Tag: 2023 Texas Pro
Hunter Labrada on 2023 Mr. Olympia: “If I Show Up In Shape, I Think I’m In The Top 5”
Bodybuilding star Hunter Labrada has called last season a slingshot year after taking a step back on the sport’s biggest stage. He hopes to redeem himself at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia contest taking place in November. In a recent Olympia TV interview, Labrada discussed his mentality, his best poses, the 2023 Texas Pro, and […]
The post Hunter Labrada on 2023 Mr. Olympia: “If I Show Up In Shape, I Think I’m In The Top 5” appeared first on Fitness Volt.
Milos Sarcev Compares Physiques of Hunter Labrada & Andrew Jacked Weeks from 2023 Texas Pro
With this year’s Mr. Olympia approaching, athletes are out in full force attempting to qualify for the prestigious show. In a recent Muscular Development interview, Milos Sarcev broke down Hunter Labrada‘s chances against Andrew Jacked, assuming they meet next month as planned at the 2023 Texas Pro.
“Listen, I love Labrada’s physique, I think he’s so complete. He just doesn’t have the wow factor of Andrew Jacked,” Milos Sarcev shared.
Having placed as high as fourth at Mr. Olympia, Hunter Labrada emerged as a Men’s Open threat with symmetry, conditioning, and mass. Instead of staying active last season, Labrada took extra time to work on his physique. However, when he reached the Olympia stage, Labrada struggled against a star-studded lineup.
In the end, he secured seventh place. Labrada was open about his mistakes and mentioned problems arose both during the peak and prep. Months later, he announced his participation in a pair of shows (2023 Tampa Pro and Texas Pro). Looking to correct the issues that held him back from success, Labrada promised to come back better than ever. He revealed changes to his diet and began practicing vacuum poses for abdomen control.
Andrew Jacked’s road to the top of the Open class was sudden as he recorded one of the most successful rookie seasons of all time. He earned his Pro card, and won the 2022 Texas Pro in his IFBB Pro debut, defeating names like Martin Fitzwater and Steve Kuclo. Before the year ended, Andrew won the Arnold Classic UK and finished eighth at his first Mr. Olympia.
As of this year, Andrew Jacked proved himself at the 2023 Arnold Classic. He held his own against the winner Samson Dauda and runner-up Nick Walker during the finals. Even though Jacked looked at his best, he was unable to earn his qualification for Olympia.
“It Could Go Both Ways,” Milos Sarcev Says 2023 Texas Pro Toss Up for Hunter Labrada & Andrew Jacked
Looking at the contest objectively, Milos Sarcev believes Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked both have the potential to win in Texas.
“I love Andrew Jacked’s physique. So, you know, Andrew Jacked against Samson, I could see Andrew getting Samson on some points, by all means, it’s not like a cake walk and Samson is dominating. I know he was a little bit drier, more condition and stuff, but just overall package, Samson dominated him,” said Milos Sarcev.
“It could go both ways [between Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked],” said Sarcev. “For me, still, Andrew Jacked has this height and width about him – and just so much aesthetic massive beauty. So, if he comes like Houston last year, you know how it is, he was way better conditioned at the Arnold Classic, way better condition, but he turned their heads in Houston.”
Sarcev argued Andrew could benefit from more side leg thickness. Then, mentioned Labrada had no glaring weaknesses.
“If he comes similar size he was in Houston in similar condition like he was at the Olympia, I just don’t see anybody touching him, right? He’s still a little bit light in the legs especially from the side. But other than that, Andrew doesn’t have any weaknesses.”
“We’ve never seen Labrada dried to the bone super conditioned,” said Sarcev. “Hunter is compact. He has no weaknesses.”
Sarcev examined Labrada’s mandatory poses to elaborate on why he doesn’t have weaknesses.
“He needs deeper abs, deeper abs, and much more control to express all the beauty of his shape. When the midsection is not happening that much, okay, then it affects everything. Front double biceps crazy. Lat spread is quite good. Side chest, side triceps, side triceps is phenomenal. Side triceps is very very good. Back double, back lat spread, now, very much improved.
I don’t see the weaknesses. His conditioning before maybe there was not slice and dice, so if you say weakness, but this is just a conditioning issue not the muscles, low lat insertions, x-frame, v-taper, sweeping thighs, calves, I mean he has it all. Abs and thighs was not a super good pose and most muscular, you know, very good pose, not stunning.”
Given his history of success, Sarcev believes with ‘once in a lifetime conditioning,’ Hunter Labrada could win the Mr. Olympia title.
