In a silent corner of the bodybuilding universe, a new star emerges—not a person, but a place. Chris Bumstead, the indomitable force of the bodybuilding world, has just unveiled his latest endeavor: a private, state-of-the-art gym named ‘Bum Lifting Club’.
From Weights to Walls: A Tour of Bumstead’s Training Sanctum
As the cold steel of weights echo through the air, Bumstead recently offered a rare glimpse into his fortress of fitness. Beyond just a space, the gym is a testament to his unwavering commitment to perfection, laden with the latest equipment tailored for champions.
Bumstead’s Legacy: The Journey of a Classic Physique Titan
Chris Bumstead’s name resonates deeply within the bodybuilding community. At 28, his accolades speak volumes: a four-time consecutive winner of the prestigious Classic Physique Olympia title from 2019 to 2022. Before that zenith, there were the arduous years of 2017 and 2018 where he took the second spot, showcasing a saga of persistence and unparalleled drive.
A New Arena for an Old Champion
In the ever-evolving landscape of bodybuilding, constants are rare. Yet, Chris Bumstead—a name etched in the annals of bodybuilding history—has once again solidified his presence, not with another title, but with the inauguration of his private gym, the ‘Bum Lifting Club’. This new fortress of fitness stands as a testament to Bumstead’s relentless pursuit of perfection, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of a champion in the making.
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Chris Bumstead’s Chest Day: A Champion’s Blueprint to Perfection
In the meticulously measured world of bodybuilding, the atmosphere is as pivotal as the workout itself. Chris Bumstead, renowned for his successes in the Classic Physique division, is acutely aware of this nuanced dynamic. As he zeroes in on his fifth Classic Physique Olympia title, his focus has sharpened, leading him to carve out a private space tailored for his championship regimen.
Dissatisfied with the distractions and unintended spotlights of commercial gyms, Bumstead embarked on an ambitious venture over the past few months. His vision was clear: to forge a sanctuary that allowed him the solitude and precision required for his rigorous training. The fruition of this vision is his meticulously curated gym, christened the ‘Bum Lifting Club’. This new arena, devoid of external interruptions, is where Bumstead will sculpt his form for his next Olympian challenge.
“Had a bit of a rough start to the prep. But it’s okay… We’ve got a private gym now. Making up for it. But I’ve been training here alone for, I guess, a week. It’s been beautiful honestly, having no one to bother you… Just like chilling closer to work, coming in here and training…” Chris Bumstead said.
The coveted Classic Physique Olympia champion, Chris Bumstead, is gearing up for eight weeks of intensive workouts, and he’s chosen a uniquely private venue for his sessions. His brand-new gym was recently showcased in a workout video, where Bumstead focused on training his chest and triceps. Fans got a firsthand glimpse as he uploaded this session to his YouTube channel. So, let’s delve into the intricacies of this powerful workout.
Seated Close Grip Cable Chest Press
Starting strong, Bumstead chose the Seated Close Grip Cable Chest Press to kick off his routine. The aim? To push the blood into the pectoral muscles and ensure they’re sufficiently warmed up. The continuous tension maintained by the cable machines keeps the muscles engaged throughout the movement. This is particularly beneficial for prepping them for the subsequent heavier compound exercises. Bumstead, who has been managing a shoulder issue for some time, remarked:
“This is one of those things where if you have an injury or pain somewhere like my shoulder, you can set the cable up… This is like the perfect range of motion you need it to be. Elbows in the perfect position and it’s not a flye, it’s a press. So it’s just like a machine but it’s constant tension because it’s a cable pulling you from the weight behind you. Honestly, it’s better than most presses you can do. Just can’t do much of a load. But with an injury, nothing really beats a good cable press.”
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Embarking on the Seated Close Grip Cable Chest Press, Bumstead confessed that this was his maiden attempt at the exercise. Although he saw the potential of the movement, he acknowledged the need for refinement in subsequent sessions. Despite this being a novel inclusion, the 28-year-old powerhouse managed to pull off a few solid sets before segueing into the more demanding portions of his workout.
Smith Machine Incline Bench Press
Historically, Bumstead’s regimen has leaned towards heavier weights, maintaining a rep range between six to eight. However, with the wisdom that age brings, he’s become increasingly cognizant of the potential long-term impact on joint health. Recognizing the risks associated with consistently heavy lifting, especially as one matures, the reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion has begun recalibrating his strategy. The new game plan? Integrating higher volumes into his training sessions to strike the right balance between strength and sustainability.
