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2023 Tampa Pro Results and Scorecards — Day 1 (Live Updates )
The 2023 Tampa Pro is taking place from August 3-5 in Tampa, Florida. This contest is a Mr. Olympia qualifier for ten divisions including Men’s Open, 212 Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, Figure, Fitness, Bikini, and Wellness.
Earning passage to this year’s Mr. Olympia contest has been more challenging as the point system has been removed. Therefore, any athlete who wishes to qualify must win a Pro show before October 9. This year’s 2023 Mr. Olympia competition will take place in Orlando, Florida, inside the Orange County Convention Center from November 2-5.
Last year, Men’s Open standout Akim Williams delivered gold at the 2022 Tampa Pro. It was a memorable night as Williams defeated surging contenders Quinton Eriya and Kamal Elgargni. However, Akim Williams chose not to defend his title this weekend, so a new Open champion will emerge. Whoever is victorious will have the opportunity to square off against the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan in less than three months.
Check out the action from day one of the 2023 Tampa Pro Below!
2023 Tampa Pro Winners
Men’s Open: Coming Soon!
212 Bodybuilding: Fabricio de Souza Moreira
Classic Physique: Matthew Greggo
Men’s Physique: Arya Saffaie
Women’s Bodybuilding: Michaela Aycock
Women’s Physique: Jeannie Feldman
Figure: Queren Pacheco
Fitness: Coming Soon!
Bikini: Coming Soon!
Wellness: Coming Soon!
2023 Tampa Pro Breakdown + Results
Men’s Open
Coming Soon!
212 Bodybuilding
The first Men’s division to hit the stage this weekend was 212 Bodybuilding. Prejudging saw Diego Montoya, Mahamed Embaby, and Fabricio de Souza Moreira in the running for first. They all brought next-level conditioning with balanced proportions.
During the finals, the judging panel appeared to favor the looks of Mohamed Embaby and Fabricio de Souza Moreira as the day progressed. Embaby last shared a stage at the 2023 Chicago Pro, where he finished with an impressive third place. Opposite to Embaby was Moreira. Fabricio last stepped on stage at the 2022 Chicago Pro and finished third. In the end, the conditioning and dryness of Fabricio de Souza Moreira sealed the deal. He is now qualified for 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Mahemed Embaby took second and Diego Montoya finished third, respectively.
Winner — Fabricio de Souza Moreira
Second Place — Mahamed Embaby
Third Place — Diego Montoya
Fourth Place — Jason Nguyen
Fifth Place — Robert Taylor
Classic Physique
Fans were thrilled to see some big threats from the Classic Physique division in attendance. During prejudging rounds, huge pops were heard following the individual routines of Carlos Dommar and Matthew Greggo. Both men brought their trademark conditioning with complete upper bodies.
Greggo last appeared on stage at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro and picked up fourth place. Dommar meanwhile, is riding momentum following his big victory at the same show Greggo took fourth in. Dommar was eager to pick up another win in Florida, but Matthew Greggo denied his efforts with arguably his best physique to date. He won first place and qualified for 2023 Olympia.
Dommar and Robert Waterhouse filled the second and third podium spots.
Winner — Matthew Greggo
Second Place — Carlos Dommar
Third Place — Robert Waterhouse
Fourth Place — Lucas Giaianni
Fifth Place — Camillo Diaz Garzon
Sixth Place — Jarak Toribio Perez
Men’s Physique
On Friday, Men’s Physique competitors went all-out in the quest for first place. The prejudging portion of the show featured Jeremiah Maxey and Arya Saffaie as clear frontrunners. The artful posing routines and stage presentation were among the best of their division.
Jeremiah Maxey last competed at the 2022 Atlantic Coast Pro and put on a show. He took sixth but certainly came back with a vengeance. His main adversary, Arya Saffaie last appeared at the 2022 Olympia but was unable to place in the top 15. This time, Arya Saffaie dominated and earned his qualification to 2023 Olympia.
Jeremiah Maxey finished second and Alexander Toplyn took third.
Winner — Arya Saffaie
Second Place — Jeremiah Maxey
Third Place — Alexander Toplyn
Fourth Place — Kimani Victor
Fifth Place — Deke Walker
Sixth Place — John Stanley Sarmiento
Women’s Bodybuilding
Competitors from the Women’s Bodybuilding category wasted no time jumping on stage Friday. During the prejudging rounds, the hard muscularity of Theresa Ivancik, Nicki Chartrand, and Michaela Aycock stood out and the judges took notice. With a number of comparisons taking place, it was anyone’s title going into the finals.
Nicki Chartrand was in the running for gold. She took 2022 away from shows and one of her last appearances on stage was in eighth at the 2021 Rising Phoenix and Arizona Pro show. She was up against Michaela Aycock in the finals. Aycock entered the contest with momentum after claiming silver at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro. After a heated battle, Michaela Aycock got her hand raised and earned first prize.
Nicki Chartrand and Theresa Ivancik rounded out the podium in second and third.
Winner — Michaela Aycock
Second Place — Nicki Chartrand
Third Place — Theresa Ivancik
Fourth Place — Kyna Squarey
Fifth Place — Julia Foery
Women’s Physique
Women’s Physique got a huge pop from the crowd during prejudging rounds. The conditioning of Ivie Rhein and Jeannie Feldman dominated discussions online. By the time finals were kicking off, many deemed it a two-woman battle.
