Tag: Bodybuilding
Bob Cicherillo Clears Air on Men’s Physique Rules, Says Leg Training is Still Needed for Proportions
Bob Cicherillo is the latest to give his opinion on the new height/weight restrictions announced by the IFBB Pro League for the Men’s Physique division. In a recent Voice of Bodybuilding Podcast, Cicherillo said the new statutes will not result in Men’s Physique competitors ignoring leg training because their physiques would appear imbalanced.
Whether it’s judging a contest or providing guidelines on examining a physique, Cicherillo understands the sport on a deep level. He has served as an announcer at several contests for well over a decade. He is also the commentator for the prestigious Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia competitions.
Earlier this week, new rules for the Men’s Physique category were revealed by IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion. The regulations are expected to go into effect at the first show following the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition scheduled for Nov. 2-5 in Orlando, Florida. Due to concerns about muscularity and size, the organization has decided to implement a height and weight cap restriction, however, exact details have yet to be made available.
Given the significance of this recent change, the bodybuilding community is unsure how it will affect the growing division. According to Cicherilo, Dave Palumbo of RxMuscle believes these new measures would discourage Men’s Physique athletes from training legs in order to make the weight cap. Unlike Palumbo, Cicherillo favors the rule change and explains why below.
“I Think This Is a Great Move,” Says Bob Cicherillo on The New Size Restrictions Put on Men’s Physique Division
Cicherillo said bodies in the Men’s Physique category are ‘getting a little bit out of hand.’ He argued they are beginning to resemble the size of Classic Physique competitors.
“The rules change is that there will now be a weight restriction added to the heights. Most people are wondering what that meant. Well, up until this point it’s just been height. Classic has been weight and height. There’s a ratio we use since its inception so for a few years right now. So, the time has come to bring it back because the physiques are getting a little bit out of hand. They’re starting to look a little to close to the Classic Physique guys. We need to keep a separation of church and state when it comes to different physiques in different divisions.”
“I think this is a great move because you got to have some parameters for keeping physiques, where you want them per the division. If they start to look like bodybuilders in board shorts, this is not what we’re looking for. It has to have a certain level that really you can’t get by that’s when the height and the weight restriction comes in. Now, I did see a few other things going on this past week.”
Bob believes the new restrictions have merit. And while it’s true that legs aren’t directly judged in Men’s Physique contests, Cicherillo explained that they are part of an overall package.
“Dave Palumbo on his podcast, gave his two cents, he thought it was a terrible idea. Didn’t particularly care for it, thought it was going to be a mistake. He felt as though, I thought this was a little weird myself, that this would impact the physiques. That the guys just wouldn’t train legs anymore. Go figure the logic on that one. But he explained that they don’t actually judge the legs. It makes no sense whatsoever, but I’m actually going to get to the point on this one and tell you why it’s a very good idea.”
Cicherillo said size restrictions worked great in Classic Physique, which has come to rival the popularity of the Men’s Open. In addition, Cicherillo highlighted that fans online have discussed potential limits on other classes such as Women’s Physique and Women’s Bodybuilding.
“Number one: again, you need a cap on the type of physique that we’re looking for. That said, a height, weight restriction, okay, a ratio, just like in Classic will keep people under a certain look. Just by virtue that they can’t be too big or they’ll be over the weight limit. This worked very successfully in Classic Physique. Arguably our most successful division up until this point, even a rival for the Men’s Open in some shows.”
“That said, I also offer a little bit more than I think we need to take a look at in the pro league in particular, and the pro league will need to take a look at in the next few years or so. While this is a great start, I also think that we’ve had to now take it back a notch on many divisions, not just Men’s Physique, Men’s Physique has gotten a little bit too muscular, Women’s Physique a lot of chatter out there that that’s becoming Women’s Bodybuilding. Women’s Bodybuilding completely out of control and even Men’s Bodybuilding for that matter, a lot of people complaining and wishing it goes back to the 90s.”
Simply put, Bob Cicherillo doesn’t believe Men’s Physique athletes will stop training legs because their physiques will appear imbalanced on stage. He said he’s seen Men’s Physique athletes lose shows because their legs are disproportionate to their upper bodies.
“This is not going to result in people not training legs. Actually, he did say something else I wanted to address, that the legs aren’t being judged. While that may be inherently true, yes they do have board shorts on if you notice, the board shorts have changed significantly from 10 years ago when we had this division added in. They’re not wearing the big giant board shorts anymore as it would be. The shorts are much slimmer, smaller, and hug the legs a little more.”
“I’ve seen Men’s Physique guys lose shows because their legs are too small. How do you ask? Because you can blatantly see it on stage, if you got little pencils sticking out there for calves, your upper body looks huge, you’re not in proportion. You’re not going to get a score for that but you are being judged on the entire physique and the presentation of your physique.”
“I disagree that anybody is going to stop training legs to make the weight,” added Bob Cicherillo.
Cicherillo has also given his opinion on other bodybuilding divisions. In May, some in the sport called for an end to Men’s 212 Bodybuilding. Given the success Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan enjoyed at the last Mr. Olympia, some believe there’s some truth to that argument. However, Cicherillo said ‘only an idiot’ would get rid of the 212 division.
Bob Cicherillo believes the new height/weight restrictions for Men’s Physique will help keep the division true to its roots, while also ensuring that competitors do not neglect their leg training. Only time will tell how the new rules will be received by the bodybuilding community, but Cicherillo is confident they are a step in the right direction.
RELATED: Men’s Physique Competitor Ryan Terry Shares Muscle-Building 1874-Calorie Protein Shake
You can watch the full video below from the Voice of Bodybuilding YouTube channel:
Published: 14 June, 2023 | 11:38 AM EDT
Can Collagen Truly Boost Weight Loss? Unveiling the Truth
Collagen is a form of protein that most people associate with skin and joint health. However, it has become popular as a weight loss supplement over the past few years. Yet, collagen’s ability to help you shed pounds is far from settled science. In this article, we delve into the research to help you decide whether supplementing with collagen will help you achieve your fat loss goals.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in your body. It helps support the structure of your skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. It is also needed for bone health, promoting both density and strength. As we age, our body’s ability to produce collagen decreases. This results in many common signs of aging, such as wrinkles, lack of skin elasticity, and joint stiffness.
Other benefits of collagen include promoting the structure and function of muscle tissue. It promotes muscle strength and helps improve post-workout recovery. Specific amino acids that makeup collagen help promote gut health and improve digestion.
