Tag: Videos
Jay Cutler Shares His ‘Ultimate Fasted Cardio’ Routine for ‘Fit for 50’ Challenge
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has not lost his passion for working out despite moving on from professional competition years ago. Ahead of his 50th birthday, he’s taking on a challenge to level up his fitness. In a recent video posted on YouTube, Cutler shares the ‘ultimate cardio’ routine he’s following to get ready for the ‘Fit for 50’ challenge.
Jay Cutler first rose to prominence for his impressive physique as an IFBB Pro League Men’s Open competitor in the early 2000s. He displayed a stellar combination of freakish muscle mass, size, and detail. He went up against a plethora of top talent during his days of competing on stage, including fellow legend Ronnie Coleman, with whom he developed a fierce rivalry.
After falling short of the eight-time Mr. Olympia champion in four events, Cutler finally managed to dethrone Coleman and win his maiden Sandow trophy in 2006. He dropped the title to Dexter Jackson in 2008 after a successful title defense and reclaimed it the next year. He hung up his posing trunks with four Mr. Olympia and three Arnold Classic titles under his belt.
In Oct. 2022, Cutler declared his ambitions to transform his body as part of the ‘Fit for 50’ challenge for his 50th birthday. He gave fans a look into his preparations for the challenge with a monstrous physique update where he weighed in at 239.5 pounds earlier this year.
Cutler often educates his fanbase on a range of topics related to bodybuilding and fitness. He provided tips on building a complete chest and laid out three of his top movements for developing boulder shoulders last month. Then, he gave his take on adding size and staying lean by varying workout time. He promoted using morning workouts and fasted cardio to help cut down on stubborn body fat.
Jay Cutler left fans in awe of his huge physique with a massive update weeks ago. He went through a series of poses and identified a need to add muscle in his chest, shoulders, and legs. The 49-year-old offered a sleeve-busting arm workout designed for hypertrophy earlier this month. He utilized eight exercises targeting the biceps and triceps as he worked his way towards weighing 250 pounds in under two months.
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Jay Cutler shares his ‘ultimate cardio’ routine for the ‘Fit for 50’ challenge
In a recent YouTube video, Jay Cutler shared the ‘ultimate cardio’ training plan he’s utilizing to transform his physique for the ‘Fit for 50’ challenge.
He laid out the equipment he likes to use along with the workout duration and timing.
“Fit for 50 challenge is in place. What is the ultimate cardio that I’m following?” said Cutler. “Now, I’m doing a majority of different types of cardio so I do the step mill. I think that’s always my go to to get the heart rate up. I focus on bike, sit down bike mostly, doing the treadmill and the elliptical.
“I have all these things at home although I like to do some at the gym after training. If I’m not doing my fasted cardio first thing in the morning which is 20 minutes a day right now, I do 20 minutes after training.
“That cardio’s going to kick in that metabolism. It’s going to allow me to eat a little more and lean out. Fit for 50 full effect.”
Jay Cutler revealed his top three exercises for training abs earlier this week. He stressed the importance of using a high rep range of 15 to 20 reps and focused on conditioning the muscle group instead of building muscle on it. He followed up by crushing a brutal high-volume leg workout for optimizing the gains.
Cutler’s latest offering provides new ways for fitness fans to level up their cardio game. It will be interesting to see how the workouts help him achieve an enhanced physique by the time he’s 50 in two months.
You can watch the full video below.
RELATED: Jay Cutler Talks ‘Fit for 50’ Transformation Challenge: ‘Strictly Testosterone, No Tren’
Published: 17 June, 2023 | 10:21 AM EDT
Nick Walker Crushes Push Day Workout, Emphasizes The Value of Avoiding Muscle Failure in Workouts
The gap between Nick Walker and Mr. Olympia title is narrowing each passing year. Having made it into the top three at the 2022 Olympia, Walker now trains to snatch it from reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan and recently went through a chest, shoulder and triceps workout as a part of this effort.
America’s own Nick Walker competes in the Men’s Open division of the IFBB Pro League. In a short span of three years, the 28-year-old has emerged to be a top Olympia contender. His resume includes impressive performances in six Pro bodybuilding shows. He holds dominant wins at the 2021 New York Pro and the 2021 Arnold Classic. The two Olympia appearances saw him secure fifth and third place finishes at the 2021 and the 2022 Olympia, respectively.
Making a quick turnaround after the 2022 Olympia, Nick Walker attempted to bring home the second Arnold Classic title in 2023. Walker was a massive favorite heading into the show. Experts in the bodybuilding community expected challengers like Andrew Jacked, Shaun Clarida and Samson Dauda to present a formidable challenge but rallied behind Walker to secure the win anyway. However, British bodybuilder Samson Dauda emerged as a dark horse and snatched the win from Walker after a neck-and-neck competition.
Nick Walker / Instagram
Although The Mutant had to be content with a runner-up finish, many people contested the result and opined that Walker deserved the judges’ nod. But he moved on from the argument quickly and started focusing his energies on improving the physique further to leave no doubt in judges’ minds the next time around.
As a part of his quest to win the Mr. Olympia title, Walker recently went through an off-season chest and triceps workout. So let’s check out how the 2021 Arnold Classic winner is pushing the limits to be the next Mr. Olympia.
