Tag: Videos
Nick Walker on Derek Lunsford at 2023 Mr. Olympia: “If He Slips At All, I Will Beat Him”
This year’s 2023 Mr. Olympia contest is rapidly approaching, prompting retired Pro Flex Lewis to host a special sit-down between two of the sport’s biggest stars. In the latest Straight Outta the Lair Podcast, Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford discussed their confidence levels, preps, and protein intake less than three months from facing each other in […]
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Jay Cutler Stuns Crowd with Fit For 50 Transformation at 2023 MuscleContest FitExpo Guest Posing
When Jay Cutler hit the iconic quad stomp pose at the 2009 Olympia, he was cementing an iconic moment in bodybuilding history. Fans felt a similar thrill when the legendary bodybuilder flexed his quads to show off the result of his ‘fit for 50’ challenge – as a guest poser at the 2023 Musclecontest FitExpo. […]
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Urs Kalecinski Builds A Powerful Posterior Chain To Prepare For The 2023 Olympia
Urs Kalecinski has arrived in Vienna, Austria to train with coach Stefan Kienzl. He recently posted the video of a back and hamstrings training session under his longtime coach’s guidance and posted the video on his YouTube channel. Urs Kalecinski is a proud representative of the German bodybuilding community. He is a talented professional bodybuilder […]
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James Hollingshead Shares Full Day of Eating in Recovery after Gyno Surgery
British bodybuilder James Hollingshead has been a regular feature of the Men’s Open division in the last few years. After turning in a strong season, he’s focused on making improvements in the off-season before his next outing. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube, Hollingshead shared his full day of eating while in recovery from […]
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Jay Cutler Will Surprise Fans at Masters Olympia, Shares Ultimate Workout Tip for a ‘Huge Difference’
Legendary bodybuilder Jay Cutler cemented his place in the history books as one of the most decorated competitors of the Men’s Open division. He carried his passion for fitness even after hanging up his posing trunks years ago. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube, Cutler teased his planned appearance at the 2023 Masters Olympia […]
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‘I Was at Risk of Kidney Failure’: Larry Wheels Shares Recovery Update after Rhabdo Diagnosis
Powerlifting sensation Larry Wheels has faced several health challenges over the course of his career. The fitness influencer was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis last week. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube, Wheels opened up about his experience before finding out he got rhabdo and shared recovery updates. Larry Wheels carved his own space in the […]
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Chris Bumstead’s Epic Chest Day Under Hany Rambod’s Coaching Ahead of 2023 Olympia
Chris Bumstead’s professional bodybuilding career is probably nearing its end. He plans to walk away from the sport with a few more Olympia wins and leave a lasting legacy. However, the idea of retirement has not wavered his focus even a little bit as one can see in his recent chest training session.
Chris Bumstead, fondly known as CBum, is a Canadian IFBB Pro bodybuilder. He is the reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion and has won the competition four consecutive times – in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. He was also a runner-up at the 2017 and 2018 Olympia. The 28-year-old is a global bodybuilding star and is credited for putting the Classic Physique division on the ‘must watch’ list.
Having grown under the guidance of his longtime friend and IFBB Pro bodybuilder Iain Valliere, Bumstead conquered the highest peak of competitive achievements. But a few months before the 2022 Olympia, the duo announced that Valliere will no longer train the Classic Physique champ to be able to focus on his own bodybuilding career in the Men’s Open division.
CBum has trained under Hany Rambod‘s tutelage since then, securing the third successful defense of the Classic Physique Olympia title at the 2022 Olympia. Although Bumstead and Valliere have parted ways as the client and coach, they are close friends and recently partnered for a shoulder workout as well.
After recovering from a bicep tear suffered heading into the 2022 Olympia, Chris Bumstead made maximum progress in the off-season with meticulously planned workout splits and a 3700-calorie diet. He has now started the competition prep in a bid to secure fifth straight Classic Physique Olympia title and looks primed to emerge victoriously again.
Chris Bumstead goes through the first chest workout of the 2023 Olympia prep
The Canadian bodybuilder tackled the first chest training session of his 2023 Olympia prep under Hany Rambod’s guidance and posted the video on his YouTube channel. So let’s check out the details of this training session.