Collagen also helps improve cardiovascular health. It strengthens blood vessels, helps reduce blood pressure, and may lower the risk of heart disease.
Collagen comprises 19 amino acids, structured in a triple helix construction. Three amino acids make up nearly 60% of collagen:
Glycine
Proline
Hydroxyproline
Learn more about collagen and its ability to help you build lean muscle mass.
Collagen Supplement Forms
There are four forms of collagen that you will find in collagen supplements:
Type I Collagen
The majority of the collagen in your body is Type 1. It is present in the skin, tendons, and connective tissue. This form of collagen is best for skin, nail, and hair health.
Type II Collagen
Most of the collagen in your cartilage is Type II. It is the best form of the supplement to promote joint health and help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Type III Collagen
Type III collagen works with Type I to promote skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles, though it is far less abundant. This type of collagen supplements have the same skin-enhancing benefits as Type I.
Multi-Collagen Blend
Multi-blend supplements include a combination of all three forms of collagen. This multi-faceted approach benefits your skin, hair, nails, joints, and connective tissue and promotes blood vessel and organ health.
Types of Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements are sold in several formats, each offering unique benefits:
Collagen Hydrolysate
You may be familiar with whey hydrolysate, which breaks down protein molecules for faster absorption into the body. Collagen hydrolysate does the same thing. Before you put it into your body, it has been predigested into collagen peptides, saving the body from carrying out this step. This allows the collagen to get into your cells faster. The trade-off is that there is a smaller thermic effect because the body has to do less work to digest the collagen.
Liquid Collagen
Liquid collagen is actually a powdered form of the protein suspended in a liquid. It may be flavored or combined with another supplement. This is the most expensive form of collagen supplement.
Powdered Collagen
A powdered collagen supplement comes in a container with a scoop and must be mixed with water or some other liquid. It can be harder to get a standard dosage and may turn into a clumpy, gritty drink if the powder doesn’t mix properly.
Capsule Collagen
It is a powdered form of the supplement put into a capsule. This ensures you get a standard dose. Make sure that the material used in the capsule is healthy. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you will want to avoid gelatin capsules which are made from bovine or porcine sources.
Does Collagen Assist with Weight Loss?
There is some research indicating that collagen may assist in weight loss. However, the effect is not significant, so it would be a mistake to classify collagen as a major weight loss stimulator. The other benefits of taking collagen far outweigh its weight loss potential.
Let’s delve into the research to discover how collagen may help promote weight loss.
A couple of studies focused on the use of specific collagen derived from a flat fish known as the ‘skate fish.’ In a 2019 study by Tak, et al., researchers gave 81 overweight adults either 2,000 mg of skatefish collagen in supplementary form or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the collagen group experienced a greater rate of fat loss than the placebo group (2.7% vs 1.2%). [1]
A 2018 rodent study also looked at the ability of skatefish collagen to reduce body fat. The mice were initially overfed to increase their stored body fat. Again, collagen supplementation was able to reduce body fat levels. [2]
Another rodent study looked at the ability of collagen supplementation to reduce menopause-related weight gain. In this case, a form of collagen called collagen hydrolysate was seen to improve fat loss in estrogen-deficient rats. It also appeared to slow down any extra weight gain after increased caloric intake. [3]
Notably, the first two studies involved a specific form of collagen (derived from skater fish) and a specific condition (low estrogen brought on by menopause). However, some researchers have concluded that collagen may be able to slow down fat build-up and promote lipid metabolism.
We’ve already noticed that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. The role of protein in weight loss is widely recognized for its satiating effect and potential to curb food cravings. So, the fact that collagen is a protein means it will help with weight loss, regardless of whether collagen has any specific fat loss-promoting ability.
Protein builds muscle. After a resistance workout, tiny microtears in the muscle fiber cause breakdown. When you put protein into your system, you start a process called protein synthesis by which the amino acids are used to repair and rebuild the muscle tissue. That is why protein is so popular among the bodybuilding community.
There are three main ways through which protein promotes weight loss:
Thermic Effect
Protein has the highest thermic effect of any of the macronutrients. The thermic effect refers to the amount of energy needed by the body to digest a certain type of food. Researchers have worked this out as a percentage of the total caloric value of the food. Fats and carbs require about 10 percent of their total calories for digestion. When it comes to proteins, however, that percentage skyrockets to around 30 percent. In other words, around a third of the calories in your protein food get used up in digesting and absorbing that food. [4]
Hunger Busting Effect
The second feature of protein that makes it beneficial for weight loss is its high satiety effect. It is by far the most filling of the three macronutrients. So, having a decent portion of protein with each meal will go a long way toward helping to avoid snacking between meals. Snacking not only adds extra unwanted calories; it also spikes insulin levels. This is even more pronounced if a person’s snack of choice consists of sugar-laden carbs.
While we’re on the subject of insulin, protein and fat cause a much lower insulin release than carbohydrates. So, basing your meals around fats and proteins will help to keep this fat-hoarding hormone in check. [5]
To benefit from the hunger-busting effects of protein, you should add a quality source of lean protein to every meal. Eggs are a great breakfast option. A single egg contains six grams of protein. Taking 2-3 as part of your breakfast will keep you full and satisfied until lunchtime. A couple of sandwiches with tuna, cold meat, or salmon make a great lunch option. For dinner, include a portion of lean protein (chicken, red meat, fish) about the size of the back of your hand.
Muscle Building Effect
Every ounce of muscle that you add to your body will make you a more efficient fat burner. That is because muscle takes much more energy to maintain itself than fat. As a result, even a small gain in muscle mass will speed up your metabolism. That means you will burn more calories all day and night.
To add some muscle to your frame, you should begin a resistance exercise program and get a plentiful supply of protein into your body.
Collagen is Not an Ideal Protein Source
The above-mentioned ability to help reduce body fat is not specific to collagen. It is true of all proteins. However, it should be noted that collagen is not an ideal form of protein when it comes to its muscle-building and weight-loss potential. That’s because collagen is not a complete protein. It is missing the essential amino acid — tryptophan. It is also very high in three amino acids (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) while comparatively low in others.
In a 2019 study, researchers compared the ability of collagen and whey protein to promote satiety in overweight women. Over eight weeks, the collagen group experienced greater weight gain than the whey group. The study authors suggested that collagen’s limited ability to promote satiety was due to the lack of tryptophan and low level of the three branch chain amino acids. [6]
Collagen Reduces Joint Pain
Collagen’s ability to reduce joint pain may indirectly contribute to weight loss. That’s because joint pain can inhibit a person’s ability to exercise regularly, which might negatively impact a person’s ability to perform calorie-burning workouts consistently.
