Fitness Volt
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Strongman
    • Powerlifting
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Arnold Classic
    • Mr. Olympia
    • 2025 WSM
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Muscle Groups
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Mobility & Stretching
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Calculators
  • More
    • Forum
    • Strength Standards
    • DIY
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Strongman
    • Powerlifting
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Arnold Classic
    • Mr. Olympia
    • 2025 WSM
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Muscle Groups
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Mobility & Stretching
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Calculators
  • More
    • Forum
    • Strength Standards
    • DIY
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
No Result
View All Result
Home » Bodybuilding

Lee Priest & Mike O’Hearn Discuss Deaths in Bodybuilding, Inactivity and Steroid Abuse

Lee Priest talks to Mike O'Hearn about the current inactivity and health of rising bodybuilders: "I'm Thinking, Do A Few More Shows".

Written by Doug Murray

Published on1 April, 2022 | 3:06 PM EDT

Updated on1 April, 2022 | 3:08 PM EDT

Ask Question?
Lee Priest And Mike Ohearn Interview

(Image: via @mikeohearn and @leepriestofficial72)

Lee Priest is a bodybuilding legend known for his activity and willingness to compete with anyone on stage. In an interview with Mike O’Hearn, the pair discuss deaths in bodybuilding, steroids, and how working one show a year may negatively impact an athlete’s longevity.

Remaining a perennial contender for much of his career, Priest’s bodybuilding tenure spanned from the 1980s to the 2000s and competed at Mr. Olympia many times. Seldom do athletes leave the sport on top and Lee was able to accomplish that feat. He faded into retirement after winning his last three bodybuilding shows. Known for his blunt nature, Lee Priest was banned from the IFBB Pro league. 

One of his most significant accomplishments in the sport came when he won the 2006 Iron Man Pro. Following the major victory, Lee captured titles at the 2006 NOC New York and then finally finished out his career winning first prize at the 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe event. 

Meanwhile, Mike O’Hearn is renowned in the sport for his amazing physique despite being over fifty years old. Mike captured the Mr. Universe title during his time bodybuilding. In addition, he claims to be natural which has sparked plenty of discussion amongst fitness sectors. After meeting with Lee Priest, the two reflected on the new school age of bodybuilders.

Lee Priest and Mike O’Hearn Talk About the Dangers of Gear and Sitting at 300lbs Year-Round

In a recent interview with Mike O’Hearn, Lee stresses how unhealthy it is to carry upwards of 300 lbs while only participating at one show a year. 

“Sadly, now we’ve seen all these deaths in bodybuilding. People, as soon as there’s a death there like, ‘steroids, steroids!’. I’m like ‘okay, steroids probably play a part’. But I’m also thinking a lot of these guys when we competed, yeah, we took gear, but probably not like a lot of guys do now but we would do shows the beginning of the year, middle of the year, the end of the year.

Get Fitter, Faster

Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!

Please wait...
You're In! Let's Crush Your Fitness Goals Together

Expect expert-backed workouts, nutrition advice, the latest in strength sports, and a whole lot of motivation heading your way.

And I’m thinking if you weigh it up now, it’s like okay, we used a bit of gear, but even though you used gear for a contest, contest time cardio, you’re pretty fit because you’re doing lots of cardio. Lee Priest said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mike O'Hearn (@mikeohearn)

Lee argues that since athletes are eating cleaner during prep anyways, it would be advantageous to compete at more than one show per year. The bodybuilding veteran attests that by working extra shows, more cardio training is utilized, and thus, a healthier lifestyle for the athlete would be a byproduct. 

“You’re eating a lot cleaner so your body, the fats and everything are probably functioning a lot better. Compared to guys now that do one show a year, they sitting around 300lbs for ten months of the year pumping gear into them, and I’m like ‘really, which is worse for you?’ We don’t know what amount of steroids is bad but if you’re 300 lbs. You know, if you’re 300lbs because you know bodybuilders offseason. It’s like ‘you want to go somewhere?’

‘No I’m not going for a walk I could burn muscle’ Do you want to go out? ‘No I got to sit here just go to the gym, sit on the couch and stuff myself full of food and take gear. You know on the body that’s just strain on the heart. you’re not cardio fit but if you did more shows, you’re doing a lot more cardio. You’re still using a bit of gear, yes but you’re doing a lot more cardio.

You’re eating super clean so technically that should be better for your body. Kids now just doing one show a year, I’m thinking, do a few more shows. The thing is now, you don’t need the vast amount of gear you see young kids taking.

‘Well I read it online such and such’, it’s all fucking rumors and bullshit that’s why I get so annoyed when from day one I’ve been truthful with the amount.” Lee Priest said.

Watch the interview here:

O’Hearn Credits Genetics as A Major Factor Affecting Physiques

Agreeing with Lee, Mike shared that some people who come to Gold’s Venice gym have gone from small to massive in a short period of time. O’Hearn credits genetics as a major factor and believes what might work for one individual, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work on the next person. 

