Tag: Branch Warren
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
Branch Warren Talks Competing Natural as a Teenager and Achieving Grainy Muscle Maturity
Bodybuilding veteran Branch Warren touts an impressive résumé, having last competed in 2015. He recently joined Dennis James on The Menace Podcast to discuss a host of topics, like how he achieved grainy conditioning, what it’s like training with Johnnie Jackson, and competing naturally as a teenager.
During the 2000s, Warren emerged as Men’s Open threat in the IFBB Pro League. He asserted himself among the best in the world when he won two consecutive Arnold Classic contests in 2011 and 2012. Additionally, Warren narrowly lost to Jay Cutler in 2009 at Mr. Olympia. Looking back on the close call, Warren admitted the outcome was difficult to accept because he placed ahead of Dexter Jackson, who dethroned Cutler the previous year.
Widely respected for his work ethic and grainy muscle detail, Warren and his teammate Johnnie Jackson always pushed the limits as active competitors. While some have suggested their training methods were too extreme, Warren stands behind the sacrifices that guided him through a successful career.
At 48 years old, Warren remains in spectacular shape, especially his lower body. In retirement, Warren occasionally shares training footage. Recently, fans were privy to a massive barbell back squat workout, and given his shape, some believe Branch Warren could do well at the upcoming 2023 Masters Olympia. However, Warren has publicly stated he’s stopped and won’t return to the sport.
Branch Warren Talks Training with Johnnie Jackson and How He Achieved Grainy Muscle Detail
According to Warren, bodybuilders usually don’t peak with muscle maturity until the mid-30s, late 30s, and sometimes in the 40s.
“I think the graininess just comes with – I think everybody – I was in my 20s when I did that first show and I think as a bodybuilder we don’t really mature until we’re in our mid-30s, late 30s when you mature and peak out- maybe even 40 for some people. As far as conditioning, I don’t think I can get fat. I mean seriously, I was always the lean kid. Even now.”
Warren credited genetics for staying lean and mentioned he wouldn’t become overweight even if he exclusively ate junk food.
“Right now, you could step on the Masters Olympia stage right now, I don’t even think you would have to diet,” said Dennis James.
“I don’t, dude, even if I started eating junk food every day, I don’t think I could get fat. That’s just my metabolism and the genetics. When you combine eating right with training and all that stuff, you get that look.”
In 2001, Warren and Johnnie Jackson began training together. Unlike today’s era of bodybuilders, Warren stressed that earning a pro card was once far more difficult than how the process unfolds today.
“I hooked up with Johnnie in 2001. Johnnie was out of the military. He got out of the military a few years earlier. We competed against each other several times as amateurs, he always beat me. We did the nationals, USA, the USA, for all our listeners just getting into bodybuilding, back then, it was really hard to turn pro. At the USA, they had like one pro card, so they’re might be 100 or 200 guys in the Open division, and in the different classes, they just gave out one pro card. You could win your class at the USA Championships and not go pro.”
“That’s how we learned. I mean, Ronnie didn’t have good form right, all these guys. I’m always in control of the weight and I never once, never once, did I tell people they need to train the way I train. If you can take something I do and incorporate it into your program, that’s a win for me. I do what works for me. I don’t ever criticize what somebody else does. You know, a 100 pounds is a 100 pounds. That’s the way I learned how to train. My thing was go to failure and get as much blood into the muscle as you can, rest and repeat.”
After sharing thousands of training sessions together, Branch said he could out-bench press Jackson but couldn’t come close to his training partner’s deadlift max records.
“I can out-bench him, but on max deadlift, he’d kill me man. I mean, he’d beat me by almost 100 pounds. He could pull, 38, 40, I think he got almost 850 in the gym one day. He’s a legitimate deadlifter. Squat, probably about the same,” Warren said. “Everyone talked about his legs, but he was doing the exact same workouts I did for 20 years. That motherfuc**r would get it, that just shows you genetics play a part man.”
“I don’t think he’s doing it,” said Branch Warren. “He’s still got all that muscle. Man, he could legitimately win that show if he gets ready for it. You know, I don’t think he is because his contest is the say day here in Texas; I think that’s kind of a dealbreaker for him.”
Warren Opens Up on Decision to Retire and Competing Naturally as Teenager
Warren kept it simple regarding his decision to retire, and mentioned he didn’t want to be ‘forced out.’.
“I think I know when to say when. What I didn’t want to do is hang around too long and get forced out, you know what I mean,” Branch Warren explained. “
In a trip down memory lane, Warren told Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Chris Cormier a story about trying to get steroids when he was 19 competing naturally. He shared that his coach disallowed anyone from talking to him about the substances until he was older.
