On June 26, 2023, Clarida shared a photo on his Instagram where the athlete said he had a body weight of 206 pounds. Per Clarida’s caption, the mass packed onto his 5-foot two-inch stature is a “starting point,” with the 2023 Olympia in Orlando, FL roughly 20 weeks away at the time of his photo. For any other 212 competitors wishing to unseat Clarida from his throne, that is an intimidating prospect to consider.

In the caption of his Instagram, Clarida sounded motivated. Several recent dramatic life changes — including the birth of his daughter and a cross-country move from New Jersey to Texas  — have added a lot to his plate after already competing in and training for both the Arnold Classic (AC) and the Olympia in successive years. Note: Lewis plans to have the same AC and Olympia approach in 2023. The athlete finished in fifth place in the Men’s Open class at the 2023 iteration of the AC.

Despite the changes, Clarida gave off the expected air of a champion competitor seeking more greatness before he accelerates his Olympia preparation.

“Despite it being one of the busiest years of my life and career, between doing both the Olympia and the Arnold last season [2022], the birth of my daughter and moving my family from New Jersey to Texas, it’s been one of the most productive,” Clarida wrote. “The new environment, having the fuel and motivation with [his daughter] and always having a supporting cast of friends, family, and sponsors have all kept me grounded and focused on the task and goal come November 3 [the date of the 2023 Olympia contest]. Off to the races we go!”

After Lewis’s run of dominance in the 2010s and a “three-peat” from Kevin English (2009-2011), Clarida stands in third place for the most all-time victories in the 212 Olympia. Should Clarida repeat in November, he will tie English for second place and inch ever closer to Lewis’s mark.

Even if Clarida doesn’t win another 212 title, his place in bodybuilding history is already secure. He has proven he can thrive at the 212 level and, in moonlight appearances as a Men’s Open competitor, has also fared quite well. Though with every jaw-dropping teaser that Clarida provides from behind the scenes, it seems likely this superstar will be hot on the tail of a legend’s seemingly unattainable record soon enough.

Featured image: @shaunclarida on Instagram

The post Shaun Clarida Begins Contest Prep Weighing 206 Pounds 20 Weeks Out from 2023 Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On May 12-13, 2023, while champions like Michael Daboul (Classic Physique) were crowned during the official Pittsburgh Pro, Derek Lunsford, Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, Hunter Labrada, and Shaun Clarida all guest-posed during the contest. The only notable absence, especially in the current Men’s Open pantheon, was defending Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan. With nothing officially on the line for the slate of elite competitors, these six men still appeared on stage to tease how their sterling physiques are coming along for the 2023 Mr. Olympia in Orlando, FL, this early November.

Amongst the guest posers at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro, Lunsford might be the presumed biggest contender to Choopan’s title. Lunsford is in the midst of training to improve upon a runner-up result in his first-ever appearance in the Men’s Open division at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. One of Lunsford’s main rivals, Nick Walker, believes the former 212 champion (2021) should be favored to win the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman has also expressed his faith in Lunsford, anointing him as one of the next big things in the sport after a recent collaborative training session.

Walker’s faith in Lunsford is notable, given his status as one of bodybuilding’s top modern stars. Walker finished in third place at the 2022 Mr. Olympia and followed that up with a runner-up result at the 2023 Arnold Classic (AC). If anyone finally seems poised to break through from this field, it might be Walker.

Meanwhile, the 2023 AC victor, Samson Dauda, has started to receive hype as a legitimate Olympia titan. Icons like Jay Cutler have expressed that Dauda could be one of bodybuilding’s next big stars. It’s a label of high expectations that Dauda has not taken lightly. There’s also Elssbiay, who is coming off a disappointing sixth-place result at the 2022 Mr. Olympia after vying for a historic three-peat. The former two-time defending Olympia champion (2021, 2022) had previously skipped guest-posing at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro and now appeared to be trying to build momentum toward another Olympia victory this November.

Labrada is in a similar position to Elssbiay, though he doesn’t have the resume of past Olympia victories to lean on. The athlete has expressed profound disappointment in his 2022 Olympia performance and vowed to have a more streamlined physique in 2023 in hopes of a huge rebound.

To round out this guest-posing group, Clarida, a two-time 212 champion (2020, 2022), will not be competing in the Men’s Open division at the 2023 Olympia. The athlete wishes to eventually break James “Flex” Lewis’s record of seven 212 Olympia titles (2012-2018) and will exclusively focus his efforts on that mission moving forward.

Discerning the precise favorites for the 2023 Mr. Olympia would likely be impossible off one guest-posing appearance. Nonetheless, some of the top contenders for the tentpole contest made it a point to appear in Pittsburgh and show off what they might bring to the table in November.

With that, one of the unofficial first significant steps en route to this year’s Olympia is now in the rearview mirror.

