Tag: Jeremy Buendia
Jeremy Buendia on 2023 Olympia: “My Goal Is To Be Competitive W/ Brandon Hendrickson & Erin Banks”
Fan-favorite Jeremy Buendia is inching closer to his comeback at the 2023 Mr. Olympia show taking place this November. As the most successful Men’s Physique Olympia on the planet, Buendia will aim to collect a fifth title upon his return. In a recent YouTube video, Buendia shared why he’s coming back now and laid out his primary goal for the season, which is to be competitive against Erin Banks and Brandon Hendrickson.
From 2014-2017, Buendia, equipped with a brash attitude, dominated the annual Mr. Olympia competition. He showcased an impressive v-taper, along with symmetrically balanced arms, and a huge chest. The 32-year-old attempted to capture another title back in 2018 but was denied by the former three-time Men’s Physique Olympia Brandon Hendrickson.
Buendia remains one of the most popular athletes in the category despite not competing in years. He teased a return back in 2020, though it never came to fruition. Last September, Buendia announced that he would again make a play for Olympia’s Men’s Physique title, currently held by Erin Banks. He revealed that his plan was to bulk up to 220 pounds before plotting his next move.
In addition to sharing intense training sessions, Buendia has invited fans on his journey back to the stage with a handful of YouTube videos. In one of his latest ventures, Buendia shared the 4,000-calorie bulking diet he’s implemented in the off-season to hold his own against the best of his category.
Jeremy Buendia Talks Comeback, Motivations, and Competing Against Top Names in Men’s Physique
Buendia admits he had a lot of growing up to do before committing to his latest comeback.
“Man, why now, it’s been five years since my last Olympia, since I competed. I had to go through a lot of growing pains the past five years to get back to this point where I’m at right now where mentally and physically, I had a lot of growing up to do in order to get back in the right mindset to be able to compete again.”
“Now, at this point in time in my life, I think I’m going to be able to bring my best and have a more mature physique and a more mature mindset. I’m excited to get back up there and show the world I still have it. I’ll be 33 coming up in October, so I’ll be 33 stepping on stage this year,” said Jeremy Buendia.
Reflecting on his career, Buendia believes he let others influence the way he conducted himself back when he was an Olympia champion.
“At a certain point in time, you have to grow up, you have to make changes and recognize the things you did in the past weren’t the way you want to portray yourself in the future. I have a family and a daughter I represent now. My daughter, I want her to be able to look back and be proud of the man her dad was.”
“That is the real me, but like I said, towards the end of my reign as an Olympia champion a lot of things got to my head. I started doing really well financially, I had a lot of people coming in and out of my life and feeding ideas into my head. I was trying to fast-track my success do certain things and live a lifestyle that wasn’t really who I am. And people can see through that real easily.”
With 2023 Olympia approaching, Jeremy made it clear his chief goal was to be competitive on stage against Brandon Hendrickson and the reigning champion, Erin Banks.
“The sport has changed a lot, it’s evolved a lot. So, the past few years I’ve been hearing – I fell out of shape, I stopped training for a while, I dealt with a lot of injuries and I fell behind big time. The last couple of years I heard the sport has passed me up. It evolved too much, you won’t be able to hang with these guys in the size. That’s kind of what kept me away from the stage until recently.”
“The past year I’ve been back on my training packing on the size again and catching back up to where these guys are to a point where I can be competitive again. Ultimately, my goal is to be competitive with Erin and Brandon this year. We’ve done a good job of getting myself back to where I am now. Now we’re here 16 weeks out from the 2023 Olympia.”
According to Buendia, Erin Banks might be at a disadvantage in the final call-out this year if most of the men standing next to him are significantly shorter.
“They’re tall dudes, Erin is like 6’2″ and a half, then again, you got Brandon about 5″9′, you got Diogo the same height as me. It’s going to very interesting to see how things shake out this year. I see what’s happening is a median of the class in that top call out. If we have five out of the six guys in that top call out that are 5″10′ Erin is going to stick out like a sore thumb and maybe get pushed out, maybe he won’t, we’ll see.”
Buendia believes the new Men’s Physique height/weight rules set to take effect after 2023 Olympia will delay his Classic Physique ambitions for the future. He shared that in order to make weight for Men’s Physique, he may have to cut back on leg training.
“I got to make sure I bring my weight down [for next year]. One way I do that is to limit my leg training. If I do that, that’s obviously going to push Classic out for a few years if that’s something I decide to do,” added Buendia.
