Retired IFBB Pro Chris Bumstead\u2019s focus has switched from muscle building to longevity. In a recent YouTube video aired on Oct. 13, 2025, he discussed the damage he sustained throughout his bodybuilding career.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to continue to do this now, with family, different priorities, and values shifting. There\u2019s a lot of focus on my health now. I\u2019m realizing you can\u2019t really tack everything at once. I want to fix this, this, this, well\u2026 you can only take so many vitamins and do so many things a week.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chris Bumstead<\/a> captured his sixth consecutive Classic Physique Olympia title before stepping away from the sport. In one final outing, he tested himself at the 2024 Prague Pro<\/a> in the Men\u2019s Open, where he pushed Martin Fitzwater<\/a> en route to second place.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite moving on, Bumstead has still battled health challenges. He injured his shoulder, which required dedicated rehab to strengthen his rotator cuffs. He\u2019s also been dealing with leaky gut and candida overgrowth<\/a> that affect his digestive health. Roughly a year after laying down his posing trunks, Bumstead got honest about the cost of bodybuilding greatness.\u00a0<\/p>\n Get Fitter, Faster<\/p>\n Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n Please wait…<\/p>\n You’re In! Let’s Crush Your Fitness Goals Together<\/p>\n Expect expert-backed workouts, nutrition advice, the latest in strength sports, and a whole lot of motivation heading your way.<\/p>\n Subscribe Another Email<\/p>\n Chris Bumstead on Retiring Early: \u201cI Was Very Conscious That Bodybuilding Is Not Good For Your Health\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n In the video, Bumstead spoke about his overall health, including his autoimmune disorder.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFeeling very grateful that I had that mindset of not trying to do too much and getting the least out of the most. I had health issues in the past that were unrelated to bodybuilding, autoimmune stuff, and that affected my health. It feels like bodybuilding wasn\u2019t declining; it was kind of keeping it at a level.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m at a point now where I\u2019ve worked with a bunch of doctors, and they are like, you\u2019re actually healthier than I thought you\u2019d be, given what you\u2019ve done to your body. Thank God I retired at 30. I don\u2019t want to hear, oh shit, you pushed it too far,\u201d he said<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n He revealed damage to his health and noted that competitive bodybuilding comes with inherent risks.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cA few doctors told me that in your thirties, your body is a lot more likely to recover than in your forties. If you\u2019re 35 or whatever it may be.<\/p>\n There\u2019s definitely is some damage that happened to my health, and that was another huge reason why it was easy for me to retire because I wasn\u2019t willing to make that sacrifice anymore. I was very conscious that bodybuilding is not good for your health.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The sport can be dangerous. In addition to bodybuilders dying young<\/a>, we\u2019ve seen legends of the sport grapple with lifelong health issues. Former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman still can\u2019t walk without assistance<\/a> and nearly lost his life recently after a harrowing fight with sepsis<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Having had time to reflect on his retirement decision, \u201cCbum\u201d has no regrets. Instead, he has a renewed focus on health over the pursuit of size and conditioning for the stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n