A 2021 meta-study analyzed 15 clinical trials focused on collagen’s ability to reduce joint pain and facilitate exercise. The results showed that collagen supplementation improved joint functionality and reduced joint pain. [7]
FAQs
Can collagen help suppress the appetite?
While there is no evidence that collagen reduces appetite, all proteins can do so to a certain extent. That is because protein has a higher thermic effect than carbs or fats, requiring more energy to digest. Proteins also tend to fill us up more than other macronutrients, helping to ward off hunger pangs.
Can collagen help get rid of cellulite?
There is no evidence to suggest that collagen can reduce cellulite. However, it can help improve skin elasticity and firmness and reduce wrinkles.
Are collagen supplements safe?
Yes, collagen supplements are considered to be safe when they are taken according to recommended dosages. As with all supplements, however, some people may experience minor side effects, including stomach discomfort, gas, diarrhea, or nausea while using a collagen supp.
What is the best way to lose weight?
The best way to lose weight is to combine a low-calorie diet with regular calorie-burning exercise. Aim to consume 250-500 calories less than your body burns each day to establish a daily calorie deficit. By burning off another 250-500 calories through exercise, you will force your body to make up the energy difference by converting stored body fat into energy.
Bottom Line: Should You Take Collagen for Weight Loss?
What can we conclude after examining the research supporting collagen’s ability to promote weight loss? There is very little evidence that collagen can directly promote fat loss, even though specific collagen sources have had some effect. Collagen may affect weight loss simply because it is a form of protein. Even then, though, it is not an ideal protein source to promote satiety, thermogenesis, and muscle building. As a result, I do not encourage taking a collagen supplement as part of your weight loss strategy,
Taking a collagen supplement to improve your skin health, promote healthy hair and nails, and strengthen your joints, ligaments, and bones makes sense. You may experience a slight improvement in weight loss as a side effect of those benefits.
References
Tak YJ, Kim YJ, Lee JG, Yi YH, Cho YH, Kang GH, Lee SY. Effect of Oral Ingestion of Low-Molecular Collagen Peptides Derived from Skate (Raja Kenojei) Skin on Body Fat in Overweight Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Mar Drugs. 2019 Mar 7;17(3):157. doi: 10.3390/md17030157. PMID: 30866485; PMCID: PMC6471368.
Woo M, Song YO, Kang KH, Noh JS. Anti-Obesity Effects of Collagen Peptide Derived from Skate (Raja kenojei) Skin Through Regulation of Lipid Metabolism. Mar Drugs. 2018 Aug 30;16(9):306. doi: 10.3390/md16090306. PMID: 30200239; PMCID: PMC6164805.
Chiang TI, Chang IC, Lee HH, Hsieh KH, Chiu YW, Lai TJ, Liu JY, Hsu LS, Kao SH. Amelioration of estrogen deficiency-induced obesity by collagen hydrolysate. Int J Med Sci. 2016 Oct 19;13(11):853-857. doi: 10.7150/ijms.16706. PMID: 27877077; PMCID: PMC5118756.
Calcagno M, Kahleova H, Alwarith J, Burgess NN, Flores RA, Busta ML, Barnard ND. The Thermic Effect of Food: A Review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2019 Aug;38(6):547-551. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2018.1552544. Epub 2019 Apr 25. PMID: 31021710.
Paddon-Jones D, Westman E, Mattes RD, Wolfe RR, Astrup A, Westerterp-Plantenga M. Protein, weight management, and satiety. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 May;87(5):1558S-1561S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/87.5.1558S. PMID: 18469287.
Giglio BM, Schincaglia RM, da Silva AS, Fazani ICS, Monteiro PA, Mota JF, Cunha JP, Pichard C, Pimentel GD. Whey Protein Supplementation Compared to Collagen Increases Blood Nesfatin Concentrations and Decreases Android Fat in Overweight Women: A Randomized Double-Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019 Sep 2;11(9):2051. doi: 10.3390/nu11092051. PMID: 31480676; PMCID: PMC6770102.
Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, Harper LD, Corr L. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. 2021 Oct;53(10):1493-1506. doi: 10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x. Epub 2021 Sep 7. PMID: 34491424; PMCID: PMC8521576.
Jeff Nippard Decodes Methods That ‘Boost’ Metabolism
Fitness expert Jeff Nippard‘s unbiased analysis about health and fitness practices is the only reason for his ever growing follower base and rightfully so. Recently, he took to his YouTube channel and spoke at length about his findings on popular methods of boosting metabolism.
Nippard is a Canadian natural bodybuilder, powerlifter and fitness expert. He is a well respected figure in the YouTube fitness community. The Canadian often delves deep into the scientific data pertaining to bodybuilding, health and fitness to enrich the knowledge of his followers.
Nippard was the 2012 Mr. Junior Canada title holder and also held the Canadian national record for bench press. Over the years, he has trained several natural bodybuilders and powerlifters in achieving their professional goals.
Nippard has addressed several critical issues like common dieting mistakes, most suitable training methods for busy individuals that cannot spend hours and hours in the gym through his content. He continues to impart knowledge and enrich his 3.79 million YouTube subscribers through insightful content.
Maintaining a healthy metabolic rate is a prerequisite to burn fat and stay in shape. While it is not a complicated job to boost metabolism by any stretch of imagination, the internet and fitness world is full of contradictory information. Exaggerated claims of certain dietary practices, training methods and lifestyle changes bombard us from all directions.
It is difficult but equally important to separate wheat from the chaff and find the stuff that is devoid of any personal motives or marketing ploy. Nippard recently shared his findings related to some of the most common ways of increasing the metabolic rate. So let’s check out what he concluded from studying all the scientific data.
Is Hydration the key to metabolic boost?
Drinking more water has always been linked with metabolic boost. But does it really have the same effect that is often claimed? Consuming one glass of water burns eight calories.
“Cold water gives a bigger boost than room temperature water because your body has to burn calories to heat the cold water up to body temperature.”
However, Nippard is sceptical about the prospects of substantial fat loss due to water loading. The reason? Burning those extra calories with drinking more water can be possibly compensated for.
“For example, you could drink more water but then subconsciously move around a little less so that the net (metabolic) boost cancels out, at least partially.”