Nick Walker goes through a push day workout
Pec Deck Flye
Nick Walker started the training session with pec deck flyes. Flye, an effective chest isolation movement, helps build adduction strength of the upper body. Additionally, the pec deck flye ranks high in terms of pectoral muscle activation, losing only to the bench press. As a result, it is a great exercise for achieving hypertrophy.
Walker stated that the angle of the machine used in this workout was slightly different, which presumably helped with muscle activation. The Mutant performed a couple of warm-up sets of this exercise and followed them up with two top sets to direct the blood into the chest. He stated that he does not need to push to failure every single time and only pushes to failure once in a while. Walker said:
“I have the size already so training to failure is good once in a while. But I’m also here for longevity. So doing an extra set of something rather than pushing one set to ultimate failure… Sometimes this isn’t a bad thing.”
He added:
“I still believe in training to failure. But I think utilizing reps from the reserve can also be beneficial in terms of growth. Because I feel like sometimes if you push the body too much and train to failure too often, you’re just fatiguing the body more… Not necessarily giving the rest your body truly needs, which is where reps in reserve come to play where instead of doing one or two sets to failure maybe do three sets of 12. But the reps… This is where you have to be really in tune with the muscle.”
Even though this method is less fatiguing, Walker feels it can lead to more growth. Following this, he took the first heavy compound exercise of the day.
Incline Dumbbell Press
Incline movements emphasize the clavicular head of the pectoralis major muscle and help build the upper chest by giving it a more fuller look. Walker took to the incline dumbbell press next and annihilated a few good sets. He started with the 40 lbs dumbbells for the warm-up set and slowly worked his way up, performing eight to ten rep in each set. Walker made sure that he performed the eccentric phase of each movement with really slow and controlled motion to keep the muscles under tension for a longer duration.
Machine Chest Press
After working with the free weights for the previous exercise, the New Jersey native jumped into the machine chest press. Weights on the machine move along a fixed trajectory and hence eliminate the need to control the weights. This results in overall reduced chances of injury.
The machine chest press served as the final chest exercise in Walker’s routine as he got a few sets of the exercise under his belt and shifted the focus on other muscle groups.
Lateral Raise – Machine and Cable
After wrapping up the chest routine, the 2021 Arnold Classic winner took up the shoulder exercises and performed machine lateral raises to work the medial deltoids. He cranked out 2 sets of 15 reps of the exercise on a machine.
Nick Walker’s shoulder routine typically consists of only medial and anterior deltoid exercises. For him, posterior deltoids deserve a place in the back workout. Walker explained:
“I normally always do two side delt exercises but I might start incorporating like maybe one press, one side or one side and one front. And I just think about side delts – they can never be too big in my opinion. I like to keep rear delts with back now. To me, I just feel like rear delts could be part of shoulders so if you train with shoulders, completely fine in my opinion. But for me it’s part of back.”
The Mutant then moved on to the cable machine variation of the same. Cable machines keep the muscles under tension throughout the range of motion and help bring about hypertrophy more effectively. While doing the lateral raises, Walker raises his hands higher than usual. Explaining the logic behind this, he said:
“I don’t really train the traps directly because I do feel like doing the side laterals really high, even though it really targets the side laterals really well, I do think no matter what, you’re going to engage a little bit of traps in there. So I really don’t think I need to directly hit traps.”
After pushing through a few sets of cable lateral raises next, Walker took to the final exercise of the day.
Smith Machine Skull Crushers
With chest and shoulder exercises in the books, it was time for the New Jersey native to target the next important muscle group for pushing – triceps. Walker first performed the skull crushers on a Smith machine to emphasize on the xx head of the triceps and then jumped into the final exercise of the day.
Machine Overhead Triceps Extensions
Walker wrapped up the training session with this exercise. Overhead triceps extensions work the muscles from a stretched position as well as a different angle. Hence they help emphasize the long head of triceps.
Walker did a few sets of the exercise with furious intensity to add the final bit of stimulus to the muscles and called it a day in the gym.
Overall, the workout consisted of:
Nick Walker has made tremendous progress in his career so far. When the 2023 Olympia weekend kicks off, Derek Lunsford and reigning champion Hadi Choopan will probably be the only competitors Standing in Walker’s way if he continues to train with similar intensity in the months to come. Whether he can get past them or not depends solely on his drive to push the limits of his body.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Nick Walker’s personal YouTube channel:
More on Push Day:
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 10:57 AM EDT
Samir Bannout Urges Big Ramy to Get Healthy & Backs Derek Lunsford as Most Dangerous at 2023 Mr. Olympia
Egyptian bodybuilder Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay left the door open for a new champion to emerge and paid the price for it at the 2022 Mr. Olympia last December. While many seem to count him out, others believe he could get back in the winning column. In a recent episode of The Muscle Maturity podcast, former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout called on Big Ramy to get his health in order and encouraged him to take a similar approach as Derek Lunsford.
The 2022 season turned out to be one of the most exciting and competitive of any in recent years. Former two-time Mr. Olympia Big Ramy went into the Olympia contest as the betting favorite to retain the title based on his overwhelming muscle mass and size. He was tasked with the challenge to ward off proven veterans like Hadi Choopan and a crop of new talent in rising sensations Nick Walker and Andrew Jacked.
Along with the mass monsters of the Men’s Open class, former 212 Olympia king Derek Lunsford entered as the wildcard after receiving a special invite to test out his abilities in the Open Olympia. In the end, Ramy missed the mark and suffered a crushing defeat. He got dethroned by Choopan and dropped down to fifth place with Lunsford taking silver.
