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IFBB New York Pro 2021 Results

Complete results for the IFBB New York Pro 2021 
All eyes in the bodybuilding world were on New York – erm, Tampa – this weekend for the IFBB New York Pro 2021. For a second year, the event was moved to Florida due to restrictions in New York caused by COVID-19. Unlike last year, there was much more time for the athlete to prepare from the start of the year. Keep reading for full breakdown of the New York Pro 2021 results.
This year’s New York Pro held all nine divisions – making it one of the biggest bodybuilding events of the year. Not only that but the competition usually attracts some of the biggest names in bodybuilding. For those who follow pro bodybuilding closely, the New York Pro can be a predictor of what we can expect at the Mr. Olympia later in the year.

And while there were many divisions competing at the New York Pro 2021, majority of the hype was focused on the Men’s Open division. Specifically, with extra attention brought to Blessing Awodibu and Nick Walker as their rivalry has fueled much excitement leading into the show.
Though last weekend’s Indy Pro 2021 might have changed expectations a bit. Surprisingly, a large chunk of Men’s Open competitors from the Indy Pro reappeared for the New York Pro. Justin Rodriguez, who won the Indy Pro just last weekend, returned to the stage alongside other competitors such as Mohammad El Emam and Morgan Aste.
This large chunk of competitors from the Indy Pro gave fans extra insight as to what we might see on the stage this weekend. The true wild cards came in the form of Nick Walker and Hassan Mostafa. Both competitors received a large amount of hype but have yet to compete in 2021 before the New York Pro.
All things considered, this created a mega clash of titans where big personalities and even bigger physiques battled on stage. It was the most exciting bodybuilding competition of the year to date. But there can only be one champion above the rest. Did Blessing Awodibu step up his game from his 3rd place finish at the Indy Pro? Or did Nick Walker or Hassan Mostafa bring in a fresh perspective for a big win?
Champions of the New York Pro 2021 receive qualification to the Mr. Olympia later this year. So with that, let’s break down the New York Pro 2021 results below. Presented by Enhanced Labs and Nutrabio.
New York Pro 2021 Breakdown
Women’s Physique Results
1. Alyssa Kiessling2. Sheronica Henton3. Yuna Kim4. Julia Whitesel5. Claudia Arroyo

Men’s 212 Results

Classic Physique Results

Men’s Physique Results

Wellness Results

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Men’s Open Bodybuilding Results

Women’s Bodybuilding Results

Figure Results

Bikini Results

Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!

By Presser
3 min read

Nick Walker: Bodybuilding Bubble Guts Were Likely Just As Big Of A Problem In The 90s

Nick Walker reacts to the criticism against bodybuilding today vs bodybuilding in the 90s.
One of the biggest trends over the past year was the criticism of today’s bodybuilding physiques. While the criticism of bubble guts have been steadily rising over the past decade – it seems to have come to a head in 2019 into 2020. Beyond even bubble guts, many fans have decreed this new era of bodybuilders less impressive than the 90s and early 2000s. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, rising star Nick Walker explains how he thinks criticizing modern bodybuilding vs the 90s is unwarranted.
In the final few years before Phil Heath lost, fans criticized his lack of control of his midsection. Then after he lost to Shawn Rhoden and took a year off, fans and athletes criticized the conditioning of nearly the entire Olympia 2019 Men’s Open lineup. A narrative has been forming that today’s modern bodybuilders are not living up to the eras of the past. Particularly the 90s and early 2000s. We’ve been asking a variety of bodybuilders, coaches, and experts whether or not they agree in our GI Exclusive interviews.