This isn’t the first time the Men’s Physique height/weight cap has reached the headlines. Athletes rep Bob Cicherillo discussed the matter recently. When Dave Palumbo mentioned athletes would start neglecting their legs due to the new rules, Cicherillo disagreed. Cicherillo argued that if competitors ignore their leg training, they would present imbalanced physiques on stage.
The 2023 Mr. Olympia show takes place Nov. 2-5 in Orlando Florida. As one of the most exciting divisions in the IFBB Pro League, fans can’t wait to see the rivalry settled between the reigning Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks, and the former four-time champion, Jeremy Buendia.
Watch the full video from the NPCNewsOnline YouTube channel below:
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 4:11 PM EDT
Fitness Influencer Jesse James West Teams Up With Bodybuilder Jeremy Buendia for Shoulders Workout
American bodybuilder Jeremy Buendia set the gold standard for the Men’s Physique division before taking to the sidelines in 2018. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube, Buendia mentored social media fitness influencer Jesse James West through a brutal Mr. Olympia shoulder workout 23 days from his next show.
Jeremy Buendia gained a passion for working out early in life and started competing in bodybuilding competitions in his teenage years. He first rose to prominence for his insane upper body development, conditioning, and symmetry as a Men’s Physique competitor in 2013 when he took silver to Mark Anthony in the division’s inaugural Mr. Olympia event.
Buendia returned the next year sharper than ever and took home the top prize at the 2014 Mr. Olympia. He went on a dominant run that saw him win the Men’s Physique Olympia title four times in a row. After dropping the crown to Brandon Hendrickson in 2018, he stepped away from the competition.
In Oct. 2022, Buendia offered the huge 4,600-calorie bulking diet he utilized to pack 19 pounds in two weeks. Having teased the possibility of returning to the stage with a more jacked physique, he took full advantage of the off-season. Following the crowning of Erin Banks at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Buendia confirmed his plans for a comeback and declared his ambitions to reclaim the Olympia title.
Buendia gave his take on the current crop of talent in the Men’s Physique category earlier this year. Given how stacked the division is, he believes he would need to bring a flawless package to contend with the most elite competitors.
Jeremy Buendia left the fans stunned with a ripped physique update four months ago. He revealed he’s taking TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) along with peptides and weighed around 210 pounds lean ahead of his anticipated comeback.
Social media sensation Jesse James West has carved out his own space in the fitness community with his athletic and entertaining content. He often collaborates with some of the biggest names in fitness for pranks and insane workout sessions, such as former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall, and bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman.
Jesse doesn’t shy away from any sort of workout challenge. In the past, he adopted the lifestyle of Liver King for 50 hours before partnering with four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler for a chest training and posing session.
Fitness Influencer Jesse James Team Up with Bodybuilder Jeremy Buendia for Shoulders Workout
In a recent YouTube video, Jeremy Buendia guided Jesse James West through a challenging shoulder workout session to help him get ready for an upcoming show in 23 days.
Buendia revealed he’s around 200-205 pounds, eats 350-400g of protein, and consumes 5,400 calories a day to gain muscle.
Buendia Shoulder Workout:
Hammer Strength Shoulder Press: 2 warm-up sets, 3 working sets
Dumbbell Lateral Raise: triple drop set 4 times.
Cable Front Raise /Supersets With Plate Overhead Press
Cable rear Delt Fly/ Supersets Bent Over Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
Jeremy Buendia gave fans a look into his preparations with a push-day workout update showing off his jacked physique last month. He credited the modern Men’s Physique contenders for evolving the division and hinted at bringing a revamped package in his return. Buendia followed that up detailing the 4,000-calorie bulking diet he’s utilizing to enhance his physique weeks ago.
Based on the latest update, Buendia looks to be well on his way to a successful comeback. His tips will greatly benefit West as he enters the final stages of his prep for an upcoming show.
RELATED: Jeremy Buendia Announces Bodybuilding Comeback: ‘The Goal is 220 Pounds, Expect to See My Biggest and Best Ever’
You can watch the full video below:
Published: 11 July, 2023 | 5:04 PM EDT
Chris Cormier & Olympia Judge Talk Jeremy Buendia, Brandon Hendrickson vs. Erin Banks at 2023 Olympia
As the bodybuilding season marches forward, athletes are gearing up for the biggest show of the year, 2023 Mr. Olympia in November. In a recent Prime Time Muscle show, Chris Cormier and Terrick El Guindy examined some of the rivalries front and center in the Men’s Physique category, all of which feature the reigning Olympia winner, Erin Banks.