Following the result, fans were quick to bash Ramy and called on him to step away from professional competition. He was hoping to redeem himself at the 2023 Arnold Classic but could not assert his place in the mix of title contention. IFBB athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo theorized Ramy would not be able to win another Sandow trophy unless he completely transformed his physique.
Big Ramy at 2022 Olympia
Ramy hit back at the critics for asking him to hang up his posing trunks. He expressed his passion for the sport and indicated no plans to move on anytime soon regardless of the outcomes. Ahead of his guest-posing appearance at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro, Ramy hinted at the possibility of taking a brief hiatus for the rest of the year.
Big Ramy opened up about his drive to regain his status as the best bodybuilder in the world last month. He believes training with anger helped him amp up the intensity and would ultimately benefit him on stage.
When it was time for his guest-posing appearance, Ramy presented an improved package but got outshined by the likes of Lunsford, Walker, and 2023 AC champion Samson Dauda. Cicherillo admitted Ramy looked better although he was not convinced the improvements were enough.
IFBB head judge Steve Weinberger recommended Ramy take to the sidelines to work on his shoulders, arms, and back muscle development along with his overall proportions.
Samir Bannout urges Big Ramy to get healthy
In a recent Rumble video, Bannout called on Big Ramy to prioritize his health and take some time off to heal the issues. He also suggested Ramy quit using hardcore supplements.
“I think one good year of maintenance training and really work in every way to improve his health in general,” said Bannout. “I talked to Ramy and he said according to doctors that would be in his best interest. It’s really hard for me to say 100 percent but more likely he should take care of his health and take a break from hardcore supplements, you know what I mean? Let his mind and body more healing time.”
Although Bannout wants Ramy to slow down, he doesn’t recommend taking a whole year off.
“If he takes off completely and becomes a couch potato, he’s done.”
Bannout believes following a similar path devised by coach Hany Rambod for Derek Lunsford could benefit Ramy.
“Maybe Ramy should follow similar principle like what Hany’s doing to Derek, maybe he can promote his mass again and get healthier, cleanse his liver and cleanse everything in his body and relax his mind.”
Lunsford has gained a lot of momentum since his last outing at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Legendary bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman sees him as the man to dethrone Choopan and called him his favorite bodybuilder of this generation earlier this month.
Bannout shares his most dangerous competitors for 2023 Mr. Olympia
Samir Bannout backed Derek Lunsford as the biggest threat to Choopan’s title at the 2023 Mr. Olympia along with Samson Dauda.
“Hadi will be ready for sure but again it’s not going to be easier, it’s going to get harder because everybody wants him right now. The most dangerous guy would be Derek and then Samson and then who else is dangerous? Nick, Andrew is dangerous, Krizo. Can Krizo do it?”
Earlier this month, Big Ramy confirmed he would not sit out a year and plans to step on the stage for the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia. His focus is set on bringing a better package and not on the placement he gets.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 9:11 AM EDT
Dana Linn Bailey Takes on ‘Summer Shredded 4.0 Total Body’ Transformation Challenge
With summer on its way, former Women’s Physique Olympia Dana Linn Bailey is determined to transform her physique. In a recent YouTube video, Bailey revealed a progress video before embarking on her ‘4.0 summer shredded’ fitness challenge.
“What’s up guys, you’re probably wondering why I’m in a bathing suit right now. That’s because today I am taking my first progress pictures for my new challenge that’s coming out, shredded summer 4.0. This is the fourth one we’ve done. Very excited,” Dana Linn Bailey shared.
As the first winner of a Women’s Physique contest in 2011 at the Jr. USA and the inaugural Women’s Physique Olympia champion in 2013, Dana Bailey has made her mark in the IFBB Pro League with exceptional balance and striated shoulders. Since retiring from competitive bodybuilding in 2015, she’s built a notable online presence with her YouTube videos and social media posts, where she regularly showcases her workouts, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Despite stepping away from the sport competitively, Dana still attacks her workouts with a chip on her shoulder. Whether it’s a grueling back training session or a push day, Linn brings her best day after day. Aside from training, Bailey has been open about some of her health struggles. In a recent Cutler Cast appearance, Bailey detailed battles with a thyroid condition and a Rhabdomyolysis infection.
While Dana is known for her extraordinary fitness levels, she plans to kick things into overdrive in the coming months. She aims to add muscle, lean out, and lose weight. In addition, she sat down to discuss a preferred meal option.
Dana Linn Bailey Introduces 4th Summer-Inspired Shredded 2023 Workout Challenge
Bailey said the transformation will be ‘full body’ and encouraged any of her followers to join her on the journey. She plans to award a male and female participant with $10K each.
“It’s a total body transformation. It’s not just a weight loss challenge. We’re going to get leaner. We’re going to have more muscles. And we’re just going to be super confident in your bathing suits. So, it’s summer right now, so if you’re not feeling like your best. You got a vacation coming up to the beach, you got to wear this tiny little bikini or swim shorts and you want to feel more confident come join me summer shredded 4.0,” said Dana Linn Bailey.
“If getting shredded for summer wasn’t enough for you, not motivating enough to get abs and look really good, I’m giving away 10 grand to one guy and one girl. That’s 20 thousand dollars in cash and prizes. Prizes are coming from Trifecta, RedCon1, and you’re getting cash.”
