Chris Bumstead (5x Mr. Olympia): “I Started to CRY”! How Your SHAME is Tied to Your CHILDHOOD!

Added: Apr 16, 2024

Childhood Influences and Emotional Suppression

Bumstead reflects on his childhood, where he felt a sense of being overlooked and undervalued despite having loving parents. He shares how he learned to suppress his emotions and handle things on his own, fearing that leaning on others might lead to rejection or disappointment. This fear of rejection stems from a deep-seated belief that if he were to show his true self and be rejected, it would mean he is not good enough.

Therapy and Emotional Coaching

Bumstead delves into his journey with therapy, starting when he faced health issues before a competition. Through therapy, he began to unravel his past and understand the root of his fears and insecurities. He acknowledges the role of therapy in helping him organize his thoughts, process his emotions, and create a game plan for personal growth. He also highlights the importance of therapy in uncovering childhood wounds and addressing them to move forward in life.

Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

Bumstead discusses the balance between masculine and feminine energies, noting the societal expectations placed on men to be strong, stoic, and unemotional. He shares how he has embraced his softer, more emotional side, finding strength in vulnerability and authenticity. By incorporating both masculine and feminine energies, he aims to be a more well-rounded and emotionally evolved individual.

Relationships and Vulnerability

Bumstead credits his wife, Courtney, for inspiring him to open up about his feelings and tap into his feminine side. He shares how vulnerability and authenticity played a significant role in attracting Courtney, leading to a deep and meaningful relationship. He emphasizes the importance of trust and communication in relationships, highlighting the privilege of being able to lean on and support each other emotionally.

Overcoming Fear and Rejection

Through therapy and self-reflection, Bumstead has learned to trust himself and embrace his authentic self, both privately and publicly. He acknowledges the fear of rejection that once held him back but has since worked on overcoming it by being true to himself and accepting that not everyone will resonate with his true self. He shares personal experiences of rejection, such as being made fun of in childhood, and how those experiences shaped his fears and insecurities.

Facing Challenges and Finding Strength

Bumstead opens up about a challenging time when he faced health issues before a competition, leading to uncertainty and fear about his future. Despite the physical and emotional struggles, he pushed through and competed, only to feel a sense of relief rather than joy upon winning. This experience taught him the importance of processing emotions and not numbing them, as numbing the bad also dulls the good in life.

Nutrition and Training

Bumstead follows a simple and whole-food-based diet, focusing on high protein intake to support muscle growth and maintenance. He emphasizes the importance of listening to his body's needs and adjusting his nutrition based on his training goals. While supplements can be beneficial, Bumstead believes that whole foods should be the primary source of nutrients for optimal health and performance.

Balancing Fat Loss and Muscle Gain

Bumstead explains that the ability to simultaneously burn fat and build muscle depends on individual factors such as training experience and body composition. While it may be easier for beginners to achieve both goals, elite athletes like Bumstead face challenges in maintaining muscle mass while reducing body fat. He highlights the importance of consistency, proper nutrition, and training intensity in achieving a balance between fat loss and muscle gain.

Preparation for Competitions

Bumstead describes his mindset and approach to competition preparation, which involves a gradual transition into a focused training phase. He acknowledges the need for a rolling start to his prep, allowing time to adjust and ramp up intensity gradually. Despite facing external pressures and distractions, Bumstead prioritizes self-care, rest, and mental clarity during the prep phase to optimize his performance on stage.

Relationship with his fiancee

Bumstead shares the ups and downs of his relationship with his fiancee, Courtney. He talks about the challenges they faced, including long-distance and health issues. Despite the difficulties, he realized that he never wanted to lose her and that she was the one he wanted to be with. He admires Courtney's selflessness and ability to empathize with him, creating a safe space for him to be vulnerable.

Through therapy, Bumstead learned that compatibility in a relationship is earned, not a given. He emphasizes the importance of working on understanding each other's needs and being present in the relationship. He also acknowledges the differences in emotional expression between men and women and how Courtney's emotional openness has helped him grow.

Bumstead reflects on the need to balance his work and personal life, especially when traveling for competitions. He realizes the importance of dialing back into his relationship with Courtney and not disconnecting too much while away. He aims to prioritize their connection and be more present in their relationship.

Bumstead admires Courtney's ability to slow down and enjoy the present moment, contrasting with his efficiency-driven mindset. He appreciates her selflessness and willingness to put others' needs before her own. He values her acceptance of his vulnerabilities and believes that showing his true self has only deepened their love for each other.

Bumstead emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to be vulnerable in a relationship and to embrace all aspects of one's partner. He acknowledges that both he and Courtney are working on themselves and their relationship, striving for growth and understanding. He believes that true love is built through mutual effort and acceptance of each other's flaws.

Balancing Bodybuilding and Health

Bumstead acknowledges the risks associated with bodybuilding and the toll it can take on the body, especially in the long run. Despite this, he is committed to managing his health as best as possible by incorporating various strategies such as regular blood work, IV treatments, and focusing on quality nutrition.  He emphasizes the importance of rest, recovery, and injury prevention in his training routine. By working with a trainer who focuses on prehab and injury prevention, he aims to protect his body from long-term damage and ensure longevity in his career.

Transition to Business

Bumstead discusses his transition from being a sponsored athlete to building his own business in the fitness industry. He shares his experience of starting a supplement company and the success he achieved by taking ownership of his brand. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his social media presence and business ventures, which has resonated with his audience and contributed to his success.

Lessons for Younger Self

Reflecting on his journey, Bumstead shares valuable lessons he would tell his younger self. He emphasizes the importance of self-love and connection, encouraging his younger self to prioritize relationships and authenticity. He also highlights the significance of setting personal standards and values, rather than conforming to external expectations. 

Definition of Greatness

Bumstead defines greatness as living in alignment with one's authentic self and striving to be the best version of oneself in all aspects of life. He believes that true greatness involves elevating others and making a positive impact on the people around you. By focusing on personal growth and uplifting those around him, Bumstead embodies his definition of greatness.