Tag: Physique Update
Hadi Choopan Looks Ripped in 2023 Off-Season Physique Update Ahead of Title Defense
Iranian bodybuilder Hadi Choopan is on a mission to defend his throne at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia. He’ll face challenges from rising contenders in the Men’s Open division. In a recent Instagram post, Choopan looked massive in an off-season physique update.
Hadi Choopan entered the IFBB Pro League as a Men’s 212 competitor with a lot of hype. Hailing from Iran, he encountered obstacles related to traveling overseas and getting a visa for different competitions. He decided to switch to the Men’s Open class and gained attention for his impressive muscle mass, definition, and conditioning after taking bronze in his first Mr. Olympia appearance in 2019. He continued to work his way up the ranks and proved to be one of the most consistent athletes in the sport, having never placed below fourth in his pro career.
Choopan created history by becoming the first Iranian to win the coveted Sandow trophy at the 2022 Mr. Olympia last December. He managed to defeat former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford in a close-fought battle and rising sensation Nick Walker. Following the outcome, Choopan received a hero’s welcome back in his native land and got honored with a ten-foot-tall statue. He didn’t slow down in his training and left fans stunned with a different ripped physique update earlier in the 2023 off-season.
After Samson Dauda’s victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic, renowned coach Milos Sarcev backed him as a major threat for Choopan and Lunsford at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. IFBB athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo expressed a similar sentiment in his analysis of the show.
While some may be counting Hadi Choopan out, bodybuilding Hall of Famer Chris Cormier believes he would give it his all since he possibly has more on the line than other competitors. Two months ago, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman picked Lunsford to dethrone Choopan at the next Mr. Olympia.
Walker also doubts ‘The Persian Wolf’ can retain the title and expects himself to compete with Lunsford for gold. On the other hand, Cicherillo favored Choopan to beat Walker in a one-on-one showdown on stage months ago. However, bodybuilding veteran William Bonac extended his support for the champion to win another Sandow trophy.
Hadi Choopan looks massive in the off-season physique update
In a recent Instagram post, Hadi Choopan looked huge in an off-season physique update.
“The world revolved under my feet and I said to the worlds, I am the soldier of the Persians, the owner of the kingdom,” wrote Choopan via Google Translate. “I stood up and hit the nail of the tricolor flag of the Iranians, which once again danced in the breeze, a leaf of the historical string (Sando) that is sleeping in my house.”
RELATED: Samson Dauda Says Hadi Choopan & Derek Lunsford Will Lose 2023 Mr. Olympia If He Improves His Back
Recently, Choopan sent warning shots with an insanely jacked off-season physique update where he delivered a fiery message to his competitors. Based on his latest progress video, Choopan has no intentions of leaving the door open for a new champion to emerge later this year.
Published: 15 June, 2023 | 5:07 PM EDT
Hunter Labrada Shares Stacked Physique Update 8-10 Weeks from 2023 Tampa & Texas Pro
Hunter Labrada, son of bodybuilding icon Lee Labrada, is ready to set the record straight on the Mr. Olympia stage later this year. However, to accomplish that goal, he must qualify, thus his focus is on the 2023 Tampa Pro in eight weeks. In a recent Instagram video, Labrada shared a detailed posing routine, as well as the diet and training changes he’s employed for future success.
“Feeling focused and ready to push,” Labrada shared.
From the moment he entered the IFBB Pro League, lofty expectations were the norm for Hunter Labrada considering his father Lee’s legacy. Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for Hunter to establish himself in the Open class. His breakout year came in 2021 when he snagged the Chicago Pro title before finishing a career-best fourth at the Olympia competition.
Given his performance, he started 2022 as a leading favorite heading into the next Mr. Olympia show. With time to focus on progress, size, and other improvements, Hunter used the majority of the year for preparations but also made guest posing appearances. On the big O stage, however, he found himself in seventh. He was devastated by the result, though he vowed to return better than ever.
In February, news surfaced that Labrada would enter the upcoming Tampa Pro and Texas Pro. He also said regardless of the first contest’s outcome, he still intended to compete in the Lone Star State. Labrada, who appears more fired up than in past seasons, is ready to once again insert himself in the Olympia title discussions.