After the posing session, Dana shared one of her daily meals, consisting of bison and Basmati rice.
“Today, first meal of the day, you know, it happens to be in the afternoon, we are doing just lean bison and Basmati rice,” said Dana Linn. “I don’t actually like cooking fish but when I go to a restaurant that’s all I order. When I went to Mexico, that’s all I ordered was fish. We’re landlocked. If I’m in Montana, it will be chicken, beef, fish. If I’m on the coast somewhere, it will go fish, chicken, beef. I know, it changes.”
Dana Bailey isn’t the only Olympia winner amid a physique transformation. Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler announced he was getting in the best shape possible since 2013. Even though he has no plans of making it to a bodybuilding stage, Cutler is excited about the process. He’s offered consistent workouts, physique updates, and training sessions geared toward his ‘Fit-for-50’ goal.
Dana Linn Bailey is an open book to her fans and followers. In addition to an inside look at her gym life, Bailey has revealed a detailed daily supplement stack, which she uses to maintain her energy levels and wellness.
Always pushing the realms of her physical fitness, Dana Linn Bailey is a bodybuilding trailblazer who uses her platform to promote positivity. She encourages anyone to tag along with her while she once again transforms her physique.
You can watch the full video from Dana Linn Bailey’s YouTube channel below:
RELATED: The Summer Beach Workout to Get You Jacked
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 12:30 AM EDT
Chris Cormier & Olympia Judge Talk Jeremy Buendia, Brandon Hendrickson vs. Erin Banks at 2023 Olympia
As the bodybuilding season marches forward, athletes are gearing up for the biggest show of the year, 2023 Mr. Olympia in November. In a recent Prime Time Muscle show, Chris Cormier and Terrick El Guindy examined some of the rivalries front and center in the Men’s Physique category, all of which feature the reigning Olympia winner, Erin Banks.
The Men’s Physique division has existed for around 10 years and in that time, athletes have evolved to display the best beach bodies possible. In 2013, Mark Anthony Wingson made history when he became the first-ever Men’s Physique Olympia champion. His victory served as a standard for the division at the time and offered his rivals a clear vision of the ideal physique needed to claim gold.
The intensity of the category only grew in the years to follow. Jeremy Buendia established himself as the reigning champion for four years, from 2014-2017. While there have been talks of his comeback in the past, he’s now formally committed in 2023. He’s shared bulking diets, training sessions, and physique goals ahead of his latest venture.
Before Erin Banks won the recent 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia title, Brandon Hendrickson proved himself as one of the best in the division. He became a three-time champion (2018, 2020, 2021), and like Buendia, hopes to knock Banks off the throne in a few months. With such a competitive group of talent, Cormier and El Guindy took a closer look at some of the top contenders expected to compete in November.
Terrick El Guindy Discusses Diogo Montenegro Accusing Erin Banks of ‘Suspect Shoulders’
According to El Guindy, Diogo Montenegro accused Erin Banks of having ‘suspect’ shoulders because there are no striations or separations in the muscle like his.
“Some guys they don’t like each other. That’s the part of the sport. These guys, they hate each other. Oh Terrick don’t use the word hate, well, that’s how they feel about each other. Diogo Montenegro was very specific in Portuguese because I speak the language and he says, ‘My shoulder has separation, my shoulder has striations when I’m really defined, you don’t get to see that on Erin Banks.
You know, making an assumption that Erin Banks shoulders are somehow suspect or present some type of imbalance. That did not go well with Erin Banks. Erin Banks is a cool collected guy. He’s a family guy. If you come his way, he’s from Fresno. They don’t play. He’s like, ‘You can say whatever you want to me, but be ready for the counter attack’ He went after Diogo, he said, ‘You’re a little man with five abs five little blocks,’ you know,” Terrick El Guindy shared.
El Guidy said the online beef reminded him of when Andre Ferguson and Brandon Hendrickson promised a scuffle in Orlando a few years ago.
“Things are getting hairy here. Remember, when we had Andre Ferguson and Brandon Hendrickson they were going to scramble in Orlando a few years ago. Everybody had their board shorts rolling, like, ‘Oh this is going to happen,” El Guindy added.
Chris Cormier & Olympia Judge Talk Jeremy Buendia, Brandon Hendrickson, Erin Banks Rivalries Before 2023 Olympia
After El Guindy explained that Banks blocks people online such as Buendia, Chris Cormier suggested that it probably wasn’t personal.
“He had arguments with Jeremy Buendia, he blocked Jeremy Buendia. Then, I think he [Erin Banks] blocked some other guys. If you come to his social media and you don’t like him, he blocks everybody. I mean, it’s his social media he does whatever he wants but that’s his strategy.”
“It’s competition and I’m sure a lot of it is not totally personal. I just – I don’t know, I like going back and forth. It fueled me to look even better than I probably would have if I different have some kind of edge or some type of chip on my shoulder getting ready for a show. I wanted it. I invited it,” said Chris Cormier.
Cormier said back when he competed, those who talked trash to Flex Wheeler would receive a ‘personal block’ since social media didn’t exist then.
“I would probably have to [trash talk] go with Flex Wheeler. Because just knowing him so well, I know what buttons to push and what buttons to not push, and just like we would go into the posing room together, myself, him – Rico McClinton, and Flex, I mean we’d be in there till we’re falling asleep in between. But we knew if you said one thing negative to Flex, he would at that time defriend you or do a personal block on you back in the day, he wouldn’t talk to you for a few weeks,” said Cormier.
