In the realm of professional bodybuilding, Hadi Choopan has etched his name in the annals of sporting history, not merely as a formidable contender but as the reigning Mr. Olympia. As the highly anticipated 2023 Olympia draws nearer, Choopan, the ‘Persian Wolf’, is fervently preparing to defend his coveted title. The journey that brought him to this pinnacle of success is marked by tenacity, triumph over adversity, and a determination to prove himself on the world stage.
A Champion’s Odyssey
Hadi Choopan, the Iranian bodybuilding sensation, made an entire nation swell with pride when he clinched the 2022 Mr. Olympia title. In a dramatic turn of events, he unseated the formidable Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, the former champion. Choopan’s rise to the summit of bodybuilding excellence didn’t follow the traditional trajectory. Originating from the 212 division, he transitioned to the fiercely competitive Men’s Open division, where athletes of unparalleled stature and power vie for supremacy.
Steely Resolve and Geopolitical Hurdles
His journey was marked by resolute consistency. Choopan had consistently secured top-four positions at the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Olympia events, showcasing his enduring prowess. However, his voyage to the top wasn’t a straightforward one. Unprecedented geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran led to complex visa and travel restrictions, posing significant obstacles. This landscape added an extra layer of difficulty to his path, making his ascent all the more remarkable.
The Unsung Hero of Olympia
One intriguing facet of Choopan’s story is his relatively low-profile presence on social media and the internet, a circumstance partly born out of geographical factors and language barriers. In the lead-up to the 2022 Olympia, the digital limelight had favored rising stars and highly-touted prospects like Michal Krizo, Andrew Jacked, Nick Walker, and Derek Lunsford. Yet, Choopan’s performance on the Olympia stage would ultimately speak louder than any online hype.
A Champion’s Redemption
As the Mr. Olympia event unfolded in 2022, Hadi Choopan demonstrated unyielding strength, unwavering focus, and an indomitable spirit. His exceptional physique and unparalleled performance silenced the doubters, and he stood victorious, clinching the prestigious title. His journey from the shadows to the spotlight offers a compelling narrative of triumph against all odds.
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The Champion’s Unrelenting Pursuit
Today, as Hadi Choopan gears up for the 2023 Olympia, his pursuit of excellence continues unabated. With each physique update and workout video he shares, Choopan’s commitment to defending his title and etching his name deeper into bodybuilding history is palpable. This is the story of a champion who rose above adversity, overcame geopolitical barriers, and is now poised to etch his name in the annals of bodybuilding history.
Breaking Barriers: Hadi Choopan’s Chest Workout
In the relentless pursuit of bodybuilding excellence, Hadi Choopan faces unique challenges, from language barriers to geographical limitations. These hurdles, however, do little to deter the ‘Persian Wolf’ in his quest for supremacy. Choopan’s journey is further enriched by his partnership with head coach Hany Rambod, a prominent figure in the bodybuilding world. While the language barrier remains a significant obstacle, Choopan’s determination and innovative approach are evident in his unconventional training methods.
A Rare Training Confluence in the Middle East
In a fortuitous alignment of circumstances, Coach Rambod and Hadi Choopan managed to bridge the geographical divide. Both converged in the Middle Eastern hubs of Kuwait and Dubai, transforming these locales into temporary training grounds. As Rambod reflects on these sessions, he notes:
“Great thing is we finally got together, doing our first workout, very excited…”
Rambod also shed light on the training method their team will employ for the remainder of the competition prep and stated:“Now we’re going to slice and dice all the way to the Olympia focusing on body parts like quads, chest, building up the back and more. Separation and his conditioning is already good…”
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When Coach Hany Rambod and his student, Hadi Choopan, come together for a workout, you can be sure that an intense session of rigorous exercises awaits. This time was no exception, with the two diving deep into the FST-7 bodybuilding system, Rambod’s own groundbreaking invention.
Standing Machine Lateral Raises
The workout began on a foundational note. Rambod guided Choopan to launch into standing machine lateral raises. These serve as an excellent preamble to more intense exercises, warming up the shoulders and targeting the lateral/medial deltoids.