“I’m also not a fan of forced drinking water. If you overdo it with ultra high water intakes within a short time frame, you can develop water intoxication or hyponatremia which can be dangerous.”
Generally speaking, Nippard advises drinking eight to twelve glasses or about two to three litres per day is plenty. More importantly, most people can use their internal thirst signals to guide their intake of water.
Some of the most hyped methods that do not yield expected returns in terms of metabolic boost
There is no miraculous solution to good health no matter what the bandwagon riders tell you. Things like, for example, green tea, have been the posterchild of metabolism boosters. Most of us have either heard someone speak about the potential benefits of drinking green tea for this purpose or have tried it ourselves. However, most studies don’t show any correlation between green tea and increased metabolism. There is no denying that you can get a small metabolic boost from consuming green tea. But it certainly does not yield any miraculous benefits that thousands of articles on the internet claim.
Sitting in Sauna and cold baths can have some benefits in terms of metabolic boost. For instance, sitting in a sauna for ten minutes can burn up to 19 calories. This is, but just a slight increase from sitting on the couch that burns approximately 14 calories in that time frame.
Similarly, cold baths do improve oxygen consumption of the body. But that does not translate into a significant metabolic boost by any stretch of imagination. Immersing yourself neck deep in cold water burns 28 calories in 10 minutes and does not promise any drastic change.
Dietary practices like eating spicy food and reverse dieting help but how much exactly?
A compound called capsaicin found in chillies has a thermogenic effect. It makes them most promising from the metabolic standpoint compared to other spices like ginger and garlic. While studies show that foods containing capsaicin can cause a metabolic boost of about 20 calories, it is nowhere near the levels people desire.
However, spicy foods are still effective in boosting metabolism. Nippard explained the reasons for this and said:
“I think the main reason spicy food can be helpful for weight loss is not because it can give a 20-calorie metabolic boost but rather that it can increase satiety and fullness. I find I eat more slowly and drink more water when I have a spicy meal and if that helps you eat less total calories for the day that could be helping drive fat loss.”
Other methods like reverse dieting and meal frequency claim to have great benefits in terms of boosting metabolism. However, Jeff Nippard admitted to not having studied reverse dieting extensively to make a foolproof claim about its efficacy. On the other hand, meal frequency has proven to make no change in the rate of metabolism in several studies.
Is there a potent method to boost metabolism?
Yes. Building muscle mass through a strength training program is probably one of the best ways to burn calories throughout the day. As you start gaining more muscle and shed fat along the way, the rate of metabolism also starts heading in the right direction. Scientific reason for this? Nippard explained:
“At rest, one pound of fat burns about two calories per day while one pound of muscle burns about six calories per day.”
The cumulative effect of these numbers could change the entire ball game when applied to an adult male’s physique. For instance, when the calculation is applied to a person with Jeff Nippard’s body composition, the body fat would burn 24 calories while the muscle mass would burn a whopping 480 calories.
Effect of cardio on metabolism
If strength training and muscle building is so effective, how would cardio fare in this test? Afterall, calorie expenditure and metabolic boost are two of the most impressive benefits of cardio exercises, aren’t they?
Well, it turns out that’s not quite the case. Cardio is certainly a great way to improve circulation and build cardiovascular strength. It also burns a hell lot of calories but tends to offset the metabolism by compensating through other means.
“When you burn more calories through cardio, your body subconsciously burns less calories through NEAT – non-exercise activity thermogenesis. This is the component of metabolism that includes activities other than exercise. So stuff like fidgeting and bobbing your head to music,” Nippard added.
He further explained that the body senses the cardio activity and subconsciously. It then reduces NEAT so the total energy expenditure is relatively lesser on that particular day. While there is a significant amount of difference in the way this phenomenon works on each individual, Nippard explained:
“On average for every 100 calories you burn by doing cardio, you’ll only actually increase your daily energy expenditure by 72 calories.”
However, cardio is still an effective way to boost metabolism. Even if it is not as effective as strength training and muscle building, it could be the second best.
Using weighted vest
Wearing a weighted vest has also shown to help in this regard. It has a pretty cool science behind it. The way Jeff Nippard explained it:
“The general idea is if I weigh 160 lbs right now and I start wearing a 20 lbs weighted vest, my body starts to think that I weigh 180 lbs and burns calories like a 180 lbs person would. Recent evidence has suggested the existence of a system of sensors in the body called the gravitastat which senses changes in loading on the bones. If these sensors get the idea that you are now a heavier person, it will increase your caloric expenditure and decrease hunger levels.”
Weighted vests probably work effectively but it is a relatively new phenomenon. As a result, there has to be more research to prove conclusively that they do, in fact, work.
Jeff Nippard has simplified an important aspect of fitness through the findings in this video. So now that you know what works for sure to increase metabolism, it should he easy to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle.
You can watch the full video here, courtesy of Jeff Nippard’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 13 June, 2023 | 11:33 PM EDT
Bodybuilder Matthew Greggo Inspires with Epic 10-Year Body Transformation
American bodybuilder Matthew Greggo has been on the rise in the IFBB Pro League over the last few years. Much like most other competitors, Greggo has come a long way in his bodybuilding journey. In a recent post made on Instagram, Greggo inspired fans with an epic 10-year body transformation picture highlighting the difference in his physique over time.
Matthew Greggo is one of the fastest-growing athletes in the sport. Having found his passion for lifting weights in his teenage years, he embarked on a mission to become a bodybuilder. He dominated the competition in his debut to win the top prize at the 2016 NPC Lehigh Valley Championships under the NPC league. He continued to gain experience with several contest participations and worked his way up the ranks. After narrowly missing out on gold at the 2020 NPC Universe & National Fitness Championships, Greggo managed to earn a pro card in the IFBB Pro League eventually.
Greggo gained attention for his impressive upper body muscle mass, definition, and overall symmetry in the Men’s Physique division. He turned in a strong showing at the 2021 IFBB Optimum Classic Pro, where he took bronze behind runner-up Rodrigue Chesnier and winner Arya Saffaie. Then, he made his way to the 2021 DC Pro and closed his rookie season with a promising performance at the 2021 Europa Orlando.
Greggo turned heads with his insane package at the 2022 Atlanta Pro last year. He showcased his potential with a sixth-place finish in a stacked lineup. He followed up with another solid appearance at the 2022 Chicago Pro before concluding his run at the 2022 Tampa Pro, where he battled it out with Mr. Olympia contender Andre Ferguson.