Ivie Rhein’s last competition saw her take fifth at the 2022 Olympia contest. Meanwhile, Jeannie Feldman’s latest show was at the same Olympia event in sixth place. So both ladies were eager to run it back. Ultimately, the deep separation of Jennie Feldman’s physique prevailed and she walked away the winner.
Ivie Rhein finished runner-up and Robyn Mays took third.
Winner — Jeannie Feldman
Second Place — Ivie Rhein
Third Place — Robyn Mays
Fourth Place — Mikaela Lindsey
Fifth Place — Marika Jones
Figure
Figure competitors kicked off Friday in style as all athletes looked to have brought their best packages. The prejudging and finals featured Oyku Basar and Queren Pacheco vying for gold. In addition to some intense comparisons, both athletes displayed exceptional aesthetics.
Oyku Basar last appeared on stage at the 2023 Musclecontest Zhanna Rotar Pro, where she nabbed fifth place. On the other hand, Queren Pacheco last made a splash all the way back in 2020 at the Rising Phoenix Women’s Bodybuilding World Championship & Arizona Pro. Following a tough battle, Queren Pacheco earned first and qualified for 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Oyku Basar took second, with Lena Ramsteiner taking bronze.
Winner — Queren Pacheco
Second Place — Oyku Basar
Third Place — Lena Ramsteiner
Fourth Place — Mariafernanda Laguna
Fifth Place — Danielle Rose
Fitness
Coming Soon!
Bikini
Coming Soon!
Wellness
Coming Soon!
2023 Tampa Pro Scorecards
Coming Soon!
FitnessVolt congratulates the winners!
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 6:12 PM EDT
Milos Sarcev Lauds UFC President Dana White for Ripped Physique at 54: ‘No Excuses’
UFC President Dana White is widely credited for pioneering the business aspect of mixed martial arts. He revolutionized the financial model and turned it into the most elite MMA promotion in the world. In a recent post made on Instagram, Milos Sarcev heaped praises on White for maintaining a ripped physique despite his packed schedule.
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Dana White grew up with a passion for boxing in his teenage years. He got into the fight business early as a fitness boxing instructor. While working at the gym, White received a threatening message from mobster Whitey Bulger and his associate Kevin Weeks to cough up $3,500. The blackmail forced White to leave Boston and permanently move to Las Vegas.
White worked as a manager before teaming up with childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta and his older brother, Frank, to acquire the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for $2 million. The company was bleeding cash at the time of the purchase. Still, White managed to turn things around in a more positive direction and eventually sold the organization for $4 billion in 2016.
White is known for putting on the biggest fights possible in MMA. He played a major role in hosting the mega-crossover clash between boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor. He even entertained the idea of organizing a bout between Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise and singer Justin Bieber.
The 54-year-old made waves online for his jacked physique. He gave fans a look into his crazy home gym and fridge along with his regular full day of eating on the keto diet. Then, he got more motivated to become healthier after being told he might die in a decade. He shed over 30 pounds and pulled off an incredible body transformation to get ripped.
With a plethora of elite contenders under his wing, renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev has a sharp eye for talent and a respected voice in the community. He praised budding Classic Physique athlete Stephane Matala for his immense potential and backed him to be a considerable threat to reigning four-time champion Chris Bumstead.
Sarcev is convinced 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan could retain his title if he manages to overcome the danger presented by former 212 Olympia winner and last year’s Open runner-up Derek Lunsford again. He followed up by highlighting the issue of fewer athletes participating in shows.
Milos Sarcev Lauds UFC President Dana White for Ripped Physique at 54
In a recent Instagram post, Milos Sarcev praised Dana White for his shredded physique at the age of 54 despite having an insanely tight schedule managing the UFC and other businesses.
“@danawhite. 54,” wrote Sarcev. “Busy as shit!!! Healthy as they come. Lean, Muscular, Striated delts, Split biceps, Full chest, Flat stomach, Deep abs. No excuses, No compromises.”
Dana White teased a potential cage fight between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He made it clear the talks were serious and we could see a clash of the two of the richest men in the world in the near future.
Milos Sarcev is working hard to lead 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda to his maiden Sandow trophy at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He expects his client to face fierce competition from Choopan and Lunsford on stage and believes conditioning would be the key to getting the win.
According to Sarcev, Andrew Jacked would likely defeat Hunter Labrada to earn his entry for the next edition of Mr. Olympia at the 2023 Texas Pro. He admitted Labrada boasts an insane package but favored the overall aesthetics of Jacked.
White’s shredded physique will inspire even the younger fitness fans and it’s great to see Sarcev praise the UFC head honcho for his dedication.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 6:00 PM EDT
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Gifts a New House to UFC Fighter After Relating to His Story
In a world where fame and fortune are often the criteria to measure growth and success, there are people who use their status to help bring a positive image to society. Fitness enthusiast and Hollywood star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson recently exhibited the same by gifting a new house to UFC fighter Thema Gorimbo and his family. The gesture goes far beyond the glitz and glamor of celebrities, with Johnson proving to be a beacon of hope for Gorimbo who used to sleep on a couch in his gym.