The Men’s Physique division has existed for around 10 years and in that time, athletes have evolved to display the best beach bodies possible. In 2013, Mark Anthony Wingson made history when he became the first-ever Men’s Physique Olympia champion. His victory served as a standard for the division at the time and offered his rivals a clear vision of the ideal physique needed to claim gold.
The intensity of the category only grew in the years to follow. Jeremy Buendia established himself as the reigning champion for four years, from 2014-2017. While there have been talks of his comeback in the past, he’s now formally committed in 2023. He’s shared bulking diets, training sessions, and physique goals ahead of his latest venture.
Before Erin Banks won the recent 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia title, Brandon Hendrickson proved himself as one of the best in the division. He became a three-time champion (2018, 2020, 2021), and like Buendia, hopes to knock Banks off the throne in a few months. With such a competitive group of talent, Cormier and El Guindy took a closer look at some of the top contenders expected to compete in November.
Terrick El Guindy Discusses Diogo Montenegro Accusing Erin Banks of ‘Suspect Shoulders’
According to El Guindy, Diogo Montenegro accused Erin Banks of having ‘suspect’ shoulders because there are no striations or separations in the muscle like his.
“Some guys they don’t like each other. That’s the part of the sport. These guys, they hate each other. Oh Terrick don’t use the word hate, well, that’s how they feel about each other. Diogo Montenegro was very specific in Portuguese because I speak the language and he says, ‘My shoulder has separation, my shoulder has striations when I’m really defined, you don’t get to see that on Erin Banks.
You know, making an assumption that Erin Banks shoulders are somehow suspect or present some type of imbalance. That did not go well with Erin Banks. Erin Banks is a cool collected guy. He’s a family guy. If you come his way, he’s from Fresno. They don’t play. He’s like, ‘You can say whatever you want to me, but be ready for the counter attack’ He went after Diogo, he said, ‘You’re a little man with five abs five little blocks,’ you know,” Terrick El Guindy shared.
El Guidy said the online beef reminded him of when Andre Ferguson and Brandon Hendrickson promised a scuffle in Orlando a few years ago.
“Things are getting hairy here. Remember, when we had Andre Ferguson and Brandon Hendrickson they were going to scramble in Orlando a few years ago. Everybody had their board shorts rolling, like, ‘Oh this is going to happen,” El Guindy added.
Chris Cormier & Olympia Judge Talk Jeremy Buendia, Brandon Hendrickson, Erin Banks Rivalries Before 2023 Olympia
After El Guindy explained that Banks blocks people online such as Buendia, Chris Cormier suggested that it probably wasn’t personal.
“He had arguments with Jeremy Buendia, he blocked Jeremy Buendia. Then, I think he [Erin Banks] blocked some other guys. If you come to his social media and you don’t like him, he blocks everybody. I mean, it’s his social media he does whatever he wants but that’s his strategy.”
“It’s competition and I’m sure a lot of it is not totally personal. I just – I don’t know, I like going back and forth. It fueled me to look even better than I probably would have if I different have some kind of edge or some type of chip on my shoulder getting ready for a show. I wanted it. I invited it,” said Chris Cormier.
Cormier said back when he competed, those who talked trash to Flex Wheeler would receive a ‘personal block’ since social media didn’t exist then.
“I would probably have to [trash talk] go with Flex Wheeler. Because just knowing him so well, I know what buttons to push and what buttons to not push, and just like we would go into the posing room together, myself, him – Rico McClinton, and Flex, I mean we’d be in there till we’re falling asleep in between. But we knew if you said one thing negative to Flex, he would at that time defriend you or do a personal block on you back in the day, he wouldn’t talk to you for a few weeks,” said Cormier.
Given Hendrickson’s history on top, El Guindy believes he has the potential to upset Banks at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He said he felt a lot of tension between the two Men’s Physique competitors during an Olympia TV live show.
“We might have a shake-up. You never know, Brandon Hendrickson, don’t discount the champion. A lot of times people place second place and guys start talking about new guys, he can come back and he can regain that title. Him and Erin Banks, they dislike each other to the max. There wouldn’t be anything more perfect for Brandon Hendrickson to be the last man standing and to take that trophy from the heart of Erin Banks,” said Terrick El Guindy.
“I did a live with them and there’s a lot of tension between those two guys.”
Even though Jeremy Buendia has proven himself as an elite champion, Cormier said he’s facing a very ‘steep hill’ because his peers, Hendrickson, and Banks, have been competing consistently as of late.
