Tag: Bodybuilding
Jay Cutler Will Surprise Fans at Masters Olympia, Shares Ultimate Workout Tip for a ‘Huge Difference’
Legendary bodybuilder Jay Cutler cemented his place in the history books as one of the most decorated competitors of the Men’s Open division. He carried his passion for fitness even after hanging up his posing trunks years ago. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube, Cutler teased his planned appearance at the 2023 Masters Olympia […]
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‘I Was at Risk of Kidney Failure’: Larry Wheels Shares Recovery Update after Rhabdo Diagnosis
Powerlifting sensation Larry Wheels has faced several health challenges over the course of his career. The fitness influencer was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis last week. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube, Wheels opened up about his experience before finding out he got rhabdo and shared recovery updates. Larry Wheels carved his own space in the […]
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Nick Walker Talks 2023 Mr. Olympia Prep & Taking Feedback: ‘I Get Critiqued 24/7 People Thought I’d Die By 27’
Men’s Open bodybuilding star Nick Walker is gearing up for his third Mr. Olympia competition taking place November 2-5, in Orlando Florida. In a recent Mutant and the Mouth Podcast, Walker discussed taking harsh criticism and revealed how he’s approaching his latest prep.
‘The Mutant,’ equipped with mass, conditioning, and vascularity, quickly found success in the IFBB Pro League. In 2021, he turned in back-to-back victories at the New York Pro and Arnold Classic shows. His victory on the East Coast qualified him for his first Mr. Olympia, an opportunity he embraced 100% with a fifth-place debut.
Walker sidelined himself for most of 2022 to bring his best physique to date. Despite encountering obstacles earlier in the season (like temporarily losing his trainer Matt Jansen), Walker still made a statement on the Olympia stage. Last December, he narrowly took third place against the champion Hadi Choopan and runner-up Derek Lunsford. He left Sin City feeling like a winner and redirected his focus immediately to the 2023 Arnold Classic.
In March, Walker attempted to become a two-time AC champion. However, he was denied in the finals by Samson Dauda, who appeared to have brought up his conditioning and leg density. In a recent HD Muscle interview, Walker honestly assessed Dauda’s physique. He called his back shit but predicted Dauda would still crack the top five in three months.
Nick Walker ‘Not Bitter’ After Losing to Samson Dauda, Discusses Taking Criticism In The Sport
After taking a shot at Dauda, Walker said fans pushed back. A lightning rod for criticism, Walker said he’s even had fans tell him he was going to die by the time he was 27.
“I think what bothers me is anybody can say what they want about me and my physique and this and that, and there’s no problem, no one bats an eye. But when I do it… it’s the biggest issue in the fucking world. It’s like – if I take it personal – people think I was going to be dead by the time I was 26, 27 years old. Why is okay for people to say shit like that and no one cares? But if I say this person has a shit back, it’s like oh my God, ‘You’re fucking hating.’ No. Not at all,” Walker shared.
“I’m not bitter. Am I upset? Yeah, I’m allowed to be. I lost, it’s fine. I took second, it sucks. I have no ill feelings toward Samson at all. I think Samson is great. I think he’s a phenomenal bodybuilder more so a phenomenal person at that. But we’re critiquing physiques. It’s nothing personal.
I get critiqued 24/7. Everyone knows me, especially Guy, when I lose, it normally doesn’t happen again. People need to understand there’s a fire lit under my ass. I’m not the type of person to feel sorry for myself at all. I took a loss. I’m going to be angry about it for a few hours and then I move on to bigger and better things,” said Walker.
Even though criticisms never stopped Nick Walker from doing what he loves, he admits he has thought about quitting bodybuilding.
“Yeah [I thought about quitting bodybuilding] after my first Olympia. I just think you know… it’s really hard to explain because I feel like even I still don’t know. I just think I let the quick success so to speak get to my head. I felt like I just had to keep going and had to keep going. You know, that ultimately led to a bunch of other things that happened.”
“I felt like I had to continue to stay on top, stay relevant, keep my name known and all this… which we all know it’s not the truth. But when you are getting that quick success and people are talking about you and rooting for you, you feel like if you stop for a little bit you’ll lose that.”
Walker ‘Feeling Fresh’ Talks 2023 Mr. Olympia Off-Season & Training During Prep
According to Walker, he consumed less food and less performance-enhancing drugs during his latest off-season.
