The story, journey, and successes of Terrence Ruffin
Double Arnold Classic winner, Terrence Ruffin is a Classic physique star, Air Force Airman, and fitness coach. A prominent figure in Classic physique, Terrence Ruffin has stood against the best at Mr. Olympia, Arnold Classic, and numerous other events.
Presented here is a comprehensive overview of Terrence Ruffin’s profile, statistics, biography, training, and nutrition plans.
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Full Name: Terrence Ruffin (Classic Physique Bodybuilder) |
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| Weight | Height | Date Of Birth |
| 155-165 | 5’5″ | 10/22/1993 |
| Division | Era | Nationality |
| Classic | 2010s | American |
Terrence Ruffin Biography
Coming from Beatrice, Alabama, Terrence Ruffin first experimented with weights at the age of 13 in a home gym owned by his mother’s friend, albeit not seriously training.
During high school, Terrence had a bodyweight of about 100-110 lbs, which was quite light for his 5’5″ frame. He also wasn’t particularly strong, which contrasts sharply with his current physique. He shared that during his teenage years, he attempted to bench press just the empty barbell but couldn’t manage it.
Terrence’s involvement in football helped him gain strength and size, as he began serious weight training during his freshman year of high school.
After high school, Terrence aimed to join the military specifically the Tactical Air Control Arm, a part of the Air Force. Although he didn’t pass the one-week field training, which was a significant setback, it didn’t deter him from enlisting.
Terrence was eventually accepted into the Air Force and was stationed at Keesler Air Force base in Mississippi for Avionics training. He noted that bodybuilding was more manageable during his military service compared to when he initially tried doing it full-time, as the structured environment helped him maintain a consistent eating schedule.
Terrence Ruffin Competition History
Terrence Ruffin began his competitive journey at the age of 19, and just two years later, he earned his IFBB Pro Card at the 2014 NPC National Championships, making him one of the youngest achievers.
Since then, Terrence has dazzled in competitions. He secured victory at the 2016 Tampa Pro and placed 9th at his inaugural Olympia in 2016. In 2017, he clinched the 6th spot at the Olympia and the 9th in 2018.
The year 2020 saw him attain second place at both the Arnold Classic Olympia and Olympia Classic Physique.
In 2021, Terrence enjoyed both success and notable placements, with a first-place win at the 2021 Arnold Classic and second place at the 2021 Olympia.
In 2022, Terrence earned the top spot in the Classic Physique division at the 2022 Arnold Classic, though he landed 6th place at the Olympia in the Classic Physique category.
Complete Contest History
- 2022 Arnold Classic – 1st
- 2021 Olympia Classic Physique – 2nd
- 2021 Arnold Classic – 1st
- 2020 Olympia Classic Physique – 2nd
- 2020 Arnold Classic Physique – 2nd
- 2019 Niagara Falls Pro Classic Physique – 1st
- 2018 Olympia Classic Physique – 9th
- 2018 Toronto Pro Men’s Classic Physique – 1st
- 2017 Olympia Classic Physique – 6th
- 2016 IFBB Dayana Cadouet Classic – 2nd
- 2016 IFBB Kentucky Muscle – 1st
- 2016 Olympia Classic Physique – 9th
- 2016 IFBB Tampa Pro – 1st
- 2016 IFBB Prestige Crystal Cup – 3rd
- 2014 NPC Panhandle Showdown – 1st
- 2014 NPC National Championships, Lightweight, 1st (Pro card)
- 2013 NPC Panhandle Showdown – 2nd
Terrence Ruffin Height
Terrence stands at 5’5″ on stage, which isn’t the tallest. However, he compensates for his height with exceptional stage presence. Weighing between 155 and 165 lbs, he appears lean, muscular, and absolutely fitting for the Classic division.
Training
Terrence is guided by coach Joe Bennett but has also been trained by the late “Mountain Dog” John Meadows. He predominantly follows instinctual training based on how he feels, though at his competitive level, he has adopted a more strategic approach to stand among the elite in Classic Physique.
Here are some examples of his training routines:
Back and Biceps Workout
- Single-arm pulldown
- Chest-supported T-bar row machine
- Machine row
- Hyperextension
- Reverse pec dec
- Seated cable bicep curl
- Reverse curl drop set
Push Workout Routine
- Incline bench press with shoulder saver bar (shorter reps)
- Incline dumbbell press
- Forward-leaning weighted dips
- Elevated push-ups (low to high ladder)
- Y-raises using kettlebells
- Cable reverse flyes
- Seal row
- Single-arm cable pushdown with grenade attachment
- Medicine ball pushdowns using pull-up/dip assist machine
Off-Season Leg Workout
- Romanian deadlift with bands
- Seated hamstring leg curls
- Lying hamstring curls
- Leg extensions
- Hack squats
While these represent a glimpse into Terrence’s workouts, more detailed routines can be found on his YouTube channel!
Nutrition
In the off-season, Terrence Ruffin typically consumes just under 4,000 calories daily to build muscle. This diet also provides him the requisite energy for his workouts. Below are some examples of his meals, more relaxed when not preparing for competitions, but crucial for maintaining his physique.
Meal 1
4 eggs, 3 oz Bison, 2 packets grits, 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
50g protein, 38g fat, 49g carbs, 738 calories
It’s worth noting that Terrence prefers morning workouts, so he consumes an intra-workout drink with Gatorade powder and a slower-digesting carb powder, providing about 47g of carbs and 188 calories.
Meal 2 – Post-Workout
4 cups Fruity Pebbles with cashew milk, and 2 scoops of protein powder
47g protein, 10g fat, 101g carbs, 682 calories
Meal 3
320g watermelon, 7 oz chicken in low-carb tortilla wraps
46g protein, 8g fat, 43g carbs, 428 calories
Meal 4
6 oz flank steak, 1 cup cream of rice, sugar-free teriyaki sauce
45g protein, 23g fat, 45g carbs, 567 calories
Meal 5
1 cup white rice, 7 oz chicken, serving of zucchini
47g protein, 11g fat, 58g carbs, 519 calories
Meal 6
6 oz beef with buns, pickles with ketchup and mustard
47g protein, 18g fat, 69g carbs, 626 calories
His diet changes significantly during competition prep. Terrence’s nutrition plan becomes more specialized as he approaches competition, giving a glimpse of his on-season meals.
Terrence Ruffin Personal Life
Terrence Ruffin operates a nutrition consulting business, providing online guidance, training programs, and apparel. Besides bodybuilding, he has expressed his passion for art. Though not a Kai Greene, Terrence claims he can create some impressive drawings. His artistic skills have definitely contributed to his sculpted physique and distinct posing style.
Conclusion on Terrence Ruffin
Terrence Ruffin’s transformation from a skinny, weak teenager to a world-class competitor is truly inspirational, regardless of whether you’re a gym novice or an experienced bodybuilder.
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