Tag: Videos
Jay Cutler Crushes Intense Shoulder Workout for ‘Fit for 50’
Legendary bodybuilder Jay Cutler moved on from professional competition years ago but carried his undying passion for fitness post-retirement. He has kept a high fitness level and is working on enhancing his physique even more for his 50th birthday. In a recent video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Cutler gave fans a look into the diet and the shoulder workout he’s utilizing to get ready for the ‘Fit for 50’ challenge.
Jay Cutler led a highly successful career in the Men’s Open division in the 2000s. His freakish muscle mass, size, and conditioning, led him to a dominant victory at the 2002 Arnold Classic and 2003 Arnold Classic. Cutler developed a fiery rivalry with fellow legend Ronnie Coleman as the eight-time champion kept beating him at Mr. Olympia contests. After placing runner-up four times, he finally dethroned Coleman to secure the coveted Sandow trophy.
Cutler dropped the title to Dexter Jackson in 2008. He returned stronger than ever the next season and reclaimed the title at the 2009 Mr. Olympia. He hung up his posing trunks with four Mr. Olympia and three Arnold Classic titles under his belt.
The 49-year-old continues to train regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle. He got on a mission to step up his fitness for the ‘Fit for 50’ body transformation challenge. Cutler targeted building muscle while retaining his leanness and ended up adding 15 pounds to his humongous frame.
Cutler has a sharp eye for talent stemming from his decades of experience in the sport. He believes 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda and former 212 Olympia champ Derek Lunsford are the favorites going into the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He also took notice of rising sensation Andrew Jacked, who he believes can shock the world. Then, he listed the techniques that helped him build 20-inch arms in a training update.
Jay Cutler left the fans stunned with a ripped physique update seven weeks out of the ‘Fit for 50’ challenge. He followed up by detailing the ultimate back exercise for building wide and thick lats.
According to Cutler, he would be able to craft the physique he wants without taking any PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) except for being on TRT (testosterone replacement therapy). He reported having a crazy appetite even though he’s not taking any heavy anabolics.
Jay Cutler Crushes Intense Shoulder Workout for ‘Fit for 50’
In a recent YouTube video, Jay Cutler crushed a brutal shoulder workout and gave fans a look into his diet while in prep for the ‘Fit for 50’ challenge.
“8 days away from Fit for 50,” said Cutler.
He does 60 minutes of cardio every single day to get his body in shape and will keep it going even after the challenge.
Cutler eats six meals a day. His first meal was two over-easy eggs on toast with strawberries and yogurt. He also took a protein shake with egg whites and rice. His third meal was chicken and rice. For pre-workout, he took his brand’s Prevail, Fundamentals, and Amplify 2 supplements. For post-workout, he consumed 10oz steak, 1 cup of rice, and grilled onions from Teriyaki Boy.
“That’s been the weakest part for me coming back is the shoulders,” said Cutler. “I’m actually starting to get some good cap on it now. Hopefully, I can get a little more fullness and as I get more detailed. The definition is going to show that better cut in the shoulder, between the shoulder, bicep, tricep.”
“I’ve been training seven days a week now. I don’t really take days off.”
“We’re going to pre-exhaust [machine side laterals]. I’m going to do like two warm-up sets and three working sets, probably going to bring the weight up a bit. This will get the blood in my shoulders and get them ready for all these heavy compound movements.”
Shoulder Workout:
Machine Side Laterals – 3 sets
Dumbbell Shoulder Press – 3 sets
Barbell Front Raise – 3 sets
Cable Rear Delt Fly – 3 sets
Reverse Pec Deck Fly – 3 sets
Single Arm Lateral Raises – 3 sets
Jay Cutler reported he’s in fine form after getting his blood panels and markers done ahead of his 50th birthday. He highlighted the problem of a lack of financial incentives and low prize money being offered at competitions, which has stagnated the growth of bodybuilding with fewer athletes participating.
Cutler believes in utilizing high-volume training to grow muscle. He revealed he’d perform at least 20 sets of about six exercises for each muscle group.
His latest offering adds yet another Mr. Olympia-worthy workout routine to the repertoire of fitness fans for building bigger shoulders.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 3 August, 2023 | 12:37 AM EDT
Erin Stern Shares the Go-to Supplements That She Relies on a Daily Basis
2X Figure Olympia champion and IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor Erin Stern has inspired countless individuals to take up the path of health and fitness. During her journey, Stern has always been open about her nutrition and training with her viewers through her social media accounts. In her latest YouTube video, she shares her top six essential supplements for promoting overall well-being and providing the required micronutrients that our body often misses out on in today’s hectic era.
Mega D3 K2
Stern started her list by mentioning Mega D3 K2, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin.’ She admitted that “I have bloodwork done and I was actually deficient in Vitamin D.” Although Stern did recommend getting blood work done to ensure if you’ll actually benefit from it. She educated her viewers that K2 and D3 work symbiotically to ensure that calcium does not get deposited in arteries and soft tissues.
Magnesium Glycinate
“I’ll get a headache, kind of a low-grade headache if I stop taking it, so I know that the body gets depleted of Magnesium if you are under stress, if you are training hard, um you know, if you’re just go go go, chances are you are deficient in Magnesium,” stated Stern.
She explained that Magnesium Glycinate helps her sleep well. However, she warns that Magnesium Citrate and Magnesium Oxide might lead to an upset stomach.
Collagen
Next on the list for Stern is Collagen. She revealed that along with healthy hair and nail growth, Collagen is also an important component of connective tissues.
“I like taking it on an empty stomach and first thing in the morning. It does contain Vitamin C also which can help a lot with assimilation and helping it with collagen production,” Erin added.
Creatine
Continuing the list, Stern reveals creatine as her next favorite supplement in her stack. However, she admits a personal preference for taking it in the form of tablets rather than powders. She pointed out that apart from muscle gain and recovery, creatine also serves some proven cognitive benefits. Being the most researched product in the market, creatine is a go-to for most athletes while going supplement shopping.
Beef Protein
“It is hard to find a high-quality whey protein lately…If you simply can not do whey proteins, try this one out.”
