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William Bonac: ‘If Give It My All, Then I Have the Possibility to Win Mr. Olympia’
William Bonac hasn’t given up hope on securing a Mr. Olympia title before calling it a career. In a recent interview with Desktop Bodybuilding, Bonac brushed off retirement rumors and said he’s taking the year to come back better than ever in 2024.
As a Men’s Open pro, William Bonac has participated at the highest level for over a decade. His thick compact muscle density and work ethic were vital components to his rise as a pro. Bonac is a two-time winner of the prestigious Arnold Classic, winning gold in 2018 and 2020. While proving himself as an elite talent, Bonac narrowly missed out on winning Mr. Olympia to Brandon Curry in 2019.
Last year (2022), ‘The Conqueror’ was unable to exact revenge against Curry at the Arnold Classic and finished second. The outcome was controversial and many pros like Lee Priest thought Bonac brought the winning package. Despite the setback, Bonac returned a week later to win gold at the Boston Pro, guaranteeing his passage to the Mr. Olympia show.
He went into Las Vegas’ 2022 Olympia as a notable favorite but failed to make the first call-out. Bonac finished ninth and his teammate, Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, also came up short in fifth, which served as one of the biggest shocks of the night. Bonac attempted the latest Arnold Classic as well but finished seventh.
William Bonac Says He Can Still Win Arnold Classics and Mr. Olympias
During the video, Bonac said he was still in the running to win Arnold Classics and Mr. Olympias as long as he takes a year off to let his body recover.
“I do for sure [think] I can win the Arnold Classic; the possibility is still there. To win the Olympia… I don’t know man, where the judges are going with the kind of physiques that they want for that. But I think if I give it my all, like the next two years, then I might have the possibility to win the Olympia. Right now, it’s just taking time off, you know, let my body recover.”
“When you compete and compete and compete, your body adjusts to the system to your supplementation and diet, so it won’t react as it normally would be. Your receptors – everything would be sensitive. So I need to get rid of that. Once I have that and that’s what I’m doing now, so I’ll need a whole year off. Once I have that, then I can come back again and everything will feel fresh, my body will feel fresh because that’s what I did in 2022 as well at the Arnold Classic.”
According to Bonac, his ninth and seventh-place finishes at the Olympia and Arnold Classic were justified. He added that the judges made the correct decision and said the outcome could have been worse.
“It was the right decision. When I look back at the pictures, I was like I look shit. You know, so yeah, you can even say you have to be happy with your placing and what you got – it could have been worse. I looked like shit. At the Arnold, I looked better. Did I deserve my placings? Yeah. The judges put me there for a reason. I’m not a guy to complain about his placings. Of course, in the past, I had some issues.”
“I’ve grown, I understand the game. So, I don’t complain when I win, I’m happy when I win, so why should I complain when I lose some? It’s a big pie, everyone can have some of it,” added Bonac. “I know what I saw, and I was like [no], people told me I should have placed higher but I’m lucky that I got that place, believe me. It’s not the physique I wanted to represent at the Olympia.”
Bonac on Big Ramy: ‘Its Tough to Be 2x Mr. Olympia & Lose Your Title All in 6 Months’
Bonac sympathizes with Big Ramy since the Egyptian native lost his title after holding the honor for two years.
“To be honest with you, if I did qualify for the Olympia, I would have probably gone to the Olympia as well. For him [Big Ramy] to go, is a good thing as well. I wouldn’t be demotivated because of his placings that he didn’t maybe expect it at the Olympia and then maybe the Arnold. It’s tough you know, to be two-time Mr. Olympia, losing your title and all just in sixth months’ time. Losing your title and placing fifth and then going to the Arnold and not even placing in the top three, it’s kind of tough to be the king and then… you know,” said William Bonac.
“I thought he looked better at the Arnold and I think at the Olympia he didn’t look that bad. We all looked — we all didn’t look perfect. None of use except maybe three guys and those three guys were in the top three, simple as that. I think Big Ramy should maybe have a rest for this time now and start his prep for Olympia and then maybe after Olympia take a rest and go forward again. We are not as young as these guys anymore.”
The last time fans heard from Bonac he discussed his future in the sport. Given the strain his body has been under, he decided to take a year off for the sake of longevity. He believes the time off is exactly what his physique needs following a busy season. Considering how illusive the Olympia title has been for him, Bonac set his sights on another Arnold Classic victory next year.
Watch the full video below:
RELATED: William Bonac Completed Blood Work Before 2023 Arnold Classic, Says ‘There’s Nothing Wrong’ With Kidneys
While his time in the sport is limited, William Bonac hopes to come back stronger and more competitive in 2024.
Published: 13 April, 2023 | 6:38 PM EDT
Brian Shaw Reveals How He Almost Lost His Leg In Preparation For 2023 World’s Strongest Man
The 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition is set to take place on April 19-23, in Myrtle Beach, SC, and it is expected to be one of the greatest editions yet. One of the reasons is Brian Shaw, as the 4x WSM champion and Strongman icon is planning to make his final appearance this year. With the end of an era just around the corner, everyone is hyped up to watch Brian compete at the biggest stage once more. However, although everything seems perfect now, Brian has just revealed that he almost lost his leg in late January.
In the newest video on Brian Shaw’s channel, titled “Road to WSM“, he showed footage of himself lying in a hospital bed. Brian was talking about the situation that led to an infection of his leg, which was fortunately resolved before it was too late. However, the infection almost spread too much.
“The biggest thing is that it didn’t go into my bloodstream. So, if I would have waited potentially any longer, the big fear would be it going into my bloodstream… Once it does that, the outcome might not be as good, meaning possible amputation.”
While talking about the infection in the video, Brian Shaw also showed what his leg looked like at the time. The distressing footage shows his skin drying out and completely changing color to purple. It was evident that Shaw was suffering from a serious infection, but he never lost his positive attitude. In addition, his goal of winning the fifth WSM still remained one of the biggest priorities. During his time in the hospital, Brian made a conscious effort to maintain his weight by eating multiple meals throughout the day and taking short walks around the premises.
“When you battle some adversity like this, you just have to find a way… I’m trying to get five meals in a day right now. The goal is to walk out of here having not lost a lot of bodyweight.”
This infection also reminded Brian Shaw of 2013, as he had to undergo surgery before the WSM, but still managed to win it. He now hopes that the same outcome will come into place this time as well.
“This has reminded me the most of 2013. In 2013 I had to have a nerve release surgery done approximately three months out from WSM… So, I’ve been telling myself, as I’ve been sitting here, that this leg infection is not as bad as that.
