Tag: Bodybuilding
Strongman Eddie Hall Shows Off ‘Round Pecs’ in Recent Bodybuilding Update
Even though he’s not recording a deadlift record or a feat of strength, strongman legend Eddie Hall still knows how to wow an audience. In a recent Instagram post, Hall flashed an upshot of his pecs in a physique update and called out his future rival, Chris Bumstead.
Hall is ready to flex his muscles as a bodybuilder in 2024. Earlier this year, the former strongman champ revealed his plan to switch to the new sport. He said he was inspired by four-time Classic Physique Olympia Bumstead and former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay. Despite his weight exceeding that of a baby elephant, ‘The Beast’ said he wanted to pack on some more meat and then ‘do a trim’ for his first show. And based on his latest chest selfie, he’s getting closer to that big debut.
Hall tagged Bumstead in his post, and the Classic Physique Olympia king gave him some love. He sent him two melon emojis to cheer him on for his bodybuilding dream. Hall, who keeps getting more ripped, has been sharing his progress and even some posing videos before his big day.
Topless Eddie Hall Takes Internet by Storm with Risque Pec Update
Check out Eddie Hall’s update below, which prompted several fans to give their two cents.
“Move over @cbum – Ebum is coming 2024…” Eddie Hall wrote.
Instagram @eddiehallwsm
When Eddie Hall isn’t showing off his voluminous pecs, he’s entertaining a crowd. He recently took part in an Expendables 4 trailer appearance. During the action-packed montage, Sylvester Stallone launched the 35-year-old strongman over a metal bar. Given Sly’s age of 76, fans were flabbergasted by his strength as tossing a man of Hall’s size is no easy feat.
Whether he’s reacting to painful gym fails or being pranked by Jesse James West with fake weights, Hall’s eccentric personality makes for some interesting interactions. Unafraid to laugh at himself, Hall knows how to catch a fan’s interest, and he especially knows how to keep it.
RELATED: Strongmen Brian Shaw and Eddie Hall Crash Planet Fitness for Hilarious Leg Workout
Eddie Hall is a man of many talents. He can lift heavy things, make funny faces, and show off his chest. He’s also ready to take on the bodybuilding world in 2024, where he plans to battle with the winningest Classic Physique talent in the world, Chris Bumstead.
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 2:01 PM EDT
Michal Krizo & Hunter Labrada Share Shredded Updates Before Their Next 2023 Contests
Bodybuilders Michal ‘Krizo’ Krizanek and Hunter Labrada are two of the hottest names in the Men’s Open division. In a pair of Instagram posts, Krizo and Labrada updated fans with shredded physique updates as they aim to earn their 2023 Mr. Olympia qualifications.
After switching from the IFBB Elite Pro League to the NPC, it didn’t take long for Krizo’s name to reach headlines. His spectacular upper body, massive arms, and narrow waist made him an instant threat. Veterans of the sport, such as Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev took notice of his potential as well.
Krizo participated in a historically busy season last year. He earned his IFBB pro card at the 2022 Amateur Olympia Italy contest. Instead of taking time to map out his next move, he returned to the EVLS Prague Pro, where he again, took first place. This victory secured his invitation to Mr. Olympia, which he took full advantage of with a 12th-place debut.
Labrada on the other hand, is on a path to redemption. He turned in a seventh-place showing at the last Mr. Olympia show. He admits problems with the prep and peak prevented him from a higher finish. Despite the setback, Labrada has taken considerable action to revamp his physique. Most notably, he’s incorporated more whole foods and started practicing vacuum poses for better abdominal control.
Additionally, Labrada showcases many of his training sessions and has brought back deadlifts into his contest prep. Labrada has taken various measures in the kitchen to bring a better physique like the green smoothie he drinks regularly for gut health.
Michal Krizo Shows Off Improved Back in Freaky Physique Update 2 Days from 2023 Empro Classic Pro
Aiming to earn his Olympia invite this weekend, Krizo shared some of his latest progress photos.
Hunter Labrada Under 270 Lbs in Latest Update Before 2023 Tampa Pro
Labrada said he is proud of the progress he’s made to his midsection and is aiming to be ready for his next contest early.
“Had enough people tell me to post it so here we are! This mornings fasted look, and the second morning I’ve been under 270 pounds out of bed??–Really proud of the work I was able to do with my midsection this offseason, and really leaning into everything I can this prep in an effort to be truly ready, early.–This is a big year for me, and I promise the best has yet to come” Labrada shared.
This is far from Labrada’s first update to fans. A little over a week ago, the high-profile Men’s Open pro showed off some of the major gains he’s made since his last competition. Fans were impressed by his improved midsection and Labrada said he plans to only improve further before competing in Florida, and then in Texas, where he will meet the defending champion, 2022 Texas Pro winner Andrew Jacked.
Conversely, fans are also excited to see Krizo back on the Mr. Olympia stage. He managed to perform exceptionally well last year and did so under the stress of a busy season. In 2022, he earned his Olympia qualification and competed at the biggest show of the year just over a month later. Should he claim the victory in Spain this weekend, Krizo will have the luxury of time for training and posing practice, which many believe will only help him excel further on stage.