“He beat Nick Walker, right? Nick Walker is considered a potential Mr. Olympia winner and now you’re going to tell me that Labrada just doesn’t train hard enough? He’s so hungry the last couple of years. He’s training his ass off. He has everything that it takes, if he comes in once-in-a-lifetime conditioning, you tell me why he can’t win, because all these guys are so superior? No.”
“So, Hunter Labrada is a potential Mr. Olympia winner. If everything goes well, if he did put the quality size and comes in ripped to the bone dry, conditioned, like I said, he doesn’t have weaknesses. You say that he does, I didn’t notice them but okay. You just think lower lat insertions, it’s not so visible that I would pay attention.”
Labrada and Jacked have kept up on progress photos leading into the show. Both men appear motivated and anticipate a tough battle en route to gold. In addition, Carlos Thomas Jr. has entered the contest as a definite wildcard. This event will serve as his first IFBB Pro show, and judging by his recent guest posings, he has a shot at winning.
Athletes have until October 9 to secure passage to the sport’s most celebrated event of the year, 2023 Mr. Olympia, which is slated to take place November 2-5, in Orlando Florida.
RELATED: Milos Sarcev Gives Top 3 2023 Mr. Olympia Predictions w/Jay Cutler, Talks Samson Dauda’s Progress
You can find the full video from the Muscular Development YouTube channel below:
Published: 2 August, 2023 | 3:18 PM EDT
Andrew Jacked Sculpts His Massive Back 4 Weeks Out of 2023 Texas Pro
Andrew Jacked went through an intense back training session four weeks out of the 2023 Texas Pro. The Nigerian has been making steady progress under coach Chris Psycho’ Lewis’s guidance and the results are visible in his vastly improved physique. Although he is favored to win his next show, Andrew is not underestimating his competition.
Chinedu Andrew Obiekea is best known in the bodybuilding community by his stage name Andrew Jacked. The Nigerian bodybuilder’s emergence on the international bodybuilding scene has been quick and dramatic, to say the least. After making a name for himself in the regional bodybuilding circuits, the 37-year-old transitioned to NPC in 2022. His astonishingly aesthetic physique and insane size quickly became a talk of the town. What’s more interesting is that Andrew Jacked is unusually tall for the Men’s Open division but still has the size, proportions, insane x-frame to be a successful competitor in the weight class.
Andrew earned the IFBB Pro card with a win at the 2022 Arnold Classic Amateur. He won the 2022 Texas Pro and the 2022 Arnold Classic UK in the months that followed. The Texas Pro win earned him the ticket to 2022 Olympia and Andrew Jacked finished eighth at the show. This was his first run-in with the absolute elite competition that the division had to offer. It gave him the necessary experience to make progress in future appearances.
Andrew’s most recent stage appearance came at the 2023 Arnold Classic in March. He surged past many dangerous opponents to finish third behind winner Samson Dauda and Nick Walker. He will next compete at the 2023 Texas Pro in an attempt to get the direct qualification to the 2023 Olympia.
Andrew Jacked goes through a back workout
The 2023 Texas Pro will take place on August 18-19. Andrew Jacked recently went through a back training session to prepare for the show. He laid out the objective and training strategies and said:
“The goal now is to beat the Arnold look in everything – both size, conditioning, and whatever. So that we can see how my body can handle things leading up to the (2023) Olympia.
Although he is a massive favorite heading into the 2023 Texas Pro, Andrew Jacked is not complacent and he is preparing for the competition with utmost sincerity.
“Hopefully I get a ticket. I wouldn’t be cocky to say, ‘Oh, I’m definitely winning the ticket now’. Because everyone competing (at) Texas Pro is busting their a** out. Everyone is trying to make a statement. So I’ll put myself in the same category trying to make a statement. So yeah, it will be a battle.”
Andrew is training intensely for Texas Pro but he is not going full throttle, risking the body to get exhausted before Olympia. The video of his recent back training session was posted on Andrew Jacked’s personal YouTube channel. So without further delay, let’s check out how he put in the work under coach Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis’s watchful eye.
Lat Pulldown
Andrew Jacked started the training session with medium neutral grip lat pulldown to work the latissimus dorsi muscles. Coach Lewis allowed him to do stretching in between the sets to get the muscles and joints warmed up and lubricated, eliminating the potential for injuries. He admitted that it was an unusual practice. But according to him, it is one of the things that he needs to do.
“After a while I’m going to cut that stretching out because I believe that when you stretch, you’re actually letting the blood and nitrogen that we’re trying to put in (the muscles),” Lewis added.
‘Psycho’ argued that if you get a good pump within the first 12 to 15 minutes of the workout, it can really through the whole session. Therefore Andrew Jacked performed a drop set of lat pulldowns next.
