Tag: Bodybuilding
2023 Klash Series Southern USA Pro Results — Reijuana Harley Wins
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2023 Palmetto Pro Results and Scorecard — Daniel Ammons Wins
The 2023 Palmetto Pro will host Men’s Physique competitors this weekend (May 27). This show takes place in Columbia, South Carolina, and serves as a qualifier for this year’s Mr. Olympia competition.
Nearly 20 Men’s Physique competitors will battle for gold, a cash prize, and a Mr. Olympia invitation. The 2023 Mr. Olympia contest takes place November 2-5, in Orlando, Florida. Whoever walks away from this show victorious will have the opportunity to face the newly crowned Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks.
Looking at the roster, fans have highlighted a few athletes to watch. Daniel Ammons, who claimed victories at the Texas and Tampa Pro last year, is eager to win another show. While he didn’t enter Olympia last year, fans are in agreement about his potential. Meanwhile, Chris Barr and Puwanat Putoya are also in the running to win given their respective physiques.
2023 Palmetto Pro Results
Men’s Physique
Winner — Daniel Ammons
Second Place — Drew Cullen
Third Place — Chris Barr
Fourth Place — Charjo Grant
Fifth Place — Deke Walker
Sixth Place — Puwanat Putoya
Seventh Place — Brandon Elam
Eighth Place — Darriel Dorsey
Ninth Place — Darius Brooks
Tenth Place — Ephram Mike Lawhorne
2023 Palmetto Pro Scorecard
2023 Palmetto Pro Scorecard
Fitness Volt congratulates the winner!
Published: 27 May, 2023 | 11:04 PM EDT
2023 Musclecontest California Pro Results — Ross Flanigan Wins Bodybuilding Title
Bodybuilding action took over the West Coast this weekend in Anaheim, CA at the 2023 Musclecontest California Pro. Competitors from the Men’s Open division battled on May 27 as they aim to lock in their invites to this year’s Mr. Olympia.
Unlike in 2022, athletes have fewer months to qualify for the Mr. Olympia competition in November. In addition, the point system has been removed, therefore bodybuilders must win a pro show in order to make an appearance on the sport’s biggest stage.
Last weekend, the 2023 New York Pro, headlined by the Open class, saw two names in the running for gold: Tonio Burton and Stuart Sutherland. Ultimately, Burton’s fullness and deep muscle separation got the job done. Both men are competing again in California, however, they will face a new addition to the roster as Sergio Oliva Jr. entered the show last minute. Sergio has shared consistent updates in the lead-up to the event and revealed he’s weighing approximately 286 pounds. Meanwhile, Seung Chul Lee is also looking for a statement performance.
2023 Musclecontest California Pro Results (Live Update)
Men’s Open Bodybuilding
Winner — Ross Flanigan
Second Place — Tonio Burton
Third Place — Sergio Oliva Jr.
Fourth Place — Stuart Sutherland
Fifth Place — Bednar
More coming soon!
Ross Flanigan
2023 Musclecontest California Pro Scorecard
Coming Soon!
Fitness Volt congratulates the winner!
Published: 27 May, 2023 | 10:15 PM EDT
Ronnie Coleman Criticizes His ‘Horrible’ Olympia-Winning Physique in Throwback Photo with Jay Cutler
Legendary bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman is widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors of all time. He dominated the IFBB Pro League and shared a heated on-stage rivalry with fellow legend Jay Cutler. In a recent throwback post made on Instagram, Coleman bashed his Olympia-winning physique in the off-season posing snap with Cutler.
Ronnie Coleman first gained attention for his freakish muscle mass, size, and conditioning as a Men’s Open contender in the late 90s. He came out on top of his first Mr. Olympia appearance with a dominant victory over Flex Wheeler. After the win, Coleman went on a commanding reign that saw him ward off the budding talent and defend the title successfully seven times in a row. One of the toughest competitors he faced during his days of competition was Jay Cutler.
Cutler emerged as a promising contender who battled it out with Coleman on the Olympia stage several times. He presented a tough threat but kept falling short of Coleman until he finally dethroned him in 2006.
Since stepping away from professional competition, the pair have put their competitive rivalry behind them. The two joined social media fitness influencer Jesse James West for a collaborative upper-body training session earlier this year. They reflected on competing against each other as Coleman admitted how hard the loss to Cutler was for him.