Which brings us to our recent conversation with Nick Walker. A up and comer bodybuilder that rose to fame quickly due to his impressive physique and progress this year, Nick Walker is as modern as you can get in the sport. He’s a young athlete with incredible promise. So what does he think about the criticism of modern bodybuilding compared to the 90s?
Nick Walker finds this criticism overblown and unwarranted. But he has a reason for exactly why so many fans feel that there has been a decline in bodybuilding physiques. He finds it less to do with the athletes and more to do with how technology has changed the sport as a whole.
Specifically, he’s referring to social media, digital technology, and the internet in general. Back in the 90s, most fans only saw professional photographs of the athletes on stage. Perhaps they saw a broadcast on TV. There were rarely any behind the scenes photos. There was certainly no candid offseason gym photos. Most fans only saw athletes at their very best on the stage.
Today with social media, bodybuilders are able to give updates daily. Fans are able to snap photos on the fly and plaster them all over the internet. Even the leagues themselves can provide more up to date coverage and behind the scene looks at the athletes.
For the most part, this is fantastic, it provides more content for fans who are passionate about the sport. It allows bodybuilding as a whole to grow even bigger. But there is a downside.
That downside is a subconscious belief that bodybuilding has gotten worse – because they are seeing more angles of athletes on stage and because they see more behind the scenes shots that might appear unflattering.
Nick Walker goes on to discuss how many of the 90s bodybuilders had huge guts and looked soft and massive off season. They also might have showed more of those relaxed guts if the cameras took different side angles like the livestreams of Olympia today do.
You can watch Nick Walker talk about it in more detail by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.

By Presser
3 min read

Nick Walker Reacts To Being Called The Next Dorian Yates

Nick Walker is on a fast rise into pro bodybuilding stardom. Does he feel the pressure?
Nick Walker seemingly came out of nowhere. Just over a month ago, Walker received his pro card by winning the NPC North American Championships on September 7, 2020. In that short amount of time, he has already set himself up to compete at the Chicago Pro in hopes of getting an Olympia qualification. If he wins, he plans to compete at the Mr. Olympia this year. His incredibly freaky physique has gone viral with his physique being favorably compared to Dorian Yates in his prime. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Nick Walker reacts to his sudden rise to fame and being called the next Dorian Yates.
Typically, the same lineup of pro bodybuilders make it into the top spots at Olympia year after year. It’s the reason we only have 15 Mr. Olympia champions over the course of 55 years. Only a select few can become so great that they shine on the Olympia stage.

That’s why whenever a young bodybuilder turns head with a freaky physique, people instantly get excited. The prospect of a young bodybuilder rising through the ranks and threatening the status quo brings vibrant energy into the sport. A few of these bodybuilders come through every year, some of them become consistent top pros. Others fade swiftly.
Nick Walker is the latest bodybuilder to turn pro and instantly go viral and for good reason. His physique is nothing to slouch at. He has been dubbed the next hardcore freak in the sport similar to the links of Big Ramy when he first entered the public consciousness.

But the person Nick Walker is being compared most to is Dorian Yates in his prime. If you’re a young bodybuilder looking to become a superstar pro – that’s one of the greatest compliments you can receive.
We connected with Walker via video chat to dive into his bodybuilding origins and how he’s been reacting to the sudden viral attention he’s been receiving for his physique. Does this bring added pressure into his contest prep? Once an athlete is burdened with expectations – it can have large affects on how the world sees his next appearance on stage.
As of right now, Nick Walker is not letting the hype add pressure to his contest prep. He admits that he loves the hype but tries his best to not let it give him an inflated ego. Instead he uses it as excitement to further drive his passion. If he can prove the hype right, that’s the greatest gift he can give himself.
And what about being compared to Dorian Yates? For Walker, it’s simply a humbling experience. Walker goes on to explain that Yates was always one of his favorite bodybuilders growing up. He was part of the inspiration towards becoming a bodybuilder himself. So to hear his name in the same breath as Dorian is “unreal” as he heads towards his first pro show.
You can watch Nick Walker’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.

By Presser
3 min read

Nick Walker Details His Secret To Bulking Like A Mass Monster Freak

Nick Walker is known for his freakish massive size. Here he shares how to bulk up to mass monster levels without gaining too much fat.
Nick Walker has been turning a lot of heads this year in the bodybuilding industry. This is mostly due to his freakishly gigantic size. He’s bringing the kind of mass monster physique that is rarely seen in the industry. Think Big Ramy levels of size and you’ll have an idea of what Walker looks like when he steps on stage. What’s even more promising is his age. At only 25 years old he’s already showing impressive size. Just imagine what time will bring. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Nick Walker shares insight into his daily routine and his secret to bulking up.
When it comes to bulking in bodybuilding – the biggest fear is putting on too much fat and not enough lean muscle. The last thing a bodybuilder wants is to appear too soft when he appears on stage. That’s why the cutting stage before a show is crucial. If you’ve put on too much fat, then cutting becomes more challenging.

