by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
When you think of resilience, passion, and pure grit in the world of bodybuilding coaching, one name that stands out is George Farah. Love him or hate him, his story has been whispered in gyms and discussed on bodybuilding forums for years. But now, The Guru documentary finally puts his life on full display for everyone to see.
Personally, I didn’t think I was going to be that much interested in watching the movie and figured I’d turn it off halfway through, but the documentary was actually pretty good.
The documentary was directed with truth and honesty, which I appreciated. The 2024 film pulls back the curtain on one of the most respected minds in bodybuilding. He’s worked with some of the best in the industry and gotten great results with his clients. That said, he also went through some rough patches in his life that not many people saw.
Unlike most documentaries out there, this isn’t your average “rise to fame” story. It’s deeper, rawer, and filled with moments that will make you realize just how powerful the human spirit can be.
In this article, we are going to dive deeper into The Guru, and I’ll provide you with my own thoughts and review of the documentary on George Farah to help you figure out if it’s something you want to watch or not.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.
The Story of George Farah
Not many people today know George Farah and his story. The film takes us through George Farah’s remarkable life — from a childhood filled with hardship to near-death experiences that could’ve easily broken most people (myself included).
We get to see a young Lebanese immigrant who came to America with a dream, only to be shot during a convenience store robbery and later face a terrifying battle with stage 4 cancer that would have most people giving up on life and ready to throw in the towel. But George Farah didn’t quit.
Instead, he turned tragedy into motivation, building a career that helped shape some of the biggest names in bodybuilding. The Guru dives into his journey from survivor to world-class coach, showing how his faith, family, and relentless mindset guided him every step of the way.
The Heart of a Coach
George Farah isn’t called “The Guru” for nothing. The documentary features interviews with bodybuilding legends like Kai Greene, Dexter Jackson, and other athletes who’ve worked directly under his guidance.
They don’t just talk about training or nutrition. These athletes talk about how Farah changed their lives. He’s more than a coach… he’s a mentor and a motivator who genuinely cares about the people he works with.
This side of Farah is what gives the film its emotional punch. You can feel the respect and admiration radiating from every interview. It’s not about fame or titles. It’s about impact. That’s unique in today’s coaching world, as many athletes and clients simply look at their coach as simply that — a coach.
George Farah was different. He actually cared about his athletes on a personal level, and while bodybuilding was his specialty, he was always there for anything his athletes were going through in their personal lives.
The Good: Raw Emotion and Real Lessons from The Guru
Where The Guru really shines is in its authenticity. Nothing feels staged or forced. The storytelling flows naturally as Farah reflects on his past with humility and gratitude.
His message is simple: no matter what life throws at you, you can come back stronger. That theme resonates with anyone who’s ever faced adversity, whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to make it through tough times.
Visually, the documentary is clean and well-edited, with a balance of interviews, training footage, and real-life moments that keep you locked in. The pacing never drags, and each chapter of Farah’s life builds toward a deeper understanding of who this man truly is.
The Bad: Some Missed Opportunities in The Guru
While The Guru hits most of the right notes, it’s not perfect (in my opinion). There are moments where the documentary could’ve gone a bit deeper, especially into Farah’s coaching philosophy and the science behind his methods. After all, the documentary is on one of the most celebrated bodybuilding coaches in the game, and they simply skipped over that part.
For someone as knowledgeable as George Farah, a little more insight into his thought process around training, recovery, and nutrition would’ve elevated the film for hardcore fitness fans.
Being that he’s not coaching anymore, that insight would have added more value, and in a way that didn’t cause people to steal his methods and not work with him. He had nothing to lose by sharing his methodologies in the documentary.
Additionally, the film assumes viewers already know a bit about the bodybuilding world. For those unfamiliar, a quick background on IFBB competition or the culture of the sport might have helped set the stage better for the audience.
Still, these are minor critiques in what’s otherwise a heartfelt and inspiring documentary.
George Farah’s Legacy in Bodybuilding
Throughout The Guru, one thing becomes crystal clear: George Farah has earned his place among the most respected figures in bodybuilding history. His influence extends far beyond stage lights and competition prep.
He represents hope. Proof that even when life hits rock bottom, you can rebuild. That message carries weight in a sport often defined by ego and image.
Farah’s humility stands out. Despite training world champions, he comes across as grounded and grateful. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always have to come with arrogance.
If You Love Bodybuilding, The Guru is a Must-Watch
At its core, The Guru isn’t just a bodybuilding documentary… it’s a story about the human condition. About perseverance. About finding purpose after pain.
George Farah’s journey is powerful because it’s real. It doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle or skip over the dark moments. It shows that greatness is built through adversity, one small victory at a time.
If you’re into fitness, bodybuilding, or just love stories that inspire you to push harder in life, this film is worth every minute.
