Tag: Phil Heath
Shaquille O’Neal Flaunts Hulking Physique in Bodybuilding Update: “In My Former Life I Was Phil Heath”
NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal’s passion for bodybuilding was on full display recently, which caught the attention of Phil Heath and Ronnie Coleman. In an Instagram post, Shaq showed off his bulked-up physique by hitting a couple of mandatory poses.
Shaq is a legend in basketball history, whose achievements on the court will never be forgotten. He enjoyed a long and successful career of 19 years and won four NBA titles along the way. He played for six different teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004), and was considered one of the greatest centers of all time.
When the world faced the COVID-19 crisis, O’Neal struggled with weight gain and reached 401 pounds. He decided to shed the weight by following a four-day weekly training split. Abs aren’t made in the gym, they’re made in the kitchen, so Shaq also admitted that avoiding junk food has been integral to his weight loss journey.
Shaq’s workout regimen consisted of 20 minutes of cardio and 40 minutes of strength training. Aiming to build muscle and burn fat at the same time, O’Neal accomplished his goal and reached 365 pounds. He’s a bodybuilding fanatic, who continues to draw attention on social media with a massive build at the age of 51.
Bodybuilding Legends React to Shaquille O’Neal’s Latest Physique Update
Check out Shaq’s posing session below:
“in my former life i was @philheath we almost there @rocshabazz that @novexbiotech #gf9 baby” Shaquille O’Neal wrote.
Shortly after Shaq’s physique did the rounds on social media, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman and seven-time winner Phil Heath gave him props.
@shaq/Instagram
As a diehard bodybuilding fan, O’Neal watches the sport closely. He attended the 2020 Mr. Olympia as a special guest and helped promote the event. O’Neal also attended the 2021 Arnold Classic live and had the pleasure of meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger face-to-face.
This wasn’t Shaq’s first tease at a possible bodybuilding venture. Last October, he impressed fans with another posing update. Having dropped nearly 40 pounds, O’Neal didn’t anticipate his physique going viral but said his ultimate goal was to become a sex symbol with ‘muscles everywhere.’ He added that he’d also liked to pose next to his sons in underwear ads and wants his physique to stand the test of time.
RELATED: NBA Player Tries To Savage Conor McGregor After McGregor Trolls Mayweather With Warriors Jersey
Shaq, who maintains an incredibly busy schedule, continues to build his legacy brick by brick with ambitious fitness goals in retirement. He credits his willingness to stick with strict dieting and exercise as key factors to his overall transformation.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 11:17 AM EDT
7x Mr. Olympia Phil Heath To Be Inducted Into International Sports Hall of Fame in 2024
Former Mr. Olympia Phil Heath continues to stack up wins in retirement. In a recent Instagram reel, the former seven-time Mr. Olympia revealed that he will be inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2024 following his contributions to bodybuilding.
En route to building a lifetime legacy, Heath proved himself to be among the best in the world, pushing top names in the sport like Jay Cutler, Dexter Jackson, Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, and Brandon Curry. Heath was celebrated for his freaky muscle fullness, striations, and overall conditioning. His last contest saw him take third at the Mr. Olympia show in 2020, won by Big Ramy.
The International Sports Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is a prestigious organization that recognizes and honors the most exceptional and influential athletes and sports figures in history. This non-profit organization was founded in 2012 by Dr. Robert M. Goldman.
The ISHOF’s advisory board selects five to seven inductees each year based on their achievements and impact in their respective sports. In addition, the ISHOF induction ceremonies are held annually at the Arnold Sports Festival, the second-largest and most popular fitness event in the world behind only Mr. Olympia.
International Sports Hall of Fame Will Honor Bodybuilding Legend Phil Heath in 2024
Heath shared the phone call on video and was blown away after hearing he would join five other Mr. Olympia winners, which included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman, and Jay Cutler.
“Holy smokes,” said Phil Heath.
“You’ll be joining five other Mr. Olympia winners which include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman, and Jay Culter. You will be our sixth Mr. Olympia inducted,” shared the Senior Vice President of the International Sports Hall of Fame.