In preparation for his 2023 debut contest, Krizo has also shared a number of training sessions with his followers. Whether it’s chest and shoulders or a leg day bulking session, Krizo is dedicated and it shows during each and every rep.
RELATED: Michal Krizo Shuts Down Photo-Editing Accusations After Guest Posing: ‘I Don’t Do Any Photoshops’
If Michal Krizo and Hunter Labrada are successful at their next contests, they will have the opportunity to face the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan at the 2023 Mr. Olympia show, scheduled for Nov. 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 11:43 AM EDT
Nick Walker Crushes Push Day Workout, Emphasizes The Value of Avoiding Muscle Failure in Workouts
The gap between Nick Walker and Mr. Olympia title is narrowing each passing year. Having made it into the top three at the 2022 Olympia, Walker now trains to snatch it from reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan and recently went through a chest, shoulder and triceps workout as a part of this effort.
America’s own Nick Walker competes in the Men’s Open division of the IFBB Pro League. In a short span of three years, the 28-year-old has emerged to be a top Olympia contender. His resume includes impressive performances in six Pro bodybuilding shows. He holds dominant wins at the 2021 New York Pro and the 2021 Arnold Classic. The two Olympia appearances saw him secure fifth and third place finishes at the 2021 and the 2022 Olympia, respectively.
Making a quick turnaround after the 2022 Olympia, Nick Walker attempted to bring home the second Arnold Classic title in 2023. Walker was a massive favorite heading into the show. Experts in the bodybuilding community expected challengers like Andrew Jacked, Shaun Clarida and Samson Dauda to present a formidable challenge but rallied behind Walker to secure the win anyway. However, British bodybuilder Samson Dauda emerged as a dark horse and snatched the win from Walker after a neck-and-neck competition.
Nick Walker / Instagram
Although The Mutant had to be content with a runner-up finish, many people contested the result and opined that Walker deserved the judges’ nod. But he moved on from the argument quickly and started focusing his energies on improving the physique further to leave no doubt in judges’ minds the next time around.
As a part of his quest to win the Mr. Olympia title, Walker recently went through an off-season chest and triceps workout. So let’s check out how the 2021 Arnold Classic winner is pushing the limits to be the next Mr. Olympia.
Nick Walker goes through a push day workout
Pec Deck Flye
Nick Walker started the training session with pec deck flyes. Flye, an effective chest isolation movement, helps build adduction strength of the upper body. Additionally, the pec deck flye ranks high in terms of pectoral muscle activation, losing only to the bench press. As a result, it is a great exercise for achieving hypertrophy.
Walker stated that the angle of the machine used in this workout was slightly different, which presumably helped with muscle activation. The Mutant performed a couple of warm-up sets of this exercise and followed them up with two top sets to direct the blood into the chest. He stated that he does not need to push to failure every single time and only pushes to failure once in a while. Walker said:
“I have the size already so training to failure is good once in a while. But I’m also here for longevity. So doing an extra set of something rather than pushing one set to ultimate failure… Sometimes this isn’t a bad thing.”
He added:
“I still believe in training to failure. But I think utilizing reps from the reserve can also be beneficial in terms of growth. Because I feel like sometimes if you push the body too much and train to failure too often, you’re just fatiguing the body more… Not necessarily giving the rest your body truly needs, which is where reps in reserve come to play where instead of doing one or two sets to failure maybe do three sets of 12. But the reps… This is where you have to be really in tune with the muscle.”
Even though this method is less fatiguing, Walker feels it can lead to more growth. Following this, he took the first heavy compound exercise of the day.
Incline Dumbbell Press
Incline movements emphasize the clavicular head of the pectoralis major muscle and help build the upper chest by giving it a more fuller look. Walker took to the incline dumbbell press next and annihilated a few good sets. He started with the 40 lbs dumbbells for the warm-up set and slowly worked his way up, performing eight to ten rep in each set. Walker made sure that he performed the eccentric phase of each movement with really slow and controlled motion to keep the muscles under tension for a longer duration.
Machine Chest Press
After working with the free weights for the previous exercise, the New Jersey native jumped into the machine chest press. Weights on the machine move along a fixed trajectory and hence eliminate the need to control the weights. This results in overall reduced chances of injury.
The machine chest press served as the final chest exercise in Walker’s routine as he got a few sets of the exercise under his belt and shifted the focus on other muscle groups.
Lateral Raise – Machine and Cable
After wrapping up the chest routine, the 2021 Arnold Classic winner took up the shoulder exercises and performed machine lateral raises to work the medial deltoids. He cranked out 2 sets of 15 reps of the exercise on a machine.
Nick Walker’s shoulder routine typically consists of only medial and anterior deltoid exercises. For him, posterior deltoids deserve a place in the back workout. Walker explained:
“I normally always do two side delt exercises but I might start incorporating like maybe one press, one side or one side and one front. And I just think about side delts – they can never be too big in my opinion. I like to keep rear delts with back now. To me, I just feel like rear delts could be part of shoulders so if you train with shoulders, completely fine in my opinion. But for me it’s part of back.”