“He’s put on a lot of muscle. I just hope it’s going to turn out right because these guys have actually been competing and he’s actually not been competing,” said Cormier. “I didn’t say he couldn’t make an impact. I’m saying it’s a steep hill to climb when things guys have been competing. I said he’s going to have a steep hill to climb when these guys have been competing competing competing,” shared Cormier.
In the past, Erin Banks and Buendia have gone at it in a heated Olympia TV interview. Banks argued that the category had moved on and evolved since Jeremy’s time in the sport. However, Buendia took issue with Banks lacking respect for champions who paved the path he now walks on.
The IFBB Pro League announced a new height/weight cap restriction for the Men’s Physique division. Following the 2023 Olympia event, the new regulations will go into effect. In an appearance on an NPC News Online YouTube video, IFBB Vice President Tyler Manion laid out why the changes are being implemented. Most importantly, it’s to keep competitors from retaining too much size.
While some in the community such as Dave Palumbo believe the changes would discourage Men’s Physique talent from training legs, Bob Cicherillo disagrees. In a recent Voice of Bodybuilding Podcast, the event announcer explained that ignoring leg training would result in an imbalanced physique despite legs not being a part of the judging criteria.
The rapid growth of the Men’s Physique division has made it one of the most talked about events on the Mr. Olympia schedule. With Erin Banks at the center of at least three rivalries, fans are looking forward to seeing how he fares in what could be his first title defense.
RELATED: 4x Physique Champion Jeremy Buendia Gives Tips For Rear Delts
You can watch the full video below from the Olympia TV YouTube channel:
Published: 15 June, 2023 | 11:43 AM EDT
Jeremy Buendia Shares 4,000-Calorie Bulking Diet in Preparation for 2023 Mr. Olympia Comeback
Preparations for Jeremy Buendia’s anticipated return to action are heating up. In a recent YouTube video, Buendia showcased his massive seven-meal diet consisting of over 4,000 calories as he inches closer to 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Competing actively, Jeremy Buendia reached the top of the sport with exceptional balance, conditioning, and a symmetrical upper body. At the time of his reign, he was known for his confidence and outspoken nature, which was often misinterpreted as arrogance.
“I don’t have any excuse this time, I better be in shape,” shared Buendia.
The fan-favorite dominated the Olympia stage in his respective category for four years straight from 2014-2017. He made a play for a fifth Men’s Physique title in 2018 but was unable to stop three-time winner Brandon Hendrickson.
While he’s remained away from the stage, Buendia never took his foot off the gas, especially in the training room. Comeback rumors swirled for years, and in 2020, it appeared fans were on the brink of seeing Jeremy compete again. However, the return never materialized.
Last September, Buendia announced that he would finally return to the Mr. Olympia stage. Before last year’s mega-event took place, Buendia and Erin Banks got into a heated argument on Olympia TV. Suffice it to say, cooler heads did not prevail. Angst, aggression, and hostility took over their discussion, further exciting fans about their impending showdown in Orlando, Florida this Nov.
Jeremy Buendia Talks 2023 Mr. Olympia Comeback Progress, Sitting at 201 Lbs, Shows Off 7-Meal Diet
According to Buendia, he and his team are now pushing hard to ensure he consumes seven meals a day. His latest diet saw him consume over 4,000 calories in a 24-hour period.
“Slowly [I’ve] increased the calories as we go along. I started at 3,500 calories, worked to 4,000 calories, now past the 4,500 calories. Been watching my weight go up and down slightly, woke up about 201 this morning. That’s actually the same weight I was four weeks ago but my body fat is significantly less.”
“Today, we’re really going to push to get that seventh meal in to really get all those calories in to help put me in that surplus to help me pack on some quality muscle.”
Find the full seven-meal plan below:
Meal 1 – 88.2 grams carbs, 75.6 grams protein, 18.25 grams of fat
10 oz of liquid egg whites
2 whole scrambled eggs
50 grams of chicken breast
1 slice of sourdough
85 grams of oats
100 grams of strawberries
2 packets of Stevia
Energy Drink
Green Tobasco hot sauce
margarin
total: 785.5 calories
Meal 2 – 108 grams carbs, 65.2 grams of protein, 11.5 grams of fat
200 grams of chicken breast (seasoned with garlic, salt, onion powder, and barbecue sauce)
yams sweet potato
pickle
total: 796 calories
Meal 3 – 91.3 grams carbs, 60 grams of protein, 11.2 grams of fat,
Rice
200 grams of lean red meat
2 whole eggs
8 oz of pineapple
total: 706 calories
“I don’t have any excuse this time. I better be in shape. I’m my toughest critic, I never think I look as good as I actually do and I think people like to tell me what I want to hear,” said Jeremy Buendia. “I’m not going to get that one in before leg day, so we’re going to switch it up.”
