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Bob Cicherillo Reacts to 2023 Masters Olympia Roster: ‘Kamal Elgargni Is Going to Be Very Difficult to Beat’
IFBB Pro League athletes rep Bob Cicherillo has become a leading voice in the bodybuilding community. In a recent Voice of Bodybuilding podcast, Cicherillo examined the newly released 2023 Masters Olympia roster and named Kamal Elgargni as a clear-cut favorite.
Cicherillo, who carved out his own career as a Men’s Open pro, remains connected with the sport in a variety of capacities. In addition to his duties as an athletes rep, Cicherillo serves as the commentator for the two biggest bodybuilding shows in the world, Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic.
Last year, the Masters Olympia competition announced its return following an 11-year absence. The show is scheduled for August 25-27 at the BT Arena in Cluj Napoca, Romania. Following Jake Wood’s confirmation of the contest, fans immediately began eying potential competitors.
There were suspicions that four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler was preparing for a possible return. However, in a Cutler Cast podcast, he dismissed the idea. Instead, Cutler admitted that he was transforming his physique as a personal goal before turning 50. Fan speculation about entries screeched to a halt on Tuesday when Cutler and head judge Steve Weinberger revealed a complete list of competitors from a total of 10 divisions.
Bob Cicherillo Says Masters Olympia Was Created for Lou Ferrigno: ‘It Was Put Together for Him to Win’
According to Cicherillo, the Masters Olympia was first created specifically for Lou Ferrigno, who was ultimately denied by Golden Era veteran Robby Robinson in 1994.
“That [Masters Olympia history] goes back to 1994. Interestingly, this show was pretty much set up for Lou Ferrigno to make his big comeback. It was no secret that Lou was a big Weider athlete at the time, the biggest if you get into physicalities. He was very close with Joe Weider and he was making a comeback.”
“This was literally put together for Lou to win and he would have won if not for Robby Robinson, The Black Prince who showed up on game day who put it all together, looked phenomenal and when the smoke cleared they just could not deny that Robby was the best on that day and at that show.”
Cicherillo credited Bob Paris as an early influence and gave an overview of former champions who found success on the Masters Olympia stage such as Vince Taylor and Don Youngblood.
“He [Bob Paris] was an early influence in my career and a lot of other people’s, generally regarded as one of the best posers of all time but also one of the best physiques, especially if you’re into the aesthetic look and that type of thing. Interestingly enough, Bob Paris never won a pro show. Ain’t that something?”
“The highest he ever got was a couple third place finishes and he never cracked the top five at the Olympia,” added Cicherillo.
“Alright, 96-2001, the great Vince Taylor, no disputing it, Vince was simply head and shoulders above the rest. What he produced out there, I wouldn’t say a Masters physique, it was a damn good physique whether he was in the Open or the Masters; he was the winningest bodybuilder of all time to that point before that record was ecliped by the great Ronnie Coleman and then eclipsed again by Dexter Jackson. That record will probably never be beat.”
“Don Youngblood spoiled Vince’s party.”
Before breaking down the current contenders slated to compete in August, Bob highlighted the impact Dexter Jackson left on the sport. He also clarified that the Masters Olympia show fell off for several years due to a lack of interest from fans.
“It’s amazing how much his name [Dexter Jackson] seems to come up when talking about bodybuilding history. Listen, Dexter was Dexter, nobody was going to beat him. Now, that was 11 years ago. Again, why are there big gaps in time, why hasn’t the Masters sustained? Well, the Masters is an interesting dichotomy of what the fans want to see versus what’s profitable, what has an ROI, what sells tickets, it’s still business at the end of the day.”
Cicherillo Says Kamal Elgargni Can Win 2023 Masters Olympia at a Lean 215 Lbs
Given his activity levels and current physique, Cicherillo recognizes Kamal Elgargni as a big favorite. However, he also expects Josh Lenartowicz to put on a stellar performance.