Given Hendrickson’s history on top, El Guindy believes he has the potential to upset Banks at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He said he felt a lot of tension between the two Men’s Physique competitors during an Olympia TV live show.
“We might have a shake-up. You never know, Brandon Hendrickson, don’t discount the champion. A lot of times people place second place and guys start talking about new guys, he can come back and he can regain that title. Him and Erin Banks, they dislike each other to the max. There wouldn’t be anything more perfect for Brandon Hendrickson to be the last man standing and to take that trophy from the heart of Erin Banks,” said Terrick El Guindy.
“I did a live with them and there’s a lot of tension between those two guys.”
Even though Jeremy Buendia has proven himself as an elite champion, Cormier said he’s facing a very ‘steep hill’ because his peers, Hendrickson, and Banks, have been competing consistently as of late.
“He’s put on a lot of muscle. I just hope it’s going to turn out right because these guys have actually been competing and he’s actually not been competing,” said Cormier. “I didn’t say he couldn’t make an impact. I’m saying it’s a steep hill to climb when things guys have been competing. I said he’s going to have a steep hill to climb when these guys have been competing competing competing,” shared Cormier.
In the past, Erin Banks and Buendia have gone at it in a heated Olympia TV interview. Banks argued that the category had moved on and evolved since Jeremy’s time in the sport. However, Buendia took issue with Banks lacking respect for champions who paved the path he now walks on.
The IFBB Pro League announced a new height/weight cap restriction for the Men’s Physique division. Following the 2023 Olympia event, the new regulations will go into effect. In an appearance on an NPC News Online YouTube video, IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion laid out why the changes are being implemented. Most importantly, it’s to keep competitors from retaining too much size.
While some in the community such as Dave Palumbo believe the changes would discourage Men’s Physique talent from training legs, Bob Cicherillo disagrees. In a recent Voice of Bodybuilding Podcast, the event announcer explained that ignoring leg training would result in an imbalanced physique despite legs not being a part of the judging criteria.
The rapid growth of the Men’s Physique division has made it one of the most talked about events on the Mr. Olympia schedule. With Erin Banks at the center of at least three rivalries, fans are looking forward to seeing how he fares in what could be his first title defense.
RELATED: 4x Physique Champion Jeremy Buendia Gives Tips For Rear Delts
You can watch the full video below from the Olympia TV YouTube channel:
Published: 15 June, 2023 | 11:43 AM EDT
Jay Cutler Smashes High-Volume Leg Pump Workout for Mass Gain
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler is back with another brutal workout demonstration. In a recent JayCutlerTV YouTube video, Cutler showcased a blood-pumping legs training session where he focused on building mass.
A pioneer and mainstay of the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division, Cutler dominated his class with a combination of muscularity, detail, conditioning, and sheer willpower. Having dethroned ‘The King’ Ronnie Coleman in 2006, Cutler proved himself on the sport’s brightest stage. He remains the only man in the history of the Open class to ever win back an Olympia title that was lost, which he accomplished in 2009 after he was dethroned by Dexter Jackson the year prior.
In addition to his four Mr. Olympia titles (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010), the Massachusetts native won the Arnold Classic three times (2002, 2003, 2004). Following his epic rivalry with Coleman, Cutler remains an esteemed member of the bodybuilding community today.
Late last year, Jay Cutler announced that he was transforming his physique for a ‘fit for 50’ challenge. While fans thought he was teasing a comeback, Cutler later made it clear he had no intention of stepping foot on a competitive bodybuilding stage.
Documenting his latest physique goal, Cutler has offered fans an inside look into his preparations. He’s targeting 6-8% body fat during this transformation but also plans to add mass and lean out without the use of bulking diets. In his latest offering, the former Mr. Olympia detailed a brutal leg-day training session.
Jay Cutler Ponders Post-Training Thoughts, Fit for 50 Challenge, and Having ‘No Real Goal’
Check out Cutler’s leg workout below:
Leg Curl Machine – 2 warmup sets, three working sets, pyramiding the weight up peak set 180 pounds
Standing Leg Curl Machine (alternating) – 1 working set
Stiff leg Deadlift w/dumbbell – 3 sets 10-12 reps pyramiding the weight up
Walking Lunge w/Barbell – 8-10 reps per leg
Leg Extension Machine – 2 sets reps until he gets a pump
Inverted Leg press – 3 sets 10-12 reps
Unilateral Leg press Machine – 2 sets 10-12 reps
Roger Squat machine – 2 sets 9-12 reps
Cutler highlighted that the session mainly focused on quad and hamstring development.
“It will be quads and hamstrings today, we’re going to start with hamstrings, but I want to thank everyone for following along on YouTube. It’s been really firing off lately. We got a lot of great things coming in the works. Obviously, I’m doing this crazy transformation right now and it’s working really well.
I’m about eight weeks out on Saturday, so today is Thursday. So I’ll be close now but I was saying yesterday, it’s not going to end there. I’m never going to be satisfied. This is kind of just like a goal as far as getting my body primed and ready to go. I don’t know how long this final outcome is going to be but if we get passed my birthday which is eight weeks away and the challenge still moves forward and I think it’s going to drag a lot of people into it, I know it’s giving people a lot of motivation. That’s all you can ask for. There’s no real goal. I’m not getting back on stage,” said Jay Cutler.