“Outstanding man, wow, thank you so much,” replied Heath.
“You will forever be enshrined at the University of Texas Art Center. On behalf of our international Hall of Fame and Doctor Goldman congratulations my friend.
Despite stepping away from the stage, Heath’s love for the sport fuels him still, whether it’s a training session or his duties as a commentator at the recent 2022 Mr. Olympia show. Even though Heath has done it all and tied with Schwarzenegger in Sandow trophies, he continues to tease a possible comeback. Last month, ‘The Gift’ made it clear he could return to a contest outside of the Mr. Olympia.
Heath has taken considerable measures to preserve his physique while away from competition. One of the last times fans heard from him, he talked about recovery medications he’s using to stay healthy but emphasized that they were going to put him ‘in the best position to win.’ While his comeback is uncertain, fans can look forward to seeing Heath accept the honor center stage in 2024.
Aside from Heath, it was revealed in February that strongman legend Hafthor Bjornsson was inducted into the ISHOF as part of the 2023 class. He is widely considered one of the most prolific strongmen to ever compete and still holds the official deadlift record of 1,104 pounds.
RELATED: 7X Mr. Olympia Phil Heath Teaches NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe How To Train Like A Bodybuilder
Heath continues to add to his mantle in retirement. Even if he never comes back to compete, his legacy will live on as one of the most impressive of this generation.
Published: 1 August, 2023 | 1:39 PM EDT
Greatest Arms Ever? Chris Cormier Picks Robby Robinson & Olympia Judge Says Phil Heath
Figuring out who has the best arms ever in a sport like bodybuilding is a difficult task. In a recent episode of Prime Time Muscle, Chris Cormier and Terrick El Guindy tackled the challenge and named which bodybuilders they believe possessed the best arms of any competitor regardless of era.
Chris Cormier is uniquely qualified to speak on the matter given his decorated résumé filled with accomplishments. His eye-catching balance of chest fullness, biceps, and deeply separated quads made him a perennial Mr. Olympia threat despite never taking home the prestigious honor. As with most of his contemporaries from the 1990s, Comier competed often and shared the stage with heavy hitters like Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman, and Flex Wheeler.
On the other hand, El Guindy is a bodybuilding promoter and judge. He routinely officiates contests and through the years has developed a keen eye for physiques irrespective of category. With regular appearances on the Prime Time Muscle Olympia TV program, El Guindy’s gift of gab makes him a fantastic ambassador for the sport.
In their latest endeavor, El Guindy and Cormier teamed up for a gun show judging contest. They both proposed their picks in the arms race. In addition, they disclosed honorable mentions and named who currently holds the biggest arms in the sport.
Chris Cormier: ‘Robby Robinson Has The Greatest Arms Ever, No One Will Outshine Those Peaks’
Without taking size into account, Cormier credited Robinson’s arms as the best ever given his pronounced biceps peak, which he still displays today well into his 70s.
Robby Robinson / Instagram
“Robby Robinson! The Black Prince is my go-to when it comes to arms. I’ve watched as a kid and training with him personally and I would saw, when he would do a preacher curl, his biceps would come up, over, then, back, and down. Up, over, back, and down, double scoop ice cream scoop on top of an arm [impressive peaks]. That’s what I would see every time on Robby Robinson. He had the brachialis, the triceps, I don’t think anyone outshined those peaks, ever,” said Chris Cormier.
Terrick El Guindy: “Phil Heath, Freakiest Arms I’ve Ever Seen”
Guindy said he was most blown away by the full muscle bellies in Heath’s arms.
“In my opinion to have the best arms in the history of bodybuilding – a lot of us focus on biceps but it’s got to be biceps and triceps… I’m going to tell you that Phil Heath had amazing freaking arms, okay. It was the triceps, the biceps, and it was the muscle bellies on the arms.”
“I could choose one arm to just borrow and go down Santa Monica with a sleeveless shirt, it would be Phil Heath,” argued El Guindy. “Freakiest arms I’ve ever seen. Lee Priest had freaky arms too but they were a little bit too compact. They were impressive but they didn’t stretch so much.”