“Let’s get into the Open. Now, this is what I was waiting for. I was curious because we’ve heard some names, everybody from Jay Cutler to Johnnie Jackson, my good buddy Jimmy Mentis out there, big shout out Jimmy, a lot of names were going around as possibly coming back, Kai Greene, Phil Heath even right? But the list came out yesterday, none of those guys are in it.”
“But guess who is in it? How about Josh Lenartowicz? We haven’t seen Josh in six or seven years, I don’t know, it’s been a while,” said Cicherillo. “He’s going to present a physique that’s going to be very very competitive. But, he’s got Kamal Elgargni, now Kamal is obviously not one of the bigger guys, he’s a 212 Olympia champion — that goes a long way. That means he’s obviously the best at what he does against other guys in that range.
Now, can he put on a few pounds without losing that physique, because he tends to get a little square when he goes up in weight. He doesn’t need it; he should probably come in no higher than 215 and present a package that’s going to be very difficult to beat. He’s been competing as recently as just this last year, it’s not like he’s coming back after five or 10 years. Kamal is definitely going to be – he’s got a shot at the number one spot,” Bob Cicherillo shared.
The Olympia organizers revealed that $229,000 is on the line, which will be divided among all categories. Some in the sport, such as Victor Martinez, took issue with the prize money and said it would have taken at least $250,000 to entice him to enter.
RELATED: Bodybuilding Legend Dexter Jackson Shares Insane Back Workout, Looking Beastly in Retirement
Kamal Elgargni will aim to capture his first Masters Olympia title in late August. Bob Cicherillo believes Elgargni is the man to beat given his experience and status as a former 212 Olympia winner.
You can watch the full video below courtesy of the Voice of Bodybuilding YouTube channel:
Published: 28 April, 2023 | 1:20 PM EDT
Michal Krizo Looks Massive and Ripped in Latest Update, Hints at Surprise Contest in 8 Weeks
Rising Men’s Open star Michal Krizo appears to be taking to the stage soon. In a recent Instagram stories post, Krizo shocked fans with a ripped physique update and teased a return in eight weeks.
Slovakian mass monster Krizo stole headlines on a consistent basis last year. He switched to the NPC from the IFBB Elite Pro League, then earned his pro card in short order after dominating the 2022 Amateur Olympia Italy. Having claimed victory at the EVLS Prague Pro next, Krizo guaranteed his passage to Mr. Olympia, where he embraced the opportunity with a 12th-place finish in his debut.
Krizo has ambitious plans for the 2023 season and the community has taken notice. Figureheads of the sport such as former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout have urged Krizo to refine his posing skills. To shore up any stage nerves or weaknesses, Krizo guest posed at 300 pounds during the off-season a few weeks ago.
Aside from posing, the 32-year-old has been following a rigorous training schedule. He offered a glimpse into his bulking leg workout recently, where at the time, admitted his next competition would be the 2023 Arnold Classic UK (AKA: Experience With Sports Festival UK) in September. Fortunately for his fans, it looks like he’s changed his mind and teased his next show in less than two months.
Michal Krizo Teases Next Contest in 8 Weeks, Where Will He Compete?
Given the time frame revealed by Krizo, fans expect his next contest appearance to come at the 2023 Empro Classic Pro Spain on June 18.
Check out his physique update below:
Krizo showed off his fullness and vascularity in a separate IG stories post.
Krizo
Previously, Krizo laid out some of his goals for the current season. Reacting to his 12th-place performance at Olympia, Krizo said he was unhappy with his conditioning levels. He explained that his body felt ‘tired’ in December after peaking multiple times last year.
With time to accept the outcome of 2022 Olympia, Krizo hasn’t been shy about discussing his opposition. During last year’s contest, Krizo argued that the beautiful structure of Brandon Curry was overlooked. In fact, Krizo stated that Curry had the best upper body of the entire show and said he ‘deserved’ to place higher than fourth.