A bodybuilder’s life is almost incomplete without protein. Talking about her own preferences as of now, Stern admits relying on beef protein, which consists of beef organ powder. It helps her fulfill her protein intake, offering a complete protein profile consisting of all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle hypertrophy and recovery.
Related: Erin Stern Shares 5-Step Plan to Figure Out Daily Calories & Macros
Honorable Mentions
Continuing further with her video, Stern provided some other supplements that deserve an honorable mention, according to her.
Serrapeptase- It is a protein-digesting enzyme that helps with muscle inflammation, and pain, and can help with edema.
N-acetyl cysteine- NAC is an antioxidant that can help support respiratory functions and helps boost immunity.
Probiotics- Contrary to popular belief, Stern loves consuming probiotics as it helps her with “tummy troubles.”
Concluding her video, Stern even dropped a hint that her next goal might be a venture into the track arena. “I’m thinking about track and field.”
You can check out the whole video below:
Published: 2 August, 2023 | 4:21 PM EDT
Milos Sarcev Compares Physiques of Hunter Labrada & Andrew Jacked Weeks from 2023 Texas Pro
With this year’s Mr. Olympia approaching, athletes are out in full force attempting to qualify for the prestigious show. In a recent Muscular Development interview, Milos Sarcev broke down Hunter Labrada‘s chances against Andrew Jacked, assuming they meet next month as planned at the 2023 Texas Pro.
“Listen, I love Labrada’s physique, I think he’s so complete. He just doesn’t have the wow factor of Andrew Jacked,” Milos Sarcev shared.
Having placed as high as fourth at Mr. Olympia, Hunter Labrada emerged as a Men’s Open threat with symmetry, conditioning, and mass. Instead of staying active last season, Labrada took extra time to work on his physique. However, when he reached the Olympia stage, Labrada struggled against a star-studded lineup.
In the end, he secured seventh place. Labrada was open about his mistakes and mentioned problems arose both during the peak and prep. Months later, he announced his participation in a pair of shows (2023 Tampa Pro and Texas Pro). Looking to correct the issues that held him back from success, Labrada promised to come back better than ever. He revealed changes to his diet and began practicing vacuum poses for abdomen control.
Andrew Jacked’s road to the top of the Open class was sudden as he recorded one of the most successful rookie seasons of all time. He earned his Pro card, and won the 2022 Texas Pro in his IFBB Pro debut, defeating names like Martin Fitzwater and Steve Kuclo. Before the year ended, Andrew won the Arnold Classic UK and finished eighth at his first Mr. Olympia.
As of this year, Andrew Jacked proved himself at the 2023 Arnold Classic. He held his own against the winner Samson Dauda and runner-up Nick Walker during the finals. Even though Jacked looked at his best, he was unable to earn his qualification for Olympia.
“It Could Go Both Ways,” Milos Sarcev Says 2023 Texas Pro Toss Up for Hunter Labrada & Andrew Jacked
Looking at the contest objectively, Milos Sarcev believes Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked both have the potential to win in Texas.
“I love Andrew Jacked’s physique. So, you know, Andrew Jacked against Samson, I could see Andrew getting Samson on some points, by all means, it’s not like a cake walk and Samson is dominating. I know he was a little bit drier, more condition and stuff, but just overall package, Samson dominated him,” said Milos Sarcev.
“It could go both ways [between Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked],” said Sarcev. “For me, still, Andrew Jacked has this height and width about him – and just so much aesthetic massive beauty. So, if he comes like Houston last year, you know how it is, he was way better conditioned at the Arnold Classic, way better condition, but he turned their heads in Houston.”
Sarcev argued Andrew could benefit from more side leg thickness. Then, mentioned Labrada had no glaring weaknesses.
“If he comes similar size he was in Houston in similar condition like he was at the Olympia, I just don’t see anybody touching him, right? He’s still a little bit light in the legs especially from the side. But other than that, Andrew doesn’t have any weaknesses.”
“We’ve never seen Labrada dried to the bone super conditioned,” said Sarcev. “Hunter is compact. He has no weaknesses.”
Sarcev examined Labrada’s mandatory poses to elaborate on why he doesn’t have weaknesses.
“He needs deeper abs, deeper abs, and much more control to express all the beauty of his shape. When the midsection is not happening that much, okay, then it affects everything. Front double biceps crazy. Lat spread is quite good. Side chest, side triceps, side triceps is phenomenal. Side triceps is very very good. Back double, back lat spread, now, very much improved.
I don’t see the weaknesses. His conditioning before maybe there was not slice and dice, so if you say weakness, but this is just a conditioning issue not the muscles, low lat insertions, x-frame, v-taper, sweeping thighs, calves, I mean he has it all. Abs and thighs was not a super good pose and most muscular, you know, very good pose, not stunning.”
Given his history of success, Sarcev believes with ‘once in a lifetime conditioning,’ Hunter Labrada could win the Mr. Olympia title.
“He beat Nick Walker, right? Nick Walker is considered a potential Mr. Olympia winner and now you’re going to tell me that Labrada just doesn’t train hard enough? He’s so hungry the last couple of years. He’s training his ass off. He has everything that it takes, if he comes in once-in-a-lifetime conditioning, you tell me why he can’t win, because all these guys are so superior? No.”
“So, Hunter Labrada is a potential Mr. Olympia winner. If everything goes well, if he did put the quality size and comes in ripped to the bone dry, conditioned, like I said, he doesn’t have weaknesses. You say that he does, I didn’t notice them but okay. You just think lower lat insertions, it’s not so visible that I would pay attention.”
Labrada and Jacked have kept up on progress photos leading into the show. Both men appear motivated and anticipate a tough battle en route to gold. In addition, Carlos Thomas Jr. has entered the contest as a definite wildcard. This event will serve as his first IFBB Pro show, and judging by his recent guest posings, he has a shot at winning.
Athletes have until October 9 to secure passage to the sport’s most celebrated event of the year, 2023 Mr. Olympia, which is slated to take place November 2-5, in Orlando Florida.
