Rich Piana talks pro bodybuilders addiction to competing and haters.

IRON CINEMA – Every Monday we connect you with Generation Iron director Vlad Yudin. Get a first hand look at the entire journey of the bodybuilding industry – ranging from athlete interviews, behind-the-scene looks at major events, and insight into the Generation Iron Fitness Network‘s original shows and films.

Rich Piana has been in the news a lot lately because of a very tragic medical emergency that has left him in a medically induced coma. And while Rich was a very polarizing figure (especially of late) – we all wish him a speedy and healthy recovery. We plan our Iron Cinema releases in advance – and as such I was planing on releasing more of our extended Generation Iron 2 interview with Rich Piana before his recent emergency… but I think there’s no better time to reflect on the kind of man Rich is as he slowly recovers.

In this interview Rich talks with me about subjectivity of physiques and how judges views don’t necessarily match what we might want for ourselves. As Rich puts it – to be a successful pro bodybuilder you need to be addicted to competing. It’s less about what they want and more about what they need. That’s why Rich strayed away from pro competing and kept to his own idea of what his body should look like. We also talk about trolls & haters on the internet and how the attention actually helps him become more successful.

As many fans, friends, and family send their prayers to Rich Piana – perhaps this new interview footage can help lift the spirits of those wishing for his speedy recovery. You can watch it in the video above.

– Vlad Yudin