In a digital age punctuated by influencers and rapidly shifting fitness paradigms, few have risen as swiftly and influentially as Jesse James West. With a dedicated following that numbers in the millions, West’s name is often associated with innovation in fitness and bodybuilding. However, in a candid conversation on the The Truth Podcast with Hany Rambod dated October 12, 2023, West shifts the spotlight from himself to a figure he deeply admires in the fitness realm: Chris Bumstead.
Jesse’s Admiration
“I can only assume his life is complete chaos, maybe it’s not I don’t know but it seems like a lot. He’s definitely a role model to myself and a lot of people,” West shared.
Such words aren’t dispensed lightly, especially considering West’s impressive stature in the digital fitness community.
A Digital Fitness Prodigy
Jesse James West’s meteoric rise in the world of fitness influencers is the stuff of digital legend. With a community of one million on Instagram and a formidable three million subscribers on YouTube, his engagement strategies are the envy of many. Whether he’s emulating moves of the reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead or partnering with bodybuilding icons like Ronnie Coleman for content, West’s blend of charisma and earnest dedication is palpable.
View this post on Instagram
Embracing the Stage
Having ventured into competitive bodybuilding himself, West clinched a first-place win in a July event, a victory he achieved while maintaining a natural physique. Yet, in his typical humble demeanor, West points to external inspiration for this foray into competition, specifically citing the ‘Cbum effect’ as a significant motivator in realizing his competitive aspirations.
Jesse James West on Chris Bumstead’s Impact: “Whatever He Does Is Golden”
Chris Bumstead’s, or ‘Cbum’s’, influence has undeniably reshaped the modern contours of bodybuilding. As fitness influencer Jesse James West recently pointed out, it is Bumstead who has been instrumental in ushering bodybuilding into mainstream appreciation.
“I definitely look up to Chris. You know, like for what he’s done and I think everyone looks at him and they’re like ‘Damn, he looks fucking sick.’ Especially during the preps and stuff. I think he brought competing to a very mainstream audience.
To be honest, I knew of competing but he was the only person, him and Christian Guzman were the only ones I ever watched compete. Outside of that I probably wouldn’t even know what the difference of Open and Classic was, I learned that.”
View this post on Instagram
Leveraging the “Cbum Effect”: JJW’s Path to Success
Jesse James West, often referred to as JJW, opened up about how observing Chris Bumstead’s, known as ‘Cbum’, consistent content leading up to the Olympia provided inspiration. “Watching his series, how he posts extensively as the Olympia approaches, sparked an idea in me,” West explained. “While I typically would have just created a single video about competing, Bumstead’s approach made me consider an entire prep series. It’s like there’s this ripple effect, which I believe you termed the ‘Cbum effect’.”
“It’s like whatever he does is golden because he has such notoriety and brand loyalty. He could sell socks and I’m sure he does and it bangs. He could sell energy drinks… bangs. He’s doing these things with business that no one else is really doing and he’s competing.
So if I can emulate that to a smaller degree, I’m not in the Olympia but if I can treat this competition like the Olympia and have my audience as bought in as much as they’re going to be bought into his… that’s going to hopefully maybe there’s a little bit of a Jesse James effect on whatever I do.”
View this post on Instagram
Adapting to Stay Relevant: JJW’s Insight
Jesse James West highlighted the importance of evolving with the times and tapping into current trends. He noted, “Were Ronnie Coleman or Jay Cutler to have the same level of popularity as Bumstead in today’s landscape, I would undoubtedly impersonate them as well. It’s all about aligning with what’s resonating now.”
“If Ronnie Coleman was in the position of where Chris is right now or Jay Cutler or something, I would have been sneaking in as Jay Cutler or something. It’s just he’s popping. It’s a simple, hey we add the fake Cbum thing, it’s going to get three more million views and people loved it. People really enjoyed that video.”
“To sum up, I’m not some psycho Cbum fan. I thought that was just an intelligent idea and a funny thing,” added Jesse James West.
The Rise of Classic Physique: Is Men’s Open in Jeopardy?
In recent times, the Classic Physique category, championed by the likes of Chris Bumstead, seems to be experiencing unprecedented acclaim. Such has been the meteoric rise of this division that, at last year’s Boston Pro, it was the marquee event. This unusual programming decision led some to speculate about the potential waning dominance of the Men’s Open category within the sport.
Eager enthusiasts, with Jesse James West among their ranks, are marking their calendars for the imminent 2023 Mr. Olympia contest in Orlando, Florida. All eyes are set on Bumstead as he gears up to possibly clinch his fifth Classic Physique title.
For a deeper dive into this discussion, be sure to view the entire segment on Hany Rambod’s YouTube channel:
Overview
In a recent podcast, notable fitness influencer Jesse James West attributes the rise of bodybuilding in mainstream culture to the influence of Chris Bumstead. West applauds Bumstead’s unique approach to combining business acumen with competitive spirit, suggesting that Bumstead’s innovative strategies have reshaped the fitness industry. West also draws parallels to his own rise, emphasizing the importance of adapting and evolving to stay relevant. This comes amidst discussions of the growing prominence of the Classic Physique category in bodybuilding competitions.
Featured Image @jessejameswest, @cbum (Instagram)