We previously spoke with Fred “Biggie” Smalls about his tips for bulking up without gaining too much fat. But we wanted to get a well rounded opinion from different pros across the board. Nick Walker is a young pro bodybuilder that is building up hype due to his massive size. He’s nicknamed as The Mutant because he truly puts the freak factor into mass monster bodybuilding.
So what are Nick Walker’s tips for bulking up and not gaining fat? Nick Walker thinks it’s all about paying strict attention to your food intake. While that is vague and might seem obvious, Walker continues by using some specific examples. He mentions that a lot of bodybuilders eat way too much food after the compete in a show. They see it as the opportunity to treat themselves and have a little break. In Walker’s opinion, that break lasts too long for a lot of competitors.

Furthermore, Nick Walker rarely believes in indulging a cheat meal. While he very rarely will cheat on a weekend – he mostly doesn’t allow himself a cheat day at all. Instead he takes eating like a job and stays on a strict routine. He works with his trainer to monitor weight consistently to make sure all is going according to plan. But even beyond that, he works with his trainer to monitor how his physique looks.
The look of your physique can show telltale signs of what is happening to your body – even if your weight seems to be in the correct place. Every single week he has his physique look analyzed and then adjusts his diet accordingly. This is the important part. A bodybuilder must stay vigilant and adapt every single week. You can’t just pick a plan and follow it blindly for months expecting amazing results. It’s about tweaking constantly and adapting to how your body adjusts.
You can watch Nick Walker explain more of his daily diet and training routine in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.

By Presser
3 min read

How To Watch The IFBB New York Pro 2021 (Online Stream)

A complete guide on how to watch the 2021 IFBB New York Pro online.
Tonight, May 15 2021, the IFBB New York Pro 2021 takes place. It is one of the biggest bodybuilding events of the year – holding nine divisions all fighting for first place victories and qualification into the Mr. Olympia 2021. The even is being held in Tampa, Florida. But if you’re not in the area, we have a full breakdown on how to watch the event online and the schedule for pre-judging and finals.

The GI Team is here to provide top news and original content for the new generation. The generation of bodybuilders who are pushing the sport to bigger and better places. Join The Movement. Become a part of Generation Iron!

By Presser
1 min read

Big Ramy’s Complete Guide To Training During Ramadan

Take some helpful tips from your most recent Olympia champ, Big Ramy, on training during the holiday.
Those of you looking to train hard during Ramadan, I know how it feels. With my workouts, I will show you how I push myself during Ramadan to see the growth I want to that prepared me for my Mr. Olympia win just last year.
I know it can be challenging to stayed fueled up and ready to tackle workouts during Ramadan, but as a sacred holiday and a closer connection to God, I also know how important that is. It is hard to balance both, but it is possible. My workout below will get you fired up so any challenge that comes your way is easy. Having a strict workout routine and careful diet is key, and while fasting for a lot of us can hurt our gains, it is important to remember that nothing is impossible.
In my workouts, I will show you what to do to work your chest, legs, biceps, shoulders, and back for a rounded out workout. Working to isolate different groups will be great for you because you won’t be as tired or sore, and you can focus more on those singular spots. The more attention you can give them, the more they will want to work for you and with you to grow so you can get a massive physique.

Full Name: Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay (IFBB Pro Bodybuilder)

Weight
Height
Date Of Birth

300 lbs.
6’0”
09/16/1984

Division
Era
Nationality

Open
2010
Egyptian

I will take you through each workout so you know exactly what to do. I know how hard it can be to stay disciplined during Ramadan while also trying to get better. It is a struggle, but it is a possible struggle. If you plan out your month, you will have a better handle on the right way to attack your training and nutrition while still following the rules of Ramadan.

About Big Ramy
My bodybuilding career has been a long road, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am an Egyptian bodybuilder and I earned my pro card in 2012. It was at the Amateur Olympia in Kuwait City and I had only trained for three years. I finished first at my first pro debut at the New York Pro and I never stopped. Over the years, I have worked hard to perfect my training routines, diet plans, and have worked to find the right supplements so I see the progress I want to see most. Just last year, my career came to a head when all my hard work, dedication, countless hours in the gym, and the mental will to succeed saw a first place finish at Mr. Olympia. It was amazing and it’s workouts like these that have helped me get there.