The Mutant then moved on to the cable machine variation of the same. Cable machines keep the muscles under tension throughout the range of motion and help bring about hypertrophy more effectively. While doing the lateral raises, Walker raises his hands higher than usual. Explaining the logic behind this, he said:
“I don’t really train the traps directly because I do feel like doing the side laterals really high, even though it really targets the side laterals really well, I do think no matter what, you’re going to engage a little bit of traps in there. So I really don’t think I need to directly hit traps.”
After pushing through a few sets of cable lateral raises next, Walker took to the final exercise of the day.
Smith Machine Skull Crushers
With chest and shoulder exercises in the books, it was time for the New Jersey native to target the next important muscle group for pushing – triceps. Walker first performed the skull crushers on a Smith machine to emphasize on the xx head of the triceps and then jumped into the final exercise of the day.
Machine Overhead Triceps Extensions
Walker wrapped up the training session with this exercise. Overhead triceps extensions work the muscles from a stretched position as well as a different angle. Hence they help emphasize the long head of triceps.
Walker did a few sets of the exercise with furious intensity to add the final bit of stimulus to the muscles and called it a day in the gym.
Overall, the workout consisted of:
Nick Walker has made tremendous progress in his career so far. When the 2023 Olympia weekend kicks off, Derek Lunsford and reigning champion Hadi Choopan will probably be the only competitors Standing in Walker’s way if he continues to train with similar intensity in the months to come. Whether he can get past them or not depends solely on his drive to push the limits of his body.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Nick Walker’s personal YouTube channel:
More on Push Day:
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 10:57 AM EDT
Samir Bannout Urges Big Ramy to Get Healthy & Backs Derek Lunsford as Most Dangerous at 2023 Mr. Olympia
Egyptian bodybuilder Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay left the door open for a new champion to emerge and paid the price for it at the 2022 Mr. Olympia last December. While many seem to count him out, others believe he could get back in the winning column. In a recent episode of The Muscle Maturity podcast, former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout called on Big Ramy to get his health in order and encouraged him to take a similar approach as Derek Lunsford.
The 2022 season turned out to be one of the most exciting and competitive of any in recent years. Former two-time Mr. Olympia Big Ramy went into the Olympia contest as the betting favorite to retain the title based on his overwhelming muscle mass and size. He was tasked with the challenge to ward off proven veterans like Hadi Choopan and a crop of new talent in rising sensations Nick Walker and Andrew Jacked.
Along with the mass monsters of the Men’s Open class, former 212 Olympia king Derek Lunsford entered as the wildcard after receiving a special invite to test out his abilities in the Open Olympia. In the end, Ramy missed the mark and suffered a crushing defeat. He got dethroned by Choopan and dropped down to fifth place with Lunsford taking silver.
Following the result, fans were quick to bash Ramy and called on him to step away from professional competition. He was hoping to redeem himself at the 2023 Arnold Classic but could not assert his place in the mix of title contention. IFBB athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo theorized Ramy would not be able to win another Sandow trophy unless he completely transformed his physique.
Big Ramy at 2022 Olympia
Ramy hit back at the critics for asking him to hang up his posing trunks. He expressed his passion for the sport and indicated no plans to move on anytime soon regardless of the outcomes. Ahead of his guest-posing appearance at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro, Ramy hinted at the possibility of taking a brief hiatus for the rest of the year.
Big Ramy opened up about his drive to regain his status as the best bodybuilder in the world last month. He believes training with anger helped him amp up the intensity and would ultimately benefit him on stage.
When it was time for his guest-posing appearance, Ramy presented an improved package but got outshined by the likes of Lunsford, Walker, and 2023 AC champion Samson Dauda. Cicherillo admitted Ramy looked better although he was not convinced the improvements were enough.
IFBB head judge Steve Weinberger recommended Ramy take to the sidelines to work on his shoulders, arms, and back muscle development along with his overall proportions.
Samir Bannout urges Big Ramy to get healthy
In a recent Rumble video, Bannout called on Big Ramy to prioritize his health and take some time off to heal the issues. He also suggested Ramy quit using hardcore supplements.
“I think one good year of maintenance training and really work in every way to improve his health in general,” said Bannout. “I talked to Ramy and he said according to doctors that would be in his best interest. It’s really hard for me to say 100 percent but more likely he should take care of his health and take a break from hardcore supplements, you know what I mean? Let his mind and body more healing time.”
Although Bannout wants Ramy to slow down, he doesn’t recommend taking a whole year off.
“If he takes off completely and becomes a couch potato, he’s done.”
Bannout believes following a similar path devised by coach Hany Rambod for Derek Lunsford could benefit Ramy.
“Maybe Ramy should follow similar principle like what Hany’s doing to Derek, maybe he can promote his mass again and get healthier, cleanse his liver and cleanse everything in his body and relax his mind.”
