Tag: Videos
Dana Linn Bailey Shares ‘Hamstring-Glute-Focused’ Workout for Leg Gains
Dana Linn Bailey (DLB) is a pioneer of the Women’s Physique division who remains in stellar shape years after retirement. In a recent YouTube video, Bailey walked fans through a brutal hamstring-glutes-focused training session for growing muscle and building strength.
“So today, we’re focusing on hamstrings and glutes. I like to separate my leg days so I can really focus on quads one day and hamstrings and glutes [the next],” Dana Linn Bailey shared.
In the 2000s, DLB established herself as an all-time great in the Women’s Physique category. Her capped and striated shoulders helped her reach the top of the sport in 2013 when she claimed the inaugural Women’s Physique Olympia title. All signs pointed to utter dominance until Dana returned in 2014 when she was ousted from the throne by Juliana Malacarne.
Bailey’s love for the sport still fuels her today. While she’s stepped away from competing, Dana is a famous online influencer known for sharing fitness-related content such as workouts, nutrition information, and physique transformations.
In one of her latest endeavors, Bailey decided to revamp her physique in June. In what she’s titled the ‘Summer Shredded 4.0’ challenge, Dana plans to get ripped and lean at the same time in the months to come.
It remains uncertain if Dana Bailey will entertain a competitive return. Questions about her competing again were raised during her recent Cutler Cast Podcast appearance. Bailey even mentioned that she would undergo drug tests to prove her natural status if she did announce a comeback. With her attention shifting to a new physique goal, DLB updated fans with one of her leg day workouts.
Check Out Dana Linn Bailey’s Hamstring Glute-Focused Leg Day Workout
“We are doing a hamstring and glute-focused leg day. This is one of my favorite days of the week as far as legs go, you know. But today’s focus, we’re hitting that posterior, DLB said.
Sumo deadlifts – 12, 10, 8, 8 rep pattern 4 sets
Hip thrust machine (banded) – 10-12 reps with 5-8 pulse reps 4 sets
Abductions – 20 reps 4 sets
Toes-Elevated dumbbell Romanian deadlifts – 12 reps 4 sets
Sumo Squats – 12 reps 4 sets
Reverse squat – 10-12 reps 4 sets
banded/bodyweight hyperextensions – to failure
Sumo deadlifts
“We are starting off with sumo deadlifts. I love sumo deadlifts. I’m much stronger in them and I feel them not so much in my back, I feel it all in my legs and hamstrings. So, when I do deadlifts, I tend to not do deadlifts on back day, I tend to do my deadlifts on ham and glute day. So, we’re doing a sumo stance, the reps, I generally stay a little bit higher.”
“When you come up, I want you to really focus on thrusting those hips forward. When you do that, your butt will squeeze.”
Hip Thrust machine (banded)
“The whole point of this is it’s pushing your knees in. So, you actually have to engage your glutes even more by keeping your knees out. So, it’s just adding more tension to the glutes, which we’re always hitting a glute exercise so we’re going to go 10 to 12 reps on the hip thrust with the hip band. Once you get 10, we’re going to add let’s say five to eight pulses at the top. Just little half reps.”
Dana Linn Bailey shared that if you don’t have access to a hip thrust machine, try a barbell variation.
“If you don’t have a hip thrust machine, you can do this all on a barbell,” said DLB.
Abductions
“Abductions. So, now we’re trying to get our knees as far away as we possibly can. 20 reps here, holding for a good two-second count on each one. And your butt will be on fire.”
Toes-Elevated dumbbell Romanian deadlifts
“A little superset. One of my other favorite little supersets I do. We’re going toes elevated dumbbell RDLs. The reason we have our toes elevated if you’re like me – I’m pretty flexible, most girls, we’re pretty flexible. If you’re not as flexible, do it with your feet flat. This is just going to add a little more stretch in your calf, Achilles, and a little more stretch in the hamstrings. 12 reps here.”
Sumo Squats
“Sumo squats. So, the way I do it, if you prefer holding it this way [vertical] this isn’t going to be much of a squat, you would have to elevate yourself. So I keep the dumbbell that way [horizontal]. I want you to have a forward lean in your torso just like we talked with Bulgarians.”
Reverse squat
“Hamstring and glute day is all about your basically hinged at the hips the whole time. So we’re going to be facing away and the first part of the movement is you’re going to push your butt back just like you did with those RDLs, push your butt back then you’re going to squat down and you’re going to stay in that leaning torso position instead of being more upright. Upright quads, lean in is hamstring and glutes.”
Banded/bodyweight hyperextensions
“Then, I’m going to go over and do hypers. If you can’t do them at the same time that’s fine. I do this just to save time. We’re doing banded hypers and then drop set to just bodyweight hypers to failure.”
DLB isn’t opposed to working with high-profile names in the sport. Given her status as a former Olympia winner, she loves testing her strength in the company of other bodybuilding veterans. She recently joined hands with trainer Hany Rambod for a brutal FST-7 shoulders workout.
Bailey also teamed up with four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler. Last July, they took part in a tough chest and triceps training session. By the end of the workout, Cutler was not only impressed with Dana’s strength but her endurance as well.
Despite having reached 40 years old, DLB doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Fortunately for her fans, she’s offered a consistent look at her physique as she aims to transform her body. Days ago, Dana revealed that she likely gained muscle ‘if anything.’ However, she plans to increase her cardio in the next few weeks to lean down.
Even though she’s long retired, DLB still attacks training sessions with the same attitude that saw her reach the top of the sport. She encourages anyone watching her videos to follow along as she enters the next stage of her ‘Summer Shredded 4.0’ body transformation challenge.
Watch the full video from DLB’s YouTube channel below:
More Leg Day Workouts:
Published: 23 July, 2023 | 9:30 AM EDT
Breon Ansley Shares Full Day of Eating for 212 Splash & Push-Day Workout
American bodybuilder Breon Ansley made a name for himself with his insane conditioning as a Classic Physique competitor. He’s currently gearing up for a switch to the Men’s 212 division in his next outing. In a recent YouTube video, Ansley laid out his full day of eating 20 weeks from the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Breon Ansley first rose to prominence for his refined muscle quality and symmetry in the Classic Physique division after taking home the top prize at the 2017 Mr. Olympia. He extended his reign of dominance with a stunning victory at the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival before securing his second Olympia title by defeating future champion Chris Bumstead at the 2018 Mr. Olympia.
Ansley fell out of favor with the judges in 2019 as Bumstead dethroned the former two-time champion. After picking up two consecutive bronze medals over the next two years, there was speculation about whether Ansley was eyeing a move out of Classic Physique.
