Rich Piana was not an ordinary figure in the bodybuilding world.

There are myriad characters in the fitness realm who evoke distinct reactions from fans. Regardless of whether those responses are positive or negative, they are frequently rooted in an irrational and inexplicable truth. For instance, Arnold Schwarzenegger is a person who can trigger a variety of emotional responses from individuals worldwide. Some admire him as an inspiration, the best professional bodybuilder of all time, or a man who ventured into numerous domains from sports to movies to politics. Similarly, contemporary bodybuilding figures also stir strong reactions from fans, with Rich Piana being one prominent example.

Though Rich Piana did not possess Arnold Schwarzenegger’s kind of persona, he would likely be the first to acknowledge that. He never aspired to be akin to the Austrian Oak. Instead, Rich Piana charted his own course throughout his life, candidly expressing his views without hindrance. His straight-talking nature made him stand out in the bodybuilding and fitness community. Fans globally may not always agree with his opinions or endorsements, but Rich Piana appreciated his followers while accepting that others might oppose him.

Tragically, Rich passed away in 2017, yet his candid insights into the fitness industry have earned him a substantial following to this day. So, who exactly was Rich Piana?

Full Name: Rich Piana (Men’s Bodybuilder)
Weight	Height	Date Of Birth
275-285 lbs	6’0″	09/26/1970
Division	Era	Nationality
Bodybuilding	1990, 2000, 2010s,	American

Rich Piana Biography

To truly understand someone, it’s important to delve into their past to uncover the essence of who they are today. At his core, Rich Piana was dedicated to muscle mass, striving to become one of the largest individuals alive. He began bodybuilding at the tender age of 11, inspired by visits to Gold’s Gym at age 6 alongside his mother, who was also passionate about fitness. Observing the formidable athletes at the gym sparked a lifelong passion in the young Piana.

The muscular giants training at Gold’s Gym left a lasting impression on young Piana, ultimately shaping his life’s ambition. Immersed in lifting culture during his formative years, it became an integral part of him. Analogous to a young person growing up around basketball and aiming to become a professional NBA player, Piana set his sights on becoming an unparalleled professional bodybuilder. However, things didn’t always unfold as envisioned.

Persistent training from age 11 led Rich Piana to compete in amateur bodybuilding contests as early as 15 years old. Despite not always dominating in his early competitive years, he gained experience and continued to chase his dreams. To achieve more growth, he started using anabolic steroids at 18 and remained open about his usage, unlike many athletes who prefer to conceal it. He shared detailed accounts of his cycles, a rarity among fitness figures who often avoid encouraging risky behavior in younger generations. While his candor garnered respect, it also attracted criticism, but Rich Piana maintained his unfiltered stance on steroid use.

Competition History

With extensive bodybuilding experience, Rich Piana participated in numerous amateur contests, but he never achieved IFBB Pro status. His most successful year was 2009, securing notable wins at NPC shows. Below is a list of his competitions:

Highest Title

• NPC Mr. California Champion

Other Contests

• 2009 Sacramento Pro – 1st
• 2009 Border States Classic XXX Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships – 1st
• 2009 Border States Classic XXX Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships – 1st
• 2003 NPC USA Championships – 11th
• 1999 NPC USA Championships – 7th

Although Rich enjoyed competitive success, he soon realized his pro bodybuilding aspirations were dwindling and decided to explore other avenues. He ventured into acting and stunts, eventually establishing his own supplement and apparel line, 5% Nutrition.

5% Nutrition

Founded in 2014, 5% Nutrition has earned a stellar reputation in the fitness arena, not just for its association with Rich Piana. Known for high-quality products ranging from creatine and protein to activewear and accessories, all their supplements undergo third-party testing, ensuring efficacy and reliability.

Diet Regimen

“Once, I put on 25kg (55lb) in just 5 days after a show! My digestive system is a machine!” This quote from Rich Piana highlights that while he might not adhere to a strict diet offstage, he managed to maintain an impressive physique year-round. Despite his formidable size, Rich preferred to avoid excessive meal plans, choosing to eat what he felt his body required.

However, this seemingly “care-free” approach was actually quite mindful. Rich balanced nutritious foods while allowing occasional indulgences to satisfy his cravings.

Supplementation

Interestingly, Rich Piana favored real food over supplements, which influenced his creation of 5% Nutrition with a focus on food-based products.

Instead of consuming standard whey protein shakes, he opted for his unique post-workout meal shake with ingredients like powdered sweet potatoes and blueberries. To aid in recovery, he also took his brand’s BCAA supplement.

Training Regimen

Despite lifting heavy weights, Rich Piana advocated for higher volume training. His workouts typically comprised around five exercises each session.per muscle group, executing 5 sets of approximately 10-15 repetitions.

Following this was the notorious 8-hour arm regimen. Indeed, 8 hours solely dedicated to arm exercises! It was rumored that this grueling session would increase your arm size by an inch, involving a day loaded with protein shakes, meals, and numerous sets and repetitions.

Rich Piana’s Anabolic Steroid Usage

This is where Rich Piana distinguished himself from the typical online bodybuilding figure, which some believe may have contributed to his demise.

Instead of concealing the reality of his anabolic steroid consumption, Piana chose to openly accept and discuss his experiences candidly. According to Piana, he lacked many resources as he was coming up. He felt that his honest approach and readiness to unveil the complex, hidden aspects of steroid use could serve as a valuable resource for aspiring bodybuilders. Piana aimed to make incremental changes in the fitness and bodybuilding scene. Unlike the common reserved personality of a bodybuilder, Rich Piana opted to cast a spotlight upon himself to connect with the masses in ways even professional bodybuilders could not.

The Passing of Rich Piana

Tragically, on August 7, 2017, Rich Piana collapsed in his residence while getting a haircut from his girlfriend, Chanel Jansen. Chanel immediately contacted 911 and performed CPR on Rich until paramedics arrived about 10 minutes later, reviving his heartbeat, although his brain had already been compromised due to oxygen deprivation. He was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks to alleviate brain swelling, eventually being pronounced dead on August 25, 2017.

According to Jansen, Rich displayed unusual symptoms before his death, such as difficulty breathing and nausea. Post-mortem examination revealed that Rich had significant heart disease, with his heart and liver both weighing over twice the average mass for an adult male, possibly as a result of drugs like human growth hormone (HGH), which some speculate led to his death. Some also suggest insulin may have been the cause.

Despite the autopsy, no toxicology report was conducted, and all necessary samples for such analysis were discarded. Ultimately, Rich Piana’s cause of death remains inconclusive.

The Rich Piana Chronicles

You can also watch the film by Fit Journey Now featuring Rich Piana, The Rich Piana Chronicles, that narrates his life. This official account of Rich Piana’s life covers the last year he was alive. It serves as both a homage to the late bodybuilder and an intimate insight into a man who made a lasting impact on the fitness industry. The Rich Piana Chronicles is unfiltered, uncensored, and in his own words.

Conclusion on Rich Piana

In the enigmatic world of bodybuilding, Rich Piana was a much-needed breath of fresh air. Even now, he commands a massive social media following; some adore him, some despise him, but he was always eager to discover and share his version of the truth.

What is your opinion regarding the late Rich Piana?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Also, make sure to follow Fit Journey Now on Facebook and Twitter.