Lunsford has gained a lot of momentum since his last outing at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Legendary bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman sees him as the man to dethrone Choopan and called him his favorite bodybuilder of this generation earlier this month.
Bannout shares his most dangerous competitors for 2023 Mr. Olympia
Samir Bannout backed Derek Lunsford as the biggest threat to Choopan’s title at the 2023 Mr. Olympia along with Samson Dauda.
“Hadi will be ready for sure but again it’s not going to be easier, it’s going to get harder because everybody wants him right now. The most dangerous guy would be Derek and then Samson and then who else is dangerous? Nick, Andrew is dangerous, Krizo. Can Krizo do it?”
Earlier this month, Big Ramy confirmed he would not sit out a year and plans to step on the stage for the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia. His focus is set on bringing a better package and not on the placement he gets.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 9:11 AM EDT
Dana Linn Bailey Takes on ‘Summer Shredded 4.0 Total Body’ Transformation Challenge
With summer on its way, former Women’s Physique Olympia Dana Linn Bailey is determined to transform her physique. In a recent YouTube video, Bailey revealed a progress video before embarking on her ‘4.0 summer shredded’ fitness challenge.
“What’s up guys, you’re probably wondering why I’m in a bathing suit right now. That’s because today I am taking my first progress pictures for my new challenge that’s coming out, shredded summer 4.0. This is the fourth one we’ve done. Very excited,” Dana Linn Bailey shared.
As the first winner of a Women’s Physique contest in 2011 at the Jr. USA and the inaugural Women’s Physique Olympia champion in 2013, Dana Bailey has made her mark in the IFBB Pro League with exceptional balance and striated shoulders. Since retiring from competitive bodybuilding in 2015, she’s built a notable online presence with her YouTube videos and social media posts, where she regularly showcases her workouts, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Despite stepping away from the sport competitively, Dana still attacks her workouts with a chip on her shoulder. Whether it’s a grueling back training session or a push day, Linn brings her best day after day. Aside from training, Bailey has been open about some of her health struggles. In a recent Cutler Cast appearance, Bailey detailed battles with a thyroid condition and a Rhabdomyolysis infection.
While Dana is known for her extraordinary fitness levels, she plans to kick things into overdrive in the coming months. She aims to add muscle, lean out, and lose weight. In addition, she sat down to discuss a preferred meal option.
Dana Linn Bailey Introduces 4th Summer-Inspired Shredded 2023 Workout Challenge
Bailey said the transformation will be ‘full body’ and encouraged any of her followers to join her on the journey. She plans to award a male and female participant with $10K each.
“It’s a total body transformation. It’s not just a weight loss challenge. We’re going to get leaner. We’re going to have more muscles. And we’re just going to be super confident in your bathing suits. So, it’s summer right now, so if you’re not feeling like your best. You got a vacation coming up to the beach, you got to wear this tiny little bikini or swim shorts and you want to feel more confident come join me summer shredded 4.0,” said Dana Linn Bailey.
“If getting shredded for summer wasn’t enough for you, not motivating enough to get abs and look really good, I’m giving away 10 grand to one guy and one girl. That’s 20 thousand dollars in cash and prizes. Prizes are coming from Trifecta, RedCon1, and you’re getting cash.”
After the posing session, Dana shared one of her daily meals, consisting of bison and Basmati rice.
“Today, first meal of the day, you know, it happens to be in the afternoon, we are doing just lean bison and Basmati rice,” said Dana Linn. “I don’t actually like cooking fish but when I go to a restaurant that’s all I order. When I went to Mexico, that’s all I ordered was fish. We’re landlocked. If I’m in Montana, it will be chicken, beef, fish. If I’m on the coast somewhere, it will go fish, chicken, beef. I know, it changes.”
Dana Bailey isn’t the only Olympia winner amid a physique transformation. Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler announced he was getting in the best shape possible since 2013. Even though he has no plans of making it to a bodybuilding stage, Cutler is excited about the process. He’s offered consistent workouts, physique updates, and training sessions geared toward his ‘Fit-for-50’ goal.
Dana Linn Bailey is an open book to her fans and followers. In addition to an inside look at her gym life, Bailey has revealed a detailed daily supplement stack, which she uses to maintain her energy levels and wellness.
Always pushing the realms of her physical fitness, Dana Linn Bailey is a bodybuilding trailblazer who uses her platform to promote positivity. She encourages anyone to tag along with her while she once again transforms her physique.
You can watch the full video from Dana Linn Bailey’s YouTube channel below:
RELATED: The Summer Beach Workout to Get You Jacked
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 12:30 AM EDT
Hadi Choopan Looks Ripped in 2023 Off-Season Physique Update Ahead of Title Defense
Iranian bodybuilder Hadi Choopan is on a mission to defend his throne at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia. He’ll face challenges from rising contenders in the Men’s Open division. In a recent Instagram post, Choopan looked massive in an off-season physique update.
