Tag: Videos
Jay Cutler Compares His Workout Tempo to Dorian Yates’ Heavy Duty Training Intensity
Mr. Olympia winners like Jay Culter and Dorian Yates reached the top of the sport utilizing different training methods. In a recent JayCutlerTV appearance, Cutler examined Yates’ intense training style and revealed some of his goals for later this year. Before Cutler’s rise in the IFBB Pro League, Dorian Yates dominated the 1990s with stunning…
Tom Platz Shows Off Shredded Quads in Latest Update at 67
Golden Era bodybuilder Tom Platz elevated the sport during the 1970s and 80s with several Mr. Olympia appearances. In a recent Instagram post, Platz showed off his signature quad definition at 67 years old.
Platz, a Detroit native, was known for his spectacular leg strength and development as a professional. He built a successful career competing in AAU bodybuilding shows. While Platz wasn’t famous for titles or awards, he received praise for his varied and exhaustive workout routines which have influenced generations of competitors since his last competition.
Platz trained at Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach and eventually switched to the IFBB. He went on to win the Mr. Universe title in 1980. During his eight Olympia shows, Platz tested his resolve against huge names in the sport like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lee Haney.
Given his remarkable lower body strength, many consider Platz a pioneer of advanced leg training. He took part in a squat contest against Fred Hatfield in 1992 but lost. He returned at the Great American Squat Off in Germany, where he and Hatfield both enjoyed success.
His last Olympia appearance came in 1986, but Platz’s dedication to the sport persists in retirement. He continues to train his legs and is now showing off the results at 67 years old.
Tom Platz Shares Jacked Quad Update at 67 After ‘Tweaks’ to His Training/Eating Lifestyle
Platz shared a few pictures of his quads and thanked his doctor for the changes to his training and nutritional regimen. He gave fans a look at his impressive midsection as well.
“Okay, guys, never been great at selfies, but a work in progress! lol*My amazing doctor, Dr Cha @cha_dikito has placed me on another healing journey, once again! Have been under the weather the last few weeks. Her evaluation was spot on! Cha tweaked my training days and Eating Lifestyle while I recover.*In two weeks, this happened! Nearing 68 years old in June. Thank you, Cha! You did say “with Gods foods, expect great results!” Tom Platz wrote.
Having competed during a different era, Platz believes the sport has undergone some dramatic changes. Most notably, he took issue with the way in which the Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic contests operate. According to Platz, Mr. Olympia has lost its identity, and the Arnold Classic surrendered its reputation. He added that bodybuilding should encompass more than just pursuing prestigious titles.
Platz also touched on his experiences with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during his tenure. He explained that there was ‘muscle he could only acquire with anabolics’ while competing actively. The 67-year-old shared that he was able to achieve dry conditioning without steroids, but had to use a few compounds to display a ‘saran wrap’ look on stage.
Tom isn’t the only Golden Era bodybuilder sharing shredded updates. Robby Robinson continues to defy Father Time at 76 with a ripped physique. Looking back on his illustrious career, Robinson stressed that his body was built with hard work and proper dieting, not with steroids.
RELATED: Top 11 Bodybuilders to Maintain Jacked Physiques In Retirement
While Tom’s career in bodybuilding was certainly noteworthy, his lasting legacy can be attributed to his once-in-a-generation quadriceps growth that has inspired countless fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
For those aspiring to achieve similar success, Tom’s approach is simple yet profound: become a disciple of the “Quadfather” and emulate his unwavering commitment to the grind.
Reflecting on his use of PEDs, Tom Platz said he took the ‘minimum’ and that it worked for him and helped with longevity. At 67 years old, Platz continues to inspire his fanbase with hard work and dedication.
Published: 18 April, 2023 | 1:58 PM EDT
Big Ramy Casts Doubt on Competing This Year, Might Sit Out 2023 Olympia
It appears Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay‘s contest plans have yet to be finalized. In a recent YouTube video with Bob Cicherillo, Ramy suggested that he might take the year off and return at the 2024 Mr. Olympia competition. As a two-time Mr. Olympia, many in the sport suspected Ramy’s reign would last a few more…
Nick Walker Eyes Derek Lunsford Battle at 2023 Olympia: ‘I Don’t See Hadi Choopan Repeating’
Bodybuilder Nick Walker has ambitious plans for the rest of his current season. In a recent Mutant and the Mouth Podcast, Walker addressed whether or not legs are a weak point and envisioned a showdown against Derek Lunsford at the 2023 Olympia contest.
