As the bodybuilding fraternity holds its breath, Blessing Awodibu prepares to make a much-anticipated return next week. On The Menace Podcast, amidst a conversation with Dennis James and Milos Sarcev, he opened up about his regimen, shedding light on the meticulous weight and training prep ahead of the looming Flex Weekend Pro in Italy, set for September 10.
An Ascent to Remember
Blessing Awodibu’s journey in the Men’s Open division isn’t just about muscle; it’s about mettle. His unique synthesis of aesthetics, volume, and symmetry quickly set him apart. However, his performance in the previous season truly cemented his reputation. It underscored his capacity to evolve, especially when stakes were highest, making him a magnetic figure for fans globally.
From Triumph to Trials
By May 2022, Awodibu’s prowess was in full display, as evidenced by his triumph at the Indy Pro, marking a significant upgrade from his third-place finish just a year before. With this wind beneath his wings, “The Boogieman” then clinched the 2022 New York Pro. Yet, even as he reveled in these wins, the ultimate contest awaited him – his inaugural Mr. Olympia showdown. And while his spirited rivalry with Nick Walker enlivened the prelude, the main event was a humbling experience, with Awodibu missing the top 15.
View this post on Instagram
The Quest for Redemption
Determined to reclaim his standing, Awodibu charted his course back to the Olympia platform. The subsequent 2023 Chicago Pro in July was supposed to be his redemption song. But fate had other plans, and he finished fourth, with the crown going to Justin Shier. Still, in characteristic style, Awodibu displayed resilience, owning his shortcomings and channeling them to further hone his physique.
Blessing Awodibu Collaborates with Matt Jansen’s Team for the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro
Charting a New Course for Italy
Choosing to compete solo at the Chicago Pro was a testament to Blessing Awodibu’s self-reliance. However, for the impending Italian stage, he’s ushered in a change. Joining forces with Cameron Chick, a key player in Matt Jansen’s illustrious team, Awodibu signals a refreshed, strategic approach for the forthcoming showdown.
Tuned Physique: Achieving Peak Conditioning
With the Flex Weekend Pro on the horizon, Awodibu isn’t just making team changes. He’s unveiled a transformed physique, registering his leanest weight to date. This rigorous conditioning suggests he’s leaving no stone unturned to deliver a standout performance in Italy.
“I’ve been working with Cameron Chick right now, he’s part of camp Jansen and other basically the alternate out here. It’s only about a forty-minute drive from Boca Raton, so. Yeah, forty minutes to an hour.”
“We are actually pretty low, actually the lowest I’ve been in two years,” said Awodibu about his weight.
Despite the brief training stint with Cameron, Awodibu feels positive about the strides and enhancements in his performance.
“That’s the thing with underdogs, we don’t ever give up, we always come back. We always come back you know. I’m feeling pretty good man. This is probably going to be one of my best shapes ever. Cameron has done a really really great job.
We’ve only been together for maybe eight weeks, six weeks now, and the change that we’ve been able to achieve in just a short period of time – it’s actually incredible, you know. It just shows you what you can do when you surround yourself with the right folks.”
View this post on Instagram
Rigorous Refinements: More Than Just Weight
The Flex Weekend Pro promises to witness a rejuvenated Awodibu. He’s not only leaning into his lightest weight but has also been laser-focused on specific areas of improvement. Awodibu has been hard at work, meticulously enhancing his presentation, honing his legs, and sculpting his upper body to perfection.
“I’ve been really working and trying to improve in all areas: posing, even presentation, bringing my legs up, the upper body, the next week, should be a very good show for the Boogieman,” explained Awodibu. “We needed time together. We needed time. The original plan was to do Tampa and Texas as well. But like, it was not enough time for me and Cameron to just jump in and put that pressure on myself again.”
Dietary Shifts Yield Positive Outcomes
Awodibu noted a beneficial response in his physique following dietary modifications.
“After the Olympia, I decided to do it myself. I had a great off-season myself and my training partner. We did the whole off-season together. Then, we started a prep. Obviously, it didn’t go the way it was planned, going into Chicago bro.”