In Sep. 2022, Ansley presented a massive physique in a guest posing appearance at the NPC AL State Championships. Considering how much muscle Ansley had added to his frame, rumors swirled that he would return to the Men’s 212 division, where he first began competing as a Pro.
During the build-up to the 2022 Mr. Olympia, ’The Black Swan’ confirmed his plan to move to 212 even if he reclaimed the Classic Physique title. He expressed concerns about the weight caps in Classic Physique, which restrict his potential to grow.
In the end, Breon Ansley slotted in fourth place and Bumstead won his fourth title at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Following the show, Ansley lauded ‘CBum’ for his immense achievements in the division to wrap up their six-year-long competitive rivalry.
Breon Ansley Shares Full Day of Eating in Prep 20 Weeks Out from 2023 Mr. Olympia
In a recent YouTube video, Breon Ansley shared his full day of eating while in prep 20 weeks out from the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He had been following the diet for four weeks and plans to continue it for another four weeks and tweak it based on the results.
Meal 1:
4oz of chicken,
1/2 cup cream of rice
2 whole eggs
Morning Shake
1 scoop of Collagen Hyaluronic Acid
L-Glutamine (10g)
Meal 2:
8oz of chicken
1 and a 1/2 cup of rice
Pre-workout Shake:
25g Karbolyn Hydrate
20g Yavalabs BCAA
Meal 3 (post-workout):
6oz bison
130-140 grams mashed sweet potato
Meal 4:
6oz salmon
1/4 almonds
Meal 5:
8oz chicken
1 and a 1/2 cup of rice
Night Shake:
1-2 tbsp Psyllium Fiber
4oz greek yogurt
4oz pure tart cherry juice
1 cup of berries
2 scoops Pure Iso Whey
1 scoop of Collagen Hyaluronic Acid
L-Glutamine (10g)
He also detailed the push-day workout he performed targeting the chest, triceps, and shoulders.
Hammer Strength Incline Press
Hammer Strength Decline Press
Incline Dumbbell Press
Hammer Strength Shoulder Press
Upright Rows
Dead Skull
Pull Down
Overhead Extension
Breon Ansley revealed he would pack on 10 more pounds of muscle mass for his anticipated move to 212 last month. He opened up on his game plan to make a successful switch and expressed relief in knowing he won’t sacrifice any muscle mass adhering to a weight cap. Then, he partnered with fitness influencer Tristyn Lee for a brutal pull-day workout a week later.
Aside from contest prep, Ansley has also offered his off-season diet plan. He showcased his full day of eating and explained that he was able to have one meal of choice per day. If his track record is any indication, Ansley will bring his best form when he steps on stage to make a splash in the Men’s 212 category.
RELATED: Bodybuilder Breon Ansley Annihilates His Back and Chest with the Rest-Pause Training Method
You can watch the full video below:
Published: 22 July, 2023 | 11:07 AM EDT
Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Talk Hassan Mostafa & Blessing Awodibu’s Potential + Lack of Athletes Entering Shows
Jay Cutler continues to oversee the Men’s Open division, which served as his proving grounds following an illustrious career. In a recent Cutler Cast Podcast, Cutler examined the physiques of top talents Hassan Mostafa and Blessing Awodibu. Then, he joined Milos Sarcev for an honest discussion about athletes who live like bodybuilders but refuse to enter contests.
Making a name in the Open class has arguably never been more difficult. To reach the sport’s most-coveted throne, athletes must present a perfect combination of mass, conditioning, and balance on stage. There are still a number of athletes who have yet to earn their invites to 2023 Mr. Olympia – the biggest show of the year. Two of which are Blessing Awodibu and Hassan Mostafa.
Last year, Awodibu turned in a career-best season. This campaign saw him lay claim to gold at the 2022 Indy Pro and New York Pro. With two Pro show victories fueling his ambitions, Awodibu entered his first Olympia competition but didn’t place. As a result of the performance, Awodibu put his head down and trained in the 2023 off-season. As one of the more entertaining Open talents, fans are thrilled to see him back in action.
Hassan Mostafa, meanwhile, has kept a busy schedule this season. In June, Mostafa kicked off his year by finishing second to Iain Valliere at the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow. A week later, he pushed himself against 49-year-old Phil Clahar at the Orlando Pro though ultimately finished runner-up. Three times a charm, as was the case for Mostafa, who achieved his first win of the season at the recent Vancouver Pro.
Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Take Closer Looks At Physiques of Hassan Mostafa and ‘Huge’ Blessing Awodibu
According to Sarcev, there was no way Stan ‘Stanimal’ de Longeaux had a shot at defeating Hassan in Vancouver, Canada.
“No way [Stanimal can’t beat Hassan]. He would not beat you right? No matter how conditioned… you have so much size and power in the Open division. So, for me, there was no contest for first place. I mean, Hassan – on the pictures – it was very good condition. Not Stan’s condition, but this kind of conditioning that’s why I’m saying, just condition can not be a perfect physique,” said Milos Sarcev.
“Years ago we talked about the most muscular bodybuilder on the planet, and we thought it was Hassan. We used to see him at Dragon’s Lair and he could barely walk he was so big. He’s come down a lot since then,” said Cutler. “Samson might be the most muscular bodybuilder right now. Samson is pretty – and Nick Walker is really big too.”
Looking at last year’s Olympia finishers, Sarcev said Mostafa wouldn’t have been able to defeat Rafael Brandao due to the Brazilian’s shape, width, and aesthetics.
“Close second twice, and if he would lose this one – there would be so much disagreement,” said Sarcev. “Hassan? Ten being Rafael Brandao… I would give it Rafael, myself. So, I don’t think he would make the top ten. Look, crazy size, but Rafael Brandao beat Samson a year before in Romania. Rafael has shape and width and aesthetics and everything. So, I’m not going to go for just pure muscle,” explained Sarcev.
Sarcev and Cutler agree Awodibu looks motivated ahead of this weekend, where he’s set to face off against rising talent Justin Shier.
“Justin is phenomenal. Yes for sure [Justin can win]. He has everything that it takes. I still haven’t seen him in person. The pictures that I’ve seen and the videos, he’s super impressive. The v-taper is – I think there was an argument that he could have bigger legs and a little bit fuller chest.”
“Blessing looked super motivated. He looked huge. He’s super wide. My advice is I told him right there in front of you: he has one of the craziest v-tapers and a super small waist when he opens up, right? He should not risk whatsoever to push down as his obliques come out and then his waist doesn’t look as good. This is about that presentation.