The story behind Gorimbo’s philanthropy
Gorimbo’s village faced a water shortage, leaving him torn between helping his community and limited finances. He chose to auction his training kit, using the funds to enhance his village’s access to vital resources. Sharing his heartfelt story, Gorimbo revealed that before his triumphant victory against Takashi Sato at UFC Vegas 73, he had only seven dollars left in his bank account. Remarkably, instead of splurging on himself, he chose to use his substantial paycheck to build a borehole in his village, where access to water was a pressing challenge for his community.
This is f’n crazy to see and brings back many emotions and memories. $7.49 in this fighter’s bank account. I once had $7 bucks too. I’ve been there on that grind. Got your back, brother. I’ll help. You got this. I’ll be in touch @TheAnswerMMA #hardestworkersintheroom https://t.co/C2gn1j7OQF
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 10, 2023
Moved by his story, ‘The Rock’ contacted Thema via Twitter and ensured that the UFC fighter can rely on him for help. Later, a surprise meeting between Johnson and Gorimbo was arranged by Johnson’s team in Miami.
“When I found out you had $7 in your bank account, I know what that’s like. I was here in Miami when I had $7…Because you could have taken that money and put it down on a car, on an apartment, but you didn’t. You took care of your people, and that just says exactly who you are…I got your back,” Dwayne Johnson said to Thema during their first meeting ever.
The duo took a drive later to a property based in Miami, where Johnson handed over the keys to Thema and provided him a break from sleeping on his gym couch.
“I wanted to look you in the eye and I wanted to tell you welcome home,” Johnson said as he gifted Gorimbo a new place to stay with his family.
The tale of Johnson and Gorimbo highlights the significance of using one’s privilege to make a positive impact on others’ lives. They inspire a shift toward a more empathetic and caring society. Adding to this, Thema shared his plans to use his upcoming fight earnings to contribute towards the construction of another well in his village.
RELATED- Dwayne Johnson was Told to Slim Down When He Transitioned to Hollywood
“Because you got me this house, I was supposed to get a house to come here,” Gorimbo explained. “The money that I was going to use for the house, I’m going to build another borehole in my village now when I land in Africa.”
As Gorimbo continues his fight to become a UFC champion one day, his story stands as a testament to triumph over adversity.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 5:05 PM EDT
Chris Bumstead Reveals the Learnings of His Illustrious Bodybuilding Career
As the age-old saying goes, life is a journey, not a destination. As four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead enters a new phase of his life, he often openly talks about his thoughts on the deeper aspects of life during podcasts and interviews. With his focus shifting from competitive bodybuilding to other priorities, Bumstead recently penned down his thoughts in an Instagram post. His caption reveals the insight into a champion’s mindset and characterizes his personal growth ahead of his soon-to-be-married life.
The emphasis that our society lays on achievements and external validation often leaves little to no room to contemplate the deeper meanings of life. As Chris Bumstead is slowly approaching the end of his prestigious career, he is starting to channel his energy into personal growth and improvement. This transition that Cbum is going through reflects growth in his consciousness. He explained in his recent post that every person maintains an internal as well as an external scorecard for their achievements and success.
He pointed out in the caption:
“We all have an internal and external score card we use to keep track of our lives. The external being traditional successes, money, trophies, etc. The internal being the intangibles such as effort, character, integrity.”
Gratitude often has the power to transform an individual’s mindset and perspectives. As he is maturing and stepping into other ventures, including his business journey, Chris feels grateful for everything that life has thrown his way. Despite all the challenges that he has faced, including struggles with mental issues, Bumstead feels satisfied with his accomplishments.
“I must be getting old realizing nothing in this life lasts forever. The opportunities of today may never present themselves again. I don’t mean this as something to dread, but lately it just feels like a reason to be grateful for where I am at,” wrote Bumstead.
Concluding his post, Bumstead points out that what actually matters is the efforts an individual puts in. He explained that the qualities and character of a person are often much more important than respective accomplishments. ‘Cbum’ states that he will be forever satisfied with himself, knowing pretty well that he gave it his best. After all, the journey holds much more value than the destination itself.
RELATED: Chris Bumstead Breaks Down 2022 Mr. Olympia Win & Reveals He’s Not Targeting ‘8, 9 or 10th Wins’
“So when it’s all over I have promised myself that my internal score card will take precedence over the external…and I can honestly tell myself I did everything in my power to achieve it, that I became a better man along the way, that I enjoyed the journey, and I never fucking quit.”
As Bumstead is training to win his fifth Olympia title at the moment, fans are curious to see if he will ever step foot on the Mr. Olympia stage under the open category. Only time will tell what holds for the reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion, but he heads into the unknown with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 4:04 PM EDT
![2023 CrossFit Games Results — Individual & Teams Day Two [Live Updates]](https://www.musclechemistry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-CrossFit-Games-days-2-Individual-Teams.jpg)
2023 CrossFit Games Results — Individual & Teams Day Two [Live Updates]
The action continues on day two of the 2023 CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin, as the athletes face three workouts in each of the men’s, women’s, and team divisions. Day two marks the final stretch for certain athletes, with CrossFit implementing a roster cut. Following the completion of every workout on day two, the leaderboards will be finalized, and those who rank below 30th place will be cut out of the lineup. So, a lot of excitement awaits in every aspect of today.