Phil Heath / Instagram
As for honorable mentions for greatest arms, Cormier and Guindy agree on Roelly Winklaar and Ramon Queiroz. However, in terms of pure size, Nick Walker has the biggest and most impressive arms of any competitor in the IFBB Pro League right now.
“Let me tell you, I saw Roelly Winklaar’s arms, man!” added Guindy.
“Those arms bro… you can’t even – I mean his forearms are about as big as most people’s biceps peaks, alone just the forearms. You can’t go wrong with those guys mentioned already,” The Real Deal shared.
“It was a few months back and shits crazy my man. He [Ramon Dino] had those crazy forearms laying down on the table. They looked like somebody’s legs. I was looking at this guy and going, why do you have such big forearms. And the reality is he did a lot of bars in Ekiti where he’s from. Incredible arm development. Nowadays, the competitor in the Open that has the biggest most impressive arms in my opinion is Nick Walker,” replied El Guindy.
This isn’t the first time competitors from past eras took a closer look at arm development. Months ago, former four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler shared a throwback video of when he and Ronnie Coleman had their biceps measured. While the race was close, Coleman’s were bigger, topping out at a massive 23.5 inches. Meanwhile, Cutler’s were 22.5 inches at the time.
Comparisons of Walker’s arm size and Coleman’s surfaced recently as well. The eight-time Mr. Olympia titleholder found the online discussion funny. After being critical of the Bro Chat Podcast for the comparison, Coleman specified that muscle separation must also be taken into account when measuring arms.
Interestingly, Cormier and Terrick El Guindy left ‘The King’ out of the discussion, despite being known for some of the biggest arms of any competitor. Given the sport’s subjective nature, fans will never agree as a whole on which athlete had the best arms of all time.
Watch the full video from the Olympia TV YouTube channel below:
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Published: 10 June, 2023 | 12:11 AM EDT
Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Talk Fantasy Battles: Jay vs Dorian Yates, Phil Heath vs. Ronnie Coleman
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler left a storied career behind but still serves as a visible ambassador for the sport. In a recent Cutler Cast Podcast, Cutler and Milos Sarcev discussed past Mr. Olympias and how they’d fare against each other in hypothetical match-ups.
The Men’s Open division has undergone immense changes since the 1990s, which saw six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates‘ successful reign. He ushered in an era of mass monsters, a valuable blueprint that athletes have followed decades after his exit from the sport.
In 1998, Ronnie Coleman shocked the bodybuilding world. He brought an unparalleled level of size, conditioning, and vascularity. Not to mention, he’s considered one of the strongest bodybuilders to ever compete, having been made famous for his epic 2,300-pound leg press and 800-pound squat for two reps.
In 2006, Jay Cutler was the chosen one, after almost a decade-long reign, the Massachusetts native did the impossible: he took out his rival Coleman. Cutler held on to the title in 2007 in a controversial contest. Eventually, Cutler would lose his championship honors in 2008 to Dexter Jackson, only to become the first Open athlete to ever win back the Mr. Olympia title a year later.
In the mid-2000s, Phil Heath established himself as a champion under the guidance of Hany Rambod. With cartoonish muscle density and three-dimensional fullness, Heath tied Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s record of seven Mr. Olympia titles.
All of these Mr. Olympias took drastically different paths to establish their dynasties. In their latest offering to fans, Cutler and Sarcev looked closely at how these champions would have fared against each other had they shared the stage.
Jay Cutler & Milos Sarcev Talk Dorian Yates vs. Cutler/ Ronnie Coleman vs. Phil Heath
According to Milos Sarcev, he underestimated the hardness and completeness of Yates’ rugged physique. However, he believes “any version” of Cutler could stand against Yates had they competed.
“Dorian never had good arms but has lines… you know. I don’t think Dorian had the greatest arms, greatest shoulders, greatest chest, greatest abs, greatest legs but put it all together it’s like holy moly. Lat spread, he was killing everybody. Side chest and side triceps, I really didn’t think he’d look as good when I watched the thing, but then I was like what am I talking about he’s good.”
