Tag: Videos
Jay Cutler Offers Tips for Sculpting Abs: ‘Remember You’re Trying to Condition Them, Not Build Muscle’
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has managed to stay in astounding shape as he closes in on 50 years of age. In a recent offering to Instagram, Cutler shared his take on ab training and named crunches, hanging raises, and ropes as his favorite movements.
Jay Cutler was an imposing force during his bodybuilding career. His defined arms, chest, and detailed quads made him very difficult to stand against. He was also consistent and gritty, which helped him win a total of four Mr. Olympia titles. Having dethroned Coleman in 2006, Cutler continued to showcase his massive body on stage with great success. He pushed and defeated a slew of big names in the sport such as Kai Greene, Dennis Wolf, and Branch Warren.
Cutler’s rivalry with eight-time winner Ronnie Coleman was perhaps the most exciting in bodybuilding history. The two men were constantly pushing each other to new competitive heights. Cutler admitted that some of his workouts were inspired by Coleman’s high-volume training style. In addition, Cutler revealed that he was forced to eat 140 egg whites daily to retain enough size to compete with Coleman.
After retiring from bodybuilding, Cutler has kept a close eye on his fitness. He is approaching 50 years old but has maintained a fair balance of muscularity and conditioning. Before his next birthday, Cutler decided to transform his physique.
In the months to come, fans hope to see him guest pose in Aug. at the return of Masters Olympia following an 11-year absence. In his latest venture, he offered fans a quick lesson on ab training with summer abound.
Jay Cutler Gives Ab Training Tips, Says He Prefers Crunches, Hanging Raises, and Ropes
Cutler said he trains abs every other day and always focuses on 15-20 repetitions. He stressed that ab training is intended to condition the muscle, not ‘necessarily build’ it.
“Tips on ab training. I usually train abs every other day, especially when I’m training for a competition. Remember, the abs aren’t going to come out unless the body fat is low. But what is the ultimate rep range for your abs? I always focus on 15-20 repetitions.
Remember: you’re trying to condition the abs not necessarily build that muscle so I feel you need to do those exercises like the the crunches, like the ropes, like the hang raises, focus on 15-20 repetitions, condition the abs, get on the diet, and show the best physique. Summer is here,” Jay Cutler explained.
This isn’t the first time that Jay Cutler has offered up some useful training advice. Days ago, the bodybuilding icon shared an arm-building hypertrophy workout he used to win four Mr. Olympia titles. During the video, Cutler revealed that he was eating six meals daily. He admitted his goal was to achieve a full, round, and hard physique.
Additionally, Cutler is known for helping fans with workout techniques. Whether it’s his top three movements for building huge delts or a strategy for growing forearms and biceps, he understands how to maximize training results.
With his physique goal a primary focus, Cutler discussed ‘getting bigger’ and leaner without bulking recently. The 49-year-old said it’s a misconception that bulking diets are needed for adding quality size. However, Cutler mentioned that if leanness is the goal, then measures like fasted cardio and morning workouts would be best implemented.
As for PEDs, Cutler shared that he will only use testosterone replacement therapy for his latest transformation. When more extreme compounds like Trenbolone were discussed on his podcast, Cutler said he wasn’t interested.
RELATED: Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Talk Fantasy Battles: Jay vs Dorian Yates, Phil Heath vs. Ronnie Coleman
Jay Cutler is a living legend of the sport with a wealth of training knowledge. His ab workout tips are simple but effective, and they can help anyone achieve a shredded midsection.
Published: 13 June, 2023 | 4:44 PM EDT
Derek Lunsford Reflects on Battling Anxiety, Depression & Talks 2023 Mr. Olympia Prep
Rising Men’s Open star Derek Lunsford is itching to end his off-season for contest prep. In a recent The Truth Podcast with Hany Rambod, Lunsford discussed his game plan for 2023 Mr. Olympia, improvements, and dealing with anxiety/depression. Last year, Lunsford found himself in a unique position at the Pittsburgh Pro. After Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay was unable to fulfill a guest posing obligation, Lunsford took his place. Sharing the stage with Nick Walker, Quinton Eriya, Hunter Labrada, and Brandon Curry, Lunsford shocked the world, as he held his own against Open talent despite his status as a 212 competitor. Eventually, Lunsford would receive a special invitation to compete in the Open division at Mr. Olympia. While some in the sport thought he should have earned his invitation, Lunsford made the most of his Open class debut. He finished runner-up to Hadi Choopan, while Ramy fell to fifth place in a surprising turn of events.
Derek Lunsford decided to prioritize improvements instead of participating in the 2023 Arnold Classic won by Samson Dauda. In May, Derek got the chance to stand next to him and a star-studded lineup at Jim Manion’s Pittsburgh Pro. Given Lunsford’s condition at the Pittsburgh Pro guest posing, fans expect his best physique yet in a few months.
Derek Lunsford Joins Hany Rambod to Discuss 2023 Mr. Olympia Prep
According to Rambod, Derek’s preparations intensify 10-12 weeks before Mr. Olympia.