Watch Brian Shaw’s video here:
Related: Trifecta Nutrition CEO Says It Costs Over $60,000 A Year to Feed Strongman Brian Shaw
While in the hospital, Brian Shaw reviewed training videos and worked on his training plan to perform better at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition. He stayed in the hospital for a few days to recover from his infection before he was discharged, fully healed.
After he finishes up the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, Brian Shaw will only make one more appearance at the 2023 Shaw Classic before retiring from professional Strongman forever. So, having recovered from a potentially devastating infection, Brian is now even more motivated to wrap his career up with mind-blowing performances.
Published: 13 April, 2023 | 4:02 PM EDT
Ronnie Coleman: ‘Flex Wheeler Is Pretty Much the Reason Why I First Won The Olympia’
Despite a heated rivalry, Ronnie Coleman believes Flex Wheeler was crucial to his bodybuilding success. In a recent Nothin’ but a Podcast, Coleman credited Wheeler for introducing him to coach Chad Nicholls and disclosed some of the dietary demands that led to his first Mr. Olympia title.
Ronnie Coleman is widely regarded as one of the best bodybuilders of all time, having earned a total of eight Mr. Olympia titles, tied with fellow legend Lee Haney. During his respective tenure, Coleman laid waste to the Men’s Open division, defeating icon after icon en route to cementing his legacy in the 1990s and 2000s. He was led by Nicholls, who now trains William Bonac and Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay.
In addition to his bodybuilding achievements, Coleman was held in high regard for his impressive feats of strength. Considered one of the strongest bodybuilders to ever compete, ‘The King’ recorded a shocking 2,300-pound leg press and turned heads by smoking an 800-pound deadlift.
While enjoying retirement, Coleman remains infatuated with the sport. In his spare time, he’s trained with fitness influencers and most recently, started a podcast with 212-turned-Men’s Open star Derek Lunsford. In their latest undertaking, Coleman looked back on how Wheeler introduced him to one of the sport’s most accomplished gurus, Chad Nicholls.
Ronnie Coleman Talks Meeting Chad Nicholls Through Flex Wheeler: ‘He Changed Everything I Was Doing’
According to ‘The King,’ his first Mr. Olympia title was made possible thanks to Wheeler. After being introduced to Nicholls, Coleman said his contest preparations were drastically altered.
“It was the same way for me and the guys coming up; a lot of people don’t know it – but Flex Wheeler is pretty much the reason why I won the Olympia because he turned me on to Chad Nicholls. He was like, ‘Hey man, who are you working with?’ I’m like, ‘Dude, I’m doing my own thing.’ He’s like, ‘You need to call this guy Chad Nicholls.’ I’m like, ‘Chad Nicholls…’ yup. He gave me his number I called Chad but Chad didn’t pick up the phone. I said, ‘Flex why’d you have me call this guy Chad he didn’t pick up the phone.’ He says, ‘Nah, he’s just like that man. Call him again, and he’ll call you back.’ He called me back and the rest is pretty much history. I won my first Olympia that year by hooking up with him,” Ronnie Coleman said.
Coleman shared that his food intake exploded as he went from eating a half-pound of food to a whole pound.
“I was doing my own thing pretty much,” shared Coleman. “He changed everything I was doing, everything. Everything. I went from doing like an hour to cardio a day to two hours. I went from eating half a pound of food with every meal to a whole pound. I went from training maybe 45 minutes to an hour a day to about maybe an hour, an hour and a half, sometimes an hour and 15 minutes of training because I was trying to do some of everything. I was working all my body parts as much as I could. All my weak ones, especially!”
“I went from working calves maybe once a week to three times a week, working abs maybe once a week to maybe three times a week, he changed pretty much everything I was doing. Had I not gone with him, I wouldn’t have never ever figured that out on my own. I went from probably eating 400 grams of protein a day to 600. I went from eating like 400 grams of carbs a day to like 100, so it was — major changes going on and he pretty much changed everything I was doing. I would have never ever figured that out on my own for sure because I had no idea that you could put on a lot of quality muscle from eating food, had no idea whatsoever, I’m not going to lie.”
“A lot of people think it’s the drugs was going to put on all that size, no. You had to eat. You can take all the drugs in the world but if you ain’t eating you will not grow. I learned that the hard way,” said Coleman.
Wheeler, who won four Arnold Classic titles, took part in a Cutler Cast appearance to reflect on his career. Looking back on his epic battle with Coleman at the 1998 Mr. Olympia, Wheeler said he ‘didn’t put everything into’ his performance and was ‘ashamed’ of himself. He believes one of his biggest mistakes while competing was chasing the size of Coleman instead of focusing on his own strengths, like aesthetics and conditioning.
RELATED: Ronnie Coleman Talks How Chad Nicholls Helped Him Become The King Of Bodybuilding
Coleman’s gratitude to Wheeler shows that even in a competitive sport like bodybuilding, there can be comradery and mutual respect.
You can watch the full video below:
Published: 13 April, 2023 | 1:28 PM EDT
Samir Bannout Says ‘Capable’ Sergio Oliva Jr. Can Win 2023 Olympia With New Mentality
Samir Bannout, a decorated bodybuilder from the 1980s, routinely examines the sport’s hottest topics. In a recent Old School Labs podcast, Bannout discussed Sergio Oliva Jr.’s potential and whether or not 2023 Mr. Olympia will be an easy contest to win. On the heels of the 2022 Mr. Olympia competition, Hadi Choopan captured the title…
Chris Bumstead Builds A Thick And Huge Back In The Gym
Chris Bumstead is keeping himself busy in the gym this off-season. The 28-year-old phenom recently went through an intense back workout and shared glimpses of his commitments outside of training and winning trophies.
The Classic Physique division of the IFBB Pro League is home to one of the biggest superstars and a dominant champion in Chris Bumstead. Since winning the Classic Physique Olympia title at the 2019 Olympia, CBum has held it with a firm grip and defended it at the 2020, 2021 and the 2022 Olympia. Heading into his most recent title defence, Bumstead had to face quite a lot of adversity. Apart from pushing through knee, back and quad injuries during the prep, the Canadian bodybuilder had to deal with coaching changes.
Bumstead and his longtime friend and coach Iain Valliere decided to end the coach-client relationship for the latter to focus on his own bodybuilding career. Under the tutelage of famed bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod, CBum entered the 2022 Olympia and brought the Classic Physique Olympia title back home to Canada. The 28-year-old later revealed that he entered the competition with a torn bicep but still managed to stay head and shoulders above the rest of the division.
With the bicep now completely healed, Bumstead is now fueling his off-season training with a 3500-calorie diet to improve his physique for the 2023 Olympia. In the recent video posted on his personal YouTube channel, CBum can be seen performing a hellacious back workout. So let’s go over the training session and the tips CBum shared as he went through it.
