Aging gracefully is a top priority for bodybuilding legend Lee Labrada. In a YouTube video from May 22, 2026, Labrada discussed the importance of adjusting a workout or dieting routine to aid health, longevity, and functionality as we age.
During the late 1980s and early 90s, Lee Labrada became a household name in the Men’s Open class. While he never claimed the prestigious Mr. Olympia title, he came close. Labrada gave former eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney a run for his money, along with other notable stars, including Rich Gaspari and Samir Bannout.
Labrada stepped away from the sport competitively, but still keeps tabs on the Men’s Open class. His son, Hunter Labrada, took the torch and ran with it. He has finished as high as fourth place at the Mr. Olympia contest and remains one of the sport’s most promising contenders.
In retirement, Lee Labrada is focused on guiding the next generation of athletes on the rise. He doesn’t just offer advice to the top stars in the Men’s Open; Labrada also shares workout and nutrition pointers that any gym-goer can apply. Making changes on the fly was critical to Labrada’s success onstage, and now, he’s showing how impactful it can be as we get older.
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In the YouTube video, Labrada explained that as we age, tailoring workouts to complement longevity and functionality can help overall health and quality of life:
“The thing that you want to strive to do is be the best that you can be at every age. At some point, it becomes as much about health and longevity, and functionality as it is about looking good.
That’s really important and that’s one of those things as bodybuilders, we have to make the adjustment as we get older.”
Lee Labrada hasn’t been the only bodybuilding veteran locked in on longevity. Jay Cutler, a former four-time Mr. Olympia, has also redesigned his training regimen with a heavier focus on longevity and mobility for smoother aging.
“Just trying to keep my health the most proactive thing. I always talked about the longevity,” he shared. “The supplements leading in different directions with more health aspects and longevity, it’s super important for me to live that lifestyle. Besides a perfect diet, the training has to be on point too, and of course, the sleep,” Jay Cutler shared.
At 65 years old, few bodybuilders boast the longevity of Lee Labrada. He believes adjusting routines as we age is key to lasting progress.
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