It’s not what you have it’s what you show. If you never show them a wider waist, they only see a smaller waist, and that’s how they’re going to judge. Then, you’re a super contender. Upper body, I mean, Blessing is a phenomenon, a phenomenon.
If Awodibu brings a comparable physique to what he displayed at last year’s New York Pro, Jay Cutler said the Chicago Pro is his show to win.
“If he comes like the New York Pro, I think he can win,” suggested Cutler.
“Yeah [he can win] by all means. In Las Vegas, maybe he would be the odds-on favorite still, but Justin is just — too complete and balanced. From an aspect of balance, that’s what the downfall was of Blessing’s. He had a crazy upper body and legs lacking a little bit. Patrick Moore the same thing.”
Sarcev, Cutler Talk Passing on Shows and Weak Prize Money
Given the costs associated with bodybuilding, Sarcev is surprised at how few athletes decide to compete regularly at contests. Cutler was quick to point out that the prize money in bodybuilding has remained lackluster for decades now.
“It makes zero sense [to not compete]. All these guys – so, gear costs. Gear costs. They’re going to do the gear whether they compete or not, they’re going to take pictures for Instagram or not. When they’re in the gym they do what they do, they eat what they’re supposed to. Okay, now, when you do all that stuff. Wouldn’t you want to be in shape – contest shape – and when you’re in contest shape and you have a Pro card you can be on the biggest stage in the IFBB? And you’re passing on all these shows, what the hell?” said Milos Sarcev.
Cutler and Sarcev believe the inactivity problem boils down to the lack of financial opportunities available from sponsors.
“They can compete but they choose not to compete, why would you not compete? You have a Pro card,” said Sarcev. “[It’s] too many shows, like you mentioned it, and it’s the same prize money. Why don’t you force promoters, promoters aren’t going to like me, they should easily double-up the prize money.”
“They can’t because the sponsors are scarce,” said Jay Cutler.
“Then don’t make the show. Have fewer shows and start valuing this bodybuilders,” said Sarcev.
This isn’t the first time that prize money in bodybuilding has taken over headlines. In June, athletes rep Bob Cicherillo took to a Voice of Bodybuilding Podcast to discuss the pressing issue. Similar to Cutler and Sarcev’s point of view, Cicherillo highlighted that prize money hasn’t changed for decades. Moving forward, Cicherillo would like to see the minimum purse raised from $10,000 to $20,000 for typical bodybuilding contests outside of the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia.
With the sport’s greatest event taking place in three months, athletes still have time to earn their tickets. Should Awodibu claim gold this weekend, he’ll have the chance to face the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan later this year. As for Hassan Mostafa, he hopes to make it on the Olympia stage after health issues sidelined him from an appearance in 2022.
RELATED: Hassan Mostafa Shares Ramadan Diet And Workout
Watch the full video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below:
Published: 21 July, 2023 | 12:11 PM EDT
Nick Walker Shares ‘The Only 10 Exercises You Will Ever Need to Build Muscles’
Leading 2023 Mr. Olympia contender Nick Walker took a break from preparations to discuss exercise selection. In a recent YouTube video, Walker revealed the top movements he would perform if he could only choose ten.
Nick Walker is easily one of the most exciting stars in the sport, especially within the Men’s Open division. In 2021, he catapulted into the deep end of the category, having claimed gold at back-to-back contests at the New York Pro and Arnold Classic. Walker’s huge arms combined with mass and conditioning stole the show in his first Olympia appearance, as he finished fifth.
In 2022, Walker used the off-season to add size while still keeping his waist narrow. He routinely tipped the scales at over 300 pounds last year and when it was time to step on the Olympia stage, ‘The Mutant’ seized the moment. He battled with contenders Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan in the finals. Walker would settle for third while Choopan went on to become the first Iranian-born Mr. Olympia.
Having shown improvements on the sport’s biggest stage, Walker rolled the dice and entered the 2023 Arnold Classic. He was unable to defeat Samson Dauda, who won the show with size, balance, and symmetry. Despite the loss, Walker is highly confident ahead of Olympia. He doesn’t believe Choopan or Dauda will be in the running for gold.
Many believe Walker’s quads held him back from gold on the Olympia stage, including judge Terrick El Guindy. He predicted that Walker could one day win the Olympia title if he’s able to bring the same level of quad conditioning displayed by retired mainstay Branch Warren.
Nick Walker Lists His Top 10 Exercises for Muscle Growth
A few weeks ago, reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead started a craze by offering his ten most crucial exercises. Now, fans can compare Cbum’s workout list with Walker’s, which can be found below:
Incline dumbbell press
Smith squat
Cable Curls
Pull-ups
Push-ups
Romanian deadlifts
Leg Press
Barbell rows
Rope push downs
Seated Hamstring Curl
Incline dumbbell press
“First on my list is the incline dumbbell press. I just think those are a very great movement for the chest. I like to incorporate that to build the upper chest.”
Smith squat
“I would choose a Smith squat over a free weight squat. I know what they say about the free weight squat but I think as a bodybuilder you get a better connection with a Smith squat versus a free weight squat, that’s just my opinion.”
Cable Curls
“Cable curls. I’m a big fan of the cables and I think cable curls for biceps is a very good exercise to have in there just because of the constant tension full range of motion, squeezing, never lose tension throughout the whole thing. Dumbbells you can kind of lose it somewhere in there. I think cable curls are a great one,” Walker shared.
Pull-ups
“100% pull-ups. I think pull-ups is one of the most underrated exercises that people just don’t utilize it enough. In my opinion, pull-ups, if you’re doing it assisted or free weight, that to me is what builds the ultimate back.”
Push-ups
“Push-ups, again, I think push-ups are a very underrated exercise. This isn’t an exercise I necessarily want to start a workout with but it is something I would end with to really burn it out and put as much blood volume into the muscle as possible. I think, I’ve been doing that or dips, dips are tricky. Push-ups I feel at the end of the workout can really be utilized and very effective.”
Romanian deadlifts
“I would do RDLs, whether it’s a dumbbell or a barbell – I think either or can be very effective but some sort of RDL. I choose this over a deadlift just simply because I feel deadlifts, the ego, again, can get in the way a little too much. I know when I deadlift, I’m like let’s lift some fucking heavy shit. When you’re doing an RDL, you’re more prone to concentrate on hitting the hamstring and focusing on that primary muscle.”