Ronnie Coleman And Jay Cutler
Ronnie Coleman suffered from a series of health challenges and underwent multiple surgeries stemming from his intense training methods. He’d maintained a candid attitude about the pain he endured throughout the years. Fortunately, things turned around after he started stem cell injections nearly a year ago. He reported positive results from the treatment and revealed the pain subsided completely.
‘The King’ laid out his four favorite bodybuilding poses of all time two months ago. Then, he teamed up with former 212 Olympia champ and 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up Derek Lunsford for a grueling back and biceps training session a week later.
Jay Cutler is one of the few athletes to have retired without any major injuries. He has kept up a high level of personal fitness and working towards his personal ‘Fit for 50’ body transformation challenge before turning 50 this August. He left the fans stunned with a jacked physique update earlier this month.
Cutler heaped praises on Coleman’s physique and believes no other competitor has come close to the package he presented in his prime. He followed up by detailing his methods for developing a massive chest and provided three movements for building boulder shoulders about two weeks ago.
Ronnie Coleman criticizes his Olympia-winning physique in off-season throwback photo with Jay Cutler
In a recent Instagram post, Ronnie Coleman bashed his physique in a throwback photo where he posed on stage next to Jay Cutler in the 2005 off-season.
“@daveliberman sent me this last night to remind me as I am crushing the next 10.5 weeks toward my goal,” wrote Cutler.
“This was 2005/06 when @ronniecoleman8 and I would guest pose week after week together before the hype of social media 16 weeks out onstage full offseason My weight 300 lbs Ronnie was 320 lbs here.”
Coleman weighed in with his take on the old physiques of the two.
“Hey where is my other arm,” commented Coleman. “I’ve been out angled by missing an arm. We are both out of shape and we both look horrible. It’s all good though. That’s what the off season was for, to be off, sometimes way way off.”
Jay Cutler opened up about his ambitions to add muscle mass while maintaining his lean build for the body transformation challenge two weeks ago. He showed off his shredded package in a physique update where he weighed 240 pounds.
Ronnie Coleman opened his own Metroflex gym in Tampa, Florida a few days ago. He reflected on his career and mingled with fans for the launch of the training facility.
Coleman’s latest comment goes to show the champion mindset he carried to become the winningest Mr. Olympia athlete in history.
Published: 27 May, 2023 | 4:31 PM EDT
Terrick El Guindy: ‘If Nick Walker Has Branch Warren Quads, He Wins Mr. Olympia The Next 5 Years’
Judge Terrick El Guindy and Chris Cormier are weighing Nick Walker’s chances ahead of his 2023 Mr. Olympia appearance this November. In a recent Prime Time Muscle podcast, Cormier and El Guindy explained why quad improvements could lead to ‘The Mutant’ claiming gold later this year.
Cormier and Terrick El Guindy have become major voices in bodybuilding with consistent online appearances where they tackle current events. Over the last several months, the Men’s Open division has undergone significant changes. Most notably, Hadi Choopan won the 2022 Mr. Olympia title.
Months later, Nick Walker and Samson Dauda battled for gold in Ohio at the 35th Arnold Classic. After Bob Cicherillo called Dauda in first place, the community was shocked by the result. Online protests raged until Walker told fans to calm down.
In the aftermath, Cormier and El Guindy dissected the show and Walker’s second-place performance. Given the shape, beauty, and aesthetic features of Dauda and Andrew Jacked, El Guindy cautioned that this trend could mean trouble for Nick Walker or any bodybuilder who leans on freak factor and size to win shows.
Terrick El Guindy, Chris Cormier Say ‘Bigger Quads’ Gives Nick Walker ‘The Illusion’ of a Slimmer Waist for 2023 Mr. Olympia
According to Cormier, Walker would benefit from adding volume to his quads.
“He did a vacuum or pulled up [during a front double biceps pose] which is not a good look because his legs are shorter and his torso is longer but I did like the fact that he was starting to crunch down on the abs that shortens the waist a little bit and therefore gave him a more balanced look.
But I think there needs to be more depth to the quads, just from the front, not so much even the sweep, but just popping out towards the crowd. That’s going to be a whole other look for him. He’s right there. I think with a little tinkering around he’d be right there,” said Chris Cormier.
Cormier added that more thickness to Walker’s quads would make his shoulders appear broader.