Hadi Choopan entered the IFBB Pro League as a Men’s 212 competitor with a lot of hype. Hailing from Iran, he encountered obstacles related to traveling overseas and getting a visa for different competitions. He decided to switch to the Men’s Open class and gained attention for his impressive muscle mass, definition, and conditioning after taking bronze in his first Mr. Olympia appearance in 2019. He continued to work his way up the ranks and proved to be one of the most consistent athletes in the sport, having never placed below fourth in his pro career.
Choopan created history by becoming the first Iranian to win the coveted Sandow trophy at the 2022 Mr. Olympia last December. He managed to defeat former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford in a close-fought battle and rising sensation Nick Walker. Following the outcome, Choopan received a hero’s welcome back in his native land and got honored with a ten-foot-tall statue. He didn’t slow down in his training and left fans stunned with a different ripped physique update earlier in the 2023 off-season.
After Samson Dauda’s victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic, renowned coach Milos Sarcev backed him as a major threat for Choopan and Lunsford at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. IFBB athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo expressed a similar sentiment in his analysis of the show.
While some may be counting Hadi Choopan out, bodybuilding Hall of Famer Chris Cormier believes he would give it his all since he possibly has more on the line than other competitors. Two months ago, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman picked Lunsford to dethrone Choopan at the next Mr. Olympia.
Walker also doubts ‘The Persian Wolf’ can retain the title and expects himself to compete with Lunsford for gold. On the other hand, Cicherillo favored Choopan to beat Walker in a one-on-one showdown on stage months ago. However, bodybuilding veteran William Bonac extended his support for the champion to win another Sandow trophy.
Hadi Choopan looks massive in the off-season physique update
In a recent Instagram post, Hadi Choopan looked huge in an off-season physique update.
“The world revolved under my feet and I said to the worlds, I am the soldier of the Persians, the owner of the kingdom,” wrote Choopan via Google Translate. “I stood up and hit the nail of the tricolor flag of the Iranians, which once again danced in the breeze, a leaf of the historical string (Sando) that is sleeping in my house.”
RELATED: Samson Dauda Says Hadi Choopan & Derek Lunsford Will Lose 2023 Mr. Olympia If He Improves His Back
Recently, Choopan sent warning shots with an insanely jacked off-season physique update where he delivered a fiery message to his competitors. Based on his latest progress video, Choopan has no intentions of leaving the door open for a new champion to emerge later this year.
Published: 15 June, 2023 | 5:07 PM EDT
Chris Cormier & Olympia Judge Talk Jeremy Buendia, Brandon Hendrickson vs. Erin Banks at 2023 Olympia
As the bodybuilding season marches forward, athletes are gearing up for the biggest show of the year, 2023 Mr. Olympia in November. In a recent Prime Time Muscle show, Chris Cormier and Terrick El Guindy examined some of the rivalries front and center in the Men’s Physique category, all of which feature the reigning Olympia winner, Erin Banks.
The Men’s Physique division has existed for around 10 years and in that time, athletes have evolved to display the best beach bodies possible. In 2013, Mark Anthony Wingson made history when he became the first-ever Men’s Physique Olympia champion. His victory served as a standard for the division at the time and offered his rivals a clear vision of the ideal physique needed to claim gold.
The intensity of the category only grew in the years to follow. Jeremy Buendia established himself as the reigning champion for four years, from 2014-2017. While there have been talks of his comeback in the past, he’s now formally committed in 2023. He’s shared bulking diets, training sessions, and physique goals ahead of his latest venture.
Before Erin Banks won the recent 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia title, Brandon Hendrickson proved himself as one of the best in the division. He became a three-time champion (2018, 2020, 2021), and like Buendia, hopes to knock Banks off the throne in a few months. With such a competitive group of talent, Cormier and El Guindy took a closer look at some of the top contenders expected to compete in November.
Terrick El Guindy Discusses Diogo Montenegro Accusing Erin Banks of ‘Suspect Shoulders’
According to El Guindy, Diogo Montenegro accused Erin Banks of having ‘suspect’ shoulders because there are no striations or separations in the muscle like his.
“Some guys they don’t like each other. That’s the part of the sport. These guys, they hate each other. Oh Terrick don’t use the word hate, well, that’s how they feel about each other. Diogo Montenegro was very specific in Portuguese because I speak the language and he says, ‘My shoulder has separation, my shoulder has striations when I’m really defined, you don’t get to see that on Erin Banks.
You know, making an assumption that Erin Banks shoulders are somehow suspect or present some type of imbalance. That did not go well with Erin Banks. Erin Banks is a cool collected guy. He’s a family guy. If you come his way, he’s from Fresno. They don’t play. He’s like, ‘You can say whatever you want to me, but be ready for the counter attack’ He went after Diogo, he said, ‘You’re a little man with five abs five little blocks,’ you know,” Terrick El Guindy shared.
El Guidy said the online beef reminded him of when Andre Ferguson and Brandon Hendrickson promised a scuffle in Orlando a few years ago.