Leg Press
“I would choose a leg press. To me, I’ve done leg press the majority of my entire career. I think between those and the Smith squat, they build extremely good quads.”
Barbell rows
“Next, a barbell rows. I need barbell rows for a big back, it’s very beneficial. I’m not going to be specific, whether it’s free weight or Smith. Whatever works best for you. But some sort of row, whether it’s chest supported, Smith or even a free weight. I incorporate all three.”
Rope push downs
“Pushdowns. I think some sort of rope push down. It’s not necessarily a mass builder but I think it can be. It’s a good shaping movement for a tricep without hindering the joints so much. I do a rope push down every tricep workout that I have pretty much whether I start with it or end with it.”
Seated Hamstring Curl
“Last, seated leg curls. Probably one no one thinks about. I’m going to go with a seated leg curl for the hamstrings. I feel for me these have built my hamstrings the best. The seated leg curl. I contract with them the best. I feel I get a full stretch with them the best. I can contract with them the best. The last I’m going to pick is seated hamstring curl.”
Walker wasn’t the only person from the fitness community to give his rendition of Bumstead’s list. ATHLEAN-X’s Jeff Cavaliere also tackled the subject. He agreed with the majority of Cbum’s exercise selections except for his choice to include a close-grip flat bench press.
Aside from exercise selection, Nick Walker has been an open book about his progress. During an off-season push day workout, he offered secrets for building a bigger chest. Then, in a Mutant and the Mouth Podcast appearance, Walker revealed that his quads have grown considerably since his last competition in Ohio.
With less than four months until 2023 Olympia, Walker is eager to get back on stage and prove himself as one of the best. Fans look forward to seeing him rematch Lunsford, Choopan, and Dauda later this year.
RELATED: Nick Walker on 2023 Olympia: ‘Samson Dauda’s Back is Shit, Big Ramy Is Done & Andrew Jacked Won’t Make Top 5’
Watch the full video from Nick Walker’s YouTube channel below:
Published: 20 July, 2023 | 9:29 PM EDT
Lee Priest on Training Legs w/Tom Platz: ‘I Was so Fuc**ng Fried, Thought I Was Having a Heart Attack’
Australia’s Lee Priest remains enamored with the sport following a decorated career. He competed for decades en route to cementing his name as one of the best. In a recent Jujitoine Podcast on YouTube, Priest, joined by Milos Sarcev, opened up about training legs with bodybuilding legend Tom Platz.
While he might have lacked stature, Lee Priest made up for it on stage with granite conditioning, huge arms, and freaky fullness. In addition to winning multiple Pro titles, Lee Priest pushed some of the sport’s most elite at prestigious competitions like the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia. He gave eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, Dexter Jackson, Kevin Levrone, Chris Cormier, and many others tough battles during his tenure.
Before settling into retirement, Priest claimed a pair of victories in 2006 at the NOC New York and the PDI Night of Champions. He came back in 2013 for his final competition, which saw Priest leave the sport on top with a big win at the NABBA Mr. Universe. Priest remains a beloved figure in the sport despite his controversial nature.
Tom Platz, on the other hand, is a golden era bodybuilder known for his remarkable lower body strength and defined legs. His intense workout methods have been lauded for generations. Platz helped shape many competitors after him, such as six-time Olympia winner Dorian Yates, who attended some of Tom’s teaching seminars years ago.
‘He Was Demented & You Had to Go With Him’ – Lee Priest Looks Back on Training Legs with Tom Platz
Priest, a popular member of the Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, distinctly remembers a gruesome leg training session with Platz. Hours after the workout, Priest said he thought he was having a heart attack in the middle of the night.
“When I trained with Tom, Tom Platz, we would always mainly stick around four or five plates and just really rep them out. You know, Tom was crazy on static holds, whether it be leg press, hack squat, go halfway, hold it, then he would start pulling on the fucking thing, saying, ‘Go back up Lee, come back down.’ I’m thinking, fucking hell, have you ever trained with Tom, Milos?
When he went to that place in his mind, you’re like, ‘Oh fucking hell.’ He just went demented and you had to go with him. I’d get home that night and wake up in the middle of the night thinking I’m having a heart attack because my nervous system is so fucking fried from doing legs with Tom. I’d wake up in a sweat at 1 o’clock, like, ‘I’m having a heart attack, this is it, I’m fucking dying,’” shared Priest.
Sarcev shared his experience training with Platz as well. He said Platz eventually jumped on top of the machine he was using to make the workout more difficult.
“One time, he was coming to the Coliseum Gym and I was finishing calves. Here it is, from the door, he’s coming in. He saw me, okay. I’m on the seated calf. He didn’t even say hello right? ‘You’re doing my set, he says. I’m doing your set, what is it?’ I had two plates on the seated calf, he put another one, then put another one, put another one, as many as – shit – then he jumps on it, you know,” shared Sarcev.
“Something as simple as dumbbell laterals. I’ll do my set, Tom does his, he’d be like this and get lower and lower five minutes later, [he’s barely moving] he’s still going,” added Priest.
Priest remembers asking Tom to make a comeback, but Platz would always say he couldn’t compete again because he’d have to adopt a ‘crazy’ mindset.
“I used to say to Tom make a comeback, he said, ‘Oh Lee I couldn’t. If I got in that mindset I’d just go crazy.’ I couldn’t do it,” said Priest.
“He was doing with Monica Brant some cover shoot. Legs, were exactly like they were back in the day,” said Sarcev.
“In Gold’s Gym he had his green belt on doing squats. His legs had the shape, but as soon as he flexed them, they doubled in size, it’s like what the fuck?” Priest said.
Priest on Being Marked Down for Bloated Stomachs in Bodybuilding: ‘Certain People Were, Other People Weren’t’
According to Priest, the IFBB Pro League announced a rule discouraging bloated stomachs and bubble guts back when he was competing.
“Remember, because we were all competing back then when the judges brought out that rule, ‘If you have a bloated stomach, you’re going to be marked down, you’re going to be marked down.’ Certain people were marked down other people weren’t. To be bigger, everyone was like I got to get bigger, I got to get bigger.
So really, back then, there were a lot of great Classic Physique bodybuilding, the judges just let it go too far and ruined it. So, if they just judged how they are meant to judge, they would have gone to those grotesque bloated stomachs and shit. If someone has a bloated stomach, and you put him in seventh, that’d be like, ‘Fuck. I got to fix this problem. I can’t come in like this or I’m not going to place well.’ But if you give them first or second, they’re not going to change how they look,” said Lee Priest.