Krizo has also shared rivalries with a number of Open class stars like Nick Walker, Blessing Awodibu, and Iain Valliere. After Olympia, he buried the hatchet with all of them and placed ahead of Awodibu, who defeated Krizo at an amateur bodybuilding contest back in 2017.
RELATED: Bodybuilder Michal Krizo Crushes A Back Workout Eight Days Out of 2022 Olympia
Should he claim a pro show victory before October 9, Michal Krizo will have the chance to break into the first call-out and face the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan on bodybuilding’s biggest stage.
Published: 28 April, 2023 | 11:04 AM EDT
Dexter Jackson Demolishes A Back Workout, Addresses A Health Problem
Veteran bodybuilder Dexter Jackson has created a lasting legacy in the sport with some spectacular performances throughout his competitive career. A few years into retirement, Jackson is still pushing himself in the gym to an extent where he has to remind himself it is not as serious anymore!
One of the most prominent names in the 2000s and 2010s bodybuilding era, “The Blade” has five Arnold Classic titles to his name, winning this second-most prestigious bodybuilding competition in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, and 2015. He was also a perennial Mr. Olympia contender that pushed dominant champions like Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler the way only a handful of other competitors could. In 2008, Jackson even managed to push Cutler off the pedestal and take home the sole Mr. Olympia title of his bodybuilding career.
The 53-year-old is one of the rare athletes that have enjoyed performance longevity and competed well into his late forties before deciding to call it quits. A ninth-place finish at the 2020 Mr. Olympia marked the end of his 22-year-long pro career. Although there was speculation about him competing in the returning Masters Olympia competition, Jackson has made it clear that he has no intentions of wearing the posing trunks again.
Staying in shape and maintaining overall health is the primary goal of his training. However, he is a passionate bodybuilder all the way down to his core, and that nature was on full display in Jackson’s recent back training session. So let’s check out how he trained in this workout.
Dexter Jackson goes through a back workout
Hammer Strength Machine Low Row
Jackson admitted to not having trained his back seriously in quite some time. He started the training session with low rows on the Hammer Strength plate-loaded low-rows machine to get a good warm-up. After packing a few serious sets of the movement using incrementally heavier weights, Jackson went on to take on the heavier lifts of the session.
Seated Row
The five-time Arnold Classic champion next worked the back muscles on a plate-loaded machine with a swivel handle which enables a more natural movement of the arms during the exercise.
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown
After putting up with the two horizontal pulling movements, the legendary bodybuilder trained his lats with this compound movement. After performing the first set of the exercise with furious intensity, Jackson made a conscious decision to tone it down a notch as he sometimes has to remind himself that it’s not competition anymore.
“Sometimes, I still find myself training too hard. I have to tell myself to back off a little bit homie – it ain’t that serious no more! But I’ve been doing it for so many years… over 30 years of training like this. So I get why some people can’t let certain things go, you know. I can let it go. That’s why I can tell myself to back off, and I listen to myself. Some people don’t listen to themselves,” Jackson said.
After getting a few sets of lat pulldowns under his belt, Jackson jumped into the next exercise.
Seated Cable Row
Another variation of rows followed next, and the 53-year-old bodybuilder performed the movement on the cable machine with swivel handles. This movement added the last bit of stimulus to the back, as Jackson called it a day in the gym after a few sets of the exercise.
In totality, Dexter Jackson’s back workout consisted of:
Jackson revealed that he has been suffering from arthritis of the back for a while now. However, he will head to Columbia soon to get stem cell therapy to address the problem.
“I’m gonna be 100 percent 20 again…!” Jackson stated.
Jackson has set a positive example for younger bodybuilders in his retirement. A huge and muscular physique is an integral part of a bodybuilder’s identity. Many of them carry the colossal muscle mass into the later years of life despite being aware of its health risks. However, The Blade has let go of the heavy physique and significantly downsized in favor of longevity and quality of life at this stage of his life. Fitness Volt wishes Jacson luck with his upcoming stem cell treatment.