“You become wider on top and that makes your waist, the illusion makes it small. You get your quads out, big quads always helps, so you can increase the shoulder, you can increase the legs which is going to make the waist smaller. He’s been doing that. His waist is actually getting smaller. He’s been doing work to reduce his waist but mostly it’s going to be by adding muscle in certain areas.”
Having finished third at 2022 Olympia, Terrick El Guindy believes if Walker brings up his lower body he could win any show on the IFBB Pro League calendar.
“Nick Walker, he said he was going to win Olympia, he took third. He said he was going to win the Arnold, he took second. He’s a movement. People love him. They love his confidence.”
“I still want to see a little bit more quads on him. If he has more quads, that waist is going to look really small. And I think the quads plus some posing is going to bring Nick Walker to the position where he can win any show in the world,” El Guindy shared.
El Guindy stressed that Walker’s waistline would look smaller with a different variation of the front double biceps pose.
“He’s got to pose better on that front doubles biceps we’ve been saying, he wants to show his quads, create an angle like Flex Wheeler used to create that angle and that’s going to minimize the waist,” El Guindy explained.
Cormier, on the other hand, noticed that Walker had some issues staying full from prejudging to finals at his last two contests.
“That’s one thing I noticed from the daytime to the night. Everything needs to be managed to where on his physique the pecs are not very long so I noticed from the next day the pecs were a little fuller and that front lat spread improved in the next day because the first day it just looked like it was a little bit flat-ish in the pecs, the shoulders wasn’t that wide, but then when we came to the night show the next day it was a much fuller package there,” Cormier said.
At just 29 years old, Walker is brimming with potential. El Guindy is confident Nick Walker could end up becoming a dominant Mr. Olympia if he achieves Branch Warren-level quads.
“It’s just a matter of learning from the guys that have made mistakes from the past and they learned. I think there’s a possibility for Matt Jansen and Nick Walker to get with some of these guys from the past that were criticized like we’re doing it and they fixed it. If Nick Walker has quads like Branch Warren, it’s over, he’s winning every Olympia for the next five years,” Terrick El Guindy stated.
This isn’t the first time that Cormier and El Guindy assessed Walker’s potential. The two met for a special Prime Time Muscle episode in March, where they emphasized that Walker’s mental outlook and determination were critical factors to finding success in the sport.
Even though Mr. Olympia isn’t for several months, Nick Walker hasn’t slowed down in his quest to win. In a recent Mutant and the Mouth podcast, Walker signaled an intensity shift in both his training and PEDs. He explained that his strength was climbing as he and Matt Jansen entered the next stage of his 2023 off-season.
As for Samson Dauda, he’s been evaluating the potential Olympia lineup for November. Despite Derek Lunsford’s runner-up finish last year, Dauda believes with enough back improvements he could take him out and possibly dethrone Hadi Choopan.
Predictions for the annual Mr. Olympia event are all over the board. Walker says Choopan won’t repeat as champion whereas William Bonac says he will. Meanwhile, athletes rep Bob Cicherillo is convinced Dauda and Lunsford are the top two threats to Hadi’s title. Regardless of who competes, fans are in for a thrilling event come November.
RELATED: Chris Cormier & Olympia Judge Discuss Potential of Iain Valliere, Michal Krizo, And ‘Good Vito’
You can watch the full video from the Olympia TV YouTube channel below:
Published: 27 May, 2023 | 1:27 PM EDT
Charles Glass Targets ‘Fake Drugs’ in Bodybuilding: ‘You’re Taking Something That Will Totally Mess You Up”
Bodybuilding trainer Charles Glass has developed a keen eye for the sport over the years. In a recent series of Instagram posts, Glass discussed counterfeit steroids and encouraged athletes to attend regular check-ups with doctors.
As one of the world’s top bodybuilding coaches, Charles Glass has used his engineering background to design effective workouts for people with different fitness goals. In addition to posting workout demonstrations, Glass teaches his students how to contract the muscles properly for optimal results.
The role of steroids in bodybuilding has always been controversial. Over the last three years, fans and bodybuilders alike fear that drugs have contributed to a rise in deaths. In 2021, former Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden died due to suspected heart troubles. Then, a year later, former Arnold Classic champion Cedric McMillan died at 46.
