Canadian bodybuilder Chris Bumstead has established himself as one of the most formidable champions in the sport of bodybuilding. With an impressive record of four Classic Physique Olympia titles, he sets his sights on securing his fifth title at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia. In an exclusive interview with Chris Williamson, Bumstead delves into his morning routines, the key factors for his recovery, and the mindset of a true champion.
Rising Through the Ranks
Chris Bumstead burst onto the bodybuilding scene in 2017, captivating audiences with his refined muscle mass, intricate detail, and symmetrical physique in the Classic Physique category. Gradually climbing up the ranks in the regional circuit, he secured a silver medal in his Mr. Olympia debut. Despite falling short of claiming the top spot, losing to two-time champion Breon Ansley for the second consecutive year, Bumstead finally clinched his first Mr. Olympia title in 2019. Since then, he has successfully fended off emerging contenders, triumphantly winning his fourth title at the prestigious Olympia show held last December.
The Open Division Debate
Bumstead’s dominance in the Classic Physique division has sparked speculation among fans about his potential in the Men’s Open category. Bob Cicherillo, the IFBB Pro League athletes’ representative, expressed confidence in Bumstead’s abilities and even suggested that he could be a top-10 contender in the Open division, holding his ground against some of the most imposing mass monsters in the world if he were to add 15-20 pounds to his frame. However, bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier believes that Bumstead should receive a special invite to compete in the Open Olympia, similar to Derek Lunsford’s invitation last year. On the other hand, Rich Gaspari believes that pursuing success in the premier division of bodybuilding will require a long and challenging journey for Bumstead.
Off-Season Diet and Training
During the interview, Bumstead provided insights into his updated diet for the 2023 off-season and offered a sneak peek into his private gym, currently under construction. As he gears up for the 2023 Mr. Olympia, he showcased his dedication by crushing a grueling leg workout, showcasing the intensity and determination that has propelled him to the top of the bodybuilding world.
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Challenges on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Chris Bumstead is poised to face new contenders on the Olympia stage. Rising sensation Stephane Matala has garnered attention with his remarkably shredded and aesthetically pleasing physique, although he has yet to receive an official invite to the show. Renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev acknowledged Bumstead’s superior structure but expressed favoritism towards Matala, believing that he may eventually surpass Bumstead in the future.
Chris Bumstead’s Morning Routines Revealed
In a recent YouTube video, Celebrated bodybuilder Chris Bumstead opened up about his morning routines, offering a glimpse into how his approach varies between competition prep and the off-season.
Energizing the Day with Cardio
Bumstead kickstarts his mornings with an invigorating cardio session. Whether it’s a steady jog or an intense round of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), he believes in jumpstarting his heart rate and priming his body for the day ahead.
“Off-season, I wake up and usually just do a bit of light cardio. I’ve been in different time zones for the last six months so it’s just whatever time zone I’m on,” saidBumstead. “I normally wake up and do a little bit of cardio just like 20 minutes to make sure my appetite’s going and then I have a cold plunge. I usually dip my legs in there at least if not my full body, up to my waist then shower, eat, go to work. [Breakfast] varies consistently. I get sick of food really quick especially breakfast foods so I don’t like eating eggs when I’m eating a lot of food so I normally just make a smoothie and then I’ll have oatmeal blended into the smoothie and some Ezekiel bread toast and almond butter.”
Maximizing Performance: Bumstead’s Cardio Intensity and Breath Work
During his competition preparation, Chris Bumstead takes his cardio training to the next level, emphasizing intensity and incorporating breath work into his routine.
Intense Cardio for Peak Performance
To elevate his conditioning and achieve peak performance on stage, Bumstead intensifies his cardio workouts during the prep phase. This may involve incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT), sprint sessions, or longer endurance workouts to challenge his cardiovascular system and enhance his stamina.
Harnessing the Power of Breath Work
In addition to intense cardio sessions, Bumstead recognizes the value of breath work in optimizing his performance. He incorporates specific breathing techniques into his training routine, focusing on deep inhalation and controlled exhalation to enhance oxygenation, promote relaxation, and improve overall mind-body connection.
“Prep evolves. I’m very fluid. My routines, depends on the time of the year, it’s just wherever I feel natural. I just kind of flow into that state, do what I can, and kind of thrive in that structure rather than really regimented. But in prep, I’ll wake up in the morning and usually do breath work thing because I get sucked in that. At first I tried to do it for the mental and now it’s just to oxygenate my body before waking up doing cardio. After that I’ll usually sauna, cold tub, or combine it. Then cardio will be higher at that point and then I’ll go shower and eat.”
Unlocking the Power of Recovery and Rest: Bumstead’s Best Tips
Chris Bumstead, a seasoned bodybuilder and four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, shares his valuable insights on optimizing recovery and rest. Recognizing the critical role these factors play in performance and growth, Bumstead emphasizes the significance of quality sleep and reveals a range of techniques he employs to enhance his recovery process.