“Usually about 10 or 12 weeks out we try to shut it down. So, we’re far enough out, we have plenty of time. But I think what he’s alluding to is the fact that he’s been so busy, when you’re out constantly, even in the off-season, it’s hard to even get all the meals in because you’re traveling, all of the rest in because you’re traveling, to get all of the really good high-level workouts in because you’re using gyms that are probably not accustomed to,” said Rambod.
Lunsford says ‘training is good’ and mentioned that he’s made improvements since the 2022 Mr. Olympia show. He’s excited to ramp up his training efforts on the horizon.
“Things are good right now, training is good. I’ve made solid improvements since the Olympia, but I really want to get into my own routine at home, my own gym, and be able to just crank up the training over these next couple of months, for sure,” Derek Lunsford shared.
Lunsford on Dealing with Anxiety & Depression: ‘Mine Comes From Me Feeling Like I’m Not Doing Enough’
Admittedly, Lunsford said he was in a ‘dark place’ after slipping placings during his time competing at Olympia in the 212.
“It was not purposeful, like God I don’t need you. But you just think you need to take control and do it yourself. Then you realize one day, you just wake up and you’re like, ‘Man, this just ins’t working out.’ I don’t know why. I’m doing everything – I feel like I’m doing everything right, I’m working really hard but it’s not panning out, I feel like I’m going backward if anything. There was a point in my life where I was in such a dark place man. So depressed that it was to the point that I literally didn’t even want to be here anymore,” said Lunsford. “Yeah [when I was sliding backwards in placings at Olympia]. It wasn’t just the placings, I thought it was the placings at the time but it was really just how I viewed myself. I just kind of started realizing like, ‘Oh, man. I’m not the person that I truly want to be.’ I want to be one person I say I’m one person but I’m acting in a different way. I don’t like it. And I want to truly live my life better.”
After talking about his experiences with depression, Lunsford gave his take on dealing with anxiety. He said finding balance, working hard, and pushing forward has helped him deal with the setback.
“You can disconnect. Anxiety can come from different places, right? I think even if you can disconnect from the comments or comparing yourself to somebody else in your position or whatever, I think myself for example, when we were talking the other day on the phone. My anxiety has sometimes come from me feeling like I’m not doing enough. Whether it’s I’m not training enough or I’m not putting up enough numbers in the gym or okay, I’m not posting enough or I’m not going here, there, or everywhere enough. I’m not making enough calls or just whatever it is that I’m trying to accomplish that good isn’t good enough kind of mentality. It can drive you far in life but also, if it’s really affecting you mentally, it can also hold you back at times too,” Lunsford said.
Lunsford shared a prior conversation with Rambod that made him realize that his personal life, business life, and bodybuilding life needed more balance.
“We were talking on the phone the other day about finding balance in all of this, working hard and pushing forward but also being able to have this sort of calmness and patience along the way,” Lunsford said. “Actually it’s funny, Hany called me what was it like two months ago? You were like, ‘Hey how are things going?’ And I’m like, ‘Everything is good.’ He could tell I was worked up about what we just talked about the business stuff and the bodybuilding, he goes, ‘How’s life at home?’ I tell him, ‘Well, to be honest if I’m 100% honest, I put that on the backburner a little bit.’ He goes, ‘Hey man, you have to get your crap together. He told me to go on vacation.”
Fans and bodybuilding veterans alike have voiced their opinions on possible frontrunners for the 2023 Mr. Olympia event. In light of Dauda’s latest win in Ohio, event announcer Bob Cicherillo labeled ‘The Nigerian Lion’ and Derek Lunsford as equal threats to Choopan’s title. Meanwhile, 2022 Olympia third-place finisher Nick Walker is ready to make a statement after taking runner-up to Dauda at the recent Arnold Classic. Looking ahead, Walker has made it clear he believes the 2023 Olympia show will be decided between himself and Lunsford. Considering how close Lunsford came to earning the title last year, fans look forward to seeing him stand against his teammate Choopan once again. In the months to come, Derek plans to travel less in order to dial in preparations for the 2023 Mr. Olympia in November.
You can watch the full video from Hany Rambod’s Youtube channel below:
Published: 13 June, 2023 | 2:11 PM EDT
Brian Shaw Reveals 10,000+ Calorie Diet Leading Up To His Final Professional Strongman Appearance Ever
It’s been a turbulent year for Brian Shaw, especially since he announced that he will be retiring after the 2023 Shaw Classic. The fourth edition of Brian’s competition will take place on August 19-20. So, it is just over two months from now and the time for Brian to prepare is slowly running out. Thus, Shaw is taking all the necessary steps to be the Strongest Man on Earth, including a daily diet of over 10,000 calories.
Brian Shaw shared a video on YouTube on June 12th, revealing exactly what his full day of eating looks like. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing around 400 pounds, Brian eats six meals a day to maintain his bodyweight.
Brian Shaw (Courtesy of World’s Strongest Man)
Related: 2023 Shaw Classic Updates: New Competitor, Arm Wrestling Matches & More Revealed By Brian Shaw
Brian Shaw’s Full Day of Eating
Meal One
For meal one of the day, Brian Shaw first made a bundle of pancakes, taking five for himself and leaving the rest for his sons. He then got himself eight ounces of bison meat and mixed it with six eggs. He also added butter, syrup, and ketchup to make the meal a bit more tasty. In addition, Brian drank a glass of orange juice.