“They say it’s not even fair to compare [past champions from different eras]. Jay said you have to really see it to believe it and appreciate the kind of hardness and dryness, the fibrotic tissue, would 2009 Jay be overwhelmed by any version of Dorian? No. Dorian would not overwhelm you, right, for sure, right.”
“I didn’t have the crazy back and the hardness,” added Cutler.
“Your shoulders are wider, your arms are better,” replied Sarcev.
Even though Heath possessed a freakish and one-of-a-kind physique, Cutler believes Coleman would have defeated ‘The Gift.’
“It’s like arguing Phil Heath versus Ronnie Coleman. Phil had a lot of things going on, but I think if you put him next to Ronnie in his prime he would get overwhelmed a little bit, you know. I’m asking you for the greatest physique ever,” Jay Cutler said.
Before ending the discussion, Sarcev and Cutler agree the greatest physique of all time belongs to Ronnie Coleman.
“’98 Ronnie for me, yeah,” stated Sarcev.
“I think a lot of people would say that same thing,” Cutler said. “I’m a little disappointed people forget about those guys [Lee Haney] and we never talk about Arnold how he was great or how Sergio was great. Even Frank Zane and all these guys, the early guys, you have to take into account the era, the equipment they use. Think about how advanced everything is now.”
This isn’t the first time that Jay Cutler praised Coleman’s prime physique. He joined the Don’t Be Sour podcast recently, where he laid out why Ronnie’s physique has yet to be matched by a contemporary competitor. He specified that Coleman’s combination of crazy muscle density and conditioning made him an extraordinary talent in the sport.
Coleman’s body stands out as the best ever for Sarcev and Cutler. Though, the debate as to who possesses the greatest physique is never truly over.
RELATED: Dana Linn Bailey Joins Jay Cutler, Defends Natural Status, Talks Health Scares & Thyroid Issues
You can watch the full video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below:
Published: 7 June, 2023 | 7:21 PM EDT
Phil Heath ‘Optimizing Health’ w/Recovery & Medications: ‘It’s Putting Me in The Best Position to Win’
Bodybuilding legend Phil Heath has maintained a muscle-bound physique since stepping away from the stage in 2020. In a recent Instagram reel, Heath shared that his training frequency increased and his medication intake has put him in ‘the best position to win’ moving forward.
“Optimizing your health goes a long way. The goal is to leave life changing and lifelong lasting effects.” Phil Heath shared.
Heath commanded the biggest stages in the sport with authority, having claimed a total of seven consecutive Mr. Olympia titles (2011-2017). At that time, ‘The Gift’ proved to be an incredible force in the Men’s Open class, where he regularly pushed contenders like his arch-rival Kai Greene, the late Shawn Rhoden, and German standout Dennis Wolf.
Late last year, the 2023 Masters Olympia contest was revived and again added to the IFBB Pro League bodybuilding schedule. After an 11-year absence, the show will return August 25-27 in Cluj Napoca, Romania. While fans had hoped for Heath or Jay Cutler’s return, they have both publicly shot down the idea.
In a Voice of Bodybuilding appearance with Bob Cicherillo, Heath underlined that $1 million cash would incentivize his comeback. Considering Heath’s age and record of accomplishments, he believes fans would have called him out if he decided to compete at 2023 Masters Olympia. Nevertheless, Heath’s focus is on health and longevity while he’s away from the stage.
Phil Heath ‘Feeling Fresh,’ Talks Achieving ‘Peak Performance with Recovery & Medications
Even though he no longer trains seven days a week, Heath has retained adequate muscle mass thanks to ‘right types of medications.’
“Even without me training seven days a week, I’ve been able to maintain good muscle mass and that’s because I’ve done things the right way throughout my career. But I’ve made sure I was able to apply the right type of medications for my goals and I am in the gym a little bit more now and I will be more in the upcoming weeks and my body feels really really fresh.”