Prioritizing the Foundation: Quality Sleep
One of Bumstead’s top recommendations for optimal recovery is prioritizing quality sleep. He recognizes the immense benefits of sufficient and restful sleep for muscle repair, hormone regulation, and overall well-being. By ensuring he gets an adequate amount of sleep each night and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, Bumstead maximizes his body’s recovery potential.
Techniques for Enhanced Recovery
In addition to quality sleep, Bumstead employs various techniques to enhance his recovery. These include foam rolling, stretching, and using tools like massage guns to target specific muscle groups. He also emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition, consuming a balanced diet that supports muscle recovery and growth. Bumstead further incorporates active recovery strategies such as light mobility exercises and low-intensity cardio to promote blood flow and aid in muscle repair.
By implementing these techniques, Bumstead optimizes his recovery process, allowing him to train more effectively, reduce the risk of injuries, and ultimately elevate his performance to new heights.
“Sleep is probably the number one thing. Whether it’s brain health, aging, or just high performance, sleep is one of the most important aspects anyone can have. You lose any bit of sleep you’re used to and your body just suffers more than you can even understand. Being super regimented on sleep and that’s why when I’m in different time zones I don’t set an alarm. Some people believe you should create your circadian rhythm as fast as possible. I’m like na I’m going to get eight hours in no matter what. I let myself get eight hours and I usually aim for nine because I don’t sleep the whole night fully. Sleep has been absolutely huge.
“At a point in my career when I was 21, started to get more injuries, like adrenal fatigue almost, I trained six-seven days a week for three hours, I felt like I needed to tone it back a bit. Then I started training five days a week for three hours I had a little more progress. I noticed as I was pulling away from the volume essentially I actually started to progress more and feel better. So, allowing myself to have more time to recover made me stronger.”
“Obviously basic sh*t like protein intake is huge, timing of it I really don’t think matters. Ice baths, saunas helped me a lot. Stretching, active recovery, doing cardio and stretching immediately after so you’re a little bit warm, and I do a lot of soft tissue work. When I’m in prep I probably do a week or two.”
“Hyperbaric chamber’s the next step. I need one of those in my house.”
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Unveiling the Principles of a Champion Mentality: Insights from Chris Bumstead
Chris Bumstead, the esteemed bodybuilder and four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, offers a glimpse into the key principles that define a champion mentality. Sharing his valuable insights, Bumstead sheds light on the mindset and approach necessary to achieve greatness in the world of competitive bodybuilding.
Cultivating a Winning Mindset
Bumstead emphasizes the importance of cultivating a winning mindset as a fundamental aspect of a champion mentality. He emphasizes the significance of setting clear goals, maintaining unwavering focus, and developing mental resilience to overcome obstacles and setbacks along the journey to success.
Embracing Consistency and Discipline
Another vital principle highlighted by Bumstead is the unwavering commitment to consistency and discipline. He emphasizes the need to adhere to a structured training regimen, nutrition plan, and lifestyle choices that support one’s physical and mental well-being. By embracing consistency and discipline, individuals can establish a solid foundation for long-term growth and progress.
Embracing Challenges and Learning from Failure
Bumstead encourages individuals to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. He believes that setbacks and failures are valuable lessons that contribute to personal development and ultimately pave the way to success. By adopting a growth mindset and learning from each experience, aspiring champions can continue to evolve and elevate their performance.
Fostering a Positive and Supportive Environment
Lastly, Bumstead emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with a positive and supportive environment. He acknowledges the importance of seeking guidance from mentors, building a strong support system, and being part of a community that shares similar aspirations and values. By fostering such an environment, individuals can draw inspiration, encouragement, and motivation, propelling them towards their goals with unwavering determination.
“Originally it was just winning and it evolved into like a no quit mentality. It’s accepting these fears, doubts I have, and everything that goes through my mind but regardless of that not quitting and not giving up on myself. No matter how hard the time or what I’m going through, I’m still going to put in the same work regardless of how I feel. That’s a champion mentality. Champions are not controlled by the circumstances. They control their own mind inside and then the world gets on around them. I really think greatness in champions not only elevate themselves but the people around them.
“You’re put into a position where you can help others. When you’re in a position of greatness, you can elevate others to a higher level and being able to inspire and bring them up to be better people is part of what makes you great rather than just the selfish act of being you.”
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Overview
Chris Bumstead, the four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, shares his expertise and pushes his limits in the pursuit of muscle growth. He recently engaged in intense back workouts and revealed his top ten hypertrophy exercises, providing valuable insights for fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, Bumstead shares his perspective on Trenbolone and its impact on bodybuilders, offering a unique perspective on this controversial steroid. With his champion techniques and dedication to excellence, Bumstead continues to inspire and elevate the fitness game for others.
Featured Image @Cbum, @Chris Williamson (Instagram & YouTube)