Calories: 2,260
Protein: 104
Carbs: 240
Fat: 95.5
Meal Two
Brian Shaw first prepares his second meal at home and brings it to work, where he also eats it. He uses three scoops of protein, one banana, water, and some peanut butter to make himself a nice shake. Apart from the shake, Brian packed up an apple and some cookies.
Calories: 1,190
Protein: 85
Carbs: 132
Fat: 36
Meal Three
Brian Shaw calls meal number three the “First Lunch” and it is basically pasta and bison meat. However, unlike the portion size in his meal one, Brian used one pound of bison meat, increasing his meal substantially.
Brian Shaw also revealed that he likes to eat fast and with no distractions like phones, TVs, or similar stuff. He does this due to the fact that he eats six meals a day and cannot afford to drag the meals too much.
“When the food sits down in front of me, I focus and quite literally dig into it.”
Calories: 1,495
Protein: 131
Carbs: 153
Fat: 43
Meal Four
For the fourth meal of the day Brian Shaw once again prepared a pound of bison meat, but replaced pasta with rice. Shaw also added some green beans and barbecue sauce to his meal. However, Brian states that he will eat even more bison meat in the weeks leading up to the 2023 Shaw Classic.
“It (2023 Shaw Classic) is just about being big and strong… My portion sizes from this point will only get bigger, they will not get smaller… How I am feeling in the gym is also showing me that eating this way is translating to my performance.”
Calories: 1,532
Protein: 129
Carbs: 161.5
Fat: 40
Meal Five
The second-to-last meal of the day consists of four servings of ravioli, two servings of chicken meatballs, a salad, and eight ounces of bison meat once again. Seeing that he was preparing for a rigorous training session, Brian also drank two cans of Coca-Cola.
Calories: 2,555
Protein: 145
Carbs: 209
Fat: 135
Meal Six
Despite his size already, Brian Shaw makes ice cream by using milk and five scoops of mass gainer. If that wasn’t enough, Brian also consumed some cheesecake, which is rich in calories.
Calories: 1,420
Protein: 97.5
Carbs: 153
Fat: 47.25
Total
After the entire day of eating, Brian Shaw ended up consuming 10,432 calories. Those consisted of 690 grams of protein, 1,048 grams of carbs, and 396 grams of fats.
Watch the full video here:
Related: Strongman Brian Shaw Shows Off Superhuman Strength By Rolling Up Frying Pan
Brian Shaw hoped to make 2023 one of his greatest years ever, but an unfortunate leg infection ruined everything. His infection got so severe that he almost lost his leg. So, by the time the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition rolled around, Brian was only capable of finishing in seventh place.
However, Brian Shaw is now going back to what worked the best for him, and that is putting on some mass in order to move heavy weights. In order to make his retirement one of the most important events in Strongman history, he hopes to make a spectacle at the 2023 Shaw Classic.
Tip: Try our the bulking calculator.
Published: 12 June, 2023 | 11:36 PM EDT
Ronnie Coleman Reacts to Chris Bumstead’s Biggest Feats of Strength
As one of the strongest bodybuilders to ever compete, getting the nod of approval from Ronnie Coleman is a big deal. In a recent YouTube video, Coleman reacted to some of Chris Bumstead’s craziest lifts inside the gym.
“I’ve been hearing a lot of hype about my boy Cbum. I thought it’d be only fair if I did a reaction video to some of his lifts and some of his posters out there, so let’s get into this y’all, yeah buddy.”
En route to earning eight Mr. Olympia titles, Ronnie Coleman proved himself against the best of his era, where he pushed names like Jay Cutler, Kevin Levrone, and Flex Wheeler. His mass, conditioning, and balance were unparalleled, which helped him demand the spotlight whenever he graced a stage.
In 2007, Coleman decided to call it a career. In retirement, he’s faced a number of health issues and setbacks. Following more than 10 back surgeries, the bodybuilding legend struggles to walk without assistance. Nevertheless, his impact on the sport is evident today as he remains tied with Lee Haney for the all-time Mr. Olympia record.
With spare time on his hands, Coleman created a successful YouTube channel with over 1.72 million subscribers. He documents his health and other facets of his life regularly. This time, he reacted to Chris Bumstead’s craziest lifts.
Chris Bumstead is a four-time Classic Physique Olympia winner. He first took the honor in 2019 and has seemingly improved each year since. He faced adversity before winning his fourth title, however. Weeks after last December’s show, Bumstead revealed that he got the job done with a torn bicep. Like Coleman, Bumstead’s popularity has become undeniable.
Ronnie Coleman Shocked By Chris Bumstead’s Strength in Reaction Video
After watching Bumstead on stage, Coleman reacted to a collection of training clips.
“Cbum got some strength there,” said Coleman. “He’s playing with that weight like it ain’t nothin.”
“Cbum curling like it ain’t nothing. Light weight, light weight, ain’t nothing to it but to do it baby. Light weight, he’s playing with it making it look real easy. Show them why you got all that thickness.”