Chris Bumstead’s Back Workout
Wide Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown
CBum warmed up the back muscles with lat pulldowns. This movement primarily targets the latissimus dorsi muscles in the back but also activates major pulling muscles like trapezius, teres major and teres minor, infraspinatus, posterior deltoids as well as biceps. He performed the exercise with a shovel handle that enables a neutral grip. After doing four to five warm-up sets, CBum got a few working sets under the belt and did a drop set to complete the warm-up drill.
Incline Dumbbell Rows
The horizontal rowing movement followed the lat pulldowns as the reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion performed a few good sets of this to work the pulling muscles as well as the sternal head of pectoralis major muscles. Horizontal pulls or rowing movements are essential in building a thick back and therefore they should be an integral part of the back training routine for complete development. CBum said that the incline rows help him practice breathing and get better at it. He explained:
“It’s one of the things where it’s hard to breathe with your chest on the pad but forcing you to practice proper breathing techniques. You should do this every exercise but you are forced to do it here… Something I am trying to get better at with every rep breathing the same consistency.”
Bumstead pushed through a few good sets of incline dumbbell rows. He pulled the breath in before initiating the lift for each rep and exhaled slowly while lowering the dumbbells. After holding the dumbbells for a couple of seconds at the bottom, he initiated the rep with the same breathing technique. The 28-year-old performed all the sets to practice breathing and build the back before jumping into the next exercise.
One Arm Chest Supported Rows
Bumstead next took to the chest supported rows on the plate loaded machine to stimulate the back further. He did the exercise unilaterally to really focus on the movement and build the mind-muscle connection.
“With the one arm rows where you can actually get the full stretch are beautiful or way better than a dumbbell row from the floor. You just get a much better stretch and contraction,” Bumstead explained.
CBum also explained the correct technique to do the one arm rows for maintaining maximum focus on the back muscles. He added:
“The same arm that we are doing, keep that (same side) foot planted forward. A lot of people would put that foot back and the (working) arm forward. This way you’re opening up your hips and then you’re rotating your body. Your core is moving away. But if you keep your foot forward, your hips are forced to stay forward and you have to pull from your lats rather than your core. So keep it on your back.”
Bumstead got some solid sets of this movement under his belt and took to the next exercise.
Seated Rows
Chris Bumstead jumped into the seated rows next and cranked out some heavy sets of seated rows on the Prime Fitness Seated Rows machine. The machine has three plate horns and different levels. Bumstead noted that keeping the weight on the highest horn makes it difficult to lock the movement on contraction. Therefore adding the weight on the lower and middle plate horn suits him better where he can get a good contraction while still lifting heavy.
Reverse Grip Lat Pulldowns
After putting in a good amount of work with horizontal rows, the Canadian bodybuilder went back to working with the vertical pulling movement and performed the reverse grip lat pulldowns. The reverse grip targets the lower lats more as the upper arms are closer to the body. Additionally, you use more of the biceps for pulling the weights. This enables training with heavier weights. After cranking out a few sets of this exercise, CBum performed the final exercise of the day.
Banded Bent Over Straight Arm Pulldowns
Bumstead wrapped up the training session with this exercise. It targets the latissimus dorsi, teres minor, posterior deltoids, triceps brachii and levator scapulae muscles. CBum performed four sets using moderate weights. He maintained short 20-second rest periods between the sets and performed every set to failure without changing the weights. As a result, the rep range went on reducing as the sets progressed.
Overall, the workout included:
Chris Bumstead is still the most dominant competitor in the Classic Physique division. Although he has retirement in sight, the reigning champion is looking to defend the title a few more times before hanging up the posing trunks. It will be interesting to see how he maintains the lead at the 2023 Olympia.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Chris Bumstead’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 13 April, 2023 | 8:57 AM EDT
Where is Bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno Today?
Before there was The Incredible Hulk, there was the one and only Lou Ferrigno, a professional bodybuilder who competed with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger during the Golden Era of lifting.
But Lou Ferrigno’s story is a little bit more interesting than most (and let’s be honest, all bodybuilders seem to have pretty awesome stories). Lou managed to make a name for himself in not one, but two industries, both of which are fairly difficult to break into.
Because not only is he known for his massive physique, but he is also known for his acting, starring in TV shows and films such as The Incredible Hulk and the monumental documentary Pumping Iron.
Between bodybuilding and acting, Lou Ferrigno has become an iconic figure in sports and American culture. But, since he hasn’t competed in Mr. Olympia since the 90s and made his Hulk debut in the 70s, it leads us to wonder: What’s the lifting legend and actor up to today?
Let’s find out!
Table of Contents:
Who is Lou Ferrigno?
Where is Lou Ferrigno Today?
8 Interesting Lou Ferrigno Facts
Lou Ferrigno’s Success: Where It All Began
Lou Ferrigno’s Bodybuilding Career
What Bodybuilding Titles Did Lou Ferrigno Win?
Why Didn’t Lou Ferrigno Ever Win Mr. Olympia?
Lou Ferrigno’s Training Principles
Lou Ferrigno’s Favorite Exercises
FAQs
Who is Lou Ferrigno?
Ferrigno was a professional bodybuilder during the Golden Era and competed against lifting legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He was also one of the primary figures in the groundbreaking documentary film Pumping Iron, which followed the training of select bodybuilders as they prepared to compete in the 1975 IFBB Mr. Universe and 1975 Mr. Olympia shows.
Back in the 70s, professional bodybuilders had more star power than today. In fact, the spotlight led to Lou Ferrigno being selected to play The Hulk in the TV series The Incredible Hulk (Bill Bixby played Dr. David Banner). This series was a hit and lasted 5 seasons, thrusting Ferrigno into stardom.
From here, he would be chosen to play in multiple other movies, including Hercules, Sinbad of the Seven Seas, and Instant Death, playing John Bradley, just to name just a few. Today, he mainly plays cameos of himself in big comedies.
And all of this started because of his bodybuilding career.
Where is Lou Ferrigno Today?
Considered one of the biggest bodybuilders of all time, Lou Ferrigno retired from bodybuilding after his attempt at the 1994 Masters Olympia, a competition that was at the center of yet another documentary film titled Stand Tall, released in 1997.
But, his ’94 bodybuilding retirement wasn’t the end of Lou Ferrigno. He has remained relatively active in Hollywood with smaller roles and cameos, while also starting his own fitness business and focusing on his family.
And in 2018, Lou Ferrigno was appointed chairperson of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition by then-President Donald Trump.
Let’s take a closer look at where Lou Ferrigno is today.