Featured image: dereklunsford_ on Instagram

The post Derek Lunsford and Other Olympia Contenders Display Their Off-Season Mass Guest-Posing at 2023 Pittsburgh Pro appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Mar. 23, 2023, the National Physique Committee (NPC) organizers of the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro revealed who will be guest posing during this year’s competition the weekend of May 12-13. Here is an overview of big names who are expected to show off an early spring look at their physique with nothing tangible on the line:

2023 Pittsburgh Pro Guest Posing Athletes

• Derek Lunsford — 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up
• Nick Walker — 2022 Olympia third-place finisher
• Samson Dauda — 2023 Arnold Classic (AC) winner
• Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay — Two-time Mr. Olympia (2020-2021)
• Shaun Clarida — Two-time 212 Olympia winner (2020, 2022)
• Hunter Labrada
• Rafael Brandao

Reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion (2019-2022) Chris Bumstead has also been announced to make a special appearance, but he is not expected to guest pose.

Save for the defending Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan, this list of guest posers at the latest Pittsburgh Pro is arguably a laundry list of potential contenders for the next Mr. Olympia title. There could always be an unexpected dark horse making a run out of the blue, but one of these names (with Choopan included) will likely be the 2023 Olympia victor.

Assuredly, there is no shortage of storylines leading into this first look at most of the main 2023 Mr. Olympia slate.

For Lunsford, after successfully transitioning from the 212 division, the athlete will now likely be pulling out all the stops to win his first Mr. Olympia title. Taking home a runner-up in his first Men’s Open try might have only been the start of a fruitful career in the top bodybuilding class. When it comes to Walker, “The Mutant” has submitted relatively disappointing performances of late. Two consecutive podium results at the 2022 Olympia and 2023 AC are nothing to sneeze at, but Walker expected to win. That makes what he brings to the stage in Orlando potentially even more exciting.

Elssbiay returns to guest pose at the Pittsburgh Pro after skipping the 2022 iteration. The former two-time Olympia champion has recently dipped a bit, performance-wise, and could be using the Pittsburgh Pro as a way to build some momentum heading into another Olympia appearance in the fall. Dauda surprised the bodybuilding world with his new AC title, but some established icons don’t think any coming victories will be much of a shock anymore. He’s undoubtedly seemed to establish himself as a household name.

Finally, amongst the main pantheon featured at the Pittsburgh Pro, Clarida will likely just be moonlighting guest posing among Men’s Open contenders as he pushes for a 212 Olympia title record. It doesn’t appear “The Giant Killer” will be slaying any of the athletes on stage in a primary competition any time soon. As for Labrada, after finishing in seventh place at the 2022 Olympia, he didn’t seem to be contending well with the outside noise. The athlete has been planning a streamlined physique in 2023, which he might show a glimpse of in the early stages in May.

At the time of this article’s publication, it is unclear what role Bumstead plans to play at the Pittsburgh Pro given that he isn’t guest posing. However, having another superstar on hand is always welcome by fans.

From a competitive perspective, nothing meaningful is on the line for any of these dynamos at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro. They are merely there to partly provide a public update on their training progress while fulfilling IFBB appearance “obligations” of sorts. That said, seeing the current elite mix of Men’s Open bodybuilders is one rousing way to stir up debate and draw attention before they actually duke it out on stage later this year.

Featured image: @npcifbbpropittsburgh on Instagram

The post Derek Lunsford, Nick Walker, And Other Men’s Open Stars Will Guest Pose at 2023 Pittsburgh Pro appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Mar. 23, 2023, Clarida appeared on an episode of The Truth podcast with esteemed bodybuilding trainer Hany Rambod. As the pair discussed the two-time 212 Olympia champion’s (2020, 2022) future plans, Clarida didn’t mince his words: he wants to break James “Flex” Lewis’ 212 Olympia record of seven titles (2012-2018). The athlete will be primarily sticking with the 212 division for the foreseeable future in search of this hallowed ambition.

Clarida’s long-term 212 aspirations might come as a slight surprise, considering he most recently featured in the Men’s Open division at the 2023 Arnold Classic (AC). Despite the athlete being considerably smaller than his more massive peers, the bodybuilder took home a fifth-place finish at the contest.

Moving forward, in an approach that seems both realistic and training-efficient, Clarida didn’t necessarily rule out similar moonlighting Men’s Open appearances. However, he will otherwise keep his focus on the 212 division, as that is where he has shined the most in his career.

“I’m staying in 212 for sure,” Clarida explained. “The goal is to win multiple titles here [in the 212 division]. Of course, I like to dabble in a few smaller [Men’s] Open shows, maybe another Arnold Classic. But me just doing the Arnold Classic and doing well is not enough for me to just leave the 212 … I’m realistic. If I couldn’t win the [2022] Arnold [Classic], then what’s the point of me moving on from there? If I had won maybe it would be a different conversation.”

Clarida is behind Lewis’ dominating streak by five titles, but if anyone can match or eclipse the icon in the current landscape, it’s the 5-foot 2-inch competitor appropriately referred to as “The Giant Killer.” Usually, that’s in reference to Clarida overcoming bigger peers en route to a victory. In this case, Clarida surpassing Lewis would be more like beating a living legend — a metaphorical “giant” of the sport.