Cable Crossover
While most people perceive cable crossover as just another pump-inducing movement to end the workout, it has a lot more to offer. As per studies, crossover ranks among the top three exercises in terms of pectoral muscle activation. So it makes for an excellent option to start the workout and warm up the muscles before heading into the heavier compound movements. CBum executed some good sets of cable crossover to get things started.
Flat Bench Dumbbell Press
CBum then advanced to doing a common and effective compound exercise next. He explained to the coach that the flat bench press puts more stress on his shoulder. As a result, he has been putting more emphasis on incline movements. To reduce the stress on the shoulders, Rambod advised Bumstead to start with flat bench press using light weights before jumping into the incline movements. CBum pushed through a few sets keeping the bench at a very slight incline angle and took to the incline movement next.
Incline Bench Dumbbell Press
Incline movements put more emphasis on the clavicular head of the pectoral muscles, known commonly as the upper pecs. Hany Rambod instructed CBum to perform a few sets of incline bench presses with hammer grip. This modification is a safer alternative to the pronated grip dumbbell press as it protects the shoulder joint.
Additionally, it increases the range of motion. This enables the pectoral muscles to get a good stretch at the bottom of the movement. CBum followed the instructions and performed a couple of sets with hammer grip. He then finished the rest of the sets with regular pronated grip to wrap up the free weight work for the day.
Seated Chest Press Machine
Bumstead took to the seated machine chest press next. He performed the exercise on the plate loaded machine. Using the machine is a great way to minimize the setup and eliminate stabilization. It is often the case with free weight exercises. CBum got a few sets of machine chest press under his belt with incrementally heavier weights. He then proceeded to do different variations of it.
Incline Chest Press Machine
Bumstead next took to the incline chest press on an iso-lateral plate-loaded machine. It offers similar benefits as the regular machine chest press but mimics the free-weight incline pressing movement. Needless to say, it emphasizes the upper pecs more than the other parts of pectoral muscles. After surviving some solid sets of the movement, the the champ took to the final pressing movement of the day.
Decline Chest Press Machine
While the incline pressing movements emphasize the upper pecs, decline pressing movements focus more on the lower pecs. Bumstead dealt with a few good sets of decline chest presses on the machine and jumped into the finisher.
Pec Deck Flyes
Unlike the pressing movements that improve the upper body pushing strength, flyers help develop the adduction strength. Pec deck flyes are one of the most effective movements for pectoral muscle activation. Bumstead capped the training session with a few sets of this isolation movement.
Overall, the workout included:
Chris Bumstead went through the 2022 Olympia prep with a number of issue. He is in a much better position at the beginning of his 2023 Olympia prep. As long as he stays healthy and maintains focus and intensity, his chances of becoming a five-time champion are high.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Chris Bumstead’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 9:10 AM EDT
Samir Bannout Predicts Derek Lunsford Wins 2023 Mr. Olympia, Says He Shouldn’t Worry About Size
The 2023 Mr. Olympia contest is inching closer, prompting Samir Bannout to examine the event in detail. In a recent Old School Labs Podcast, Bannout discussed the Mr. Olympia-winning potential of Derek Lunsford, Samson Dauda, and Hunter Labrada. In addition, Bannout blamed ‘the size game’ for killing off athletes unnecessarily.
Last year, the Men’s Open division transformed following Hadi Choopan’s victory at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Fans could hear a pin drop in the arena as event announcer Bob Cicherillo delivered the results. En route to claiming gold, Choopan was tested by his teammate, 212-turned-Open star Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker.
Having secured runner-up in his Open debut, Lunsford left Sin City confident about the future. He briefly teased the idea of competing at the 2023 Arnold Classic, but decided to take advantage of a longer off-season instead. Known for his openness with fans, Lunsford said he’s already gained considerable muscle in preparation for his November showdown with Choopan.
Aside from Lunsford, Samson Dauda is optimistic about the upcoming Olympia competition. He narrowly defeated Walker at the Arnold Classic in March and raked in a record $300,000. With hype, a balanced physique, and Milos Sarcev as his trainer, fans expect Dauda to make a push for first in his next appearance. Bannout was the latest to discuss the lineup and laid out why he thinks a new champion will emerge in less than three months.
Samir Bannout Says ‘Playing the Size Game Is Killing Guys,’ Reveals Top 2023 Mr. Olympia Threats
According to Bannout, competitors are beginning to understand the risks of pursuing freakier physiques. He believes the rise in bodybuilding deaths is partially why Open competitions have lacked competitors, like this weekend’s 2023 Tampa Pro, which will feature 9 athletes from the respective division.