Lou Ferrigno’s Current Career
Today, Lou Ferrigno is semi-retired and primarily takes on smaller acting roles and cameos in films and reality shows. In addition, he’s currently filming an independent horror film titled The Hermit, a movie about a cannibalistic pig farmer.
Lou has remained relatively consistent with his acting and has been involved in an average of 2-3 projects per year for at least the past decade.
Lou Ferrigno also runs a fitness platform with his daughter Shanna Ferrigno. Called Ferrigno Fit, his fitness platform focuses on healthy nutrition, physical activity, and personal coaching.
Lou Ferrigno’s Family Life
Lou Ferrigno has been married twice in his life. His first wife was Susan Groff, whom he wed in 1978 and was divorced from in 1979.
Lou Ferrigno’s next wife would stand the test of time. Married in 1980, Carla Green and Lou Ferrigno have been married for 43 years, live in Arroyo Grande, California, and have three children together:
Shanna (born 1981)
Louis Jr. (born 1984)
Brent (born 1990)
Lou Ferrigno Jr (Lou Jr) has followed in his father’s acting footsteps, playing roles in different TV series and B films. Lou Ferrigno Jr.’s greatest success is on TV, as he stars in several major dramas, including Swat and Outer Banks.
Shanna has partnered with her father to develop Ferrigno Fit, an online fitness platform. In addition, she also has had several roles in various soap operas.
There is little information on Brent.
8 Interesting Lou Ferrigno Facts
From training Michael Jackson to being an LA and Arizona sworn-in sheriff deputy, there is no shortage of interesting facts about Lou Ferrigno.
Here’s a look at our favorites.
He received a cochlear implant in 2021, which helped Lou to better differentiate between different sounds and tones. Before his cochlear implant, Lou relied on hearing aids.
Lou Ferrigno sued his brother and sister-in-law in 2006 for the use of his name for business ventures.
He trained Michael Jackson in the early ’90s and 2009.
Lou played in the Canadian Football League for 1 month in 1976.
He is a sworn-in sheriff’s deputy in Los Angeles (2006) and Maricopa County, Arizona (2010).
In 2018, he was appointed chairperson of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition by then-President Donald Trump.
Lou was a contestant on season five of the NBC reality television series The Celebrity Apprentice.
Thor 3 Ragnarok was the first film in which Lou Ferrigno did not voice the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo took over).
Lou Ferrigno’s Success: Where It All Began
Lou Ferrigno comes from a family of Italian descent and was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 9, 1951. His parents were Victoria and Matt Ferrigno. His father, Matt, worked for the police department, and his mother, Victoria, was a stay-at-home mom.
During his youth, Lou Ferrigno suffered from hearing loss from an ear infection, which eventually led to a speech impediment as well. Sadly, it led to him being constantly bullied in school.
This abuse led Ferrigno to turn to comic books and hero movies as a source of power. Ironically, one of his heroes at the time was Hercules, played by Steve Reeves, another professional bodybuilding star who competed many years before him.
Lou Ferrigno’s family did not have a lot of money. Therefore, when Ferrigno’s childhood dream became weight training at 13 years old, he used a broomstick and buckets of cement for weights.
He became obsessed with working out, building muscle, and gaining strength.
Lou Ferrigno’s Bodybuilding Career
Lou Ferrigno wouldn’t be Lou Ferrigno if it wasn’t for his bodybuilding career. His training is what gave him the size to play a superhero, and his success led him to star in the most famous bodybuilding documentary ever.
Lou Ferrigno started weight training at the young age of 13 as an outlet for the constant bullying he received due to his hearing loss. His love for bodybuilding grew throughout high school, as he continued growing in mass and size.
After graduating in 1969, Ferrigno won his first major competition in 1971, winning first in the WBBG Pro Mr. America Title (Teen division). After a few more competitions, he won his first IFFB competition, the IFBB Mr. America title. He would then go on to dominate the IFBB Mr. America and IFBB Mr. Olympia up until 1974.
It was in 1974 when Lou Ferrigno entered the world of Mr. Olympia. In his first Mr. Olympia contest, he would take second place, followed by 3rd place the following year. After realizing his bodybuilding dream wasn’t as financially rewarding as he’d hoped, Lou Ferrigno quit and became involved in other ventures, including playing The Hulk.
Lou Ferrigno wasn’t done with Mr. Olympia forever, though. He returned to bodybuilding in 1992 and 1993, receiving his lowest placements at 12th and 10th places, respectively. This was, at least in part, due to Ferrigno being at the outer limits of his age category.
In 1994, Lou Ferrigno returned to compete in Mr. Olympia Masters, coming in with an awesome 2nd place finish.
What Bodybuilding Titles Did Lou Ferrigno Win?
Despite never taking 1st place at Mr. Olympia, fans love Lou Ferrigno, and he still has a long list of wins and accomplishments to show for his bodybuilding career.
Here’s a look:
1971 WBBG Pro Mr. America: Teen 1st
1971 AAU Teen Mr. America: 4th, Most Muscular
1972 WBBG Pro Mr. America: 2nd
1972 NABBA Mr. Universe Tall: 2nd
1973 IFBB Mr. America: Overall Winner
1973 IFBB Mr. Universe Tall: 1st, Overall Winner
1974 IFBB Mr. International: 1st
1974 IFBB Mr. Universe Tall: 1st, Overall Winner
1974 Mr. Olympia Heavyweight: 2nd
1975 Mr. Olympia Tall: 3rd
1992 Mr. Olympia: 12th
1993 Mr. Olympia: 10th
1994 Olympia Masters: 2nd
Why Didn’t Lou Ferrigno Ever Win Mr. Olympia?
Two words: Arnold Schwarzenegger. The rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno is legendary and is the focal point of the documentary Pumping Iron. While it was always speculated that Lou Ferrigno could win Mr. Olympia and beat Arnold Schwarzenegger, it never came to fruition.
Arnold was just too perfect. Even with his smaller size, he was somehow able to look bigger than Ferrigno. Arnold’s aesthetics, along with his charm, truly made him unstoppable.
Interested in taking a look at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s training plan? Check out our article on the Arnold Split!
Lou Ferrigno’s Training Principles
Having a physique that enables you to play characters like The Incredible Hulk and Hercules means it’s safe to say Lou Ferrigno knows what he’s talking about workout-wise. Oh, and the fact he’s one of the best professional bodybuilders. That too.
Let’s look at some of the principles he used inside the gym.
1) Focus On Compound Lifts & The Basics:
One thing The Hulk and SET FOR SET have in common? Being huge fans of compound exercises. Prioritizing multijoint exercises stems from Lou’s belief in mastering the basics, which is another philosophy held here.