“Nice and Classical, yeah buddy,” added Coleman.
Coleman was most impressed with Bumstead’s deadlifting strength. Given his ability to lift 600 with ease, ‘The King’ wouldn’t be surprised if the 29-year-old could deadlift 900 pounds.
“Deadlifts, one of my favorite, playing with that weight, he’s making 600 look like it’s 200.”
“Get that back real big and thick, yeah buddy. Cbum in the house.
“Cbum you were lifting that weight like ain’t nothing. I think you had it in you to do 8 maybe 900. Let’s hook up with your boy and show them how it’s done.”
This isn’t the first time Ronnie gave his raw take on a bodybuilder’s best lifts. In April, he took a closer look at some of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most impressive feats of strength. During the video, Coleman acknowledged that the ‘Austrian Oak’ was easily one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, regardless of era.
In addition to bodybuilding, Ronnie examined some of the strongman Brian Shaw’s legendary lifts. Coleman was blown away after Shaw deadlifted a car and pulled a truck. He also praised Shaw’s performance on the tire carry.
Whether it’s a viral Liver King clip or Jujimufu testing the limits of his strength, Coleman has seen it all. Before ending his latest video, Coleman encouraged Bumstead to visit him for a training session.
RELATED: “He’s Having a Seizure!” — Ronnie Coleman’s Hilarious Reactions To Kyriakos Grizzly’s Crazy Lifts
Watch the full video below from Ronnie Coleman’s YouTube channel:
Published: 12 June, 2023 | 4:35 PM EDT
Big Ramy Discusses Mental State Ahead of 2023 Mr. Olympia: ‘I Can’t Take a Year Off, I Need to Give It Everything”
Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay looks to be in a good place ahead of his probable comeback to the 2023 Mr. Olympia stage. In a recent The Menace Podcast, Ramy discussed a range of topics including his ambitions to improve, his relationship with fans, and the mentality he’s adopted in the lead-up to November.
Elssbiay reached the pinnacle of the sport, having claimed back-to-back Mr. Olympia victories in 2020 and 2021. Last year, he put his title on the line against a fierce roster of bodybuilders. Ramy was dethroned by Hadi Choopan, who defeated Derek Lunsford in a close show.
After dropping to fifth at 2022 Olympia, fans, and even some bodybuilders argued that Ramy wasn’t given a fair look on stage. Steve Weinberger, who served as the head judge of the prestigious contest, suspected that Ramy was plagued by injuries as many observed issues with his lats, triceps, and lower back.
The former two-time champ made a quick turnaround at the 2023 Arnold Classic. Given the show’s proximity to December’s Mr. Olympia, many fans were impressed by Ramy’s ability to improve. However, the judges saw him in fourth.
At the end of May, Weinberger joined Dennis James to discuss the Egyptian’s future. He made it clear he thought Big Ramy needed a break from competition. This sentiment was also shared by Bob Cicherillo, who insists Ramy needs time to revitalize the body parts preventing him from placing higher.
Big Ramy Takes Aim at Oppinionated Fans, Talks 2023 Ambitions: ‘I Can’t Take a Year Off’
As of late, Ramy noticed fans online can’t make up their minds about his physique.
“I respect everyone but what’s the meaning of someone is saying something is wrong when they’re talking about something they’ve never [done]. Sometimes they say okay, Ramy is too big, and second day they say Ramy is small. I don’t know what, am I big or am I small?” asks Ramy.
“Every day, someone says Ramy comes too big and second day they say Ramy is too small, not like before. Before when Ramy was big you say he must come small, then when he’s smaller, he must come bigger than before. Be honest guys.”
While he appreciated Steve Weinberger’s criticisms, Ramy doesn’t plan on waiting one year to compete again.
“Yeah, you come from that place, but okay. Dennis knows that because he’s close to me. You know how I respect Steve. First show, him in New York and he’s always nice to me. But the problem, it’s important to give people support to compete. I feel bad when somebody tells me you have to stop. The only thing you can tell someone competing is yeah, you can do it.”
“Maybe that [a break] is the best thing for me. But I’m still finding my head to compete, not today not tomorrow. I can’t wait for one year,” added Ramy.
Before moving on, Sarcev underlined that Ramy should decide his own destiny.
“Ramy, don’t ever let anybody tell you not to compete. You are the only one that chooses if you want. What is your profession? You’re a pro bodybuilder and you’re passionate about this and you want to compete, you’re healthy, your blood results are perfect,” said Milos Sarcev.
Ramy Talks ‘Weak Points, 2023 Mr. Olympia, and Fans Calling for Him to Take a Break
Ramy believes coming in flat has caused some of his body parts like his triceps to appear diminished.
“When you come so flat, you’re weak points, they go up. And when you’re full, you never had that. I will tell you what happened actually between Olympia and the Arnold. I think like two or three weeks off because I needed to think about what I needed to do.”
“Yes we talked about that, with Chad, we scared to get too much flat because we know everyone know when you get smaller, the weak points come. It’s my week, I don’t have all things complete,” said Ramy. “We’ve talked about the triceps, I’ve lost a lot of size from my triceps. But the shape for my body has not changed.”