RELATED: Milos Sarcev Gives Top 3 2023 Mr. Olympia Predictions w/Jay Cutler, Talks Samson Dauda’s Progress
You can find the full video from the Muscular Development YouTube channel below:
Published: 2 August, 2023 | 3:18 PM EDT
Jeff Nippard Compares Natural Bodybuilding And Impact of Steroids On Muscle Building
Jeff Nippard compared the results of natural bodybuilding vs steroid use in his recent video. Steroids or Performance Enhancing Drugs are often associated with heightened abilities and faster gains when coupled with training. However, a vast majority of the general populace are unaware of the extent to which they can alter the outcome of training.
Jeff Nippard is a renowned fitness expert from Canada. He is one of the foremost figures in the YouTube fitness community and is known for creating science-based content to educate fitness enthusiasts. As a result of this, he has amassed 3.8 million followers on YouTube.
The 32-year-old is an accomplished natural bodybuilder and powerlifter. He held the 2012 Mr. Junior Canada title and also had the Canadian national record for bench press in his name. As a coach, Nippard has trained several bodybuilders and powerlifters to achieve their goals.
In recent months, Jeff Nippard has done an in-depth study of minimalist training principles, formulating a training plan based on them. He is a student of bodybuilding and has offered guidance to the fitness community on topics like common nutrition mistakes, sustainable weight management strategies and metabolism-boosting methods.
Steroid use is one of the most debated topics in the fitness industry. While the risks associated with them are pretty much out in the open, an unbelievably large number of fitness enthusiasts and professionals lean into them for all practical purposes.
In his recent video, Jeff Nippard broke down the potential of natural bodybuilding, the impact of steroid use, and the risks associated with them to educate the fitness community about the topic. So let’s see if our opinion about steroids and natural bodybuilding changes in any way after understanding his arguments.
Jeff Nippard explains the possibilities and limits of natural bodybuilding
Jeff Nippard first covered the potential of natural bodybuilding and explained how much growth you can achieve without leaning into steroids. Nippard is the former Junior Mr. Canada title holder and also held the Canadian national record for bench press as a natural powerlifter. He has trained naturally for over 15 years. He believes that he is not an absolutely elite example of a natural bodybuilder. However, Nippard’s growth is a good benchmark to assume how much progress an individual can naturally achieve.
At 5ft-5in tall, Jeff Nippard weighs between 73 kg (160 lbs) lean and 82 kg (180 lbs) bulky. Most of the muscle growth in the 32-year-old’s training journey came in the first five years when he gained nearly 20 lbs of lean muscle mass. The growth slowed down considerably in the next decade as the Canadian put on a total of 7.5 lbs of lean muscle mass over the next decade or so.
“Every natural lifter doing most things right will experience a similar growth curve, with faster growth at the beginning and slower growth as they approach their so-called natural genetic ceiling.”
Nippard cited the study ‘Fat Free Mass Index in Users and Nonusers of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids’ to back his claim and added:
“Men tend to max out their natural potential after gaining 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) of muscle mass. Women tend to max out their natural potential after gaining 12 to 24 lbs of muscle mass.”
How can you reach the natural potential?
It is essential to remain consistent with training and diet for years or even decades to max out the natural potential. Regular and intense training to failure, exercise variety, and sufficient volume (5 to 15 sets per week, per body part) is a good ballpark to define consistent training. According to Nippard, staying in moderate caloric surplus and eating enough protein – approximately 0.7 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight – will almost certainly get you close to the natural potential.
Read also: Best Natural Bodybuilders
Steroids can push the growth to unthinkable extent after natural ceiling is reached
A 20 to 40-lb muscle gain is not ordinary by any means. However, is it possible to push these frontiers and gain a little more with advanced diet and training strategies? Yes. But in most cases, that extra gain will be marginal according to Nippard. Natural bodybuilders like Alberto Nunes, Jeff Alberts, and Alex Leonidas are some examples of natural bodybuilders that came really close to maximizing their natural potential. But steroids can make leaps in terms of muscle and strength gain.
Nippard referred to the study ‘The Effects of Supraphysiologic Doses of Testosterone on Muscle Size and Strength in Normal Men’ that was conducted in 1996 to put the effect of steroids in perspective. The study divided its subjects into four groups and results were measured after a 10-week period.
Two of these groups were natural individuals. The first group neither took steroids nor trained. They showed no muscle growth, which was the expected outcome. Subjects that trained but did not take steroids gained 4.4 lbs of muscle on average.
However, there was a massive difference in the subjects that received a 600 mg weekly dose of steroids. Subjects that took steroids and trained experienced a massive 13.4 lbs or 3 times more muscle gain. The most surprising results were produced in the group that did not train but received steroids. They gained an average of 7 lbs of lean muscle in the same period. To put it in perspective, it’s over 1.5 times more than the group that trained naturally!
An industry expert’s insights on the impact of steroid use on bodybuilding
Nippard consulted a famous anabolic steroids expert to determine if the 600 mg dose given in this study was high, low, or moderate according to modern-day bodybuilding standards. The expert, who chose to maintain anonymity in this video, explained:
“That’s entry level bodybuilder cycle territory I would say. Then to represent what could be seen at a professional level in the very competitive ranks, you see upwards of, at minimum oftentimes, 1000 mg per week but as high as 4000 to 5000 mg per week.”
This conversation determined that there is a direct correlation between the dosage and muscle gain. Nippard referred to a follow-up study conducted in 2001. It revealed that on average, subjects on higher doses experienced a significantly higher muscle gain and vice versa without training. On average, those on high doses of steroids gained nearly 1 pound of muscle each week during a 20-week period over which the study was conducted.
“This isn’t the highest responder. This is the average. Think about that. I might put on one pound of muscle in the next year if I’m lucky as a late stage natural. These guys put on 1 pound of muscle per week by taking 600 mg of test.”
To gauge the extent to which steroids can help you push beyond the natural potential, Nippard studied 212 Olympia champion Shaun Clarida and Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead.
Shaun Clarida and Chris Bumstead – pushing the boundaries after maxing out natural potential
Clarida maxed out his potential naturally before starting the use of steroids. As a natural, Shaun Clarida weighed 130 lbs. After enhancing his physique with steroids, he was able to add nearly 60 lbs (27 kg) of muscle mass.