“Think about this: how can you let yourself as a bodybuilder get the bubbly gut, big stomach, how can you let yourself? It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to get bigger because once you see this is coming up, I say you have to do something about it,” said Milos Sarcev.
Even at 68 years old, Tom Platz hasn’t slowed down his leg training. He still pushes at the gym with the same principles he adopted as a bodybuilding star. Earlier this month, Platz showed why age is just a number with a jacked quad physique update.
Platz’s energy and training techniques are difficult to replicate, as was his iconic 525-pound squat record for 23 reps. However, reigning World’s Strongest Man and Arnold Strongman Classic champion Mitchell Hooper broke Tom’s record in May by a single rep.
To this day, Tom Platz remains an influential figure in bodybuilding. His attention to detail and tenacity inside the gym turned him into a one-of-a-kind talent. Priest, who had the benefit of learning from Platz, was blown away by his training practices.
RELATED: Lee Priest Says Remove ‘Useless’ Divisions & Backs Arnold Schwarzenegger Over Chris Bumstead
You can watch the full video from the IFBB AMA YouTube channel below:
Published: 20 July, 2023 | 6:50 PM EDT
Chris Bumstead Teams Up With Iain Valliere For A ‘Big Boi’ Shoulder Workout
Chris Bumstead teamed up with longtime friend and former head coach Iain Valliere for a ‘big boi’ shoulder and arms workout.
Bumstead is the finest active professional bodybuilder to come from Canada. He is the face of IFBB Pro League’s Classic Physique division and has helped put it on the must watch list of bodybuilding fans. Since dethroning former champion Breon Ansley at the 2019 Olympia, Chris Bumstead has remained the Classic Physique Olympia champion by successfully defending the title at the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Olympia.
He has pushed through some adverse situations like injuries and coaching changes to achieve this success. CBum was trained by fellow Canadian bodybuilder and longtime friend Iain Valliere for the majority of his bodybuilding career and achieved greatness under the latter’s tutelage. However, the duo decided to end the coach-client relationship before 2022 Olympia for Valliere to be able to focus on his own career.
Bumstead appointed Hany Rambod as the head coach after Valliere’s departure and still managed to secure the third successful defense of his Classic Physique Olympia title at the 2022 Olympia. He is now looking forward to winning a few more Olympia titles before calling it a career.
Meanwhile, Iain Valliere is also a top Men’s Open contender from Canada. After starting out the 2022 competitive season with a dominant win at the 2022 Vancouver Pro, he wrapped it up with a 11th place finish at the 2022 Olympia. Valliere worked hard after the show to bring his best version to the stage and qualify for the 2023 Olympia. After a closely-contested battle against Hassan Mostafa at the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow, Iain Valliere earned the victory and direct qualification to the 2023 Olympia. He now aims to bring best triceps to the Olympia stage.
Chris Bumstead and Iain Valliere push through a shoulder workout
Chris Bumstead and Iain Valliere recently teamed up for an intense shoulders and arms workout as a part of their off-season training routine. The workout included several free weight and machine exercises and the duo ensured to get the most out of their training. So without further delay, let’s check out how the former client and coach stimulated their muscles for off-season growth.
Cable Lateral Raises
The duo started the training session with cable lateral raises to work the lateral deltoid muscles and also to warm up the shoulder joint. Using a cable machine keeps the muscles under tension throughout the range of motion. Also, this helps with sufficient warming up of the muscles at the very beginning of the session. The duo performed a few sets of this isolation exercise to set the tone for the rest of the workout.
Seated Shoulder Press
This served as the first heavy compound exercise of the training session. CBum and Valliere performed seated shoulder press on a plate-loaded machine next to primarily target the anterior deltoid muscles. However, this compound exercise also targets the upper pecs and triceps as well, resulting in overall upper body strength and muscle gain.
After doing away with some heavy sets of the exercise, the former coach-client duo turned up the heat with a superset.
Superset – Seated Dumbbell Lateral Raises and Reverse Pec Deck Flyes
Supersets are a great way to work different muscle groups simultaneously. Additionally, they reduce the overall workout time. Bumstead and Valliere next took to this superset that included lateral and posterior delt-specific exercises.
Seated dumbbell lateral raise is an isolation exercise that targets the lateral deltoid muscles. It is essential for achieving a broad shouldered look that caps the upper body neatly. Doing the exercise from a seated position eliminates the role of stabilizing muscles. Therefore seated lateral raises help focus more on the lateral delts.
The duo superset lateral raises with reverse pec deck flyes. This exercise helps isolate the posterior deltoid muscles. It is a small muscle group on the rear side and extremely difficult to isolate with most other shoulder exercises.
Valliere and Bumstead performed all the sets within this superset at a fast pace. They kept the aerobic intensity of the workout high and jumped into another shoulder exercise next.
Standing Barbell Overhead Press
Barbell overhead press is an excellent compound movement that can yield muscle and strength gain. Although anterior deltoid is the primary target muscle of the exercise, it also engages the clavicular head of the pectoralis major muscles, triceps, serratus anterior, and triceps during various phases.
Bumstead and his former coach annihilated a few solid sets of overhead press using a barbell and took to a tricep exercise next.
EZ Bar Skull Crushers
Most gym-goers are creative about choosing biceps, chest or back exercises. However, they stick to basic movements like pushdowns or overhead extensions when it comes to triceps. Skull crushers work the triceps through a wide range of motion and stimulate all three tricep heads.
Valliere and Bumstead annihilated some good sets of skull crushers using an EZ bar next to work the triceps and moved on to the next exercise.
Standing Dumbbell Curls
The duo next took to the standard dumbbell curls to stimulate the biceps further. Before moving further, they got a few sets of the exercise under their belts.
Triceps Dips
This bodyweight compound exercise served as the final triceps movement of the day. Triceps dips work all three triceps heads effectively. Additionally, they engage the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and latissimus dorsi muscles to a great extent. As a result, they are an effective strength and muscle builder for the entire upper body.
The training partners pushed through a few sets of triceps dips to absolute failure before taking up the finisher of the day.
Machine Preacher Curls
Preacher curls are probably the most efficacious way to stimulate the biceps. Also known as Scott curls, it is a great way to engage brachialis and brachioradialis as the secondary muscles. Performing this movement on a machine means keeping the muscles under tension for a longer duration. As a result, it gives greater hypertrophy benefits.
Bumstead and Valliere wrapped up the training session with a few sets of preacher curls to add the last bit of stimulus to the biceps.