“It used to be like eight to ten or six to ten even. I’ve been trying to do like a good 12 to 15 for most of my (redacted). It’s been feeling pretty good. I definitely get better pumps but it’s a lot more of a mental game now, trying to keep a really, like, constant state of tension and time under tension rather than just pushing some weight. Mentally I have to stay in it a little bit longer…”
With an aim to intensely engage his upper pectoral muscles, Bumstead executed several high-volume sets on the Smith machine’s incline bench press. Each set was designed for maximum stimulation, culminating in a demanding drop set. This was the perfect precursor to yet another compound movement focusing on chest development.
Star Trac Incline Chest Flyes Machine
While raw pushing power is a cornerstone of bodybuilding, the subtleties of muscle development cannot be overlooked. Adduction strength, especially in the chest, is critical for a well-rounded physique. Traditional chest flyes have been the go-to for many, but Bumstead has found that standard pec deck flyes don’t quite offer him the stimulation he seeks.
To circumvent this and achieve the desired muscle engagement, Bumstead has incorporated the Star Trac chest flye machine into his gym, designed with a 30-degree incline. This specific machine’s brilliance lies in its design: it allows the athlete to push the weight from the elbow, eliminating the conventional grip. This subtle alteration aligns with Bumstead’s pursuit of optimal muscle activation and underscores his meticulous approach to training.
“I have really long arms. So when I do a pec deck, it’s hard to take out my shoulders, biceps and forearms out of the movement. These force you to push from your elbows…”
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While the Star Trac chest flye machine offers a distinct advantage, mastering it required a bit of trial and error for Bumstead. He spent several sets adjusting weights, searching for that sweet spot that would give his pectoral muscles the optimal stimulation. Once he locked in on the ideal weight, he dove into straight sets, intensifying the engagement of his chest muscles.
Machine Decline Chest Press
Transitioning his attention to the lower chest, Bumstead engaged with the machine decline chest press. However, as with many exercises in his repertoire, Bumstead’s previous shoulder injury poses unique challenges. This isn’t just about pushing weight; it’s about ensuring movements are safe, effective, and aligned with his physical needs. Offering insights into his approach, he elaborated:
“I am not a big fan of decline presses. Again, because my f*ed up shoulder has been f*ed up for three years. But this machine, with the neutral grip and the angle I can really squeeze that pec minor underneath my lower pecs in here and it doesn’t hurt my shoulder. So it’s one of my favorite for this…”
After meticulously executing a series of decline chest presses, marked by their slow and deliberate movements, Bumstead rounded off with an intense drop set, pushing his muscles to their limits.
Incline Machine Chest Flyes
In a bid to further challenge his chest, Bumstead transitioned to a different variation of the chest flyes. Drawing from his last reserves of energy, he aimed for optimal muscle engagement, performing three sets of 8-10 reps. Each set was punctuated by holding the weights in a fully extended position until failure.
Cable Horizontal Triceps Extensions
Bumstead kicked off his tricep routine with this targeted isolation exercise. Performing the movement unilaterally, the prominent Canadian bodybuilder emphasized the development of a keen mind-muscle connection, successfully completing several sets to hone this relationship.
Dip Press
As his workout neared its conclusion, Bumstead opted for the dip press on a specialized selectorized machine. These sets offered the final, intense stimulation his muscles required, marking the end of another comprehensive training session.
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A Glimpse of the Workout Routine:
- Seated Close Grip Cable Chest Press
- Smith Machine Incline Bench Press
- Star Trac Incline Chest Flyes Machine
- Machine Decline Chest Press
- Incline Machine Chest Flyes
- Cable Horizontal Triceps Extensions
- Dip Press
A New Chapter for the Classic Physique Olympia Champion
As the 2023 Olympia looms, all eyes are set on Bumstead, the undisputed frontrunner. A significant shift in his training came post his parting with former coach Iain Valliere. Now, under the seasoned guidance of renowned coach Hany Rambod, the pair seems poised to clinch the fifth Classic Physique Olympia title. This evolving dynamic adds an element of intrigue, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming showdown.
To witness this champion’s dedication and prowess firsthand, visit Chris Bumstead’s personal YouTube channel for the full workout video:
Overview
Away from the public eye, Chris Bumstead has crafted a sanctuary for his athletic pursuits: the ‘Bum Lifting Club’. This state-of-the-art gym epitomizes his commitment to the craft, stocked with specialized equipment. At 28, Bumstead’s legacy in the Classic Physique Olympia is undeniable, with four consecutive titles from 2019 to 2022. As 2023’s Olympia approaches, under the guidance of renowned coach Hany Rambod, Bumstead is gearing up, exemplified in his recent workout video on his YouTube channel that showcases his rigorous chest and tricep training session.
Featured Image @CBum, @ChrisBumstead (Instagram & YouTube)