Matthew was last seen in action at the 2023 New York Pro last month. He chose to switch gears and made a splash in the Classic Physique division instead of his traditionally favored Men’s Physique class. He rounded out the top six in his maiden Classic Physique outing.
Matthew Greggo inspires with epic 10-year body transformation
In a recent Instagram post, Matthew Greggo inspired fans with an epic 10-year body transformation snap showcasing the difference in his physique from when he started to now that he’s an elite IFBB pro competitor.
“10 YEARS OF WORK,” wrote Greggo.
It’s hard to imagine how different competitors looked before they picked up bodybuilding. While many focus on the end result, it’s inspiring to get insight into the dedication, discipline, patience, and work ethic it takes to become a top athlete in the game.
In June 2020, Men’s Open standout William Bonac showed off his impressive body transformation nine years after starting his bodybuilding career. It was stunning to see the amount of size Bonac had packed on and how different he looked while competing as an amateur bodybuilder.
Former Arnold Classic champ Nick Walker gave fans a look into his bodybuilding progress with a crazy transformation earlier this year. For someone who’s considered a freak in a division full of some of the freakiest mass monsters in the world, it was shocking to see where he started and to comprehend how far he’d come in the sport.
Former 212 Olympia champ Derek Lunsford motivated fitness enthusiasts with his incredible body transformation last month. Lunsford, the 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up, juxtaposed his contemporary look to his early days of competition to highlight the amount of muscle mass he’s packed on as of late.
RELATED: IFBB VP Tyler Manion Reveals New Height and Weight Restriction Rules for Men’s Physique Division
If his track record is any indication, Matthew Greggo will continue to improve at a rapid pace and may soon find himself competing with the very best of the sport, whether it be in Men’s Physique or Classic Physique.
Published: 13 June, 2023 | 4:59 PM EDT
Jay Cutler Offers Tips for Sculpting Abs: ‘Remember You’re Trying to Condition Them, Not Build Muscle’
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has managed to stay in astounding shape as he closes in on 50 years of age. In a recent offering to Instagram, Cutler shared his take on ab training and named crunches, hanging raises, and ropes as his favorite movements.
Jay Cutler was an imposing force during his bodybuilding career. His defined arms, chest, and detailed quads made him very difficult to stand against. He was also consistent and gritty, which helped him win a total of four Mr. Olympia titles. Having dethroned Coleman in 2006, Cutler continued to showcase his massive body on stage with great success. He pushed and defeated a slew of big names in the sport such as Kai Greene, Dennis Wolf, and Branch Warren.
Cutler’s rivalry with eight-time winner Ronnie Coleman was perhaps the most exciting in bodybuilding history. The two men were constantly pushing each other to new competitive heights. Cutler admitted that some of his workouts were inspired by Coleman’s high-volume training style. In addition, Cutler revealed that he was forced to eat 140 egg whites daily to retain enough size to compete with Coleman.
After retiring from bodybuilding, Cutler has kept a close eye on his fitness. He is approaching 50 years old but has maintained a fair balance of muscularity and conditioning. Before his next birthday, Cutler decided to transform his physique.
In the months to come, fans hope to see him guest pose in Aug. at the return of Masters Olympia following an 11-year absence. In his latest venture, he offered fans a quick lesson on ab training with summer abound.
Jay Cutler Gives Ab Training Tips, Says He Prefers Crunches, Hanging Raises, and Ropes
Cutler said he trains abs every other day and always focuses on 15-20 repetitions. He stressed that ab training is intended to condition the muscle, not ‘necessarily build’ it.
“Tips on ab training. I usually train abs every other day, especially when I’m training for a competition. Remember, the abs aren’t going to come out unless the body fat is low. But what is the ultimate rep range for your abs? I always focus on 15-20 repetitions.
Remember: you’re trying to condition the abs not necessarily build that muscle so I feel you need to do those exercises like the the crunches, like the ropes, like the hang raises, focus on 15-20 repetitions, condition the abs, get on the diet, and show the best physique. Summer is here,” Jay Cutler explained.
This isn’t the first time that Jay Cutler has offered up some useful training advice. Days ago, the bodybuilding icon shared an arm-building hypertrophy workout he used to win four Mr. Olympia titles. During the video, Cutler revealed that he was eating six meals daily. He admitted his goal was to achieve a full, round, and hard physique.
Additionally, Cutler is known for helping fans with workout techniques. Whether it’s his top three movements for building huge delts or a strategy for growing forearms and biceps, he understands how to maximize training results.
With his physique goal a primary focus, Cutler discussed ‘getting bigger’ and leaner without bulking recently. The 49-year-old said it’s a misconception that bulking diets are needed for adding quality size. However, Cutler mentioned that if leanness is the goal, then measures like fasted cardio and morning workouts would be best implemented.
As for PEDs, Cutler shared that he will only use testosterone replacement therapy for his latest transformation. When more extreme compounds like Trenbolone were discussed on his podcast, Cutler said he wasn’t interested.
RELATED: Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Talk Fantasy Battles: Jay vs Dorian Yates, Phil Heath vs. Ronnie Coleman
Jay Cutler is a living legend of the sport with a wealth of training knowledge. His ab workout tips are simple but effective, and they can help anyone achieve a shredded midsection.
Published: 13 June, 2023 | 4:44 PM EDT
Derek Lunsford Reflects on Battling Anxiety, Depression & Talks 2023 Mr. Olympia Prep
Rising Men’s Open star Derek Lunsford is itching to end his off-season for contest prep. In a recent The Truth Podcast with Hany Rambod, Lunsford discussed his game plan for 2023 Mr. Olympia, improvements, and dealing with anxiety/depression. Last year, Lunsford found himself in a unique position at the Pittsburgh Pro. After Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay was unable to fulfill a guest posing obligation, Lunsford took his place. Sharing the stage with Nick Walker, Quinton Eriya, Hunter Labrada, and Brandon Curry, Lunsford shocked the world, as he held his own against Open talent despite his status as a 212 competitor. Eventually, Lunsford would receive a special invitation to compete in the Open division at Mr. Olympia. While some in the sport thought he should have earned his invitation, Lunsford made the most of his Open class debut. He finished runner-up to Hadi Choopan, while Ramy fell to fifth place in a surprising turn of events.
Derek Lunsford decided to prioritize improvements instead of participating in the 2023 Arnold Classic won by Samson Dauda. In May, Derek got the chance to stand next to him and a star-studded lineup at Jim Manion’s Pittsburgh Pro. Given Lunsford’s condition at the Pittsburgh Pro guest posing, fans expect his best physique yet in a few months.
