Retired IFBB pro Chris Bumstead’s focus has shifted from muscle building to longevity. In a recent YouTube video aired on October 13, 2025, He discussed the damage he suffered throughout his bodybuilding career.
“I don’t want to continue doing this now, with my family, different priorities and changing values. There’s a lot of focus on my health now. I realized I can’t do everything at once. I just have to take this, this, this, um… so many vitamins and do so many things a week.”
Chris Bumstead won six consecutive Classic Physique Olympia titles before retiring from the sport. In his last match, he tested his skills at the 2024 Prague Pro Men’s Open, where he pushed Martin Fitzwater to second place.
Despite moving on, Bumstead still battled health issues. He suffered a shoulder injury and required dedicated rehabilitation to strengthen his rotator cuff. He also deals with leaky gut and candida overgrowth, which affects digestive health. About a year after putting down his posing trunks, Bumstead spoke candidly about the cost of bodybuilding greatness.
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Chris Bumstead on early retirement: “I was very conscious that bodybuilding was not good for my health”
In the video, Bumstead talked about his overall health, including autoimmune disease.
“I’m very grateful that I have the mindset of not trying to do too much and trying to get the most out of as much as I can. In the past, I’ve had health issues that were unrelated to bodybuilding, autoimmune disease, and that were affecting my health. It seemed like bodybuilding wasn’t declining and was maintaining some level.”
“I’ve worked with several doctors now, and they tell me that you’re actually healthier than I thought, considering what you’ve done to your body. Luckily, I retired at 30. I don’t want to hear, oh shit, I think you’re pushing yourself too hard.” said.
He revealed that his health had suffered and pointed out that competitive bodybuilding comes with inherent risks.
“Some doctors have said that people in their 30s have a much better chance of recovering than people in their 40s, 35 or whatever.
It definitely took some damage to my health, and that was another big reason why it was easy for me to retire because I was no longer willing to make those sacrifices. I was very conscious that bodybuilding was not good for my health.”
Sports can be dangerous. In addition to bodybuilders dying young, we’ve seen legends of the sport struggle with lifelong health issues. Former eight-time Mr. Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman still can’t walk without help and recently nearly lost his life after a grueling battle with sepsis.
‘Sibum’, who took time to reflect on his decision to retire, has no regrets. Instead, he refocused on health rather than pursuing size and conditioning for the stage.
relevant: Chris Bumstead shares his ultimate guide to cutting.
