Why I Stopped Competitive Bodybuilding with Ben Pakulski

[@BarbellShrugged]

12 Programs, Nutrition, Coaching, and More bit.ly/2OX7iC3

[@dennis12345674]

And phil heath got pregnant too , what a coincidence

[@dennis12345674]

@@SHARPEYE1 10 till now , u want some. ask ur pregnant friend to lend

[@gerhardschelbi2302]

Dennis Thomas hahaha😂😂😂😂👍

[@janneplanman6433]

Oh shit🤭

[@fishfearme6606]

A lot of comments from people that have no clue as to how competitive this game really is or how important genetics are. One cannot alter their structure. Ben got caught up in the game and probably had too many around him telling him he could be Mr O. When his midsection got distended from pushing the food and the gear, he knew he had to take it down and or get out. He did come back with a much improved waistline but upper body was smaller than before and along with that I think he had a major life change with his daughter being born. Priorities change and realizing the health risks he was imposing upon himself was a wake up call. There is nothing healthy about this "sport". Glad he is happy and successful anyhow.

[@fishfearme6606]

@Thor Odinson Not competitive bodybuilding. Not even natural competition. Pushing your body to extremes and daily forced feedings that amounts to enough food to feed a family of 4. Then add in the copious amount of hormones and ancillary drugs that can wreck havoc on the system. You obviously have no clue. Now in moderation and as a lifestyle/hobby I think it's fine, but if you're going to compete it's a whole different story.

[@weaponofliberation4093]

Gonna tell massive Truth to all who watch this...As an ex Pro level bodybuilder (NPC/IFBB) he did the best and right thing. Get out of the lifestyle at that level. To many years,time,expense,sacrifice,loss,etc. And nothing to show financially when it comes to an end. Reality is it's the size of an eyelash of interest in the real world. The masses don't care and it's not a sport. You're not getting paid even if you sat on the bench like a football,baseball,hockey,basketball,etc player. Best scenario is to use you're body that you created and train,teach others as a business (training,nutrition) you will make way more money and a living then going for years on gear and having nothing to show for it. Hey look even "Ronnie Coleman" is a living cripple of an example not to mention easily close to a 100 ex Pro's that just disappeared an don't want to talk about what happened. It'a a waste in the end. Again Truth :(

[@robdiaz6827]

Just heard he had a kidney failure... So that's why he stop...

[@minotaur55]

@@robdiaz6827 yeah.... this video is a crock of shit lol

[@Greybacco]

As a father i really do understand his situation. True meaning of blood sweat and tears to fight for a family comes first. You made great decision

[@manrex5238]

I guess the only bodybuilder could drag all at the same time like being a good dad,a good husband and have this amazing integrity and at the same time accomplish the feat of being Mister Olympia 8 times in a row was my idol Lee Haney

[@LambeauLeeeper]

His wife did everything at home. He didnt do shit so please give her respect.

[@crf50crazy]

I have lee’s new book. Signed, I’ll sell you for $20

[@ClearSmoke100]

@@LambeauLeeeper stay at home mom he's a working man provided for his family what's your point. She didn't do it alone.

[@br777666]

Don't forget Dexter Jackson.

[@br777666]

@@LambeauLeeeper We're talking about bodybuilders not the wamen, soyboy.

[@chrisfell7134]

I don't believe Ben would of been Mr Olympia. His structure was poor... short legs long torso. Yes his arms were weak and needed improving but I don't think they nessicarialy held him back. His back needed to come up massively! World class legs and delts :) One smart guy I wish him well.

[@nathanpendry4286]

I think he also put too much emphasis on the scientific approach to training. He famously came at Branch Warrens neck because of how he trains. Said it was mindless and needless.... but grit trumps science every time. Because in the end either you have the heart or you dont. Doesn't matter if you know insertion angles and are strapped to an EMS machine to get max contraction. If you can't and won't push to the level of puking or passing out... you ain't gonna make it. If he dove in at metroflex for a year when he was at his prime and pushed himself to breaking with Branch or Jackson I believe he could have been the next Ruhl. Too bad... he had a world of potential.

[@henrikswanstrom9218]

He did the best he could with his genetics. Really poor incersions in his arms and back.

[@latman1]

You're right, he was delusional to say he would have been Mr. Olympia he didn't move up at all at the end of career. His back and arms would never have been world class only the legs and delts were Olympia caliber.