Derek Lunsford Joins Hany Rambod to Discuss 2023 Mr. Olympia Prep
According to Rambod, Derek’s preparations intensify 10-12 weeks before Mr. Olympia.
“Usually about 10 or 12 weeks out we try to shut it down. So, we’re far enough out, we have plenty of time. But I think what he’s alluding to is the fact that he’s been so busy, when you’re out constantly, even in the off-season, it’s hard to even get all the meals in because you’re traveling, all of the rest in because you’re traveling, to get all of the really good high-level workouts in because you’re using gyms that are probably not accustomed to,” said Rambod.
Lunsford says ‘training is good’ and mentioned that he’s made improvements since the 2022 Mr. Olympia show. He’s excited to ramp up his training efforts on the horizon.
“Things are good right now, training is good. I’ve made solid improvements since the Olympia, but I really want to get into my own routine at home, my own gym, and be able to just crank up the training over these next couple of months, for sure,” Derek Lunsford shared.
Lunsford on Dealing with Anxiety & Depression: ‘Mine Comes From Me Feeling Like I’m Not Doing Enough’
Admittedly, Lunsford said he was in a ‘dark place’ after slipping placings during his time competing at Olympia in the 212.
“It was not purposeful, like God I don’t need you. But you just think you need to take control and do it yourself. Then you realize one day, you just wake up and you’re like, ‘Man, this just ins’t working out.’ I don’t know why. I’m doing everything – I feel like I’m doing everything right, I’m working really hard but it’s not panning out, I feel like I’m going backward if anything. There was a point in my life where I was in such a dark place man. So depressed that it was to the point that I literally didn’t even want to be here anymore,” said Lunsford. “Yeah [when I was sliding backwards in placings at Olympia]. It wasn’t just the placings, I thought it was the placings at the time but it was really just how I viewed myself. I just kind of started realizing like, ‘Oh, man. I’m not the person that I truly want to be.’ I want to be one person I say I’m one person but I’m acting in a different way. I don’t like it. And I want to truly live my life better.”
After talking about his experiences with depression, Lunsford gave his take on dealing with anxiety. He said finding balance, working hard, and pushing forward has helped him deal with the setback.
“You can disconnect. Anxiety can come from different places, right? I think even if you can disconnect from the comments or comparing yourself to somebody else in your position or whatever, I think myself for example, when we were talking the other day on the phone. My anxiety has sometimes come from me feeling like I’m not doing enough. Whether it’s I’m not training enough or I’m not putting up enough numbers in the gym or okay, I’m not posting enough or I’m not going here, there, or everywhere enough. I’m not making enough calls or just whatever it is that I’m trying to accomplish that good isn’t good enough kind of mentality. It can drive you far in life but also, if it’s really affecting you mentally, it can also hold you back at times too,” Lunsford said.
Lunsford shared a prior conversation with Rambod that made him realize that his personal life, business life, and bodybuilding life needed more balance.
“We were talking on the phone the other day about finding balance in all of this, working hard and pushing forward but also being able to have this sort of calmness and patience along the way,” Lunsford said. “Actually it’s funny, Hany called me what was it like two months ago? You were like, ‘Hey how are things going?’ And I’m like, ‘Everything is good.’ He could tell I was worked up about what we just talked about the business stuff and the bodybuilding, he goes, ‘How’s life at home?’ I tell him, ‘Well, to be honest if I’m 100% honest, I put that on the backburner a little bit.’ He goes, ‘Hey man, you have to get your crap together. He told me to go on vacation.”
Fans and bodybuilding veterans alike have voiced their opinions on possible frontrunners for the 2023 Mr. Olympia event. In light of Dauda’s latest win in Ohio, event announcer Bob Cicherillo labeled ‘The Nigerian Lion’ and Derek Lunsford as equal threats to Choopan’s title. Meanwhile, 2022 Olympia third-place finisher Nick Walker is ready to make a statement after taking runner-up to Dauda at the recent Arnold Classic. Looking ahead, Walker has made it clear he believes the 2023 Olympia show will be decided between himself and Lunsford. Considering how close Lunsford came to earning the title last year, fans look forward to seeing him stand against his teammate Choopan once again. In the months to come, Derek plans to travel less in order to dial in preparations for the 2023 Mr. Olympia in November.
You can watch the full video from Hany Rambod’s Youtube channel below:
Published: 13 June, 2023 | 2:11 PM EDT
‘Good Vito’ Vitaliy Ugolnikov Looking Massive 14 Weeks from 2023 European Pro Championships
‘Good Vito’ Vitaliy Ugolnikov is determined to step on the 2023 Mr. Olympia stage this November. In a recent Instagram post, Ugolnikov revealed a massive and ripped physique update 14 weeks from his next competition.
Rising bodybuilding star Good Vito is the latest athlete to shake up the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division. Similar to Michal Krizo, Vito made the switch to the NPC from the IFBB Elite Pro League last year. He wasted no time before stepping on stage. He earned his IFBB pro card at the 2022 Musclecontest International Brazil Nationals.
Ugolnikov possesses an excellent v-taper despite having a significant level of muscle mass. His physique continues to do the rounds online as many have called attention to his huge quads and popping biceps. Given his consistent updates, fans have labeled him a wild card in the sport’s most popular category.
The 2023 Mr. Olympia competition is set to take place in Orlando, Florida from Nov. 2-5. If Good Vito proves to be successful in 14 weeks at the European Pro Championships, he’ll have the chance to make his debut at the prestigious event.
Good Vito Looking 3D and Ripped in Latest Posing Update 14 Weeks from Show
With his next contest approaching, Ugolnikov gave fans a progress video where he showcased a number of different poses.
“Thank you @oficialjorlanvieira, for your time and your help with the poses. 14 weeks to the championship. Thank you @ironberg_ct and @betao_iron for helping to form a better team” Good Vito wrote.
Despite having yet to compete in an IFBB pro show, Good Vito received considerable hype heading into his new league. In a recent Olympia TV video, bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier and IFBB judge Terrick El Guindy discussed some of the Open’s top prospects. Among them was Ugolnikov. Given his young age and high ceiling in the sport, Cormier believes Good Vito will cause problems in the category. He highlighted the standout’s flaring quads and impressive back.
A few years ago, Ugolnikov was under fire from fans after being accused of photoshopping his images online. While fans thought he modified pictures to make himself look bigger, Good Vito vehemently denied the allegations. He shared a video of his physique to prove the picture-editing claims were false.