“Things are getting hairy here. Remember, when we had Andre Ferguson and Brandon Hendrickson they were going to scramble in Orlando a few years ago. Everybody had their board shorts rolling, like, ‘Oh this is going to happen,” El Guindy added.
Chris Cormier & Olympia Judge Talk Jeremy Buendia, Brandon Hendrickson, Erin Banks Rivalries Before 2023 Olympia
After El Guindy explained that Banks blocks people online such as Buendia, Chris Cormier suggested that it probably wasn’t personal.
“He had arguments with Jeremy Buendia, he blocked Jeremy Buendia. Then, I think he [Erin Banks] blocked some other guys. If you come to his social media and you don’t like him, he blocks everybody. I mean, it’s his social media he does whatever he wants but that’s his strategy.”
“It’s competition and I’m sure a lot of it is not totally personal. I just – I don’t know, I like going back and forth. It fueled me to look even better than I probably would have if I different have some kind of edge or some type of chip on my shoulder getting ready for a show. I wanted it. I invited it,” said Chris Cormier.
Cormier said back when he competed, those who talked trash to Flex Wheeler would receive a ‘personal block’ since social media didn’t exist then.
“I would probably have to [trash talk] go with Flex Wheeler. Because just knowing him so well, I know what buttons to push and what buttons to not push, and just like we would go into the posing room together, myself, him – Rico McClinton, and Flex, I mean we’d be in there till we’re falling asleep in between. But we knew if you said one thing negative to Flex, he would at that time defriend you or do a personal block on you back in the day, he wouldn’t talk to you for a few weeks,” said Cormier.
Given Hendrickson’s history on top, El Guindy believes he has the potential to upset Banks at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He said he felt a lot of tension between the two Men’s Physique competitors during an Olympia TV live show.
“We might have a shake-up. You never know, Brandon Hendrickson, don’t discount the champion. A lot of times people place second place and guys start talking about new guys, he can come back and he can regain that title. Him and Erin Banks, they dislike each other to the max. There wouldn’t be anything more perfect for Brandon Hendrickson to be the last man standing and to take that trophy from the heart of Erin Banks,” said Terrick El Guindy.
“I did a live with them and there’s a lot of tension between those two guys.”
Even though Jeremy Buendia has proven himself as an elite champion, Cormier said he’s facing a very ‘steep hill’ because his peers, Hendrickson, and Banks, have been competing consistently as of late.
“He’s put on a lot of muscle. I just hope it’s going to turn out right because these guys have actually been competing and he’s actually not been competing,” said Cormier. “I didn’t say he couldn’t make an impact. I’m saying it’s a steep hill to climb when things guys have been competing. I said he’s going to have a steep hill to climb when these guys have been competing competing competing,” shared Cormier.
In the past, Erin Banks and Buendia have gone at it in a heated Olympia TV interview. Banks argued that the category had moved on and evolved since Jeremy’s time in the sport. However, Buendia took issue with Banks lacking respect for champions who paved the path he now walks on.
The IFBB Pro League announced a new height/weight cap restriction for the Men’s Physique division. Following the 2023 Olympia event, the new regulations will go into effect. In an appearance on an NPC News Online YouTube video, IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion laid out why the changes are being implemented. Most importantly, it’s to keep competitors from retaining too much size.
While some in the community such as Dave Palumbo believe the changes would discourage Men’s Physique talent from training legs, Bob Cicherillo disagrees. In a recent Voice of Bodybuilding Podcast, the event announcer explained that ignoring leg training would result in an imbalanced physique despite legs not being a part of the judging criteria.
The rapid growth of the Men’s Physique division has made it one of the most talked about events on the Mr. Olympia schedule. With Erin Banks at the center of at least three rivalries, fans are looking forward to seeing how he fares in what could be his first title defense.
RELATED: 4x Physique Champion Jeremy Buendia Gives Tips For Rear Delts
You can watch the full video below from the Olympia TV YouTube channel:
Published: 15 June, 2023 | 11:43 AM EDT
Jay Cutler Smashes High-Volume Leg Pump Workout for Mass Gain
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler is back with another brutal workout demonstration. In a recent JayCutlerTV YouTube video, Cutler showcased a blood-pumping legs training session where he focused on building mass.
A pioneer and mainstay of the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division, Cutler dominated his class with a combination of muscularity, detail, conditioning, and sheer willpower. Having dethroned ‘The King’ Ronnie Coleman in 2006, Cutler proved himself on the sport’s brightest stage. He remains the only man in the history of the Open class to ever win back an Olympia title that was lost, which he accomplished in 2009 after he was dethroned by Dexter Jackson the year prior.
In addition to his four Mr. Olympia titles (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010), the Massachusetts native won the Arnold Classic three times (2002, 2003, 2004). Following his epic rivalry with Coleman, Cutler remains an esteemed member of the bodybuilding community today.
Late last year, Jay Cutler announced that he was transforming his physique for a ‘fit for 50’ challenge. While fans thought he was teasing a comeback, Cutler later made it clear he had no intention of stepping foot on a competitive bodybuilding stage.