“(Andrew) will be rocking back and forth using the momentum but it’s fine. I’m only trying to get a pump. I’m not sculpting it,” Lewis added.
After putting up with a triple drop set, The Nigerian bodybuilder advanced to rows.
Incline Barbell Rows
Andrew Jacked next performed this horizontal pulling movement but instead of performing regular sets, Chris Lewis guided him to do static holds. They used an old-school setup of an inclined bench and loaded the barbell with plates and metal chains. The Nigerian bodybuilder did 15-second static holds with incrementally heavier weights.
“So what we’re going to do is we’re going to bring the weight up and contract his back. We’re going to be holding it and then dropping the weight. I’m going to add more weight. I’m teaching his body or his back to contract at the top of the movement, instead of the full range of motion,” Lewis said.
The legendary coach argues that using chains for adding extra weight to the barbell is good for adding load at the top of the movement, which is the full contraction point. After the static holds, they switched over to doing slow reps for a few sets, controlling the weight throughout the range of motion.
T-Bar Rows
Andrew Jacked proceeded to T-bar rows next. The coach explained that he is not a fan of new-age machines and prefers sticking to a barbell. According to him, it is the ‘best piece of equipment on the face of the planet’. Therefore, the Nigerian bodybuilder performed the exercise using the old-school setup of a barbell instead of using a T-bar row machine. He executed some excellent sets of the exercise under Lewis’s watchful eye and advanced to the next exercise.
Twisting Cable High Rows
Andrew Jacked performed a few sets of twisting cable high rows. But for the last couple of sets, Lewis loaded the weight stack with chains for the ‘weight and mental aspect’ of it. After pushing through all the sets of this back exercise, Andrew Jacked wrapped up the training session.
Overall, the workout consisted of following exercises:
Andrew Jacked has handled the pressure of being a hot prospect really well and transformed into a serious contender within a short period of time. The improvements made so far between the 2022 Olympia, 2023 Arnold Classic and the upcoming Texas Pro are an indicator of a bright future. It will be interesting to see how he performs in his next show.
You can watch the full video here, courtesy of Andrew Jacked’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 28 July, 2023 | 9:04 AM EDT
Carlos Thomas Jr. Says He’ll Beat Andrew Jacked & Hunter Labrada at 2023 Texas Pro for Olympia Entry
American bodybuilder Carlos Thomas Jr. is one of the fastest-growing names in the fitness industry. He’s set to make his pro debut and has gained a ton of attention already. In a recent video uploaded on Olympia TV’s YouTube channel, Thomas Jr. backed himself to join the Mr. Olympia roster by defeating Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked at the upcoming 2023 Texas Pro.
Carlos Thomas Jr. first rose to prominence for his insane muscle mass, size, and symmetry after dominating the competition at the 2021 NPC National Championships. He emerged as one of the most promising prospects after his victory in the super heavyweight division and overall. The win earned him his pro card. However, he has been on the sidelines in preparation since.
Although Thomas Jr. intended to participate in the 2023 New York Pro, which concluded with Tonio Burton taking home the top prize two months ago, he was forced to pull out of the contest due to a major issue with his ulcer colitis. He did not let the setback hold him down and plans to finally make his highly anticipated pro debut at the upcoming 2023 Texas Pro.
There has been a surge in budding talent in the Men’s Open division over the last few years. Legacy competitor Hunter Labrada, son of Lee Labrada, established his place in the mix of title contention with a fourth-place finish in only his second Mr. Olympia appearance in 2021. He received a lot of praise for his jacked frame and posing skills going into the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Along with Labrada, rising sensation Andrew Jacked made waves with his aesthetic package. He turned in one of the best rookie seasons last year, scoring back-to-back gold medals at the 2022 Texas Pro and 2022 Arnold Classic UK.
In the end, Labrada missed the mark on the Olympia stage last December. He dropped out of the top six and settled for seventh place. As for Jacked, he turned in an impressive performance and cracked the top ten in his Mr. Olympia debut, finishing eighth.
Both competitors are on the hunt to secure their entry for the 2023 Mr. Olympia and will face Carlos Thomas Jr. at the nearing Texas Pro.
Carlos Thomas Jr. Confirmes He’ll Do 2023 Texas Pro
In a recent YouTube video, Carlos Thomas Jr. confirmed his plans to compete at the upcoming 2023 Texas Pro.
“Yes, I’m doing the Texas Pro,” said Thomas Jr. “Less than five weeks they’re going to see something that’s going to be brand new and it’s going to shock a lot of people. We’re going to be bringing some enthusiasm to the sport for the rest of the year.”
Thomas Jr. opened up on his reasons for pulling out of the New York Pro due to ulcer colitis.