“I think most of the guys feel like, ‘Oh, you know, I’m going to get huge.’ But the thing is, they know right away it’s kind of risky to follow this route,” says Samir Bannout. “There’s a downside [to getting freaky big]. I think most people are pulling away and because there’s a lot of – well a lot of guys are dying. A lot of guys are dying. They’re not stupid. I mean, we don’t need to name the guys, we know. A lot of those guys are dying.”
“Coaches… they’re not mellowing out. They’re keeping the pressure of playing the size game and this is what’s really killing these guys,” shared Bannout. “That’s another thing causing the numbers to drop in the Open and people are going to Classic [Physique].”
“Nowadays with the coaches, what they advertise what they’re taking, oh my God, this is suicidal. That’s why I felt bad and get heartbroken to see guys like Shawn Rhoden no longer with us. Dallas McGarver no longer here. Gustavo, Nasser, those guys are supposed to be alive now!”
Samson Dauda
Next, Bannout examined the chances of Samson Dauda heading into this year’s Olympia. He believes if Dauda wants “etched paper-thin skin” he’ll have to drop at least 40 pounds.
“[He’s carrying] more than water, more than water. I believe he needs to drop at least 35-40 pounds. Look, I love his body. Incredible. Very impressive but the quality remains to be seen. If he wants to get that etched paper thin skin, he’s got to drop at least 40 pounds. So, yeah, he looks good. But I think there’s a difference between thin skin and hippo-like skin. I know the cause of the hippo kind of sickness of the skin. So, this is a problem.”
Hunter Labrada
Given Hunter Labrada competes at the Tampa Pro this weekend, Bannout gave his thoughts on the potential physique he’s expected to display.
“He looks way better than he did the last time we were talking about him,” Bannout shared. “Yeah, I mean if he was a little bit more tanned it would look a lot more impressive. I’m telling you, he has what it takes.”
“With a good enhancement to his tan and a little better on positioning, which his dad can fix that quickly, I wonder what he weighs right there because whatever he did, he changed something.”
“He looks a lot tighter than he did last time. There’s still more room for improvement until he steps on stage but definitely, what I don’t like right now is his color. I want to see him more, I want that healthy glow to his skin.”
Derek Lunsford
Looking ahead, Bannout predicted Derek Lunsford to win the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition but cautioned him not to focus on adding size.
“Look, all he [Derek Lunsford] needed is to look how he looked last year, a little sharper in the back department, and he’s right there,” Bannout said. “He’s so massive.”
“I think Derek is going to do it [win 2023 Mr. Olympia]. I just don’t think he needs to be more irrational about putting on more size. As is, go 24-carat and win the fucking title. The only guy who I think could possibly do it, who… Regan.”
Bannout isn’t the only former Mr. Olympia winner backing Derek Lunsford to upset Hadi Choopan in Nov. A few months ago, bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman said Lunsford would be named the next champion. ‘The King’ also admitted that Lunsford was his favorite bodybuilder of this era.
With Lunsford adding weight in the off-season, fans expect another jaw-dropping package when he hits the stage. As for Samir Bannout, he predicted Lunsford to win but stressed to all competitors that focusing on the size can result in lifelong consequences.
RELATED: Derek Lunsford Talks Battle w/ Hadi Choopan for 2023 Olympia Win, Says Nick , Samson to Fight for 3rd/4th
Watch the full video from the Old School Labs Rumble Channel Below:
Published: 3 August, 2023 | 2:46 PM EDT
Nick Walker Gives Top 3 Predictions for 2023 Tampa Pro, Backs Rival Hunter Labrada To Win
The anticipation surrounding the 2023 Tampa Pro is reaching its peak as competitors prepare to step on stage in Florida this weekend. In a recent HD Muscle Podcast, Men’s Open star Nick Walker gave his top three predictions and backed Hunter Labrada to come out on top.
Hunter Labrada intends to redeem himself this season after finishing seventh at last year’s 2022 Mr. Olympia, won by Hadi Choopan. Since that night, Hunter and his trainer Ben Chow have admitted to problems with the prep and said they ‘mistimed’ his peak. In the aftermath, Hunter struggled to accept the outcome but underlined that he would prove himself as one of the best later this year.
