“Was Still Trying to Kill Myself”: Bodybuilding GOAT Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Favorite Bodybuilder Regrets Not Appreciating Life Enough

Despite never lifting the reverent Sandow trophy, the iconic Flex Wheeler was among the most prominent bodybuilders of the 90s era. For his incredible persona, even the 7x Mr. Olympia champion, Arnold Schwarzenegger, once hailed him as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. However, just as the Sultan of Symmetry had an amazing run during his prime, his career in bodybuilding came to a sudden halt.

Since he got diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, the legend has had quite a bumpy ride. Nonetheless, he endured all the challenges with absolute finesse and has now become an inspiration for many. But even the greatest have their regrets. So despite overcoming all the hurdles that life posed in his direction, the 4x Arnold Classic champion still regrets one thing in life. Let’s get to know about 57-year-old’s unfulfilled wish and the valuable counsel associated with it.

Flex Wheeler’s biggest regret

In September 2022, Wheeler appeared in an episode of the Cutler Cast, where he profoundly chatted about various nooks and crannies of the fitness industry. At one point in an interview, he answered the intrigue, “How important is loving yourself?”. In response to the question, the icon first glanced back at the pictures from his heydays, and then stated, “I look at my history and pictures like that. Even you know the little picture of me there smiling, I was like, well, I just wished you loved yourself more”. 

He conceded that he regretted not appreciating his life during his prime. “At that point in time, I was still trying to kill myself”, added the bodybuilder. He then recalled the times when he ended up in the hospital. “I was very dedicated to trying to take myself, trying to take my life”. Nevertheless, the bodybuilder then made a wish of going back in time and tell his younger self to “enjoy yourself”.

Interestingly, as he traversed across every obstacle that came his way, the bodybuilder now preaches his valuable counsel to the next generation of fitness fanatics. And who better knows how to defy the odds and win in life than Flex Wheeler?

The Sultan of Symmetry uses his experience to teach others

After he got diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, the bodybuilder underwent over 40 surgeries, including a partial leg amputation. Following this, many would have called it the quits, but not Wheeler. He fought back and now he trains and coaches the young fitness enthusiasts. He once stated, “I’m more than a bodybuilder. In fact, I am someone who can help you achieve your goals. Whether it is health, fitness, mental fitness, challenges, self-esteem, dieting, you name it”.

Read More: “Almost Killed Me”: Battled Through Multiple Surgeries, 57-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Confessed Going Into a Dark Place Due to Bodybuilding in 2011

“I’ve been there, I’ve beat those things. Let’s do this together. I want to help you”, added the Sultan of Symmetry. The legend believes in determination, and that has helped him overcome his pain and torments and become one of the most inspiring figures in the sporting realm. Now, he is preaching the importance of appreciating life and staying grateful. He indeed holds an optimistic outlook on life, don’t you agree? 

Watch this story: Despite Facing Numerous Challenges, Chris Bumstead Gets the ‘Worst Year of His Life’ Tattooed on His Leg: “I Am So Grateful”