Things were a little different for Bumstead who was much taller at 6ft-1in. He gained 55 lbs (2 kg) naturally and weighed approximately 225 lbs at the peak of his natural abilities. However, steroids helped him gain another 40 lbs (18 kg).
According to Nippard, genetics play a big role in the body’s response to steroids. Bumstead might be one of the individuals that do not need heavy doses as most of his growth happened naturally. He was then able to add a little bit of extra muscle mass after starting with steroids.
Steroids do produce miraculous results when it comes to performance and muscle gain. But is it really worth it to inject these substances into your body for fast gains? Regular steroid use is associated with a well-established risk of blood clots, heart attacks, artery damage, and stroke.
Is there a ‘safer’ way of using steroids? Jeff Nippard answers
You can mitigate the risks associated with steroids when you use them under the strict supervision of a medical team. However, Nippard feels that it is still a gamble and can bring a plethora of health issues anyway.
The 32-year-old is clear about his stance on steroid use. He is not against it and doesn’t promote it either. But if folks choose to take them anyway, here is what he advises:
“I think it will be smart to at least max out your natural potential first. This will force you to understand your body and force you to learn how to pull the training and nutrition levers most effectively for your physique.”
The Canadian feels that this knowledge will empower people to make an informed decision whether to use steroids or not.
“But of course if your goal is to maximize health, it’d be smart to stay natural unless a medical professional recommends hormonal treatment,” Nippard added.
To conclude, Jeff Nippard suggests seeking training advice based on its value. According to him, quality of advice is more important than how the person looks. After all, the amount of muscle a person carries is not the best indicator of the quality of their training.
You can watch the full video below, courtesy of Jeff Nippard’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 2 August, 2023 | 9:11 AM EDT
Eddie Hall Crushes Surprise Pro Wrestling Debut
English Strongman icon Eddie Hall is renowned for his freakish strength. Following his retirement from strongman competition, he became well-known in the fitness community for his athletic abilities. In a recent video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Hall surprised his son and fans by making his pro wrestling debut at Megaslam in the UK.
Eddie Hall first rose to prominence for his incredible feats of strength in the 2010s. He made a name for himself dominating the regional UK circuit, winning several UK’s Strongest Man, Britain’s Strongest Man, and England’s Strongest Man, from 2010 to 2018. Hall qualified for the World’s Strongest Man contest for the first time in 2012. He secured the coveted title at the 2017 WSM by beating fellow legends Hafthor Bjornsson and Brian Shaw. In July 2016, Hall created history by becoming the first athlete to score an insane 500-kg (1,102-pound) conventional deadlift.
Since stepping away from Strongman, Hall tested out an array of different sports. He clashed with Bjornsson in the boxing ring to settle their heated rivalry in March 2022. The 6’2” behemoth lost a considerable amount of weight to prepare for the showdown but eventually lost by unanimous decision.
Hall set his sights on bodybuilding after witnessing the likes of former two-time champion Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay and four-time Classic Physique king Chris Bumstead at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Their performances inspired him to make a splash in competitive bodybuilding.
‘The Beast’ took guidance from IFBB Pro Jamie Christian-Johal, who stands at a massive 6’5″, for a brutal back workout in preparation for his switch to bodybuilding. Then, he enlisted the help of legendary bodybuilder Jay Cutler, a four-time Mr. Olympia, to learn his techniques for developing a wide and thick back.
Powerlifting sensation Larry Wheels is another fitness personality looking to make his move to bodybuilding in the Classic Physique division. Considering their common goal, Hall and Wheels trained together to refine their shoulder development.
Eddie Hall took advantage of a collaborative workout session with seven-time Men’s 212 division Flex Lewis to learn more about training arms and left the fans in awe with an impressive physique update. Then, Hall focused on his posing abilities under professional bodybuilding posing coach Emma Heineman while gearing up for his debut.
Eddie Hall Crushes Surprise Pro Wrestling Debut
In a recent YouTube video, Eddie Hall surprised his son and the fans by making his pro wrestling debut at Megaslam in the UK.
Hall participated in the Royal Rumble and came out on top of the contest. He left the fans stunned by smashing his opponents inside the ring and living up to a heel character. He was held by a wrestler at one point but managed to push his way out of it.
Eddie Hall got the opportunity to be featured in the upcoming Expendables 4. He was seen in the trailer being launched over the bar by legendary filmmaker Sylvester Stallone.
Hall gave fans a look into his preparations with a ‘round pecs’ physique update ahead of his bodybuilding debut. He followed that up by showing off his much leaner physique in another update where he tipped the scales at 385 pounds. He also indicated plans to start his cutting phase in a few weeks.
RELATED: Eddie Hall Reacts to Hilarious Gym Fails: ‘Nearly Crushed Her Head & Died’
The latest update goes to show Hall’s openness to trying out different disciplines. Fans look forward to seeing him hit a bodybuilding stage soon.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 1 August, 2023 | 4:50 PM EDT
Jay Cutler Mike O’Hearn Talk Rep Ranges, Light vs Heavy Weight, & Time Spent in Gym
Jay Cutler and Mike O’Hearn have built physiques that many of us dream of having. Cutler cemented himself as a four-time Mr. Olympia champion during his bodybuilding tenure. Former Mr. Universe winner O’Hearn continues to influence the fitness sector with his shredded build. In a recent YouTube collaboration, Cutler and O’Hearn talked about the best rep ranges, light versus heavy weight, and time spent in the gym for reaching physique goals.
Despite moving on from the stage in 2013, Jay Cutler remains committed to his physique and bodybuilding. Last year, he revealed that he was undergoing a physique transformation. He left a competitive return off the table but said he was rebuilding his body as part of a fitness goal before turning 50 years old.
Cutler has kept fans updated on his body transformation and targeted 6-8% body fat. He’s opened up about training, nutrition, performance-enhancing drug use, and mindset as he’s embarked on the challenge. The former Olympia titleholder also revealed a clean bill of health days after the death of the late Gustavo Badell.
Mike O’Hearn is a fitness icon, revered for his yolked body and longevity. He’s remained ripped for over 30 years and is known for taking an eclectic yet calculated approach to training. Previously, he’s offered exercise demonstrations based on knowledge passed on from stars of the sport such as Tom Platz and Kai Greene.