Big Ramy’s Ramadan Training Routine
When I go to lift, especially big weight, I look for the best exercises to help get me there. By working certain muscle on different days, I can be sure to keep myself ready to go for my next workout. The worst thing is to feel overly fatigued and sore going into the next day’s workout, so by spacing them out and working different groups, I am able to keep going strong. My reps and sets tend to be higher given how I feel on any day with fasting. But I still make sure to get enough weight to maintain, and hopefully gain, muscle. Higher sets and reps focuses on muscle endurance and will push my body to the limit to make sure my muscles do grow. I also stick to what I know and don’t try anything new. Since I am already in a fasted state, I want to be comfortable with my workouts so nothing can go wrong.
Workout #1: Back

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Machine Row
4
8-12

One-Arm Dumbbell Row
4
8-12

Front Lat Pulldown
4
8-10

Seated Cable Row
4
8-12

Rear Lat Pulldown
4
8-12

Workout #2: Shoulders & Arms

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Dumbbell Lateral Raise
4
10

Smith Machine Military Press
4
12

Rear Delt Machine Flys
4
8

Shoulder Press Machine
4
10

Dumbbell Curls
4
10

Preacher Curls
4
10

Workout #3: Legs

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Squat
5
5

Leg Extension
4
10-12

Leg Press
4
15

Machine Squat
4
10-12

Workout #4: Chest

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Incline Dumbbell Press
4
12

Machine Press
4
10

Incline Dumbbell Flyes
4
10

Flat Bench Press
4
12

Seated Machine Press
4
10

Cable Crossovers
4
8

Big Ramy’s Ramadan Tips
I mentioned this before, but I know it can be challenging to go through the Ramadan and fight to see great gains at the same time. I wanted to share some thoughts with you about training during Ramadan to help you get through the month. Some of these are common sense, but sometimes it helps to hear them again so they stay in your mind.

Higher reps: Doing higher reps is important because it will work your muscles without requiring as much energy as a lower reps at heavy weight. With these higher reps, use lighter weight to really work those muscles.
Sleep: This is so important. Sleep will give you better muscle growth by helping you recover. You will also feel better and have better daily functioning.
Stay with what you know: Don’t try and change your workouts up drastically. You are already doing something that is hard so make your training be fun and not just another to-do list item.

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Wrap Up
Over the years, I have gained knowledge and learned so much during my own career. Training during Ramadan can be hard, but it is not impossible. For those of us who partake in this holiday, we seek a closer connection to God and we can still balance the rules of Ramadan with our training. Try my workout and see what it can do for you because I have done this for a long time. We all need to consistently learn new things and I hope these workouts help you during own lifting journey.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
*Images courtesy of Big Ramy Instagram & Enhanced Labs

By Presser
6 min read

Dennis James Full Interview | Bodybuilding Conditioning Issues, Big Ramy, Phil Heath & More

Watch the full uncut GI Exclusive interview with Dennis James.
Dennis James isn’t a man who shies away from sharing his opinions on bodybuilding. In some ways, he’s like an unofficial analyst for the sport. He often gives us his immediate opinions on athlete physiques right after big shows. He also shares predictions on placings and his overall take on the goings on in bodybuilding.
That’s why we sat down for a long form interview to discuss in-depth all things bodybuilding. This interview was conducted before the Mr. Olympia 2020 and Big Ramy’s win. So it’s interested to see his predictions in comparison to what actually occurred.

Over the past few months we’ve released multiple GI Exclusive segments from our interview with Dennis James. Now we’re releasing the full length interview including topics such as the conditioning problem in bodybuilding today, Phil Heath’s legacy, Big Ramy’s future, and more!

Listen To Our Dennis James Interview On The Generation Iron Podcast

Our full length interviews are now also in podcast form! Subscribe to the Generation Iron Podcast for candid, full length interviews with the biggest names in bodybuilding, fitness, combat, and strength sports.
Listen to the full Dennis James interview here:

Dennis On How To Fix Pro Bodybuilding’s Conditioning Problem
Dennis James agrees that physiques have declined over the years. He also thinks there’s a clear cut solution to fix it. The judges need to start changing the way they award bodybuilders. James admits that the judges aren’t entirely at fault. They can only score the kind of physiques that are presented in front of them. But even if they aren’t originally at fault, they can help push for change more easily than simply waiting for the right athlete to turn the tide.

