"During weight cutting your mind plays tricks on you"

During intense weight cutting, the physical and psychological stress placed on the body can reach extreme levels. The mind, under such strain, often becomes a battleground where rational thought grapples with urgent discomfort and overwhelming cravings. Dorian Yates, known for his disciplined and rigorous approach to bodybuilding, alludes to the internal struggle athletes face during these periods of caloric deficit and dehydration. Lack of food and water disrupts hormones and neurotransmitters, which can profoundly influence mood, perception, and self-talk.

Self-doubt and irrational fears tend to flourish when energy reserves run low. A competitor may feel unusually fatigued, question their dedication, or begin to see their physique in a warped light, believing they are losing muscle or not lean enough, even if evidence suggests otherwise. The mind becomes hypersensitive to small changes, heightening anxiety about the process and outcome. Minor setbacks may be catastrophized, motivation may waver, and the temptation to give in to hunger, to quit, or to cheat on a diet can become overwhelming.

The tricks played by the mind are not only emotional but perceptual. Visual distortions, seeing oneself as too small, too soft, not ready, stem from a combination of depleted body fat and the psychological effects of extreme dieting. These are symptoms of the so-called “prep brain,” where clarity and objectivity are replaced by compulsive thoughts and mental fog. Such experiences test an athlete’s resolve, demanding mental resilience that goes far beyond simple willpower.

Enduring weight cutting is as much an exercise in psychological endurance as it is physical. Learning to identify and overcome these mental illusions is crucial. Recognizing that these thoughts are a normal part of the process provides perspective, allowing athletes to stay focused on their goals instead of falling prey to the mind’s deceptive tactics under stress.