Hunter Labrada Promises ‘Overhauled Presentation’ at 2023 Tampa & Texas Pro In Recent Update
In his latest post, Hunter admits he reduced his meals from six a day to five. He says the change has allowed him a better night’s sleep. As for training, Labrada is following a split of two days on, one day off, three days on, and one day off. It appears his efforts are paying off as his arms and legs look bigger.
At 273 pounds fasted, Labrada mentioned ‘his look is changing daily.’ With extra sleep and less food, Labrada feels energized heading into the next stage of contest prep approaching.
Find his post below:
“8 & 10 weeks out from the Tampa Pro and Texas Pro 273lbs fasted–Well, the proverbial hammer got dropped this week! After a week of deload-ed training while in Florida with my family last week, I hit the ground running this weekend/week, and am watching my look change daily!–One of the biggest changes I want to highlight is I went from 6 meals a day to 5! Reason: I get 2 hours more sleep! I found myself just staying up to eat a lot recently, and now that the food was low enough for it not to mess with my digestion, I told @squatlikechow I wanted to give it a try and I’m glad I did! The meals are more satiating, and I’m recovering even better with the extra sleep!–Also started posing with @kj_centerstage / @joey1belt twice a week, and I’m sure y’all can see the difference that’s made already. Looking forward to my presentation being completely overhauled for this season
Nutrition:
Meal 1220g Lean Beef180g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 2220g Chicken Breast180g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 3- Post260g Lean White Fish/Cod180g Rice50g Green Veg
*On rest days please repeat MEAL 5 here instead of post*
Meal 4220g Chicken Breast180g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 5260g Lean White Fish/Cod110g Rich70g Avocado50g Green Veg
Cardio:
40 min level 5 stairmaster fasted20 min level 5 stairmaster PM–Training:
Back and hamsPush aOffLegsBack and bisPush bOffRepeat, Labrada wrote
Labrada has not been idle in-between shows, as he has graced the stage as a guest poser at a number of contests around the United States. He first flew to Washington to wow the crowd at the Emerald Cup and then joined a star-studded lineup of Men’s Open pros at Jim Manion’s 2023 Pittsburgh Pro. At the gathering, he posed alongside Olympia-runner-up Derek Lunsford, 2023 Arnold Classic champ Samson Dauda, Nick Walker, former two-time Mr. O Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, and reigning two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida.
RELATED: Bodybuilder Hunter Labrada Shares Detoxifying ‘Gut Health Drink’ for Optimal Digestion
If his growing strength is an indicator of his progress, Labrada is on track for an explosive season. Time will tell if he can take down other athletes entering these contests like Blessing Awodibu (in Tampa, Florida) and Andrew Jacked (in Texas).
Published: 8 June, 2023 | 11:28 AM EDT
Larry Wheels Crushes 150-Lb Incline Dumbbell Shoulder Presses & Shares Shredded Update
Popular fitness personality Larry Wheels first made a name for himself with insane powerlifting strength. As of late, he’s aiming to transition into competitive bodybuilding in the Classic Physique division. In a recent Instagram post, Wheels showed off his ripped physique and crushed a heavy set of 150-pound incline dumbbell shoulder presses for 20 reps.
Larry Wheels made headlines for setting the world record of 2,275 pounds (squat, bench, and deadlift) without wraps in the 275-pound weight division. He manages to showcase an incredible physique in addition to unreal strength. While competing as a powerlifter, he tested the waters in bodybuilding and came out on top of his amateur debut at the 2018 NPC Gold Coast Muscle Classic.
Wheels decided to step away from strength-based sports and quit steroids after suffering a back injury months ago. Since he had been using gear for about a decade, he could not quit completely and decided to use TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) instead.
In the meantime, Wheels smashed a mega set of 200-pound (90.7-kg) dumbbell bench press for three reps in a collaborative training session with IFBB Pro Joe Mackey. Mackey enlisted Wheels’ help on his journey of pulling a 1,000-pound deadlift.
