Men’s Open bodybuilder Hunter Labrada has bounced back from a successful shoulder surgery. On August 6, 2025, via Instagram, he updated fans on his recovery and laid out plans to return better than ever.
Labrada, son of bodybuilding legend Lee Labrada, quickly found his footing in the IFBB Pro League. Unlike many of the mass monsters shaking up the scene today, Labrada’s physique blends mass and condition, helping his shape stand out onstage.
In 2021, he proved himself as the fourth-best bodybuilder in the world, out-ranking top names like Nick Walker and Regan Grimes. His latest season saw him pick up considerable momentum, starting with his statement win at the 2024 Pro Muscle Italy Pro show.
Olympia-qualified, he found himself in sixth place at the ‘Super Bowl of Bodybuilding.’ Since then, we haven’t heard much from Labrada, until now — as he reaffirms his commitment to the sport following a successful surgery.
Hunter Labrada Rehabbing Shoulder, Talks Bodybuilding Future: “I Will Be Better Than I’ve Ever Been Before”
In the Instagram reel, Labrada touched on the mental and physical challenges he’s faced away from the stage.
“It’s been close to 10 months since I’ve made any kind of meaningful posts on YouTube or Instagram, and I just wanted to tell you what’s been going on with me and to tell y’all that I’m back. The last year or so, I’ve been going through some challenges — both physically and mentally.”
He revealed that he finally underwent the shoulder surgery he had put off for a few years.
“I’m happy to say I am overcoming them, though. As far as physical challenges go, I have finally gotten the shoulder procedure that I’ve needed for probably three years now.
I had that done, and it was a successful surgery. I’m in the midst of rehabbing it right now. The range of motion and pain are actually better than it was before surgery.”
Part of what inspired Labrada’s break from contests was that bodybuilding began to take over his life:
“On the mental side of things, there were some personal challenges that I had to overcome. To be blunt with y’all, I’d had my head buried in the sand of bodybuilding, and making every decision based off what’s going to make me the best bodybuilder, much to the detriment of other areas in my life,” he shared.
Mentally refreshed, Labrada confirmed he will be back and will return better than ever.
“In addition to rehabbing the shoulder and getting my head right, I’ve spent a lot of time on what matters to me, reconnecting with my family and friends,” he shared. “Things are firing in the gym again. Mentally, I feel refreshed.”
“I am not done. I will be back. I will be better than I’ve ever been before.”
With his mental and physical health restored, Labrada is poised for another huge year in the sport. Should he announce his next bodybuilding contest, Fitness Volt will have the scoop.
RELATED: Hunter Labrada Names Top Quad Exercise, Discusses Progressive Overload and Bulking in Off-Season
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