“The goal for me into this Olympia is to have the Olympia fullness to match the Arnold condition. If I can do that, I think I win hands down,” said Nick Walker.
At last year’s Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan claimed gold after his fourth attempt at the event. He dethroned two-time winner Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, who finished fifth and defeated Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker en route to securing the sport’s most notable achievement.
Walker made a quick turnaround in Columbus, Ohio at the 2023 Arnold Classic, however, was unsuccessful in his quest for a second title. While the outcome was deemed controversial in the eyes of many professionals, Samson Dauda pulled off the victory nonetheless and earned his invitation to the next Olympia. Meanwhile, Walker still believes he should have gotten his hand raised.
Having placed runner-up to Dauda, Walker opened up on results. Even though he thought he brought a winning package, the 28-year-old plans to use the judges’ criticism as fuel for his next competition. With this year’s Olympia taking place November 2-5, Walker set his sights on another battle with Lunsford as he doesn’t believe Hadi Choopan will repeat as champion.
Nick Walker Says He Has Solid Shot of Defeating ‘Comparable’ Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford at 2023 Olympia
According to Walker, Choopan won’t be champion by the end of the next Olympia competition. He insisted that the show will be determined following a battle with Lunsford.
“Yeah. I mean look, I think I have a shot of winning any show that I do, for the Olympia, yeah, I mean the two people that were in front of me were Hadi and Derek, and I think they are very comparable; I think that’s why they were one and two.
Listen, I love Hadi but I don’t see him repeating in my opinion and Derek, you know… he could continue to beat me now that he has a full off-season actually to put the work in and put size on now, so we’ll see. But everyone knows I improve drastically show to show. So, it’s just going to really come down to what me and him look like and who is in better shape, honestly,” shared Walker.
“People don’t understand, Derek is not small by any means. Like, he’s a big guy and he’s got great shape right? You know, so, what I was trying to do even for the Olympia and for the Arnold was improve the shape. That’s what I was trying to do. And I think it worked in my favor for the Olympia because I was still very very full, but I think when I came into the Arnold, I wasn’t as full, a lot more conditioned, and the waist was definitely more streamlined but I just didn’t have the pop that everyone likes, I guess.”
Walker Reveals If Legs Are a ‘Weak Point,’ Talks Training Tactics and Useful PEDs in Prep
Reflecting on his last show, Walker said his legs lost volume, which he believes might have been a by-product of over-training.
“Everyone says that my legs are my weak point right? I connect probably the best with my legs. So, I never have to do a ton of volume. I did legs yesterday. I did one set with four different exercises, four sets total, my legs are trashed, like fuc**ng trashed. I’m sore as fu** bro. I just know how to – in my mind, when people say, ‘Oh your legs are small.’ Well, maybe I’m just doing too much. Everyone was like, ‘Oh you need to do legs twice a week.’ It’s like, if I’m getting that sore and connecting so well with just that, I don’t need it; I don’t think I need another [session].”
He explained going ‘too hard’ during cardio could have resulted in his legs being downsized in Ohio.
“I think what happens for me, is when I do cardio, I think I go too hard as well. We’re the same. We go that’s it, we’re cranking. I think when you get in a calorie deficit for so long, you’re cranking the cardio hard – the legs are going to go. It’s the only body part that’s going to go. I think that with training legs and connecting as well as I do on a frequent basis, on top of the hard cardio. The legs are going to go if you’re in a calorie deficit.”
While making improvements in the off-season, Walker credited Romanian deadlifts for being more beneficial than conventional deadlifting. He added that pull-ups are an underrated exercise for building a world-class back.
“I think what’s more beneficial than a deadlift in my opinion… is RDLs [Romanian deadlifts],” said Walker. “You know what I think is the most underrated back exercise, pull-ups. I think in my opinion, pull-ups can build one of the best backs in the world.”
Before calling it a day, Walker revealed he uses T3 as necessary when he encounters a stall point in prep progress. He shared that he’s now taking MPP (nandrolone phenylpropionate) and routinely changes around his stack.