Following McMillan’s passing, athletes Seth Feroce and Kali Muscle warned up-and-comers about the dangers of steroids. Feroce believes the ‘bodybuilding lifestyle’ is to blame, which operates around exorbitant amounts of food and steroids. And now Charles Glass is addressing the touchy topic, who argues that fake drugs have become more prevalent than ever.
Charles Glass Warns Against Fake Steroids: ‘Do It Right & Your Blood Won’t Be Like Molasses’
According to Charles Glass, fake insulin and steroids are being produced in underground labs.
“People was using insulin then but not as much, less [the 80s]. Oh my God, yeah, [the drugs have changed] there’s more counterfeit drugs out, there’s more fake drugs out, you think you’re taking this but you’re not taking it. You’re taking something totally different that will mess you up. Why would you take it? You don’t know what’s in there. You buy test for $30 and this guy sells it for $50, who are you going to buy it from? The $30 person because it’s cheaper. It doesn’t mean it’s good but it’s cheaper. Most of the time, if it’s that cheap it’s an underground lab,” Charles Glass shared.
As a gymnast, Glass said he was able to bench press 425 pounds with a natural physique.
“I was a gymnast in college I was already strong. I wasn’t taking any drugs and I was able to lift heavy. Considering how much I weighed I was lifting heavy. You’d be surprised what you can do. The thing of it is the mid to late 30s you start seeing [better] performance. I could bench 425 without anything.”
Lastly, Glass highlighted that bodybuilders today are too concerned with size instead of regular health screenings.
“Most of the bodybuilders of today, all we just think about getting big and we don’t think about all the other stuff that goes with it. You always always always got to see a doctor. How many of see doctors now? I have to save my money to buy this buy that, but if you take the time to do it right, you’re still going to grow and your blood won’t get thick like molasses.”
Charles Glass isn’t the only veteran of the sport who believes steroid protocols have changed. Rich Gaspari competed as a Men’s Open pro in the 1990s and suggested that dosages today are ‘way higher’ than what he used during his heyday. Moreover, Gaspari took to a different Fitness, Fame & Fortune podcast, where he argued that competitors today rely on the overuse of drugs rather than training.
Given Glass’ meticulous training approach, he continues to be a valuable source of knowledge to the bodybuilding community. Above all else, he encourages athletes to always take their time building muscle.
Watch the other Instagram videos from Charles Glass below:
RELATED: Bodybuilding Coach Charles Glass Shares a Must-Try Shoulder Superset
Published: 27 May, 2023 | 11:20 AM EDT
Iain Valliere Shares Shredding Diet 2 Weeks from 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow
Canadian bodybuilder Iain Valliere is a promising Men’s Open contender who many believe to be in the mix of Olympia title contention. Although he missed a step in his last appearance, he’s determined to turn things around and get back on track. In a recent YouTube video, Valliere shared his shredding diet two weeks from the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow.
Iain Valliere started competing as a Men’s Open contender in the IFBB Pro League in 2015. He turned in several strong performances in national competitions such as the 2016 Vancouver Pro and Toronto Pro Supershow. In 2018, Valliere extended his run with back-to-back fourth-place finishes at the Indy Pro and Vancouver Pro. The victories earned him an invite to the Mr. Olympia contest, where he placed 14th.
Valliere continued to work his way up the ranks. He narrowly missed out on gold at the 2019 Toronto Pro Supershow. While he did not make it to the Olympia in 2019, he maintained his consistency with top-four placings at the Vancouver Pro and Tampa Pro. He scored the top prize at the 2020 New York Pro and finished seventh at the Mr. Olympia. Then he earned the 2021 Texas Pro and 2021 Tampa Pro titles and got seventh at the Olympia.
Last season, Valliere came out on top of the 2022 Vancouver Pro and entered the Mr. Olympia brimming with confidence. However, he missed the mark on stage in Las Vegas last December. He finished 11th. Following the result, he opened up on his challenges with peaking for the show.
Valliere made the case for eliminating the Men’s 212 division earlier this year. He explained that the 212 should be absorbed by the Open class given the rise in contenders switching divisions as some have found success including former 212 Olympia champ and Open runner-up Derek Lunsford and Shaun Clarida.
Iain Valliere revealed he left Patrick Tuor to rejoin coach Matt Jansen two months ago. He believes the reforged partnership would put him in a better place for his return at the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow. Then, he showed off a jacked physique update where he weighed 280 pounds and detailed his new diet and training plan under Jansen.