[@velse9869]

Nathan Pendry every pro that trains under Ben Pakulski throws up. His style of training is heavily science based but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. He is all for full contractions, working different strength curves and maximum tension..that shits not easy. Definitely not easier than throwing weight around. Throwing weight is easy and then you end up like Ronnie. ROI of that training style is not worth it. I will say this though. Ben saying he could be Mr. Olympia is completely arrogant.

[@velse9869]

Nathan Pendry and where is Branch now? Ronnie Coleman trained the same way and even though he won 8 he can barely walk. Lifting mindlessly has a cost and they’re both paying the price. Lee Haney and Dorian Yates were better lifters and they’re still walking. Jay cutler is still walking

[@robertbradshaw9367]

"Current wife"...Sounds optimistic doesn't it...

[@quickcar5255]

Hes honest.

[@ordinaryguy815]

lold

[@tgo007]

Not that this is proof of anything but they're barely on each other's instagrams.

[@ezassegai4793]

@@tgo007 I am literally NEVER on my wifes insta. It means NOTHING

[@ezassegai4793]

slip of the tongue

[@alams123]

A very down to earth, intelligent and humble man

[@riktascale4]

Down to earth? He never loved anyone till his daughter.....not even his wife.

[@KOOLEE88]

@@riktascale4 That's down to earth, being honest. Surprised no one else connected with that.

[@KOOLEE88]

Couple of JElly bois lol

[@K.T-]

You're a great person Ben I'm proud of your decision you made the right choice I hope you the best life and blessings to you and your family

[@saxarra43]

More to live then bodybuilding, I'm 54 and I gave up a lot of things when I was younger. Now I look back and see all the things I gave up for nothing. Good for him.

[@tomasortiz1606]

Wanted to be a great father first. Much respect to you. Gained a new fan.

[@c.m.f.1]

What a fantastic interview. Ben is the real deal, he realizes the purpose of his life. I feel the same with my three kids. To build a legacy we need to invest in the next generation. You rock Ben!

[@preservationwealthmanageme3184]

No way would he have been Mr. O. Great legs and lots of knowledge, but Phil, Kai, etc. would have continually smoked him.

[@johnfedrick3441]

In my personal opinion one of the most knowledgeable bodybuilders of our time didn't have 🌎 class genetic's but took what he had worked hard and competed with the best of them and encouraged others to train in a way that would gradually transform their physique past their preconceived notion of where they thought genetics could take them! Solid dude👊💯

[@justincase4359]

Great speech for anyone who needs perspective in life. Ben is a gentleman

[@janneplanman6433]

I know I will not be mr Olympia, but I know this perspective... I am still hunting the best shape of me with my wife and small children around me. And there are tons of things to do and even more to dream about even if I am living one part of my dream at the moment... Some stories just sound so easy- I wish I could calm down and have skill and mood to live happily and quietly, and not to hunt unnessessarily big game... All the blessings to Ben and his family. He is great and wise dude💪🏆

[@mrswolls]

I don't understand why he's saying you can't train hard in the gym and have kids. I think really what he means is pumping that shit in your body is dangerous and he didn't want to die because he had kids

[@bfyrestone3059]

So on other words his son can drop dead but his daughter though 😂

[@ezassegai4793]

his program 'mi40' is nice though(the first edition). I went through it back in military and it taught me perfect isolation.

[@oreheltneg]

what happened to the new edition?

[@justinmorgan1306]

Wow... I'm struggling with this now. I have a toddler son AND I'm 41 - trying to sustain the same passion in the gym, on the stage...I don't know that I can balance the two lives. Some athletes are able to make family life work for them; I'm not so sure I'm one.

[@marktroyer2754]

I think becoming a father really does change your priorities, usually in a good way , it did me know the same thing has happened be a grandpa , I am happy for him, having a positive influence on your kids is more important then winning a mr olympia

[@davidharden7575]

love this testimony! Love his honesty and transparency!

[@robdiaz6827]

Just heard he had a kidney failure... So that's why he stop...

[@RanThaMan]

ben is a role model in the lifestyle and is an amazing teacher

[@Gint3r]

Except he lied, he had a kidney failure

[@RanThaMan]

@@Gint3r liar! God damn liar!!

[@jacobtrowbridge849]

Ronnie Coleman if I’m not mistaken had family AND a full time job.... I’m mean it’s great your self aware enough to know your not in it anymore but it’s not unheard of to have responsibilities and be the best.

[@JoesFitness101]

HEY...I started bodybuilding after my kid grew up. She's now 26...when I did my competition in November 3 2018. So you can still pick it up again and be the best inspiration around the world more than any Mr Olympia has ever been.