“Needed [T3 use] if necessary. It’s [for] the end of a prep or maybe you hit a stall point – you kind of just – a little dose and it’ll go a long way,” Walker shared. “No, not really [I don’t use peptides].”
“Over the years, you try different shit, you use different – you know. What I use throughout my past four or five years, I don’t really have [acne] breakouts,” Walker said. “I’m pretty good with my joints so knock on wood. I think it [MPP] helps, I do.”
With the next Olympia on the horizon, eight-time winner Ronnie Coleman has kept an eye on the show’s contenders. Earlier today, Coleman backed Lunsford to defeat Hadi Choopan at the 2023 Olympia, stressing that it’s only a matter of time before the former 212 Olympia takes the number one spot.
Since winning his first Sandow, Choopan has been quietly training in Iran. Walker is confident that a balance of fullness and conditioning will be the key to taking out Choopan and Lunsford at his next Mr. Olympia show.
You can watch the full video below:
Published: 17 April, 2023 | 7:00 PM EDT
Ronnie Coleman Predicts Derek Lunsford Will Defeat Hadi Choopan at 2023 Mr. Olympia
Bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman still follows the sport in retirement. In a recent YouTube video, Coleman predicted Derek Lunsford will defeat Hadi Choopan when they rematch at the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest scheduled for November 2-5, in Orlando, Florida.
Coleman, who reigned over the Men’s Open division, amassed eight Mr. Olympia titles before calling it a career. He used every bit of his muscle mass and size to remain a dominant champion, having defeated some of his era’s best, like Jay Cutler, Flex Wheeler, and Kevin Levrone.
The Open class has undergone seismic shifts following two major contests. Last year, the 2022 Olympia competition awarded Hadi Choopan the victory after a close battle with 212-turned-Open star Derek Lunsford. Some in the sport such as Shawn Ray and Wheeler criticized Choopan’s victory, arguing that Lunsford’s back was more defined.
To complicate matters at the top of the Open class, sixth-place Olympia finisher Samson Dauda won the recent Arnold Classic. As a result of his performance, event announcer Bob Cicherillo named Dauda and Lunsford as equal threats to Choopan’s title in November.
Ronnie Coleman Predicts Derek Lunsford Defeats Hadi Choopan at 2023 Olympia, Says CBum’s Physique ‘Best He’s Ever Seen’
Coleman didn’t mince words during the ‘Ask Me Anything’ (AMA) segment and believes Derek Lunsford will defeat Choopan to become the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“Yes, I do [think Derek Lunsford will 2023 Mr. Olympia]. Now, let’s see what’s going to happen,” said Ronnie Coleman.
During the AMA, Coleman also touched on four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead‘s career and package. Despite competing in different divisions, Coleman says CBum has one of the best physiques he’s ever seen ‘period.’
“Well, I think Chris Bumstead is one of the greatest Classic bodybuilders of all time. Absolutely, the best physique I’ve ever seen in Classic Physique, he’s got to be the best physique I’ve ever seen period.”
Over the past few months, fans and even Chris Bumstead, have entertained the idea of a move into the Open class. In a recent The Truth Podcast with Hany Rambod, Bumstead hinted at a possible contest in 2024 and added that he’d compete at the Arnold Classic in the Open if organizers moved the show a few weeks after the Olympia.
Given Bumstead’s growing popularity (over 16.9M followers on Instagram), veterans of the sport like Levrone believe CBum’s physique ushered in a new era of aesthetics in Open bodybuilding. He credited Bumstead’s impact in Classic Physique for helping pave the way for other shapely athletes like Dauda and Andrew Jacked.
RELATED: Derek Lunsford Builds Huge Back and Biceps With Legend Ronnie Coleman
As for Lunsford, he’s remaining busy in the off-season with strenuous training sessions ahead of the Pittsburgh Pro guest posing show. Coleman is confident that the former 212 Olympia winner will have the tools to defeat Choopan and other contenders at the upcoming Olympia.
Watch the full video below, courtesy of Ronnie Coleman’s YouTube channel:
Published: 17 April, 2023 | 2:03 PM EDT
Branch Warren Talks Competing Natural as a Teenager and Achieving Grainy Muscle Maturity
Bodybuilding veteran Branch Warren touts an impressive résumé, having last competed in 2015. He recently joined Dennis James on The Menace Podcast to discuss a host of topics, like how he achieved grainy conditioning, what it’s like training with Johnnie Jackson, and competing naturally as a teenager.