Clarida’s teasing his pursuit of the 212 Olympia record makes the years ahead potentially some of the most exciting the division has ever seen.

“212 is my home, it’s in my heart, and I want to walk away as one of the best to ever do it,” Clarida said. “I love Flex Lewis to death but the goal is to beat his record.”

If Clarida were to unexpectedly hang up his posing trunks today, he’d already be remembered as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Full stop. However, vying for Lewis’ mark would likely place him amongst an elite handful of names, regardless of division. For someone accustomed to “killing giants,” it’d be quite a sight to see him repeatedly reach that 212 Olympia summit.

Featured image: @shaunclarida on Instagram

The post Shaun Clarida Wants To Break Flex Lewis’ 212 Olympia Title Record appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

A recent update on his 2023 AC preparation suggests Clarida is set to maximize this opportunity. On Jan. 31, 2023, Clarida posted a picture to his Instagram profile where he wrote that his body weight in the photo is 190 pounds (86 kilograms).

“We ain’t hiding for this one. Ready to shake things up in Ohio!”

With the 2023 AC roughly five weeks on Mar. 2-5, 2023, in Columbus, OH, Clarida’s present mass — including stacked lat muscles on his 5-foot 2-inch frame— makes it appear he could push his larger peers.

According to NPC News Online, the 2023 AC will not be the first instance where Clarida competes in the Men’s Open division. His previous and only other appearance in the category happened at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro, where he came in first place. Otherwise, the bodybuilder has been a 212 athlete in 22 of 25 career contests.

Some in the bodybuilding community have surmised that Clarida would eventually work toward a permanent shift to the Men’s Open division. In 2022, the athlete did not quell these rumors until mid-November, noting he had “unfinished business” en route to his second 212 Olympia title the following month. At the time of this writing, Clarida hasn’t made his plans clear for the 2023 Mr. Olympia — set for this November in Orlando, FL. He may choose to chase a repeat championship and his third 212 victory in the last four years. Or he might follow in the footsteps of the peer who supplanted him for the 212 title in 2021, Derek Lunsford, and try to shine on the Men’s Open level under brighter lights.

What Clarida’s berth in the 2023 AC might suggest (a $300,000 prize notwithstanding) is that he’s now seriously considering making a move. He could be starting a new journey in his illustrious career in due time.

Regardless of where Clarida takes his career next and how he fares at the 2023 AC, it’s apparent that this titan isn’t planning to fade into obscurity any time soon. Be it in the 212 or the Men’s Open, Clarida is liable to continue making noise on enormous stages for the foreseeable future.

Featured image: @shaunclarida on Instagram

The post Shaun Clarida Shows Off 190-Pound Physique Ahead of 2023 Arnold Classic appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Here are the top five athletes in the 212 division at the 2022 Mr. Olympia and the respective prize money they earned:

2022 212 Olympia Results

1. Shaun Clarida: $50,000 | 2022 212 Olympia Champion
2. Angel Calderon Frias: $20,000
3. Kamal Elgargni: $10,000
4. Ahmad Ashkanani: $6,000
5. Oleh Kryvyi: $4,000

In getting the ball rolling on 2022 Olympia victors, Shaun Clarida has won his second 212 Olympia in the last three years. The achievement might be more notable considering there were rumors that Clarida would be seeking a transition to the Men’s Open division at the 2022 Olympia. He ultimately stuck with the 212 because he had “unfinished business.” That business, with another 212 Olympia title in hand, has now likely concluded for the champion bodybuilder.

In no particular order as listed, here were the top 10 athletes that came out to be compared during the 212 Finals on Friday night:

• Bryan Balzano
• Felipe Moraes
• Kerrith Bajjo
• Shaun Clarida
• Angel Calderon Frias
• Ahmad Ashkanani
• Keone Pearson
• Oleh Kryvyi
• Dean White
• Kamal Elgargni

Here are how the respective comparisons shook out:

Comparison 1

• Bryan Balzano
• Kerrith Bajjo
• Oleh Kryvyi
• Dean White
• Felipe Moraes
• Keone Pearson

Comparison 2

• Kamal Elgargni
• Angel Calderon Frias
• Ahmad Ashkanani
• Shaun Clarida

Once the comparisons concluded, the respective top five athletes performed their usual individual routines, as listed below, before Clarida captured the title:

• Ahmad Ashkanani
• Angel Calderon Frias
• Oleh Kryvyi
• Kamal Elgargni
• Shaun Clarida

Here is the Finals schedule for the 2022 Olympia, the entire schedule for Saturday, and here’s how to keep up with the action. (Note: All listed times are in Pacific Standard time.)

Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

6:00 p.m. — Finals

• 212 Olympia
• Fitness Olympia
• Figure Olympia
• Women’s Physique Olympia
• Ms. Olympia
• Wellness Olympia

6:00 p.m. — Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging

Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

9:00 a.m. — Pre-Judging

• Classic Physique Olympia
• Men’s Physique Olympia
• Bikini Olympia
• Wheelchair Olympia — Pre-Judging and Finals

7:00 p.m. — Finals

• Mr. Olympia
• Men’s Physique Olympia
• Bikini Olympia
• Classic Physique Olympia

By the end of Friday night, the Finals will have concluded for over half the competition’s divisions. Though, some of the tentpole divisions, like the Men’s Open and the Classic Physique, still await the docket on Saturday. Though for Clarida, his competition is over, and he gets to do it by establishing his success at the very top of the 212 division.

