but I would argue it ’ s all about the mindset ,” says Dorian . “ There ’ s no secret to it and I have no magic wand- it ’ s just about complete dedication , desire and commitment .”
STRONG BUT VUNERABLE
Dorian went on to enjoy a successful reign of the Mr . Olympia contests , before being forced to retire due to injuries after his 1997 victory .
“ My forced retirement left me in a very dark place psychologically ,” reveals Dorian . “ I was in complete limbo and didn ’ t know where to turn having been so committed to my competitive career . I had spent years focused on one thing , and now , overnight , that had been taken away from me . I was devastated .”
In addition to his sudden retirement , Dorian was left coping with the loss of a loved one , which by his own admission sent him into a spiral of depression and selfdoubt .
“ I knew I was suffering from depression and anxiety , but I was also aware of the fact I couldn ’ t let it overwhelm me ,” says Dorian . “ I ’ d done it once and I ’ d do it againwhether that meant maintaining my physique for the sake of public expectation , or being comfortable in my own skin and adopting a new direction in life . I didn ’ t want to let fans down , but ultimately if I wasn ’ t happy that ’ s exactly what I ’ d be doing in any case . I accepted it was time for change .”
ADAPTATION , LIFE AFTER BODYBUILDING
After a long , slow battle realising even he wasn ’ t immune to life ’ s ups and downs , Dorian channelled his unstoppable ability to be able to adapt and grow into new goals .
“ I began to find my spirituality , and I changed from being an insensitive ‘ machine ’ to a person easily understood by others ,” explains Dorian . “ I switched from doing hardcore bodybuilding to things like interval training , and I even mixed this with yoga and meditation . This opened up a whole new world for me .”
Today a highly respected fitness and wellbeing celebrity , Dorian accepts this unexpected change was for the best .
“ My new way of living and training has really helped me to feel more in touch with myself mentally ad spiritually ,” he says . “ I understand my own mind more and I ’ ve slowed down my thought processes in order to tackle everyday stress . This keeps me
strong and able to deal with any signs of depression or anxiety .”
One thing to be learned from this legend is that anything truly is possible .
“ Adaptation is the key to success- no matter what your goal ,” advises Dorian . “ If you want to be great at anything , anything at all , then you need to work harder than your opponents and attack from every angle . Train your mind and your body will follow . I learned how to tap into the depths of my own mindset and some say that made me the strongest , most powerful weapon in British bodybuilding .”
14 FLEX | FEBRUARY 2018