You can watch the full workout video below, courtesy of Dexter Jackson’s YouTube channel:
Published: 28 April, 2023 | 10:22 AM EDT
Dorian Yates Reveals His Contest Prep, Training, Steroid Cycles & TRT Use after Retirement
Bodybuilding legend Dorian Yates stands out as a six-time Mr. Olympia champion with a distinct training philosophy. In a recent Rob Lipsett interview, Yates revealed his competition prep, training, and the steroid cycles he used as a competitor. He also opened up about his reasons for getting on TRT after stepping away from professional competition….
Lee Priest Critical of 2023 Masters Olympia Being Age 40 & Over: ‘To Me Masters is 50+’
Australian bodybuilder Lee Priest is celebrated for his longevity with over two decades of competitive experience. In a RxMuscle YouTube video, Priest called for changes to the eligibility criteria for the 2023 Masters Olympia by changing the age cap to 50 and over.
The Masters Olympia competition was started by former Olympia president Joe Weider in 1994. He created the event to provide a platform for older bodybuilders past their prime who still love to compete. Dexter ‘The Blade’ Jackson was the last man to win the Masters Olympia title when the show returned in 2012.
Jake Wood confirmed the contest would make a comeback this season after an 11-year break. The weekend of August 25 was announced as the official date for the three-day event scheduled to be hosted in Cluj Napoca, Romania. It is set to feature 10 divisions from the IFBB Pro League.
Some had mixed feelings about the event’s return. Renowned bodybuilding guru Milos Sarcev expressed his concerns about athletes’ risking their health by overusing steroids at an older age in preparation for the competition.
Bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest indicated his desire to compete at the show but ruled out his participation due to chest atrophy earlier this year. He speculated about the potential contenders and favored the chances of Victor Martinez to take the title if Dexter Jackson and four-time Mr. Ollympia Jay Cutler did not compete.
Two months ago, Martinez opened up about his ambitions to compete at the Masters Olympia. However, made it clear he wasn’t interested in the risks unless the prize money stood at $250,000. In the end, the organizers declared the overall prize money for the show at $229,000 days later.
Former 212 Olympia champ Kamal Elgargni was considering making his way to Romania for the event if the prize money was fit for his needs. And sure enough, the Masters Olympia roster was released and Kamal Elgargni will fight for the Open title in August.
Japanese bodybuilder Hidetada Yamagishi will come out of retirement to contend for the title at the age of 50 in the 212 division. Last week, he made headlines for a ripped physique update where he showed off his insane conditioning levels 18 weeks out.
Lee Priest calls for Masters Olympia to be over 50 & talks about top contenders
In a recent YouTube video, Lee Priest shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2023 Masters Olympia with Dave Palumbo. He called on the organizers to raise the age ceiling to 50.
“I’m still upset though it’s 40 and over,” said Priest. “To me, Masters should be 50 above and you haven’t competed for at least 2 or 3 years. Seeing that $229,000, $9,000 goes to the Masters.”
Priest and Palumbo gave their takes on the competitors and highlighted some missing names.
“A lot of these guys I don’t even know who they are,” said Palumbo. “I see Fred Biggie Smalls is on the list, he’s making a comeback. You’ll probably see some guy who we don’t even expect to do well probably win it. Someone who won the Masters Nationals at 40 years old, never competed their whole life, fresh-looking muscle.”
“Victor Martinez could do it and still do very well,” said Priest.
Palumbo responded, “I don’t know why he isn’t competing. He should. It’s actually a pretty weak lineup when you consider it’s only 40 and over. There are guys actively competing who are 40.
“I’d love to see Phil Heath do the show or Kai Greene.”
They believe Elgargni is the frontrunner to win the event.
“Kamal, who’s probably the highest rated guy in the lineup,” said Palumbo.