“Issues we had going into New York with the ulcer colitis, that kind of put a damp on everything. We chose the show kind of far this out because I wanted to take things a little bit slower and make sure that I didn’t incur any flare-ups from the stress of trying to force the body to get ready. We were just kinda going like when it’s ready, it’s ready. So far, it’s been going in a smooth and consistent pace, barely any hiccups. That’s why we chose Texas because it was one of the ones that was farthest out and allowed us to make manipulations and not stress my body out.”
Thomas Jr. opened up about his struggles with heartburn in the past and argued he would’ve won the New York Pro if he competed.
“I used to get a lotta heartburn as a teenager and young adult so in my early 20s. But I’ve been on my gut health regimen for a while now making sure I’m taking my salad and meat, but I’m also doing aloe Vera juice, apple cider vinegar, mushroom root extract, lemon juice, things like that to help with the acidity of my stomach and help break down food. I haven’t been getting any heartburn now for a while.”
“Yeah, I think it’s a show I would have been able to win. I love my boy Tonio, Beef Stu, great guy, but I think bringing in the package that we’ll bring in coming into Texas, it would have been one that I could’ve easily won.”
Flex Wheeler, Bob Cicherillo & Olympia Judge Shower Praises on Thomas Jr. for his immense potential
Bodybuilding legend Flex Wheeler and IFBB Pro League athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo lauded Carlos Thomas Jr. to be a top-five contender at the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“Yep, if he nails the condition,” said Wheeler.
“Top 5? Absolutely! He’s going to have a chance to prove it because the front-runner, expected favorite as he should be coming up is Hunter Labrada. Everybody knows that. You’re going to take on a guy who’s been as high as fourth place in the Olympia. If Carlos can bring it and beat Hunter Labrada and knock him out of contention and put yourself in there, you got to be feeling really good about your chances of making that top six at the O.”
Thomas Jr. reacted to receiving praise from four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler.
“It’s still shocking to hear. He told me, ‘hey man, you have the potential to go all the way.; That to me was like blown away. I’m just always blown away even to hear you guys talk about me in this way. I still kind of see myself as a middleweight from back in 2017 so I’m always just humble and gracious.”
Cicherillo believes Carlos Thomas Jr. has everything it takes to become a superstar. Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy and Cicherillo both agreed his side chest post could stand with the best in the game.
“As we talk physiques, and Flex and I have been talking physiques for many many years, we’re always looking at the same first things,” said Cicherillo. “You’re looking at symmetry, proportion, and shape. He checks all those boxes. He ain’t missing nothing. You’re looking for muscularity and conditioning follows up, you got to have everything. Every box has to be checked. But we’re looking for the basics here. Does he have any weak points? Not really. Yes, the back needs to come up, gotta keep that midsection tight, the legs are tremendous. He’s got more quad sweep than anybody we’ve seen come along in a long long time. His back can be eeasily brought up. His thickness from the side can literally hang with anybody right now at the Olympia level. He checks every box to be a superstar. Now the only thing you got to do is actually do it okay.”
“That pose is incredibly. You can put it next to Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan and he looks incredible here,” said El Guindy.
Wheeler and Cicherillo debated whether Men’s Open now prefers shorter contenders over taller ones.
Wheeler: “It went back to a short men’s game. It’s not a tall guy’s game right now. Look at number one and number two in Mr. Olympia.”
Cicherillo: “Wait a minute. I’m going to challenge you on that one big time because you’ve got Samson and Jacked who are both big men coming up and I don’t know if it’s a short man’s game.”
El Guindy backed Thomas Jr. as the best amateur competitor of the last decade.
“In my opinion, he’s the best amateur we have seen in the last decade. He has the thickness and he has the front and side poses to go against some of the top Olympians. If his back is improved, we might just be seeing the future of bodybuilding.”
Thomas Jr. Says He’ll Beat Andrew Jacked & Hunter Labrada at 2023 Texas Pro, Will Take the Year Off Otherwise
Carlos Thomas Jr. explained why he’s confident he’ll beat Hunter Labrada at the show.
“Great physique and this dude is former top four. I feel like my side poses, I have the thickness from top to bottom thickness, hamstring, quads, that’s front to back, I’ll have everything that pose but better. From the front, I feel like I have a better taper, better legs. He has tremendous arms but I feel like my arms match up just as well. From the back, he may have more maturity but as far as muscle wise, I’ve picked that up as well. And conditioning, we’re going to be right on the money comparable. From the glutes and hams, I’ll be strong in that standpoint as well. Ab and thigh, I got that one too.”
He made the case for himself to beat Andrew Jacked at the event.