Overall, the workout included:
Chris Bumstead and Iain Valliere are not training together officially. However, the duo pledged their support for each other while ending their coach-client relationship last year. If they continue to push each other, the Canadians can definitely elevate their careers to even taller heights.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Chris Bumstead’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 20 July, 2023 | 2:04 PM EDT
Chris Bumstead Talks ‘Full Morning Routine’ in Off-Season vs Contest Prep & Breathwork
Chris Bumstead‘s focus is shifting to the next stage of preparations for the upcoming 2023 Olympia contest. In a recent interview with Chris Williamson, Bumstead detailed his typical morning routine, which included cardio, a cold plunge, a sauna visit, and breakfast.
In 2019, Chris Bumstead succeeded in dethroning the two-time Classic Physique Olympia Breon Ansley. On stage, Bumstead’s frame, conditioning, and muscle hardness have continued to guide him to success. He’s yet to lose since capturing the prestigious title and will aim for a fifth Classic Physique Olympia crown this November.
Bumstead entered last year’s 2022 Olympia show as a huge favorite. What made his performance even more special was the fact that he won with a torn bicep. He also accomplished the feat under the guidance of his new coach, Hany Rambod. They teamed up after Bumstead stopped working with top Men’s Open talent Iain Valliere.
Aiming to leave the sport on top, Bumstead has taken to various interviews to discuss his approach to the sport. One of the last times he spoke with Chris Williamson, Bumstead laid out his recovery routine for those curious about how he refuels following workouts. In their latest meeting, Bumstead walked fans through some of the tasks he typically completes in the morning.
Chris Bumstead on ‘Fluid’ Morning Routine in Off-Season/Contest Preps: ‘I Just Flow Into That State & Thrive’
Given that Bumstead is constantly traveling, his morning routines vary, but for the most part, he’s waking up before 8 A.M. Bumstead prefers to start the day with fasted cardio before using the sauna and cold plunging.
“Depends on the time of year, really. Off-season, I wake up and I usually do a bit of light cardio. It’s been brutal lately, I’ve been in different time zones for the last six months so it’s just whatever timezone I’m on. But lately, I’ve just been not putting on an alarm and I’ve been waking up at 7:30 – 8:00 or so lately.
I normally wake up and I just do a little bit of cardio, just like 20 minutes just to make sure my appetite is going. Then I have a cold plunge, I usually dip my legs in there at least if not my full body or up to my waist. Then shower, eat, and go to work,” said Bumstead.
Bumstead says he switches breakfasts often and his morning routines differ depending on whether he’s in the off-season or in prep.
“Again, [breakfast] varies. Consistently, I get sick of food really quick especially breakfast foods. I usually don’t like eating eggs when I’m eating a lot of food, so I normally make a smoothie then I’ll have oatmeal blended into the smoothie, and some Ezekiel bread toast and almond butter.”
According to Bumstead, his preps ‘evolve’ and he seeks a ‘flow state’ each and every morning. He tries to tap into his mind by utilizing breathwork.
“Prep evolves. I evolve. I’m very fluid. My routines are – what time do you train – depends on the time of year. It’s wherever I feel natural, I just flow into that state and do what I can and kind of thrive in that structure rather than really regimented. But in prep, I’ll wake up in the morning and I’ll usually do a breathwork thing. I got sucked in that.
At first, I tried to do it for mental, to tap deep into my mind, now it’s just literally to oxygenate my body before doing cardio. I realized when I did a little bit of breath work, three rounds of 30 breaths hold, exhale, repeat. Three rounds in the morning, I did cardio and I didn’t need caffeine. I was wide awake and I could blast through my cardio way easier and felt way better,” said Bumstead.
After the cold plunge, Bumstead allows himself to go on his phone for the first time since waking.
“After that, sauna or cold tub combine it, I’ll always cold tub if I sauna because I always like finishing with cold. Cardio will be higher at that point, go shower, and eat. The goal that I do in the mornings. Nothing crazy, it’s as simple as that. But I usually try to put my phone on airplane mode when I go to bed and not look at it until this shit is done.”
If there’s value in adding it to his routine, Bumstead won’t hesitate. He shared that he sometimes walks backward on a treadmill when he doesn’t have access to a sled.
“I just took some things that like I found I could put into my routine super easily like walking backward with a weight. When I don’t have a sled, I’ll do it on the treadmill turned off. I’ll just turn off the treadmill and push the treat. I go down the stairs walk up the stairs backward. I train my tibia rather than just my calves too. Band stuff, pushing my knee backward. I implemented that and it seems to be helping.”
In a previous meeting with Chris Williamson, Bumstead was asked about his top 10 most essential exercises. The fitness community quickly reacted to his picks, like ATHLEAN X’s Jeff Cavaliere. He offered his ‘alterations’ to Cbum’s exercise list. Jeff agreed with 9/10 of Bumstead’s movements but not with his close-grip flat bench press choice.
Aside from exercise selection, Bumstead also opened up about Trenbolone recently. He said it’s one of the only steroids he avoids due to its toxicity. He’s not the only athlete to talk about Trenbolone as powerlifter-turned-bodybuilder Larry Wheels recapped his life on the compound as a ‘living hell.’
Bumstead’s ‘fluid’ morning routines are important to his mental outlook, especially while handling the pressures of being a dominant champion. Fans look forward to seeing Cbum back on stage in less than four months.
RELATED: Chris Bumstead Reveals How Much Attention He Gets from Women as a Bodybuilder
You can watch the full video from Chris Williamson’s YouTube channel below:
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 7:54 PM EDT
Jeremy Buendia on 2023 Olympia: “My Goal Is To Be Competitive W/ Brandon Hendrickson & Erin Banks”
Fan-favorite Jeremy Buendia is inching closer to his comeback at the 2023 Mr. Olympia show taking place this November. As the most successful Men’s Physique Olympia on the planet, Buendia will aim to collect a fifth title upon his return. In a recent YouTube video, Buendia shared why he’s coming back now and laid out his primary goal for the season, which is to be competitive against Erin Banks and Brandon Hendrickson.
From 2014-2017, Buendia, equipped with a brash attitude, dominated the annual Mr. Olympia competition. He showcased an impressive v-taper, along with symmetrically balanced arms, and a huge chest. The 32-year-old attempted to capture another title back in 2018 but was denied by the former three-time Men’s Physique Olympia Brandon Hendrickson.
Buendia remains one of the most popular athletes in the category despite not competing in years. He teased a return back in 2020, though it never came to fruition. Last September, Buendia announced that he would again make a play for Olympia’s Men’s Physique title, currently held by Erin Banks. He revealed that his plan was to bulk up to 220 pounds before plotting his next move.