Jay Cutler, Mike O’Hearn Talk Stimulating Deep Muscle Fibers, Training Strategies & Mindset
According to Cutler, any time he’s at the gym, each body part requires at least 20 sets, which are typically performed with six different exercises. Cutler doesn’t believe in warm up sets but uses ‘feel sets’ to get started in the gym.
“If I choose six exercises to do with my workout which is standard. I might do three, four, five sets of those each. No matter what the workout I’m doing, I’m doing 20 sets per body part. Does that make sense? That may or may not include feel sets. I hate warm up sets. I don’t use that term,” said Jay Cutler. “Feel sets.”
“I agree, it doesn’t fatigue you or get you all pumped up,” said Mike O’Hearn.
“What it does, it’s a set up set, your grip, focus, body position, it’s a plane you’re pushing through. You have that position, that’s the set up. It’s called the set up. That’s how I use – I say feel sets so there’s a lot of meaning in that.”
Even though Cutler has a reputation for always practicing 12 reps, he says that’s not always the case. Instead of focusing on reps or set numbers, his chief concern is the quality of each contraction.
“You can kind of put your body in motion, okay this is how I’m going to power through because I’m only thinking about okay what is my peak contractive set of this? Not a weight. Your weights determined when you get to that, say okay, what is my point of doing this?”
“So repetitions don’t matter. You’re thinking fiber, fiber control. Like where are we going – how much fibers are we going to – I don’t want to say tear, it scares people, tearing is not, but how much fiber are we going to bring into this movement because we are going to stimulate those fibers, right? said Jay Cutler.
“When Jay Cutler says 12 reps, everything should be 12 reps, I’m lying because I can do six, I can do eight, I can do four and still get stimulation and I’ll sometimes stop,” said Cutler. “I feel people shortchange themselves.”
As for O’Hearn, he believes people make the mistake of ‘blasting through’ reps with the intention of completing the set. However, they neglect time under tension and mind-muscle connection by not slowing the movement to feel the burn.
“One of the biggest things for me is if you say, I wish people would listen and watch, there’s a difference between what our belief is like do one rep at a time until you get to 10-12. But I find if I say to people, ‘Hey do 10.’ They went from lifting a plate one or two times slow and controlled a nice contraction, there was a meaning there, to just 10 reps, they just blast though it,” Mike O’Hearn shared.
“Number one tip, when you’re not in the zone, don’t expect to be 95, 100%. We trained more just sometimes more to just go through the motions,” added Cutler.
Cutler on Achieving a Dream Physique: ‘There’s a lot of Thought Process That Goes Into It’
To achieve a dream physique, the four-time Mr. Olympia underlined the value of training the mind. He also stressed that sculpting a next-level body was a detailed effort that demands finesse.
“I started with the mental mindset that weight training put me in. When I got under that bar or I was under you know the pearls and just my mind-to-muscle connection was just no stress yeah. The gym was my game, it was how I kept myself sane right? You have to love it. I’m not sure that everyone today loves it. They might have a dream to look a certain way. You have to eat, sleep, and breath it.”
“Everything is strategic. I can go through my workouts in my mind as I’m walking in the gym. I’m visually like I’m going to do this this and this and that’s how I foresee it. it’s not like I’m walking to the gym and picking up a bar. There’s a lot of thought process that goes into it. It’s surgical,” said Cutler.
Before ending the discussion, Cutler shared that he’ll turn 50 next week and has experienced zero joint pain since retirement.
“I don’t have to be in the gym seven days a week. I don’t get paid to work out any longer,” added Cutler. “I have zero joint pain, zero restriction. I feel like this could all start again. I’ll be 50 next week. It’s the best part of my day.”
“I still deadlift every week, I don’t go crazy but I never did either.”
With Cutler closing in on his ‘Fit-for-50’ physique goal, he’s been transparent about his diet lately. In a recent JayCutlerTV YouTube video, the Massachusetts native revealed that his appetite has been ‘through the roof’ in the final leg of his journey without using ‘heavy’ anabolic steroids.
O’Hearn, meanwhile, continues to impart training wisdom to his fanbase. He took to a video where he explained the number one mistake new lifters make at the gym. Given how many people he’s seen injure themselves, O’Hearn believes it’s important to take exercising seriously and to approach it aggressively.
Whether it was rep ranges, lifting heavy versus light weight, or stimulating muscle fibers, Cutler and O’Hearn were able to find some common ground. When building a dream physique, they both agree it takes a comprehensive and calculated effort.
RELATED: Jay Cutler on Mike O’Hearn and The Rock Being Natural: ‘If They Choose Not To Talk About It, I Respect That’
You can watch the full video from Mike O’Hearn’s YouTube channel below:
Published: 1 August, 2023 | 11:59 AM EDT
Ryan Terry Demolishes A Beastly Back Workout To Prepare For 2023 Olympia
Bodybuilder Ryan Terry is carrying immense drive and motivation in his 2023 Olympia prep. He is dedicating time in getting used to the regimented training and diet plan for the grandest stage of bodybuilding and recently shared a beastly back workout on his YouTube channel.
Ryan Terry is a multi-faceted personality and a renowned professional bodybuilder, fitness model and apparel ambassador from the UK. He emerged on the bodybuilding scene in the early 2010s, winning the Mr. Britain and Mr. International titles. He earned the IFBB Pro card in 2014 and became a contender in the Men’s Physique division of the IFBB Pro League.
The Brit is a five-time Olympia participant and came close to winning the Men’s Physique Olympia title at the 2016 Olympia when he finished second. But he has been a perennial contender and produced top seven finishes in every single one of his Olympia appearances. In 2022, Terry finished seventh at the Olympia to conclude the competitive season.
He is coming off a spectacular win at the 2023 New York Pro in his most recent stage appearance. He defeated the likes of Victor Chaves and Sidy Pouye to bring home the trophy and earn a direct invitation to the 2023 Olympia.
Ryan Terry’s prep for the 2023 Olympia started sixteen weeks out of the show. He is now training to improve from last year’s standing and establish himself as a legitimate threat to Erin Banks’ Men’s Physique Olympia title.
