Tag: 212 Division
Shaun Clarida Hits A Quad-Popping Leg Workout
Shaun Clarida recently tackled an intense quad focused leg workout as a part of his competition prep. The Giant Killer started his prep earlier than most competitors as he looks to defend his 212 Olympia title later this year. This will certainly give him a head start over the competition and contribute positively towards his […]
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‘Only an Idiot Would Want to Get Rid of 212’: Bob Cicherillo Issues Fiery Response
IFBB Pro League athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo is a revered analyst of the game known for his often hot takes. He isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers no matter the topic at hand. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube, Cicherillo issued a fiery response against those calling for the end of the Men’s 212 division.
The Men’s 212 class was first introduced as the 210-pound division in 2008. The IFBB experimented with different weight caps before settling on the 212-pound mark in 2011. Since its inception, it has proven to be an increasingly popular category in the sport.
Numerous contenders have made their splash in other divisions, such as Former 212 competitor Hadi Choopan, who created history by winning the Men’s Open division at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Former 212 Olympia champ Derek Lunsford switched to the Open group last year and scored silver at the Olympia.
There has been a movement questioning the validity of the 212 class in the wake of the success some contenders found in the Open. Bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest suggested that the league remove the category from the Olympia event and add the prize money to the Open section. He believes the top 212 contenders would be able to hold their own against the mass monsters based on the performance of Choopan, Lunsford, and former Olympia king Kamal Elgargni.
Men’s Open standout Iain Valliere isn’t a fan of the 212 either. He voiced his disapproval of the group and theorized contenders should work on developing their abilities to compete in the Open instead. On the other hand, Lunsford argued the 212 needed to stay based on the opportunities it provided athletes who were working their way up.
Bob Cicherillo issues a fiery message for those wanting the 212 division to end
In a recent YouTube video, Bob Cicherillo hit back at those calling for the elimination of the Men’s 212 division.
“There’s some people calling for the demise of the 212,” said Cicherillo. “Let me just clarify that. Those aren’t people those are idiots. Let’s get that clear. Only an idiot would want to get rid of a division that’s been so successful and provides history for people.”
“[212] gave the chance for Joses, Felix Lewis’, and everybody else that we can bring into the discussion an opportunity to turn professional, compete in an even level playing field against people that were within 10 pounds, not 50 or 70 pounds. It’s literally given careers to people. Ask these guys if they want to get rid of it. We provide a platform that people can literally go from one division, they outgrow it and go to another.”
“The Hadi Choopans and Derek Lunsfords, these are guys that were able to transition. If you’re that good god bless go to that but why would we want to get rid of it for the other 99% of guys who have done very well and again has provided contracts, guest postings, starting businesses, representing supplement companies. I’m sure Flex Lewis would have done very well in the Open but it’s a little more impressive when you’re a seven-time Olympia champion.
Bob Cicherillo faced heat for his criticism of former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay two months ago. He remained steadfast in his suggestions to the Egyptian to move on from professional competition and doubled down on it following the conclusion of the 2023 Arnold Classic. The pair made peace weeks later as Ramy indicated no plans to hang up his posing trunks just yet.
Cicherillo believes Ramy would compete at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia. He backed Choopan to defeat fellow Open sensation Nick Walker at the event. However, he favored Samson Dauda to triumph over all after his Arnold Classic win.
The 57-year-old extended his support for Kamal Elgargni to add the 2023 Masters Olympia title under his belt last month. He’s confident the former 212 champ has what it takes to come out on top of the show without adding size.
The 212 division has enabled many contenders to make a name for themselves in bodybuilding and it’s hard to imagine what the sport would look like without it given its immense success.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 7 May, 2023 | 12:33 PM EDT
Derek Lunsford Profile & Stats
The biography, life, and accomplishments of Derek Lunsford
Photo via @dereklunsford_ Instagram
Derek Lunsford is a professional bodybuilder and defending 2021 Mr. Olympia 212 champion. He offers coaching advice on top of his insane work ethic to get the massive physique he has.
Below is a complete breakdown of Derek Lunsford’s profile, stats, biography, training and diet regimens.
Full Name: Derek Lunsford
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
205-215 lbs.
5’6’’
1993
Profession
Era
Nationality
Bodybuilder, Fitness Coach
2010
American
Photo via @dereklunsford_ Instagram
Biography
Derek Lunsford was born in Indiana and was always very active. A competitive athlete throughout his time in school, it’s no wonder where he gets his competitive edge from in his professional career. Once he hit college, it was all about the weights and he took to the weight room as often as possible.
As time went on, he continued to make more and more progress and that shredded aesthetic began to take shape. He started admiring some of those giants we all know and love and his bodybuilding dreams began.