In addition, Heath stressed that recovery, modalities, and medications are keys to optimizing peak performance and health.
“I know that with Transcend they’re putting me in the best position to win. That’s what I always preached my entire career, you have to train smart, you have to train hard, you have to have fun, but you have to have the recovery, modalities, and the medications to help you stay at your peak performance,” said Phil Heath.
RELATED: Best Speed Up Recovery After Training
Phil’s predecessor, Jay Cutler, has teased a Heath comeback on a number of occasions. According to Jay, Heath could ‘do some damage’ at this year’s Mr. Olympia show. Assuming Heath entered this contest, he would face off against two of his teammates – Derek Lunsford and champion Hadi Choopan, who are both led by the legend’s former coach Hany Rambod.
One of the last time fans heard from Heath, he offered a definitive answer on whether he would make a play at the upcoming 2023 Olympia competition. While he continues to make improvements to his build at 255 pounds, Heath ruled out the possibility of competing later this year in a previous Instagram post.
Phil Heath’s continued dedication to health and fitness puts him in the best position possible to compete at a high level, whether he returns to bodybuilding or not.
RELATED: ‘It’s a 3-Headed Monster’: Phil Heath Reveals His Top Picks for 2023 Mr. Olympia
Published: 23 May, 2023 | 6:55 PM EDT
Phil Heath Gives Definitive Answer on Return in 2023: Not This Year; I’m Sitting Around 255 Pounds’
Bodybuilding icon Phil Heath dominated the Men’s Open stage during his run at the top from 2011-2017. The seven-time Mr. Olympia champion stepped away from professional competition years ago but remains in love with fitness and training. In a recent Instagram post, Heath shut down rumors of his anticipated comeback this year and revealed he’s tipping the scales at 255 pounds.
Phil Heath grew up playing sports at a young age. He explored his interest in basketball before switching over to professional bodybuilding in the mid-2000s. He made waves across the community after placing runner-up to fellow legend Dexter Jackson at the 2008 Arnold Classic and took third in his Olympia debut the same year. In 2011, Heath dethroned four-time winner Jay Cutler to secure his maiden Sandow trophy. He established himself as a commanding champion, defending the title successfully six times in a row.
Earlier this year, Heath hinted at the possibility of making a comeback. He seemed interested in the prospect but added the caveat that he would need to test his body in a prep before committing to anything concrete. ‘The Gift’ teamed up with bodybuilder Regan Grimes for a training session a few months ago. Heath looked massive in the workout update, which led fans to wonder again about a possible comeback.
Heath possessed some of the best shoulders of all time with 3D muscularity. He opened up about his experiences using steroids as a competitor as well. Heath managed to win shows without pushing gear too hard and focused on maximizing muscle stimulation instead of focusing on heavy weights.
As of late, Phil Heath showed off his significantly leaner midsection in an update. He started incorporating cold plunge routines and laid out the benefits he reaped from the new practice. Three months ago, Heath gave fans a look into one of his favorite injectable stacks that he utilized with TRT.
As one of the most recognizable names in the industry, Heath indicated that prize money of $1 million could potentially lure him out of retirement. Jay Cutler has also mentioned the idea of returning to a competition for $1 million.
Phil Heath won’t make a comeback in 2023
Phil Heath ruled out a return to competition this year. He revealed he weighed 255 pounds and feels more confident than ever about his physique post-retirement.
“Everyone’s dying to know if yours truly will grace the bodybuilding stage,” said Heath. “Once again, not this year. But this summer I do plan on looking as if I am doing one if that makes anyone happy, just going to let nature takes its course. I’m sitting around 255 pounds right now. I’ve been a lot leaner and I feel like everything has been working really well.” shared Heath.
Phil Heath gave his breakdown of the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia last month. He picked reigning champion Hadi Choopan to retain the title while recognizing the danger presented by top contenders Nick Walker, Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda.