First work on major lifts such as your bench press, squat, deadlift, overhead press, and bent-over row. Then you can focus on including some isolation exercises.
2) Use Variety:
Ferrigno was also known for changing up his routines and workout split. This may be by swapping the barbell for a dumbbell, altering angles, or simply changing the grip width.
But, to be clear, do it in a planned manner.
3) Pose Between Sets:
One of the more interesting practices of Lou Ferrigno includes posing between his sets. He would do this for two main reasons:
It helped him practice his posing.
It incorporated isometric holds into his training.
4) Utilize Forced Reps:
Forced reps have been a part of bro science for a very long time, and Lou Ferrigno was a fan. In fact, this was one of Lou Ferrigno’s favorite practices as he believed it helped with greater muscle recruitment.
Specifically, Ferrigno would first train to failure and then have a friend assist with the concentric while he controlled the eccentric. He would usually do this for an extra 3-4 reps.
5) Train With High Volume:
Volume is the key to muscle hypertrophy. Lou Ferrigno knew this and relied on it in his training. There are some who estimate that he would perform up to 80 sets in just one session.
To put that in perspective, a session with 8 exercises that use a 3×8 rep scheme only has 24 working sets.
Lou Ferrigno’s Favorite Exercises
As mentioned, Lou Ferrigno was a massive fan of compound exercises. He loved the basics and felt everything else came after a strong foundation of large, multipoint movements.
His favorites included:
Squat
Deadlift
Overhead Press
Bench Press
Bentover Row
Dips
Pull Ups
FAQs
Let’s answer some frequently asked Lou Ferrigno questions.
Who was bigger, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Lou Ferrigno?
Lou Ferrigno was actually considerably larger than Arnold Schwarzenegger. During the competition, Arnold stood at 6’2″ while Ferrigno stood at 6’5″. Weighing 275 pounds, Lou Ferrigno also had 35-45 pounds on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 230-240-pound frame.
What Was Lou Ferrigno’s Workout Split?
Lou Ferrigno primarily used a 6-day split where he trained body parts twice a week. He paired chest and back, shoulders and arms, and legs.
When did Lou lose 80% hearing loss?
As a young child, his parents first brought him to an ear doctor at the age of 4 as they noticed he did not react to sounds.
Why did Lou Ferrigno go deaf?
Lou Ferrigno lost his hearing due to multiple ear infections as a child.
Was Lou Ferrigno the first Hulk?
Yes. Along with Bruce Bixby, who played Dr. Bruce Banner, Lou Ferrigno was the first on-screen Hulk.
What Is Lou Ferrigno’s Net Worth?
Lou Ferrigno is believed to be worth more than $15 million.
Lou Ferrigno: A Bodybuilding Culture Icon
The only bodybuilder who’s made a bigger impact than Lou Ferrigno on our culture is his rival, Arnold Schwarzenegger. And ironically, it’s this rivalry that thrust them both into mainstream popularity.
Regardless, Lou Ferrigno is proof that not all champions win the title. Throughout his career, he has cemented himself firmly as a staple in American culture.
What’s perhaps even more inspiring is that he’s not finished! He certainly doesn’t need the money, but he’s still active, making films, educating the public on fitness and health, and staying active on social media.
Lou truly is a star and a fitness industry pioneer. We’ll leave you with some parting words from Lou: “Everyone has a little bit of The Hulk inside them.”
Curious about what other famous bodybuilders are up to? Check out our article: Where Is 8 Time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney Today?
Images courtesy of Lou Ferrigno’s Instagram
How Long Until Pre-Workout Kicks In: A Guide to Maximizing The Supplement
The difference between a good workout and a great one often comes down to being able to generate an extra 5-10% energy, strength, and focus. It allows you to get that extra rep, keep pushing when every muscle fiber in your body begs you to quit, and dial in your mind-muscle connection. A good pre-workout delivers this edge.
A pre-workout will only be effective if you know the right time to take it. That’s why you need to know how long it takes for pre-workouts to kick in. This article answers that question. We’ll also look at how long a pre-workout lasts, identify the ideal ingredients, and pinpoint when you should take your pre-workout for the best results.
How Long Before a Pre-Workout Kicks In?
How long it takes for a pre-workout to take effect depends entirely on the ingredients. Stimulants, such as caffeine, will take between 30 and 60 minutes to take full effect, depending on your body’s tolerance.
Many other pre-workout ingredients, including taurine, beta-alanine, and creatine, will take approximately 30 minutes to take effect. Their peak time, or the point when their effects are at their strongest, is about an hour after taking it. That is when they will be at their highest concentration in your bloodstream.
So, if you mix your pre-workout in the gym locker room and drink it as you make your way onto the gym floor, you should rethink your timing. You’re not going to feel the full effects of your supplement for about an hour. You’ll have no effect at all for the first 30 minutes. Most people’s workouts are pretty much done after an hour, so you’re only going to get the full effects as you leave the gym.
The best time to take a pre-workout is about 30 minutes before the workout begins.
How Long Does a Pre-Workout Last Once Mixed?
Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this question. It depends on several factors, which we’ll examine in detail. As a general guideline, however, your pre-workout should last between 1.5-2 hours.
Factors Affecting Pre-Workout Potency
Factors that affect your pre-workout duration:
Supplement Type
The quality of the supplement is the single most significant factor influencing how long a pre-workout will last in your body. Pre-workouts contain several ingredients, each of which has different effective durations in the body. Not only that, but the quality of the ingredient may differ between products. A cheap creatine product may last only half as long as a purer, higher-quality product.
Many pre-workouts contain beta-alanine, which offsets fatigue and allows you to recover between sets quickly. A good quality beta-alanine supplement will have an effective time of about 90 minutes. [1]
Supplement ingredients such as l-citrulline, l-arginine, and nitrate act as vasodilators by boosting the body’s natural production of nitric oxide. These allow for greater blood flow and a better pump. They will last for several hours in the body. [2]
Most pre-workouts contain a combination of ingredients with an average effectiveness time of between one and two hours. [3]
Wrecked Pre-workout Container
Supplement Dosage
Your pre-workout dosage affects its effective duration in your body. If you double the stated dosage of a product, it will last longer, though not necessarily double the period.
However, the recommended dosage stated on the product label usually allows it to work for between 90 and 120 minutes. You do not want your workout to last longer than two hours, so there’s no reason to take more than the recommended dosage. [4]
Your Physique
A supplement’s effect on your body will depend on your physique. A bodybuilder who weighs 260 pounds and has sub ten percent body fat will need a greater dosage of a pre-workout than a 110-pound marathon runner.