Featured image: @mrolympiallc on Instagram

The post Shaun Clarida Wins the 2022 212 Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The evening saw competitors return to the stage to whittle down the crowd until only the champion remained.

2022 Olympia Results

• Fitness
• 212
• Figure
• Women’s Physique
• Ms. Olympia
• Wellness
• Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging

Fitness

After last minute withdrawals from both defending Fitness Olympia champion Whitney Jones and four-time Fitness Olympia champion Oksana Grishina, this year’s contest was truly up for grabs to any hungry competitor.

Missy Truscott, the 2020 Fitness Olympia winner, was the only former champion left in the field of 20 competitors. Her experience and abilities clearly made an impression as she earned her second Fitness Olympia title.

1. Missy Truscott ($50,000)
2. Jaclyn Baker ($20,000)
3. Ariel Khadr ($12,000)
4. Sarah Kovach ($7,000)
5. Michelle Fredua-Mensah ($6,000)

212

The top five competitors were announced and included Ahmad Ashkanani, Kerrith Bajjo, Bryan Balzano, Shaun Clarida, Kamal Elgargni, Angel Calderon Frias, Oleh Kryvyi, Felipe Moraes, Keone Pearson, and Dean White.

From that group, the top five — Ashkanani, Clarida, Elgargni, Calderon Frias, and Kryvyi — performed individual posing routines, which smoothly transitioned to the ranking announcements.

1. Shaun Clarida ($50,000)
2. Angel Calderon Frias ($20,000)
3. Kamal Elgargni ($10,000)
4. Ahmad Ashkanani ($6,000)
5. Oleh Kryvyi ($4,000)

Figure

In the largest Figure Olympia field ever, 39 athletes stepped on stage to vie for the title. After being narrowed down to a top 10, and soon a field of five, With the 2022 win, Cydney Gillon extended her legacy with a record six Figure Olympia titles.

1. Cydney Gillon ($50,000)
2. Jessica Reyes Padilla ($20,000)
3. Lola Montez ($12,000)
4. Jossie Nathali Alarcon Beceera ($7,000)
5. Natalia Soltero ($6,000)

Women’s Physique

While Natalia Coelho does have an Women’s Physique Olympia record including two second placings (2018, 2021) and two third placing (2019, 2020), she came away this year with her first championship. Two-time champion and expected favorite Sarah Villegas took second, a position she hasn’t seen since the 2019 Women’s Physique Olympia.

1. Natalia Coelho ($50,000)
2. Sarah Villegas ($20,000)
3. Brooke Walker ($12,000)
4. Barbara Menage ($7,000)
5. Ivie Rhein ($6,000)

Ms. Olympia

Margie Martin announced earlier in the competition that would be her final contest after 11 years as a pro. At the end of the day, Martin ended with an extremely respectable fourth place finish. Two-time Ms. Olympia champion Andrea Shaw rightfully became a three-time Ms. Olympia champion.

1. Andrea Shaw ($50,000)
2. Angela Yeo ($20,000)
3. Helle Trevino ($12,000)
4. Margie Martin ($7,000)
5. Branka Njegovec ($6,000)

Wellness

The Wellness Olympia has only existed for two years and has nearly double in competitive size (growing the competitors on stage from 20 to nearly 40) while also adding an additional scoring round.

These changes weren’t enough to deter 2021 Wellness Olympia champion Francielle Mattos from repeating her dominant performance and securing another title.

1. Francielle Mattos ($50,000)
2. Isabel Nunes ($20,000)
3. Angela Borges ($12,000)
4. Kassandra Gillis ($7,000)
5. Rayane de Souza Santana ($6,000)

Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging

The first round of the Men’s Open division took place, giving fans their first look at the competitors in the 2022 Mr. Olympia contest.

Two-time champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay was a clear front-runner, but he was being pressed hard through multiple callouts with comparisons to expected challengers like 2019 Olympia winner Brandon Curry and unexpected dark horses like Samson Dauda and former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford.

After a series of callouts, the top six competitors for the 2022 Mr. Olympia appear to be, in no particular order:

• Samson Dauda
• Brandon Curry
• Hadi Choopan
• Derek Lunsford
• Nick Walker
• Mamdouh Elssbiay

The Contest Continues

The Olympia weekend continues with more competition at 9 a.m. (Pacific), Saturday, Dec. 17.

• Classic Physique Olympia Pre-judging
• Men’s Physique Olympia Pre-judging
• Bikini Olympia Pre-judging
• Wheelchair Olympia — Pre-judging and Finals

This year’s Olympia contest concludes at 7 p.m. (Pacific) Saturday night.