“He’s awesome but honestly, I remember seeing him at the Arnold. I was there in person. He looked great, tremendous. However, I do feel that in certain poses I just fare better. If we’re talking front double, he has a great front double, great taper but I feel like I have one just as well and I’m thicker than him in certain areas; my legs, my arms, I have better lat thickness. I honestly feel like my front lat spread would bode well against his. Mine is just a more complete pose from top to bottom.
“I really fill in a lot of gaps in that pose. You’ll barely see any. Then, same thing from the side, leg thickness, arm thickness, chest thickness, I feel like I bode well in all those shots. The back poses too, top to bottom, hamstrings, glutes, arms, and everything. I just honestly think that all these poses I just edge them out in certain areas such as in muscularity, symmetry, so I would bode well against them because their weaknesses are my strengths and if anything, you can toss them up one shot, the back double maybe.”
If Thomas Jr. doesn’t come out on top, he will likely take to the sidelines for the year.
“Yeah, I would probably shut it down most likely, I would say I’m about 85 percent sure. I’m no stranger to going back and doing the work.”
Fans will be excited to see Carlos Thomas Jr. inject some fresh blood into the Men’s Open class when he faces Andrew Jacked and Hunter Labrada on stage in less than five weeks at the 2023 Texas Pro.
You can watch the full video below.
https://www.youtube.com/live/k6hTimnQTvo
Published: 21 July, 2023 | 7:50 AM EDT
Hunter Labrada & Andrew Jacked Share Ripped Updates Weeks Before 2023 Texas Pro Showdown
The pressure is on Men’s Open Pros Hunter Labrada and Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea as they aim to secure their passage to this year’s Olympia competition. In a pair of Instagram posts, Labrada and Jacked teased their physiques weeks before stepping back on stage.
Hunter is the son of bodybuilding veteran and perennial Olympia contender Lee Labrada. Having followed in his father’s footsteps, it didn’t take long for Labrada to find his calling inside the gym and on stage. Fans took notice of Labrada’s potential in 2021 when he won the Chicago Pro title and placed fourth at the annual Olympia.
Labrada was considered a frontrunner heading into 2022 Olympia in light of his impressive showing. Instead of laboring through a busy season, Labrada had the luxury of time, which allowed him to cultivate mass and build extra muscle. However, when it was time to perform on the sport’s biggest stage, Labrada encountered problems with the prep/peak. He finished seventh, though he promised to return better than ever.
Hunter Labrada plans to test himself at two shows: the 2023 Tampa Pro and the Texas Pro. In May, Labrada reiterated his commitment to the sport and underlined that he’s still ‘one of the best’ with plans to ‘prove it’ later this year.
Andrew Jacked meanwhile, jumped into the upper echelon of the division last year with a historic rookie season. With symmetry, proportions, and flexibility like his former mentor Flex Wheeler, Andrew’s stage presentation and aesthetics made him a dangerous opponent for anyone.
In 2022, he secured his IFBB Pro card at the 2022 Arnold Classic Amateur before winning the Texas Pro and Arnold Classic UK consecutively. In his debut on the Olympia stage, Jacked trailed one spot behind Hunter in eighth place. Both men are on the hunt for Olympia invites and are likely to face each other at the upcoming 2023 Texas Pro.
Hunter Labrada Checks In w/ Physique Update: “Best I’ve Ever Been With 16 Days to Go”
Labrada looked huge in his latest physique update under three weeks from performing at the 2023 Tampa Pro.
“Best I’ve ever been with 16 days to go?? One last push and then it’s time to freshen up and do the damn thing! Excited is an understatement??” Hunter Labrada wrote.
“The Goal Is To Beat My Previous Self” Andrew Jacked Teases Physique Weeks from 2023 Texas Pro
Jacked is also looking monstrous in his latest progress video, which you can find below:
“I’m not in Competition with Anybody but Against the Person I See in The Mirror. The Goal is to always beat my previous self!@psychofitness21 @therealtechnicianThe Hoodie is Still On. Few Weeks left to Unveil the upgraded MonaLisa.
Yesszzziirrr !!!” Andrew Jacked shared.
Aside from physique updates, Andrew has shared numerous training sessions in the lead-up to his next competition. The last time fans saw him in action, Jacked showcased a back-density workout that he’s been using to give himself the illusion of a more 3D physique on stage.
Whether it’s nutrition or coaching changes, Andrew is willing to take the necessary steps to evolve as an athlete. Last year, he forged a new partnership with trainers Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis and Chris Aceto. With another season to build, Jacked is hopeful about his Olympia chances down the road.