After completing the workout routine, Cutler said he judges many of his sessions based on the pump he receives.
“We’re rolling into the next decade of my life man. I just wanted to do something really cool. I know a lot of you guys have been riding with me for a long time so I want to thank you for that.”
“We just finished legs, it was an awesome workout. Every day is progression. The pumps are getting better and that’s kind of the key. I always talk about how I judge all the workouts by the pump. As we get closer now, like I said, eight weeks this weekend, and we’re right in it now,” Cutler shared.
Cutler has kept a furious training pace since announcing his transformation. Fortunately for fans, many of his workouts have been published online. The last time the four-time Mr. Olympia tackled a session, he showed off an effective arm-building hypertrophy workout. In a separate undertaking, he revealed a few tips for building abs with summer on its way.
Jay Cutler continues to inspire fans with his dedication to fitness in retirement. His latest leg workout is a tough but effective way to build lower-body strength and muscle.
You can watch the full video below from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel:
RELATED: Jay Cutler Calls Out Steroid Stigma in Film Industry, ‘Figures’ The Rock Is on TRT
Published: 15 June, 2023 | 9:13 AM EDT
Flex Lewis Shares Top 3 Movements to Build Olympia-Worthy Chest: “Control Is Key”
Welsh bodybuilding legend Flex Lewis presented arguably one of the best physiques of all time in the Men’s 212 category during his best days of competition. While he no longer competes, he’s revered for educating fans on a range of topics related to bodybuilding. In a recent Instagram post, Lewis shared his top three movements for building an Olympia-worthy chest.
Flex Lewis’ passion for bodybuilding was discovered early in his teenage years after taking inspiration from icons Tom Platz and seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger. He made a name for himself on the UK regional circuit before joining the IFBB Pro League.
While he was well respected for his overall look, he was renowned for his insane arm development. After placing runner-up in the Men’s 212 event at the 2011 Mr. Olympia, Lewis secured the coveted title before the division limit was raised to 212 pounds the next year.
Lewis enjoyed a dominant run at the top as he managed to ward off budding talent and became a seven-time 212 Olympia champion. What’s more impressive is the fact he went essentially undefeated from 2012 to 2018, winning every show he participated in. Although he flirted with the idea of switching to the Open, he decided against it and hung up his posing trunks following a final win at the 2018 Mr. Olympia.
Flex Lewis / Instagram
In July 2022, Lewis reported positive findings after receiving the results of his blood work. He gave fans a look into his downsized physique at a lean 210 pounds post-retirement and revealed he’d start TRT (testosterone replacement therapy). Then, he delivered another impressive physique update after getting on TRT.
As far as training goes, Lewis showed off his gigantic biceps and triceps in an intense arms workout session last November. He followed up with a collaborative quads training session with rising Men’s Open sensation Andrew Jacked weeks later. The pair got together for a heavy back workout in prep for the 2022 Mr. Olympia as well.
Flex Lewis left the fans in awe of his jacked physique with an update where he tipped the scales at 200 pounds earlier this year. He laid out an updated diet and training program he’s using to pack on muscle after dropping 60 pounds.
There has been speculation about whether Lewis would ever return to competition given his high fitness levels. He left the door open for a potential comeback but mentioned a caveat: that he’s rewarded with seven-figure prize money.
Flex Lewis shares the top 3 movements to build an Olympia-worthy chest
In a recent Instagram post, Flex Lewis shared his top three movements to build a muscular chest fit for an Olympia champion.
Lewis discussed the reloaded vertical chest press as his first movement of choice.
“Exercise number one is the reloaded vertical chest press,” said Lewis. “As I preach many times, foundation is key. You find the height of the seat in accordance with your biomechanics. So, what I try to do is line up my chest with the handles, get a little bit closer range. People will say you’re incorporating triceps. I’ve been doing this a long time. There’s ways of me trying to switch off that button but the wider you go the less triceps you’re going to hit. Pinching myself against the pad and my shoulder blades. I’m not squirming in the chair, plain motion. Chest up high squeeze at the top.”
His next movement is the reloaded incline fly.
“Exercise number two is the reloaded incline fly. This is pretty much as close to a dumbbell fly as a machine can be. Chest up high, I’m arching my body. There’s a little definitive distance between the lower of my back and the pad on my shoulder blades firmly on the pad, full stretch at the bottom. Contraction with the flys all the way through squeezing at the top, opening them up, controlling the weight. Ninety degrees and up again. You can open your hands up or close them out depending on your preference and what you’re trying to achieve during the workout.”
Finally, Lewis detailed using an incline chest press machine effectively.
“Exercise number three is one of the GOATs, it’s one of the old Flex piece, this is [incline chest press machine]. Chest up high, feet in a solid foundational position and we’re going to drive through squeezing at the top. As you can see I’ve got a suicide grip which is something I don’t advise but this is how I train and feel best. Contraction all the time, control is key.”
Flex Lewis opened up on his steroid use during his prime last month. He backed himself to come out on top of a hypothetical matchup with 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan and runner-up Derek Lunsford if he decided to make a comeback. Then, he teamed up with four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead for a brutal back workout weeks ago.
Lewis laid out the secrets to his training, diet, and recovery protocols earlier this month. He also revealed his plans to take on a body transformation challenge for his 40th birthday. In addition, he recently listed his top three movements for building the triceps last month.
