It’s the collaboration bodybuilding fans have been waiting for. On July 21, 2025, Sam Sulek teamed up with Chris Bumstead and David Laid for a brutal back workout. Sulek hinted that his next show will be the 2026 Arnold Classic and signed with Gymshark.
With “Cbum” retiring from the sport, there’s room for a new superstar to emerge in Classic Physique — and that might be what’s happening. In early 2025, Sulek made his highly anticipated amateur debut at the NPC Legends Classic. After he won overall Classic Physique gold, it paved the way for the 23-year-old to test himself at the Arnold Amateur.
Despite facing doubt, Sulek clinched first place and secured his IFBB Pro card. Now using the off-season to grow into the category, Sulek is beginning to map out when and where he’ll make his pro debut in Classic Physique.
Sam Sulek, David Laid, and Chris Bumstead Team Up for Back Workout
Find their exercise selections featured in Bumstead’s YouTube video below:
- Lat Pulldown Underhand Grip + Overhand Grip
- Plate-Loaded Iso Row Machine
- Straight-Arm Rope Pulldowns — Tri Set 1
- Chest Supported Dumbbell Rows — Tri Set 2
- Seated Rows — Tri Set 3
Lat Pulldown Underhand Grip
Before hitting the workout, Bumstead revealed that Sam Sulek was signed to the Gymshark clothing brand.
“We’re going to do a mechanical drop set,” explains Bumstead. “Do both [overhand and underhand grip]. So wide grip, four-second negative, medium grip, hammer out underhand grip, hammer out, done.”
Plate-Loaded Iso Row Machine
Sulek explained that 80% of his sets are straight sets and that he hasn’t been implementing drop sets as often during the off-season.
“I think I got my drop sets out of my system. In my mind, the logic was if I can curl the 50s for ten, I could still do the 30s for six. Why would I leave that in the tank? Now, I’m like 80% straight sets.”
“You don’t always use a tool, but it’s a useful tool,” shared Bumstead.
Straight-Arm Rope Pulldowns
In between straight arm rope pulldowns, Sulek discussed how most lifters handle a tweak or injury.
“There’s two things that happen when somebody has a tweak or their rotator cuff is screwed up. They either work through it and ruin their shoulder, and then there’s the guy who used to bench four plates, you don’t know what you’re talking about, go back to whatever. I don’t want to be him. Or you’re somebody who gets a minor tweak and says I can’t lift today.”
Chest Supported Dumbbell Rows
While completing their tri set, Laid, Bumstead, and Sulek practiced arm wrestling against each other
Seated Rows
Seated rows were their last exercise, performed immediately after straight-arm pulldowns and chest-supported dumbbell rows.
Shortly after the workout, Sulek confirmed he plans to compete at the 2026 Arnold Classic.
“The plan is to go to the Arnold in March,” shared Sulek.
“That’s the show you’re going to do? Your first pro show?” asks Cbum.
“If you have an invite, you may as well do the big one. When I said that before, I said I’d go to prejudging. Anything else… there’s no possible guarantee.”
Previously, Bumstead teased a major announcement. Though some had hoped he was heading into the Men’s Open division, the six-time Classic Physique Olympia revealed that he became part owner of the Gymshark clothing brand.
As the newest ambassador for Gymshark, Sulek continues to gain popularity in the fitness community. Should he follow through and attend the Arnold Classic in 2026, fans will finally see him square off against the best bodybuilders in the world.
RELATED: Lee Priest Talks Chris Bumstead’s Health and Retirement: ‘It’s Good to See People Get In & Get Out’
Watch the full video from the Sam Sulek YouTube channel below:
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