• Men’s Open Mr. Olympia Finals
• Men’s Physique Olympia Finals
• Bikini Olympia Finals
• Classic Physique Olympia Finals

There’s still time to tune-in and watch the contests by purchasing a pay-per-view premium package for $69.99 at the Olympia website — www.olympiaproductions.com.

Featured Image: @flex_magazine/Instagram

The post 2022 Mr. Olympia Finals Report — 212, Fitness, Figure, Wellness, Women’s Physique, Ms. Olympia, Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Nov. 16, 2022, Clarida revealed he would stay in the 212 division at the 2022 Mr. Olympia in a video on his YouTube channel.

According to Clarida, the main reason he will return to the 212 division is that he wants to earn a second 212 Olympia title. The athlete maintained that his loss to Derek Lunsford in 2021 (who has since, ironically, transitioned to the Men’s Open division) afforded him the appropriate “motivation” to return and potentially re-earn his place at the top of the 212 mountain.

As he would further outline in a Nov. 16, 2022, Instagram post, Clarida wrote he “would have loved to battle it out with the big boys in the Open” but that he has “unfinished business” in the 212 division first.

With Lunsford officially out of the 212 competitive category in 2022, a friendly rival Clarida may have to overcome instead is Kamal Elgargni. The 50-year-old Elgargni is another former 212 champion (2019) and, per NPC News Online, has never finished outside of the top three in the division at the Olympia. He will likewise be trying to reclaim his former 212 glory in December.

That said, with a showcase of some high-level arm workouts and other training sessions from his off-season, along with a polished physique update where the 5’2″ bodybuilder showed off his heaviest-ever bodyweight of 211 pounds in Summer 2022, Clarida is still one of the clear 212 favorites. As a star and expected top finisher, he now just has to live up to those high expectations.

All around, the 2022 Mr. Olympia is shaping up to be a doozy of a contest across various divisions. While Clarida will face a tall order to finish his journey back up to the 212 summit, he can rest assured he likely won’t be the only bodybuilding star battling through a gauntlet of talented peers. Perhaps bowling through a gifted field will make finally completing the “unfinished business” even more gratifying for him.

Featured image: shaunclarida on Instagram

The post Shaun Clarida Will Stick with the 212 Division at the 2022 Mr. Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Oct. 10, 2022, Coleman uploaded a video to his YouTube channel where he breaks down who he feels are the top contenders for this year’s Olympia title. In a stacked field, Coleman centers on two-time reigning champ Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay as his overall winner. Still, he offers thoughtful insights on everyone trying to topple the massive Egyptian athlete.

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Using accompanying photos while he spoke, Coleman shared his thoughts on some of the more prominent contenders for the 2022 Mr. Olympia title.

Nick Walker

To Coleman, Walker has the necessary physique to win the Olympia but has to slightly refine aspects of his physical conditioning first.

“He’s [Walker] got great shoulders and great arms,” Coleman said. “As far as his chest, he’s got a decent-sized chest, it just needs to be a little bit wider. For the most part, he needs to work on his conditioning, and he’s going to do pretty good against these current competitors.”

Hunter Labrada

Coleman appreciates Labrada’s overall build but thinks his current v-taper and back muscles need work for the athlete to be a serious contender.

“I think once he [Labrada] gets his separation going, once he works on his hamstrings, he’ll have some nice hamstrings,” Coleman said. “But for the most part, he got a pretty good wide back, but he probably needs to be just a little bit wider because his v-taper isn’t all that good right now.”

Blessing Awodibu

For Coleman, Awodibu has the necessary aesthetic to stand out, but he needs more polish on his arms and legs.

“He’s [Awodibu] got great ab shots and a great side serratus shot,” Coleman clarified. “He probably needs more separation in his legs from the front there. A lot of trap work. His traps aren’t too good right here, but I think if he can get his traps up, get some roundness on his arms, and a little bit more separation on his legs, then he’d be pretty good.”

 

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A post shared by blessing #theboogieman awodibu (@blessing_awodibu)

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Michal Križánek

Križánek might have recently earned his International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro Card, but Coleman still thinks the ascending athlete has a lot of ground to make up.

“Križánek’s got some freaky arms,” Coleman said. “A nice and big chest, but he needs some width on it, I’d say. I don’t see a lot of width on his back. That’s not a good backshot. He doesn’t have a v-taper going. Now, I see, he has great arms, though. But they are kind of throwing off his physique.”

Hadi Choopan

After years of finishing near the top, Coleman thinks Choopan is potentially on the brink of Olympia greatness.

“Hadi [Choopan], I see great things ahead for him,” Coleman maintained. “This guy can probably win the Olympia once he puts it all together. He’s not that far off at all. Hadi .. keep it up, my man.”

Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay

Coleman did not mince his words in praise of Elssbiay. He already considered the superstar an Olympia fixture in the years to come and continued down that same path here.

“With all this size, and the great v-taper he’s [Elssbiay] got, and the biggest shoulders you’ve ever wanted to see, I don’t see nobody taking him out, nobody at all,” Coleman noted. “So, Big Ramy, congrats on your third Olympia, my friend. I think you’re going to take it again.”