“I was 21, 22, so, I tried to. I remember I’ll tell you a quick story, so I’m 19, and I’m getting ready for this show, and I’m like, I want to take stuff because everyone else is in the gym taking this stuff. So, Mark went, I asked Mark about it, he said, ‘You’re young man, you need to stay off that stuff, you’re not old enough yet.’ I’m like, ‘Fu** that.’ I started asking everybody to get something; he went and told everybody, I mean everybody, to not give me anything.”
In a recent Straight Outta the Lair podcast with Flex Lewis, Warren reflected on stepping away from the sport and wishes he could have called it a career with at least one Olympia title. Even though he never accomplished that goal, he was thankful to end his career with no major injuries.
Following a tenure of highs and lows, Branch Warren is a valued member of the bodybuilding community who continues to share training insight and knowledge with the newer generation of talent.
Watch the full video below, courtesy of the Muscle and Fitness YouTube channel:
Published: 17 April, 2023 | 11:42 AM EDT
Still Training Like a Pro, Branch Warren Pushes Serious Weight on the Machine Hack Squat
Branch Warren is still training like a pro even in retirement.
Branch Warren is squatting some serious weight in a recent training session. The retired bodybuilder is showing no signs of slowing down his training any time soon. He seems to be pushing himself in defiance of those who believe he should be slowing down post retirement.
Branch Warren has always been known for his impressive leg development. To be dubbed “Quadrasaurus” means you haven to have some pretty serious wheels. Warren was always able to impress in that department every time he stepped on stage.
Since being retired you would think Branch Warren would have slowed down his training. While he may not be putting himself through grueling show prep, Warren is still pushing himself hard in his training. Once you’ve adopted a professional mindset, shutting it off is no easy feat. For Warren it appears that doing so is the last thing on his mind.
With the mindset of a professional Branch Warren just can’t seem to stop himself from training hard in the gym. There’s no massive downsizing for Warren. Instead he’s doing things as he’s always had as pro bodybuilder. That means pushing himself to the next level with every training session.
By the look on my face I’m upsetting a lot of cry babies who can’t seem to get over the fact that I still train hard. Well guess what……. I DON’T GIVE A DAMN!!!!
Pushing Some Serious Weight
A recent training video showcased just how hard Branch Warren is pushing himself in his post retirement training. Warren seems compelled to push passed his limits and lift heavy. When you consider that he’s five years younger than Dexter Jackson who only just retired a year and a half ago at age 50, the 47-year-old Warren still has plenty in the tank.
The training video in question shows Branch Warren pushing some serious weight on the machine hack squat. All this despite the fact that he’s been retired for years now.
Ain’t nobody gonna tell me HOW TO TRAIN!!!!
Branch Warren isn’t slowing down any time soon which is pretty motivational for anyone believing they can’t push themselves passed their 40s.
What do you think of Branch Warren and his current training regimen?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Branch Warren “Still Grinding” Building A Shredded Physique In Retirement
Generation Iron alum Branch Warren continues to work hard in the gym and is looking the part.
Branch Warren rose near the top of bodybuilding during the 2010s because of his physique but also commitment to the sport. That is something that has not changed since he retired from competition. Warren recently showed off another physique update where he is looking as shredded as ever.
Warren was able to qualify for the Olympia many times over the course of his career but did not capture a title. In 2009, Warren came as close as possible entering the Olympia in his best shape. He finished at the runner-up to Jay Cutler that year and the loss was not east to deal with. He is a two-time champion at the Arnold Classic (2011, 2012).
In 2015, Warren decided to retire from bodybuilding but this did not mean that he was going to stop training — quite the opposite. He is still extremely active in the gym and makes sure to keep his physique in top shape.
Branch Warren Physique Update
Branch Warren was a featured character in the original Generation Iron film where a wider platform was provided to showcase his training and lifestyle in the sport of bodybuilding. Now, it is clear that he has maintained such a lifestyle off the stage at 47 years old.
“Still grinding!! This is throwing it back to last week in San Diego”
Branch Warren showed off his lower half in this specific physique update. Because of his dedication to bodybuilding to this day, there was some rumblings of a potential comeback in 2021. Warren made it clear that he will not officially return to the stage but he will train like he is.
The Masters Olympia is preparing to return in 2023. This has opened the door for many competitors to come back and perform in a different way. This is a show that was present from 1994-2003, with Dexter Jackson as the last champion of the show. It will be interesting to see if Warren considers this an option when the time comes.
Branch Warren has been busy in retirement with different projects, including his beef jerky company Wicked Cutz Jerky. Regardless of his future plans, it is clear that Warren has kept himself in championship shape.