Dennis James believes that if the judges put together an official statement claiming that they would be rewarding conditioning over size – it would kick start athletes to change the way they prepare. Then the judges actually have to follow through and award someone like, let’s say, Dexter Jackson over a bigger sized mass monster. The combination of an official statement and a change in the nuances of judging competitions could lead to major shifts in the kinds of physiques we see on stage.
Dennis James also touches on a few more topics when it comes to the evolution of medicine science and how it effects bodybuilding. He debates with Vlad Yudin about the recent string of young deaths in the sport. James claims that while these deaths are tragic, it’s not due to some underlying drug abuse problem in bodybuilding. People sadly die young all across the world, statistically young bodybuilders would be affected by this for any wide number of reasons. Not just because of steroids or other PEDs.
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Check out our full GI Exclusive interview with Dennis James above!
Dennis Answers: Does Phil Heath Deserve To Be Considered Greatest Of All Time?
Phil Heath is a 7x Mr. Olympia champion. That puts him in the top pantheon of bodybuilders. It ties him with Arnold Schwarzenegger. It places him one behind on Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney (who hold the world record for most Olympia wins). It even puts him above the six Olympia wins of Dorian Yates – a true mass monster legend in the sport. But when discussing the best athletes of all time in bodybuilding, you might find it hard for Phil Heath to be first on the list. Why is this?

Perhaps it’s simply because his victories are too recent. It’s easier to mythologize legends of the past and make them seem larger than life. Or perhaps it’s because Phil Heath was often criticized for his personality and demeanor as a champion. But those things shouldn’t really matter. What matters is his physique and his record.

That’s why when we talked with bodybuilder and guru Dennis James, we were happy to see him quickly place Phil Heath in his list of top five bodybuilders of all time. For James, it’s no question. Not only because of his Olympia wins, but also because of the look of his physique. To James, it’s undeniable that Heath holds a physique hardly any other competitor could match.
And yet, perhaps more than any other athlete, Phil Heath’s Olympia wins are often contested by fans. People often vocalized the many times that they believed Kai Greene should have won. And in Phil Heath’s later years, his stomach was criticized so much that people thought he should have lost way sooner than his seven Olympia wins allowed.
Wrap Up
As we mentioned at the top, Dennis James is always blunt, honest, and in-depth with his opinions on all things bodybuilding. So there are far many more topics than discussed in this article. That’s why you should watch the full GI Exclusive interview above!

By Presser
5 min read

Hassan Mostafa Drops an Impressive Posing Video Just Before the NY Pro

Hassan Mostafa is reminding the bodybuilding world why he’s the favorite.
The NY Pro is set to feature some impressive up and coming bodybuilders. This next generation of competitors have all the tools necessary to take the bodybuilding world by storm. One of those athletes is Hassan Mostafa who recently gave a preview of the physique he’s bringing to the NY Pro.
Coming in second place at the 2020 NY Pro, Hassan Mostafa is the favorite heading into this show. He’s physique is impressive and complete. That is it was the last time we saw him on stage. Since then some have raised concerns about his midsection.

In certain progress pics and videos, Mostafa has shown a bit of bloat around his midsection. As such, many have wondered if this weak point would hinder his performance at the NY Pro.
While his midsection being bloated is a legitimate cause for concern, Hassan Mostafa just put those worries to bed.
An Impressive Physique Days Out
In a recent post on Instagram Mostafa showcased his current physique days out from the NY Pro. Suffice it to say his midsection has been taken care of and he’s looking great. 

Much of the focus heading into the NY Pro has been placed on Blessing Awodibu and Nick Walker. Hassan Mostafa was always a clear front runner, but it can’t be denied that the Blessing-Walker beef brought a different level of intrigue.
With all that said, Hassan Mostafa showing this level of physique days out changes the narrative. There’s no doubt that Mostafa should be the favorite at the NY Pro. He has the musculature and symmetry that sets him apart from the rest of the field. He has also been working with veterans like the legend Flex Wheeler and Jose Raymond. Both veterans have helped Mostafa take his posing to another level which is sure to round out his game.
Blessing Awodibu, Nick Walker, and Justin Rodriguez will be Mostafa’s main competition at the show. But if he brings a package like this to the stage, there’s no doubt that he’s ready for the challenge.
What do you think about Hassan Mostafa and his physique days out from the NY Pro?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

By Presser
3 min read

Dr. Dre Takes on Fitness Challenge Inspired By Will Smith

Dr. Dre looks to get into great shape inspired by Will Smith.
It appears that Will Smith has started a trend. It appears that legendary hip hop producer Dr. Dre is looking to transform his physique. The rapper/producer says he has been inspired by Smith to get into the best shape of his life.