Roman Khrennikov is wearing the leader’s jersey going into day two for the first time in his career, so his main goal will be maintaining or increasing the gap between him and his rivals. On the other hand, Alexis Raptis has a substantial lead over her competitors, with some good events scheduled for her on day two as well.
2023 CrossFit Games Point Standings
Men (Top 15)
Roman Khrennikov — 279 points
Jay Crouch — 258 points
Spencer Panchik — 225 points
Moritz Fiebig — 216 points
Samuel Cournoyer — 204 points
Brent Fikowski — 201 points
Jonne Koski — 198 points
Patrick Vellner —196 points
Dallin Pepper —195 points
Bjorgvin Karl Gudmundsson — 194 points
Bayley Martin — 192 points
Chandler Smith — 192 points
Jeffrey Adler — 185 points
James Sprague — 177 points
Uldis Upenieks — 153 points
Women (Top 15)
Alexis Raptis — 270 points
Emily Rolfe — 246 points
Arielle Loewen — 225 points
Emma Lawson — 222 points
Annie Thorisdottir — 216 points
Bethany Flores — 204 points
Laura Horvath — 202 points
Paige Powers — 198 points
Katrin Tanja Davidsdottir — 188 points
Jamie Simmonds — 183 points
Danielle Brandon — 180 points
Alex Gazan — 180 points
Emma Tall — 175 points
Baylee Rayl — 174 points
Christine Kolenbrander — 166 points
Teams (Top 10)
CrossFit Invictus — 270 points
CrossFit East Nashville PRVN — 267 points
CrossFit Oslo Navy Blue — 264 points
CrossFit Oba — 243 points
No Shortcuts CrossFit — 240 points
CrossFit Walley Athlete — 231 points
CrossFit Mayhem Independence — 225 points
CrossFit Move Fast Lift Heavy — 216 points
CrossFit Krypton — 201 points
CrossFit Prestanda — 187 points
Related: The CrossFit Games Relocates from Madison, WI, For 2024 Edition
Day Two Workout Recap For Individuals
The Alpaca Redux
The first event on day two of the 2023 CrossFit Games was all about the heavy sled push. The competitors had to really dig in their heels and push as hard as possible. The rope climbs presented a unique twist to the event, as those who are more proficient in them were able to make up a lot of time.
For time:
126-foot sled push, starting with all six kettlebells
Then 3 rounds for time:
2 legless rope climbs
12 kettlebell clean and jerks
42-foot sled push, starting with two kettlebells* (53/70 lb)
*add two kettlebells to the sled after each round
Men’s Results
After experiencing what it is like to be the overall leader at the 2023 CrossFit Games, Roman Khrennikov decided that he did not want to let go of his first place. So, with a large desire for the title, Roman left everything on the sunny grass pitch in Madison and won the workout with a time of 12:34. Once the event was finished, Roman did not have the strength to walk, but instead crawled to the nearest fan to cool down.
Unlike the majority of other athletes, Jack Farlow did not mind the sun and the heat since he was able to claim second place in this event. He was the only other man, apart from Roman, to finish in under 13 minutes. Brent Fikowski was also close, but he ended up with a time of 13:21 minutes, which secured him third place.
Roman Krennikov — 12:34.59
Jack Farlow — 12:54.31
Brent Fikowski — 13:21.91
Dallin Pepper — 13:57.83
David Shorunke — 14:04.63
Bjorgvin Karl Gudmundsson — 14:23.84
Justin Medeiros — 14:31.17
Jeffrey Adler — 14:33.78
Chandler Smith — 14:49.37
Ant Haynes — 15:02.37
Women’s Results
Coming Soon
Ski-Bag
The Ski-Bag event is going to light everyone’s core muscles on fire, as they will be constantly activated throughout both exercises. However, both of these exercises are also a staple in every CrossFit athlete’s training, making it very competitive.
For time:
30-calorie SkiErg
30 sandbag squats (125/200 lb)
20-calorie SkiErg
20 sandbag squats (125/200 lb)
Men’s Results
Coming Soon
Women’s Results
Coming Soon
Helena
The Helena workout might look simple at first glance, but due to it being three rounds long, the pacing plays a big factor. This workout is in between a sprint and endurance event, so picking up speed at just the right time might be crucial.
3 rounds for time:
400-meter run
12 bar muscle-ups
21 dumbbell snatches (35/50 lb)
Men’s Results
Coming Soon
Women’s Results
Coming Soon
Related: Jason Smith Issues Statement on 2023 CrossFit Games Provisional Suspension
Day Two Workout Recap For Teams
Olympic Total
All of the members of the team had to put up their max Snatch and Clean & Jerk, and their results were then added up. So, whoever came out with the heaviest Total was awarded the max points.
For load:
1-rep-max snatch
1-rep-max clean and jerk
Results
The CrossFit East Nashville PRVN came up with the heaviest total after each member of their team performed two attempts on the snatch and two attempts on the Clean & Jerk. Their end score was 2,115 pounds, which made them the only team to cross the 2,100-pound milestone.
CrossFit Walleye Athlete finished in second with a total of 2,085 pounds, and gained 97 points to move up the leaderboard.
CrossFit Invictus took third place, which was incredibly important since they prevented CF East Nashville PRVN from taking the overall lead.