 

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A post shared by Mr Olympia Big Ramy (@big_ramy)

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William Bonac

To Coleman, Bonac is one of the true dark horses at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. He believes that with a little polish here and there, Bonac could make noise on stage.

“This guy [Bonac] could be unstoppable,” Coleman said. “He’s got nice peaks from the backs on his arms, he’s got a good Christmas tree, and he’s got a nice wide back. Yeah, I think he can do some real damage.”

Chinedu Andrew Obieaka, aka “Andrew Jacked”

While Coleman thinks Jacked can be a force in bodybuilding, the legend made it seem as if the young phenom needs a little more time before he’s at the top of the Olympia mountain.

“Andrew [Jacked] has a nice physique going,” Coleman said. “He’s got nice arms on him. The only thing I can tell he needs to work on is his back. That comes in time. As you can see, he’s got a nice backshot. You get that bad boy separated and a little bit thicker in his upper back, and he will be hard to beat. He’d probably kill these guys in these Open shows they got.”

To close the video, Coleman made his official prediction for the top 10 at the Mr. Olympia, with Elssbiay sitting on top:

Ronnie Coleman | 2022 Mr. Olympia Top 10 Prediction

1. Mamdouh Elssbiay
2. Brandon Curry
3. Hadi Choopan
4. William Bonac
5. Nick Walker
6. Michal Križánek
7. Chinedu Andrew Obieaka
8. Hunter Labrada
9. Blessing Awodibu
10. *Shaun Clarida

*Note: Clarida, winner of the 212 Olympia in 2020 and consistent top-placing competitor in the 212 division, has not confirmed if he would compete in the Open division at the time of this writing.

 

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A post shared by Mr Olympia Big Ramy (@big_ramy)

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Whether anyone can beat Elssbiay and prevent his potential three-peat remains to be seen. Even if Coleman doesn’t see it happening, the Mr. Olympia should be a fascinating competition this late fall.

The 2022 Mr. Olympia will take place on Dec. 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.

Featured image: @big_ramy on Instagram

The post Ronnie Coleman Breaks Down 2022 Mr. Olympia Contenders, Predicts “Big Ramy” Win appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On June 11, 2022, the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro League competitor shared an update on where his physique stands. Clarida says he currently weighs 211 pounds — his reported heaviest-ever body weight — as he starts to ramp up his training and prep work for the 2022 Mr. Olympia on December 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by IFBB Pro Shaun Clarida (@shaunclarida)

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At the time of this writing, Clarida has not yet clarified whether he will compete in the 212 division or in the Open division. Technically, Clarida is qualified to compete in either division thanks to his win at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest in the Men’s Open division. If he did compete in and win the Mr. Olympia title, he’d be the first man to win two Olympia titles in two different divisions. 

About six months before the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Clarida’s current body weight is roughly 30 pounds heavier than his competition weight at the 2021 Mr. Olympia.

Giving y’all just a sneak peek, sitting at 211 pounds. Heaviest I’ve been to date.

In the caption of his Instagram post, Clarida says that this was his weight from a customary check-in with his long-time coach, Matt Jansen. 

About Shaun Clarida

Clarida is one of the more experienced active bodybuilders around. The athlete, also known as “The Giant Killer,” has been a part of competitive bodybuilding in some capacity since 2005. While his 212 Olympia win in 2020 stands out in particular, he can point to more than a few other noteworthy results. 

Here are some of the top achievements from Clarida’s bodybuilding career:

Shaun Clarida | Notable Career Results

• 2012 National Bodybuilding Championships (Men’s Bantamweight) — First place | Earned Pro Card
• 2014 IFBB New York Pro 212 — 13th place | IFBB Debut
• 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro 212 — 12th place 
• 2015 IFBB Toronto Pro 212 — Second place
• 2015 Mr. Olympia 212 — 16th place | Mr. Olympia Debut
• 2017 IFBB New York Pro 212 — Second place
• 2018 IFBB New York Pro 212 — First place | First IFBB Victory
• Legion Sports Fest Pro Men’s 212 — First place (2018, 2021)
• 2018 Japan Pro Men’s 212 — Second place
• 2019 Mr. Olympia 212 — Third place 
• 2020 Mr. Olympia 212 — First place 
• 2021 Mr. Olympia 212 — Second place 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by IFBB Pro Shaun Clarida (@shaunclarida)

[Related: Better Together: Superset Your Workouts]

Clarida’s Preparation

As his off-season and routine unfold, Clarida makes it a habit to share regular updates about his training progress. The bodybuilder consistently shares different training videos and tips on his Instagram (473,000-plus followers at the time of this writing) and YouTube channel (27,500-plus subscribers and counting). 

For some examples, in April 2022 he posted a rigorous arms workout. That same month, he showcased how he works to attain a muscle pump thanks to 150-pound incline dumbbell bench presses. 

There’s still a lot of time for Clarida to prime himself before he considers going head-to-head with Lunsford again. If he elects to compete in the Open division instead, he’ll have to contend with the likes of Nick Walker and Hunter Labrada, among others. How Clarida will ultimately fare in either class is up in the air. The only thing that’s likely for certain is that he’ll leave no stone unturned in his preparation. 