Iain Valliere shares the full day of eating 2 weeks out from the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow
In a recent YouTube video, Iain Valliere shared his full day of eating and supplements he’s using two weeks out from the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow.
“We’re just about to have meal one getting all my digestive supplements and we got our betaine, digestive enzymes, digestive gut health and the zinc,” said Valliere. “I’m taking all these with my first and last meal. Two caps and the zinc carnosine. I’ve been doing one of these with every meal. Then dosing this tube instead of doing two once or twice a day I’m just taking one with all six of my meals.”
Valliere’s full day of eating
Meal 1: 220g extra lean ground beef, 140g rice
Meal 2: 220g chicken, 140g rice, green beans
Meal 3 (pre-workout): 250g fish, 100g rice, kale with RTD pre-workout
Intra-workout: 2 scoops of EAAs
Meal 4 (post-workout): 250g white fish, 150g Yukon or yellow potato, kale with 10g of glutamine, 5g creatine
Meal 5: 250g fish, greens (broccoli and green beans), 10g oil
Meal 6: 250g steak, asparagus, and cucumber
Iain Valliere is certain he’s in a good spot going into the upcoming contest. He revealed not much had changed in his preparations under Jansen but hinted at the possibility of a revamped drug protocol in the final stages of prep.
Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy praised Valliere for his impressive physique and work ethic earlier this month. Guindy highlighted a need for Valliere to level up his back and calves along with his posing skills. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old has focused on keeping his weight under control in the 2023 off-season. Valliere gave fans an update on his progress going into his next outing where he promised his best look yet.
Valliere appears confident about his chances at the upcoming 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow. He will aim to earn an invite to Olympia, taking place November 2-5 later this year.
You can watch the full video below.
RELATED: Iain Valliere Talks Atrophy in Lats, Says Big Ramy’s ‘Muscle Volume’ Led to ‘Severe’ Nerve Damage
Published: 26 May, 2023 | 11:33 PM EDT
Dorian Yates Shares Optimal Time for High-Intensity Training: ‘Give Your Body Stress It’s Not Used To’
Legendary bodybuilder Dorian Yates carved out his own space in the sport with his intense workout philosophy. He dominated the Men’s Open division with unreal back development during his days of competition. In a recent Instagram post, Yates shared the optimal time for performing a high-intensity workout for muscle growth.
Dorian Yates made a name for himself with insane muscle mass, size, and stellar conditioning in the 90s. Starting his career on the national circuit, he earned a qualification to the Mr. Olympia competition in 1991. He turned in a strong performance and took silver behind eight-time champion Lee Haney in his Olympia debut.
Yates returned with a vengeance the next year and secured the coveted Sandow trophy. He went on to defend the title successfully five times in a row and moved on from professional competition after his sixth win at the 1997 Mr. Olympia. Besides his package, he was also renowned for his intense training techniques and tendency to stay away from the spotlight.
Yates laid out his favorite bodybuilding cycles he used in competition last October. He revealed Dianabol as his steroid of choice and detailed his use of TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) by micro-dosing daily. He opened up on the strong mindset which never allowed him to compromise on training, diet, or recovery. Although he doesn’t have any regrets, he admitted he could’ve taken things a bit easier.
The 61-year-old Brit set a high bar for the Men’s Open division. His impact can be felt to this day. In Dec. 2022, bodybuilding veteran Rich Gaspari invoked Yates’ back to bash Hadi Choopan’s back conditioning after the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Dorian Yates offered fans his favorite exercise for building muscle in the back earlier this year. He encouraged using barbell rows with an underhand grip while giving some intensity tips to pack on the pounds. Then, he gave tips on properly performing lat pulldowns by pulling with the elbows.
Yates gave fans a look into some of his staple high-intensity training techniques to optimize workouts last month. He differentiated high-intensity from high-volume training and laid out the difference in using free weights versus machines.
‘The Shadow’ promoted incorporating lying hamstring curls with a full range of motion and a slow negative weeks ago. He believes in controlling the weight at each point to activate muscle growth.
Dorian Yates shares the optimal time for high-intensity training
In a recent Instagram post, Dorian Yates shared the optimal time for performing high-intensity training. Since the sessions are more exhausting, he suggested limiting workout times to 45 minutes.
“Overtraining and under recovering!” wrote Yates. “You need to give your body a stress that it’s not used to in order to get a response.
