Derek Lunsford Crushes Chest and Ab Coaching 6 Weeks Out From 2023 Mr. Olympia

Coming off a second-place end in his Males’s Open debut, Derek Lunsford has his sights set on knocking defending champion Hadi Choopan off his throne on the 2023 Mr. Olympia. The previous 212 Olympia winner (2021) boasts top-of-the-line physiques within the sport, significantly in relation to his higher physique.

With simply six weeks till he takes the Olympia stage in Orlando, FL, the weekend of Nov. 3-5, Lunsford’s focus needs to be on one other stage if he needs to earn probably the most prestigious award in bodybuilding.

Primarily based on his chest and ab training vlog posted on Sept. 21, 2023, there’s little doubt Lunsford is bodily and mentally ready to tackle the problem of making an attempt to go from runner-up to champion within the span of a yr. The exercise begins across the three-minute mark.

Earlier than diving into his weightlifting routine, Lunsford consumed a serving of Evogen Vitamin EVP AQ Liquid Glycerol, a specialised pre-workout supplement designed to boost blood and muscle quantity. A brief stint on the treadmill set the stage for a six-part chest workout, adopted by a three-exercise ab finisher.

Plate-Loaded Incline Chest Press

After mixing a serving of Evogen Vitamin Amino Ok.E.M. (an intra-workout complement containing BCAAs and different amino acids) into his shaker bottle, Lunsford started his pec-building day with the plate-loaded incline chest press. He accomplished a warm-up set with a pair of 20.4-kilogram (45-pound) plates on all sides earlier than ramping up the depth by including an 11.3-kilogram (25-pound) plate to every facet.

Lunsford continued to extend the load on a set-by-set foundation, topping out at 81.6 kilograms (180 kilos) per facet for eight repetitions. He placed on a pair of elbow sleeves to offer an added layer of safety for his ultimate set.

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press

Subsequent, Lunsford attacked his higher pecs on the incline dumbbell press. He began with 24-kilogram (52.9-pound) dumbbells and made positive to decrease the burden slowly and methodically. Lunsford labored as much as a pair of 33-kilogram (72.7-pound) weights for 13 high-intensity reps.

“We twisted the elbows and wrists in in order that’s actually going to get that high contraction, that interior pec, that higher pec. It’s a really humbling train for me, to say the least,” Lunsford defined.

Low-to-Excessive Cable Flye

After blazing by way of some heavier dumbbells, Lunsford continued his chest exercise with a pair of cable-based workouts. First, he went with a low-to-high cable flye — an train that recruits the clavicular portion of the pecs. Lunsford used a supinated grip (palms upward), which helped him obtain fairly a noticeable pump.

Between units, the 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up practiced just a few poses that emphasised the vascularity all through his higher physique.

Seated Cable Flye

Somewhat than standing, Lunsford opted for seated cable flyes. He maintained an upright posture all through the train, ensuring to squeeze and contract his pecs on the high of the motion.

As fatigue set in, Lunsford went from full-range reps to partial reps on the finish of the set. Following a second set, he offered some perception into his mindset because the 2023 Olympia inches nearer.

“Six weeks out … that is the time to get after it and actually grind and keep centered. Some persons are not so drawn-in the best way I’m mentally. I believe it comes from my sports activities background, particularly wrestling,” Lunsford mentioned.

Plate-Loaded Dip Machine

Lunsford’s penultimate chest train of selection was plate-loaded dips. Though the machine is commonly used to focus on triceps, the Indiana native took a distinct strategy to ensure he engaged his decrease pecs.

Somewhat than dealing with inward, Lunsford confronted the alternative manner so he might lean ahead and “grasp over” the burden. He in contrast the motion to a mixture of a decline press and a dip, emphasizing the significance of protecting your chest upright and remaining within the seat.

Smith Machine Bench Press

To wrap up the chest portion of his coaching, Lunsford accomplished a number of units of the Smith machine bench press. Not solely did he find yourself delivering 9 clear, high quality reps with 125 kilograms (275 kilos), however he additionally shared some motivational recommendation for his followers.

“Someone needs to be the perfect on this planet,” Lunsford mentioned. “In case you’re gifted, you’re passionate, and also you’re prepared to do no matter it takes and God opens up doorways for you, the sky’s the restrict. Anyone may be nice at no matter it’s that they’re passionate at they usually’re prepared to place the work in.”

Weighted Decline Crunch

After pushing his pecs to the restrict, Lunsford started his ab coaching on a bench with a weighted decline crunch. He used a 20.4-kilogram (45-pound) plate for resistance.

Lunsford particularly highlighted that protecting the burden on the high of his chest makes the train tougher than resting it on his abdomen. He additionally famous that he’s been performing this ab train since his faculty days.