As for Hunter Labrada, he’s also taken a calculated approach to his season. In addition to physique updates, Labrada has shared gut health hacks, guest posing appearances, training sessions, and started incorporating vacuum poses to help him exercise more control over his midsection.
RELATED: Hunter Labrada Shares Full Day of Eating, Physique Update & Push Day Workout for 2023 Tampa/Texas Pro
Should Labrada and Jacked succeed in their respective missions, they will have the opportunity to face off against the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan, who took the crown from the former two-time champ Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay in a shocking upset last year.
Published: 20 July, 2023 | 11:04 AM EDT
Andrew Jacked Looking Huge and Shredded in Update 9 Weeks from 2023 Texas Pro
All systems are a go for Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, who is eying his 2023 Mr. Olympia invitation in just over two months. In a recent Instagram post, Andrew Jacked shared a physique update ahead of his anticipated return to the 2023 Texas Pro, scheduled for August 18-19.
Andrew Jacked is a rising force in the Open class. His rookie year was astounding as he went on to earn his IFBB Pro card at the 2022 Arnold Classic Amateur and then from there, entered and won his first pro show at the Texas Pro. Despite boasting less experience than his rivals, Jacked appeared at ease on stage, and his posing routines have only strengthened over time.
At his debut Mr. Olympia competition in 2022, Jacked proved himself in eighth place while Hadi Choopan claimed gold. Having looked back on the show, Jacked’s former coach, George Farah, mentioned that he overcame adversity on stage with a 102-degree fever. Jacked also managed to defeat some stellar names in the Open such as Michal Krizo, Rafael Brandao, and William Bonac.
Andrew Jacked posing at the 2022 Mr. Olympia (Image via Andrew Jacked Instagram)
Forging ahead, Jacked decided to switch coaches and joined the late Shawn Rhoden‘s former brigade: Chris Aceto and Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis. Jacked competed at the 2023 Arnold Classic, which served as his one-year anniversary since becoming a pro.
At the event, he pushed Nick Walker and Samson Dauda before finishing third. Even though he didn’t earn gold, Andrew left the show with the Arnold Classic Best Poser Award. And while he’s certainly enjoyed success thus far, Jacked will have to earn his invite to this year’s Mr. Olympia if he wants another shot at the sport’s most celebrated event.
Andrew Jacked Looking at His All-Time Biggest, Shows Off Physique 9 Weeks from Next Show
You can find Jacked’s impressive posing routine from Instagram below:
“Post Cardio Checkin with @therealtechnician and @psychofitness21Few weeks left to resume Camp PsychoLet Them Cook!Yesszzziirrr !!!” Andrew Jacked shared.
As the Texas Pro draws near, the lineup of contenders is coming together and the fans anticipate a thrilling contest. Hunter Labrada, the son of bodybuilding legend Lee Labrada, is eyeing the show as a chance to redeem himself after taking home the lowest Olympia placing of his career in seventh.
Jacked, meanwhile, has shared some optimistic news online after getting his blood work done. The Men’s Open star says his health metrics are on point and actually better than ever. He is confident he can secure his Olympia qualification after falling short in Ohio back in March.
Jacked’s and Samson Dauda’s recent performances have sparked a debate about whether aesthetic physiques are gaining an edge over mass monsters in the sport. Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy argued that competitors who rely on freak factor might get left behind in the years to come.
According to IFBB head judges Steve Weinberger, Andrew Jacked needs work on his lower body. In a special Olympia TV appearance, Weinberger mentioned that if Jacked improves his legs, he will likely be fighting in the first call-out at the next Mr. Olympia. He added that Jacked looked flat at the 2023 Arnold Classic.
RELATED: Bodybuilder Andrew Jacked Teams Up With Vlad Suhoruchko For A Rigorous Arm Workout
With just a few weeks until Andrew Jacked ramps up training with Chris Lewis, the 2023 Texas Pro is shaping up to be one of the most exciting contests of the year. Time will tell who comes out on top between Hunter Labrada and Jacked.
Published: 20 June, 2023 | 12:21 AM EDT
Hunter Labrada Shares Stacked Physique Update 8-10 Weeks from 2023 Tampa & Texas Pro
Hunter Labrada, son of bodybuilding icon Lee Labrada, is ready to set the record straight on the Mr. Olympia stage later this year. However, to accomplish that goal, he must qualify, thus his focus is on the 2023 Tampa Pro in eight weeks. In a recent Instagram video, Labrada shared a detailed posing routine, as well as the diet and training changes he’s employed for future success.
“Feeling focused and ready to push,” Labrada shared.
From the moment he entered the IFBB Pro League, lofty expectations were the norm for Hunter Labrada considering his father Lee’s legacy. Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for Hunter to establish himself in the Open class. His breakout year came in 2021 when he snagged the Chicago Pro title before finishing a career-best fourth at the Olympia competition.