Protein Shake
Bagel
Tablespoon of peanut butter
Meal 4 – post-workout – 108 grams carbs, 59.5 grams of protein, 23.9 grams of fat
300 grams of sweet potato
egg white
chicken breast
total: 885.1 calories
Meal 5 – 88 grams carbs, 47.5 grams of protein, 17.9 saturated 17.95 grams of fat
Flank steak
white rice
one whole egg
total: 703 calories
Meal 6 – 88 grams carbs, 66.5 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat
garlic salt
onion poweder
chicken breast
barbeque sauce
white rice
total: 843 calories
Meal 7 – 57 grams of carbs, 33.8 grams of protein, 9.5 grams of fat
Cream of rice
chocolate brownie
5 oz of egg whites
total: 449.5 calories
Buendia touched on his upcoming back workout in an Olympia TV collaboration with reigning Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks. After traveling internationally, Buendia says his focus is on a ‘body recomp’ and getting his diet locked in on a more consistent schedule.
Months ago, Buendia appeared in a Straight Outta the Lair podcast with seven-time 212 Olympia kingpin Flex Lewis. During the open and honest discussion, Jeremy said the only way he overtakes Banks on the Olympia stage is if he brings a ‘flawless package.’
“I’m in preparation for my Olympia battle with Erin Banks next week in Phoenix, Arizona. We’re doing a back workout for Olympia TV. I was doing a body recomp, taking some time off a few months ago, cleaned up, and really healthy to prepared for my Olympia prep.
Had a trip international with one of my sponsors, came back and my physique was not where I wanted it to be or where I needed it to be. My metabolism wasn’t operating very efficiently, I wasn’t eating regularly. The past four weeks has been a body recomp, trying to re-establish the food in my diet and get back on a consistent schedule.”
With less than five months until the biggest event of the year, Buendia is wasting no time during preparations. In addition to showing off impressive physique updates, the 32-year-old continues to turn heads with extreme training sessions. The last time fans saw him pumping iron, he annihilated a push-day workout.
With one of the most exciting rivalries in the sport against Erin Banks, Jeremy’s comeback could end up being the most memorable affair at 2023 Mr. Olympia. Should he upset Banks and take home the title, it would bolster Jeremy’s status as the greatest Men’s Physique competitor of all time.
RELATED: 4x Physique Champion Jeremy Buendia Gives Tips For Rear Delts
Watch the full video from Jeremy Buendia’s YouTube channel:
Published: 7 June, 2023 | 12:00 PM EDT
Jeremy Buendia Looks Jacked in Recent Physique Update, Crushes a Push-Day Workout
Four-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion Jeremy Buendia is ready to rock the stage again. The 32-year-old will make his competitive comeback at the 2023 Olympia. The event is set to take place from Nov. 2 to 5 in Orlando, FL.
Buendia is a pioneer and one of the most accomplished competitors of the IFBB Pro League Men’s Physique division. He earned his pro card in 2013, the year when the Men’s Physique division was incorporated into the Olympia competition. Buendia returned to the drawing board after a runner-up finish at the 2013 Olympia and came back stronger the following year.
He dethroned the champ Mark Anthony Wingson to secure a victory at the 2014 Olympia and went on a dominant run that saw him defend the top spot at the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Olympia. Buendia last competed at the 2018 Olympia, where he finished second.
The 32-year-old never stopped working and teased a comeback multiple times during a long hiatus. However, the prospects of him competing were put on ice on each one of those occasions.
Having got the fire back in his belly, the California native announced his return a few weeks ago. As a former Olympia champion, Buendia holds a lifetime invitation to compete at Olympia, and he will use this benefit to grace the stage again in 2023.
Buendia will routinely post his workouts on YouTube to keep his fans updated on the progress. Recently, he went through a chest, shoulders, and triceps workout and posted the video on his YouTube channel. So let’s check out how the former champ is gearing up his off-season training to make a solid comeback.
Jeremy Buendia goes through a push-day workout
Buendia shared his thoughts on what prompted him to make a comeback. He also spoke on the plan of action to ease his way into hard training.