In the most recent video posted on his YouTube channel, Terry annihilated a back workout and gave his competition prep update. So let’s see what Terry’s plan of action is for the next 15 weeks and how he is getting ready to challenge the Men’s Physique division once again.
Ryan Terry gives 2023 Olympia prep update
Ryan Terry was set to welcome a baby three days after the video was recorded. Along with the 2023 Olympia prep, he is occupied with home improvement to make room for the new member of the family.
However, the focus on bodybuilding has remained unwavering. His prep started a week ago. 15 weeks out of the 2023 Olympia, the 34-year-old is not in a very comfortable spot. The first four weeks of the prep are crucial for getting used to a regimented six-meals-a-day diet and adapting to high food intake. It is not a very comfortable spot to be in.
“… Hoping my body composition will change, like, that way I’ll fill up, start to lose a bit of body fat but hold, maintain and even grow muscle in these four weeks,” Terry said.
The concept behind this style of competition prep is to make the body function in a more efficient manner before getting into the 12-week prep where food intake starts to reduce. Terry is currently weighing at 220 lbs. He has lost nearly 5 lbs since the start of the prep and will try to maintain this weight for the next three weeks.
Terry’s physique looks to be at the right stage of development at the moment. His wide lats, bulging shoulders, and quads immediately catch attention as the strongest parts of his physique. However, he admittedly has a lot of work to put in in the next 15 weeks to be able to perform well at the 2023 Olympia.
The British bodybuilder’s back workout
Terry’s current training split includes two back sessions every week. He tries to split the exercises between these two days in such a way that all parts of the back get a sufficient amount of work.
The 2023 New York Pro winner is now emphasizing free weight movements, acknowledging that he neglected them in the past couple of years. Terry hypothesized that the density in his back muscles started to wither away because of that. But once he incorporated them back in training before the 2023 New York Pro and the 2022 Olympia, he saw a massive difference.
The same trend now continues in Ryan Terry’s training routine where he employs a mix of machine and free weight exercises instead of relying solely on machines.
Superset – Weighted Hyperextensions and Deadlifts
Terry started the training session with this superset and explained the reason for including hyperextension as the first exercise.
“I’ve been hitting hyperextensions relatively early but trying to hit them every week. Honestly, I think this has brought a lot of thickness onto my lower back,” Terry said.
Growing age has made it difficult for Terry to do deadlifts in high volume. Hyperextensions have proven to be a great alternative to replace some of that volume. Combining both exercises in a superset is the middle-ground Terry has found. The superset includes 15 reps of weighted hyperextensions followed by 15 reps of simple deadlifts with moderate weights.
“The pump you get off this, makes that exercise, a deadlift, 10 times harder and it is unbelievable the pump you get,” He added.
Terry typically does four sets for 15 reps of each exercise in rapid succession to kick off the back workout.
Superset – High Rows and Wide Grip Lat Pulldown
Rhomboids is admittedly the weakest part of Ryan Terry’s back. He fired up this upper back muscle with high rows with pronated grip to get it at par with other back muscles. He superset this exercise with wide grip lat pulldown with a MAG bar and pushed through all the sets within this superset with high intensity.
T-Bar Rows
The Brit performed a few sets of T-bar rows with variable grips to emphasize different parts of the back muscles. After performing the first set with a wide pronated grip, he switched over to using a close neutral grip for the second set with the same amount of weight. He then increased the weight and repeated the sets with similar techniques.
Terry has had several lower back injuries in the past. Therefore the conventional form where the torso is horizontally aligned with the bar puts his lower back in a weak position. He explained:
“So I’m slightly less bent over where my back is always in that fixed position. So all I’m doing is pulling with my back. You’ve gotta find what’s best for you.”
After dealing with some high intensity T-bar row sets, Terry took to the final exercise of the day.
Bent Over Barbell Rows
The Brit finished the training session with bent over barbell rows. He performed a few solid sets of the exercise to work the major back muscles like latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, infraspinatus, trapezius, and teres muscles. Following this, Terry called it a day in the gym.
Overall, the workout included:
2023 Olympia will take place from Nov. 2-5 in Orlando, Florida. Having a kid can change the way most people look at life and fill them up with motivation. Ryan Terry seems poised to elevate his career to the next level in 2023. It will be interesting to see how he does at the 2023 Olympia.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Ryan Terry’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 1 August, 2023 | 8:56 AM EDT
Insane Stories of Gyno Surgery Gone Wrong by Milos Sarcev
Bodybuilders go to extreme lengths to be competitive in the sport. Using anabolic steroids to get shredded for the stage is a common practice but sometimes it can be excessive and result in adverse side effects. In a recent IFBB AMA YouTube video, renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev traded crazy stories of gyno surgery mishaps with IFBB Pros Jose Raymond and Chris Tuttle.
Milos Sarcev has a respected voice in the sport based on his decades of experience competing and coaching. He first gained attention for his massive build after winning the Mr. Universe title in 1989. The two-time Mr. Yugoslavia enjoyed a successful run as a Men’s Open competitor in the 90s with several Mr. Olympia contests. Following his retirement, he turned into a prolific coach guiding many elite contenders, including Samson Dauda, seven-time 212 Olympia winner Flex Lewis, and Flex Wheeler, under his wing.
Sarcev highlighted the risk of dehydration from overusing diuretics for competitions earlier this year. He argued against rewarding extreme dryness to avoid having the coaches push more diuretics on their athletes.
After Dauda’s victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic, Sarcev urged his client to focus on building thickness in his back to improve his chances of beating top contenders like the 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan. Then, he doubled down on his stance of not rewarding conditioning weeks later. He revealed his experiences of helping athletes who nearly passed away due to dehydration and urged for a balanced approach to judging.
Sarcev suggested former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay skip the 2023 Mr. Olympia last month. He believes Ramy needs to take some time off to regain muscle and revamp his physique after dropping the title at the last edition.
Milos Sarcev heaped praises on rising Classic Physique competitor Stephane Matala weeks ago. He was in awe of Matala’s upper body muscle development and stated he had never seen a chest as striated as his. He believes Matala could present a tough challenge to reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead. While he ranked Bumstead’s structure better, he favored Matala over him in a muscle-for-muscle comparison.