Featured image: @shaunclarida on Instagram

The post Bodybuilder Shaun Clarida Is at His Heaviest-Ever Weight of 211 Pounds Ahead of 2022 Mr. Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Check out the lift below — where Clarida is wearing a lifting belt and wrist straps — via his Instagram profile: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by IFBB Pro Shaun Clarida (@shaunclarida)

[Related: Bodybuilder Hunter Labrada Powers Through A 495-Pound Banded Squat For 17 Reps]

Behind the Pump

Clarida’s thought process behind working out for a massive “muscle pump” isn’t a new concept for professional bodybuilders. To compete at the highest levels of a strength sport that focuses on physiques, the “pump” might even be necessary. 

The pump occurs for an athlete when their bodily fluids (mainly blood and water) accumulate in whatever muscle they’re contracting. When lactic acid begins to build up in a working muscle, it attracts water. Meanwhile, your heart accordingly pumps more blood to an area that needs attention — like, say, an activated muscle — to give it the power and strength it needs at that moment. (1)

This influx of fluids ultimately gives muscles that temporary swollen “pumped” look. This appearance is understandably appealing to bodybuilders working on the aesthetic of their bodies in competition, as the pump can make their muscles appear more full and dense. 

Research shows that there are hypertrophic (or muscle growth) benefits behind the muscle pump, too. Though, that benefit comes with important caveats. 

While athletes can grow their muscles and get stronger by working for a pump, a study maintained that their workout selection must be judicious. The lift must be challenging and extended enough to keep the targeted muscles under consistent tension. Essentially, the athlete cannot allow those muscles to relax during a set. (2)

Likewise, a challenging, high-repetition, low-rest workout shouldn’t necessarily be the sole focus of a routine aiming for a muscle pump. Any athletes with such an aim — such as bodybuilders — might do well to implement their “pump training” after a strength routine that centers around heavier compound lifts, like the bench press. (2)

A seasoned bodybuilding pro, Clarida assuredly understands how to prepare his body for competition. He may well follow his recent pump training by sharing intensive, low-rep strength workouts soon. 

The Road to Mr. Olympia

Clarida has spent most of his professional bodybuilding career in the 212 Mr. Olympia division, but by December of 2022, that could change. While the 40-year-old remained in the 212 division during the 2021 Mr. Olympia — where he finished in second place to Derek Lunsford — he did compete in and won the Open division at the 2021 Legion Sports Festival roughly two months prior. 

Clarida has not yet clarified where he will compete during the 2022 Mr. Olympia, which will take place on December 15-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV. With a little under eight months until the competition, there’s likely no rush. 

Whichever competitive division Clarida does choose, he probably won’t neglect his muscle pump in training. 

References:

1. Casey, D.P., Hart, E.C. (2008). Cardiovascular function in humans during exercise: role of the muscle pump. The Journal of Physiology. 2008 Nov; 586 (Pt.21): p. 5045–5046.
2. Schoenfeld, B.J., Contreras, Bret. (2014). The Muscle Pump. Potential Mechanisms and Applications for Enhancing Hypertrophic Adaptations. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 2014 Jun; Vol. 36 (3); p. 21-25.

Featured image: @shaunclarida on Instagram

The post Bodybuilder Shaun Clarida Locks Out 150-Pound Incline Dumbbell Presses For 20 Reps appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

As Clarida explains, he does not usually have a wire-to-wire training day devoted to his arms during his off-season. Due to simmering fan support and demand (over 25,000 subscribers on YouTube), Clarida decided to give the people what they wanted and record an arms session.

It’s an inside look into the stellar strength of the 2020 212 Mr. Olympia Champion and the second-place finisher at the 2021 Mr. Olympia. 

Clarida’s Arms Workout

Clarida doesn’t waste any time diving right in. He starts the video session by working his triceps and taking care of them with appropriate care and balance right away. 

Rope Pushdown 

Sets and Reps: 6-7 x 10, double drop sets on final set.

Clarida starts the session with a triceps pushdown using a rope attachment. He says he likes to begin his arm workouts with an isolated, single-joint exercise to warm up his triceps muscles before attempting heavier compound lifts (lifts that engage more than one joint simultaneously). Research shows that single-joint exercises can be a significant boon to muscle growth when applied practically. (1)

Clarida performs two warmup sets, two feeders (or build-up sets that are challenging but aren’t pushing to failure), and three working sets (sets where the athlete pushes close to or reaches actual failure).

Cable Curl 

Sets and Reps: 6-7 x 10

Once rope pushdowns are in the rearview mirror, he transitions to a cable machine for cable curls. Like the pushdowns, cable curls allow Clarida to warm up the muscle group before heavier sets. Using D-handles for a more comfortable grip than a bar, he follows the same set and rep layout as the pushdowns. 

We’re gonna keep it pretty basic, straight sets here.

