Bodybuilder Eugene Teo Transforms from Obsession to Mindful Fitness

Eugene Teo, a 34-year-old fitness coach residing on the Gold Coast, Australia, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a competitive bodybuilder to an advocate for mindful movement. After starting weightlifting at the age of 13, Teo initially sought validation through bodybuilding, believing it would boost his confidence.

Throughout his teenage years and early adulthood, he dedicated himself to intense training, competing from ages 16 to 24. Teo vividly recalls the extreme measures he took to achieve his desired physique. “If you grab your eyelid and feel that skin,” he explains, “that’s the skin thinness you want on your bum and abs.” This obsession drove him to lift weights for up to four hours daily, following unsafe protocols shared by bodybuilding experts.

Teo adhered to a strict diet, consuming six to ten meals a day focused on what was deemed “clean” food. He recalls skipping his own birthday celebrations to avoid off-plan eating and even brought scales to Christmas dinners to measure his turkey. He acknowledges the negative impact this had on his mental health, stating, “There were a lot of dysmorphic associations around food.” The pursuit of an ideal body led to isolation, resulting in lost friendships and strained relationships, including with his mother, who questioned his dietary restrictions.

Despite achieving an impressive physique, Teo faced significant physical challenges. “I looked exceptional, but I was out of breath from simple tasks,” he admits. Everyday activities, like walking across the gym, caused lower back pain, and even tying his shoes became a struggle. Realizing that his body was not functioning optimally, he began to reassess his approach to fitness.

Shifting Focus from Size to Functionality

Teo decided to alter his training regimen, prioritizing mobility, power, and cardiovascular endurance over sheer muscle size. He incorporated running, cycling, jumping, and stretching into his routine. This shift was not just physical; it prompted a change in mindset. Teo reflected on whether his obsessive approach was truly bringing him happiness, eventually recognizing that it was detrimental to his well-being.

Now, a decade later, his focus has shifted toward his relationships and career as a YouTube fitness coach and developer of the fitness app Ganbaru Method. Rather than adhering to a daily workout schedule, Teo maintains a more balanced lifestyle. “If I’m out with my daughter and she wants an ice cream, I’ll have one with her,” he shares, emphasizing a newfound flexibility in his diet.

His physical transformation is notable. Teo reports having lost approximately 15 kg of muscle mass, yet he feels significantly improved in terms of performance and overall well-being. “I can move better. I’m more athletic around my daughter,” he states. He can now jump twice as high as before and completes 5 km runs in 22 minutes, a stark contrast to the 40 minutes it took him to finish his first 5 km run during his competitive days.

Teo reflects on his past, stating, “Ten years ago, my body was capable of turning heads on the street. That was fun – but it was the only thing it was capable of.” Today, he takes pride in a body built for functionality rather than mere aesthetics.

As Teo continues to inspire others through his journey, he remains active on social media, sharing insights and encouraging a more balanced approach to fitness. His story serves as a reminder that true wellness encompasses not only physical strength but also mental and emotional health.