“Took some time to mentally prepare myself to get to where I need to be to be back at this point where I can do the prep and be competitive again. I’m back there now. I like to really warm up as good as possible before I jump into heavier weights, and I really gotta check my ego during this prep. I know I’m gonna start feeling good and getting really strong again but making sure that I look smart and prevent injury. One bad rep, and it puts this whole prep to an end.”
With that, he warmed up his muscles sufficiently and jumped into his intense workout.
Incline Dumbbell Press
Buendia kicked off the workout with the incline dumbbell press. This variation of the dumbbell chest press emphasizes the upper pecs (sternal head of the pectoralis major muscles) and imparts a fuller look to the chest. Buendia pushed through several sets using incrementally heavier weights and moved on to the next exercise.
Cable Crossover
For most people, it is just another pump-inducing chest exercise that makes for a perfect finisher. However, cable crossover is a lot more than that. According to an ACE-sponsored study, cable crossover is the third most effective exercise for pectoral muscle activation (after bench press and pec deck flyes). (3) It helps increase the adduction strength of the upper body and helps bring about hypertrophy.
The four-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion utilized this as his second training exercise. He added more stimulus to the pectoral muscles before taking up the next exercise in the routine. While speaking about how the competitive scene has evolved in his absence, Buendia said:
“The divisions have evolved a lot. I’m well aware of that. I can’t bring the same physique I had in 2017-2018 to the Olympia stage and expect to place well. The division’s gotten bigger; it’s gotten better. The guys are really good. I’m gonna give them all the respect in the world… But all I know is I am better now than I was in the past. I’m a lot bigger, I’m working harder, and I’ve got my eyes set on November. We’re going after it; no backing down. Nobody outworks me,” Buendia said about his competition after cranking out a solid set.
Smith Machine Bench Press
The bench press is the king of upper body exercises when it comes to strength and muscle gain. Very few exercises come even remotely close to the benefits this exercise offers in terms of pushing strength gain. Employing a Smith machine for the exercise eliminates the need to control the weight and enables the person to focus more on the target muscles.
Buendia cranked out some heavy sets of Smith machine bench presses and shed light on his recovery methods.
“I’m getting massage therapy, soft tissue therapy twice a week. Chiropractic work twice a month, depending on how I am feeling. Now I will probably start going to a senior physical therapist…”
Following the Smith machine bench press, Buendia took to another flying movement.
Pec Deck Fly
Buendia performed pec deck flyes next to isolate the pectoral muscles. Performing the exercises unilaterally helps remove strength imbalances and achieve complete development. He did the last few reps of every set unilaterally and went on to do a little bit of shoulder work next.
Single-Arm Cable Lateral Raise
Cable machines keep the muscles under tension throughout the range of motion, bringing about muscle hypertrophy more effectively. (1) Buendia performed the single arm cable lateral raises next to work the medial deltoids. He maintained a controlled pace and utilized a full range of motion to make the muscles work optimally.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Buendia took to this free weight variation of the previous exercise to fire up the medial delts further and cranked out solid sets.
Cable Triceps Pushdown
Triceps pushdowns work the triceps muscle from a neutral position and stimulate all three triceps heads. It is one of the most common tricep exercises in gyms around the world. Buendia pushed through a few sets of the exercise with slow and controlled movements to pump the triceps and jumped into the day’s final exercise.
Close-Grip Push-up
The good ol’ push-up is the simplest yet among the most effective upper body strength exercises. It does not require any setup and can be done anywhere. Your hands are placed close together in the close-grip push-up variation. This puts far more emphasis on the triceps and the center of the chest than most other push-up variations (Similar to the close-grip bench press). (4)
Buendia wrapped up the training session with a few sets of close-grip push-ups executed with perfect form.
Overall, the workout consisted of the following exercises:
The returning former champ looks stage ready in his recent physique update
It’s been four weeks since Buendia started his Olympia prep. The diet and training routine has started showing results as the four-time Men’s Physique Olympia champion now prepares to capture the title again. In a short video posted on Buendia’s Instagram account, he flaunted his sculpted physique.
Although only the upper half of his body is seen in the video, it is enough to deduce that Buendia is clearly on the way to bringing an impressive package on stage. The broad shoulder, fuller chest, and wide back tapering down into a narrow midsection appear to have the perfect aesthetic package. You can see the video below:
“4 weeks back on my diet complete ??
–
Looking forward to a cheat meal tonight…any guesses what I’m gonna eat?” The caption to Jeremy Buendia’s post read.