CrossFit East Nashville PRVN — 2,115 pounds
CrossFit Walleye Athlete — 2,085 pounds
CrossFit Invictus — 2,055 pounds
CrossFit Milford Team Conquer — 2,035 pounds
CrossFit Oba — 2,030 pounds
CrossFit Oslo Navy Blue — 2,025 pounds
No Shortcuts CrossFit — 2,020 pounds
Templo SA CrossFit — 2,020 pounds
CrossFit Prestanda — 1,995 pounds
CrossFit Mayhem Independence — 1,995 pounds
Cross-Country 5K
The simplest workout for the Teams at the 2023 CrossFit Games is the Cross-Country, as all they need to do is run 5,000 meters as a team.
For time:
Run 5K as a team.
*Results Coming Soon
Bike, Row, Hold
The final Teams workout of day two at the 2023 CrossFit Games is based on cooperative performance. While one part of the team burns calories on the bike and the rower, the other part of the team must hold a handstand or ring support.
For time:
150-calorie bike + handstand hold
125-calorie row + seated muscle-up and ring support
100-calorie bike + handstand hold
*Results Coming Soon
Related: Dave Castro Takes Over as Leader of CrossFit Sport Team Following Justin Bergh’s Departure
With Tia-Clair Toomey not even taking part in the 2023 CrossFit Games, we are guaranteed to see a new women’s champion after six years. However, the reigning men’s champion, Justin Medeiros, faced a challenging start to the competition with a poor performance. With his chances of reclaiming the top position seeming slim, the likelihood of a new champion being crowned in the men’s division is quite significant.
Remaining Schedule
August 5th, 2023 (Saturday)
Teams — 9:00 A.M. to 6:10 P.M.
Individuals — 10:10 A.M. to 4:55 P.M.
August 6th, 2023 (Sunday)
Teams — 9:00 A.M. to 2:55 P.M.
Individuals — 10:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.
2023 CrossFit Games Coverage
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 12:36 PM EDT
Shaquille O’Neal Flaunts Hulking Physique in Bodybuilding Update: “In My Former Life I Was Phil Heath”
NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal’s passion for bodybuilding was on full display recently, which caught the attention of Phil Heath and Ronnie Coleman. In an Instagram post, Shaq showed off his bulked-up physique by hitting a couple of mandatory poses.
Shaq is a legend in basketball history, whose achievements on the court will never be forgotten. He enjoyed a long and successful career of 19 years and won four NBA titles along the way. He played for six different teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004), and was considered one of the greatest centers of all time.
When the world faced the COVID-19 crisis, O’Neal struggled with weight gain and reached 401 pounds. He decided to shed the weight by following a four-day weekly training split. Abs aren’t made in the gym, they’re made in the kitchen, so Shaq also admitted that avoiding junk food has been integral to his weight loss journey.
Shaq’s workout regimen consisted of 20 minutes of cardio and 40 minutes of strength training. Aiming to build muscle and burn fat at the same time, O’Neal accomplished his goal and reached 365 pounds. He’s a bodybuilding fanatic, who continues to draw attention on social media with a massive build at the age of 51.
Bodybuilding Legends React to Shaquille O’Neal’s Latest Physique Update
Check out Shaq’s posing session below:
“in my former life i was @philheath we almost there @rocshabazz that @novexbiotech #gf9 baby” Shaquille O’Neal wrote.
Shortly after Shaq’s physique did the rounds on social media, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman and seven-time winner Phil Heath gave him props.
@shaq/Instagram
As a diehard bodybuilding fan, O’Neal watches the sport closely. He attended the 2020 Mr. Olympia as a special guest and helped promote the event. O’Neal also attended the 2021 Arnold Classic live and had the pleasure of meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger face-to-face.
This wasn’t Shaq’s first tease at a possible bodybuilding venture. Last October, he impressed fans with another posing update. Having dropped nearly 40 pounds, O’Neal didn’t anticipate his physique going viral but said his ultimate goal was to become a sex symbol with ‘muscles everywhere.’ He added that he’d also liked to pose next to his sons in underwear ads and wants his physique to stand the test of time.
RELATED: NBA Player Tries To Savage Conor McGregor After McGregor Trolls Mayweather With Warriors Jersey
Shaq, who maintains an incredibly busy schedule, continues to build his legacy brick by brick with ambitious fitness goals in retirement. He credits his willingness to stick with strict dieting and exercise as key factors to his overall transformation.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 11:17 AM EDT
Chris Bumstead’s Epic Chest Day Under Hany Rambod’s Coaching Ahead of 2023 Olympia
Chris Bumstead’s professional bodybuilding career is probably nearing its end. He plans to walk away from the sport with a few more Olympia wins and leave a lasting legacy. However, the idea of retirement has not wavered his focus even a little bit as one can see in his recent chest training session.
Chris Bumstead, fondly known as CBum, is a Canadian IFBB Pro bodybuilder. He is the reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion and has won the competition four consecutive times – in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. He was also a runner-up at the 2017 and 2018 Olympia. The 28-year-old is a global bodybuilding star and is credited for putting the Classic Physique division on the ‘must watch’ list.
Having grown under the guidance of his longtime friend and IFBB Pro bodybuilder Iain Valliere, Bumstead conquered the highest peak of competitive achievements. But a few months before the 2022 Olympia, the duo announced that Valliere will no longer train the Classic Physique champ to be able to focus on his own bodybuilding career in the Men’s Open division.
