wants to push that risk.
You can watch Santi Aragon’s full comments on his retirement and health in bodybuilding by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!