“In my opinion, and I respect all the competitors but I believe I had some of the best arms on the stage. They’re not small. My side chest is not smaller than my shoulder. It should look nice, maybe it’s not too big, but it’s not small like it’s thinning, no.”
Sarcev called Big Ramy a ‘shapely monster’ and said his lower lat insertions are holding him back on stage.
“When Ramy said, okay, Ramy you said Arnold Classic was your best ever. I think you improved dramatically from the Olympia to the Arnold. I’ve seen you a couple of times when you won Olympia, 2020, 2017, even in 2013 with Dennis when you guys did the New York Pro, ’14, yeeh, that’s formidable. You are one of a kind. You are a shapely monster. You are an x-framed, v-tapered monster.
“At Arnold on stage, I was 307. And when I saw it I was scared, it never happened to me,” added Ramy. “I think 282 [pounds for 2022 Mr. Olympia].”
The only issue that could penalize you is that lower lat insertions and it improved at the Arnold Classic really. Whatever you did, it’s going lower, it’s a big improvement. I don’t know if it’s stem cells,” Milos Sarcev shared.
“If Ramy goes flat, he loses some parts right away,” said Dennis James.
Despite the setbacks, Ramy is treating 2023 Mr. Olympia like his first show, and plans to “give it everything.”
“I’m still the guy, I’m still firing to compete tomorrow, it’s like my first show I need to give it everything,” said Big Ramy.
“Fix the issues, if you can fix the issues, go back and be at your best, says Dennis James.
Ramy said he doesn’t care if he’s in first place or 20th, as long as he shows the world he can make improvements.
“I will train. He asked me if I will compete in 2023, I said I will train and if I make myself big and grow, I will compete in Olympia. If I’m not, it will be next show, I will need to come have a big improvement. I still feel like I can do that. I need to say one more thing.
I’m 10 years right now in professional [bodybuilding] I competed with a lot of guys, I respect a lot of them all this time. I try to be a good person, nice person. I try. I make a lot of mistakes because I’m a human. I try to make the best for me all the time. I never hate anyone,” said Big Ramy.
“I don’t like to be number one. I came to Arnold and when you asked me Dennis about it, I said I’m happy because I improved. That’s my message. I come to Columbia this year [for stem cells] I’ll try to compete this year and make big improvements. I don’t care if I’m Mr. Olympia or number 20, I need to come better because that’s my message.”
This wasn’t Big Ramy’s first update regarding the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition. The last time he opened up on the matter, the former champion shared that he was training angry and motivated to make a successful comeback.
Ramy’s plans are still materializing, but he appears fired up to make a return. Despite ongoing talks about him taking a break, he appears energized to prove the naysayers wrong at 2023 Mr. Olympia this November.
You can watch the full podcast from the Muscle and Fitness YouTube channel below:
Published: 12 June, 2023 | 1:27 PM EDT
4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler Shares Arm-Building Hypertrophy Workout
Jay Cutler’s workout intensity has seemingly ramped up judging from his latest training session. In a JayCutler TV YouTube video, Cutler smashed an eight-exercise arms workout focused on hypertrophy as he continues making strides toward a better physique.
During his respective tenure, Cutler set himself apart from his peers with massive arms, a full chest, and some of the most defined quads in the sport’s history. His consistency and grit guided him to an Olympia title in 2006 after he dethroned the eight-time champion Ronnie Coleman. Despite their rivalry, Cutler admits some of his workouts were inspired by Coleman’s high-volume heavy weight strategy.
Having sailed off into the sunset with four Mr. Olympia victories, Cutler remains one of the best to ever throw on a pair of posing trunks. Even though he hasn’t appeared on stage in 10 years, fans continue to call for his return. While he won’t compete on stage, Cutler has made it clear he’s transforming his physique before his 50th birthday.
Fortunately for fans, he’s documented the process. In addition to sharing training sessions, Cutler underlined why nutritional demands have been so crucial to his goal. And now with August approaching, Cutler shared an exhausting arm workout.
Jay Cutler Shares Arm Workout for Hypertrophy
1- Triceps Press Down – 2 or 3 warm-up sets, 3-4 working sets2- Triceps Extension Machine – 3 sets as many reps as possible3- Seated Overhead Dumbbell Extension – 3 working sets of 12 reps4- Rope Press Down – 3 sets 12 reps5- Machine Biceps Curl – 3 working sets 12 reps 6- Standing Dumbbell Curl (alternating) – 3 sets 12 reps7- Preacher Machine Curls – 3 sets8- Cambered Bar Curl (wider grip) – 4 sets
Following the arms training session, Jay Cutler discussed some of his workout habits and goals. He aims to weigh 250 pounds in eight weeks.
“That was my arm workout. I’m not trying to overdo it a lot, I’m really just trying to get the benefit of each workout, not trying to change the game. Anything I do now and moving the tissue around, moving the food through, I’m going to grow. And that is the goal. I would love to hit 250 by the time we get to eight weeks. And we’ll see where we’re going to end up. I’m about four meals deep today. I’m eating about six meals a day right now.”