If you are over 200 pounds, you will probably want to move toward the higher range of the recommended dosage to get the supplement to work for an average of 90 minutes in your system.
Nutrition
Big eaters will need a higher dosage of a pre-workout to be effective. The reason is that your digestive enzymes will be busy digesting your food and will not be as effective in breaking down your pre-workout ingredients in the required time to give you the full workout benefits.
People who are under-eating will have an enhanced pre-workout effect. However, this is not a healthy habit. You should eat a quality 50/50 carb/protein mix meal about two hours before your workout.
Lifestyle
Pre-workouts provide an immediate energy burst for your workout. They should not be used as a lifestyle booster to help get you through your day after late-night partying.
If you’re looking for something to negate the ill effects of a partying lifestyle so you can hit the gym, your pre-workout will not do that for you. That’s because your poor lifestyle habits will have already mucked up your system to the extent that the benefits of your pre-workout ingredients will be overshadowed by lack of sleep and the processing of alcohol and whatever else you may have ingested. [5]
While we’re on the subject, you should not take alcohol anywhere near your workout. It will wreak havoc on the key hormones required for workout efficiency, namely testosterone, human growth hormone, and insulin.
The drowsy effect of alcohol on the brain will interfere with the ability to react to signals that come from certain pre-workout ingredients. [6]
Water Intake
Your level of hydration will affect the timing of your pre-workout. The pre-workout ingredients will move more effectively through your digestive system if you are well-hydrated. It is, therefore, important to drink plenty of water around the time of your workout. Additionally, sip water throughout the training session.
When Should I Take My Pre-Workout?
Take your pre-workout 30 minutes before your training session. This will provide the ingredients enough time to be absorbed into your system so that they are ready to fire from your first rep.
Most people find that taking a pre-workout sup before they leave home for the gym provides them with enough time to benefit fully when they begin their workout.
You should have a pre-workout meal about two hours before heading to the gym. This should be a 50/50 mix of protein and complex carbs, such as chicken and sweet potato.
So, How Do I Know If the Pre-Workout is Working?
There’s a lot of marketing hype around what pre-workouts can do for you. Generally, the reality is a far cry from what the ads claim. You can expect a noticeable, but not a dramatic, increase in your training motivation, energy, and recovery time, and if the product contains nitric oxide enhancers, a muscle pump during the workout.
Some pre-workout ingredients produce physical side effects that tell you they are working. Beta-alanine, for example, may produce a tingling sensation on your scalp, tongue, or fingertips. Caffeine will increase perspiration.
You should monitor the effect of your pre-workout in a diary and compare it to sessions where you are going pre-workout-free. If you don’t notice any difference, switch to another product.
The 11 Best Pre-Workout Ingredients
Your pre-workout is only as good as its ingredients and dosage. Here’s an overview of the 11 best ingredients to look out for on the label.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is the world’s most popular stimulant. Billions of people rely on it for the mental and physical ‘pick-me-up’ to power them through their day. So, it’s hardly surprising that caffeine is a base ingredient in quality pre-workouts.
Coffee Bean
Caffeine is an odorless, slightly bitter-tasting neurotoxic alkaloid found naturally in several plants. Plants produce neurotoxins to protect themselves from insects and other predators. Caffeine dissolves easily in water and has crystals that look like tiny needles. It is a potent central nervous system stimulant that releases dopamine to boost motivation, alertness, and energy. [7]
Caffeine has been shown to have the following workout-boosting effects:
Improved mental focus
Enhanced fat loss
Greater muscular endurance
Strength increase
Recommended Dosage: 150-250 mg
Related: Caffeine Calculator – Are Your Consuming Too Much?
2. Theanine
Green tea contains the amino acid theanine. It is principally responsible for green tea’s capacity to calm the nerves and revitalize the body. However, theanine has yet another strong effect. It can lessen the immediate negative effects of caffeine on the body without reducing its energy-boosting benefits. Theanine has also been shown to improve cognition and mood. [8]
Recommended Dosage: 200 mg
3. B-Vitamins
The eight water-soluble vitamins that make up the B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12. Together, the eight vitamins offer various health advantages, such as accelerating metabolism, preserving high energy levels, and improving fat digestion. [9]
Recommended Dosage:
B1: 1.2 mg
B2: 1.3 mg
B3: 16 mg NE
B5: 5 mg
B6: 1.3 mg
Biotin: 30 mcg
Folic acid: 400 mcg DFE
B12: 2.4 mcg
4. Citicoline
Citicoline is a nootropic that enhances brain function. Nootropics boost cognitive function, enabling you to concentrate better and be more conscious of the relationship between your mind and muscles when exercising.
Citicoline produces this result by raising the body’s acetylcholine levels. The brain’s neurotransmitter acetylcholine is essential for improving memory, recall, and consciousness. Additionally, citicoline enhances blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function. [10]
Citicoline is added to pre-workouts to improve focus so you can concentrate more on your workout and enhance the mind-muscle connection. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter than transports messages between brain cells. When you take citicoline, the body’s acetylcholine levels increase. Citicoline has also been shown to improve blood flow to the brain.
Recommended Dosage: 250-500 mg
5. Citrulline Malate
The non-essential amino acid citrulline bonds with the organic salt molecule malate to form citrulline malate. The amino acid glutamine is used to make citrulline in the intestines. It is crucial to eliminate ammonia, a byproduct of exercise that can hamper energy production and cause weariness and poor performance.
Malate is a naturally occurring substance found in fruits like apples. It plays a part in the Krebs cycle, a chemical event sequence that converts carbs, lipids, and proteins into energy. Malate may also recycle lactate to provide energy. This is essential to keep the muscles from being drained and speed up recovery. Combining malate and citrulline improves training results. [11]
Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid. It is combined with an organic salt called malate to create citrulline malate. When you take citrulline malate, it converts to the nitric oxide precursor arginine. Nitric oxide enlarges the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to get to the working muscles.
Recommended Dosage: 6-8 grams
6. Taurine
Taurine is a non-essential amino acid that contains sulfur. It is one of the amino acids in the body in the highest concentrations. Fish, cattle, poultry, and lamb all contain naturally-occurring taurine. It is also a well-liked component of energy beverages like Red Bull.
Due to its capacity to remove calcium from the body, taurine increases the activity of your central nervous system. Additionally, it counteracts the effects of free radicals, a normal side effect of exercise. Taurine supplements will provide additional energy, counteracting weariness and resulting in greater muscle contractions with each rep. [12]
Taurine is an amino acid that is added to supplements for its nootropic effects. It is able to remove calcium from the body, increasing central nervous system activity. It also fights against the free radical damage caused by oxidative stress and increases energy levels.