RELATED: Jay Cutler ‘Pushing’ Phil Heath to Return at 2023 Mr. Olympia: ‘He Could Do Some Damage’
Some fans might be disappointed by Heath’s latest update but it’s important to note that he did not shut the door on his return completely and could change his mind at a later date.
Published: 2 May, 2023 | 3:53 PM EDT
‘It’s a 3-Headed Monster’: Phil Heath Reveals His Top Picks for 2023 Mr. Olympia
Bodybuilding legend Phil Heath has developed a sharp eye for spotting talent based on years of competition. In a recent interview with Bob Cicherillo, Heath shared his thoughts on the frontrunners for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Phil Heath cemented his place in the record books with his cartoonish muscle mass, shape, and 3D delts. After taking runner-up at the 2010 Mr. Olympia, Heath took home his maiden Sandow trophy in 2011. He went on a dominant run at the top and racked up six consecutive title defenses till 2017. Besides his freakish physique, Heath developed an intense rivalry with perennial top contender Kai Greene, which is widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the history of the sport.
The 2022 season wrapped up with an exciting Mr. Olympia contest last December. Former two-time champ Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay got knocked off the throne by Hadi Choopan. Ramy came in looking visibly off and left the door open for the title to change hands. Former 212 Olympia champ Derek Lunsford shocked the world with a runner-up finish whereas rising sensation Nick Walker took bronze. Samson Dauda proved his potential with a sixth-place finish in his debut.
Following the Olympia, Walker, Dauda, Ramy, and Andrew Jacked battled again in Ohio for the 2023 Arnold Classic. While Walker was the betting favorite going into the event, Dauda turned in a fantastic performance to edge him out for the title. His win put him in a prime position to claim victory at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Given the change in the hierarchy of the Men’s Open division, there is a ton of excitement for the biggest fitness showcase in the world.
Coach Milos Sarcev believes Dauda has what it takes to become the next Mr. Olympia despite the competition he’ll face from Choopan and Lunsford. He said Dauda should add thickness to his back. Bob Cicherillo expressed a similar sentiment when he backed ‘The Nigerian Lion’ to win it all if he came at his best.
Phil Heath backs Hadi Choopan to defend the crown at the 2023 Mr. Olympia
In a recent YouTube video, Phil Heath shared his thoughts on the competition for the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He backed reigning champ Choopan to successfully defend the title.
“I think Hadi’s a repeat champion,” said Heath. “I do and here’s why. You got to look at someone’s origin, champions have a specific origin of how they got here in the first place. You think of someone that has grown up in that environment in Iran. Everything matters. This thing means everything to him and his country. There’s a lot of expectations but he’s met those expectations in a very quick period of time. He’s never really been off.”
“It’s going to be Hadi all day because he’s got the maturity. We don’t know what this dude looks like right now. He’s in the freaking gym. He would’ve did the Arnold if he was able to. That’s freaking scary. He doesn’t give a sh*t about what anyone has to say. He is in that gym more passionately present than anyone right now.”
Derek vs Hadi
Heath reveals his top contenders & defends Big Ramy
Phil Heath believes Walker, Lunsford, and Dauda are also in the mix of title contention.
“It’s a three-headed monster at this point. It’s either Derek, I can make a case for Nick, Nick is an anomaly, he’s very different. If there was a way for Nick to do what Branch did in 09, then it’s a clear cut. It’s him and Hadi going at it. It’s going to cancel out a lot of guys because of the density and muscle maturity because those two won’t be out-conditioned. The cool thing about Derek is now he’s comfortable in that Open body. He’s a hard worker, got a good support system, a good coach”
“If Samson Dauda actually gets a little bit more density in the back, he’s extremely dangerous. He’s got the legs, hamstrings, if he can get more 3D in that back it is a problem because he’s taller and bigger. I do think Olympia this year is very competitive and I hope all of them stay healthy.”
‘The Gift’ came to the defense of Big Ramy and pushed back on some of the criticism thrown his way.