And then at eight weeks out, I’ll evaluate and maybe I’ll start throwing in a little cardio exercise but I’ll tell you the cardio is going to be a lot different from the past because I’m going to stick to less intense cardio. I’m going to do more bike work, I don’t know if I’ll get on a step mill because I’m not necessarily trying to get striated glutes with this kind of come down with my body weight. But I’m kind of touch and see. Remember, I’m going for the best shape I’ve been in 10 years.”
Cutler clarified that his physique goal doesn’t involve being shredded. Instead, he plans to showcase a balance of fullness, hardness, and roundness.
“Now that means I’m going to be full, hard, and round. I’m not trying to get super shredded. Okay, on my birthday I’m actually going to be dried out, diuretics and everything else, I’m just going to be in a walk-around best shape. So, that means if I take my shirt off at a show which possibly could happen by the way, I’m going to look a lot better than I did on the original video.”
“What I’m trying to do is get the workouts in later so I can get the fullness and really, like I did in 2010 and 2011 when Hany kind of trained me and put me on this whole different mindset that you should train after if you want to come in bigger, you need to train later and have at least four meals. Your body performs better guys. If you’re trying to get bigger, you’ll stay home and focus on eating those meals and your output will be a little less so when you go to the gym you’re utilizing all those calories,” Cutler said.
This is far from Cutler’s first progress update regarding his ‘fit-for-50’ physique transformation. In a previous JayCutlerTV episode, Cutler argued against bulking up. He shared that his goal was to keep his metabolism guessing while becoming ‘bigger and leaner’ at the same time.
Cutler’s latest physique challenge is a testament to his determination and willpower. In the months to come, bodybuilding fans around the world hope to see him guest pose at the upcoming 2023 Masters Olympia contest, taking place in Cluj Napoca, Romania.
Watch the full video on the CutlerCast TV YouTube channel below:
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Published: 11 June, 2023 | 10:45 AM EDT
76-YO Sylvester Stallone Launches Eddie Hall Over Bar in ‘Expendables 4’ Trailer
American filmmaking icon Sylvester Stallone is easily one of the most prolific action stars with an influence that spans generations. Despite being in his later years, he continues to deliver exciting films in the same vein. In the first trailer for the upcoming movie Expendables 4, Stallone launched former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall over a bar.
Sylvester Stallone first showed his caliber in the entertainment world in the 1970s. He gained attention for his insanely shredded physique as well as refined writing and acting abilities with a starring role in the first installment of the massively popular Rocky film franchise. He portrayed a boxer on the path to winning the world championship against all odds, much like his inspirational real-life journey to finding worldwide acclaim from humble beginnings.
Stallone’s impact on the sporting world is undeniable. Legendary Strongman Eddie Hall paid tribute to Stallone while training in boxing in preparation for his bout with fellow strongman Hafthor Bjornsson in Jun. 2020.
In Mar. 2021, Stallone reflected on his time playing Rocky with a throwback photo of his leanest look ever. He revealed he got down to a crazy 2.8% body fat to get ready for the final fight scene of Rocky III (1982).
Although Stallone doesn’t have the same physique anymore, he has not lost his passion for fitness and continues to train regularly. He left the fans stunned with a workout update showing off his gigantic arm muscle development in Jun. 2021. Then, he reinvoked the spirit of Rocky to throw fast hands in a heavy bag workout.
While Rocky may be his most well-known role, Stallone also led several other blockbuster film series such as Rambo. In 2010, he formed a star-studded team of top talent across the film industry and combat sports to launch The Expendables franchise, featuring the likes of renowned action star Jason Statham, martial artist Jet Li, Scott Adkins, UFC legend Randy Couture, and more.
Sylvester Stallone announced Hall would be added to the cast for the fourth Expendables film in an antagonistic role in Oct. 2021. Ever since the announcement, fans have been excited to check out how the enormous strength athlete would look in the movie.
Stallone took a trip down memory lane and issued a motivational message on persevering through the challenges in pursuit of your dreams in Apr. 2022. Then, he inspired fans with another message boasting his enormous biceps a few months later.
Sylvester Stallone launches Eddie Hall over the bar in ‘Expendables 4’ trailer
In the trailer for Expendables 4, Sylvester Stallone threw Eddie Hall over the bar in an action-packed scene that lasted about half a second in the promo.
Sylvester Stallone cautioned fitness enthusiasts against working out too hard two months ago. He referenced Bruce Lee in his warning while educating his fans on the long-term effects of strenuous movements.
Meanwhile, Eddie Hall is gearing up to make a splash in bodybuilding after taking inspiration from former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay and reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia winner Chris Bumstead.
Watch EXPEND4BLES (2023) Official Trailer:
As per IMDb, Expend4bles, or The Expendables 4, is directed by Scott Waugh with Kurt Wimmer, Tad Daggerhart, and Max Adams as writers. It stars Jason Statham, 50 Cent, and Megan Fox and is expected to release on Sep. 2023.
