Chris Bumstead Continues to Transform his Training Following his Retirement From Competitive Bodybuilding.
Chris Bumstead spent years building one of the greatest physiques in bodybuilding history, but the six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion is now showing there is more to his athletic ability than muscle.
Bumstead recently shared a video completing an impressive 60-inch box jump, continuing his transition toward a more functional and athletic style of training.
The retired bodybuilding star took a running approach before exploding onto the five-foot stack of Hammer Strength boxes and successfully sticking the landing. Despite accomplishing the feat, Bumstead already has another goal in mind.
“Apparently a 60 inch box jump was too easy of a goal. Now I need to be able to do it without the run-up.”
Bumstead described his current approach as simply having fun and finding different ways to measure his physical progress.
“Honestly it’s just fun to be able to express some of my training in different ways to see how I’m improving,” Bumstead wrote. “Still a long way to go, but I’m proud of the progress.”
Chris Bumstead Continues Transition Into Functional Training
The box jump is the latest example of how Bumstead’s priorities have changed since walking away from the Olympia stage.
For much of his career, Bumstead’s training was built around hypertrophy and developing the combination of size, symmetry, conditioning, and proportions required to dominate Classic Physique. Since retiring, however, he has increasingly experimented with training geared toward strength, mobility, explosiveness, and athletic performance.
Generation Iron previously covered Bumstead testing his athleticism through movements designed around speed, power, and mobility. He has also gone through a dedicated strength phase focused on improving his squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Bumstead has explained that his goal after years of bodybuilding is to remain muscular while becoming more capable athletically. He has incorporated explosive exercises, sled work, sprint mechanics, rotational movements, and other forms of functional training into his routine.
A 60-inch box jump would be an impressive display of explosiveness for virtually any athlete, but it becomes even more noteworthy considering Bumstead built his career carrying the considerable muscle mass required of an elite bodybuilder.
Now, CBum seems interested in finding out exactly what that physique can do.
His next challenge is already set: eliminate the running start and conquer the same five-foot jump from a standing position.
Image embed via Instagram @cbum