Given his performance, he started 2022 as a leading favorite heading into the next Mr. Olympia show. With time to focus on progress, size, and other improvements, Hunter used the majority of the year for preparations but also made guest posing appearances. On the big O stage, however, he found himself in seventh. He was devastated by the result, though he vowed to return better than ever.
In February, news surfaced that Labrada would enter the upcoming Tampa Pro and Texas Pro. He also said regardless of the first contest’s outcome, he still intended to compete in the Lone Star State. Labrada, who appears more fired up than in past seasons, is ready to once again insert himself in the Olympia title discussions.
Hunter Labrada Promises ‘Overhauled Presentation’ at 2023 Tampa & Texas Pro In Recent Update
In his latest post, Hunter admits he reduced his meals from six a day to five. He says the change has allowed him a better night’s sleep. As for training, Labrada is following a split of two days on, one day off, three days on, and one day off. It appears his efforts are paying off as his arms and legs look bigger.
At 273 pounds fasted, Labrada mentioned ‘his look is changing daily.’ With extra sleep and less food, Labrada feels energized heading into the next stage of contest prep approaching.
Find his post below:
“8 & 10 weeks out from the Tampa Pro and Texas Pro 273lbs fasted–Well, the proverbial hammer got dropped this week! After a week of deload-ed training while in Florida with my family last week, I hit the ground running this weekend/week, and am watching my look change daily!–One of the biggest changes I want to highlight is I went from 6 meals a day to 5! Reason: I get 2 hours more sleep! I found myself just staying up to eat a lot recently, and now that the food was low enough for it not to mess with my digestion, I told @squatlikechow I wanted to give it a try and I’m glad I did! The meals are more satiating, and I’m recovering even better with the extra sleep!–Also started posing with @kj_centerstage / @joey1belt twice a week, and I’m sure y’all can see the difference that’s made already. Looking forward to my presentation being completely overhauled for this season
Nutrition:
Meal 1220g Lean Beef180g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 2220g Chicken Breast180g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 3- Post260g Lean White Fish/Cod180g Rice50g Green Veg
*On rest days please repeat MEAL 5 here instead of post*
Meal 4220g Chicken Breast180g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 5260g Lean White Fish/Cod110g Rich70g Avocado50g Green Veg
Cardio:
40 min level 5 stairmaster fasted20 min level 5 stairmaster PM–Training:
Back and hamsPush aOffLegsBack and bisPush bOffRepeat, Labrada wrote
Labrada has not been idle in-between shows, as he has graced the stage as a guest poser at a number of contests around the United States. He first flew to Washington to wow the crowd at the Emerald Cup and then joined a star-studded lineup of Men’s Open pros at Jim Manion’s 2023 Pittsburgh Pro. At the gathering, he posed alongside Olympia-runner-up Derek Lunsford, 2023 Arnold Classic champ Samson Dauda, Nick Walker, former two-time Mr. O Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, and reigning two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida.
RELATED: Bodybuilder Hunter Labrada Shares Detoxifying ‘Gut Health Drink’ for Optimal Digestion
If his growing strength is an indicator of his progress, Labrada is on track for an explosive season. Time will tell if he can take down other athletes entering these contests like Blessing Awodibu (in Tampa, Florida) and Andrew Jacked (in Texas).
Published: 8 June, 2023 | 11:28 AM EDT
Blessing Awodibu Details 7,000-Calorie Diet, Talks Next Show & Life at 300-Lbs+
Blessing Awodibu’s strength is at an all-time high as he dials in preparations for his next outing. In a recent Muscular Development interview, Awodibu discussed an array of topics including his 7,000-calorie diet, bulking to 300 pounds, his competition plans, and his training strategy. In addition, he revealed his plans to compete at the 2023 Chicago Pro, Texas Pro, and Tampa Pro.
“I’m proud of my symmetry. I think I am pretty balanced. People get to talk about my legs when I’m off,” added Awodibu. “If I could buy leg muscles right now I’d fuc**ng buy it. I need more of everything.”
Men’s Bodybuilding star Awodibu is on a quest for redemption this year. He performed exceptionally well in 2022 under the guidance of his former coach, George Farah. Awodibu started off his season with a pair of victories at the Indy Pro and New York Pro. With momentum and a Mr. Olympia invitation, he pushed himself at the biggest event of the year.
The 2022 Mr. Olympia show was brimming with talent and new contenders such as Michal Krizo and Andrew Jacked emerged. Admittedly, Awodibu missed the mark and found himself outside of the top 15. Fans had hoped to see him perform in Ohio at the Arnold Classic, but he withdrew his name from the roster shortly after the list went public.