Professional sports are evolving faster than ever due to the advent of technology, training methods, and vast stores of knowledge. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the old guard to fend off the hungry up-and-coming talent, especially after long layoffs. It will be a rare and extraordinary achievement if Buendia can turn the clock back and emerge victoriously at the 2023 Olympia.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Buendia’s YouTube channel:
References:
Are Free Weights Better Than Machines for Strength Training? (Author – Lauren Bedosky)
Bench Press Ultimate Guide: Muscles Worked, How-To, Benefits, and Alternatives (Author – Patrick Dale, PT, ex-Marine)
Top Three Most Effective Chest Exercises [Authors – Whitnee Schanke (B.S.), John P. Porcari (PH.D.), Emmanuel Felix (PH.D.), Charles Hendrix (M.S. ED.), Carl Foster (PH.D.)]
Close Grip Push Up: How To Do, Muscle Worked, Benefits
Published: 1 June, 2023 | 11:08 AM EDT
Jeremy Buendia Announces Comeback Battle for 2023 Olympia
American bodybuilder Jeremy Buendia boasts one of the most impressive records of any competitor in the Men’s Physique class. Although he stepped away from professional competition a few years ago, he never ruled out the possibility of a return. In a recent Instagram post, Buendia announced his plans to make his comeback at the 2023 Olympia and teased a battle with reigning champ Erin Banks on June 8 with a special collaboration.
Jeremy Buendia grew up playing football in his high school days. He found his passion for bodybuilding after suffering injuries to his neck and back. He earned his IFBB Pro card in 2013, the same year the Men’s Physique division was added to the Mr. Olympia competition. Buendia turned in a strong performance but fell short of the inaugural winner Mark Anthony Wingson.
Having narrowly missed out on the win, Buendia worked hard in the off-season and came back stronger than ever for the 2014 Mr. Olympia. He exacted revenge by dethroning Wingson to secure first. Then, Buendia managed to ward off the new crop of talent and went on a dominant run that saw him become a four-time Men’s Physique Olympia. His last appearance came at the 2018 Mr. Olympia, where he dropped the title to three-time winner Brandon Hendrickson.
Buendia teased a comeback to the Olympia stage in the final quarter of 2019. He teamed up with former Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry to get ready for the event. In July 2020, he offered a jacked physique update ahead of his anticipated return and later shared some of his best tips on training rear delts for muscle growth. Ultimately, his comeback was put on ice again.
The 32-year-old stunned with an impressive physique update in April last year. Buendia presented an improved package that sparked speculation about a potential move to the Classic Physique category. He confirmed his plan was to get back on stage bigger than ever before. Specifically, his goal was to bulk up to 225 pounds.
Jeremy Buendia and reigning Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks traded verbal jabs ahead of the 2022 Mr. Olympia last September. Buendia took issue with Banks disrespecting other contenders and Hendrickson stepped in to cool things down. As of late, Buendia opened up on his ambitions to win another Olympia contest following Banks’ victory in December. He believes the competition was razor-close and doubled down on his eventual return.
Jeremy Buendia announces comeback for the 2023 Mr. Olympia, teases battle with Erin Banks in June
In a recent Instagram post, Jeremy Buendia shared his plans to make a comeback for the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He also teased a battle with reigning Men’s Physique champ Erin Banks next month.
“I’m all in we are only 6 months away from the comeback!” he wrote. “Olympia Battle June 8th be sure to tune in to OlympiaTV.”
Jeremy Buendia gave his take on the current state of the Men’s Physique division four months ago. He recognized the danger presented by Banks’ height and believes that added size and conditioning could help him claim gold.
In addition, Buendia laid out a gigantic 4,600-calorie bulking diet he utilized to pack on 19 pounds in a span of two weeks last October. The off-season diet consisted of seven massive meals to keep him energized while still adding muscle mass.
RELATED: Jeremy Buendia to Flex Lewis: To Beat Erin Banks at 2023 Olympia, I Have to Bring a ‘Flawless Package’
It remains to be seen whether Buendia will follow through with his plan to step on the Olympia stage later this year, but all signs point to his return in November, where he’ll face off with Erin Banks.
Published: 4 May, 2023 | 11:12 PM EDT
Every Winner Of The Men’s Physique Division at Mr. Olympia
Photo via @jeremy_buendia Instagram, @brandon.d.hendrickson Instagram, and @raymontedmonds Instagram
Get all your winners for the Men’s Physique division at Mr. Olympia here!
The Mr. Olympia competition has been around for decades, and as fans, we love to see those mass monsters walk the stage and compete at the highest level of bodybuilding. However, pro bodybuilding sought more inclusion and with more athletes determined to compete at a pro level, they expanded Mr. Olympia into multiple divisions.