“I think Kamal is going to be very hard to beat just because he hasn’t been out of the sport. He’s been competing consistently. It’s going to be hard for guys that haven’t competed in a bunch of years to come back and look that great, especially at that age.”
On April 25, Cutler and IFBB head judge Steve Weinberger announced the full lineups for each division of the 2023 Masters Olympia with Elgargni, Maxx Charles, and Phillip Clahar entering as favorites in the Men’s Open division.
RELATED: 52-yo Johnnie Jackson Teases 2023 Masters Olympia Comeback: ‘I’m Leaning Towards Yes’
The show will offer fans an opportunity to see some of their favorite bodybuilders of the past take to the stage once again.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 28 April, 2023 | 12:02 AM EDT
Lou Ferrigno Guides Joe Manganiello Through Exhausting ‘Hulk’ Chest Workout
Bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno is renowned for his depiction of the Marvel superhero Hulk in addition to his work as an athlete. In a recent post made on Instagram, Hollywood star Joe Manganiello crushed a chest workout under the guidance of Ferrigno. Lou Ferrigno first gained attention after winning the IFBB Mr. America title as a…
“There Are No Rules in Bodybuilding”: Iain Valliere Gives Hot Take on Steroids & Synthol
Iain Valliere‘s progress is on track for his next appearance at the 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow this June. In a recent Bro Chat podcast with Fouad Abiad, Valliere talked about his current season and the use of steroids and site enhancement oils like Synthol in bodybuilding.
As a Men’s Open pro, Valliere quickly earned the respect of his peers with popping muscle hardness and granite conditioning. Last year, he earned his invitation to the Mr. Olympia contest by defeating popular Open class standout Antoine Vaillant at the Vancouver Pro.
Tipping the scales at over 280 pounds, Iain Valliere brought his best package possible to Las Vegas. However, the 2022 Olympia lineup proved challenging as the Canadian native dropped out of the first callout in 11th place. Meanwhile, Hadi Choopan won gold with Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford earning silver and bronze, respectively.
After his lackluster Olympia bid, Iain Valliere began working with coach Matt Jansen again, who also trains Walker, Charles Griffen, Shaun Clarida, Quinton Eriya, and many other top-tier pros. Setting his sights on a 2023 Mr. Olympia invitation, Valliere sat down to discuss his future. In addition, he debated the role of gear and synthol use in bodybuilding.
Iain Valliere Talks Prep for Toronto Pro Supershow: “I’m in a Good Spot”
Valliere says his preparations are on schedule and believes he’s in a ‘good spot’ leading up to his next show.
“Yeah, [everything is going good in prep]. Physically, no I feel good. No, I’m not ahead [in prep] I’m right in a good spot and I think that’s good for me. I think to be too ahead is like sometimes like the wheels come off with that, I think we have a good base and I think I’m holding a lot of really good size, which I’m really happy with. I’ve had literally almost – in most of my lifts – I’m still progressing in my lifts. I’ve had no drop-off in strength and I haven’t had to reduce volume yet. So, it’s not like I reduce volume to maintain that, it’s still getting progressions in training so yeah, I feel like I’m in a good spot.”
“It’s small things [with new trainer Matt Jansen] I talked about this once, from the diet perspective, my protein intake is definitely a lot higher which it definitely does make you look different. I don’t know what the look difference will be on stage but I definitely look different, I don’t know how to describe it,” said Iain Valliere.
According to Valliere, his schedule hasn’t drastically changed despite rejoining Matt Jansen. He shared that his prep drugs haven’t been altered either but he expects new modifications the closer they get to a contest.
“I just do what’s written,” added Iain Valliere. “Look, he says eat food, and that’s what I do. Either way, yeah, right now, that’s really all the differences you can notice at this point. Small differences in the diet and stuff like that. I’m doing cardio like I was always doing cardio. Our prep drugs are kind of always the same. You get to the level and you might change a dose by a little bit or use a different this or that, but it’s all pretty much the same shit.”
