Chris Bumstead, reigning king of the Classic Physique stage, has affirmed his intent to protect his Olympia title this year. Still, intriguingly, he does not rule out a potential transition to the Men’s Open division. In a candid conversation with Chris Williamson, Bumstead delved into the factors that could influence such a category shift. Furthermore, he offered an intriguing comparison between today’s Classic Physique standards and the bodybuilding era of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A Stellar Reign in Classic Physique
In 2019, Bumstead ascended to the pinnacle of the Classic Physique category at Olympia, toppling two-time champion Breon Ansley. Since then, Bumstead’s bodybuilding journey has been marked by consistent victories. His formidable combination of muscle striations, dry conditioning, and a tall frame makes him a formidable contender on any stage.
Bumstead, or Cbum as he’s affectionately known, is a four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. This remarkable streak stems from an unyielding commitment to his craft, characterised by intense training regimens. His most recent win was at the 2022 Olympia competition, where he captivated audiences despite competing with a torn bicep.
Considering the Open Division
In previous discussions, Bumstead has hinted at a possible venture into the Men’s Open division. Prior to their joint training journey, Bumstead told renowned trainer Hany Rambod that if he were to explore the Open division, it would likely be a ‘one-off’ event. In 2023, Bumstead rekindled the conversation. During a podcast with Rambod, he suggested that he might contemplate competing as an Open Bodybuilder at the Arnold Classic if it were to take place two or three weeks after Olympia.
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A Controversial Comparison with Schwarzenegger
Adding a bit of controversy to his career deliberations, Bumstead has entertained the idea of competing against a prime Arnold Schwarzenegger. During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, he confidently asserted that he could outdo Schwarzenegger’s Olympia-winning physique if given the chance today. This audacious claim has been met with differing views from bodybuilding veterans, including the likes of Lee Priest.
“Everything Progresses Over Time”, Classic Physique Evolves: Chris Bumstead Highlights Progress Since Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Golden Era.
Chris Bumstead asserts that both the Open and Classic Physique divisions have evolved over time, with advancements in dietary practices, nutrition, and the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs).
“Everything progresses over time, we get more efficient with nutrition, with dieting with PEDs, with rest, with recovery, everything just gets more efficient and everything excels. You just push the limits further and further. So, now, I mean… Open Bodybuilding just you look at it and you don’t even question if it’s the same sport, pretty much.
No weight limits, dude’s are on stage at 300 pounds like 3% body fat just fucking monsters. Like huge. Stuff you can’t even fathom. When I see them in person still I’m like wow, that’s a real person which is insane. But back in the Arnold days, it was purely like bigger upper bodies, legs weren’t massive, you weren’t shredded, it was more about being full and round and aesthetic, which is what Classic Physique was brought in for.”
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“Leaner Physiques Dominate Modern Classic: A Key Shift From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Era”, Bumstead argues the primary distinction between the bodybuilding world of Arnold’s time and today’s Classic Physique lies in the greater degree of leanness demanded for contemporary competitiveness.
“Even still, the contrast from Classic Physique versus the Arnold era, it’s way leaner now. It’s getting just as lean as the Open bodybuilders. It’s like shredded glutes, your ass is striated at the end of the day, feathered quads, just looks like you have no body fat on you. And probably about the same weight. I think Arnold was 240 on stage approximately and my weight cap is 240, I’m 239 when I weigh in,” said Chris Bumstead.
Despite Bumstead’s eagerness to measure his skills against Schwarzenegger, he expresses satisfaction in competing within the present era’s dynamic bodybuilding landscape.
“No. I never really thought of that honestly. I really think this era right now fits perfectly where I’m meant to be and obviously it’s working out pretty fucking great so far. I don’t tempt fate with that I’m just grateful for where I’m at.”
Bumstead Expresses Curiosity Towards the Open Division: “I Would Love to Just See What It Looks Like On Stage””
Bumstead admits that he has contemplated the idea of venturing into the Open division. However, he clarifies that post-Olympia, there are currently no competitions that have sparked his interest to compete in.
“Definitely have thought about it [competing in the Open]. But there’s no Open shows after the Olympia there’s like one in Japan but I would want to do like a decent show. I’d rather stack up against a top-ten Olympian.”