Published: 10 June, 2023 | 3:28 PM EDT
Kali Muscle Reveals the Steroids He Used & How He Had a Heart Attack
Fitness influencer Kali Muscle, real name Chuck Kirkendall, is leading the charge against the high consumption of steroids in bodybuilding. As someone who faced serious health consequences from using gear, he keeps an open attitude about the cost of pursuing a career in bodybuilding. In a recent interview with Escape Fitness, Kali revealed the steroids he took as a competitor and what happened the day he had a heart attack.
Kali Muscle found his passion for working out and fitness in his teenage years. He grew up playing many sports and earned a college scholarship. However, he found himself on the wrong track after the death of his brother and got sentenced to 11 years in prison where he found solace in lifting heavy weights. He managed to gain significant muscle mass inside the prison on a diet made up of foods like Top Ramen, honey bars, and more.
After getting released in 2010, Kirkendall decided to fulfill his potential in bodybuilding and the world of entertainment. He dominated the Mr. California contest in 2012 and took home the top prize. He quickly found success as an actor as well, where he was featured in a range of commercials, music videos, and films. His story of turning his life around has inspired many.
Kirkendall has battled with a string of major health issues over the last few years. He suffered a heart attack due to the left artery being completely clogged in Nov. 2021. Fortunately, he survived and managed to recover from the incident. He followed up with an update on how his life changed after the heart attack and issued a stark warning to bodybuilders about not ignoring warning signs that their bodies present.
Kali Muscle / Instagram
In April 2022, Kirkendall opened up on his experience using PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) in his days of competition. He argued against pursuing bodybuilding as a career due to the health risks that come along with it. He went as far as to label bodybuilding the ‘most unhealthy’ sport of all. Then, he doubled down on his stance by offering his take on the dangers of abusing steroids for sport.
Kali Muscle recommended fitness enthusiasts stay away from competing in bodybuilding last August. He argued against idolizing the unnatural look presented by Open competitors. He confessed to having regrets about competing and warned others not to become like Walker and Jacked to preserve their health.
Kirkendall believes bodybuilders are so focused on using drugs to improve their chances of winning a show that they don’t mind sacrificing their health in the long run. He doesn’t find the rewards to be worth the risk anymore and expressed contentment with moving on from the sport.
Kali Muscle reveals what happened the day he had a heart attack
In a recent YouTube video, Kali Muscle shared what happened the day he suffered the heart attack.
Muscle highlighted the change in his diet on the day. Initially, he thought it was heartburn and only found out later that he had a heart attack after visiting the hospital.
“That day I had a heart attack, day was going good. I got some dental work done the day before and they gave me some Vicodin and the next day I took one,” said Kali Muscle. “Day was going good. At night I ate something I never eat. I had some beef, I think it was one of those Stan efferding meals, beef and rice. I was on his meals, the vertical diet at the time. I was eating a lot of beef at the time. I never eat ice cream but that night I had an ice cream sandwich and I’d already ate two of those beef meals. I ate that, went to bed, at midnight I just [got up] feeling like I got heartburn. I was panicky so I was like hey Helena get me some anti-acid to kill heartburn. She’s scrambling around, gave me some Pepto-Bismol, still was burning.
“We looking up remedies on Google. I crouched down on the couch and it was relieving the feeling so I just stayed down like that and was just off. Then finally after about 30 minutes, I had vomited and she took me to the hospital. I technically think I might’ve died during that drive there because I’d blacked out on the drive there. When we got to the hospital, I’m up energetic again, we go in there, they hook me up, they’re like, ‘oh we got to take you in.’ I was like why? I don’t feel bad it’s just heartburn isn’t it? And they were like nah, you have a heart attack. I was thinking conspiracy theory at this point.”
He opened up on the experience of getting surgery and the fear he continues to feel.
“In 10 minutes in that hospital I was in surgery. They went through my groin, said I needed a stent and I was woke all this time while they doing surgery it’s like you loaded on I don’t know what. As they giving me surgery, I’m vomiting like the movie The Exorcist all on the walls while they doing it. At the hospital, it all just seemed like a dream. I didn’t believe it. To this day, my body reminds me now because it’s just fear and thoughts. It’s a messed up position to be in because now everyday all day I’m thinking about dying.”
Kali reveals the steroids he took in his bodybuilding days
Kali Muscle laid out the steroids he utilized while competing in bodybuilding shows. He believes his poor diet combined with gear contributed to his artery getting clogged.
“11 years in prison, Top Ramen, four or five a day, I used to have headaches all the time. I didn’t know about sodium. I was eating that, honey bun, snickers, all this high-cholesterol food not to mention I used to get migraines when I was a kid from age of 15 to 31. So, it was some health going on there.
“Just eating all that bad food and then to top it off with bodybuilding with steroids; HGH, IGF, insulin, that’s clogging everything up. You clogging everything up. Then I was getting warnings and doctors would be telling me my blood pressure elevated for years. I thought I was fine. I keep on just putting it off. When I moved from Burbank to Las Vegas, my feet and ankles swelled up and would just stay swole. I’m talking abnormal.”
He revealed he would cycle off steroids and only stopped using them completely after the heart attack.