In preparation for his latest endeavor, Hunter Labrada has taken measures inside and outside the gym to showcase improvements. He believes the significant changes to his diet and nutrition will only bolster his chances of success. In addition, Labrada has utilized green gut health drinks and prioritized abdomen control to ensure his midsection stays tight on stage.
Labrada has publicly stated that his focus is not on the Mr. Olympia competition this year. He announced participation in two contests this season: the Tampa Pro and Texas Pro. With the show approaching this weekend, bodybuilding star Nick Walker revealed who he thinks will stand on the Tampa Pro podium when it’s over.
Nick Walker’s 2023 Tampa Pro Predictions
Winner – Hunter Labrada
Second Place – Jonathan DeLaRosa
Third Place – Nathan Spear
Walker Predicts Hunter Labrada to Win 2023 Tampa Pro, Gives Top 3 Finishers
According to Walker, competitors are reluctant to compete as there are only six athletes signed up for the Tampa Pro this weekend. He also credited Hunter Labrada for improving his conditioning.
“Nobody wants to compete, there’s six people. Blessing’s not doing it,” said Walker.
“Hunter looks the best he’s ever looked,” Quinton Eriya shared.
“He definitely finally brought the conditioning, replied Walker. “You see people commenting, ‘Oh is Hunter too flat?’ He’s supposed to be man. He’s going to have a good amount of time to eat up, calm down.”
“He looks amazing I’m very excited,” said Justin Shier.
“I’m really excited to see Carlos [Thomas Jr.] in Texas,” Walker said.
Fans are excited to see Labrada take to the stage this year. He intends to turn around next month at the 2023 Texas Pro as well. There has been a lot of talk about the Texas Pro this year as Andrew Jacked looks to defend the title he earned in 2022.
Aside from Jacked, mass monster Carlos Thomas Jr. announced his respective entry. While he’s yet to perform at a Pro show, many believe if he wins this event, he’ll catapult his career to new heights. Thomas Jr. continues to gain hype in the league as he recently guest posed at the Victor Martinez Legends Championships and stole the show.
Should Hunter Labrada secure the victory in Florida, he’ll earn an invite to the Mr. Olympia competition, where he’ll have the opportunity to test himself against the reigning champion Hadi Choopan. As for Nick Walker, he’s already qualified for Olympia this year and intends to win his first Sandow in November.
You can watch the full video from the HD Muscle YouTube channel below:
RELATED: Hunter Labrada Scores New 585-lb (265.3-kg) Deadlift PR for 4 Reps in Contest Prep for 2023 Tampa Pro
Published: 3 August, 2023 | 8:54 AM EDT
Hunter Labrada Nails The Final Leg Workout Before 2023 Tampa Pro
Bodybuilder Hunter Labrada hit a rough patch in his career when he slipped to the seventh spot at the 2022 Olympia. This was a massive four-spot skid for the 31-year-old poised to beat the champ after breaking into the top five in 2021. However, he is back with vengeance to reclaim his rightful place in the Men’s division and annihilated an intense leg training session nine days out of the 2023 Tampa Pro.
Hunter Labrada is a renowned IFBB Pro bodybuilder and a top Open division competitor. As the son of legendary bodybuilder Lee Labrada, Hunter has inherited the passion for bodybuilding. He shot to fame after dominating the stage at the 2020 Tampa Pro, earning a direct qualification to the 2020 Olympia. After concluding the season with an eighth place finish in 2020 Olympia, Labrada earned his second straight qualification to Olympia by winning the 2021 Chicago Pro. He surged into the top five at the 2021 Olympia, defeating the likes of Nick Walker and William Bonac in the process.
Labrada made quite a few changes to his training and addressed sleep apnea to prepare for the 2022 Olympia. However, the efforts did not yield the expected results and he vowed to come back stronger. Earlier this year, Lee Labrada confirmed that Hunter is intent on winning the 2023 Tampa Pro and the 2023 Texas Pro to ‘get on top of his peak’.
He is primed to make a comeback at the 2023 Tampa Pro that takes place from August 3-5 and went through the last leg day of prep. So let’s check out how the Labrada Scion is getting ready to make a splash.