“What we need to learn is stop hype focusing on the bullsh*t because you’re actually tarnishing an incredible legacy. If a Ferrari has a scratch on the hood it’s still freaking jumping. Quit making it seem like it’s ruined. That’s what’s happening with critics on Ramy and other people. I’m just saying we should still appreciate the physique that we’re seeing. Thee judges are going to do what they’re doing so I’m not bent about it.”
Earlier this month, Samson Dauda left fans stunned with his impressive package in a guest-posing appearance at 10x Ben Weider 2023, teasing what is to come on the horizon.
You can watch the full video below.
RELATED: ‘I’m Not Retired’: Kai Greene Fails to Shut Door on Comeback & Lauds Rival Phil Heath for Success
Based on the latest developments, this year is shaping up to be another exciting season in bodybuilding with an impeccably diverse lineup, featuring the best of both freaks and aesthetics.
Published: 12 April, 2023 | 9:01 AM EDT
Phil Heath Says $1M Could Prompt Return to Mr. Olympia or Masters Olympia: ‘I Know My Worth’
Phil Heath, a Men’s Open great who attained seven Mr. Olympia titles, is fueling talks of an eventual comeback. In a recent Voice of Bodybuilding podcast, Heath revealed the conditions required to make a viable return to the sport. A few months ago, the 2023 Masters Olympia reemerged on the bodybuilding calendar following an 11-year hiatus….
‘Kai’ Exclusive Clip – Phil Heath Gets Real About The “Ugly” Rivalry Moments With Kai Greene
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Phil Heath speaks honestly about the most intense moments from his rivalry with Kai Greene in new exclusive clip from Kai.
Watch the new exclusive clip from Kai – available now on digital! You can order KAI today right here. In this clip, Phil Heath gives a rare interview reflecting on his rivalry with Kai Greene. Looking back at the 2014 Mr. Olympia press conference, Heath gives his side of the story commenting on things got “ugly” during their clash both at the press conference and on the stage.
The Kai Greene vs Phil Heath rivalry just might be one of the most famous rivalries in the entirety of bodybuilding. Nearly evenly matched with different body types – Kai and Phil clashed at multiple Mr. Olympia competitions. They were the featured duo in the original Generation Iron – and things only heated up from there.
Most famous was the 2014 Mr. Olympia, where Kai Greene and Phil Heath clashed before the stage show even started. The press conference, usually an exciting affair with some trash talk, nearly broke into complete chaos. It was no longer the Olympia press conference. It became the Kai and Phil show.
This set the stage for what only escalated from there. Kai Greene and Phil Heath nearly came to blows on the competition stage. It was one of the most memorable unexpected moments in Mr. Olympia history. Ultimately, Phil defeated Kai on every Olympia occasion. But it didn’t matter. Both men were etched into history for their larger than life personas to match their massive physiques.
In Kai, Phil Heath provides a brand new exclusive interview – where he reflects on the rivalry beat by beat for the first time in years. In this clip, Phil looks back at the 2014 press conference and admits to how “ugly” their rivalry became in that moment. Now nearly a decade later – it’s fascinating to see what both of these bodybuilding veterans think of not just that moment but the rivalry as a whole.
Kai is available now on all major digital platforms! You can order today by clicking right here or on the banner below.
Phil Heath’s 2022 Mr. Olympia Predictions: Hadi Choopan & Brandon Curry Can Beat Big Ramy
7x Mr. Olympia bodybuilding champ Phil Heath believes Hadi Choopan has the slight edge over Brandon Curry to possibly beat Big Ramy at The 2022 Mr. Olympia.
7x Mr. Olympia Phil Heath has revealed his initial predictions for the 2022 Mr. Olympia. In a recent video interview, Heath goes into detail about the current Olympia lineup and predicts that both Hadi Choopan and Brandon Curry have potential to defeate Big Ramy “if he leaves the door open.” Heath ultimately gives a slight edge to Choopan based on what he’s seen recently.
While it still might be a bit early to be making predictions for the 2022 Mr. Olympia, when a 7x Mr. Olympia legend speaks – you start to listen. In prep for his upcoming commentary duties this year, Phil Heath took part in an extensive interview discussing the current Olympia lineup and who has the most potential to win the trophy. He gives a deep analysis of Big Ramy and also his thoughts on the few who could possibly disrupt his reign.