It depends on the show. If you were to put me in the Olympia, if you put me in the Olympia the way I look in Classic right now I don’t think I would hit the top ten but I think if I was able to be a little bit less leaner and fuller because I always have to diet down five pounds of muscle just to make weight so if I was able to be full as fuck, sometimes I’m in my check in pictures four weeks out and I have a high-carb day, I’m like, ‘I look like a bodybuilder right now this is crazy.’
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Confidence in Preparation: Bumstead Believes One Year of Training Could Secure Him a Top 15 Finish at Mr. Olympia
“I would love to just see what this looks like on stage, give me a year and I could be top 15 at the Mr. Olympia,” said Bumstead.
Open Class Transition: Bumstead Envisions Dietary and PED Changes, But Training Would Remain Unaltered
In the hypothetical scenario of transitioning to the Open division, Bumstead foresees adjustments in his dietary habits and PED usage, while maintaining his current training regimen.
“I’ll cycle my calories, if I start to get too fat I pull it back down. I would just have to lean into that fat. I wouldn’t be fat-fat but I like being lean consistently, lean enough so I feel good. I’d have to put on a lot of weight and eat consistently, my training would be the exact same it would mainly be food and little more PEDs of course.”
Height and Weight: Bumstead’s Strategy for Classic Physique Success
Bumstead disclosed an unconventional strategy he implemented for Classic Physique—endeavoring to increase his height using an inversion table. According to him, success in Classic Physique essentially boils down to a contest of height, allowing competitors to add more weight
“I tried [to buy an inversion table to increase my height]. Yeah, I did, but I didn’t put it together. I went to a chiropractor consistently, and they have a machine that stretches your spine. It pulls it. It looks like it [a torture device]. You like sit in this machine upright and then it tilts you down and you have a thing around your waist that pulls your spine. I did that for a while, I’m just over 6’1″ so I’d have to grow a full inch to be over 6’2″ I would never do it but I also don’t want to shrink.”
“Classic Physique is just a battle to be taller essentially, to make your weight.”
Shredded Physique: Bumstead on His Lowest Body Fat Percentage
In concluding his discussion, Bumstead delved into the specifics of his physical conditioning. While he couldn’t provide an exact figure, he estimated that his body fat percentage hovers around the 4-5% range at its lowest.
“I haven’t [checked my body fat] no. I haven’t even tried to guess because everyone on the internet is like, ‘Oh!”
“If I had to guess I think it would I would be around four or five percent if I had to be conservative,” said Bumstead. “Yeah, a little bit. My structure would kind of make up for it [lack of conditioning and more fullness].”
Chris Bumstead’s Transparent Approach to the 2023 Olympia Preparation
As he gears up for the anticipated title defense at the 2023 Olympia, Chris Bumstead is setting new standards in transparency with his fanbase. From sharing his dietary plan to shedding light on his morning routines, he demonstrates how his regimen varies between off-season and contest preparation.
The Building Blocks of Bumstead’s Olympia-caliber Physique
Given Bumstead’s impressive imprint on the industry, there is widespread curiosity about his workout routine. In a recent interview with Chris Williamson, Bumstead lifted the veil on his fitness regimen, revealing ten exercises he would perpetually stick with, if required. This revelation sparked lively online discussions, inspiring other fitness influencers like Jeff Cavaliere and Nick Walker to share their top ten exercise lists.
Bumstead’s Quest for a Fifth Classic Physique Olympia Title Amidst Teasers of a New Venture
With a timeline of three months to the Olympia contest, Bumstead has his sights firmly set on solidifying his legacy as a five-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. Yet, even amidst his focused commitment to his division, Bumstead keeps the intrigue alive by hinting at a possible transition to the Open class. This potential move opens up fascinating future possibilities and underscores Bumstead’s dynamism as a competitor.
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Overview
Reigning Classic Physique champion Chris Bumstead is actively preparing to defend his Olympia title this year. However, he doesn’t rule out a potential move to the Men’s Open division in the future. In an interview, Bumstead drew comparisons between today’s Classic Physique standards and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bodybuilding era. Despite the transition speculation, Bumstead is currently focused on his fifth consecutive Classic Physique title at the upcoming 2023 Olympia.
Featured Image @cbum @schwarzenegger (Instagram)