But that's not always the reality.īeneath the bedazzled briefs or bikini is a body that is possibly dehydrated and exhausted from months of restrictive dieting and training.įor some competitors, bodybuilding is empowering and hugely rewarding, but for others it can take a severe toll on the body and mind. When a glistening, bronzed bodybuilder poses on stage, they might look like they're in pretty good shape.