In addition to sharing intense training sessions, Buendia has invited fans on his journey back to the stage with a handful of YouTube videos. In one of his latest ventures, Buendia shared the 4,000-calorie bulking diet he’s implemented in the off-season to hold his own against the best of his category.
Jeremy Buendia Talks Comeback, Motivations, and Competing Against Top Names in Men’s Physique
Buendia admits he had a lot of growing up to do before committing to his latest comeback.
“Man, why now, it’s been five years since my last Olympia, since I competed. I had to go through a lot of growing pains the past five years to get back to this point where I’m at right now where mentally and physically, I had a lot of growing up to do in order to get back in the right mindset to be able to compete again.”
“Now, at this point in time in my life, I think I’m going to be able to bring my best and have a more mature physique and a more mature mindset. I’m excited to get back up there and show the world I still have it. I’ll be 33 coming up in October, so I’ll be 33 stepping on stage this year,” said Jeremy Buendia.
Reflecting on his career, Buendia believes he let others influence the way he conducted himself back when he was an Olympia champion.
“At a certain point in time, you have to grow up, you have to make changes and recognize the things you did in the past weren’t the way you want to portray yourself in the future. I have a family and a daughter I represent now. My daughter, I want her to be able to look back and be proud of the man her dad was.”
“That is the real me, but like I said, towards the end of my reign as an Olympia champion a lot of things got to my head. I started doing really well financially, I had a lot of people coming in and out of my life and feeding ideas into my head. I was trying to fast-track my success do certain things and live a lifestyle that wasn’t really who I am. And people can see through that real easily.”
With 2023 Olympia approaching, Jeremy made it clear his chief goal was to be competitive on stage against Brandon Hendrickson and the reigning champion, Erin Banks.
“The sport has changed a lot, it’s evolved a lot. So, the past few years I’ve been hearing – I fell out of shape, I stopped training for a while, I dealt with a lot of injuries and I fell behind big time. The last couple of years I heard the sport has passed me up. It evolved too much, you won’t be able to hang with these guys in the size. That’s kind of what kept me away from the stage until recently.”
“The past year I’ve been back on my training packing on the size again and catching back up to where these guys are to a point where I can be competitive again. Ultimately, my goal is to be competitive with Erin and Brandon this year. We’ve done a good job of getting myself back to where I am now. Now we’re here 16 weeks out from the 2023 Olympia.”
According to Buendia, Erin Banks might be at a disadvantage in the final call-out this year if most of the men standing next to him are significantly shorter.
“They’re tall dudes, Erin is like 6’2″ and a half, then again, you got Brandon about 5″9′, you got Diogo the same height as me. It’s going to very interesting to see how things shake out this year. I see what’s happening is a median of the class in that top call out. If we have five out of the six guys in that top call out that are 5″10′ Erin is going to stick out like a sore thumb and maybe get pushed out, maybe he won’t, we’ll see.”
Buendia believes the new Men’s Physique height/weight rules set to take effect after 2023 Olympia will delay his Classic Physique ambitions for the future. He shared that in order to make weight for Men’s Physique, he may have to cut back on leg training.
“I got to make sure I bring my weight down [for next year]. One way I do that is to limit my leg training. If I do that, that’s obviously going to push Classic out for a few years if that’s something I decide to do,” added Buendia.
This isn’t the first time the Men’s Physique height/weight cap has reached the headlines. Athletes rep Bob Cicherillo discussed the matter recently. When Dave Palumbo mentioned athletes would start neglecting their legs due to the new rules, Cicherillo disagreed. Cicherillo argued that if competitors ignore their leg training, they would present imbalanced physiques on stage.
The 2023 Mr. Olympia show takes place Nov. 2-5 in Orlando Florida. As one of the most exciting divisions in the IFBB Pro League, fans can’t wait to see the rivalry settled between the reigning Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks, and the former four-time champion, Jeremy Buendia.
Watch the full video from the NPCNewsOnline YouTube channel below:
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 4:11 PM EDT
Breon Ansley Annihilates Pull day Workout With Tristyn Lee
Bodybuilder Breon Ansley recently teamed up with fitness influencer Tristyn Lee for an intense back and biceps workout. Ansley is readying himself to venture into the new division in 2023 and this workout was a step in the direction to get the right body composition.
Breon Ansley is an American professional bodybuilder that has competed in the IFBB Pro League’s Classic Physique division for the majority of his career. He is a former Classic Physique Olympia champion and won the title at the 2017 and 2018 Olympia. After getting dethroned by Chris Bumstead at the 2019 Olympia, the 43-year-old continued to hover around the title picture and finished in the top five at the 2020 and 2021 Olympia. However, the 4th place finish in 2022 prompted Ansley to bury the hatchet and pass on the torch to Chris Bumstead. As decided earlier, the 2022 Olympia proved to be Ansley’s final Classic Physique appearance and he made the decision to move on from the weight class.
Although he has competed in the 212 division during the early stage of his career, Ansley is once again working hard to get the necessary body composition to make a move to 212 division in 2023. Unlike the Classic Physique division, the 43-year-old would not have to sacrifice any muscle mass to compete in the new weight class. As a result, Breon Ansley is confident that he will win the 2023 Olympia.
As a part of this effort, Ansley teamed up with fitness influencer Tristyn Lee for a back and biceps workout. Lee became notorious in the YouTube fitness community for carrying minimal body fat. He is known for his ripped physique and maintains the stance that he has been natural his whole life. In recent months, Lee has teased a venture into competitive bodybuilding.
Breon Ansley and Tristyn Lee tackled a high-intensity back and biceps workout in the Dragon’s Lair gym. The video of this session was posted on Lee’s personal YouTube channel. So without further delay, let’s see how the duo survived this intense training session.
Breon Ansley and Tristyn Lee go through a back and biceps workout
Ansley and Lee utilized the rest pause training method for all the exercises in this training session. The duo performed only one working set per exercise but focused more on adding mass, width and depth to the back and biceps muscles.
Pull-ups
Being the more experienced of the two, Breon Ansley led the workout as Tristyn Lee followed in his footsteps. They started the training session with four sets of pull-ups to warm up the back and biceps.
“Pull-ups and dips always kick that a**. But it’s always a good measuring stick too as I am going up in body weight… To keep that strength up… Keep that strength up, keep those numbers up and keep those reps up,” Breon Ansley said about pull-ups.
After finishing all the sets of pull-ups, the duo took to the first heavy compound movement of the day.
