It’s almost Derek Lunsford’s time to shine as he aims to get the better of Samson Dauda at the upcoming 2025 Arnold Classic. On January 25, 2025, the former two-division Mr. Olympia smashed a leg workout weeks from hitting the stage.
As the former 2021 212 Olympia winner, Derek Lunsford was counted out from the moment he entered the Men’s Open class. However, those doubts vanished into thin air after his debut on the Open Mr. Olympia stage. He secured second place behind his teammate Hadi Choopan.
He learned from his mistakes and, thanks to his dominant back double biceps pose, became the 18th man to earn the Sandow trophy a year later. Although he was a commanding favorite heading into his title defense, Lunsford was out-massed by Samson Dauda, who appears to be coming into his own as an Open star.
Instead of sitting back to lick his wounds, third-place finisher Lunsford made it clear he wanted revenge. He jumped into his first Arnold Classic contest, which is scheduled for February 27 to March 2 in Columbus, Ohio. The stakes couldn’t be higher and not just because he’s facing Dauda, but due to Arnold Schwarzenegger announcing a historic $500,000 cash prize for the winner.
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Derek Lunsford Blasts His Quads With Workout 4.5 Weeks from 2025 Arnold Classic
Find his exercise selections below:
- Leg Extension Machine
- Angled Machine Squat
- Banded Leg Press Machine
- Leg Adduction Machine
Leg Extension Machine
Content with his progress thus far, Lunsford kicked off the workout with leg extensions.
“My body is moving right now, much better, tighter and tighter every day. Shape is getting better. Skin is getting thinner. Separation, conditioning, hardness, it’s good,” shared Lunsford. “I’m losing the oxygen to my brain.”
Angled Machine Squat
After a rest day and body work, Lunsford felt equipped to attack this leg day training session. Unlike previous routines, this one only included four exercises as opposed to six or seven.
“This is what I need because when we come in here, we always do like 12 reps until we get to our top set. We don’t really back off and do less than like 10 or 12,” he shared. “I knew after a rest day and a massage, today was going to be like night and day [compared to previous sessions].”
Banded Leg Press Machine
He mentioned that his quads already felt pumped having only performed three exercises.
“I feel like my legs can handle more today,” says Lunsford. “I totally forgot about the chocolate chip cookie man. That was delicious and then I forgot about it. I’m ready to blow these quads up and they’re feeling blown up.”
“We’re not doing like seven, eight, nine different exercises. We’re only doing like four or five exercises for the workout. Five exercises for the workout but they are very effective exercises because the sets and the reps that we do with every exercise we’re just getting the most out of it.”
Leg Adduction Machine
He hit the adduction machine hard to finish the workout and turned his attention to his next meal.
“I’m walking like a duck. I don’t know if it’s because my legs are wobbly or if my adductors are so pumped,” said Lunsford. “Better get this post-workout in before I lose all my gains.”
Thus far, bodybuilding veterans haven’t been shy about offering their predictions ahead of the Arnold Classic. Most have backed Samson Dauda to emerge victorious. However, bodybuilding veteran Shawn Ray is adamant Lunsford has ‘all the capabilities’ needed to defeat Dauda in Columbus, Ohio.
One thing is certain: when the smoke clears at the Arnold Classic, if Lunsford is the last man standing, he’ll undoubtedly wield considerable momentum heading into the 2025 Mr. Olympia. Don’t miss his performance; Fitness Volt will have live coverage of the event.
Watch the full video from the Derek Lunsford YouTube channel below:
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