Hunter Labrada joined forces with bodybuilding star Sam Sulek during his 2024 off-season. In a recent YouTube video, Labrada led Sulek through an intense leg day training session for a bigger lower body.
As the son of IFBB Pro Hall of Famer Lee Labrada, Hunter has embraced bodybuilding, having placed as high as fourth on the Mr. Olympia stage. In his last season, Labrada bounced back with a resounding victory at the 2023 Tampa Pro. He used that momentum to carve out a sixth-place position at the 2023 Olympia, won by two-division champion Derek Lunsford.
Although Sam Sulek has yet to embark on his bodybuilding career, fan interest in his eventual splash has continued to grow. In a year to a year and a half, Sulek plans to test his mettle as a Classic Physique competitor. With big goals in mind, he joined Hunter Labrada for a demanding leg day.
Hunter Labrada Guides Sam Sulek Through Leg Day Training Session
Check out the workout below:
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- Machine Leg Curl — 2 sets
- Romanian Deadlift — 2 sets
- Smith Machine Romanian Deadlift — 2 sets
- Machine Leg Extension — 2 sets
- Machine Hack Squat — 1 set
Machine Leg Curl
A leg day staple, Hunter Labrada and Sam Sulek begin with machine leg curls.
“Nothing too complicated,” says Sam Sulek.
“Let the games begin,” replies Hunter Labrada. “I prep in terms of volume because right now for legs I’ve been doing two sets of seated, two sets of RDL, two sets of leg extensions, and then one set of something compound with no intensifiers. I’m full off-season I can’t walk for like five days afterward. We’ll figure it out when we get there.”
Romanian Deadlift
Typically, Sulek opts for cable Romanian deadlifts but made an exception for Hunter. Sulek keeps a rounded back but straightens it if he is lifting heavier loads.
“Usually, I like cable [RDLs] when it’s like a machine or you stand on two platforms. Nah, not that kind [Pitshark].”
“Pretty flat, you’re really rounded, I was just curious,” said Labrada
“If I relax it [my back] I guess if I’m going really heavy yeah [I would straighten my back] I’d probably straighten out so I don’t hurt myself.”
Sulek and Hunter performed different variations of RDLs, one hamstring-focused, and one being lower-back focused.
“This is heavier than I would probably usually go but still within reason. So, we’re asking him how many plates are you working up to. He says six. This is it for me. I might end up having to do an extra set of hamstring curls to make up for it. We can’t be throwing six plates on and off.”
“His was very very isolated. I am pulling a more traditional RDL because I want some good lower back stimulation too. There are way more than one ways to skin a cat.”
Smith Machine Romanian Deadlift
To further tax his hamstrings, Sulek favors the greater degree of tension on Smith machine Romanian deadlifts.
“That’s pretty much the exact same set he did,” said Sulek. “Some hamstring curling has been done as well as some hip hinging, some of us with a greater degree of tension than others but hamstrings are cooked. Doesn’t take too long man. Hamstrings it’s not a brisket, this is in the pan, hot, only a few minutes on each side.”
Machine Leg Extension
Although hamstring curls are easiest for Sulek to perform, he appreciates the burning sensation that comes from leg extensions.
“The burning sensation there… the last three, that’s way harder for me to do even probably a little less than that even one leg and just burn it out.”
Machine Hack Squat
Labrada and Sulek utilize a drop set for their final round of machine hack squats.
“We’re going to have him do a reverse drop set where he goes heavier,” says Sulek.
This wasn’t Sam Sulek’s first time training alongside a top-tier IFBB Pro from the Men’s Open class. He also was guided by 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda during chest day. In addition to achieving a big pump, Sulek received posing tips from ‘The Nigerian Lion’ for his debut on the horizon.
With the annual 2024 Mr. Olympia contest approaching in less than six months, fans are excited to see which contest Hunter Labrada will participate in next. As for Sulek, he continues to train alongside major players in the IFBB Pro League ahead of his highly anticipated debut on stage.
Watch the full video on YouTube.
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