All systems are a go for Chris Bumstead, who intends to pick up a sixth Classic Physique Olympia title before mulling over his possible retirement. In a recent YouTube video shared on August 22, 2024, Bumstead, joined by his coach Hany Rambod, obliterated a heavy chest workout in prep for the 2024 Mr. Olympia contest. In addition, he offered sage words of wisdom to younger bodybuilders on the come-up.
In 2019, we saw a rising Canadian bodybuilder come into his own, but we didn’t know much about him at that time. However, following his major victory at the Mr. Olympia, fans immediately took notice of Chris Bumstead, whose imposing stature, full muscle volume, and diced conditioning shook the sport’s foundation. After winning the Classic Physique Olympia title once, Bumstead only garnered additional momentum in the IFBB Pro League.
Fast forward to 2024, and ‘Cbum’ now holds an astonishing five titles, all of which he secured dominantly — and oftentimes — despite dealing with injuries. Looking ahead, he will face perhaps his most challenging lineup to date this October.
He’ll come face to face with Wesley Vissers, the Dutch sensation who captured titles at the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK shows, alongside his long-time rival, Ramon Queiroz. But that’s not all, Bumstead also has to overpower Urs Kalecinski and former two-time Olympia winner Breon Ansley if he wants to sail off into the sunset with a sixth trophy. To prepare for battle, Bumstead joined his coach Hany Rambod for a grueling chest training session.
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Chris Bumstead’s Chest Workout 8 Weeks from 2024 Mr. Olympia
Find his exercise selections below:
- Incline Chest Press Machine
- Incline Dumbbell Press (diff grips)
- Decline Chest Press Machine
- Bent-Over Cable Crossover
- Standing Low to High Cable Flye
After smashing 150-pound incline dumbbell presses for reps, Bumstead’s coach Hany Rambod, the founder of the FST-7 training system, offered tips on pressing movements.
“Just remember, when you’re doing presses, make sure you’re not just using the typical grip. You want to use also a neutral grip because you’re able to work a lot of different angles of the chest, not just one particular one week to week. So, variation is going to help break plateaus,” he said.
In between sets on the decline chest press machine, Bumstead gave an update on how he’s feeling.
“I don’t know about feeling strong, I feel a little depleted, but I am strong. That’s all that matters. I think last year I’d do 150s for 9-10, I got 10-11 there, so a little bit better than last year.”
Bumstead, guided by his coach, practiced a few poses and static holds before moving to his last exercise. According to Rambod, this is the strongest he’s ever seen Bumstead.
“Strength is right where it needs to be,” says Bumstead. “I pretty much hit a PR on the weight there.”
“We’re just under eight weeks out. Strongest he’s been, strongest I think you’ve been since we worked together,” said Rambod.
“When I was younger I moved the 170s for a bit but I haven’t been there in five years. I was smaller and just different strength. Youthful energy,” said Bumstead.
Rambod discussed Bumstead having to make weight for 2024 Olympia.
“Now we got to make sure we make weight so we’re going to have to drop the calories a little bit change up the cardio and be able to make weight because we’re a good 17-18 pounds away. We got time but we really got to start moving in that direction,” said Rambod.
Bumstead also offered some clutch advice to younger bodybuilders hoping to make their mark in the sport.
“What would I tell a young bodybuilder? I mean, I would just tell young bodybuilders just to chill the f*ck out and to be better than you on your first prep or the prep before.”
Bodybuilding is such a nuanced game of perfecting as many little things as possible to add up into a big thing. So, if you cheated on your diet twice last prep, cheat on that once this time. Save some room for improvement.”
He implored those listening to never expect perfection and handle the adversity as it comes.
“Never expect perfection. If your first prep is your worst prep, then you’re off to a great start. Just accept things as they come and try not to overthink it because there’s always another show. Just learn from your mistakes and get better every single year.”
With newfound strength and different motivating factors (like becoming a father), Bumstead will aim to cement himself as the 2024 Olympia Classic Physique champion in the weeks to come. If his power inside the training room is an indication of what’s on the horizon, fans and bodybuilders alike are expecting to see his all-time-best physique this October.
RELATED: Chris Bumstead Destroys 150-Pound Incline Dumbbell Bench Press for Reps In Prep for 2024 Mr. Olympia
Watch the full video from Hany Rambod’s YouTube channel below:
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