[@drokk66]

Low key miss seeing B-Pak on stage...his early MI40 plan got me heavily involved in smart training

[@yawnbomb928]

I remember him talking like his "scientific" approach to training and dieting was going to make him the best in the world. With a group of exercise scientists and doctors behind him as well. With all this help he still never made it. He certainly has an ego, that's for sure. This just proves that genetics is everything.

[@BroBruhBruv]

Yawn Bomb you’re an idiot. People see things in such a closed box that it’s hard for them to look around and see how life is. His passion changed. His priorities changed. Like he said, to be the best in the world is somewhat selfish. With all the knowledge he’s acquired over the years he finally saw like a true leader. Not a self absorbed workaholic with social issues. He thought why not help the world instead of just myself, as well as being the best father and husband possible. Ben is a preacher, teacher, leader type. Not a Phil Heath type. Why be the best in the world when at the end of the day you are helping nobody and are emotionally fragile. My boy Ben saw the bigger picture.

[@ClearSmoke100]

@@BroBruhBruv his passion changed cause he wasn't winning and bleeding money.

[@seekn.destroy4064]

He does that in Generation Iron.

[@BroBruhBruv]

Thassarian genetics reigns supreme in bodybuilding you big goof. That’s another reason he quit. Some people have no common sense whatsoever, it cracks me up.

[@BroBruhBruv]

Thassarian LMFAO

[@TheEmperorXavier]

some of these comments are soo stupid and unnecessary, appreciate the guy's honesty and respect his decision. he is being a Man with his principles and I am sure he's doing way better than all of you all. I'm not even a fan of Ben but he made the right decision and he would be here on this earth longer than his competitors

[@amalissa1262]

It's good for you Ben and especially for your health.

[@jaimejaime3850]

11th at me Olympia that’s terrible !! What a stupid comment lol . He just said he came 4th at Arnold’s that year ! Ronnie was 11th or so the next he was 1st at some stage being in the Olympia alone is a huge thing

[@stephenwirth9298]

Never be mr o his structure is not world class

[@mattbudesa3038]

@R Fou Compared to the other guys on the Olympia stage his structure and genetics weren't world class. Shitty structure and genetics.

[@LambeauLeeeper]

Thats why its called Body BUILDING YOU IDIOT.

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

Being a top pro is such a delusion for many bodybuilders. One has to accept the reality that you just dont have it, and move on......

[@chrisvig123]

He’s right it’s a selfish self destructive lifestyle which not many are willing to maintain 😯

[@CraigCastanet]

Great story. Godspeed Ben.

[@youtubeplanting]

0:57 great camera work

[@donaldfox6323]

He knew he'd never break top 5. That's why he quit. Not a bad move actually

[@krissy3508]

My cousin i am so proud of you ben hugs

[@derekdeadlifts2986]

Good insight video to why he retired.

[@superbee7936]

Isn't it so that maybe Ben puts his life under a microscope to realise he's getting older and his drive is less or different than years ago. His goals on life itself may be different. As we get older we all develope into people we would't say for ourself we would be. Maybe he is dissapointed in the things he didnt achieve, but isn't that just being human? I personally think as a community where people who work out, wether its fitnes or pro bodybuilder, we have to stand together instead of hating on one another. Talking down on another person is most of the time just to make themselfs better. But did the downtalker actually achieve the same or more? Most of the time not. I respect Ben for his knowledge and i learned a lot from his video's...

[@soybean70]

He quit before his organs failed from juice

[@TheHardTruth101]

Except he’s still on “juice“ 😂

[@claudiuskundanmal5401]

How are you all hating on his physique he looked absolutely crazy at his peak crazy delts and legs

[@AllanDC97]

"Accomplished everything" Couldn't even get top 10 in the Mr. O lol

[@clarkh3314]

He was more or less the 11th best bodybuilder in the world. What are you even close to being the 11th best in the world at?

[@AllanDC97]

@@clarkh3314 Just as much as you, my friend :)

[@Redemption203]

he went pro in a time when it was hard to turn pro ..

[@madmiky696]

Ronnie Coleman was 11th once

[@samweller2099]

Fuck me you are a douchebag. Literally the definition of a loser troll. You will never be remembered.

[@brianandraos1411]

Amazing interview

[@alphastrength3402]

One of the best channels out there

[@peterpeters4111]

Young children aren't expensive and it's 10X worse when they become teens and want every thing their friends have and those BIG brand names that cost $$$...I'm crying now!