Once Clarida reaches the final set, he institutes a unilateral variation — where an athlete does x-number of reps on one side before switching to the other and doing the same. One study shows that unilateral training may lead to balanced, significant strength gains — up to 29 percent increases in tested people over an extended training period. (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by IFBB Pro Shaun Clarida (@shaunclarida)

[Related: Bodybuilder Breon Ansley Explains His Decision To Retire From The Classic Physique Division]

Dumbbell Single-Arm Overhead Triceps Extension 

Sets and Reps: 3 x 10

After finishing his first set of overhead extensions, Clarida does something unexpected — he removes his hoodie to work out in a tank top for the rest of the session. 

For you, just for you, all my followers…today only, I’m going to show you a little bit of skin.

Notably, Clarida maintains the single-arm dumbbell overhead triceps extension is his favorite, foundational triceps movement. 

EZ-Bar Curl

Sets and Reps: 3 x 10

Before Clarida starts this movement to work out his biceps, he notes that he prefers an EZ-bar, which has a unique curl shape, over a straight barbell because it’s easier on his wrists. The bodybuilder starts with 30 pounds on his first set before eventually finishing with 100 pounds. 

Underhand Cable Pushdown

Sets and Reps: 3 x 10

Clarida wastes no time after his curls and immediately proceeds to a superset with cable triceps pushdowns. He again uses D-handles but with an underhanded grip to isolate the long head of the triceps (the triceps muscle closer to your body). It’s a move he says he picked up from his coach, the late John Meadows. 

Taking care of every triceps muscle is important, but the long head might especially play a prominent role in strength development. Past data has shown that the long head is far more of a factor in muscle activation and force than the other triceps brachii. (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by IFBB Pro Shaun Clarida (@shaunclarida)

[Related: Watch Bodybuilder Kyle Kirvay Squats 685 Pounds For 5 Reps]

Dumbbell Hammer Curl

Sets and Reps: 3 x 10

Clarida then performs cross-body dumbbell hammer curls. In offering more clarity, it’s all a means to keep his workouts simple but effective. 

“Let’s stick with the basics. The basics have always worked,” Clarida says.”You’ve got some great machines. I more so utilize that when I am in prep versus now. I feel like now is my growth season for me personally. Compound movements that work the best for me. So barbell, dumbbell work. That’s what I like to rely on mostly during my growth season.”

Overhead Cable Extension

Sets and Reps: 3 x 10

Clarida’s last triceps workout of the day centered back with the cables — this time while seated on a bench and performed at shoulder height. Per Clarida’s rationale, he saved this unique triceps movement for a good reason.

“They really open the triceps head, get some of my blood in there and stretch the fibers,” Clarida says. “They’re full of blood, nice and tight. I’m gonna go stretch them out and then get one more big contraction out of them.”

It’s an essential closer for Clarida because of what quality blood flow can do for a muscle. In optimal circumstances, an athlete’s blood flow must match the demands of whatever muscle it is they’re contracting. Anything less, they risk failure and, in the worst-case scenario, might even put themselves in danger of potential injury. (4)

Bisolator Curl

Suggested Sets and Reps: 3 x 10

Clarida caps his arms workout with an apparent set to failure for each arm on the “Bisolator” — an older machine concentrated on biceps and working their peak.

Any athlete seeking to maximize their power output will eventually come around to working on a muscle’s peak. Over time, findings have shown training routines that place merit on working peaks will bear out with the athlete having a more efficient strength foundation. (5)

Mr. Olympia Is Next

One of the crown jewels of professional bodybuilding — the Mr. Olympia event — is still a ways off. Circumstances could change for someone elite like Clarida between April and December 2022. If he’s planning to reclaim the 212 Olympia title from Derek Lunsford, this off-season arm workout certainly doesn’t hurt his chances.

The 2022 Mr. Olympia will take place on December 15-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV. 

References: 

1. Gentil, P., Soares, S., Bottaro, M. (2015). Single vs. Multi-Joint Resistance Exercises: Effects on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine. 2015 Jun; 6(2)
2. Green, L.A., Gabriel, D.A. (2018). The effect of unilateral training on contralateral limb strength in young, older, and patient populations: a meta-analysis of cross-education. Physical Therapy Reviews. 2018 Mar; Vol. 23; p. 238-249
3. Kholinne, E. et al. (2018). The different role of each head of the triceps brachii muscle in elbow extension. Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica. 2018 May; 52(3); p. 201–205.
4. Joyner, M.J., Casey, D.P. (2015). Regulation of Increased Blood Flow (Hyperemia) to Muscles During Exercise: A Hierarchy of Competing Physiological Needs. Physiological Reviews. 2015 Apr; 95(2); p. 549–601.
5. Sarabia, J.M., Moya-Ramón, M., Hernández-Davó, J.L., Fernandez-Fernandez, J., Sabido, R. (2017). The effects of training with loads that maximise power output and individualised repetitions vs. traditional power training. PLOS One. 2017 Oct; 12(10)

Featured image: @shaunclarida on Instagram

The post Bodybuilder Shaun Clarida Breaks Down an Intense Arms Workout appeared first on Breaking Muscle.