During the 2000s, Warren emerged as Men’s Open threat in the IFBB Pro League. He asserted himself among the best in the world when he won two consecutive Arnold Classic contests in 2011 and 2012. Additionally, Warren narrowly lost to Jay Cutler in 2009 at Mr. Olympia. Looking back on the close call, Warren admitted the outcome was difficult to accept because he placed ahead of Dexter Jackson, who dethroned Cutler the previous year.
Widely respected for his work ethic and grainy muscle detail, Warren and his teammate Johnnie Jackson always pushed the limits as active competitors. While some have suggested their training methods were too extreme, Warren stands behind the sacrifices that guided him through a successful career.
At 48 years old, Warren remains in spectacular shape, especially his lower body. In retirement, Warren occasionally shares training footage. Recently, fans were privy to a massive barbell back squat workout, and given his shape, some believe Branch Warren could do well at the upcoming 2023 Masters Olympia. However, Warren has publicly stated he’s stopped and won’t return to the sport.
Branch Warren Talks Training with Johnnie Jackson and How He Achieved Grainy Muscle Detail
According to Warren, bodybuilders usually don’t peak with muscle maturity until the mid-30s, late 30s, and sometimes in the 40s.
“I think the graininess just comes with – I think everybody – I was in my 20s when I did that first show and I think as a bodybuilder we don’t really mature until we’re in our mid-30s, late 30s when you mature and peak out- maybe even 40 for some people. As far as conditioning, I don’t think I can get fat. I mean seriously, I was always the lean kid. Even now.”
Warren credited genetics for staying lean and mentioned he wouldn’t become overweight even if he exclusively ate junk food.
“Right now, you could step on the Masters Olympia stage right now, I don’t even think you would have to diet,” said Dennis James.
“I don’t, dude, even if I started eating junk food every day, I don’t think I could get fat. That’s just my metabolism and the genetics. When you combine eating right with training and all that stuff, you get that look.”
In 2001, Warren and Johnnie Jackson began training together. Unlike today’s era of bodybuilders, Warren stressed that earning a pro card was once far more difficult than how the process unfolds today.
“I hooked up with Johnnie in 2001. Johnnie was out of the military. He got out of the military a few years earlier. We competed against each other several times as amateurs, he always beat me. We did the nationals, USA, the USA, for all our listeners just getting into bodybuilding, back then, it was really hard to turn pro. At the USA, they had like one pro card, so they’re might be 100 or 200 guys in the Open division, and in the different classes, they just gave out one pro card. You could win your class at the USA Championships and not go pro.”
“That’s how we learned. I mean, Ronnie didn’t have good form right, all these guys. I’m always in control of the weight and I never once, never once, did I tell people they need to train the way I train. If you can take something I do and incorporate it into your program, that’s a win for me. I do what works for me. I don’t ever criticize what somebody else does. You know, a 100 pounds is a 100 pounds. That’s the way I learned how to train. My thing was go to failure and get as much blood into the muscle as you can, rest and repeat.”
After sharing thousands of training sessions together, Branch said he could out-bench press Jackson but couldn’t come close to his training partner’s deadlift max records.
“I can out-bench him, but on max deadlift, he’d kill me man. I mean, he’d beat me by almost 100 pounds. He could pull, 38, 40, I think he got almost 850 in the gym one day. He’s a legitimate deadlifter. Squat, probably about the same,” Warren said. “Everyone talked about his legs, but he was doing the exact same workouts I did for 20 years. That motherfuc**r would get it, that just shows you genetics play a part man.”
“I don’t think he’s doing it,” said Branch Warren. “He’s still got all that muscle. Man, he could legitimately win that show if he gets ready for it. You know, I don’t think he is because his contest is the say day here in Texas; I think that’s kind of a dealbreaker for him.”
Warren Opens Up on Decision to Retire and Competing Naturally as Teenager
Warren kept it simple regarding his decision to retire, and mentioned he didn’t want to be ‘forced out.’.