Larry Wheels announced his move to bodybuilding with hopes of performing in Classic Physique earlier this year. He believes he already has enough size to be competitive in the category though chose not to participate in the Open class due to health concerns. Following the 2023 Arnold Classic, Wheels received posing help from Open standouts William Bonac and Andrew Jacked.
The 28-year-old gave fans a look into his preparations with an impressive physique update. He lauded the reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead for helping elevate the popularity of the division. Given his massive build, Wheels is confident he doesn’t need to put on more size or use more steroids to bring a pro-level look.
Larry Wheels looks ripped while crushing heavy incline dumbbell shoulder press
In his latest endeavor, Larry Wheels showed off his shredded physique while performing a massive set of 150-pound incline dumbbell shoulder press for 20 reps.
“150sx20! Been staying away from heavy squats and deadlifts in an attempt to make my waist smaller,” wrote Wheels.
Larry Wheels displayed his crazy bicep peak in a posing training session earlier this month. He also showed off his impressive frame by practicing the front lat spread pose in preparation for his highly-anticipated debut in bodybuilding.
RELATED: Video: Ronnie Coleman Compares His Lifts With Larry Wheels’ Heaviest Lifts
Wheels continues to improve in preparation for his foray into bodybuilding. If he brings the same gumption and grit he brought to powerlifting, fans expect an exciting spectacle when he finally steps on stage.
Published: 31 May, 2023 | 9:11 AM EDT
Jay Cutler Shows Off Ripped 240-Lb Physique Update & Posing Session Before Turning 50
Jay Cutler continues to make strides in the gym and kitchen as he sets his sights on his latest physique transformation. In a JayCutlerTV interview, Cutler revealed he’s tipping the scales at 240 pounds and plans to achieve more fullness in his chest, shoulders, and legs in the coming months.
As an active Men’s Open pro, Jay Cutler reached the top of the sport with an intense work ethic, grit, and consistency. He is famous for his rivalry with Ronnie Coleman, who is known for winning a total of eight Mr. Olympia titles, tied with Lee Haney for the most ever. Meanwhile, Cutler managed to win four Mr. Olympias during his respective tenure.
In 2006, Cutler dethroned Coleman, a feat he made possible with sharp conditioning and an impeccable lower body. While Cutler lost the title in 2008 to Dexter Jackson, he regained his status as champion a year later in what many consider one of the greatest comebacks in modern IFBB Pro League history.
Since his retirement in 2013, Cutler’s popularity and name recognition is at an all-time high. The four-time Mr. Olympia routinely examines the Men’s Open division of today. Even though he’s happy following a decorated career, Cutler said he planned to transform his physique last year. Initially, fans thought he might have been preparing for a comeback. However, Cutler dismissed that idea and explained that he started this ongoing fitness journey for personal fulfillment before turning 50 years old.
Jay Cutler Turns Heads with Fit-for-50 Shredded Physique Update, Plans to Get Fuller
Jay Cutler won’t compete at the upcoming 2023 Masters Olympia, but the bodybuilding legend has made it clear he’s planning an appearance. It remains uncertain whether or not he will guest pose, but Jay promised to show off his physique on stage. Check out the latest progress from Jay Cutler below:
“Alright, so we’re going to show the physique because I actually start my 12 weeks this weekend. Not to say I haven’t been training, but I’ve been trying to eat like six meals. My weight is close to about 240. Like I said, every week, I’m going to kind of showcase a little bit of the physique and show you guys kind of what I’m working with a little bit.”
“Obviously, I’m trying to stay in great condition and gain the size. You can see, I definitely have a lot of work to do to fill up, especially in the backside I’m sure. I can’t really see my back,” explained Cutler. “At the starting point. I just got to get really a lot fuller in here the legs. Obviously, my leg is always smaller on this side [left] it’s going to be about filling that out. Getting fuller through the chest and shoulders, especially here, my rear delts, to have that size and tighten everything up through here,” Cutler said.
YouTube/JayCutlerTV
During his recent YouTube video, Cutler demonstrated a couple of mandatory poses. Cutler, who has been away from competition for over 10 years, looks to be improving day by day. On the horizon, Cutler stressed that he plans to add fullness to his legs, delts, back, chest, and shoulders.
