Top Bodybuilders Share Their Biggest Competition Regrets on the Menace Podcast

[Testosterone Tide]

You know the drill, champ—Testosterone Tide coming in hot. I’ve been in this iron game long enough to know one thing for sure: even the elite mess up. What separates legends from the rest? They own it. They talk about it. And they pass that knowledge on.

That’s exactly what went down on one of the most unfiltered episodes of the Menace Podcast, hosted by the one and only Dennis James. If you haven’t tuned in yet, this isn’t your average polished talk show. This is where the truth comes out—no filters, no fluff.

In this episode, some of the biggest names in bodybuilding lay it all out—their biggest regrets. Not missed reps or posing slip-ups—we’re talking career-defining mistakes. Let's dig into the lessons and the real talk every lifter needs to hear.

The Value of Vulnerability in Bodybuilding​

Bodybuilding isn’t a sport known for softness—you need to have grit, discipline, and sometimes, ego. So when veterans like Flex Wheeler, Chris Cormier, Milos Sarcev, and Dennis James admit to major regrets, it hits differently. Vulnerability like this doesn’t come easily, especially in a culture where perfection is the goal.

But what they shared is gold for the next wave of competitors. Their stories aren’t just cautionary tales—they’re insights forged through decades of wins, losses, and everything in between. If you’re serious about your journey, listen up.

Most Common Regrets Shared by the Pros​

Across the board, there was one theme: shortcuts don’t pay off in the long run.
Several guys talked about overdieting to the point of losing muscle fullness right before show day. Others admitted to hiring coaches who didn’t understand their physiques or switching plans at the last second during peak week—a move that cost them conditioning.

And then there’s the dark side of enhancement: synthol use, cosmetic injections, and reckless experimentation. Some pros saw long-term damage to their physiques from chasing quick results. Regret, for many, came down to not trusting their instincts, pushing too hard, or not thinking long-term.

Featured Athletes and Their Regret Stories​

Chris Cormier didn’t just talk training—he talked money. He had cash stacked during his peak and now looks back, wishing he’d invested wisely. Real estate, stocks, and even an early opportunity with Red Bull were all missed.

“I think when I had good money… every time I see Starbucks, I think of what I didn’t do,” Cormier said. “A guy from Red Bull handed me a card… and at the time, I was like, ‘Energy drink? What’s that?” That was before Red Bull was the giant it is today. He knows now those were life-changing moments.

Milos Sarcev dropped a heavy confession: synthol injections destroyed his physique. Trying to compensate for lost sponsorships and new pressures, he started injecting daily into his biceps to bulk up fast.

“By the Canada Pro, I made my biceps look like Mount Everest,” he said. What followed was a loss of separation, unnatural muscle shape, and the slow death of his Olympia-level potential.

Flex Wheeler, often considered one of the greatest physiques of all time, said his shoulders were his biggest regret. Like Milos, he used enhancement oils—back when it was common and accepted in the sport. He later realized it made his muscles look unnatural and cartoonish.

“I didn’t get it,” Flex said. “I thought everything was cosmetic anyway. I didn’t understand the line between enhancing and ruining.”

Dennis James shared that he tried to blow up his calves with injections after seeing how his arms responded. It backfired. Over time, his calves atrophied—likely due to nerve damage.

“I had decent calves,” Dennis said. “But they left the building.” Another hard lesson is knowing when enough is enough.

What Fans and Fellow Athletes Are Saying​

What was the fan reaction? Massive. Social media lit up with support, especially from younger lifters who appreciated the honesty. In a world of highlight reels and perfect photos, these unfiltered stories struck a chord.

Many said this kind of transparency is exactly what bodybuilding needs—not just the wins but the hard truths. Hearing this from legends helps cut through the noise for up-and-coming athletes.

Lessons for the Next Generation of Competitors​

If you’re serious about the stage, these lessons are for you.

Don’t change your plan last minute. Peak week isn’t the time to experiment. Consistency wins shows. Stick with your coach, trust the process, and give your body time to respond.

Watch what you put in your body. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Focus on developing real muscle, not just inflating what’s already there.

And invest wisely. Your bodybuilding career won’t last forever, so think beyond the stage. Cormier’s Red Bull story is a prime example—opportunities are everywhere, but you’ve got to be ready to say yes.

Flex also brought up something heavy—his mental blocks. He shared how he would dominate smaller shows but psych himself out for the Olympia. That fear of being number one held him back. If you want to win, you’ve got to believe you belong up there.

Why the Menace Podcast Stands Out​

Dennis James has walked the walk, so when he talks, other pros listen. That’s why the Menace Podcast hits differently. He doesn’t just ask questions—he creates a space where athletes feel safe enough to be real.

The podcast is becoming one of the most respected platforms in bodybuilding because it delivers what fans crave: the truth, not just about shredded physiques but also about the stories behind them.

If you’re chasing greatness in this sport, do yourself a favor—tune in. There’s wisdom in every episode.

Frequently Asked Questions​

What is the Menace Podcast, and who hosts it?

Dennis James, a former IFBB pro known for his no-nonsense approach, hosts The Menace Podcast. The show features honest interviews with top bodybuilders who discuss everything from training to life regrets.

What lesson did Dennis James share about calf injections?

Dennis James warned about the long-term impact of calf injections, including nerve damage and muscle atrophy. He regrets trying to enhance them artificially.

Why is this episode of the Menace Podcast important for young competitors?

It provides rare insights from legends who’ve made mistakes and aren’t afraid to talk about them. Their stories serve as lessons on health, longevity, mindset, and smarter choices in the sport.