Like anyone, you sometimes find yourself lacking the motivation to get to the gym and do your workout. If you’re like me, this leads to typing in ‘bodybuilding motivation’ on Youtube and watching someone a lot more muscular than me lift weights for 20 minutes with a heavy metal song on in the background. Don’t get me wrong, this can do the trick from time to time, but there is actually a much better way to get (and stay) motivated.
Bodybuilding documentaries.
They will take up a little bit more of your time, but man are they worth it. They will keep you motivated for weeks as well, not just the odd session.
There’s no shortage of them either, but there are certainly a few that stick out in terms of quality. I’ll run you through some my favourites.
Pumping Iron
If you are a fan of old school bodybuilding, nothing but hard work coupled with blood sweat and tears, you need to give this one a watch. Plus, it stars Arnold Schwarzenegger. You may know of him. A classic.
The documentary plays out switching between a couple different stories, with the first half focusing on the Mr Universe amateur competition where Mike Katz is competing. The second half focuses more on Arnie and his development of a tongue in cheek competition with Ferrigno as they battle it out for first place.
The documentary gives a brilliant insight into how much work goes into bodybuilding as well as some of the rules associated with the competitions.
Generation Iron
The first of 3 very good documentaries.
If Pumping Iron appeals to the older generation of bodybuilders, this is more suited to those newer to bodybuilding but is still a great watch for all ages.
It follows the lives of a handful of professional bodybuilders looking to win the 2012 Olympia. Once again you gain a great insight into the dedication needed to compete at this level, with training, nutrition and day to day living all shown throughout the documentary. It was of course Phil Heath who took home the gold in 2012 and he is currently aiming to do it for a final time in 2021.
Arnie and Jay Cutler are among some of the famous faces to appear in the documentary.
Bigger Stronger Faster
A little bit different in terms of content, however certainly still an entertaining and educational watch.
It follows the life of two brothers who aim to be professional wrestlers and focuses on the bodybuilding elements needed to look the part, as well as the use and misuse of steroids.
It mainly presents the use of steroids in professional and amateur sports, focusing on the need to be the best, whatever it takes. The brothers believe that by taking steroids and enhancing their performance, they become closer to achieving the American dream.
The documentary hosts a good number of interviews with doctors, politicians, coaches and bodybuilders. Asking them if the need and use of steroids is really worth it in the end.
So, there we have it, my three recommendations for bodybuilding documentaries. If you are a little bit tired of flicking through YouTube recommendations for gym motivation, turn your attention to one of three above, or all three for good measures.
You may just ignite that fire again.
