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Gather around. I wanna talk about my pilot GAINS, a character study set in the world of professional body building, and #WhyIWrite.
There are many sports out there. Some popular, some less so. But we often other bodybuilding. I did it too.
Then, back in 2016, my body gave out.
There are many sports out there. Some popular, some less so. But we often other bodybuilding. I did it too.
Then, back in 2016, my body gave out.
I was stressed. Running myself ragged. Pre-disposed to some health issues my parents never told me about (thanks guys!).
By the time I realized I had a problem, my blood work looked like the third act of Apocalypse Now.
By the time I realized I had a problem, my blood work looked like the third act of Apocalypse Now.
Doctors were baffled. One thought I needed TRT for life. But I realized that none of their options were right for me and my body.
I figured if I had to get my health back, I’d want to be as homeopathic as possible. I changed my diet and hit the gym harder than usual. After a while, I got to talking to some bodybuilders.
When they heard about my issues, they were basically like “Oh that’s an easy fix.”
When they heard about my issues, they were basically like “Oh that’s an easy fix.”
Where I expected hyper-masculine dude bros (who definitely exist), I found surprisingly introspective and driven athletes in pursuit of their version of their best selves.
As someone who’s struggled with body dysmorphia, I really empathized with that.
As someone who’s struggled with body dysmorphia, I really empathized with that.
The more I talked to them and did research, the more fascinated I became. Apart from Pumping Iron, a lot of bodybuilding remains mystified in pop culture.
Who dreams of sculping their muscles so they can be judged on a stage and why? I wanted to tell that story. Gains was born.
Who dreams of sculping their muscles so they can be judged on a stage and why? I wanted to tell that story. Gains was born.
Drawing on my experiences and research, I set out to tell four wildly different bodybuilder stories. Three men and one woman of different backgrounds clawing (lifting?) their way to the top of the sport.
Game of Thrones in a gym.
Game of Thrones in a gym.
These characters’ goals may be different from most. Their beauty and lifestyle standards may not be yours. They won’t necessarily have the mainstream glory other sports bring.
But we can all see ourselves in the chase. The sacrifices we make (or don’t make) along the way.
But we can all see ourselves in the chase. The sacrifices we make (or don’t make) along the way.
I’m better now, thank God. But I’m not going to forget how I found help in an incredibly unlikely place. I found a bit of myself in a place I least expected to.
Gains isn’t just about WHY someone would be a bodybuilder, but a way to look at their world and see yourself in it.
Gains isn’t just about WHY someone would be a bodybuilder, but a way to look at their world and see yourself in it.