RELATED: Shaun Clarida Plans to Break Flex Lewis 212 Olympia Record, Says Nick Walker’s ‘Streamlined’ Look Cost Him
Given his ability to remain on top for so long as a 212 competitor, when Lewis offers insight for building a muscle group, fans listen.
Published: 14 June, 2023 | 11:35 PM EDT
Mitchell Hooper Reveals His Anabolic Protein Shake, Pre-Workout Slushy & Supplement Stack to Win World’s Strongest Man
Canadian strongman Mitchell Hooper has enjoyed a stellar run at the highest level of the sport. Although he’s been competing for only one year, he’s already claimed the most prestigious title, the 2023 World’s Strongest Man. He was able to achieve this due to multiple factors. So, in a recent video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Hooper revealed the anabolic protein shake, pre-workout slushy, and the supplement stack he used to win the WSM.
Mitchell Hooper first emerged as a budding Strongman athlete when he got the chance to compete at the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition after the withdrawal of Rauno Heinla. Despite not competing at all beforehand, Hooper displayed unreal strength to come out on top of the qualifying group stages over veteran Brian Shaw. Next, he rounded up the top three at the 2022 Shaw Classic and followed up by handily dispatching the competition to win the 2022 Arnold Pro Strongman World Series UK.
Hooper continued to work hard in the off-season and returned triumphant at the Giants Live 2022 World Tour Finals. Then, he set his sights on the 2022 Rogue Invitational. Hooper ended up taking the bronze medal, but also left the fans stunned with his freakish strength, having set a new World Record on the Dinnie Stones Hold.
Earlier this year, Hooper got back in the winning column with a strong performance at the 2023 Australia’s Strongest International competition. A few days after the victory, he scored a new PR of 420-kg (925.9-lb) on the raw deadlift in training. His workouts kept amping up as he demolished an insane 770-kg (1,697.6-lb) raw leg press for eight reps in prep for the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic. His training yielded him the outcome he wanted as he won the top prize at the aforementioned show three months ago.
Mitchell Hooper / Courtesy of World’s Strongest Man
Mitchell Hooper went up against a stacked lineup of proven veterans and fellow rising stars at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man two months ago. He established his lead early and got the biggest win of his career in only his second WSM appearance. Following the impressive win, he called for the development of a comprehensive ruleset for the show.
The 27-year-old detailed some of his ‘non-negotiable’ supplements and gave his take on how alcohol and sugar can affect recovery last month. While there are risks to overusing either substance, Hooper believes moderate consumption of sugar and alcohol won’t derail progress in the training room. Instead, they can be much more beneficial in regard to relaxing before a big day.
Even after the 2023 WSM win, Hooper is still boasting his crazy endurance levels. So, he performed a huge 465-lb (211-kg) squat for 20 reps to level up his conditioning. Then, he broke bodybuilding icon Tom Platz’s 1992 legendary squat record by performing 24 reps of 525 pounds.
Mitchell Hooper reveals supplement stack that won him the World’s Strongest Man
In a recent YouTube video, Mitchell Hooper shared the supplement stack that helped him secure the 2023 WSM and Arnold Classic titles.
Hooper listed whey protein, pre-workout, weight gainer, and creatine as part of his supplement stack.
“I’ll start with my bread and butter which is whey protein,” said Hooper. “That’s obviously going to help you recover and it’s a really quick and easy way for you to get your protein.
“Second thing that’s a mandatory in my stack is my pre-workout… It’s one of those things I don’t find a necessity but it’s certainly something that helps you when it comes to energy.”
“Next in my stack is a bit of weight gainer.”
“And the last thing on my stack is creatine. I have said this time and time again. Creatine is the number one most important thing you need to get the most out of your training.”
“This is the stack used to win World’s Strongest Man and to win the Arnold.”
Mitchell Hooper (Credit: Todd Burandt / World’s Strongest Man)
Hooper shares his staple anabolic protein shake & pre-workout slushy
Hooper revealed his morning protein shake to build muscle along with the ice-cold pre-workout smoothie he consumes to energize himself.
“At the moment, we’re in prep for Royal Albert Hall. I’m losing a bit of weight being a bit fitter so we’re going berries.”
Anabolic protein shake:
2 scoops of Diesel Mint Chip Whey Isolate
1 cup skim milk
2 scoops creatine (10g)
About a cup of Frozen mixed berries
Peanut butter (optional)
Chocolate chips (optional)
Macro Breakdown: 60g protein, 28g carbs, 1g fat.
Pre-workout slushy:
Water
1 and a half scoop of ALTRD State (pre-workout)
1 scoop iPREP
Vitamin C
Cubed ice
Mitchell Hooper challenged himself by taking on strongman icon Eddie Hall’s renowned ‘Death by Deadlift’ set last month. He used slightly heavier plates, a lifting belt, and lifting straps to perform the exhausting set. Although he couldn’t level Hall’s record, he indicated plans to try out the challenge again in the near future.
Hooper’s latest offering provides insight into the preparations of the World’s Strongest Man and will motivate fitness fans to try out similar supplements in their training.
You can watch the full video below.