“I think I know when to say when. What I didn’t want to do is hang around too long and get forced out, you know what I mean,” Branch Warren explained. “
In a trip down memory lane, Warren told Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Chris Cormier a story about trying to get steroids when he was 19 competing naturally. He shared that his coach disallowed anyone from talking to him about the substances until he was older.
“I was 21, 22, so, I tried to. I remember I’ll tell you a quick story, so I’m 19, and I’m getting ready for this show, and I’m like, I want to take stuff because everyone else is in the gym taking this stuff. So, Mark went, I asked Mark about it, he said, ‘You’re young man, you need to stay off that stuff, you’re not old enough yet.’ I’m like, ‘Fu** that.’ I started asking everybody to get something; he went and told everybody, I mean everybody, to not give me anything.”
In a recent Straight Outta the Lair podcast with Flex Lewis, Warren reflected on stepping away from the sport and wishes he could have called it a career with at least one Olympia title. Even though he never accomplished that goal, he was thankful to end his career with no major injuries.
Following a tenure of highs and lows, Branch Warren is a valued member of the bodybuilding community who continues to share training insight and knowledge with the newer generation of talent.
Watch the full video below, courtesy of the Muscle and Fitness YouTube channel:
Published: 17 April, 2023 | 11:42 AM EDT
Jeff Nippard Destroys A Killer Leg Day Workout
Fitness expert Jeff Nippard never ceases to amaze the fitness community with his science backed insights on training and nutrition. Recently, Nippard tackled a lower body training session and shared some insightful tips as he went along.
Jeff Nippard is a Canadian natural bodybuilder, powerlifter, fitness expert and personal trainer. He has carved a niche for himself in the YouTube fitness community with science backed content. Apart from years of training, Nippard’s knowledge comes from a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.
Over the years, the Canadian has trained many natural bodybuilders and powerlifters. Nippard himself held the 2012 Mr. Junior Canada title and also had the Canadian national record for bench press attached to his name.
Nippard’s YouTube content revolves around sustainable and scientifically proven methods of training and diet. Over the last few months, he has shed light on topics like minimalist training principles and common nutrition mistakes. His six-part Push Pull Leg series based on minimalist training philosophy is also underway on his YouTube channel.
In his recent leg training session, Nippard trained with Layne Norton. He is a professional natural bodybuilder and a powerlifter who has led successful careers in both disciplines. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a PhD in Nutritional Sciences. As a result, the 38-year-old has also made significant contributions to the community with several publications. Norton guided Nippard to winning the Canadian National Gold Medal in 2012.
“He’s the first person who convinced me that you don’t actually need to eat clean to get shredded as long as you hit your macros,” Nippard stated.
Nippard attributes his knowledge of training and nutrition to Norton. So, let’s check out how the coach and student turned the clock back and got a good day’s work in.
Jeff Nippard goes through a science-based lower body training session
Warm-Up
Nippard and Nortan warmed themselves up with a few dynamic warm-up drills before jumping into the workout. They performed bird dogs and hip-Back opener for 5 reps per side and started the workout.
Exercise 1: Deadlifts
The duo took to the deadlifts next and worked their way up to one heavy top set of two reps (a heavy double). Nippard reiterated that one heavy set per week is enough to get most out of an exercise if you want to keep the volume low for injury prevention or if you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the gym.
“People confuse ‘what works’ with ‘optimal’. Is a single set per week ideal for strength? Probably not. However, for me it is much more important to be able to continuously and consistently be in the gym. If that means I should do a little bit less volume on the main lift so that I can stay healthy and stay in the gym, then that’s still better practically than what might be optimal in theory,” Dr. Layne Norton said.
Nippard and Lane performed a full warm-up pyramid to work their way up to the heavy top set. After performing the working set for two reps at 7 to 8 RPE, the duo moved on to the next exercise.
Exercise 2: Pendulum Squats
Nippard and Layne performed pendulum Squats as the second exercise of the lower body training session.
The pendulum Squats machine in Nippard’s gym offers great support to the lower back which is the reason it’s his favourite machine.
“And I find it offers a smoother movement path than a hack Squat. The counter balance is also behind you which I find makes it a little easier to get out of the hole and a little harder at the lockout. So that makes the strength curve feel very unique,” Nippard stated.
Additionally, the pendulum squat machine enables pushing close to failure safely which makes it a good hypertrophy exercise.