CBum has trained under Hany Rambod‘s tutelage since then, securing the third successful defense of the Classic Physique Olympia title at the 2022 Olympia. Although Bumstead and Valliere have parted ways as the client and coach, they are close friends and recently partnered for a shoulder workout as well.
After recovering from a bicep tear suffered heading into the 2022 Olympia, Chris Bumstead made maximum progress in the off-season with meticulously planned workout splits and a 3700-calorie diet. He has now started the competition prep in a bid to secure fifth straight Classic Physique Olympia title and looks primed to emerge victoriously again.
Chris Bumstead goes through the first chest workout of the 2023 Olympia prep
The Canadian bodybuilder tackled the first chest training session of his 2023 Olympia prep under Hany Rambod’s guidance and posted the video on his YouTube channel. So let’s check out the details of this training session.
Cable Crossover
While most people perceive cable crossover as just another pump-inducing movement to end the workout, it has a lot more to offer. As per studies, crossover ranks among the top three exercises in terms of pectoral muscle activation. So it makes for an excellent option to start the workout and warm up the muscles before heading into the heavier compound movements. CBum executed some good sets of cable crossover to get things started.
Flat Bench Dumbbell Press
CBum then advanced to doing a common and effective compound exercise next. He explained to the coach that the flat bench press puts more stress on his shoulder. As a result, he has been putting more emphasis on incline movements. To reduce the stress on the shoulders, Rambod advised Bumstead to start with flat bench press using light weights before jumping into the incline movements. CBum pushed through a few sets keeping the bench at a very slight incline angle and took to the incline movement next.
Incline Bench Dumbbell Press
Incline movements put more emphasis on the clavicular head of the pectoral muscles, known commonly as the upper pecs. Hany Rambod instructed CBum to perform a few sets of incline bench presses with hammer grip. This modification is a safer alternative to the pronated grip dumbbell press as it protects the shoulder joint.
Additionally, it increases the range of motion. This enables the pectoral muscles to get a good stretch at the bottom of the movement. CBum followed the instructions and performed a couple of sets with hammer grip. He then finished the rest of the sets with regular pronated grip to wrap up the free weight work for the day.
Seated Chest Press Machine
Bumstead took to the seated machine chest press next. He performed the exercise on the plate loaded machine. Using the machine is a great way to minimize the setup and eliminate stabilization. It is often the case with free weight exercises. CBum got a few sets of machine chest press under his belt with incrementally heavier weights. He then proceeded to do different variations of it.
Incline Chest Press Machine
Bumstead next took to the incline chest press on an iso-lateral plate-loaded machine. It offers similar benefits as the regular machine chest press but mimics the free-weight incline pressing movement. Needless to say, it emphasizes the upper pecs more than the other parts of pectoral muscles. After surviving some solid sets of the movement, the the champ took to the final pressing movement of the day.
Decline Chest Press Machine
While the incline pressing movements emphasize the upper pecs, decline pressing movements focus more on the lower pecs. Bumstead dealt with a few good sets of decline chest presses on the machine and jumped into the finisher.
Pec Deck Flyes
Unlike the pressing movements that improve the upper body pushing strength, flyers help develop the adduction strength. Pec deck flyes are one of the most effective movements for pectoral muscle activation. Bumstead capped the training session with a few sets of this isolation movement.
Overall, the workout included:
Chris Bumstead went through the 2022 Olympia prep with a number of issue. He is in a much better position at the beginning of his 2023 Olympia prep. As long as he stays healthy and maintains focus and intensity, his chances of becoming a five-time champion are high.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Chris Bumstead’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 9:10 AM EDT
Ronnie Coleman and Arnold Schwarzenegger Join Hands for Legendary Training Session
Legendary bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman is widely regarded as one of the greatest competitors of all time. His unmatched dedication to lifting heavy weights made him stand out from the crowd. In a recent post made on Instagram, Coleman pushed bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger to his limits in an intense outdoor workout.
Ronnie Coleman first rose to prominence for his mass, size, and granite conditioning as a Men’s Open competitor in the late 90s. After the departure of six-time champion Dorian Yates, the mass monster found glory at the 1998 Mr. Olympia by defeating the likes of Kenneth ‘Flex’ Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, and Shawn Ray. Coleman proved to be a commanding champion as he warded off future titleholders Jay Cutler and Dexter Jackson to win Mr. Olympia shows eight years in a row.
Besides his insane physique, Coleman was known for his incredible feats of strength, earning him the title of the strongest bodybuilder of all time. He recorded a huge 800-lb deadlift and squat for two reps each and pushed a 2,300 pounds leg press for reps. However, the heavy lifts came with a cost. Coleman picked up several injuries which required multiple surgeries. Despite the troubles, he continued to train regularly and made it clear he has no regrets.
Coleman attributes his injuries to his days of playing football instead of bodybuilding. He admits he dealt with back problems and partially herniated a disc in college before competing on stage. Lately, Coleman got stem cell therapy and reported positive updates to his health.
His pain has almost subsided completely and while he may not be at his best, he never lets it hold him back from training. The 59-year-old revealed he cut down on painkillers by 50 percent after staying consistent with the stem cell treatments. As for his nerve damage, improvements are expected to happen over the next two years.
