The demands of bodybuilding can be immense, something Dorian Yates has to come to understand after taking to the stage numerous times. In a recent Instagram post, Yates conveyed how reducing stress is an important aspect of effective training and overall longevity.
The 61-year-old has built his name from the ground up. Starting from nothing, Yates decided to turn his life around after a six-month stay in jail. Using his time behind bars to kick start his weight training, Yates began the process of what would ultimately lead to him becoming one of the biggest names in bodybuilding history.
At his very first Mr. Olympia showing in 1991 he nailed runner up which would be the last time he would be second best in the years that followed his exciting tenure. Dorian Yates would take home the gold at every contest he entered thereafter and became a six-time Mr. Olympia champion. Though during this time, Yates would receive several injuries that ultimately led to his retirement in 1997.
Dorian Yates Gives Advice On Managing Stress and Anger
Aside from training, mental contentment and tranquility are top priorities for Yates, who led a career full of high-intensity moments. Below he gave tips on dealing with stress:
“If you’re the type of person who worries all the time about things you cannot control, or goes off on one every time someone cuts you off in traffic, you owe it to yourself to learn to relax and take things in stride. Learn to go with the flow and never let yourself get all worked up over situations that you have no control over,” Yates says.
The bodybuilding legend has been vocal about the importance of maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle in order to find success in other aspects of life. In addition to learning about bettering the mind, Yates shared that he includes yoga and meditation in his routine. Given Yates’ dedication to keeping a clear mind, it’s no wonder he managed to stay undefeated for so many years.
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Aside from that, Yates shared other avenues of gaining knowledge to better his mental health and stress. He also spoke as to what it can do for one’s overall performance.
“There are many books, videos and audiobooks available on stress management and relaxation. If you find yourself unable to control your temper or your stress levels, consider them a worthy investment not only to improve your life in general, but especially with your gym training. The more serene and calm you can remain, except for the hellish intensity of your training of course, the better equipped your body will be to rebuild itself and grow,” Dorian Yates wrote.
Other than this piece of advice, he’s offered other ways to deal with stress, like taking tension off of his spine with an inversion machine. He’s also taken cathartic journeys on hallucinogenic compounds like DMT and Ayahuasca.
Yates has continued training after stepping away from the sport, using stem cell therapy to recover. Dorian Yates keeps fans updated on his procedures and has already seen results. He says his shoulder pain has improved as well as his overall mobility.
RELATED: Dorian Yates Explains Why ‘You Don’t Need To Do Squats’ & Training 4x a Week for Mr. Olympia
Stress can negatively affect health which can lead to a plethora of other concerns. Dorian Yates provided some simple tips for managing it, which can be implemented into even the busiest of schedules with an invaluable return.
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