Documenting his latest physique goal, Cutler has offered fans an inside look into his preparations. He’s targeting 6-8% body fat during this transformation but also plans to add mass and lean out without the use of bulking diets. In his latest offering, the former Mr. Olympia detailed a brutal leg-day training session.
Jay Cutler Ponders Post-Training Thoughts, Fit for 50 Challenge, and Having ‘No Real Goal’
Check out Cutler’s leg workout below:
Leg Curl Machine – 2 warmup sets, three working sets, pyramiding the weight up peak set 180 pounds
Standing Leg Curl Machine (alternating) – 1 working set
Stiff leg Deadlift w/dumbbell – 3 sets 10-12 reps pyramiding the weight up
Walking Lunge w/Barbell – 8-10 reps per leg
Leg Extension Machine – 2 sets reps until he gets a pump
Inverted Leg press – 3 sets 10-12 reps
Unilateral Leg press Machine – 2 sets 10-12 reps
Roger Squat machine – 2 sets 9-12 reps
Cutler highlighted that the session mainly focused on quad and hamstring development.
“It will be quads and hamstrings today, we’re going to start with hamstrings, but I want to thank everyone for following along on YouTube. It’s been really firing off lately. We got a lot of great things coming in the works. Obviously, I’m doing this crazy transformation right now and it’s working really well.
I’m about eight weeks out on Saturday, so today is Thursday. So I’ll be close now but I was saying yesterday, it’s not going to end there. I’m never going to be satisfied. This is kind of just like a goal as far as getting my body primed and ready to go. I don’t know how long this final outcome is going to be but if we get passed my birthday which is eight weeks away and the challenge still moves forward and I think it’s going to drag a lot of people into it, I know it’s giving people a lot of motivation. That’s all you can ask for. There’s no real goal. I’m not getting back on stage,” said Jay Cutler.
After completing the workout routine, Cutler said he judges many of his sessions based on the pump he receives.
“We’re rolling into the next decade of my life man. I just wanted to do something really cool. I know a lot of you guys have been riding with me for a long time so I want to thank you for that.”
“We just finished legs, it was an awesome workout. Every day is progression. The pumps are getting better and that’s kind of the key. I always talk about how I judge all the workouts by the pump. As we get closer now, like I said, eight weeks this weekend, and we’re right in it now,” Cutler shared.
Cutler has kept a furious training pace since announcing his transformation. Fortunately for fans, many of his workouts have been published online. The last time the four-time Mr. Olympia tackled a session, he showed off an effective arm-building hypertrophy workout. In a separate undertaking, he revealed a few tips for building abs with summer on its way.
Jay Cutler continues to inspire fans with his dedication to fitness in retirement. His latest leg workout is a tough but effective way to build lower-body strength and muscle.
You can watch the full video below from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel:
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Published: 15 June, 2023 | 9:13 AM EDT
Flex Lewis Shares Top 3 Movements to Build Olympia-Worthy Chest: “Control Is Key”
Welsh bodybuilding legend Flex Lewis presented arguably one of the best physiques of all time in the Men’s 212 category during his best days of competition. While he no longer competes, he’s revered for educating fans on a range of topics related to bodybuilding. In a recent Instagram post, Lewis shared his top three movements for building an Olympia-worthy chest.
Flex Lewis’ passion for bodybuilding was discovered early in his teenage years after taking inspiration from icons Tom Platz and seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger. He made a name for himself on the UK regional circuit before joining the IFBB Pro League.
While he was well respected for his overall look, he was renowned for his insane arm development. After placing runner-up in the Men’s 212 event at the 2011 Mr. Olympia, Lewis secured the coveted title before the division limit was raised to 212 pounds the next year.
Lewis enjoyed a dominant run at the top as he managed to ward off budding talent and became a seven-time 212 Olympia champion. What’s more impressive is the fact he went essentially undefeated from 2012 to 2018, winning every show he participated in. Although he flirted with the idea of switching to the Open, he decided against it and hung up his posing trunks following a final win at the 2018 Mr. Olympia.
Flex Lewis / Instagram
In July 2022, Lewis reported positive findings after receiving the results of his blood work. He gave fans a look into his downsized physique at a lean 210 pounds post-retirement and revealed he’d start TRT (testosterone replacement therapy). Then, he delivered another impressive physique update after getting on TRT.
As far as training goes, Lewis showed off his gigantic biceps and triceps in an intense arms workout session last November. He followed up with a collaborative quads training session with rising Men’s Open sensation Andrew Jacked weeks later. The pair got together for a heavy back workout in prep for the 2022 Mr. Olympia as well.
Flex Lewis left the fans in awe of his jacked physique with an update where he tipped the scales at 200 pounds earlier this year. He laid out an updated diet and training program he’s using to pack on muscle after dropping 60 pounds.
There has been speculation about whether Lewis would ever return to competition given his high fitness levels. He left the door open for a potential comeback but mentioned a caveat: that he’s rewarded with seven-figure prize money.