[embedded content]
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Branch Warren Defeated Reigning Champion Dexter Jackson In 2009 Olympia, Lost To Jay Cutler: ‘I Would Of Rather Got Third’
Jay Cutler recently sat down with Branch Warren, who he defeated at the 2009 Olympia.
It is the age-old question, would you rather lose a close game in the championship or get blown out early? Answers will be different depending on who you ask but in the case of Branch Warren, he would have rather come in third in the 2009 Olympia rather than runner-up to Jay Cutler.
On a recent episode of Cutler Cast, Warren decided to sit down with the man who defeated him at the Olympia in 2009. At this time, Cutler had already solidified himself as one of the best bodybuilders in the world and will be known as one of the best ever. He was crowned champion in 2006 and 2007 before Dexter Jackson dethroned him in 2008.
When Jackson was announced this, Warren was confident that he was going to win the show.
“I would of rather got third,” warren said.
You know, they called me, they called your name one, and I got second. It’s the worst though. Getting second place at Olympia is the worse. People saying, ‘oh that’s awesome’ and saying, ‘no that sucks. The second place in Mr. Olympia is the worst place in all of bodybuilding because you’re one small step from the grand prize but you didn’t make it.”
At the 2009 competition, Warren went through his emotions as the results were being announced.
“I remember they called Dexter in third place, and I’m like ‘oh shit I’m about to become Mr. Olympia. Then, I’m like I beat Mr. Olympia and I still haven’t won the show yet how does that happen.”
Branch Warren believes that he entered the 2009 Olympia at his absolute best. Jay Cutler agreed with this notion but also made the necessary improvements needed to get back on top.
During his reign, Cutler was a mass monster. This is when bodybuilding really started focusing on overall size, along with conditioning. This might have played a factor in the 2009 show.
“People say that because, first of all I was 242, and you were almost 260 at the show. Bigger is better in bodybuilding. You get two guys that are equal in conditioning, or close in conditioning, the bigger guy usually wins. That’s just the way it is.”
Branch Warren was an elite bodybuilder during his career and he was able to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Cutler and Jackson. The 2009 Olympia is one that will stick with him and also one that will be remembered by fans for the pure excitement of the top three competitors.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Guy Cisternino: Branch Warren Still Trains Today Harder Than 90% Of Pro Bodybuilders
[embedded content]
Guy Cisternino talks on how Branch Warren inspires him, the power of rivalries, and the new school bodybuilders rising in the ranks.
Guy Cisternino is a bodybuilder who believes in hardcore training. So it may come as no surprise that one of his biggest inspirational bodybuilders is Branch Warren. Branch is known for his insanely hardcore training – which you can witness in depth in the original Generation Iron film. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Guy Cisternino talks about training with Branch Warren today and how he still pushes harder than most active pro bodybuilders.
Guy Cisternino is a unique brand of pro bodybuilder. He likes to focus on the intensity of the sport – which is probably why he got into some social media hot water after a recent video went viral. That’s why we wanted to know who his biggest inspirations are that got him into bodybuilding. Cisternino named a few legendary athletes such as Kevin Levrone. But at the end of the day, the bodybuilder who still inspires him most to this day is Branch Warren.
Branch Warren no longer competes and has been retired for quite some time. That being said, he still maintains his massive physique and enjoys training in the gym. Not only that, but Branch still goes full hardcore on his sets even in retirement.
Guy Cisternino recounts how he just met up with Branch Warren recently for a training session. What was most refreshing to Cisternino is that Branch still trained like a beast. He has no reason to anymore other than personal enjoyment of the intensity of lifting. It’s a feeling that Cisternino can relate to.
Not only that, but he believes that Branch Warren trains harder than most pros today:
“As far as training and who still inspires me today, believe it or not, is Branch man. Because Branch is retired and he’s like – I was with Branch last week in Dallas and he just – he still trains like a fucking animal. Like I love it. He still trains retired harder than 90 percent of the pros.”
It’s a bold claim – but one that we wouldn’t doubt. Branch Warren often received criticism for training too hardcore. That he would bring himself too big a risk of injury and ruin his career. Perhaps it’s that kind of risk taking that Guy Cisternino misses in the modern crop of bodybuilders.
Speaking of modern bodybuilders, Guy Cisternino also touches on the recent rivalries cropping up in pro bodybuilding. He touches upon Blessing Awodibu and Nick Walker’s pre New York Pro beef. Cisternino also shares his thoughts on the overall new crop of bodybuilders and which ones are showing promise to become champions down the road.
You can watch his full comments on Branch Warren, rivalries, and new school bodybuilders in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.