Seven-time 212 Olympia champion James “Flex” Lewis hasn’t competed onstage since his final victory in 2018, but he waited until 2022 to announce his official retirement from the sport. While has no aspirations of competing again, the Welsh bodybuilder still looks the part, as he has documented on social media.
On Mar. 30, 2023, the 39-year-old father of two shared a physique update on Instagram and reported that he is weighing around 200 pounds. You can see how he looks in the post below, where he is performing a set of cable curls.
Lewis also revealed that he has lost over 60 pounds on the scale “naturally” since he called it a career, indicating he didn’t use performance enhancement drugs to achieve his recent results. He also clarified that he is now in the process of going through a personal transformation challenge. His stated goal is to add 10 to 15 pounds onto his frame, and he wants to be “healthy, athletic, and jacked.” He didn’t share a specific date or deadline for this new goal.
“I am about two weeks in, and things are starting to click,” said Lewis.
Lewis disclosed that he is doing cardio workouts seven days a week and training with weights two or three times weekly. He also revealed that he will document his progress and share updates along the way, asking his 2.2 million followers for input on what he should share during the process. Other details he shared in the post include a strict 4 a.m. wake-up, and four or five daily meals, with two of those meals composed of only protein and fats, no carbohydrates.
While he was an active competitor, Lewis was the most dominant non-heavyweight bodybuilder in the world during the 2010’s, remaining undefeated in competition for nearly his entire professional career. Alongside his longtime coach Neil Hill, he won the Olympia 212 title every year from 2012 to 2018 when he walked off the stage for the final time. Lewis also also won the inaugural Arnold Classic 212 title in 2014. He had announced intentions to compete in the Men’s Open Mr. Olympia contest in 2020 and 2021, but he never competed again.
Since his retirement, Lewis has focused on business ventures and family life. He currently resides in Las Vegas, NV and owns Dragon’s Lair Gym. He has also been active on both YouTube and with his podcast.
Featured Video: @flex_lewis on Instagram