This is far from the first time Cutler has opened up about details pertaining to his fit-for-50 challenge. With his 50th birthday in August, Cutler said 6-8% body fat is the goal and shared that he was entering ‘uncharted territory’ after his last update, which featured a legendary quad-stomp-inspired training session.
Aside from diet and training, Cutler also discussed his steroid protocols. Given his age and the subsequent risk factor, Cutler underlined that he will achieve this transformation without the use of harder compounds such as trenbolone. Instead, the Massuchessets native said he’s using a strict regimen of testosterone replacement therapy.
Jay Cutler’s progress is a testament to his hard work and dedication to bodybuilding. Fans are excited to see him make a special appearance at the 2023 Masters Olympia show, scheduled for August 25-27 in Cluj Napoca, Romania.
RELATED: Jay Cutler Getting ‘Bigger, Leaner’ Without Bulking & Talks Keeping the Metabolism Guessing
Watch the full video from JayCutler TV below:
Published: 23 May, 2023 | 11:24 AM EDT
Ramon Queiroz Unveils Massive 251-Lb Physique Update in 2023 Off-Season, Crushes Chest Workout
Rising Brazilian star Ramon Queiroz is on a mission to win his first Classic Physique Olympia title later this year. In a recent YouTube video, Queiroz pushed through a chest workout and shared a physique update.
Queiroz has quickly become one of the biggest names in his respective division, courtesy of his popping biceps, thin waist, and sharp conditioning. He gained steam in the IFBB Pro League following his second-place finish at the 2021 Europa Pro Championships. In his Olympia debut, he finished fifth.
Forging ahead with a huge following, Queiroz took to the 2022 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Ultimately, he came close to gold but was denied the title by two-time champion Terrence Ruffin. Nevertheless, fans instantly recognized Queiroz as a future threat to four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead.
Last December’s Mr. Olympia contest saw Bumstead secure another Classic Physique title. However, before Ramon got the chance to step on stage, he was nearly disqualified after initially missing the height/weight cap requirement. Since the Classic Physique weight cap is based on an athlete’s height, some have argued that taller competitors such as Bumstead have a distinct advantage over shorter competitors.
Back in March, Queiroz won his first Classic Physique Arnold Classic title. En route to the victory, he defeated Germany’s Urs Kalecinski and Alex Cambronero. Given his recent victory, many fans have dubbed him a promising contender for the biggest show of the year.
251-Lb Ramon Queiroz Showcases Intense Chest Training Session & Impressive Physique Update
Find a list of the exercises used by Queiroz below:
Despite pushing each other on stage, Bumstead and Queiroz aren’t opposed to teaming up in the training room. Shortly after the 2023 Arnold Classic, they joined hands for a laborious back workout, which featured six movements.
While Bumstead has been eying retirement for quite some time, it’s uncertain when he’ll actually pull the trigger on his career. He made it clear that he will assess his physique and mental outlook year-by-year, but as of right now, his sole focus is on winning a fifth Classic Physique Olympia title. Should he decide to stop competing, many believe Queiroz becoming an Olympia winner is a foregone conclusion.
Considering his success in Ohio, Ramon Queiroz is the leading man to upset Cbum in November. Since Bumstead still has room to grow in Classic Physique, fans have questioned whether or not the weight/height cap should be adjusted to offer a more even playing field for other competitors.
RELATED: Chris Bumstead Opens Up on Pressures of Being Dominant: “I’m Afraid That I’m Going to Lose”
Watch the full video below from the Max Titanium YouTube channel:
Published: 16 May, 2023 | 1:04 PM EDT
Hunter Labrada Shares 277.6-Lb Ripped Physique Weeks From 2023 Tampa Pro, Texas Pro; Gives Exercise Selection Tips
Rising Men’s Open star Hunter Labrada is eager to redeem his 2022 Mr. Olympia performance after falling to seventh. In a recent YouTube video and Instagram post, Labrada revealed his weight of 277.6 pounds and offered fans tips on maximizing performance through exercise selection.
