Victor Martinez shares his perspective on why bodybuilding won’t be included in the Olympics… and his rationale may surprise you
In the newest installment of The Fit Journey Now Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin channel the Olympic excitement by exploring the possibility of bodybuilding being featured as an Olympic event. Among other topics, they delve into the current challenges of camaraderie in bodybuilding, Nick Walker’s self-assurance (or is it arrogance?), and comparing the advantages of HIIT vs. regular cardio.
As many are aware, this week has been dominated by the 2024 Olympics in Paris with extensive news and coverage focusing on the global sporting event. While certain strength disciplines like Olympic weightlifting are present, bodybuilding has perpetually been absent from the Olympic lineup.
Victor and the GI team leverage the buzz around the prestigious event to examine the history of bodybuilding and the Olympics and consider its potential inclusion as a competitive sport. While this is the primary discussion point, it’s not the only topic on the agenda this week. Here’s a summary of what to expect in this episode:
- HIIT vs. conventional cardio for fitness beginners – which is superior?
- Is Nick Walker’s confidence his greatest flaw?
- Would bodybuilding ever become an Olympic event?
- Victor compares today’s bodybuilding culture to previous decades – is there more hostility?
- Do bodybuilding icons lose all privacy during gym sessions?
We summarize these topics and more below. Let’s get started!
View this post on Instagram
Should Bodybuilding Be Included in the Olympics?
Vlad Yudin posed an engaging question: Should bodybuilding be part of the Olympics? Victor expressed doubt about this potential, but his reasoning might not align with your assumptions.
Historically, Joe Weider aspired to have bodybuilding recognized as an Olympic sport. This vision never materialized. Many attribute this to the association and culture of steroid use in bodybuilding. The Olympics maintain stringent drug-testing protocols – something professional bodybuilding might never adhere to.
Nevertheless, Victor Martinez proposes an alternative non-drug related rationale for why bodybuilding will never feature in the Olympics. He asserts that the sport is too subjective to align with the standards of a typical Olympic competition.
Whereas other Olympic events like gymnastics are judged based on technical scores, bodybuilding lacks clear criteria, making it similar to a beauty contest. In fact, Victor Martinez explicitly suggests that bodybuilding is more of a pageant than a conventional sport.
Victor Martinez argues that if bodybuilding were to be incorporated into the Olympics, then traditional beauty contests like Miss America should also be included. Both involve similar subjective judgments.
That said, Victor Martinez is an avid Olympics enthusiast and excited about the ongoing games.
Fan Criticism: The Importance of Carbohydrates in a Bodybuilder’s Diet
A fan criticized Victor Martinez’s past dietary advice, particularly his recommendation of rice as a muscle-building staple. The fan contended that rice is a simple carbohydrate that quickly converts to sugar, proposing that vegetables, being high in fiber, are a better option to stay satiated longer.
Victor responded by emphasizing the critic likely lacks the perspective of a competitive bodybuilder. He highlighted that complex carbs like rice are essential for athletes striving for peak performance. Victor shared personal anecdotes, noting that his worst results came when attempting to carb-load solely with vegetables. He reiterated, “No one is carbing up on vegetables,” underscoring that for serious athletes, complex carbohydrates are vital for energy and performance.
Fan Inquiry: HIIT vs. Regular Cardio for Quick Weight Loss
Another fan inquired whether High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or regular cardio is more effective for quick weight loss. The fan admitted to not having trained for over nine years, prompting Victor to caution against starting with HIIT.
He suggested beginning with 30 minutes of regular cardio, preferably on an empty stomach in the morning. As fitness levels improve, one can gradually increase both duration and intensity. Once the fan approaches a weight of around 250 pounds, they can then consider integrating HIIT. Victor’s approach emphasizes establishing a sustainable routine to avoid injury and discouragement.
Nick Walker’s Ambitious Olympia Declaration
The episode also included a discussion on Nick Walker’s recent proclamation about his resolve to be the top contender at this year’s Mr. Olympia. Victor interpreted Walker’s bold statement as confidence rather than arrogance, noting that such bravado is crucial for generating fan excitement.
He argued that if everyone was humble, the competition would lack the thrill that rivalries and audacious claims bring. Walker, with his continuously improving physique, supports his words with actions, making him a formidable competitor and justifying his self-assurance.
Hostility Among Bodybuilders: Then vs. Now
Another notable topic was Nick Walker’s observation that there is more hostility among bodybuilders today compared to the 90s. Victor concurred, attributing the increased antagonism to the rise of social media.
He remarked that bodybuilders today tend to be more isolated, training privately and engaging online rather than in person. Social media magnifies this hostility as individuals constantly post, react, and critique each other’s physiques and statements. This digital era of calling each other out has intensified rivalries.
Training Privacy: The Ramon Dino Scenario
The hosts also discussed the issue of bodybuilding celebrities being recorded while training. Vlad and Ed recounted an experience from Brazil where Ramon Dino, a renowned Brazilian bodybuilder, was surrounded and recorded by fans in the gym.
Victor didn’t view this as a significant issue, arguing that it is part and parcel of being a public figure. He recognized that fan enthusiasm is vital for a bodybuilder’s success, especially in countries like Brazil, where bodybuilding has a fervent following.
Conclusion
The latest episode of the Fit Journey Now Podcast provided a rich dialogue on various facets of bodybuilding, from diet and training to competition dynamics and celebrity culture. Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin continue to offer valuable insights and engage with their audience, making the podcast indispensable for anyone interested in bodybuilding. Whether addressing fan critiques or contemplating bodybuilding’s inclusion in the Olympics, the hosts bring a blend of expertise, personal experience, and engaging commentary to every episode.
You can watch the latest episode of the podcast above. And be sure to check back weekly for new episodes on the Fit Journey Now Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are available!