“Food was probably a little less this off-season. The other aspect – gear – it was probably a little less than normal. I didn’t have a long break, so we couldn’t just jump into a high off-season. Within three months, if I was able to substantially put on this much mass… that’s crazy bro.
That says a lot. Granted, I know I’m a genetic freak where not many people could probably do that. But it does go to show that me changing something and trying something new really did benefit. And if it worked for me, maybe someone who is not as genetic could maybe reach a better potential than training a body part once a week and things of this nature.”
He credits his recent increase in muscle mass to training slower and focusing on each movement instead of going all-out with heavier weights.
“I feel like now that the training has changed and everything, I just feel fresh. I don’t really get joint pain,” said Walker. “It [my training] was always slow, right but it was never a full range type of thing where I’m just only executing the muscle itself.
Granted yes, a lot of these times I train extremely slow but there’d be times, and you can let me know if you think it’s beneficial, I personally don’t think it is. When you’re starting a set and your first rep you’re already shaking, I don’t think that’s productive in my opinion.”
“That’s not the way. You shouldn’t be shaking until the end of the set.”
This wasn’t Nick Walker’s first Mr. Olympia prep update. Walker checked in last month and revealed that his quads grew quickly in a short period of time. Many believe bigger and freakier quads are the ticket to Walker’s first Sandow trophy. IFBB judge Terrick El Guindy is one of them. He says if Walker brings the same level of conditioning in the quads that Branch Warren displayed, he wouldn’t just win one title, but possibly five.
Walker, who has never slipped placings at a Mr. Olympia competition, will aim to secure his first title later this year. However, to accomplish that goal, he’ll have to present a physique capable of overwhelming Lunsford and Choopan.
Watch the full video from the Mutant and the Mouth YouTube channel below:
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 10:37 PM EDT
2023 Tampa Pro Results and Scorecards — Day 1 (Live Updates )
The 2023 Tampa Pro is taking place from August 3-5 in Tampa, Florida. This contest is a Mr. Olympia qualifier for ten divisions including Men’s Open, 212 Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, Figure, Fitness, Bikini, and Wellness.
Earning passage to this year’s Mr. Olympia contest has been more challenging as the point system has been removed. Therefore, any athlete who wishes to qualify must win a Pro show before October 9. This year’s 2023 Mr. Olympia competition will take place in Orlando, Florida, inside the Orange County Convention Center from November 2-5.
Last year, Men’s Open standout Akim Williams delivered gold at the 2022 Tampa Pro. It was a memorable night as Williams defeated surging contenders Quinton Eriya and Kamal Elgargni. However, Akim Williams chose not to defend his title this weekend, so a new Open champion will emerge. Whoever is victorious will have the opportunity to square off against the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan in less than three months.
Check out the action from day one of the 2023 Tampa Pro Below!
2023 Tampa Pro Winners
Men’s Open: Coming Soon!
212 Bodybuilding: Fabricio de Souza Moreira
Classic Physique: Matthew Greggo
Men’s Physique: Arya Saffaie
Women’s Bodybuilding: Michaela Aycock
Women’s Physique: Jeannie Feldman
Figure: Queren Pacheco
Fitness: Coming Soon!
Bikini: Coming Soon!
Wellness: Coming Soon!
2023 Tampa Pro Breakdown + Results
Men’s Open
Coming Soon!
212 Bodybuilding
The first Men’s division to hit the stage this weekend was 212 Bodybuilding. Prejudging saw Diego Montoya, Mahamed Embaby, and Fabricio de Souza Moreira in the running for first. They all brought next-level conditioning with balanced proportions.
During the finals, the judging panel appeared to favor the looks of Mohamed Embaby and Fabricio de Souza Moreira as the day progressed. Embaby last shared a stage at the 2023 Chicago Pro, where he finished with an impressive third place. Opposite to Embaby was Moreira. Fabricio last stepped on stage at the 2022 Chicago Pro and finished third. In the end, the conditioning and dryness of Fabricio de Souza Moreira sealed the deal. He is now qualified for 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Mahemed Embaby took second and Diego Montoya finished third, respectively.
Winner — Fabricio de Souza Moreira
Second Place — Mahamed Embaby
Third Place — Diego Montoya
Fourth Place — Jason Nguyen
Fifth Place — Robert Taylor
Classic Physique
Fans were thrilled to see some big threats from the Classic Physique division in attendance. During prejudging rounds, huge pops were heard following the individual routines of Carlos Dommar and Matthew Greggo. Both men brought their trademark conditioning with complete upper bodies.