Valliere Talks Using Steroids for Fat Loss & Synthol in Bodybuilding: ‘25% of Guys Use It’
Valliere said most anabolic compounds have fat-burning properties but they can’t substitute training and dieting.
“They [drugs] can aid in fat loss but you really couldn’t just take drugs and get rid of fat like that, you’re still going to have to push the diet and cardio.”
“I’ve never used DMP but you feel terrible on DMP,” added Valliere. “Look obviously anabolics – a good chunk of the anabolics you use have good fat-burning properties but like you said, it’s not enough to outweigh what you eat.”
Iain Valliere disagrees with the use of Synthol and site enhancement oils. However, he specified that it’s a useful tool for adding volume to the biceps and other smaller body parts.
“This is always such a hard question, people ask me this on my Q&A all the time, they ask questions like, ‘What do you think the average amount of drugs is for a pro, or how many pros do you think use SEOs?’ I have no fuc**ng idea, there’s a range you know,” Valliere shared. “I don’t think SEO use is talked about [the same] as gear use or gear dosages. It’s a little more hush-hush, but it’s so hard to say, also how would we know, like you said, how many pros use SEO? Like, I don’t know.”
“It’s good for the arms,” Valliere explained. “I think the thing is like, if you don’t notice, it doesn’t matter. I think we only notice the ones that look bad and then it gives it a bad name. So then people are like, this is what it is and what it looks like. Look, as a whole, I think we should disagree with the use of it but I bet you there’s some amazing bodybuilders [that use it].”
After comparing gear and Synthol use, Valliere highlighted that there are no rules in bodybuilding. Moreover, he suggested all athletes use ‘fake bullshi*’ to enhance their physiques.
“I don’t care but I’m saying as a whole if we just – if it didn’t exist, it would not make the sport worse. I wouldn’t care. So, I care. That would be wrong. I don’t disagree with it because I don’t give a fuc* what everybody else does in bodybuilding. If it’s making you look better, there’s no rules in bodybuilding. It’s not like steroids are okay but SEOs aren’t. It’s all fake bullshit we’re doing to enhance ourselves anyway. But I think if you’re doing it and it’s obvious then I think it should definitely be detracted in a judging capacity.”
“I don’t fuc**ng know [if it’s used a lot],” Valliere said. “I would think guys using a little metformin in their arms is probably like 20-25% of guys, who have maybe used it here or there. Do I think it’s rampant? No.”
Plenty of bodybuilders have been suspected of using site enhancement oils. Last year, reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan’s ex-managers accused him of shooting the substance into his shoulders. Bodybuilding veteran Samir Bannout ripped Valliere recently for allegedly using Synthol in his calves at the last Mr. Olympia.
RELATED: Bodybuilding Veteran Chris Cormier Warns Others of Synthol Use: ‘I Actually Used It in My Calves, The Damage is Real’
Steroids and site enhancement oil use remain controversial topics in the sport of bodybuilding. The last athlete to approach the subject was Chris Cormier, who underlined that using Synthol/implants in any capacity is a form of cheating.
Check out the full video below:
Published: 27 April, 2023 | 6:06 PM EDT
Seth Feroce Says Nick Walker ‘Allowed to Be Fuc**ng Pissed’ After Samson Dauda Loss at 2023 Arnold Classic
Seth Feroce, a bodybuilding standout from the 2000s, is known for his boisterous personality on the microphone. In a recent HWMF Podcast, Feroce discussed the public reaction to Nick Walker‘s loss to Samson Dauda at the 2023 Arnold Classic.
The Men’s Open division underwent major shifts since last December. At the 2022 Mr. Olympia show, Hadi Choopan claimed gold. Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay fell to fifth place whereas contenders Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker moved up to the podium in second and third.
