Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 17: All Bodybuilders Suffer From Bigorexia

Craig Golias talks about the difference between hateful feedback and critical feedback and revisits his thoughts on bigorexia.

Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias talks about bodybuilding feedback – the difference between pure hate and actual constructive criticism. He also revisits the concept of bigorexia and how it affects bodybuilding.

Craig Golias was one of the featured athletes in our documentary film Bigorexia. The film explored the inner workings of those who never felt big enough – no matter how big they become. It’s been over a year since the film was released so we decided to reconnect with Craig about his thoughts on the film and also his own relationship with bigorexia as a mental disorder. We also discussed bodybuilding criticism of physiques – when is criticism constructive and when does it become opinionated hate. Let’s jump into it.

Hateful Feedback Vs Constructive Criticism In Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a subjective sport and is completely revolved around judging physiques. But far too often we’ve seen competitive bodybuilders get defensive about statements about their physiques. Whether it’s disagreeing with the judges or finding fan comments offensive – there is a fine line between actual criticism and hurtful feedback.

We asked Craig Golias his thoughts on bodybuilding criticism in the social media space. Golias is not a competitor but is a bodybuilding influencer. As such, he will sometimes share his opinions on pro physiques and results from major bodybuilding shows. He’s done just very that on episodes of Talking Huge recently. When does criticism become unwarranted in a world full of constant comments and notifications?

Craig Golias tries to separate the difference between opinion and criticism. Yes, both involve subjective viewpoints – but one is constructive while the other is just gut reaction. Not all opinion can be hurtful but it can more often lead to defensiveness from those receiving the opinion.

For example, saying a certain pro bodybuilder should not have won a show is opinion. Breaking down what they believed was flawed about their physique and how it could improve – that’s more constructive criticism. A bodybuilder is far more likely to be offended by being told they shouldn’t have won. They worked hard for that big win. A bodybuilder might get offended by more detailed criticism if they don’t agree – but far more often will take it in stride and perhaps learn from it. This is especially true when the criticism comes from a reliable source.

Craig Golias: All Bodybuilders Have Bigorexia

We also discussed with Craig Golias about his involvement in Bigorexia and reflecting on the film over a year later. More specifically, we discuss his relationship with bigorexia as a mental condition. Craig has no qualms admitting that he has bigorexia. In fact, he embraces it. You can argue that that’s part of the condition – that he doesn’t see it as a real issue with both good and bad effects on his life.

But Craig Golias attributes bigorexia to his success. His obsession with getting huge is what brought him sponsorship contracts and allowed him to become a personal trainer with a handful of clients. For Craig, the best parts of his life came from his obsession with being as big as possible.

He also goes on to say that all bodybuilders suffer from bigorexia. He believes that is the only reason any sane person would want to try being a bodybuilder. The amount of work, sacrifice, and risks that come with being a mass monster are too great for a completely logical person to stick with. Craig thinks that every bodybuilder sees someone too small in the mirror. Do you agree?

Wrap Up

There are far more topics discussed in this episode than we can cover in this article. Craig Golias also discusses the pros and cons of being an influencer and also muses over whether or not he would like to train pro bodybuilders for competitions. You can check it all out in the latest episode of Talking Huge above! Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!