Discover comprehensive coverage of the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition at our WSM coverage hub, featuring exclusive interviews, final results, event recaps and in-depth analysis: FitnessVolt.com/wsm
Published: 14 June, 2023 | 6:08 PM EDT
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
Andrew Tate Shares Meal Plan to Get His Physique: ‘1 Meal, 15 Cups of Coffee, 2-3 Cigars A Day & No Steroids’
Social media sensation Andrew Tate skyrocketed in popularity for his outspoken personality and views over the last two years. The former kickboxing world champion moved on from professional competition years ago but maintains a high level of personal fitness. In a recent interview on PBD Podcast, Tate shared his meal plans and denied ever taking steroids in his life.
British-American Andrew Tate first rose to prominence for his athletic abilities inside the ring as a professional kickboxer. He made a name for himself on the regional circuit in Britain before securing the British ISKA Full Contact Cruiserweight Championship, his first championship, in 2009. After narrowly missing out on the ISKA world title, he exacted revenge against Jean-Luc Benoit to win gold in a rematch in 2011. He won his second ISKA world title in another weight class two years later.
Tate boosted his popularity after joining the British reality show Big Brother in 2016. His straightforward views on pop culture turned him into a controversial figure. He later got removed from the show after a video of him allegedly hitting a woman with a belt went viral although the woman admitted the actions were consensual.
Andrew came under fire for his views on sexual harassment and assault and mental health problems. His masculine approach and promotion of traditional gender roles got him labeled a ‘misogynist.’ Although he’s been de-platformed and banned from social media a number of times, Tate became the most Googled person on the planet in mid-2022, ahead of the likes of Donald Trump, Kim Kardashian, and COVID-19.
Tate expanded his presence to the world of combat sports and entertainment with his collaborations with UFC superstars such as Sean O’Malley. He traded verbal jabs with internet sensation turned boxer Jake Paul with the possibility of a potential bout on the line.
In Aug. 2022, Andrew Tate fired shots at bodybuilders for not being a fighter and called them “p***y cowards.” He claimed bodybuilders only follow the sports because they’re unable to fight and want to look tougher with loads of muscle mass. He further bashed the sport for being ‘gay.’ Fitness influencer and IFBB Pro Greg Doucette pushed back on his criticism and urged him not to put down the athletes using stereotypes.
Given the incredibly shredded physique Tate boasts, there has been speculation about whether he used steroids or is on TRT (testosterone replacement therapy). He looked even more jacked after getting out of prison on house arrest earlier this year. Tate vehemently denied allegations of taking gear in any form and expressed his willingness to take any test to prove he’s natty two months ago.
Andrew Tate shares meal plan for his shredded physique
In a recent YouTube video, Andrew Tate laid out the meal plan he utilizes to maintain his ripped physique.
Yoga Fire. https://t.co/QxFikfskZy pic.twitter.com/DWBWAGZNNR
— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) June 13, 2023
Tate believes in intermittent fasting and eats only once a day with most of his calories coming from meat. He consumes up to 15 cups of coffee and smokes two to three cigars a day. He also denied ever taking steroids of any kind in his life.
“Nicotine and caffeine are what I run on,” said Tate. “I have about 10-15 cups of coffee a day and two or three cigars a day and I only eat once a day. It’s funny because people look at my physique when I put pictures up and they’re like, what’s your meal plan. I’m like bro, cigars and coffee. I eat once a day. I eat dinner, only dinner. [Intermittent fasting] every day. 80 to 90 percent of my calories are meat.
“I’ll just have three streaks for dinner. I’m not sure if it’s genetics but that’s just how I feel best. If I smoke and drink coffee all the time I feel hungry which motivates me and I feel energetic, it’s energetic hunger, that’s how I like to feel. I want to be hungry. If I eat, I’m tired.”
Despite being a heavy cigar smoker, Tate doesn’t have any lung damage. He credited it to his lifestyle of training regularly.
“I have zero smoking damage on my lungs, zero. I was like, ‘zero?’ I’ll accept a little bit but I think it’s because I train every single day. I work out and train hard every single day. I think you burn it off. A couple cigars here and there are not a big deal.”
Andrew Tate revealed his testosterone levels are higher than the normal range.
“I had a blood test when I was in hospital for all these things and my testosterone level, I’m not going to pretend to be an expert on male hormones because I’m not, I don’t understand them or what measurement it’s in, but it’s between 9 and 27 is the testosterone level the mark can be between 9 and 27 the normal range. I’ve never taken a steroid in my life, don’t inject anything, don’t take any pills, nothing, and I was 32.
“I was above the normal scale and I’m 36 years old, supposed to be going down so whatever I’m doing I’m sticking to it.”
He followed his usual diet while in jail.
“I spent my commissary money on coffee and cigarettes and one meal a day, the same.”
Tate believes everyone has different dietary requirements and explained why he eats the way he does.
“I think there’s no perfect diet for everybody, it’s slightly different. You are what you eat to a degree and also depends on the mental model you want to operate under. If I wanted to operate under comfort, I wouldn’t eat the way I eat. I do it because I want to operate under a degree of irritability and high energy and hunger. I like feeling hungry. I don’t like being full.”
PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) expert Derek of More Plates More Dates weighed in with his analysis of Tate’s ‘natty or not’ status last month. Derek believes Tate is a natty as he has not seen anything that would indicate hormone use.
Andrew Tate is currently under investigation by Romania’s DIICOT (Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism). Initially, he was being investigated for human trafficking but DIICOT adjusted the charges to “human trafficking in continued form” on Jun. 13. The case is expected to go to trial by the end of the month.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 13 June, 2023 | 6:37 PM EDT