Hammer Strength Low Rows
Ansley and Lee performed hammer strength low rows next to work the back muscles. This compound movement primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, middle and upper trapezius muscles in the back. Apart from muscle building, it is an essential movement to improve the upper body posture.
“Don’t need to keep count as long as you’re confident you know you went till that very last drop. Just ensure that and you’re good,” Breon Ansley said about rep range.
The training partners cranked out solid sets of low rows next and took to another rowing movement next.
Cable High Rows
This cable machine rowing movement followed next as Ansley and Lee added more stimulus to the back muscles. Horizontal pulling movements/rows are effective in building a thick back and hence it is of utmost importance to include them in the training routine for complete back development.
In particular, cable high rows also work the latissimus dorsi, rhomboid as well as trapezius muscles in the back and they protect the shoulders while reducing the risk of injury during upper body exercises.
Ansley cranked out solid sets of cable high rows next as Lee followed the suit. The duo then took to a traps-focused exercise next.
Dumbbell Shrugs
This simple but effective exercise is an excellent mass and strength builder for the trapezius muscles. Apart from the bigger and stronger look, well-developed traps aid in scapular functions and help protect against neck injuries.
Ansley and Lee pushed through heavy sets of dumbbell shrugs next and shifted their focus to working the biceps.
EZ Bar Curls
EZ bar curl offers distinct advantages over standard barbell due to its curved shape as it enables a more natural and neutral wrist position. This exercise primarily targets the biceps brachii muscles and helps build strength and muscle mass. But it also activates the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles as well.
Ansley and Lee performed a few sets of EZ bar curls next and took to the final exercise of the day.
Dumbbell Preacher Curls
Dumbbell preacher curls are arguably the most effective exercise for biceps isolation. The triceps are firmly pressed against the pad during this exercise and the shoulder is neatly tucked against the edge of the pad. As a result, biceps are forced to lift the weight unassisted, increasing strength and muscle gain. The duo performed some solid sets of dumbbell preacher curls next and wrapped up the training session.
Overall, the workout included:
Breon Ansley will face a fresh set of challenges when he transitions to the 212 division this year. Reigning champion Shaun Clarida will be the main hurdle standing in Ansley’s way of winning the second division title. But if he can make the necessary adjustments, the former Classic Physique champion can definitely make history.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Tristyn Lee’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 1:18 PM EDT
Jay Cutler Talks About Competing vs Gustavo Badell & Longevity: “All My Markers Are Good”
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has watched the sport evolve over the years. He’s also seen athletes taken away from this world far too soon. In a recent JayCutlerTV YouTube appearance, Cutler updated fans on his health markers and looked back on competing against the late Gustavo Badell.
During the 2000s, Jay Cutler established himself as an all-time great with capped shoulders, a huge chest, and an ironclad lower body. He alone holds the distinction of having dethroned the eight-time Mr. Olympia kingpin Ronnie Coleman in 2006. While building his legacy, Cutler pushed himself against the IFBB Pro League’s cream of the crop, which included names like Kevin Levrone, Dexter Jackson, and Kai Greene.
Over the last three years, many fans worry that bodybuilders are dying at an alarming rate. This trend was brought into the limelight after the untimely deaths of Shawn Rhoden and George Peterson in 2021. Their passings prompted fans and athletes alike to question whether steroid use is killing off talent. Retired pros like Seth Feroce have taken to YouTube and pleaded with younger athletes to use gear responsibly or risk death.
Last year, worries about bodybuilding safety were highlighted again as former Arnold Classic champion Cedric McMillan died at just 44 years old. In 2023, these matters have continued to dominate online discussions. Within a few weeks, three bodybuilders passed away. Popular influencer Jo Lindner died at 30 years old, Catalin Stefanescu at 30, and most recently, 2000s standout Gustavo Badell passed away at 50 years old.
Jay Cutler Pays Respects to Late Gustavo Badell, Looks Back on Facing Him at 2005 & 2005 Mr. Olympia
Cutler was sad to see a competitor as fierce as Badell go. He mentioned that Badell came to his surprise party after Coleman was dethroned in 2006.
“Sad news yesterday. So Gustavo [Badell] which we’ll insert this video in here, he jumped on me for the Mr. Olympia. he came to my party after, remember. The surprise party. Yeah, he lived in Vegas. He came on really hard for ’04 ’05 Olympia he was third to me and Ronnie.
Well, he won the Challenge Round, I think he was a little disappointed in those years because I think he knew that he had moved up so well and he was very fierce, you noticed he was a super fierce competitor. Yeah, I mean he had young kids, moved to Vegas, bought a house, he was training at Eastern Serene I think he trained at Flamingo here and there. He was a hard-working bodybuilder man. We might have trained together, I think. A little bit. We stayed in touch,” said Jay Cutler.
Cutler Motivated By Phil Clahar, Says ‘Blood Panels Are Good’ at 49 Years Old
Cutler shared that he was inspired by Clahar’s victory at the 2023 Orlando Pro at 49 years old.
“I see people like Phil Clahar, who just won at 49, the Orlando show, it gives you a lot of motivation but at the same time, life takes over. You realize that you’re on the back end of your years rather than the forward end right?
Meaning, I’ll be 50. I’m probably not going to live to 100. Honestly, you don’t fear it but there’s always – I can tell you at my age, there’s always that… man how many years do you have right? Especially when you hear these kinds of things when friends or acquaintances or media talks about people that had.” said Cutler.
Cutler who is on the verge of turning 50 in August, explained that his blood panels and markers are all in good standing.
“You go to the doctor, you go, you get your checkups, my blood panels are good. All my markers are good but listen, not to say things can change drastically super fast you know. You just got to be aware of things and do what you can. Angie always says enjoy every moment every day.”
Late last year, Cutler announced that he was transforming his physique as part of a ‘Fit-for-50’ challenge. While he has no plans of returning to a contest stage, Cutler hopes to get in the best shape of his life since retiring in 2013. Months ago, he targeted 6-8% body fat and said his goal was to add size and lean down at the same time by keeping his metabolism guessing.
Fans were blown away by Cutler’s transformation when he displayed his build at the seven-week mark. Some body parts aren’t as full as Cutler would like, but he plans to change that in the coming weeks with more food and additional training.
While the sport comes with considerable risk, Cutler hopes to continue prioritizing longevity in retirement, even while navigating uncharted territory in his latest ‘Fit-for-50’ challenge.
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You can watch the full video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
Published: 18 July, 2023 | 9:59 PM EDT