Greggo last appeared on stage at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro and picked up fourth place. Dommar meanwhile, is riding momentum following his big victory at the same show Greggo took fourth in. Dommar was eager to pick up another win in Florida, but Matthew Greggo denied his efforts with arguably his best physique to date. He won first place and qualified for 2023 Olympia.
Dommar and Robert Waterhouse filled the second and third podium spots.
Winner — Matthew Greggo
Second Place — Carlos Dommar
Third Place — Robert Waterhouse
Fourth Place — Lucas Giaianni
Fifth Place — Camillo Diaz Garzon
Sixth Place — Jarak Toribio Perez
Men’s Physique
On Friday, Men’s Physique competitors went all-out in the quest for first place. The prejudging portion of the show featured Jeremiah Maxey and Arya Saffaie as clear frontrunners. The artful posing routines and stage presentation were among the best of their division.
Jeremiah Maxey last competed at the 2022 Atlantic Coast Pro and put on a show. He took sixth but certainly came back with a vengeance. His main adversary, Arya Saffaie last appeared at the 2022 Olympia but was unable to place in the top 15. This time, Arya Saffaie dominated and earned his qualification to 2023 Olympia.
Jeremiah Maxey finished second and Alexander Toplyn took third.
Winner — Arya Saffaie
Second Place — Jeremiah Maxey
Third Place — Alexander Toplyn
Fourth Place — Kimani Victor
Fifth Place — Deke Walker
Sixth Place — John Stanley Sarmiento
Women’s Bodybuilding
Competitors from the Women’s Bodybuilding category wasted no time jumping on stage Friday. During the prejudging rounds, the hard muscularity of Theresa Ivancik, Nicki Chartrand, and Michaela Aycock stood out and the judges took notice. With a number of comparisons taking place, it was anyone’s title going into the finals.
Nicki Chartrand was in the running for gold. She took 2022 away from shows and one of her last appearances on stage was in eighth at the 2021 Rising Phoenix and Arizona Pro show. She was up against Michaela Aycock in the finals. Aycock entered the contest with momentum after claiming silver at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro. After a heated battle, Michaela Aycock got her hand raised and earned first prize.
Nicki Chartrand and Theresa Ivancik rounded out the podium in second and third.
Winner — Michaela Aycock
Second Place — Nicki Chartrand
Third Place — Theresa Ivancik
Fourth Place — Kyna Squarey
Fifth Place — Julia Foery
Women’s Physique
Women’s Physique got a huge pop from the crowd during prejudging rounds. The conditioning of Ivie Rhein and Jeannie Feldman dominated discussions online. By the time finals were kicking off, many deemed it a two-woman battle.
Ivie Rhein’s last competition saw her take fifth at the 2022 Olympia contest. Meanwhile, Jeannie Feldman’s latest show was at the same Olympia event in sixth place. So both ladies were eager to run it back. Ultimately, the deep separation of Jennie Feldman’s physique prevailed and she walked away the winner.
Ivie Rhein finished runner-up and Robyn Mays took third.
Winner — Jeannie Feldman
Second Place — Ivie Rhein
Third Place — Robyn Mays
Fourth Place — Mikaela Lindsey
Fifth Place — Marika Jones
Figure
Figure competitors kicked off Friday in style as all athletes looked to have brought their best packages. The prejudging and finals featured Oyku Basar and Queren Pacheco vying for gold. In addition to some intense comparisons, both athletes displayed exceptional aesthetics.
Oyku Basar last appeared on stage at the 2023 Musclecontest Zhanna Rotar Pro, where she nabbed fifth place. On the other hand, Queren Pacheco last made a splash all the way back in 2020 at the Rising Phoenix Women’s Bodybuilding World Championship & Arizona Pro. Following a tough battle, Queren Pacheco earned first and qualified for 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Oyku Basar took second, with Lena Ramsteiner taking bronze.
Winner — Queren Pacheco
Second Place — Oyku Basar
Third Place — Lena Ramsteiner
Fourth Place — Mariafernanda Laguna
Fifth Place — Danielle Rose
Fitness
Coming Soon!
Bikini
Coming Soon!
Wellness
Coming Soon!
2023 Tampa Pro Scorecards
Coming Soon!
FitnessVolt congratulates the winners!