“Changed my diet around, changed a few things, and honestly, my body just started moving,” added Awodibu. “
View this post on Instagram
Eyeing Potential Rivals in Italy
While Awodibu recognizes that any competitor might pose a challenge, his prime focus remains on Nathan De Asha and Regan Grimes.
“Italy is going to be such a great show. On paper, I think Nathan is one of the best going out there. He’s probably going to be the guy to beat. I’m looking at Regan man, he took a year off. Just looking at videos and pictures of Regan, I think that year off really paid well for him. He looks absolutely crazy.”
“Everybody is a threat. That’s why I think this has become very competitive because anybody can take it.”
Awodibu’s Strategy: Conditioning to Counter Rivals
Given the formidable opponents in Italy, Awodibu posits that his success against De Asha and Grimes hinges on his conditioning. He further emphasized that his ‘clean’ and ‘quality aesthetic’ presence demands attention on the stage.
“Honestly, with my physique, I just got to be peeled. I got to be in condition. I won’t have the biggest legs on stage. I will not the be the biggest guy, but what I do bring is that clean good quality aesthetic physique that you cannot overlook. When that physique is peeled and conditioned, honestly, I can stand with anybody.”
Milos Sarcev’s Advice to Awodibu on Posing: “You Don’t Show the Mistakes”
Drawing a line between performing a pose on stage and merely entertaining spectators, Sarcev emphasizes that athletes with particular weak points should craft their posing to effectively mask those areas.
“You have that God-given structure. Jesus Christ. The width of the shoulders, the waist ratio, the peaking biceps, crazy back, all that stuff, right? You were a little bit lighter on the legs that could cost you sometimes. A few times, you improvise it and you can pass and make it not noticeable right? When you’re in really good condition and when you’re presenting, but when you are just slightly off, you slip down and then you are not as competitive.”
“That back double biceps of your’s is a state of beauty. That front double biceps… I’ve seen it this morning on Instagram, peaking biceps like this is one of the very few you could ever see with a tight waist. I would maybe give you constructive criticism in posing.
There is a difference of presenting the movement and having fun and entertaining the crowd which I salute you for but you’re there to compete. You don’t show the mistakes. You don’t explore the possibility, oh now they’re going to catch it,” shared Milos Sarcev. “You release the waistline often and you don’t have that commodity. When your waist is in, the v-taper goes like this [expands].”
Awodibu’s Grueling Training Revealed Ahead of the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro
In addition to his insights shared on podcasts, Awodibu offers fans a closer look into his rigorous training regimen. Most recently, he delivered an intense back workout, gearing up for the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro. This event is rapidly becoming one of the year’s most anticipated, given its competitive lineup.
At the competition, Awodibu is set to challenge Regan Grimes, who has dedicated most of 2023 under the guidance of Milos Sarcev to refine his physique. Additionally, Nathan De Asha is on the roster, striving to cement his reputation as a Mr. Olympia contender, especially if he excels in the upcoming contest. With the clock ticking, competitors have a narrow window, only until October 9, to secure their place on the esteemed Olympia stage.
For a more detailed dive into Awodibu’s preparations, the complete video can be accessed on the Muscular Development YouTube channel:
Overview
Bodybuilder Blessing Awodibu is gearing up for the 2023 Flex Weekend Pro in Italy. Recently on The Menace Podcast, Awodibu delved into his training and weight preparation. After facing challenges at the Mr. Olympia contest, he’s teamed up with Cameron Chick from Matt Jansen’s team, aiming for a comeback. With a redefined physique and dietary adjustments, Awodibu is ready to face competitors, notably Nathan De Asha and Regan Grimes. Veteran bodybuilder Milos Sarcev highlighted the importance of impeccable posing for Awodibu, while fans get glimpses of his rigorous training sessions online. The stakes are high as contenders vie for a spot on the esteemed Olympia stage.
Featured Image @Muscular Development (Youtube), @blessing_awodibu (Instagram)
