Flex Lewis has been the 212 Mr. Olympia champion seven consecutive times. Despite retiring from the competitive field in 2022, the 39-year-old continues promoting the sport through his podcast. The bodybuilding icon recently opened up about his struggle with mental health issues in a social media post.

The 7x Mr. Olympia shared a candid clip on Instagram in which he confessed to skipping the gym for several months, leading to a mental health downfall. However, as his 40th birthday is fast approaching, the 212 champion enters into a challenge to transform himself into the best version of himself.

Flex Lewis reveals battle with mental health issues

To win prestigious competitions, bodybuilders train day in and day out. Lewis had reigned over the 212 Mr. Olympia stage for a long time. But since his retirement a year ago, his love for the gym has taken a backseat. The bodybuilding icon confessed how his family and business were his priorities for months, and he procrastinated hitting the gym for many months.

Not being able to train affected him mentally, as his friends suggested that he was not all okay, and finally, Lewis admits that he was not in a great place. “I was getting satisfaction from seeing my businesses/media all excel and grow, but the outlet that I have always had and all I have done “The Gym” went to sh*t!!!” he confessed in his honest post. However, before anyone is in a hurry to blame it on steroids, Flex Lewis himself clarified any future doubts.

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“Before anyone says drugs. Shut the fu*k up you silly my prick. Most likely one of the reasons why I also felt this way was inconsistent TRT tbh I used to get bent outta shape reading some of these idiot replies,” he wrote. Flex Lewis confirmed that he never went “the excessive route” and pointed out that the muscle retention in his body signifies it. The 7x Mr. Olympia champion understands the ill effects of steroids.

The 7x Mr. Olympia sheds light on the harmful steroid cycle

The bodybuilding world underwent a consistent evolution over the years, and not for good. While natural bodybuilders graced the stage earlier, the muscular growth of competing bodybuilders in current times has been due to PEDs. Youngsters who want to ace a ripped physique are also inclined towards a quick fix. But Flex Lewis warns against it.

Prolonged steroid use has precarious effects on the body; as Lewis explains, “You’re going to destroy your receptors.” As the receptors become sensitive to the dosage, more and more concentrations have to be administered, which might be harmful.

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Flex Lewis is back to his love of two decades, the gym. He gave himself 26 days to transform himself mentally and physically, and many bodybuilding icons like Jay Cutler are happy for Lewis. Are you supporting Flex Lewis in his challenge? Let us know in the comments below.