He first competed in 2015, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he earned his pro card. And right out of the gate he got a big win at the Tampa Pro which allowed him the opportunity to compete at Mr. Olympia in the Men’s 212 division. Fast forward to 2021 and he is now the defending champion. He also offers coaching advice for those seeking to make those changes that may seem out of reach. But with Derek in charge, this bodybuilding force shows no signs of slowing down.
Photo via @dereklunsford_ Instagram
Training
Derek’s training is obviously very strict and he works with both cable machines and free weights while also incorporating plenty of compound and isolation movements. He also uses drop sets and supersets as much as possible which allow him the opportunity to really work those muscles once they are fatigued.
Here is a great arm workout that Derek uses to enhance his biceps, triceps, forearms, and all other muscles that work to build that impressive physique.
Arm Workout
Triceps Pulldowns
Close-Grip Bench Press
Lateral Cable Pulls
Triceps Pushdown Machine
Machine Cable Curls
EZ Bar Curls
Alternating Dumbbell Curls
Cable Preacher Curls
Reverse EZ Bar Raises
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Nutrition
Like many bodybuilders, Derek aims to eat every 2-3 hours and looks to hit all of those macronutrients spot on. This not only allows for proper rest, but also helps him recover fully. Foods that Derek includes in his diet are chicken, fish, eggs, and other lean meats, mixed vegetables, rice, and assorted nuts and avocados as sources of healthy fats.
Supplementation
While Derek uses his own supplements of choice, there are some staple products in a bodybuilder’s routine that can greatly help you see results. A protein powder is great for seeing effective gains and working to pump you with protein to aid in muscle growth, recovery, and weight loss or healthy bulking.
For those pre-workout needs, looking to pre-workout supplements will provide you with energy and muscle pumps so you can take full advantage of every workout. A shredded aesthetic is the end goal and looking to fat burners can kickstart your metabolism, suppress your appetite, and allow for more calorie burn to give you the best benefits possible.
Photo via @dereklunsford_ Instagram
Competition History
2021 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 1st place
2020 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 4th
2019 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 2nd
2018 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 2nd
2017 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 5th
2017 Tampa Pro Men’s 212: 1st
2017 NPC USA Championships- Men’s Light Heavyweight- 1st
2016 NPC USA Championships- Men’s Middleweight- 2nd
2016 NPC Junior Nationals- Men’s Middleweight- 1st
2015 NPC Junior Nationals- Men’s Welterweight: 1st
2015 NPC Indianapolis Championship- Men’s Open Welterweight: 1st
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Shaun Clarida Looking To Compete In Both Men’s Open And 212 Olympia in 2022
Shaun Clarida could be pursuing two Olympia titles next year.
Heading into the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro, one of the big stories was Shaun Clarida preparing to make his debut in Men’s Open. The former 212 Olympia champion made the announcement in the week leading up to the competition. After a victory, Clarida wants to explore the opportunity of competing in two divisions during next year’s Olympia.
In a recent interview, Clarida discussed how he wants to use his qualification to the 2022 Olympia in both divisions. This would have to be approved before he was able to make it happen.
“I would absolutely love the opportunity to do that. I would love to talk to Jim (Manion), Tyler (Manion), Jake (Wood), whoever is in charge of making that decision, and hopefully they would allow me to do that. That would be amazing,” Clarida said.
“Obviously we’re going to be at the show regardless, but with the improvement’s we’re going to make this coming year, obviously the goal is to get my title back at 212, but I would love to really push myself and see what I can do in the Open Olympia this year. It’s definitely a decision that the higher ups are going to have to make, I’m going to respect whatever decision they decide to go with, but yeah if they allowed me the opportunity to do that, to cross over and to move, you bet your ass I’m gong to do that.”
Shaun Clarida continued by saying he was not sure which division he would choose if he was unable to compete in both. There are reasons for Clarida to choose either division and this will be the big question leading up to the show next year if he is unable to appear in both.
Clarida won the Olympia 212 back in 2020. He was the favorite coming into this year’s competition but finished second to Derek Lunsford. It seems obvious that Clarida would want to get his title back as soon as possible. On the other hand, competing in Men’s Open is the pinnacle of the sport and Clarida already showed that he can stack up.
When Clarida first made his announcement, he mentioned that it was not a permanent change and he did not plan to leave 212. Now that he has a competition victory in Men’s Open under his belt, it will be interesting to see if that notion changes.
The 2022 Olympia will take place in December of next year in Las Vegas. Clarida has earned his qualification and is planning to be present on stage. The question will remain, which division will he compete in?
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