Sarcev backed Choopan and former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford as the favorites going into the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He praised Lunsford’s impressive back but believes with the right improvements his pupil, ‘The Nigerian Lion’ can secure the Olympia title.
Retired bodybuilding veteran Jose Raymond laid out some of the biggest mistakes an athlete and coach could make while in prep for a contest two months ago. He argued against pushing competitors to extreme lengths to display striated glutes and following a low-carb diet for a long time.
Milos Sarcev & Jose Raymond Share Insane Stories of Gyno Surgery Gone Wrong
In a recent YouTube video, Milos Sarcev, Jose Raymond, and Chris Tuttle shared crazy stories of gyno surgery mishaps.
Tuttle started by detailing the time he asked his father, who had never performed a gyno surgery, to operate on him.
“I had gyno surgery,” said Tuttle. “My dad’s a physician, he’s never done gyno surgery before. I asked him about it and he goes, ‘I’ll give it a shot.’ And he goes, ‘But you’re going to be awake. We’ll just numb the area. If I hit a tender area, just let me know.’ So, I’m lying on the table, he’s trimming away, tracing the nipple and he flips the nipple over and I feel him start to cut the tissue out. I’m like *screaming* and he’s like, ‘okay, hold on.’
Goes in there with Novocain, numbs around the area again, goes back in, starts tugging on it. I didn’t even had that bad gyno but when he pulled it out it was pretty massive, like the size of an old school flip top cell phone. When you look at it, it doesn’t look pretty big but it’s an iceberg.”
Sarcev revealed he saw a bodybuilder who lost his nipples due to a gyno surgery accident.
“I go to the bodybuilding contest in England and I’m watching this… I can’t really like what is wrong, what is weird, what is it? Then I realized a guy had no nipples.I think his last name is Connolly. So, I guess he went to somebody that wasn’t really that much experience and skill to do the gyno surgery. He removed everything including the nipples.”
Raymond weighed in with a tale of Roelly Winklaar getting the surgery done in his hotel room.
“I heard a story about I think it was Roelly over at Kuwait and they just came to his hotel room to remove the gyno. It was just some guy in his hotel room just came with some scissors and blades and whatever and just cut it out right in the room.”
Milos Sarcev voiced his disapproval of modern bodybuilders not competing regularly at shows a week ago. He called on the promoters to raise the prize money to attract more athletes and pinned the blame on not getting enough sponsors. Sarcev followed up with his breakdown of the top contenders for the next edition of Mr. Olympia and predicted Dauda to secure the Sandow trophy ahead of Lunsford and Choopan.
Based on these comical stories, it’s a smart idea to consult with a professional for gyno surgery to avoid the risk of losing nipples and other side effects.
You can watch the full video below:
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Published: 30 July, 2023 | 10:03 AM EDT
Kali Muscle Says Steroids ‘A Waste of Time, ‘I’m a Natty Right Now, My Testosterone Level is 280’
Bodybuilder and fitness star Chuck “Kali Muscle” Kirkendall plans to never look back after quitting performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). In a recent YouTube video, Kali Muscle recapped his bodybuilding career and experiences with steroids. After becoming addicted to these compounds, Kali Muscle is now speaking out against them.
While he started his fitness journey as an impressionable teenager, Muscle has grown leaps and bounds since. Following a prison stint at 19, Kali refused to let the circumstances dictate the rest of his life. He worked hard to improve his situation but admits he’s made some unhealthy choices along the way.
Kali Muscle is a popular YouTube personality known for his eccentric behavior, personality, and content. He boasts a ripped physique and has garnered headlines for his controversial and outspoken nature. Muscle has also been a victim to considerable health issues, like a heart attack back in 2021.
Having carved out a following in bodybuilding, Kali Muscle began arguing against steroid use. He became vocal about the topic after years of watching bodybuilders die too young, like Shawn Rhoden, George Peterson, and Cedric McMillan. Since retiring from the sport and its practices, Kali Muscle hasn’t shied away from showing off his downsized physique. And now, he’s back to share another cautionary tale about steroids.
“Steroids Is A Waste of Time” – Kali Muscle Recounts Struggles w/ Bodybuilding Career & Health
Before diving into his own personal struggles, Kali Muscle went over the dangers of some popular anabolic compounds.
“Just for educational purposes, I just had to do this video, I had this stuff [gear] laying around and I got mad. Trenbolone, it gets you strong, right? It also gets them arteries hard and strong, it causes high blood pressure, water retention, which we all know, water retention is bad for all your organs in your body. It raises your estrogen, right? It’s the most harmful roid, juice PED.”
“Some Test cyp, I don’t know why it’s orange. All the test I’ve ever had wasn’t orange. That’s test cyp right there. We all know what that do, it raises your estrogen and of course, it boosts your testosterone level which all of us want a high testosterone level but it causes water retention.”
“Primobolan, supposed to be a nice one right? When you get ready for a show it keeps you lean, less water retention, and all that. It’s all trash man. I don’t need them no more.”
Kali Muscle revealed his first cycle consisted of 1,000 grams of testosterone and 600 grams of Trenbolone. Eventually, Kali Muscle became addicted to the way the steroids made him feel during workouts.
“I felt I got addicted to the feeling of being stronger than everybody, my muscles just got full and so I remember Diego, ‘Boy, you need to do a show.’ I started looking at bodybuilding shows to do, my first one was the Orange County Classic in 2009. Went in there, didn’t know what I was doing, at that point I was on about 1,000 grams of test, maybe 600 grams of tren, I didn’t know what I was doing, I was reading on the internet what to take for shows.”
“I came in there and won it,” added Kali Muscle. “Every day I would study what chemicals, I bought all the books, I was experimenting on myself, it was foolish.”
According to Muscle, there came a point in his career where he knew he’d have to kill himself with drugs if he wanted to bring up the conditioning in his legs.
“I was getting big 255, 260, you guys can see the documentary I did. The Kali Muscle Story, I was 260 in that video just juiced to the gills. 1,000 migs of test, 800 migs of tren, you know all that stuff that’s tearing up those insides man.”