Blessing Awodibu / Instagram
Before starting his campaign for Olympia again, Awodibu shocked fans with the heaviest off-season physique update of his career. While he opted not to disclose his exact weight, it’s now evident that ‘The Boogieman’ was sporting a physique exceeding 300 pounds.
Blessing Awodibu Lays Out Contest Plans and 2023 Off-Season Strategy
Blessing Awodibu plans to make a splash in a few months by competing in three shows: the 2023 Chicago Pro, Texas Pro, and Tampa Pro. With that in mind, fans can expect to see him back on stage in less than two months from July 21-22 for the Chicago Pro.
“Those are not small shows [Chicago Pro, Tampa Pro, and Texas Pro],” said Awodibu. “I’m sure he’s [Hunter Labrada] has a chip on his shoulder. He’s got a lot to prove due to his Olympia. I’m sure he wasn’t happy with that as well. He’s got a lot to prove to the fans. I’m pumped to be able to stand next to him, especially in Tampa.”
These contests appear to be serving as popular destinations for Open talent this year. In 2022, Andrew won the Texas Pro. Jacked announced he would defend his title a few months ago. Hunter Labrada, who finished seventh at Mr. Olympia last December, has also decided to compete in Tampa and Texas.
According to Awodibu, this is the strongest he’s ever felt. He shared that he’s tipping the scale at over 300 pounds but feels healthy. In addition, he said he’s using fewer ‘super supplements’ than in past preps.
“We got up to about 301, honestly, that was rough man. I think a lot had to do with that because it was my very first time being that heavy you know. My joints hurt. My knee hurts. My performance sucked. Honestly. Lower back problems, this off-season, that’s not even a question. I feel fresh. It feels good. I’m not going to say I’m 100% I’m fuc**ng overweight, so you always going to get that but overall, my performance is good, it’s the strongest I’ve ever felt. I feel really healthy.”
“Exactly [I’m using less super supplements. This is one of the things… man, I’ve been so blessed, bro. I’m always grateful for all my mistakes and all my ups and downs because they make me better. YOu learn from these things. People don’t realize I’m still fresh in the game. This is my third year competing as a pro.”
Awodibu pointed to flatness as one of his biggest obstacles this year. As far as leg training is concerned, Awodibu said he’s eliminated heavy movements. He added that he’s training four times a week.
“I had a problem being flat on stage. Getting in shape is not a problem for me but holding that fullness, that roundness, and not being flat on stage, that is always my problem. Even when we won in Indy and New York, that was the flatter side of me.”
“I’m training three to four times a week. I’m two days on, two days off. One day on, one day off. So, those rest periods for me, they are absolutely key. When I’m in the gym everything is supersetting. Especially for my legs. We got away from all that heavy heavy heavy – that doesn’t work for me. I don’t have the body for it. I don’t have the knee.”
“I’ve brought my physique to another level. I mean, if you look at me now, the type of fullness and roundness I’m holding right now… I’ve never seen it before. It really excites me. I cannot wait to really showcase all this on stage.”
Awodibu Breaks Down 7,000-Calorie 2023 Off-Season Diet of 6 Meals
To maintain a physique of over 300 pounds, Awodibu is eating six meals a day with a 7,000-calorie intake.
“Right now we’re probably doing 6-7,000 calories. Meal one, we’ll start with 120 grams of oats, 100 grams of blueberry, and one banana. Two scoops of MuscleTech. Then we do three slices of Ezekiel bread laced with fuc*ing jam. Then, 200 grams of steak, two whole eggs, and egg whites.”
“Meal two, 350 grams of rice with 280 grams of salmon,” Awodibu added. “Post workout meal, another 400 grams of purple potato 280 grams of salmon, then after that, four would be 300 grams of rice, about 250 grams of steak. Then, I would have another 300 grams of rice, either chicken or I tend to switch it up sometimes shrimp. The last meal would be Greek yogurts, 300 grams, and two scoops of whey. Three slices of Ezekiel bread with peanut butter.”
While away from the stage, Awodibu has maintained a steady training schedule. His eccentric personality was on full display when he joined hands with fitness model Bakhar Nabieva for a quad-focused leg day workout.
With a lot to prove in 2023, Blessing Awodibu is attacking his progress from all angles to produce a more complete physique. Time will tell how he fares against other Men’s Open contenders at the 2023 Chicago Pro in late July.
You can watch the full video from Muscular Development below:
RELATED: Blessing Awodibu Escapes Serious Injury, Ready to Start The Growing Season
Published: 5 June, 2023 | 3:59 PM EDT