[@KG-et7lq]

Tell that teenager to get a job or shut it

[@ezassegai4793]

dont spoil your kids and give them a couple slaps when needed and you will have a chill life

[@reedallyn1767]

Any of these Canadian guys stand out from the rest of the bodybuilding elite because of the humbleness and their views on the sport as participants, where it isn't the most important thing in your life. Good on him for realizing that the fire wasn't there any longer, and he instead wanted to be a good dad and devote his time to his family. This sport is too narcissistic, egotistical and selfish, and guys like him or Grimes or Watson are humble Canucks who defy all of those attributes in the bodybuilding world.

[@martinpaul3383]

Very inspiring, love it

[@a.jkelly846]

outstanding 👍🏻

[@toodyface]

Mr O from the waist down.

[@RobertJohnsson]

( ͡º ͜ʖ ͡º)

[@simonfarmer4131]

Having a weak back and arms didn't help his cause.

[@azoleyehirooni11]

Everyone is different, both Dorian Yates and Lee Haney had a wife and kids when they were winning their Olympia titles.

[@ninjamaster3453]

Relationships ruin your potential. Got it.

[@josebautista7311]

A lot of fathers work 9 hours a day and still love there children they don’t quite their job

[@squattilupuke2435]

Truth is His kidneys failed

[@donnyklaehn6322]

he stopped because his back would not grow and his arms were too small at the level of competition he was at. His genetics stopped him why not be honest BEN - compared to kai, roelly and ramy he was just too small.

[@RockoRocko-rz7kx]

I like all these pros claiming it not about the gear. Now look at them.

[@redstang70]

I've always liked Ben but there was no chance of him ever winning the O

[@e.rortiz2355]

RESPECT ✊

[@marlofilms6239]

great man

[@blahadestiny1604]

He quit cause a grown mature man will realize quickly that hes shaving, tanning preening and trying to look like a mutant nude runway model for legions of old dirty schmoes. And for what? Plastic trophies, fried kidneys, and a few measly thousand dollars......ben probably realized that he had more going for him than all that. It's called evolution of the individual...The ability to change in life.

[@jcm730]

He was big.. and great legs but he would NEVER have won the Olympia.. weak arms and back and a wide waist. At the elite level genetics plus size and conditioning wins. Ben didn't have the best genes to win the Mr. O ... but 2 out of three aint bad

[@logicandreason5702]

Translation: I had kids and had to re-evaluate the massive amounts of gear I was taking

[@KOOLEE88]

Great logic and reason.

[@Junjun3762]

You still look good dude

[@josephlabajosa4075]

To step away from bb may be the best decision he has ever made.

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

His science method wasn’t working

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

Thor Odinson true. Outside of the 2nd place in the Arnold Classic, he hasn’t done much better in the standings in Arnold or Olympia( places 11th). Not saying science is strong but other BB don’t follow.

[@WILD__THINGS]

Nothing left to accomplish?? He won 1 pro show and it wasn't even a major one.

[@bunnymanmoe8819]

Lmaooo

[@EliteProAli]

Where to from there ? He became pro, won a pro show. He's accomplished alot. Just lol at dismissing his accomplishments as if you've done something similar

[@robdiaz6827]

Just heard he had a kidney failure... So that's why he stop...

[@deeshmond]

He wouldn’t have quit if he thought he actually could be the best in the world. He realized he was never going to be....

[@samtuesday916]

Smart dude "Ben"

[@Redemption203]

yes Ben god is great

[@crf50crazy]

So true, such a selfish thing. Glad kids helped him realize there is more to life

[@swolaceferrari6611]

He never would of been mr Olympia, making people think you could be mr Olympia is one thing but doing it! There’s only been 14 mr Olympias and he wouldn’t have been one of those!

[@Ace-gl7xo]

Ben at 6:23: "Nothing was gonna stop me" Also Ben: having a wife and kids stopped me

[@stevenewer1]

BENS structure is nothing special.whatsoever.....his arms and back were mediocre at best ....his delts..over inflated with oil.... His legs were world class though. A MR OLYMPIA was never on the cards

[@qballcuddy]

And I suppose you're some kind of hero....... Clown.

[@joehamacher6117]

What did you place?

[@shubhaba2714]

agree, good chest I'd add though

[@joehamacher6117]

Haha wow another generic youtube comment, shocked. Keep criticizing from your couch bum.