“You and I have been around this sport our entire lives and it’s funny because I’ve been at Gold’s Venice now for over thirty years. I’ve seen these guys come in there and I’ve seen guys go from nothing to something massive. It’s not because of the amount of drugs, they’re not taking much, and it’s not about what they’re lifting, they’re not lifting a lot but just genetically their body absorbs, utilizes.

And I’ve seen other guys come into the gym lifting a tremendous amount of weight and get on a sheesh load of gear and it just looks worse, and worse and worse until they quit. You get your mail kit, ‘hey I got my drugs, I’ll eat better and lift and be Mr. Olympia. It’s just not even close to that.” Mike O’Hearn said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lee Priest (@leepriestofficial72)

Attention to longevity is important to O’Hearn and especially Lee who is currently undergoing a physique transformation. With a diet created by renowned bodybuilding coach, Chris Aceto, Lee has been eating in a disciplined manner to improve his physique. Despite a back injury he sustained a few years ago, Priest’s recent venture shows his commitment to the sport.

RELATED: Bodybuilding Icon Frank Zane Teaches Mike O’Hearn An Unorthodox Exercise That No One Does Today

At 52 years old, O’Hearn’s aesthetic build looks incredible, and he certainly has learned a thing or two about keeping up with a physique for an extended period of time. Mike and Lee believe using steroids, overeating and only competing at one show per year factor into the growing number of deaths in the sport.


If you have any questions about this news, please feel free to contact Doug by leaving a comment below.

Stay on top of the latest fitness news and updates by adding Fitness Volt to your Google News feed: Follow us on Google News You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for even more content.
Facebook Twitter Reddit Flipboard LinkedIn Pinterest
Categories: Bodybuilding News Videos
Previous Post

Powerlifter Russel Orhii Grinds Out A Massive 760 lbs (345 kg) Raw Deadlift PR In Training 

Next Post

How To Watch 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man Event Live Stream Online

Doug Murray

Doug Murray

Doug Murray is a News Editor for Fitness Volt with a focus on strength sports, including bodybuilding and powerlifting. His experience covering diverse sports, including MMA, for publications like Sportskeeda and CagesidePress informs his in-depth reporting.

Related

Dorian Yates
Bodybuilding

Dorian Yates Shares His Mr. Olympia Bodyweight Ab Routine Inspired by Bruce Lee

Big Ramy
Bodybuilders

Big Ramy Hints at 2025 Bodybuilding Comeback: “I Will Be Back”

Ronnie Coleman
Bodybuilding

Ronnie Coleman’s Condition ‘Remains Serious But Stable,’ Must Undergo Additional Surgical Procedure for ‘Underlying Health Matter’

Exercise Scientist
Bodybuilding

Exercise Scientist Reveals Top 6 Forgotten Movements from the 1980s to Achieve a Jacked Physique

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bodybuilding

Arnold Schwarzenegger Breaks Down How Building Muscle Can Help You Burn Fat and Control Blood Sugar

Lee Priest
Bodybuilding

Lee Priest Criticizes ‘Blocky’ Standing Relax Pose & Competitors Dancing Onstage

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

Dorian Yates Shares His Mr. Olympia Bodyweight Ab Routine Inspired by Bruce Lee

Big Ramy Hints at 2025 Bodybuilding Comeback: “I Will Be Back”

Ronnie Coleman’s Condition ‘Remains Serious But Stable,’ Must Undergo Additional Surgical Procedure for ‘Underlying Health Matter’

Forget Crunches — This Standing 8-Move Dumbbell Flow Torches Abs, Legs, and Arms

Exercise Scientist Reveals Top 6 Forgotten Movements from the 1980s to Achieve a Jacked Physique

Arnold Schwarzenegger Breaks Down How Building Muscle Can Help You Burn Fat and Control Blood Sugar

Fitness Volt

At Fitness Volt, our mission is to empower every individual on their fitness journey by providing expert advice, the latest research, and comprehensive resources. Whether you are a beginner or an elite athlete, we are here to support your goals with trustworthy and up-to-date information in strength, fitness, and nutrition. Read more.

For inquiries, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]

About Us | Careers | Contact Form

Topics

  • Mr. Olympia
  • Bodybuilding
  • Strongman
  • WSM
  • Powerlifting
  • CrossFit
  • Workouts
  • Exercises
  • Training
  • Reviews
  • Nutrition
  • Discussion Forum

More

  • Calculators
  • Fasting
  • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Workout Plans
  • At-Home Workouts
  • Programs
  • Supplements
  • Newsletter
  • Review Process
  • Accessibility
  • Advertise
  • Syndication
  • Sitemap
  • DMCA
  • Copyrights
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Disclaimer

© Copyright 2010 - 2024 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Bodybuilding
    • Powerlifting
    • Strongman
    • Armwrestling
    • CrossFit
    • Results
    • Mr. Olympia
    • 2024 WSM
    • Arnold Classic
  • Forum
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Workout Plans
    • Muscle Groups
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Programs
    • Mastering The Deadlift
  • Exercise Guides
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Supplements
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Reviews
    • Food Facts
  • Fitness Calculator
  • More
    • DIY
    • Strength Standards
    • Motivation
    • Videos

© Copyright 2010 - 2024 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.