Why Dr. Mike Israetel Is Leaving Competitive Bodybuilding [Video]

Competitive bodybuilding, especially at the elite level, demands years of sacrifice, unwavering dedication, and an unyielding commitment to pushing the body to its limits. Yet, for many athletes, the rewards are fleeting, the financial gains are minimal, and the physical toll is often devastating. 

On July 29, 2024, Dr. Mike Israetel, Ph.D. in Sport Physiology, announced his decision to step away from competitive bodybuilding to focus on other business ventures.

A former Exercise and Sport Science professor at Lehman College, Israetel co-founded Renaissance Periodization (RP Strength). RP Strength offers science-based training, diet coaching, and comprehensive educational content. Israetel is the face of the company’s YouTube channel, which has amassed over 2.25 million subscribers. 

Competing in bodybuilding costs me money and makes me no extra money; I literally pay to do it.

Israetel believes that the opportunity cost associated with competing in bodybuilding shows is considerably higher as contest preps limit his ability to travel and collaborate with other content creators, hindering potential exposure …