RELATED: ‘Good Vito’ Vitaliy Ugolnikov Shows Enormous Guns In Physique Update
Should Good Vito pick up the victory in Spain, he’ll earn his ticket to compete on stage with the world’s best later this year. All roads lead to the 2023 Mr. Olympia title currently held by the newly crowned champ, Hadi Choopan.
Published: 13 June, 2023 | 11:20 AM EDT
2023 Fitness Authority Poland Pro Results and Scorecards
The 2023 Fitness Authority Poland Pro Muscle saw Classic Physique and Bikini competitors gather in Sopot, Poland, for gold, a cash prize, and a Mr. Olympia invite. This show was a qualifier for IFBB Pro Athletes aiming to earn a spot on the Olympia stage.
With fewer months to qualify for the prestigious event, pressure is on athletes to qualify in time. Until October 9, bodybuilders can win pro shows to guarantee their passage. However, the top three Olympia finishers from Classic Physique and Bikini are automatically invited back to the 2023 edition of the competition.
The point system has also been removed, so winning a pro show is crucial for any athlete hoping to grace the big Mr. O stage this Nov. 2-5 in Orlando, Florida. The newly crowned Classic Physique winner will not only earn an invite, but a chance to face off against reigning four-time Olympia Chris Bumstead. While the Bikini winner in Poland will look to take on Ms. Bikini Olympia Maureen Blanquisco.
Men’s Physique standout Emanuele Ricotti hopes to stand out above the rest with exceptional shoulders and chest development. He’ll face fellow frontrunner 2022 Romania Muscle Fest winner Adam Bomert as well as Ayham Alwas, who hopes to punch his Olympia ticket.
2023 Fitness Authority Poland Pro Winners
Classic Physique: Damian Kuffel
Bikini: Zsofia Rexa Molnar
2023 Fitness Authority Poland Pro Results Breakdown
Classic Physique
Winner — Damian Kuffel
Second Place — Edwin Owusu
Third Place — Emanuele Ricotti
Fourth Place — Adam Bomert
Fifth Place — Antoine Loth
Sixth Place — Hubert Kulczynski
Seventh Place — Florian Hartlage
Eighth Place — Rathnayake Mudiyanselage
Ninth Place — Ayham Alaws
Tenth Place — Andre Gerstner
Bikini
Winner — Zsofia Molnar
Second Place — Kristina Brunauer
Third Place — Antonia Pettersson
Fourth Place — Lisa Reith
Fifth Place — Violeta Palamarchuk
Sixth Place — Rukiye Solak
Seventh Place — Giulia Silvestri
Eighth Place — Vania Maria Mesquita
Ninth Place — Renata Nowak
Tenth Place — Laura Zakharias
2023 Fitness Authority Poland Pro Scorecards
2023 Poland Pro Classic Physique Scorecard
2023 Poland Pro Bikini Scorecard
Fitness Volt congratulates the winners!
Published: 12 June, 2023 | 11:55 PM EDT
Ronnie Coleman Reacts to Chris Bumstead’s Biggest Feats of Strength
As one of the strongest bodybuilders to ever compete, getting the nod of approval from Ronnie Coleman is a big deal. In a recent YouTube video, Coleman reacted to some of Chris Bumstead’s craziest lifts inside the gym.
“I’ve been hearing a lot of hype about my boy Cbum. I thought it’d be only fair if I did a reaction video to some of his lifts and some of his posters out there, so let’s get into this y’all, yeah buddy.”
En route to earning eight Mr. Olympia titles, Ronnie Coleman proved himself against the best of his era, where he pushed names like Jay Cutler, Kevin Levrone, and Flex Wheeler. His mass, conditioning, and balance were unparalleled, which helped him demand the spotlight whenever he graced a stage.
In 2007, Coleman decided to call it a career. In retirement, he’s faced a number of health issues and setbacks. Following more than 10 back surgeries, the bodybuilding legend struggles to walk without assistance. Nevertheless, his impact on the sport is evident today as he remains tied with Lee Haney for the all-time Mr. Olympia record.
With spare time on his hands, Coleman created a successful YouTube channel with over 1.72 million subscribers. He documents his health and other facets of his life regularly. This time, he reacted to Chris Bumstead’s craziest lifts.
Chris Bumstead is a four-time Classic Physique Olympia winner. He first took the honor in 2019 and has seemingly improved each year since. He faced adversity before winning his fourth title, however. Weeks after last December’s show, Bumstead revealed that he got the job done with a torn bicep. Like Coleman, Bumstead’s popularity has become undeniable.
Ronnie Coleman Shocked By Chris Bumstead’s Strength in Reaction Video
After watching Bumstead on stage, Coleman reacted to a collection of training clips.
“Cbum got some strength there,” said Coleman. “He’s playing with that weight like it ain’t nothin.”
“Cbum curling like it ain’t nothing. Light weight, light weight, ain’t nothing to it but to do it baby. Light weight, he’s playing with it making it look real easy. Show them why you got all that thickness.”
“Nice and Classical, yeah buddy,” added Coleman.
Coleman was most impressed with Bumstead’s deadlifting strength. Given his ability to lift 600 with ease, ‘The King’ wouldn’t be surprised if the 29-year-old could deadlift 900 pounds.
“Deadlifts, one of my favorite, playing with that weight, he’s making 600 look like it’s 200.”
“Get that back real big and thick, yeah buddy. Cbum in the house.
“Cbum you were lifting that weight like ain’t nothing. I think you had it in you to do 8 maybe 900. Let’s hook up with your boy and show them how it’s done.”
This isn’t the first time Ronnie gave his raw take on a bodybuilder’s best lifts. In April, he took a closer look at some of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most impressive feats of strength. During the video, Coleman acknowledged that the ‘Austrian Oak’ was easily one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, regardless of era.
In addition to bodybuilding, Ronnie examined some of the strongman Brian Shaw’s legendary lifts. Coleman was blown away after Shaw deadlifted a car and pulled a truck. He also praised Shaw’s performance on the tire carry.
Whether it’s a viral Liver King clip or Jujimufu testing the limits of his strength, Coleman has seen it all. Before ending his latest video, Coleman encouraged Bumstead to visit him for a training session.