[@nathanpendry4286]

So now the man can't have an opinion? As if none of you formed one or joined a fan boy camp. Instead of just blasting him... take a countered stance and debate. That said. He had pretty rounded delts... I don't think he used synthol. Because he found the sweet spot for training certain body parts he was able to really exploit the growth. Problem was he couldn't package the whole deal. I always thought he needed to abandon some of his over the top science based training and just go hard and heavy. Like I get it, science is neat and look what it can do... but sometimes you just gotta get in the gym and go till you puke.

[@vivificateurveridique1420]

Thsi guy is lying to himself. He tried taking all it takes to be M.Olympia. taking steroids, grouth hormone, insuline, diuritics, burning fats and he could't do well, cause the structure of his body, unproportionate and the best he did is in arnold classic when he got second after that it was worst year after year and he saw tha he could't get body better so he quit. It shows that drugs doen't make you a champion. all he has is legs no arms, no back, thick stomach. I think he made a good decision, because he were just to ruin his body. He said it, he has shity genetics, never gonna win major contest...I was there in Laval in 2008 when he got his Pro card, the line up was weak this year and he was lucky to get it. But after nothing special like Fouad Abiad who also got his Pro Card in Laval at 2004 i think and after nothing noticeable...

[@lewisc1924]

Basically he realised that he was risking his life by abusing drugs in the pursuit of being a successful professional bodybuilder. When it was just himself he was willing to bake that sacrifice, but after having children he realised he wasn't prepared to risk leaving his children fatherless.

[@lewisc1924]

@Thor Odinson Heart disease Kidney disease Liver disease High blood pressure Permanent testosterone shutdown Depression Whilst I agree that you will never take a steroid and then roll over and die as a direct result, I think it's fair to say that long term heavy use can increase the probability of all of the above and combined they can contribute to a severely decreased quality of live and/or possibly death. I can imagine that when having a child it makes you consider the value you place on both the longevity and quality of your life.

[@chadsworld5499]

Why i dont care: tired of hearing about it already

[@koningvanmiddelburg]

Poor son

[@faqhue9636]

Cameraman is fucking up the video..

[@wyominggrown9158]

Baby girls can change your life

[@fishfool2544]

Who is this guy never heard of him?

[@gerhardschelbi2302]

Fish Fool polish bodybuilder

[@x426x]

Why he stopped? Because it's a racket snd not judged properly . It's all a scam

[@rustyjames2202]

He keeps saying "she got pregnant" like he had nothing to do with it. Lol

[@Polandsyndromebodybuilding]

Bit confident this lad

[@omarsalimhamri2392]

You would've never been Mr olympia .

[@georgeseriani2482]

Ben has great everything except arms and back he's great but incomplete and he knows it

[@madmiky696]

How did he get his wife pregnant on grams of gear?

[@eyesthatseewillsee7457]

madmiky696 it only takes one sperm not millions

[@davidb8625]

hcg & hmg

[@levankhmaladze1951]

Prolly shit load of HCG CLOMID NOLVA lol

[@johncoilung5118]

very good question! I'll do a paternity test if I'd be in his shoes

[@petersemrod8937]

He stopped bodybuilding because he wasn't good enough...Period!

[@rickrascon6487]

Good deal body building not worth it no money in it.

[@maseay91]

I guess his wife wasn’t enough to make him rearrange his priorities

[@_Only_Zuul]

it's great that he believed it but the reality is that he would never be mr olympia.. even if he came in the absolute best condition and that is because of a little thing called: politics...

[@wrigleyx]

il s'est rendu à l'évidence ; ses cannes sont mortelles, et c'est tout car partout ailleurs il était battu ; ce sport est cruel, le Body c'est cruel ;

[@HUGEbanks]

Couldn’t be the greatest in the world anymore...? The fuck? He couldn’t crack top 10 at the Olympia. Awesome physique but not greatest in the world lol

[@bradcastlebury3310]

0:58 he met his "current" wife? Nice. Anyway I am way stronger than Ben, nice guy though

[@PNL_King]

Brad Castlebury you use fake weights

[@d.supreme8592]

Brad Castlebury you’re an asshole bruah

[@KOOLEE88]

Why would you make a fake account of a faker? Next level waste of time my guy

[@bradcastlebury3310]

@@KOOLEE88 I see the irony of your statement is lost on you

[@DNixon845]

A higher purpose than posing in a thong?? Is there such a thing? He may need to reassess.

[@chachifeere]

he was never really great

[@TrevorCockerson]

Current wife lmao

[@SeccyBrah]

Ben pakuski was terrible, I remember watching generation iron, and he claim he was the best there and he didn’t even place.😂

[@joelouden6592]

Bodybuilding is dead, anyway, so there's nothing to walk away from.