“It wasn’t for me, bodybuilding wasn’t for me because I would have to kill myself literally to become Pro. I knew I’d have to take a lot of GH, IGF-1, Insulin to really get my legs how they’re supposed to be. I knew I didn’t have that in me. I knew it would cost a lot of money. I decided to focus on social media. I tapered the roids down. I was doing 500 migs of test a week. I would do Tren here and there.”
Unlike years prior, Kali Muscle feels healthier today and claims he’s all-natural.
“The muscles… if I had the muscles are not, if that was the case now – I’m reaching more people in my eyes being fit and preaching a healthy message. Steroids is a waste of time, bro. If you started, okay, you feel good. You look good. But, you got to take anti-estrogen to keep your estrogen and most of y’all don’t even have medical.”
“I was happy natural like I am now. It’s not necessary. You can do it like this, natural. Kudos to all the natural guys out there but you still got to think if you natural, natural guys, they want to gain weight. So you go eat a lot of the wrong foods. What you’re eating and how you’re eating, what you’re consuming. Even me right now, they saw my test level now is down to 280.”
Lastly, he highlighted that steroids ‘are not needed until 35’ for most people.
“Roids are not needed until 35 on up. But I wouldn’t recommend it until your testosterone levels drop below 600. Been off everything. I’m a natty right now. So that’s why my testosterone level is 280, it was 281. I feel good.”
This wasn’t the first time Kali Muscle opened up honestly about steroid use. In May, he took part in a candid interview where he disclosed that he didn’t stop taking gear until his heart attack nearly killed him. Months ago, Kali mentioned that he was still taking a ‘small dose’ of steroids to maintain his physique.
In light of his health troubles, Kali has warned popular talents in the Men’s Open class about heart problems. Last October, Kali said athletes Andrew Jacked and Nick Walker were at risk of these issues, and stressed that he ‘felt sorry’ for them.
Kali Muscle hopes his story serves as a warning for the younger generation. While he admits he suffers from low testosterone, Muscle hasn’t stopped working out and remains focused on longevity.
RELATED: Kali Muscle Claims to Eat 1 Meal a Day: ‘Everything We Learned is Fake’
Watch the full video from Kali Muscle’s YouTube channel below:
Published: 29 July, 2023 | 3:22 PM EDT
Chris Bumstead Shares Full Day of Eating in Off-Season Before 2023 Mr. Olympia Contest Prep
Canadian bodybuilder Chris Bumstead is the most popular active competitor of any division in the sport. The Classic Physique powerhouse has been dominant in his run at the top and has shown no signs of slowing down. In a recent video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Bumstead shared his full day of eating in the off-season ahead of entering prep for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Chris Bumstead first rose to prominence for his insanely aesthetic physique as a Classic Physique competitor. After taking a couple of silvers to former two-time champion Breon Ansley, he secured the coveted Sandow trophy in 2019. Once he got to the top, he proved to be an unstoppable force who kept warding off budding talent and proven veterans to win four titles in a row. Following his last victory at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, he declared his hunt for another title.
The Classic Physique division has seen a rise in talent with the emergence of athletes like 2023 Arnold Classic winner Ramon Rocha Queiroz and German sensation Urs Kalecinski. Another competitor who has gained a ton of attention is Stephane Matala. Renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev lauded Matala’s crazy striated chest and believes he would present a major threat to Bumstead.
Bumstead revealed the only 10 exercises he would choose to get as muscular as possible for contests. He chose a diverse mix of movements targeting each muscle group with compound exercises. Then, he opened up about the changes in his steroid use. He admitted he would step away from professional competition if he saw a decline in his health from PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs). While he disclosed taking Trenbolone years ago, he strongly cautioned his fans to avoid using the substance due to its toxicity.
‘CBum’ crushed a brutal arm workout session to pack on the pounds in the off-season. With the mental aspect of the game a priority for Bumstead, he’s been open about the different routines he’s followed whether it be in the off-season or contest prep. He also stressed the importance of proper recovery for longevity and listed some ways to achieve optimal rest.
Legendary bodybuilder Frank Zane praised Bumstead for his success and immense potential earlier this week. He believes ‘CBum’ could still improve significantly and encouraged him to work on the peak of his biceps.
Chris Bumstead Shares Full Day of Eating in Off-Season Ahead of 2023 Mr. Olympia Prep
In a recent YouTube video, Chris Bumstead shared his full day of eating in the off-season ahead of entering prep for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Meal 1: Shake – Cup of blueberries and half a banana. 2 scoops of protein and raw one sweetened with stevia or low Sucralose, scoop, and a half of sun fiber (10.5g). Ezekiel toast (sprouted wheat bread) with almond butter.Nutrition: 797 calories, 80g protein, 20g fat, 87g carbs.
Meal 2: 300g potatoes & 225g bison.Nutrition: 718 calories, 54g protein.
Meal 3: 220g Chicken, 250g white rice, and 15g olive oil.Nutrition: 690 calories. 50g protein minimum.
Meal 4 (Snacks): Ezekiel Bread, 150g avocado, 4.5oz wild tuna, albacore, 1 raw bar, 8oz sirloin tip steak, and 200g boiled white rice.*He mixed 2 tbsp of honey with mustard and half an avocado to replace the mayo in the tuna salad.Nutrition: 1,490 calories.
Meal 5: 230g steak, avocado dressing, and white rice.
Chris Bumstead has a green shake usually at night and in the morning, five times a week. Since it was a rest day, he did not consume it during this video.
Total: 3,700 calories. 300g protein, 370g carbs, and 115g fat.
Chris Bumstead talked about the evolution of bodybuilding over the years days ago. He highlighted the key difference between the leanness required to be competitive today versus Arnold Schwarzenegger’s era. He also weighed a potential move to the Men’s Open division again. Afterward, he detailed his workout split routine to prepare for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
RELATED: Ronnie Coleman Reacts to Chris Bumstead’s Biggest Feats of Strength
Chris Bumstead teamed up with former coach and Men’s Open standout Iain Valliere for a heavy-duty shoulder and arms training session last week. Judging by Bumstead’s strength and nutrition, he’s on track for an explosive show in Nov.
You can watch the full video below:
Published: 29 July, 2023 | 12:26 PM EDT