Final leg day before 2023 Tampa Pro
Hunter Labrada trained with mostly isolation exercises in the training session as his prep is coming to an end. While explaining the goal of this training session, he said:
“Today is definitely more of, like, an isolation day, you know. Extensions, curls, glute bridges, calves, abductors kind of day. There’s really finishing touches putting some blood through the legs. So really excited about today though…”
Labrada was joined by veteran bodybuilder Branch Warren for this training session. One of the most prominent bodybuilders from the 2000s era, Warren came close to winning the Mr. Olympia title in 2009 when he was placed second behind Jay Cutler. However, he elevated to the next level when he won the Arnold Classic title in 2011 and 2012.
The 48-year-old retired from competition after finishing sixth at the 2023 Olympia. While he still maintains an excellent physique, the Texan has no interest in returning to the stage again. Warren flew down to see Labrada’s progress and guide him in the right direction.
“Branch has seen me compete pretty much every single time I’ve competed. So I trust his eye. He’s obviously known for his conditioning and that’s something that I need to bring this time. So hopefully he’ll have something good to say,” Labrada concluded.
With that, Labrada jumped into the workout to put in the last bit of work before the 2023 Tampa Pro as Branch Warren went through a back workout of his own.
Seated Leg Curls
Labrada’s training session kicked off with this isolation movement. Leg curls not only stimulate the hamstrings but also warm up the knees without putting a lot of stress on them. So they make for an excellent starting exercise for a leg training session to avoid knee injuries or discomfort.
After pushing through some solid sets of seated leg curls, the 2020 Tampa Pro winner took a good look at his legs in the mirror and headed over to perform a quad movement next.
Leg Extensions
Labrada next took to the leg extensions to isolate the quadriceps. Although it is an effective quad isolation movement, leg extensions can be harsh on the knees if done with excessively heavy weights. Labrada went through a few sets of the movement and took to a compound exercise next.
Hip Press
This served as the first compound exercise of the day. Hip press targets all the major muscle groups in the lower body like hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes. Labrada used the Rogers Athletic machine to do this exercise. It has a pendulum design that increases the range of motion and ensures maximum engagement of the target muscles. Hunter Labrada did all the sets of hip presses unilaterally and took to the next exercise.
Hip Thrusts
Hip joint extensions, abduction, and rotation are the primary functions of the glutes. They are crucial in activities like standing up from a seated position, climbing the stairs, walking, running, and generating explosive power for lower body movements. Hip thrusts target gluteus maximus, the largest gluteal muscle.
Hunter Labrada performed the exercise on the hip thrusts machine. He pressed through some intense sets of the exercise before advancing to the final exercise of the day and by default, the final leg exercise before the 2023 Tampa Pro.
Standing Incline Calf Raises
Labrada wrapped up the training session with the inclined version of standing calf raises. The angled position in this variation reduces the pressure on the lower back as the weight is stacked on shoulders. Standing calf raises focus more on the gastrocnemius muscles in the calves. Labrada cranked out a few sets of the exercise and called it a day in the gym.
Overall, the workout included:
Branch Warren gauges Hunter Labrada’s progress
Branch Warren did a back workout of his own and headed over to a separate area of the gym for a discussion. Warren, MJ, and Lee Labrada watched carefully as Hunter transitioned through bodybuilding poses. His massively improved conditioning was on full display. The narrow midsection, striated back and glutes caught the attention when the 2021 Chicago Pro winner hit the rear double bicep pose.
Lee Labrada, MJ, and Branch Warren give their inputs to Hunter. The 31-year-old’s conditioning impressed Warren and he gave him the props for the narrow waist, back striations, triceps, and shoulders.
Nine days out of the 2023 Tampa Pro, Hunter weighed 250 lbs or 4 lbs lighter than he was around the same time before the 2022 Olympia. His father opined that he could have produced better results if the conditioning was at the same level on the 2022 Olympia stage.
Hunter Labrada will head over to show his talent at the 2023 Texas Pro after competing in Tampa. The event takes place on August 18-19 in Arlington, TX. Rising contender Chinedu Andrew Obiekea AKA Andrew Jacked was close behind Labrada at the 2022 Olympia, placing eighth in the Men’s Open division.
He will attempt to win his second Texas Pro trophy. However, an upcoming bodybuilder is confident that he will upset them both. Hunter Labrada has looked phenomenal in recent physique updates. If Labrada can get past Andrew Jacked and emerge victorious at the 2023 Texas Pro, it will be a major shift of momentum in his favor for the 2023 Olympia prep.
You can watch the full workout video below, courtesy of Hunter Labrada’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 3 August, 2023 | 9:32 AM EDT