After a few warm-up sets, Nippard got a working set of 8 to 10 reps under his belt with an RPE of 9. Following this set, he moved on to the next exercise of the day.
Exercise 3: Glute-Hamstring Raises
This hamstring focused exercise followed the pendulum Squats. Nippard and Norton performed this movement on the glute hamstrings raise machine. It uses weight for assistance and not for resistance. Therefore, the less weight you use, the harder the movement gets.
The duo performed three sets of this movement for 8 to 10 reps and jumped into the next exercise.
Leg Extensions
Nippard and Layne Norton performed this quad isolation movement next to the Prime Fitness leg extensions machine. The machine has three plate horns and loading the plates on different weight horns emphasizes different aspects of the range of motion.
Loading the weight on the top horn emphasizes the stretch aspect while loading it on the middle horn spreads the load more evenly throughout the range of motion. However, using the bottom horn can help emphasize the contracted position at the top of the movement.
“If you think about where you are strongest in a leg extension, you are actually strongest at the beginning. So you’re strongest in the stretched position,” Norton said.
He added:
“Another point I like to make about leg extensions is you really want to get the leg Extensions so that the pad goes under the seat as far as possible. The further back this pad goes, the more stretch you get in the quads. There is pretty conclusive literature demonstrating that the stretched position is really critical for hypertrophy.”
Nippard and Norton performed three sets of leg extensions and focused more on the stretched position of the calves. They performed a few partial reps in the stretched position at the end of the set as an advanced intensity technique and took to the final exercise of the day.
Leg Press Toe Press
Jeff and Layne wrapped up the training session with this exercise to train the calves. They performed 3 sets of this exercise for 12 to 15 reps and called it a day in the gym.
Overall, the workout included:
Warm-up
Bird Dogs – 5 to 10 reps per side
Hip and Back Opener – 5 reps per side
Workout
Exercise 1: Deadlifts
First warm-up set – 4 to 5 reps with 45 percent of the weight you intend to use for the working set
Second warm-up set – 3 to 4 reps with 65 percent of the weight you intend to use for the working set
Third warm-up set – 1 to 2 reps with 85 percent of the weight you intend to use for the working set
Working set – 1 set of 2 reps (Heavy Double) @ RPE 7 to 8
Exercise 2: Pendulum Squats
Warm-up sets – 2 to 4 sets of 2 to 5 reps (gradually add more weight)
Working set – 1 set of 8 to 10 reps @ 8 to 10 RPE
Exercise 3: Glute-Hamstring Raises
3 sets of 8 to 10 reps
Exercise 4: Leg Extensions
3 sets of 10 to 12 reps
Exercise 5: Leg Press Toe Press
3 sets of 12 to 15 reps
Jeff Nippard’s YouTube content is a potent source of Pre-workout motivation and bodybuilding knowledge. Stay tuned with Fitness Volt for more such fitness content.
You can watch the full video here, courtesy of Jeff Nippard’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 17 April, 2023 | 9:01 AM EDT
Michal Krizo Tackles An Off-Season Leg Workout For Bulking
Bodybuilder Michal Krizo is utilising the off-season for bulking up. Recently, he went through a lower body workout to add more bulk to his girthy legs.
After a series of dominant performances in the IFBB Elite Pro League, Slovakia’s own Michal Krizo started his Olympia campaign by switching over to the NPC. He earned the IFBB Pro card with a dominant win at the 2022 Amateur Olympia Italy.
Making a return at the 2022 EVLS Prague Pro a few weeks later, Krizo managed to pull off a win in his Pro debut. However, his conditioning at the show became a big point of criticism. Undeterred by the negative feedback, Krizo went back to the drawing board and started preparing for the biggest challenge of his bodybuilding career as the win earned him a direct qualification to the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
The Men’s Open division at the 2022 Olympia boasted the most difficult line-up in recent memory. Krizo held his ground for the most part nevertheless and managed to finish in the top 15 on the grandest stage of bodybuilding.
Having received the necessary experience of competing at the elite level within a year of turning Pro, Krizo now readies himself to tackle the next competitive season. He is set to make a return at the 2023 Arnold Classic UK. The Slovak’s recent leg workout was a part of his effort to prepare his physique for the upcoming competitive season.