Weeks after his Las Vegas performance, Nick Walker announced his entry into the Arnold Classic after the promoters increased the Men’s Open prize money to $300,000. Despite his status as a heavy favorite, ‘The Mutant’ was denied a second title in Ohio. Nigeria’s Samson Dauda ultimately won the show and secured his invitation to this year’s Olympia contest in November.
The results of the competition were met with controversy online. In a Mutant and the Mouth podcast, Walker, joined by Guy Cisternino, Seth Feroce, and Nick Trigili, discussed whether judging should be more transparent in the IFBB Pro League. While some fans disagreed with Walker losing to Dauda, athletes rep Bob Cicherillo cleared the air and highlighted that Dauda presented a better combination of aesthetics, size, conditioning, stage presentation, and shape.
Seth Feroce on Nick Walker’s Future: “He Is What I Believe Bodybuilding Is All About”
Seth Feroce thought Walker deserved to defeat Dauda in Ohio last month. He added that Walker is allowed to be ‘fuc**ng pissed’ following the outcome.
“At the end of the day, if you took second place and you gave your absolute best, and be like, ‘Not going to lie, I really fuc**ng wanted to win, I’m happy with where I’m at because I’m proud of myself I got to this point, however, I wanted the title.’ I think everybody feels like that. Everybody like Nick Walker when he lost to Samson at the Arnold; I thought Nick won personally.
I thought Nick won and I broke it down from a standpoint, I should have made a YouTube video about it and went off. But, it’s like, Nick is allowed to be fuc**ng pissed. Why would Nick be like, ‘Hey, great job, I’m so glad I took second place to you.’ No, he’s allowed to be mad. What the fuc* is going on with the community about not being pissed whenever Nick was at his – in my opinion, I think that was his best physique to date and people are like, ‘He looked better at the Olympia.’ He did not look fuc**ng better at the Olympia. I thought he looked watery and too full at the Olympia, gave him an awkward shape. I thought he looked incredible at the Arnold and beat Samson,” Seth Feroce shared.
“You’re allowed to say that. Why does everybody think that you have to be such an upstanding young gentlemen and be like, ‘Congratulations to Samson, I’m really happy with second place.’ It’s okay, Nick has a champion mentality, everybody knows that about Nick, you’re allowed to be mad. Don’t tell Samson he’s a fuc**ng piece of shit, you know what I mean, but be like, ‘Congratulations, I’m coming for your ass motherfu**er.”
“Nobody gets to the biggest stage in the world to compete for the top spot and isn’t excited about not being number one, nobody. I don’t think anyone. Whenever you were training, that level was also unique. Very few people even get to that level so to even be able to get inside those people’s heads, you can’t. Like, I use Nick as an example because I’ve been a fan of Nick whenever he was just in Jersey with Condemnned Labs.”
According to Feroce, Walker is an ideal ambassador for the sport because he uses hard work and sacrifice to defeat athletes with better genetic potential.
“He is what I believe bodybuilding is all about. Because Nick is not genetically gifted from a looks standpoint. He has the genetics to be a freak, but he’s not a flowing physique. And Nick is someone who is able to take this non-gifted aesthetic pretty physique and become a top professional. One of the best in the world at bodybuilding through work, through dedication, through sacrifice, that is what bodybuilding is all about.
He’s beaten people that are incredibly gifted and have beautiful flowing physiques with just work. That is work and sacrifice,” Feroce added.
“Nick Walker is a champion mentality person. It’s not a joke, it’s not a facade, and anybody that’s like, ‘Nick is fuc**ng arrogant.’ I’m like, yes, you should have that confidence in yourself when you are the best in the world.”
In addition to keeping tabs on the Men’s Open division, Seth Feroce recently dedicated himself to a physique transformation. Given his status as an elite 212 competitor, it didn’t take long for Feroce’s improvements to be noticed. He shared an intense arms workout and said his plan is to get ‘fuc**ng shredded’ in retirement.