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 6:12 PM EDT
Milos Sarcev Lauds UFC President Dana White for Ripped Physique at 54: ‘No Excuses’
UFC President Dana White is widely credited for pioneering the business aspect of mixed martial arts. He revolutionized the financial model and turned it into the most elite MMA promotion in the world. In a recent post made on Instagram, Milos Sarcev heaped praises on White for maintaining a ripped physique despite his packed schedule.
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Dana White grew up with a passion for boxing in his teenage years. He got into the fight business early as a fitness boxing instructor. While working at the gym, White received a threatening message from mobster Whitey Bulger and his associate Kevin Weeks to cough up $3,500. The blackmail forced White to leave Boston and permanently move to Las Vegas.
White worked as a manager before teaming up with childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta and his older brother, Frank, to acquire the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for $2 million. The company was bleeding cash at the time of the purchase. Still, White managed to turn things around in a more positive direction and eventually sold the organization for $4 billion in 2016.
White is known for putting on the biggest fights possible in MMA. He played a major role in hosting the mega-crossover clash between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor. He even entertained the idea of organizing a bout between Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise and singer Justin Bieber.
The 54-year-old made waves online for his jacked physique. He gave fans a look into his crazy home gym and fridge along with his regular full day of eating on the keto diet. Then, he got more motivated to become healthier after being told he might die in a decade. He shed over 30 pounds and pulled off an incredible body transformation to get ripped.
With a plethora of elite contenders under his wing, renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev has a sharp eye for talent and a respected voice in the community. He praised budding Classic Physique athlete Stephane Matala for his immense potential and backed him to be a considerable threat to reigning four-time champion Chris Bumstead.
Sarcev is convinced 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan could retain his title if he manages to overcome the danger presented by former 212 Olympia winner and last year’s Open runner-up Derek Lunsford again. He followed up by highlighting the issue of fewer athletes participating in shows.
Milos Sarcev Lauds UFC President Dana White for Ripped Physique at 54
In a recent Instagram post, Milos Sarcev praised Dana White for his shredded physique at the age of 54 despite having an insanely tight schedule managing the UFC and other businesses.
“@danawhite. 54,” wrote Sarcev. “Busy as shit!!! Healthy as they come. Lean, Muscular, Striated delts, Split biceps, Full chest, Flat stomach, Deep abs. No excuses, No compromises.”
Dana White teased a potential cage fight between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He made it clear the talks were serious and we could see a clash of the two of the richest men in the world in the near future.
Milos Sarcev is working hard to lead 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda to his maiden Sandow trophy at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He expects his client to face fierce competition from Choopan and Lunsford on stage and believes conditioning would be the key to getting the win.
According to Sarcev, Andrew Jacked would likely defeat Hunter Labrada to earn his entry for the next edition of Mr. Olympia at the 2023 Texas Pro. He admitted Labrada boasts an insane package but favored the overall aesthetics of Jacked.
White’s shredded physique will inspire even the younger fitness fans and it’s great to see Sarcev praise the UFC head honcho for his dedication.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 6:00 PM EDT
Chris Bumstead Reveals the Learnings of His Illustrious Bodybuilding Career
As the age-old saying goes, life is a journey, not a destination. As four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead enters a new phase of his life, he often openly talks about his thoughts on the deeper aspects of life during podcasts and interviews. With his focus shifting from competitive bodybuilding to other priorities, Bumstead recently penned down his thoughts in an Instagram post. His caption reveals the insight into a champion’s mindset and characterizes his personal growth ahead of his soon-to-be-married life.
The emphasis that our society lays on achievements and external validation often leaves little to no room to contemplate the deeper meanings of life. As Chris Bumstead is slowly approaching the end of his prestigious career, he is starting to channel his energy into personal growth and improvement. This transition that Cbum is going through reflects growth in his consciousness. He explained in his recent post that every person maintains an internal as well as an external scorecard for their achievements and success.
He pointed out in the caption:
“We all have an internal and external score card we use to keep track of our lives. The external being traditional successes, money, trophies, etc. The internal being the intangibles such as effort, character, integrity.”
Gratitude often has the power to transform an individual’s mindset and perspectives. As he is maturing and stepping into other ventures, including his business journey, Chris feels grateful for everything that life has thrown his way. Despite all the challenges that he has faced, including struggles with mental issues, Bumstead feels satisfied with his accomplishments.
“I must be getting old realizing nothing in this life lasts forever. The opportunities of today may never present themselves again. I don’t mean this as something to dread, but lately it just feels like a reason to be grateful for where I am at,” wrote Bumstead.