Recommended Dosage: 1-2 grams
7. Beta-alanine
The human body naturally manufactures the amino acid beta-alanine. Because it is essential for synthesizing carnosine, which is contained in muscle fiber, it is a crucial amino for anabolism. Research and practical experience in the gym have demonstrated that beta-alanine improves muscle contraction while counteracting exercise-induced tiredness. [13]
Recommended Dosage: 2-5 grams
8. Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can make it. High-protein foods like soy, turkey, chicken, fish, peanuts, almonds, and dairy products are good sources of tyrosine. It is a vital precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine and is utilized in creating protein.
Together, dopamine and serotonin have an effect. Fatigue results when they are out of balance. Tyrosine supplementation aids in keeping the body’s dopamine and serotonin levels balanced. As a result, tiredness is decreased, and performance is improved. [14]
Recommended Dosage: 500-2,000 mg
9. BCAAs
Leucine, isoleucine, and valine make up branch-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Leucine, in particular, is a crucial activator of both protein synthesis and protein degradation. BCAAs can be utilized as fuel for physical activity. Additionally, they will stop the catabolic effects of exercise. After exercise, they boost protein synthesis to facilitate the muscle-rebuilding process. [15]
Recommended Dosage: 6-10 grams
10. Creatine
Creatine Powder
In your muscle cells, creatine and phosphorus combine to form phosphocreatine (PC). When you engage in high-intensity sports like weightlifting or sprinting, this compound, which is rich in energy, nourishes your muscles.
Your body uses phosphocreatine to resynthesize ATP during intense exercise. Performance starts to suffer once these stockpiles are depleted. Your muscles may function at higher rates for longer, thanks to creatine supplementation, which boosts phosphocreatine reserves. An immediate increase in strength will result from this.[17]
Recommended Dosage: 3-5 grams
11. L-Arginine
The amino acid arginine is conditionally essential. Although our bodies can produce arginine, under some circumstances (trauma, illness, stress), the body cannot make enough; hence dietary sources become crucial.
During exercise, arginine can be converted into glucose for energy. Nitric oxide and creatine synthesis both depend on it. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that arginine increases growth hormone production, a potent stimulator of muscle growth. [16]
Recommended Dosage: 3-6 grams
Summary
Pre-workouts are not a magic potion. Good ones will work to increase your training energy, focus, and endurance by between 10 and 20 percent. This effect should last between one and two hours.
Take your pre-workout just before you head to the gym. Then, while training, sip from your water bottle to remain hydrated. Most importantly, monitor the effectiveness of your pre-workout. If it’s not working, change it up and try another product.
References
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Sureda A, Pons A. Arginine and citrulline supplementation in sports and exercise: ergogenic nutrients? Med Sport Sci. 2012;59:18-28. doi: 10.1159/000341937. Epub 2012 Oct 15. PMID: 23075551.
Kedia AW, Hofheins JE, Habowski SM, Ferrando AA, Gothard MD, Lopez HL. Effects of a pre-workout supplement on lean mass, muscular performance, subjective workout experience and biomarkers of safety. Int J Med Sci. 2014 Jan 2;11(2):116-26. doi: 10.7150/ijms.7073. PMID: 24465156; PMCID: PMC3894395.
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Guest NS, VanDusseldorp TA, Nelson MT, Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Jenkins NDM, Arent SM, Antonio J, Stout JR, Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Goldstein ER, Kalman DS, Campbell BI. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 Jan 2;18(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s12970-020-00383-4. PMID: 33388079; PMCID: PMC7777221.
Juszkiewicz A, Glapa A, Basta P, Petriczko E, Żołnowski K, Machaliński B, Trzeciak J, Łuczkowska K, Skarpańska-Stejnborn A. The effect of L-theanine supplementation on the immune system of athletes exposed to strenuous physical exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2019 Feb 15;16(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s12970-019-0274-y. PMID: 30770758; PMCID: PMC6377763.
Lindschinger M, Tatzber F, Schimetta W, Schmid I, Lindschinger B, Cvirn G, Stanger O, Lamont E, Wonisch W. A Randomized Pilot Trial to Evaluate the Bioavailability of Natural versus Synthetic Vitamin B Complexes in Healthy Humans and Their Effects on Homocysteine, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Levels. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Dec 12;2019:6082613. doi: 10.1155/2019/6082613. PMID: 31915511; PMCID: PMC6930747.
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Is Intermittent Fasting a Ray of Hope for PCOS? Evidence-Based Answers
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women during their reproductive years. Responsible for various issues such as infertility or subfertility, insulin resistance, obesity, hormonal disorder, and hyperinsulinemia, PCOS exerts enormous mental and physical stress on those with this condition. Amongst the recommended treatments are diabetic and birth control drugs with specified…
Samir Bannout Recalls 1990 Olympia Drug Testing: ‘I Failed the Test’
The landscape of bodybuilding has transformed significantly over the last few decades with some major changes in competition. In a recent episode of The Muscle Maturity podcast, former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout and John Hansen recalled the 1990 Olympia drug testing and the effects it had on the participants.
Steroids have been a part of bodybuilding since the early days. From legendary competitor Arnold Schwarzenegger to modern mass monster Jay Cutler, synthetic substances have contributed to the success of many bodybuilders. Although it is widely accepted in the community, there have been calls to push back against its rampant use.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold opened up on the relatively low consumption of steroids during his days of competing on stage. He argued that contemporary athletes use drugs in massive quantities, which in turn, puts their health at risk. It could also lead to an unrealistic perception of a healthy physique, potentially influencing fitness enthusiasts to use steroids as well. Schwarzenegger highlighted the problem of some competitors taking higher amounts of gear to get an advantage over others who may not consume as high of a dose.
Four-time Mr. Olympia Cutler gave his take on the heated topic last May. He admitted he may have abused drugs such as testosterone in prep for shows. He believes steroids are an unavoidable part of the game and dismissed the validity of incorporating drug tests since competitors tend to find a way around it. He recommends cycling on and off substances based on the goal. He prefers taking certain things to bulk up or to lean out.
There have been concerns surrounding the side effects of using steroids. Being one of the few competitors to stay healthy post-retirement, Cutler revealed he didn’t suffer from roid rage and continues to maintain a high level of fitness without many consequences.
Legendary competitor Robby Robinson reflected on his experience with steroids during his nearly three-decade-long career last November. He confessed to not knowing about anabolic steroids before he made it to the Pro League. He was under the assumption other athletes were simply blessed with great genetics and couldn’t fathom the idea of synthetic compounds being involved.