‘The King’ lauded former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford for his immense potential in the game after he shocked the world with a runner-up placing in the Open class at 2022 Mr. Olympia. Then, he ranked Lunsford as his favorite bodybuilder of this generation.
Ronnie Coleman’s impact on the sport can be felt to this day. Fellow bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler and renowned coach Milos Sarcev praised Coleman and argued he could hold his own in any generation with his prime physique. Cutler went as far as to say no other competitor came close to Coleman’s level.
Arnold Schwarzenegger remains fit after stepping away from professional competition. He likes incorporating both cardio and weight training to improve skin health. He also offered a fan-favorite circuit workout using a weighted bag that could fit in with any schedule.
Ronnie Coleman Pushes Arnold Schwarzenegger to His Limits in Intense Outdoor Workout
In a recent Instagram post, Ronnie Coleman helped motivate Arnold Schwarzenegger to push beyond his limits in an intense outdoor workout session.
“We all need training partners to help us reach our potential,” wrote Schwarzenegger. “I know Franco was looking down on @ronniecoleman8 pushing me today and smiling.”
“Franco is smiling down from heaven,” said Schwarzenegger. “He’s saying, ‘Finally, Arnold found a good replacement for me.’ That’s what Franco’s saying right now, ‘finally, a good replacement, a good training partner.’”
“Yep, c’mon. Light weight baby!” Coleman said.
Ronnie Coleman struggled with walking unassisted due to some surgery complications. While he does feel less pain since getting on stem cell therapy, he hasn’t experienced a significant improvement in his mobility and expressed concerns about atrophy in his lower body recently.
RELATED: Ronnie Coleman Teams Up w/ Panatta Equipment to Build The ‘World’s Greatest Gym’
Coleman’s undying passion for weight training and perseverance through health challenges is an inspiration. Given their respective careers, fans were thrilled to see Coleman and Schwarzenegger link up for a workout.
Published: 4 August, 2023 | 1:04 AM EDT
Rich Gaspari Bashes Young Lifters Using ‘Dangerous’ Amounts of Steroids: ‘It’s A Big Problem’
Bodybuilding veteran Rich Gaspari has a sharp eye for talent based on his decades of experience in the sport. While he no longer competes, he remains active in the community with hot takes. In a recent Instagram post, Gaspari criticized young lifters for using steroids at the beginning of their fitness journey.
Rich Gaspari first gained attention for his insane mass, size, and refined lower-body muscle development in the Men’s Open division in the mid-80s. His dry conditioning coupled with striated glutes made him stand out from the competition. While he did not find Olympia glory, Gaspari took a bronze medal in his Mr. Olympia debut and earned three silvers to eight-time champion Lee Haney. He created history by becoming the first Arnold Classic winner and got inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2004.
Gaspari has been a vocal critic of the Open division in the last few years. As a talented poser, he considers bodybuilding an art form and not a sport due to its subjective nature. However, he sees a lack of artistic focus with more athletes favoring sheer muscle mass instead of posing.
‘The Dragon Slayer’ highlighted the rise in the popularity of trenbolone in the fitness space. While he admitted the compound could lead to significant gains, he warned about its use due to the damage it wreaks on the liver and cardiovascular system. He added tren use could lead to anger issues for even the nicest person.
Gaspari fired shots at modern bodybuilders for not paying enough attention to their calves. He left the fans stunned with a throwback clip where he showed off his massive calves while crushing an intense training session. He suggested training the muscle group three times a week with high volume and heavy weights.
Rich Gaspari reckons Chris Bumstead would need to put on 40 pounds to have a shot in the Men’s Open division. He praised the four-time Classic Physique Olympia winner’s symmetry and backed him to defend the title successfully at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. However, he criticized ‘CBum’s’ arm development and muscle density when compared with Open contenders.
Gaspari is a strong proponent of high-intensity training. He opened up on some of the crazy ways he used to pump himself up for an intense weight training session and offered a grueling abs routine for boosting strength and hypertrophy. Then, he emphasized incorporating slow-mo reps to amp up workout intensity and build muscle.
Rich Gaspari Speaks Out Against Harmful Steroid Practices Among Young Lifters
In a recent Instagram post, Rich Gaspari criticized young lifters for starting steroids early. He highlighted the health risks that come with taking harsh compounds like tren and called for training quality above all else.
“I’m going to talk about a subject that I’m going to get a lot of flak for from a lot of the younger kids that are training with weights and that’s the usage of anabolic steroids,” said Gaspari. “A lot of these young kids just starting out to train go directly on really hardcore drugs like trenbolone, high doses of testosterone, anadrol, Dbol, all these drugs. Now, I was a professional bodybuilder I had to use steroids to compete. But, the dosages were much lower than I see today in a lot of these bodybuilders.”
Gaspari claims the dosages were way lower in his days of competing on stage.
“And I’ve done blood work to make sure I stay healthy and cycled with steroids. A lot of these guys are taking steroids continually. These are kids 18 year olds, 17, 18, 19, doing high doses of trenbolone and not really monitoring themselves, which is really dangerous. It’s a big problem.
“What I’ve seen is that a lot of kids just don’t know that they have to work hard, train hard, train smart, and eat the right type of foods, eating nutritionally, eating the right amount of macronutrients, which I see a lot of people just don’t eat enough to really grow muscle.