The short training session consisted of a few compound movements coupled with isolation movements for targeting major muscle groups in the lower body. The video of this session was posted on Krizo’s personal YouTube channel. So let’s jump right into it and see how Krizo is adding more bulk to his legs.
Michal Krizo goes through a leg workout
Hack Squats
Krizo kicked off the workout with this compound movement. Hack Squats offer similar benefits that traditional barbell squats offer in terms of primary muscle activation and strength gain. Just like the Barbell squats, Hack Squats target the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, hip flexors, calves and core muscles. However, they are generally safer than traditional squats and put far less stress on the lower back.
Krizo got a few good sets of this movement under his belt and took to a quad-focused exercise afterwards.
Leg Extensions
The Slovakian bodybuilder performed this quad isolation exercise next to stimulate the quadriceps further. After pushing through all the sets of leg extensions, Krizo went back to working with a heavy compound exercise.
Leg Press
Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, adductor and abductor muscles are the primary target muscles of leg press. It is a compound movement that can really help build bigger legs when done with correct form and technique. Krizo did a few reps of leg press in each set unilaterally and switched over to working with both legs for the last few reps. After working his way through some punishing sets, the 2022 EVLS Prague Pro winner took to the second isolation movement of the day.
Lying Leg Curls
Krizo next performed the lying leg curls which is a hamstrings isolation movement. Apart from working the hamstrings, leg curls are an excellent way to warm up the knee joints which are crucial in performing most of the lower body movements. Hence they make for a perfect first exercise as well. Krizo cranked out some solid sets of lying leg curls and took to the final exercise of the day.
Seated Calf Raises
Michal Krizo wrapped up the training session with a few sets of seated calf raises. This variation of calf raises works the soleus muscle that lies underneath the gastrocnemius muscle in the calf region.
Krizo pushed through a few heavy sets of the movement and called it a day in the gym.
Overall, the workout included:
Michal Krizo is one of the young up-and-coming contenders in the Men’s Open division of the IFBB Pro League. If he puts the right amount of work in and improves his physique enough, the Slovak can certainly push aside the older generation of bodybuilders and dominate the sport in the years to come.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Michal Krizo’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 16 April, 2023 | 11:00 PM EDT
Mike O’Hearn Hits Back at Haters Who Fell for Synthol Fish Hook
American bodybuilder and model Mike O’Hearn carved his own space with his insane longevity in the fitness industry. In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, O’Hearn hit back at the haters who got fish hooked about his use of Synthol.
Fitness sensation Mike O’Hearn has proven to be one of the most consistent athletes of the last few decades. He first gained attention for his jacked physique as a bodybuilder who won the Mr. Natural Universe title four times. Besides competition, O’Hearn’s aesthetic qualities led him to succeed in modeling. He won Fitness Model of the Year seven times and has graced the covers of more than 400 magazines.
O’Hearn found his passion for acting in the early 90s. He started his run with supporting roles before getting the role of Thor and Titan in American Gladiators. He also made several guest appearances in popular television series like Days of Our Lives.
Given the extraordinary build of O’Hearn, there has been a ton of speculation about the possibility of steroid or Synthol use. In Jul. 2022, O’Hearn declined using TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) and credited his physique to be consistent every day.
O’Hearn teamed up with Joseph Baena, son of bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, for a brutal arms workout in Aug. 2022. He opened up about his intense mindset about training as they performed the bicep and triceps routine.
The 54-year-old left the fans stunned with an impressive sneak peek of his role in the bodybuilding film Magazine Dreams last August. He showed off his shredded physique while playing the role of Brad Vanderhorn.
O’Hearn partnered with Baena for an ‘old-school’ upper body training session a few months ago. He mentored Baena through the back workout focused on enhancing longevity. He caused a stir in the community with his claims suggesting testosterone levels didn’t decline with time. Former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout chimed in voicing his disagreement with O’Hearn beliefs last October.
Following the rise in steroid accusations lodged against him, O’Hearn issued a fiery message pushing back on the allegations in Sep. 2022.
Mike O’Hearn admits fish hooking haters on Synthol use
In a recent YouTube video, Mike O’Hearn talked about tricking haters with a fish hook about his fictitious use of Synthol. He explained the promo stunt was based on his character in an upcoming project.