Bodybuilding is not an endurance sport, the aim is to train hard, heavy and intense to stimulate muscle growth.
If you train too much then your progress will come to a halt.
“It’s not possible to train with high intensity for too long, 45 minutes is enough.
Go to the gym, train… and get out. Each minute of my training was incredibly intense but with purpose and focus.”
Dorian Yates revealed his diet and training routine in the off-season and contest prep along with the steroid cycles he used last month. He revealed he quit steroids altogether and credited TRT for helping improve his mental health after retirement.
RELATED: Bodybuilding Legend Dorian Yates Breaks Down What Mr. Olympia Judges Look For
Yates opened up on his experience taking ayahuasca in Brazil as well. He argued against focusing solely on success and highlighted the need to practice self-love to achieve happiness. Considering the success Yates achieved, many will look to follow in his footsteps to level up their fitness game.
Published: 26 May, 2023 | 6:50 PM EDT
Bob Cicherillo: ‘Chris Bumstead Could Push Samson Dauda, Big Ramy/Nick Walker If He Adds 20 Lbs’
Canadian powerhouse Chris Bumstead has steadily become one of the sport’s most popular attractions. In a Voice of Bodybuilding podcast, Bob Cicherillo argued that Cbum wouldn’t have found success without the Classic Physique division. In addition, Cicherillo examined Bumstead’s chances in a future Open show.
Thus far, Chris Bumstead has been near-unstoppable throughout his bodybuilding journey. Classic Physique, which was first established in 2016, was designed for athletes who display looks reminiscent of Golden Era talent such as Frank Zane, Robby Robinson, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In 2019, Cbum dethroned the two-time Classic Physique Olympia Breon Ansley. Since taking the reigns, Bumstead’s complete physique and charisma have only bolstered the sport’s popularity. However, his career has not been without obstacles. Last year, Bumstead split with his long-time training partner Iain Valliere, who is currently in prep for the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow.
Approximately 12 weeks from last year’s Mr. Olympia, the 28-year-old joined Hany Rambod. Working with several top-tier athletes, Rambod is widely respected for his proprietary training strategies. He currently guides Andrei Deiu, Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and many others. Despite suffering from a torn bicep in the weeks leading up to 2022 Olympia, Bumstead refused to let the setback jeopardize his status as champion.
And while Bumstead has publicly stated he’s on the hunt for a fifth Classic Physique title, Bob Cicherillo is confident the young star could make waves in the Open. In fact, Cicherillo argued that Cbum could potentially hold his own against names like Nick Walker and Samson Dauda with an added 15-20 pounds of muscle.
Read also Every Mr. Olympia Classic Physique Winner Since 2016
Cicherillo highlighted a conversation he had with Bumstead recently about whether or not Chris would have a career without Classic Physique.
“I got to ask the golden question Chris, nobody has ever asked Chris this question. The Classic Physique division was put in not that long ago, brand new, what would you have done in your career or would you have had a career if there was no Classic Physique division?” asks Cicherillo.
Initially, Bumstead tried his luck in the Men’s Open division. He later decided it wasn’t a suitable fit.
“I almost retired. I’m not going to lie, in 2016, I turned pro as an Open bodybuilder at heavyweight, at heavyweight, not superheavyweight. At 6″1′ I was probably one of the smallest guys on stage. I know a lot these judges were here judging me, so thank you for that pro card, I appreciate it. Honestly, I was ready to be done.
I didn’t think I had a future in Open bodybuilding. It wasn’t something for me. It’s probably every single year, every single day when I step on stage, I’m so grateful for the Classic Physique division. I think it’s opened up such a bigger variety of scope of people to watch the sport and come into it. It’s a much more modern age thing,” Bumstead explained.
Bob Cicherillo argued that Bumstead wouldn’t have the success he enjoys today without the Classic Physique division.
“Dan [Solomon] isn’t that something? To think how different the landscape would have been if this division doesn’t exist, Cbum doesn’t exist. At least in the terms we know now, he’s amassed a huge following,” Cicherillo said.
“To take his physique and to get himself in conditioning and retain the amount of size that’s necessary and put it all into a beautiful package that has brought him Olympia titles. So, I mean, I think I have more confidence in Chris’ physique than he did back in the day when he first started. The question is, would he have the success that he has?” Bob Cicherillo asks.