It’s been an exciting IFBB Pro League career thus far for Hunter, son of IFBB Hall of Famer Lee Labrada. Last year, fans deemed him an early Olympia favorite given his mass and conditioning levels displayed throughout the off-season. However, when he traveled to Las Vegas for the show, he was met with heavy resistance on stage in the form of his rival Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, and many others.
In the end, Labrada would secure seventh at 2022 Mr. Olympia, three spots below his performance the year prior. Processing the aftermath, he was transparent about the seemingly botched prep and peak. Labrada’s coach, Ben Chow, later suggested that Hunter carried excessive weight too close to contest prep which exacerbated the peaking process in the days leading up to the show.
While Hunter’s placement consumed him with anger, he says he’s now using the setback as fuel to further his success. Lee’s father spilled the beans in Feb. on The Menace Podcast with Dennis James and revealed his son Hunter was aiming to compete at two bodybuilding contests before even considering another Mr. Olympia. After throwing his hat into the 2023 Tampa Pro and Texas Pro, Labrada provided a recent update on his progress as well as some exercise selection tips.
Hunter Labrada Shares Impressive Update at 277.6 Lbs & Tips on Exercise Selection: ‘Avoid Joint Pain’
Labrada reported that he and his team have begun pulling food in preparation for the 2023 Tampa Pro, scheduled for Aug. 3-5. In addition, he provided a comprehensive diet plan consisting of six meals.
“Inside of 13 and 15 weeks out from Tampa and Texas, respectively?? 277.6 fasted this morning.–Made our first aggressive pull on food 3 days ago, so definitely just now starting to see/feel that! We also removed all whey protein from my diet, so we will finally see what that does??? Really looking forward to seeing what winning another week will look like running things more aggressively like we are!–Other than that, no real changes to report! Still training on the same split with no modifications to volume or intensity, and still doing 30 min on the stairs at level 5 fasted for cardio??–Really looking forward to seeing my @npcnewsonlineofficialpage / @ifbb_pro_league family this coming weekend in Pittsburgh, as well as all fans coming out to support all the incredible pro and amateur athletes competing!–Current nutrition:Meal 1170g Lean Beef220g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 2170g Chicken Breast220g Rice50g Green Veg
Pre workout20g EAAs5g Creatine
Meal 3- Post220g Lean White Fish/Cod220g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 4170g Chicken Breast220g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 5220g Lean White Fish/Cod220g Rice50g Green Veg
Meal 6170g Lean Beef300g Potato50g Green Veg” Hunter Labrada wrote.
In a separate YouTube segment, Hunter Labrada discussed the significance of exercise selection. During the video, he said lifers should look through a metaphorical ‘lens’ while exercising. He demonstrated the process he follows for selecting his workout routine and when changes are necessary for advancing progress.
“The first thing that comes down to exercise selection in my mind, and this is going to be like a filter that we’re going to work our way through and pick – pick our exercises and why I would switch them out afterward. The first filter I’m looking through for exercise selection is what is the main priority for the day or what is you know the main bang for your buck that we could get out of that day. A smaller body part, something like arms or shoulders or something like that, there might not be a ton of variation to which you can do but a larger body part like the back or legs, quite a bit of prioritization that you could do, that’s where I would first start.”
“Let’s use back day for example and I’m trying to bring up my lower lats at all costs. Knowing that in my back session, I’m going to A prioritize exercises that hit my lower lats, and B prioritize them lower in the session. That’s the first lens I look through for the exercise selection what am I trying to bring up and improve the most on any given session in this day.”
“The next lens that I’m looking through is, what is the best exercise to accomplish this with? Best is a relative term and it’s one you can really define in a lot of ways; I’ve boiled it down to meeting criteria. A best exercise in my opinion is the one that offers the best alignment, the best resistance profile, and the best bracing ability. Alignment, everything is lined up there’s not any weird tork on any of the joints involved, resistance profile, it’s heaviest where it should be heaviest and drop off where it should drop off, and bracing this how well I can brace this.”
According to Labrada, once an exercise is no longer garnering results, it’s time to change movements to facilitate substantial progress.