Incline Dumbbell Press
Transition was next made to incline dumbbell presses. Rambod’s attentive guidance ensured that Choopan maximized the benefits of this exercise, which places an emphasis on the clavicular head of the pectoralis major – or in layman’s terms, the upper pecs. Given its compound nature, it also engages the anterior deltoid and triceps. Choopan’s dedication was evident as he tackled heavier weights with each succeeding set.
Incline Machine Chest Flyes
Rambod’s expertise shone through again as they moved onto incline machine chest flyes using a selectorized machine. He passionately explained the merits of the roller machine, highlighting its ability to hone tension specifically onto the pectoral muscles.
“I love the machines that use rollers because you have a really nice range of motion. You get some constant tension as you put your hands together really, really nice. So we’re going to add a little more weight to make sure we don’t go too heavy because we want to keep that tension on the chest and not the shoulder.”
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Under Rambod’s keen oversight, Choopan meticulously executed the exercise, adjusting weights judiciously for maximum efficacy.
Low-to-High Cable Crossover
The workout then shifted to a staple in pectoral muscle development: the cable crossover. This versatile exercise, when approached with varied angles, promises a comprehensive muscular development. Choopan effortlessly navigated through several intensive sets, with Rambod stepping in with timely adjustments and pointers.
Incline Bench Press
Rambod, always a fan of holistic training, directed Choopan back to pressing exercises, this time focusing on the incline bench press. The reigning Mr. Olympia showcased his mettle, managing substantial weights and seamlessly transitioning between sets.
Seated Dip Press
Every effective workout has a fitting climax, and the seated dip press provided just that. This modified version of the classic dips encapsulated the final stretch of Choopan’s exhaustive chest routine, culminating a day that pushed the boundaries of endurance and strength.
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Choopan’s Olympia Prep: A Chest-Defining Workout Guided by Rambod
The Workout Roster:
- Standing machine Lateral Raises
- Incline Dumbbell Press
- Incline Machine Chest Flyes
- Low-to-High Cable Crossover
- Incline Bench Press
- Chest Dip Press
Rambod’s Balancing Act: Training the Titans of 2023 Olympia
Training the elite of the bodybuilding world is no small feat. Coach Rambod is at the center of this whirlwind, shaping the physiques of reigning champion Hadi Choopan, last year’s close second Derek Lunsford, and the distinguished Classic Physique Olympia titleholder, Chris Bumstead. Juggling his commitments among these industry titans requires not just expertise but also an innate passion for the sport. Anticipating the upcoming Olympia clash, Rambod expressed his sentiments, stating:
“Him and Derek (Lunsford) is going to be a battle guys. Two of the baddest dudes on the planet.”
Rambod on Choopan’s Progress Ahead of Olympia
Coach Rambod, ever attentive to the intricate details of his trainees’ performance, took a moment to reflect on Hadi Choopan’s journey in preparation for the upcoming Olympia showdown. Sharing insights on the reigning champion’s evolution and gains, Rambod commented:
“He feels very strong, very good… Definitely in good conditioning…”
Rambod further commented:
“He’s definitely on point for being just under seven weeks out.”
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Navigating the Competitive Terrain of the 2023 Olympia
Hadi Choopan stands on the precipice of a challenging endeavor. In the upcoming 2023 Olympia, not only must he outpace Derek Lunsford once more, but he’s also pitted against formidable contenders like Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, and Andrew Jacked, among others. Achieving victory in such a competitive arena would undoubtedly solidify his position in the bodybuilding pantheon. Yet, as many champions know, climbing to the summit is a feat, but maintaining that peak position can be an even greater challenge.
For a deeper insight into his preparation, check out the comprehensive workout video, available on Evogen Nutrition’s official YouTube channel:
Overview
Hadi Choopan, known as the ‘Persian Wolf’ in the professional bodybuilding realm, prepares to defend his Mr. Olympia title in 2023. His journey, characterized by determination and triumph over adversities such as geopolitical tensions and language barriers, remains a testament to his tenacity. Guided by Coach Hany Rambod, Choopan navigates a rigorous training regime, gearing up to face formidable contenders in the upcoming Olympia.
Featured Image @Hadi Choopan, @EvogenNutrition (YouTube)