“Just me talking out saying if you are going to take the risk of taking steroids, you need to get blood work done, you need to be able to go off and on cycles, but these kids are not doing that. They just continually stay on high doses of really toxic steroids that later on… they might not be here.”
Rich Gaspari revealed the technique he used on the incline dumbbell one-arm row to build thickness in his back with a bench. He used an incline bench to reduce any momentum from the swing to ensure optimal gains during the entirety of each movement.
Gaspari listed Jefferson squats as his exercise of choice for developing bigger legs. He emphasized going down to a full range of motion for the best results. Then, the 60-year-old detailed the modified sumo squats as a solid movement to target the glutes and build strength in the legs. He suggested performing the exercise on an elevated platform for the best results.
RELATED: ‘I’ve Been on TRT for Nearly 10 Years & Feel Amazing’: Rich Gaspari Shares Important Tips for Using TRT
His latest update might encourage some lifters against taking steroids. Overall, Gaspari just wants to see the sport practiced in a safe and healthy manner.
Published: 3 August, 2023 | 10:15 PM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger on Protein: “The Quality Isn’t As Important As You’ve Been Led to Believe
Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger’s attention to nutrition and dieting remain top priorities at the age of 76. In the latest Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter, Schwarzenegger discussed protein intake and whether or not quality matters when choosing which sources to consume.
Given his star power and name recognition, fans listen when Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about his nutritional options. Having dominated the most prestigious stages in the sport, Schwarzenegger is no stranger to the protein demands of a top-tier bodybuilder. He’s a seven-time Mr. Olympia winner, a reign he made possible with popping biceps, a slim waist, and towering height.
In retirement, Schwarzenegger admits his diet has changed drastically. In 2022, he credited an 80% plant-based diet he’s followed for the last five years. ‘The Austrian Oak’ was dealing with cholesterol issues, which eventually led him down this ‘green diet’ path. While he accepts animal-based protein sources have richer amino acid profiles, Schwarzenegger believes the diet he follows has helped improve his life.
Hoping to make fitness more mainstream, Arnold has used his newsletter to inform the masses. To shed more light on diet hacks, the bodybuilding icon went over a healthy checklist he uses to stay fit despite his hectic schedule. Now, he’s back to highlight the differences between eating protein for quality versus quantity.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Weighs Up Protein – Does Quality Matter?
According to the seven-time Mr. Olympia, if you’re eating enough protein, quality isn’t as important.
“The debate about protein superiority usually focuses on the speed of digestion, rate of absorption, amino acid content, or being “clean.” But all of these claims might be a distraction from what really matters.
New research suggests that if you’re eating enough protein, the quality isn’t as important as you’ve been led to believe.
Many people believe that if you want to grow muscle, you need a fast-absorbing protein with high digestibility. But there hasn’t been much research asking a more practical question — if you eat more protein, can you worry less about the quality?
However, he says for those who want to consume less protein, quality options are preferred due to their absorption qualities.
The new study — which reviewed existing protein research — found that the quantity of protein you consume determines the need for quality. In other words, if you want to eat less protein, it’s best to focus on more premium protein. But, if you prefer eating a higher protein diet, then it’s OK if you’re not always consuming the highest absorbing options.
This is because protein consists of amino acids, the building blocks of your cells and muscle. And you need essential amino acids because your body can’t make them. Low-quality proteins have fewer essential amino acids or can be missing some of them completely. And that’s why some proteins really are “better” than others.
Schwarzenegger shared that the body will compensate with amino acid ‘gaps’ if the person eats excessive protein daily, which is good news for bodybuilders, who must consume staggering amounts of protein to maintain their muscle mass.
“But if you eat more protein (a minimum of 1.6g/kg per day of protein, according to the research) — even if it’s not the best option — the quantity compensates for the lower quality, your body fills the amino acid gaps (assuming you’re eating a variety of protein sources), and your body gets what it needs to build muscle, help you recover, and support your overall health
Of course, there are other considerations when choosing protein. Calories still matter, so if selecting a “lower quality” protein source means loading up on unnecessary calories, that could impact your results. But the protein itself — as long as you eat enough — will not hold you back.
If you want some guidelines or count your macros, here’s a simple example to show how it works. Let’s say you’re 175 pounds. If you’re eating only high-quality options (such as whey, beef, egg, soy, or milk — all have high digestibility), you could see results with only 80 grams of protein per day. But, if you eat roughly 175 grams of protein daily, you can eat some lower-quality forms of protein such as peanuts, wheat, or beans.” Arnold Schwarzenegger shared in his newsletter.
Aside from his nutrition, Schwarzenegger continues to dedicate himself to training but he’s also eager to help others discover fitness. In a recent collaboration with fellow FUBAR actors Bert Kreischer and Fortune Feimster, Schwarzenegger turned back the clock pumping iron and offered tips on maximizing contractions during each movement.
RELATED: Arnold Schwarzenegger Unveils His 3-Tier ‘Hierarchy of Muscle Gains’
Schwarzenegger believes adequate protein consumption is critical to a happy, healthy, and fit lifestyle. Regardless of its quality, “it will not hold you back.”
Published: 3 August, 2023 | 5:43 PM EDT