Bradley Martyn explains why he left competitive bodybuilding after just one year
In this clip, Bradley Martyn reflects on his short time in competitive bodybuilding – and the behind-the-scene politics that made him decide to quit the sport.
Bradley Martyn may have an incredible physique but throughout his iconic career – he barely spent any time competing in actual bodybuilding shows. After just one year, Martyn decided to hang up the trunks and pursue success elsewhere. Obviously that choice paid off. But what exactly made him abandon competitive bodybuilding?
Much like school and many other paths before it, bodybuilding was yet another system where he had to play by someone else’s rules. Bradley Martyn didn’t want to “play politics” in order to succeed. He wanted to succeed on his own terms without the help of bodybuilding organizations.
Bradley Martyn’s Short Run In Competitive Bodybuilding
Bradely Martyn explains that he entered a NPC bodybuilding competition with no real planning or thought behind it. He simply had a “why not” attitude when presented with the opportunity. He didn’t do any specific training and simply expected that his already in-shape physique would be enough to be competitive at the show.
Bradley even jokes that he ate pizza the night before the competition. Of course, this lack of a plan led to a mediocre placing, where he earned fifth place out of eight competitors. This was a wake up call that there was more of a skill behind succeeding in the sport.
Unfortunately, once he started getting on track with competition prep – he quickly got a sour taste for the sport in general.
Why Bradley Martyn Said “F*ck You” To Competitive Bodybuilding
Jump ahead to Bradley Martyn’s last bodybuilding competition – the National NPC USA competition. Bradley did considerably better than his first outing, earning a second place spot. However, it was the conversations that occurred after his placing that started to leave a bad taste in his mouth.
An overwhelming amount of spectators and fans believed that Bradley Martyn deserved first place. Other athletes and industry insiders also told Bradley that the only reason why the first place winner earned his victory was because he was a client of a trainer who knew the judges.
According to Bradley, this opened up his eyes to the entire underground world of competitive bodybuilding, where preferential treatment was given by judges to those who were more closely knit into the community. Becoming a part of the “correct” network of trainers, athletes, etc helps get you noticed.
Whether or not this notion is true within the amateur or pro leagues didn’t ultimately matter – at least not for Bradley Martyn. He was convinced due to the comments he received that the world of competitive bodybuilding was yet another system where he had to play by someone else’s rules. Much like school – this didn’t work for the way he forged his path. And also like school, he dropped out of competitive bodybuilding and went on to launch his businesses including Zoo Culture Gyms, Raw Gear Apparel and host podcasts with the Nelk Boys.
Bradley Martyn: The Influencer Synopsis
Bradley Martyn: The Influencer is a captivating documentary that delves into the extraordinary life of Bradley Martyn, the YouTube fitness sensation and social media juggernaut with over 10 million devoted followers. Beyond the chiseled physique and charismatic online persona lies a compelling story of resilience and transformation.
At just six years old, Bradley faced the devastating loss of his father to suicide, a trauma that haunted him throughout his youth. Yet, through unwavering determination and a passion for bodybuilding, he harnessed his pain to become an inspiration to millions, using fitness and positivity to uplift both mental and physical well-being.
The film not only unravels the complexities of Bradley’s past but also captures his legal battle against the city of Los Angeles – as he keeps his Zoo Culture gym open during the COVID-19 pandemic despite mandates, fighting for freedom of speech and a right to health during a tumultuous period in the world.
The film also chronicles his pursuits expanding his media empire alongside the Nelk Boys, all while forging deep connections with his global fanbase. Bradley Martyn emerges as a groundbreaking figure, redefining success in bodybuilding and proving that, with resilience and purpose, one can turn adversity into a beacon of hope.
Bradley Martyn: The Influencer Release Date & How to Watch
Bradley Martyn: The Influencer is available now on all major digital platforms – including Apple TV, Amazon Prime video, Google Play, and more. You can stream or download Bradley Martyn: The Influencer today or by clicking the banner below.