“Chris was quick to point out without this division he probably wouldn’t have done much of anything. Why is that? I don’t think he’d have the confidence that he clearly has now. He had some success but like he said, it took him a while to even get to that level. Then, he was in with the Open bodybuilders, he started as an Open bodybuilder. I don’t think he would have done poorly. Clearly he has the tools or he wouldn’t be where he is today.”
Given rampant talks about Cbum moving to the Open, Bob Cicherillo gave his take on the matter.
“The question remains, could he have done well in the Open? A lot of people think if he just stepped into the Open now, even where his weight is, that he would do well. I don’t know if I’d go that far. Well, yes. He would be a contender and he would be up there. No question he’s a top 10 guy. The question would be can he break the top three? Would he be a contender for the title?”
According to Cicherillo, Bumstead could be a top-three Mr. Olympia threat with an added 15-20 pounds.
“Could he stand next to a Samson Dauda, a Big Ramy, a Nick Walker, any of the current guys occupying those top five top six slots? I believe with 15-20 pounds he probably wouldn’t sacrifice too much conditioning,” added Cicherillo.
This isn’t the first time Bumstead competing in the Open has been brought up. Bumstead tackled the subject himself during a recent The Truth Podcast with Hany Rambod. He made it clear that he would compete at the Arnold Classic in the Open if they made the show two or three weeks after Mr. Olympia.
Fans and Bob Cicherillo included, are looking forward to seeing Bumstead step back on stage. He will put his Classic Physique title on the line in November, where he will aim to become a five-time champion.
You can watch the full video from the Voice of Bodybuilding podcast below:
RELATED: Kevin Levrone Says Chris Bumstead’s Physique Ushered In New Era of Aesthetics In Open Bodybuilding
Published: 26 May, 2023 | 3:47 PM EDT
Sergio Oliva Jr. Announces Surprise Entry for 2023 Musclecontest California State Pro Show
Fans will be happy to hear that Sergio Oliva Jr. will make his anticipated return to action this weekend. In a recent Instagram post, Oliva Jr. confirmed his arrival in Los, Angeles and revealed plans to compete at the 2023 Musclecontest California State Pro show on Saturday.
Sergio Oliva Jr. is the son of bodybuilding royalty, three-time Mr. Olympia Sergio Oliva, who led a decorated career during the 1970s and 80s that saw him defeat icons such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, and Franco Columbo.
His son, Sergio Oliva Jr. took the bodybuilding reigns and has shown immense promise as an Open class talent. Having earned first at contests like the New York Pro, Oliva Jr.’s combination of mass, class, and muscle balance make him a fan favorite. He continues to display improvements year to year and even stood out on the Arnold Classic stage back in 2020.
Oliva Jr.’s last competition came at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro where he secured third place. While the contest was won by Shaun Clarida, Oliva Jr. managed to defeat fourth-place finisher Tonio Burton. Recently, Burton won the 2023 New York Pro and guaranteed his spot on the Olympia stage in November. With history competing against each other, Sergio Oliva Jr. will look to once again defeat Burton this weekend.
Sergio Oliva Jr. Jumping into 2023 Musclecontest California State Pro Show This Weekend
Oliva Jr. shared late Thursday night that he arrived in Los Angeles, California after flying over from Dubai. In previous physique updates, Sergio Olvia Jr. revealed he’s been weighing around 286 pounds. With that in mind, fans expect him to easily be the biggest man on stage.
Find Sergio Oliva Jr.’s statement below where he hashtagged this weekend’s California show:
“We did it!! Never done this before and got on a plane across the world to hop on stage right away. I’m a stress ball of water but no matter what happens I’m soooooo happy to be able to just do what I love and be back in my home. GOD BLESS THE USA??@musclecontestinternational #TheCalPro” Oliva Jr. wrote.
The bodybuilding standout has faced considerable adversity in the lead-up to this contest. Oliva Jr. was arrested and jailed in March following a traffic accident. In the end, a man’s life was lost, however, Oliva Jr. was later found innocent of all charges except for some traffic violations. Nevertheless, he was forced to sit in prison for a few days, which he described as the worst experience of his life.
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With his travel issues seemingly corrected, Oliva Jr. will aim to earn gold and his Olympia ticket for November. Fans are excited to see how he fares against last weekend’s New York pro finalists, Tonio Burton and ‘Beef’ Stu Sutherland.
Published: 26 May, 2023 | 10:47 AM EDT