“Let’s talk about the rumors with Synthol,” said O’Hearn. “That was an easy troll by me because I knew majority would jump on it, not read anything, bypass that and just go this is awesome, gotcha! That’s the reason I kinda did it to just make you a little awake. I think it is stemmed from hate.
“It doesn’t matter what I say, it matters what I do. The evidence is there of what I do and have been doing for a lifetime.”
“I hope you guys understand it really doesn’t matter what you say. You can say pretty much anything but your actions are going to prove who you are as an individual.”
“For everybody that got fish hooked from the post about Synthol, that’s my character I’m playing on Monday. He’s a character I play on 911 that gets busted for synthol, drugs, and stuff. It was too easy not to fish hook you guys.”
Check out the 9-1-1 promo below:
Two months ago, Mike O’Hearn collaborated with Baena for a fierce shoulder workout. He lauded Baena for the improvements he made to his fitness levels by working on his dancing skills.
O’Hearn’s latest update might come as a surprise to those who fell for it but it certainly helped bring more attention to his upcoming role.
You can watch the full video below:
Published: 16 April, 2023 | 2:44 PM EDT
Big Ramy Clears the Air with Bob Cicherillo on Retirement Calls
Egyptian bodybuilder Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay is on a mission to redeem himself after slipping at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. In a recent video posted on YouTube, Ramy cleared the air with IFBB Pro League athletes’ representative Bob Cicherillo regarding the criticism he received after getting dethroned and his plans ahead.
Former two-time Mr. Olympia Big Ramy has been a regular feature of the Men’s Open division since 2013. He turned heads with his freakish muscle mass and size that overwhelmed many mass monsters in the category. He scored gold at the 2013 New York Pro and retained his title in 2014 while working his way up the ranks. In 2020, Ramy secured his maiden Sandow trophy by dethroning Brandon Curry. He added the second title under his belt at the 2021 Mr. Olympia.
Last season, Big Ramy was looking to extend his lead at the top as he went up against a crop of new talent and proven contenders at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Ultimately, it was Hadi Choopan who knocked Ramy off the throne. Ramy suffered a setback and dropped down to the fifth place.
There was speculation about the possibility of an injury plaguing Ramy on stage in Las Vegas. Ramy did not let the result hold him back as he signed up for the 2023 Arnold Classic. He underwent stem cell treatment in preparation for the show. Dr. Khan reported positive findings after the treatment and expected Ramy to do better in Ohio.
Big Ramy at 2022 Olympia
His coach Chad Nicholls admitted the Olympia prep did not go according to plan. While he entered the event confident, a series of challenges halted the pair from bringing their best form.
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler extended his support for Ramy last month. He lauded Ramy for his impressive package and backed him to potentially pull off a triumphant comeback. In the end, Ramy slotted in fourth place at the 2023 Arnold Classic.
Bob Cicherillo counted out Ramy’s chances in the sport aftiner the outcome last month. He stressed the need for Ramy to completely transform his whole physique if he wanted to get back in the judges’ good graces. However, he expressed doubts about the prospect. He doubled down on his take days later when he called on Ramy to step on the sidelines.
The 38-year-old issued a fiery message aimed at the critics who suggested he hang up his posing trunks. He made it clear he was in the game to stay and will not be leaving anytime soon.
Big Ramy clears the air with Bob Cicherillo on calls for retirement
In a recent YouTube video, Big Ramy made peace with Bob Cicherillo in light of their differences regarding his career.
“I hear many things. If somebody can’t give the game 100 percent,” said Ramy. “We have many things in the sport we can do not only the state, but we can support the sport of many things else. But me and Bob agree I can do that if my body responds.”
Ramy faced backlash for missing the guest-posing appearance at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. He confirmed he’d be at this year’s edition a few weeks ago and teased the anticipated showing when asked about his road to the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“Maybe in Pittsburgh. Jim offered me to come, being the biggest name in the sport. When you close to him, he’s a great person and supports everyone and I never think I can do disrespect for any reason. Last year what happened, I really feel bad because I miss this show. It’s important for me because I respect this game and the fans.”
Cicherillo believes Ramy is past his best days and argued against giving him false hope about potentially reclaiming the Olympia title.
Ramy may not possess the package that won him the coveted Sandow trophy but he’s ready to give it his all in hopes of adding to his glittering resume.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 16 April, 2023 | 12:53 PM EDT