In 2013, the Men’s Physique division was born. Prepared for and judged differently, this event tends to see a real focus on the upper body. While the Men’s Open may get a little more attention, there are still some big names that come out of the Men’s Physique division.
We’ve put together a complete list of winners for the Men’s Physique division at Mr. Olympia so you can see which of these athletes have taken the top prize. As this event continues to garner great attention, fans wait to see if another repeat will happen, or if another winner will stake their claim.
Men’s Physique Olympia Winner
Mark Anthony Wingson- 2013
Jeremy Buendia- 2014-2017
Brandon Hendrickson- 2018
Raymont Edmonds- 2019
Brandon Hendrickson- 2020-2021
Mark Anthony Wingson- 2013
Mark Anthony Wingson carries a host of wins aside from this Olympia victory, including wins at the Pittsburgh Pro, New York Pro, and Grand Prix LA. He was always in the gym as a child and around 2011 he started competing, which is when he also earned his pro card. He had help from Jay Cutler, well-known bodybuilder and four-time Olympia winner, which helped lead to his victory in 2013 in the Men’s Physique division. He has since gone on to be a coach and social media personality.
Jeremy Buendia- 2014-2017
Jeremy Buendia is a four-time Olympia champion in this division, winning his first just one year after turning pro. After an injury during football, he took to the gym to build strength and get himself back to form, but he never stopped. This love of lifting carries over into bodybuilding where he’s taken down some of the greats around him at events like Mr. Olympia, as well as the San Jose Pro and Sacramento Pro.
Related: A Complete List Of Mr. Olympia Winners Throughout The Years
Brandon Hendrickson- 2018, 2020-2021
Brandon Hendrickson has a similar story to other bodybuilders in that he started casually going to the gym only to realize he loved it. Earning his pro card in 2013, Hendrickson showed no signs of slowing and began winning events like the Tampa Pro and Arnold Classic in the Men’s Physique division. His three wins have put him in a top spot at this event and as the defending champion, all eyes are on him to see if a repeat will happen.
Raymont Edmonds- 2019
Raymont Edmonds took the title in 2019 after a good start to his career when he first went pro in 2015. He placed high in shows around the country but this win at Olympia is his most notable to date. As someone capable of winning again, there will be eyes on him to see if a repeat is possible.
With Brandon Hendrickson as the defending champion, all eyes will be on this event come 2022 to see a repeat, or a potentially new champion.
Wrap Up
The Men’s Physique division at Mr. Olympia is always an entertaining event for what it brings to the sport. Still a relatively young category, plenty more athletes are bound to come to this division to test their physiques against other pros. With Mr. Olympia as a premiere and storied event in pro bodybuilding, the Men’s Physique division only adds to the action of such an event.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Jeremy Buendia Instagram, Brandon Hendrickson Instagram, and Raymont Edmonds Instagram
Jeremy Buendia Physique Update: Will There Be A Return To Classic Physique?
Jeremy Buendia hinted at a possible return during his latest physique update.
Jeremy Buendia knows a thing or two about competing at the Olympia. From 2014-2017, Buendia reigned as the Men’s Physique champion. He has taken some time off during retirement but is back to training hard in the gym. During a recent physique update, Buendia might have hinted as a return to Classic Physique.
Buendia finished fourth during the 2018 Olympia before announcing his retirement. He announced a return in 2020 but was unable to make it back to the stage. Now, while this is not an official announcement, he seems to be discussing the possibilities on social media.
“Feeling more motivated than ever to get to work and keep making more improvements. I know I’m still capable of being a lot better than this. Im going to anchor down on my diet and really focus on making this comeback happen. Appreciate all the support & encouragement today. Feels good to be back you guys. I’ve learned from my past, and I’m looking forward to doing it the right this time around. ???”
This post, along with others, have gained the attention of athletes in the world of bodybuilding.
When asking if he will appear in Classic Physique in the comments, Jeremy Buendia kept the door open.
“We’ll see in the future. I’ve always been a bodybuilder at heart & I love to pose. So let’s see if I can pack on the mass needed without going over my weight limit. I think my weight cut off is 180, & i competed in 2017 at 184, & I’m bigger now,” Buendia commented.
Jeremy Buendia is a decorated competitor in bodybuilding but might not be done yet. He explained how he was bigger than he used to be and could make the switch to Classic Physique.
If this happens, there will be plenty of eyes on his performance. What we know is that he has the experience and drive needed to make a successful return.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.