Getting in great shape at an advanced age can be a difficult task. It doesn’t mean hopping on to some new fad diet and pump a few weights. It means making a lifestyle and sticking to it. That takes patience, resolve, and most of all dedication in order to make the necessary changes. Like Will Smith, if Dr. Dre hopes to make a major change to his physique at the age of 56, he’ll need to embrace all of those traits.
Already In Great Shape
But while it may prove to be a bit of an uphill battle, Dr. Dre appears to be already half way to a pretty impressive physique. The famed producer posted an image of his current physique on social media and he looks to be in pretty great shape. He even name dropped Will Smith as the motivation for the challenge.
This is my COVID body. I’m about to start getting my shit together. Going in with will smith. Let’s Go!!!!

Even Will Smith chimed in on Dr. Dre’s physique. The actor and rapper gave Dr. Dre some high praise on his current physique.
Smith is correct. Dr. Dre is already in some pretty good shape. All it will take to see significant changes to his physique will be a few tweaks and some consistency.
Dr. Dre joins a long list of other hip hop associated artists challenging themselves to build powerful physiques. Artists like Method Man and Busta Rhymes. These artists are all proving that you can never be too old to get into the best shape of your life. Even bodybuilders of advance age like Lee Labrada are staying in amazing shape by being consistent in their training. If Dr. Dre and Will smith can exhibit the same kind of dedication, then they can see some pretty incredible results themselves.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

By Presser
3 min read

Do You Need To Be A Fan Of Bodybuilding To Be A Bodybuilder?

Is it possible to be a passionate pro bodybuilder but not be a fan of the sport?
Competitive bodybuilding isn’t something you just pick up as a hobby. It’s a lifestyle that changes every single aspect of your being. Every single habit and every choice you make goes through the lens of bodybuilding. Since bodybuilding is so focused on the self – it brings up the question – do you have to be a fan of the sport in order to be a competitive bodybuilder? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, we asked that very question to Jamie LeRoyce McTizic – who went through long stretches of hating bodybuilding as he continued to compete.
Jamie LeRoyce McTizic has already detailed his rollercoaster of a career in bodybuilding. He became pro all natural, then turned towards steroids to improve his game, this led to a downward psychological spiral that nearly destroyed him. It also destroyed his love of bodybuilding as a fan. At least for a short period of time. He eventually regained stable footing, went all natural again, and returned to competing in the IFBB.

This entire experience made us wonder – do you have to be a fan of bodybuilding to be a pro bodybuilder? The experience of being a bodybuilder can often be isolated and lonely. There are also many people who focus on building a sculpted physique but avoid the sport all together. So if you actively compete – can you also not be a fan?
We asked this question to Jamie LeRoyce McTizic and he answered honestly from his own experience. “Absolutely, I’m a bodybuilder without being a fan of bodybuilding,” Jamie stated in our interview.

“I like the bodybuilding process. I like the process personally of building the muscle and… what you learn from it. People’s different aspects of how they lifted. And I really liked what Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman had to say… I was a fan of theirs and their training styles. But as far as bodybuilding as a whole and watching it. It was never really like that for me.”

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Check out our latest GI Exclusive segment with Jamie LeRoyce McTizic above!
Jamie LeRoyce McTizic makes a specific but vital distinction here. He is not a fan of the sport. As in, watching the competitions, going to the expos, or caring about who wins and who loses. But he is a fan of the process and learning how to improve that process. He can be a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger or Ronnie Coleman – without caring about how many Mr. Olympia titles they won.

In fact, perhaps it’s harder to be a fan of bodybuilding while you are actively competing. The desire to improve and the desire to win might take the fan experience away from the sport. The person is now an athlete competitor – not a fan. The amount of extreme focus and dedication might suck the enjoyment out of simply being a fan.
Of course, this is certainly not true for all bodybuilders. But Jamie LeRoyce McTizic brings up interesting points that are rarely talked about. Bodybuilding is a discipline beyond simply being a sport. If a person is passionate about sculpting their physique – that doesn’t mean they are passionate about the sport overall. Perhaps they only compete because it’s a way of making a living doing what they love.
You can watch Jamie LeRoyce Mctizic go into more detail by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!

By Presser
3 min read