RELATED: “He’s Having a Seizure!” — Ronnie Coleman’s Hilarious Reactions To Kyriakos Grizzly’s Crazy Lifts
Watch the full video below from Ronnie Coleman’s YouTube channel:
Published: 12 June, 2023 | 4:35 PM EDT
Big Ramy Discusses Mental State Ahead of 2023 Mr. Olympia: ‘I Can’t Take a Year Off, I Need to Give It Everything”
Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay looks to be in a good place ahead of his probable comeback to the 2023 Mr. Olympia stage. In a recent The Menace Podcast, Ramy discussed a range of topics including his ambitions to improve, his relationship with fans, and the mentality he’s adopted in the lead-up to November.
Elssbiay reached the pinnacle of the sport, having claimed back-to-back Mr. Olympia victories in 2020 and 2021. Last year, he put his title on the line against a fierce roster of bodybuilders. Ramy was dethroned by Hadi Choopan, who defeated Derek Lunsford in a close show.
After dropping to fifth at 2022 Olympia, fans, and even some bodybuilders argued that Ramy wasn’t given a fair look on stage. Steve Weinberger, who served as the head judge of the prestigious contest, suspected that Ramy was plagued by injuries as many observed issues with his lats, triceps, and lower back.
The former two-time champ made a quick turnaround at the 2023 Arnold Classic. Given the show’s proximity to December’s Mr. Olympia, many fans were impressed by Ramy’s ability to improve. However, the judges saw him in fourth.
At the end of May, Weinberger joined Dennis James to discuss the Egyptian’s future. He made it clear he thought Big Ramy needed a break from competition. This sentiment was also shared by Bob Cicherillo, who insists Ramy needs time to revitalize the body parts preventing him from placing higher.
Big Ramy Takes Aim at Oppinionated Fans, Talks 2023 Ambitions: ‘I Can’t Take a Year Off’
As of late, Ramy noticed fans online can’t make up their minds about his physique.
“I respect everyone but what’s the meaning of someone is saying something is wrong when they’re talking about something they’ve never [done]. Sometimes they say okay, Ramy is too big, and second day they say Ramy is small. I don’t know what, am I big or am I small?” asks Ramy.
“Every day, someone says Ramy comes too big and second day they say Ramy is too small, not like before. Before when Ramy was big you say he must come small, then when he’s smaller, he must come bigger than before. Be honest guys.”
While he appreciated Steve Weinberger’s criticisms, Ramy doesn’t plan on waiting one year to compete again.
“Yeah, you come from that place, but okay. Dennis knows that because he’s close to me. You know how I respect Steve. First show, him in New York and he’s always nice to me. But the problem, it’s important to give people support to compete. I feel bad when somebody tells me you have to stop. The only thing you can tell someone competing is yeah, you can do it.”
“Maybe that [a break] is the best thing for me. But I’m still finding my head to compete, not today not tomorrow. I can’t wait for one year,” added Ramy.
Before moving on, Sarcev underlined that Ramy should decide his own destiny.
“Ramy, don’t ever let anybody tell you not to compete. You are the only one that chooses if you want. What is your profession? You’re a pro bodybuilder and you’re passionate about this and you want to compete, you’re healthy, your blood results are perfect,” said Milos Sarcev.
Ramy Talks ‘Weak Points, 2023 Mr. Olympia, and Fans Calling for Him to Take a Break
Ramy believes coming in flat has caused some of his body parts like his triceps to appear diminished.
“When you come so flat, you’re weak points, they go up. And when you’re full, you never had that. I will tell you what happened actually between Olympia and the Arnold. I think like two or three weeks off because I needed to think about what I needed to do.”
“Yes we talked about that, with Chad, we scared to get too much flat because we know everyone know when you get smaller, the weak points come. It’s my week, I don’t have all things complete,” said Ramy. “We’ve talked about the triceps, I’ve lost a lot of size from my triceps. But the shape for my body has not changed.”
“In my opinion, and I respect all the competitors but I believe I had some of the best arms on the stage. They’re not small. My side chest is not smaller than my shoulder. It should look nice, maybe it’s not too big, but it’s not small like it’s thinning, no.”
Sarcev called Big Ramy a ‘shapely monster’ and said his lower lat insertions are holding him back on stage.
“When Ramy said, okay, Ramy you said Arnold Classic was your best ever. I think you improved dramatically from the Olympia to the Arnold. I’ve seen you a couple of times when you won Olympia, 2020, 2017, even in 2013 with Dennis when you guys did the New York Pro, ’14, yeeh, that’s formidable. You are one of a kind. You are a shapely monster. You are an x-framed, v-tapered monster.
“At Arnold on stage, I was 307. And when I saw it I was scared, it never happened to me,” added Ramy. “I think 282 [pounds for 2022 Mr. Olympia].”
The only issue that could penalize you is that lower lat insertions and it improved at the Arnold Classic really. Whatever you did, it’s going lower, it’s a big improvement. I don’t know if it’s stem cells,” Milos Sarcev shared.
“If Ramy goes flat, he loses some parts right away,” said Dennis James.
Despite the setbacks, Ramy is treating 2023 Mr. Olympia like his first show, and plans to “give it everything.”
“I’m still the guy, I’m still firing to compete tomorrow, it’s like my first show I need to give it everything,” said Big Ramy.
“Fix the issues, if you can fix the issues, go back and be at your best, says Dennis James.
Ramy said he doesn’t care if he’s in first place or 20th, as long as he shows the world he can make improvements.
“I will train. He asked me if I will compete in 2023, I said I will train and if I make myself big and grow, I will compete in Olympia. If I’m not, it will be next show, I will need to come have a big improvement. I still feel like I can do that. I need to say one more thing.
I’m 10 years right now in professional [bodybuilding] I competed with a lot of guys, I respect a lot of them all this time. I try to be a good person, nice person. I try. I make a lot of mistakes because I’m a human. I try to make the best for me all the time. I never hate anyone,” said Big Ramy.
“I don’t like to be number one. I came to Arnold and when you asked me Dennis about it, I said I’m happy because I improved. That’s my message. I come to Columbia this year [for stem cells] I’ll try to compete this year and make big improvements. I don’t care if I’m Mr. Olympia or number 20, I need to come better because that’s my message.”
This wasn’t Big Ramy’s first update regarding the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition. The last time he opened up on the matter, the former champion shared that he was training angry and motivated to make a successful comeback.
Ramy’s plans are still materializing, but he appears fired up to make a return. Despite ongoing talks about him taking a break, he appears energized to prove the naysayers wrong at 2023 Mr. Olympia this November.
You can watch the full podcast from the Muscle and Fitness YouTube channel below:
Published: 12 June, 2023 | 1:27 PM EDT