Flex Lewis shares the top 3 movements to build an Olympia-worthy chest
In a recent Instagram post, Flex Lewis shared his top three movements to build a muscular chest fit for an Olympia champion.
Lewis discussed the reloaded vertical chest press as his first movement of choice.
“Exercise number one is the reloaded vertical chest press,” said Lewis. “As I preach many times, foundation is key. You find the height of the seat in accordance with your biomechanics. So, what I try to do is line up my chest with the handles, get a little bit closer range. People will say you’re incorporating triceps. I’ve been doing this a long time. There’s ways of me trying to switch off that button but the wider you go the less triceps you’re going to hit. Pinching myself against the pad and my shoulder blades. I’m not squirming in the chair, plain motion. Chest up high squeeze at the top.”
His next movement is the reloaded incline fly.
“Exercise number two is the reloaded incline fly. This is pretty much as close to a dumbbell fly as a machine can be. Chest up high, I’m arching my body. There’s a little definitive distance between the lower of my back and the pad on my shoulder blades firmly on the pad, full stretch at the bottom. Contraction with the flys all the way through squeezing at the top, opening them up, controlling the weight. Ninety degrees and up again. You can open your hands up or close them out depending on your preference and what you’re trying to achieve during the workout.”
Finally, Lewis detailed using an incline chest press machine effectively.
“Exercise number three is one of the GOATs, it’s one of the old Flex piece, this is [incline chest press machine]. Chest up high, feet in a solid foundational position and we’re going to drive through squeezing at the top. As you can see I’ve got a suicide grip which is something I don’t advise but this is how I train and feel best. Contraction all the time, control is key.”
Flex Lewis opened up on his steroid use during his prime last month. He backed himself to come out on top of a hypothetical matchup with 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan and runner-up Derek Lunsford if he decided to make a comeback. Then, he teamed up with four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead for a brutal back workout weeks ago.
Lewis laid out the secrets to his training, diet, and recovery protocols earlier this month. He also revealed his plans to take on a body transformation challenge for his 40th birthday. In addition, he recently listed his top three movements for building the triceps last month.
RELATED: Shaun Clarida Plans to Break Flex Lewis 212 Olympia Record, Says Nick Walker’s ‘Streamlined’ Look Cost Him
Given his ability to remain on top for so long as a 212 competitor, when Lewis offers insight for building a muscle group, fans listen.
Published: 14 June, 2023 | 11:35 PM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Personal ‘Mecca of Weightlifting’ in Austria During Netflix Series
Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly came from humble beginnings as represented in his latest Netflix documentary, Arnold. During an episode, the bodybuilding legend looked back on a gym he called the ‘mecca of weightlifting’ while building his physique in Austria.
In the 1970s, Schwarzenegger proved he was ahead of his time with a massive chest, huge arms, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist. While competing actively, he shared the stage with several icons such as three-time Mr. Olympias Sergio Oliva and Frank Zane. Before his time was up in bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger had already amassed seven Mr. Olympia titles.
In addition to his bodybuilding journey, Schwarzenegger established himself as a famous actor. With lead roles in The Terminator franchise, it didn’t take long for the Austrian native’s popularity to skyrocket. Even though he also governed the state of California, the 75-year-old’s focus as of late has remained on acting and staying fit.
Schwarzenegger routinely offers training advice and wellness tips in his Daily Pump Newsletter. Late last month, he opened up about how grip strength is one of the best indicators of long-lasting health. He offered a number of tests and a circuit longevity-inspired training routine.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Discusses Austria Gym He Used Before Moving to North America
Schwarzenegger acknowledged that Gold’s Gym was one of his favorites, but he named the Athletik Union Graz in Austria as his first mecca of weightlifting.
“This weightlifting club became for me, the mecca. I became addicted to it and so I went there everyday.”
“When I walked into this gym [In Austria], there was this wall made of wood, I took a piece of chalk, and I would write down, biceps, triceps, brust, rucken, so I would do a set of biceps curls. And I will write down next to this one line, then another line, then another line, then another line, next one, flyes on the bench, and I know when I did my 20 sets of a specific exercise. After three hours of training, this whole thing would be full of sets that I’ve done to get to that goal that I want to go,” Arnold Schwarzenegger shared.
Schwarzenegger has been honest about his physique since his days of competing in a pair of posing trunks. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Schwarzenegger said he hopes to live forever and has found it difficult to accept his body in retirement given his former status as the world’s best-built man.
As for PEDs, it’s not common to hear Schwarzenegger discuss the subject, however, he gave fans an idea of what his Mr. Olympia-winning cycle was a few weeks ago. According to Arnie, he used a combination of testosterone and Dianabol en route to securing his name in the bodybuilding history books.
RELATED: Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares 4 Ways to Strengthen Your Routine
Despite his busy schedule, Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t appear to be slowing down considering his latest offerings to Netflix. Schwarzenegger has honed his physique in various gyms around the world. Yet none of them can compare to the humble home gym in Austria, where his passion for fitness was ignited and nurtured.
Published: 14 June, 2023 | 1:22 PM EDT