Fitness influencer Liver King drew a lot of criticism after getting exposed for using steroids. While he’s not a pro bodybuilder, the change in his physique after quitting steroids for a week was evident in a physique update earlier this year.
Men’s Open sensation William Bonac suffered damage to his kidneys while getting ready for contests. Since he was using steroid cycles in prep, he couldn’t consume the medicine he needed to reduce the inflammation in his kidneys. Following the 2022 Mr. Olympia, he stopped taking oral steroids while in prep for the 2023 Arnold Classic.
Samir Bannout Recalls 1990 Olympia Drug Testing
In a recent YouTube video, Samir Bannout and John Hansen shared their thoughts on the drug testing policy for the 1990 Mr. Olympia event, where eight-time winner Lee Haney emerged as the champion.
Bannout explained how the delay in test results could lead to a change in title and prize money. He referenced the overturning of Mike Ashley’s win at the 1990 Arnold Classic.
“I was one of the guys that failed the test,” said Bannout. “At the time, a doctor told me to take a short acting testosterone which is actually called masterone. He said it was androgen and this is what I got caught for. Mike actually won the prize, he ended up getting the 50 grand from Shawn Ray. That’s the first year they tested. The results came out a week later.”
Hansen chimed in with his take on why the Weiders felt it necessary to drug test athletes. He also reasoned why the testing was discontinued the next year.
“The Weiders were always worried about the public image of bodybuilding,” said Hansen. “They said the steroid scandal, the general public’s thoughts about steroids is getting worse and worse every year so we need to do something. Ben Weider’s goal was always to get bodybuilding in the Olympics. He knew that it would never get in the Olympics if it had the steroid stigma attached to it.”
“First of all, I think because the tests weren’t really accurate,” he added. “Some guys passed who looked like they were on. Mostly I think it was because the guys who were in the show didn’t look as good at all, not nearly as good. I think they were afraid of losing their audience.”
Kai Greene advised upcoming competitors to focus on building their natural talents and reaching their natural peak before going for steroids. He revealed he competed as a natty for over 15 years and considers TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) a steroid as well.
Retired bodybuilder Zack Khan highlighted the focus on becoming a mass monster last week. He believes social media plays a big role in persuading athletes to use crazy doses of steroids, something he noticed doing the era of eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.
The prevalence of steroids has proven to be a hot topic in the sport and it appears the debate regarding its use and side effects continues to rage on as Samir Bannout and John Hansen offered their experiences.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 13 April, 2023 | 12:28 AM EDT
Larry Wheels on Chris Bumstead & Move to Classic Physique: ‘My Coach Said I Can Be Competitive With Just TRT’
Powerlifting icon Larry Wheels is a man of many talents with experience in multiple fitness sports, such as strongman, powerlifting, and arm wrestling. In a recent Bradley Martyn’s Raw Talk, Wheels discussed his transition to Classic Physique and how he’d stack up against reigning four-time champ Chris Bumstead.
Larry Wheels is one of the most popular figures in the fitness space, boasting over 4.4 million followers on Instagram. He first gained attention for his muscle-bound physique and crazy strength. Larry has proven himself already as an aspiring bodybuilder. He earned gold in his amateur debut at the NPC Gold Coast Muscle Classic in Feb. 2018.
Wheels redirected his focus after a sudden training mishap. He picked up an injury while preparing for the 2022 Middle East’s Strongest Man contest and decided to quit steroids. Since he had been using performance-enhancing drugs for about a decade, he tapered off slowly and with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Earlier this year, Wheels opened up about the origins of his steroid use. He credited using TRT at the age of 17 instead of delving further into the world of illicit drugs. He revealed TRT helped him pack on over 32 pounds in two months.
After abstaining from steroids, Wheels began tracking his strength. He conducted a powerlifting mock meet to measure his lifts on the squat, bench press, and deadlift. While he did not record his all-time best lifts, he managed to pull off some spectacular lifts.
Larry Wheels teamed up with fitness influencer Lexx Little for a heavy lower-body strength training session. He crushed a massive set of 505-lb (229-kg) squats for a 16-rep AMRAP (as many reps as possible). Then, Wheels pushed Lexx to achieve a new PR on the squat after two years of stalled progress.
The 28-year-old was enlisted to help IFBB Pro Joe Mackey achieve his goal of lifting 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) on the deadlift. Mackey targeted becoming one of the strongest IFBB Pros in history and used Wheels’ expertise to get closer to his goal.
Wheels left the fans stunned with his insane strength two months ago. He smoked past a huge 200-lb dumbbell bench press for three reps. Additionally, he showed off his jacked physique while performing 100-lb hammer curls for reps.
Wheels declared his plan to switch to bodybuilding as a Classic Physique competitor last month. He gave fans a look into his preparations for making the transition and even received help from William Bonac and Andrew Jacked with posing instructions.
Larry Wheels backed himself to be competitive in Classic Physique, ruled by Chris Bumstead
In a recent YouTube video, Larrry Wheels shared his thoughts on pursuing a run in the Classic Physique division and his chances of challenging four-time Olympia champ Chris Bumstead.
“Classic bodybuilding because since 18, I went on Open bodybuilding stage,” said Wheels. “I was just too small for my height not competitive whatsoever but now that you know CBum really took the division to new heights. The division is more popular than ever and I don’t have to be on even more than TRT to be as big as him right now meaning I can actually be competitive according to my coach.
“From what I can see on just TRT and the absolute bare minimum so without a major compromise to my health like Open bodybuilding being a mass monster or pursuing what records in powerlifting where I can shrink down to 230 which is the cut off for my height on stage, look phenomenal and have content ready.”
Wheels said he felt burned out in powerlifting and expressed his excitement about fulfilling his potential in bodybuilding.
“I believe I can be competitive in Classic but I want to see if I really dedicate myself as I am now the last couple months I’ve been here, the next couple of years, how my physique can transform because training as a powerlifter gave me a very different physique to I was training all this time. I want to see what that looks like. I’m not saying I’m going to be next Mr. Olympia but at the very least I want to get my Pro card, win overalls, and see a transformation within myself. I want to see what it looks like a couple years of bodybuilding.
“Now that I’m focusing on bodybuilding, I just don’t care about putting how many plates, whatever on the bar, I just want to change my physique, so it is not an obsession like it was with powerlifting but the fire is there whereas the power thing I’ve been burned out.”
Larry Wheels provided an insanely ripped physique update while preparing for his Classic Physique debut last month. If his track record is any indication, Wheels will dedicate 100% effort into bringing his best package possible.
RELATED: Larry Wheels Shares Shocking Physique Comparison Using 175 mg of Testosterone vs 500 mg
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 13 April, 2023 | 12:14 AM EDT