There has been much talk about the rising tide of young bodybuilders finally coming into their own. Nick Walker has been the most hyped rising star – with some even believing the can take the entire Olympia title this year. Other notable mentions are Hunter Labrada, Andrew Jacked, and newcomer Michal Krizo – who has yet to earn his IFBB Pro card but is hyped by many including Jay Cutler.
However, at this moment, Phil Heath still believes that the old guard will hold onto their positions this year. Heath acknowledges the strong and deep talent of the young rising stars – but believes that last year’s top three will still be the ones to bring the most heat. Specifically, he believes that Hadi Choopan and Brandon Curry are the two best bets to win the 2022 Mr. Olympia – that is if Big Ramy slips up.
You can check out the full video below:
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Phil Heath’s predictions on who can defeat Big Ramy at the 2022 Mr. Olympia
Phil Heath starts off discussing Big Ramy himself – who he still believes is the top contender to win the Mr. Olympia this year. He only believes that Ramy will fall behind if he “leaves the door open.” What does he mean by that? Not making enough improvements. Heath – like many other bodybuilders – acknowledges that the judges expect a returning Olympia champion to not only look the same but look even better than the previous year. If Ramy can’t pull that off, he leaves the door open for others to slip in.
This led to Phil Heath being asked who could possibly take down Big Ramy if he left that door open. Heath sticks with consistency and looks towards the top placings last year – Hadi Choopan and Brandon Curry.
“You gotta go with the top three. You got to go with Brandon and Hadi. That was who was in the mix last year. I would say based on what I saw recently, Hadi. I’m not biased because I’ve worked with Hany. That dude has some serious muscle. All it takes is for Ramy to slip. We saw that happen last year. He wasn’t better than when he won his first one.”
However, Phil Heath also points out that there is a world of difference between seeing a physique in person versus in photos or video. Heath hasn’t seen every single of the top contenders in person – which he admits creates a wild card in his predictions.
“Usually, if you leave the door open for two years, things can happen right. This is what sucks by not being there live and just seeing pictures and some video. I haven’t seen Nick Walker in person. I’ve not seen him compete in person. Of course, you’re going to lean towards him being a disruptor. No question about it. I believe he is the youngest disruptor out of anyone in the world.”
Phil Heath points out Nick Walker as having real potential to disrupt this year’s Mr. Olympia. But he falls short of saying he could win – in part because he has not seen Walker in person himself.
Phil Heath shares his opinion of Michal Krizo’s physique
Phil Heath also touches base on the latest hyped athlete of the season – Michal Krizo. Originally an IFBB Elite Pro competitor, Krizo recently announced he would be moving to the IFBB Pro league. He has yet to earn his pro card but the hype is so strong with him that some believe he will become pro and qualify for Mr. Olympia in time to compete in 2022.
While Heath sees why Krizo has earned the hype, he also thinks that it’s too soon to really expect him to do any major damage this year. Phil Heath believes that Michal Krizo still has some holes in his physique.
“What I saw, he [Michal Krizo] looked great. When he was at Gold’s Venice and Jay was with him and stuff, I thought he looked really good, but I do see holes in the physique. I see holes in everything right. I think he definitely needs to work on his presentation. Even when you research his contest videos, he can’t hold poses very long. Just look at the tape.”
It’s fantastic to see Phil Heath really take on the role of a bodybuilding analyst (and future commentator) for the sport of bodybuilding. His thoughtful analysis of the current lineup of competitors is exactly the kind of conversation that helps raise the stakes for the upcoming Mr. Olympia.
That being said, Phil Heath may be commentating this year – but that doesn’t mean he won’t be returning to compete again. He has been silent about any plans but a recent post claiming, “I ain’t done yet. I’m just getting started,” gives fans hope that he will hit the stage again in the future.
Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more news and updates on all things bodybuilding as we get closer to the 2022 Mr. Olympia.