RELATED: Bob Cicherillo Says Big Ramy Not Taking 2023 Off, Talks Nick Walker vs Hadi Choopan: ‘Hadi at 100% Wins’
Walker, who is expected to compete at the 2023 Mr. Olympia November 2-5, believes Hadi Choopan won’t repeat as champion. He anticipates a difficult battle against 212-turned-Open contender Derek Lunsford on stage later this year.
You can watch the full video below courtesy of HWMF Podcast YouTube channel:
Published: 27 April, 2023 | 1:49 PM EDT
Jason Momoa Shares Diet & Training Routines for Staying Swole in 2023
American actor Jason Momoa continues to dominate Hollywood with an impressive physique. In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Momoa revealed some of the go-to foods he consumed on set for Fast X and laid out his 2023 training routine.
In 2018, Momoa reached the pinnacle of his acting career, having starred in the hit action motion picture Aquaman as Arthur Curry. The role required him to maintain a superhero-quality physique, which he made possible with appropriate nutrition and training sessions.
He also played the role of Aquaman in other DC Extended Universe-inspired projects, such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, and the Aquaman sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Last year, Momoa was cast to play the villain in the 10th Fast and Furious film, Fast X.
While Momoa has admitted in the past he doesn’t like attending gyms, that hasn’t stopped him from training. The popular actor credits his physique with an active lifestyle. From rock climbing to mountain biking, the Hawaiian native doesn’t miss an opportunity to stay in shape.
Jason Momoa Shows Off What’s in Fridge, Talks Training On the Go in 2023
The contents of Momoa’s fridge mostly contained pre-workout and post-workout beverages.
Momoa’s Diet
Water
Guinness Beer
Aloha Ham
kava
poi
pre workout beverages
post-workout beverages
“Here’s my fridge. Everything a growing boy needs: water, Mananalu baby, we don’t do plastic. Pre-workout, post-workout, [Guiness Beer], most importantly, part-time workout. And if you’re on a diet, aloha Ham. Chill-out-and-go-to-bed workout, might have some fresh kava.”
“Do bone for the dog. And most importantly, poi baby [starchy good paste with with taro root]. That’s the secret [beer],” said Jason Momoa.
Momoa’s Training Routine
Rock climbing
mountain biking
band work
kettle bell movements
boxing
When asked about the gym, Momoa had the following to say while repping dumbbell rows and barbell curls:
“Kettle bells have been really huge in my life. I travel with kettle bells and it helps me with my core, fighting, and doing stunts. Aside from that, bands. I’ll do band work on set, it’s just so simple and easy. I like stuff I can just take with me anywhere you know what I mean. Boxing is always fun and it keeps my cardio up.”
“And then also to keep up with cardio there’s rock climbing, riding bikes, so I just got these gravel bikes, they are fun as hell, mountain bikes, and riding motorcycles isn’t really a workout but mentally it clears my head. Yeah, I like the mountain bike, I like to go downhill fast. I’m not allowed to go downhill anymore because I’m obviously shooting a movie.”
Momoa isn’t the only superhero action star drawing attention for his training and diet. Australian fitness and acting icon Chris Hemsworth routinely updates fans with progress photos and workouts. The last time fans heard from Hemsworth, he showcased his lean physique in the middle of a no-equipment core training session.
Aside from Momoa and Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman is another actor keen on producing a next-level physique. In preparation for his roles in Deadpool 3 and Wolverine, Jackman shared a number of training sessions on his way to transforming his body. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is also celebrated for his diet and training and he recently starred in Marvel’s smash success Black Adam.
RELATED: Chris Hemsworth Shares Killer 200-Rep Workout Challenge
Fans look forward to seeing Jason Momoa commanding a major role in Fast X, which is set to hit theatres in the U.S. next month.
Watch the full video below courtesy of the Men’s Health YouTube channel:
Published: 27 April, 2023 | 12:30 PM EDT
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