“I was 34 when I started. 34 to I really didn’t stop until the heart attack. But all those years, I would get off three to four months so I called my side cycling off. I’m thinking I’m not doing what these other guys are doing, this amount because I was genetically gifted. That HGH, IGF, insulin, that’s clogging you up and it hardens your arteries. I would try to do like the old school bodybuilders, six seven months out a year then get off clean.”
“Tren is the worst. Tren, deca, anadrol, D-bol, they’re the worst. They’ll clog you up so fast. Insulin will kill you.”
He continues to take a small dose of testosterone to sustain his muscle mass.
“A small dosage, I do like half a CC every other week. I do like 250mgs a month and that’s just to sustain… just some testosterone.”
The last time fans heard from the influencer, Kali Muscle reflected on his 13-year-long use of PEDs. He claimed he consumes only one meal a day and pushed back on eating tons of food to bulk up.
RELATED: Kali Muscle: Bodybuilders Are ‘So Caught Up’ In Drugs, They Don’t Think About the late Cedric McMillan and Shawn Rhoden
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 10 June, 2023 | 1:18 PM EDT
Breon Ansley Says to Expect ’10 More Lbs of Muscle Mass’ on His Frame in 212 Debut
Breon Ansley enjoyed an illustrious career as a Classic Physique competitor with two Mr. Olympia wins. He’s currently gearing up to make a splash in the Men’s 212 division. In a recent interview with OlympiaTV, Ansley shared his thoughts on the target weight and strategy he plans to use for a successful debut in the 212 category.
Breon Ansley first gained attention for his impressive muscle mass, detail, and conditioning in the IFBB Pro League Classic Physique division. Although he dabbled in the 212 class early in his career, he ultimately chose to compete in the Classic Physique division. He dominated the competition at the 2017 Mr. Olympia to win his first Sandow trophy and added a successful title defense the next year along with an Arnold Classic title. In 2019, he got dethroned by reigning four-time Olympia champ Chris Bumstead who has firmly held onto the crown since.
Following a fourth-place finish at the 2022 Arnold Classic, Ansley announced his plans to move on from the Classic Physique division. He was working on bringing a revamped package for his final Classic appearance and indicated a potential move to the 212 group.
Ansley teamed up with popular fitness personality Mike O’Hearn for a fierce arms workout in preparation for the 2022 Mr. Olympia last October. Then, he demolished a heavy upper-body training session utilizing a rest-pause technique and followed up with a brutal leg workout in the final stages of his prep.
Breon Ansley / Instagram
Being the only competitor to defeat ‘CBum’ on the Olympia stage, Breon Ansley was determined to repeat history and reclaim the title. He revealed his desire to change divisions was based on the weight cap restriction he was forced to follow in Classic Physique.
In the end, Bumstead retained his title and Ansley dropped to fourth place. Following the event, the pair buried the hatchet after sharing a six-year-long rivalry on stage in a candid exchange.
Breon Ansley shares the target weight for a move to the 212 division
In a recent YouTube video, Breon Ansley shared the weight he’s aiming for in his 212 class debut.
He believes adding roughly 10 pounds to his frame could help him present a new look.
“I don’t need to be a lot bigger,” said Ansley. “If I’m doing the calculations of where I’m at now and where I’d need to be to be as sharp as a tack when it comes stage time, I’d probably say that’s going to be around 200 pounds. That’s quite a bit of more pounds when you’re talking about around 10 more pounds of muscle mass when it’s able to formulate properly and not have to suffer the loss of muscle like it was with Classic. I think it’s going to be around 200, maybe even 205. I think it’s going to be quite a different look.”
Ansley reveals the strategy for the switch to 212
Without the restriction of his previous weight cap, Ansley is confident he will look his best as he won’t need to sacrifice any muscle mass.
“Now that I’m really going to be able to see my true potential, my true density that I have been lacking over the past two years in Classics so as far as density that they might outmatch me on, I’m going to have to disagree because I think once I’m able to not lose muscle, not lose a single solitary pound of muscle and hold onto all my muscle from all these hard ass Chris Cormier years of training then the density factor… remember I’m just as old or even older than some of these guys so my maturity is right there with them and I think that I can outmatch theirs. I can definitely beat theirs and dominate as far as maturity and density.
“I’m going to be a lot sharper now that I’m not going to have to lose muscle. I’m going to be able to get sharp, refined by holding onto muscle instead of losing it. You thought I was sharp and in fairly great conditioning in Classic, just wait till you see now the sharpness and the lines that I’m going to be able to display in the 212 division now that I can hold onto muscle and not kill myself with hours and hours of cardio.”
He declared his ambitions to score gold at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“Yes, I am winning it in 2023.”
Breon Ansley gave fans a look into his full day of eating in the 2023 off-season last month. He added that he consumes one meal of his choice per day and laid out the diet he was utilizing to pack on the pounds before entering prep for his next show.
It remains to be seen whether Ansley receives a special invite, otherwise, he would need to qualify for the next Mr. Olympia by winning a 212 show. Either way, fans will be excited to see how he stacks up in the new division.
RELATED: Breon Ansley Shares Mass Building High Volume Leg Workout
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 10 June, 2023 | 11:51 AM 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