Classic Physique’s Chris Bumstead is inching closer to defending his Olympia title. But first, in preparation for the biggest show of the year, “Cbum” took to YouTube on October 4, 2023, to join Iain Valliere for a brutal back workout.
“My back has been fucking random. I do like two working sets, one of them is often like a drop set or something. If I don’t and it feels good I’ll do three, but typically two working sets, six exercises, we’re warming up with the pullover,” Bumstead said summing up a typical back day.
Taking the Classic Physique Olympia title from Breon Ansley‘s grasp, no one has been able to prevent Chris Bumstead from absolute domination. Last year, the Canadian native secured his fourth gold trophy at Olympia, which he accomplished in spite of numerous obstacles standing in his way.
Months before stepping up for last year’s title defense, Chris Bumstead lost his brother-in-law Iain Valliere as a trainer. Faced with a dilemma, “Cbum” sought out coaching assistance from Hany Rambod — an established great, who has guided names such as Jay Cutler and Phil Heath to success. And even though Bumstead battled on stage with a torn bicep, it was no match for his willpower on that night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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In September, Iain Valliere announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding. While Bumstead has flirted with the idea of retirement, Valliere’s decision has only motivated him to conquer the 2023 Olympia stage.
Chris Bumstead and Iain Valliere Join Hands for Back Workout
Find the workout list below:
- Machine Pullover — 3 sets | 1 for 5 reps, 1 for 9 reps, 1 for 6 reps
- Bent-Over Barbell Row –3 sets | 1 for 9 reps, 1 for 9 reps 1 partial rep, 1 for 15 reps
- Single-Arm Dumbbell Row — 2 sets | 1 set alternating arms 4 reps each, 1 set 8 reps,
- Chest Supported Row Machine — 3 sets | 1 set 10 reps, 1 set six reps 1 partial rep, 1 set 9 reps
- Dual Cable Lat Pulldowns — 3 sets | 1 set 10 reps, 1 set 10 reps, 1 set 3 reps
- Low Row Machine — 2 sets | 1 set 4 reps, 1 set 10 reps,
- Chest Supported Real Delt Dumbbell Row — 1 set | 1 set 10 reps,
“Get my back firing a little bit. I’ve been neglecting spinal loaded like erector-loaded rows. Been doing a lot of chest-supported shit so starting off with that today. Not going too heavy, trying to control the first five or six reps, lock in on the squeeze, and focus on squeezing into my hips and lower lats.”
Stem Cell Update
Before calling it a day, Bumstead provided fans with a small update on his intravenous stem cell treatment.
“We already got the stem cells last year though. I didn’t do the renal ones. No. I did IV. But there’s one where they actually put it into the renal artery, not the kidney but the renal artery, so it all goes into your kidneys.”
“We had a nice little workout, some shit that has kind of been aching in pain on me felt pretty good today so happy with that.”
With Bumstead stepping on stage in under four weeks, nutrition is paramount for exceptional conditioning. Recently, the Classic Physique Olympia titleholder walked fans through his ‘grind time’ shredding diet of 2,730 calories to ensure he brings an undeniable look for a fifth year in a row.
Bumstead’s eyes are focused on his nearing title defense, but the bodybuilding community continues to hint that he’s entertaining an Open show. The latest to speculate was Milos Sarcev, who told Muscular Development‘s Ron Harris that the 28-year-old had been considering his chances in a division without size restrictions.
The Classic Physique category has only grown as of late with names like Urs Kalecinski and Ramon Rocha Queiroz waiting to meet Bumstead on the 2023 Olympia stage, from November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.
RELATED: “I Just Have to Beat Myself” – Chris Bumstead Brushes Off Ramon Queiroz’s 2023 Olympia Chances
Watch the full video from Chris Bumstead’s YouTube channel below:
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