Concluding his post, Bumstead points out that what actually matters is the efforts an individual puts in. He explained that the qualities and character of a person are often much more important than respective accomplishments. ‘Cbum’ states that he will be forever satisfied with himself, knowing pretty well that he gave it his best. After all, the journey holds much more value than the destination itself.
RELATED: Chris Bumstead Breaks Down 2022 Mr. Olympia Win & Reveals He’s Not Targeting ‘8, 9 or 10th Wins’
“So when it’s all over I have promised myself that my internal score card will take precedence over the external…and I can honestly tell myself I did everything in my power to achieve it, that I became a better man along the way, that I enjoyed the journey, and I never fucking quit.”
As Bumstead is training to win his fifth Olympia title at the moment, fans are curious to see if he will ever step foot on the Mr. Olympia stage under the open category. Only time will tell what holds for the reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion, but he heads into the unknown with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 4:04 PM EDT
Core Workouts To Develop Abdominal Muscles
A strong, chiseled midsection with well-defined abs is a fitness goal that many aspire to achieve. Beyond the aesthetics, a strong core offers many benefits, from improved posture and reduced risk of injury to enhanced athletic performance and functional fitness. However, building a solid midsection requires a focused approach that combines targeted core workouts, […]
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Sleep and Weight Loss: How to Improve Your Sleep Habits
Have you ever wondered why you struggle to lose weight despite your best efforts to eat healthy and exercise regularly? The answer might lie in sleep. The quality and duration of your slumber play a pivotal role in your weight loss journey. It may sound surprising, but numerous studies have highlighted the crucial role […]
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Nutritional Supplements: What to Take and Why
This article will explore the fundamentals of nutritional supplements and why incorporating them into your daily routine is beneficial. What are Nutritional Supplements? Nutritional supplements refer to products designed to enhance one’s diet and commonly consist of vitamins, herbs, minerals, and amino acids. These supplements are frequently linked to complementary and alternative medicine […]
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Shaquille O’Neal Flaunts Hulking Physique in Bodybuilding Update: “In My Former Life I Was Phil Heath”
NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal’s passion for bodybuilding was on full display recently, which caught the attention of Phil Heath and Ronnie Coleman. In an Instagram post, Shaq showed off his bulked-up physique by hitting a couple of mandatory poses.
Shaq is a legend in basketball history, whose achievements on the court will never be forgotten. He enjoyed a long and successful career of 19 years and won four NBA titles along the way. He played for six different teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004), and was considered one of the greatest centers of all time.
When the world faced the COVID-19 crisis, O’Neal struggled with weight gain and reached 401 pounds. He decided to shed the weight by following a four-day weekly training split. Abs aren’t made in the gym, they’re made in the kitchen, so Shaq also admitted that avoiding junk food has been integral to his weight loss journey.
Shaq’s workout regimen consisted of 20 minutes of cardio and 40 minutes of strength training. Aiming to build muscle and burn fat at the same time, O’Neal accomplished his goal and reached 365 pounds. He’s a bodybuilding fanatic, who continues to draw attention on social media with a massive build at the age of 51.
Bodybuilding Legends React to Shaquille O’Neal’s Latest Physique Update
Check out Shaq’s posing session below:
“in my former life i was @philheath we almost there @rocshabazz that @novexbiotech #gf9 baby” Shaquille O’Neal wrote.
Shortly after Shaq’s physique did the rounds on social media, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman and seven-time winner Phil Heath gave him props.
@shaq/Instagram
As a diehard bodybuilding fan, O’Neal watches the sport closely. He attended the 2020 Mr. Olympia as a special guest and helped promote the event. O’Neal also attended the 2021 Arnold Classic live and had the pleasure of meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger face-to-face.
This wasn’t Shaq’s first tease at a possible bodybuilding venture. Last October, he impressed fans with another posing update. Having dropped nearly 40 pounds, O’Neal didn’t anticipate his physique going viral but said his ultimate goal was to become a sex symbol with ‘muscles everywhere.’ He added that he’d also liked to pose next to his sons in underwear ads and wants his physique to stand the test of time.
RELATED: NBA Player Tries To Savage Conor McGregor After McGregor Trolls Mayweather With Warriors Jersey
Shaq, who maintains an incredibly busy schedule, continues to build his legacy brick by brick with ambitious fitness goals in retirement. He credits his willingness to stick with strict dieting and exercise as key factors to his overall transformation.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 11:17 AM EDT