“There’s telltale ones [signs of when you need to switch your workout] that I’ve gotten from my personal experience and talking with others. The first one is that your no longer making progress in it. You’re running it into the dirt a while, two or three sessions have gone by where you were not taking steps forward or even taking steps back, that’s a good sign that you’ve used that runway and progressed that lift as much as you can at that point,” Labrada said.
“The last reason and this is one that hopefully doesn’t surface a lot especially if you know, you’re doing your leg works on terms of looking at those exercises through the lens and meeting the criteria we talked about earlier. They’re starting to put you in pain, you’re doing exercise XYZ and it’s really making joint XYZ here, that needs to come out, the worst thing you can do is push through joint pain.”
This wasn’t the first time Labrada has offered guidance on pushing past workout plateaus. He shared that he encounters this problem during preps from time to time. In order to remedy the problem, Labarada implements a ‘plateau breaker’ or ‘intensity technique’ at the end of his workouts to maximize results.
RELATED: Bodybuilder Hunter Labrada Shares Detoxifying ‘Gut Health Drink’ for Optimal Digestion
Given his lineage, comprehensive nature, and work ethic, fans believe it’s only a matter of time before Hunter is pushing for Mr. Olympia gold. The bodybuilding community will get a sneak peek of his physique soon as Labrada is scheduled to guest pose at Jim Manion’s 2023 Pittsburgh Pro next weekend.
Watch the full video below from Hunter Labrada’s YouTube channel:
Published: 10 May, 2023 | 11:19 AM EDT
49-yo Hidetada Yamagishi Shares Shredded Physique Update 18 Weeks from 2023 Masters Olympia
Hidetada Yamagishi is quickly finding himself as a frontrunner ahead of the 2023 Masters Olympia contest. In a recent Instagram post, ‘Hide’ posed and showed off his current physique 18 weeks from stepping back on stage.
Yamagishi, known for his balanced proportions and lower body detail, established himself as a force in two divisions during the 2000s. He switched between categories and earned invitations to compete at the Mr. Olympia show in 212 Bodybuilding and the Open.
While he never laid claim to a prestigious Sandow trophy, Yamagishi pushed some of the sport’s best 212 talent. His highest Olympia finish saw him place third, trailing behind Jose Raymond and seven-time 212 mainstay Flex Lewis.
Last year, Yamagishi revealed that he was stepping away from the sport. Even though he’s found success with a growing YouTube channel, the Masters Olympia comeback after 11 years piqued his interest. The official roster has yet to go public, but Hidetada made it clear he’s coming out of retirement for one last show in August.
Hidetada Yamagishi Looks Diced 18 Weeks from 2023 Masters Olympia
With his 50th birthday around the corner, Yamagishi shared a progress video a few months away from his next contest. Given his conditioning levels, proportions, and size, many fans believe Yamagishi could end up fighting for the Masters Olympia title.
“18 weeks out @mastersolympiaofficial” Hidetada Yamagishi wrote.
Another bodybuilding staple from the 2000s, Jay Cutler, teased a possible stage return. His physique went viral online after posing with fitness influencer Lexx Little. Following their collaboration, Cutler explained that he’s transforming his body for a ‘Fit for 50’ challenge, not to make a return at the Masters Olympia in Romania. In a show of honesty, Cutler underlined that he only plans to take testosterone replacement therapy for the transformation while staying away from compounds like Trenbolone.
In a series of Cutler Cast podcasts, the four-time Mr. Olympia shared that he will be in Romania for the Masters Olympia contest but won’t be competing on stage. With the show slated for this Summer, fans have begun brainstorming who might compete. Adding excitement to the weekend, the Olympia organizers announced a total of $229,000 in prize money to be distributed among 10 divisions.
RELATED: Hidetada Yamagishi “Its Getting Out of Control” Shared His Frustration With Judging In Bodybuilding
Cutler shared that the Masters Olympia roster will be revealed on April 25. Former 212 Olympia Kamal Elgargni has expressed interest in the event but left the door open until the ‘prize is right.‘ Regardless of who enters, it appears Hidetada Yamagishi is on track to shake up the competition.
Published: 21 April, 2023 | 3:45 PM EDT
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