2022 Olympia Runner Up Derek Lunsford continues to work toward his goal of winning the 2023 Olympia title.
The 2022 Olympia runner-up Derek Lunsford has hopes of reaching the top of the bodybuilding world in just his second Men’s Open show. Lunsford has been active on social media during his competition prep. Recently, Derek Lunsford shared another massive physique update and detailed a chest workout less than 10 weeks from the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Lunsford received a special invitation to compete in Men’s Open during the biggest show of the year in 2022. After winning the 212 Olympia title in 2021, Lunsford put on an incredible amount of muscle mass, which in turn meant that he would be unable to return to make weight. He was able to show this off during the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro as a guest poser and stood out immediately. The plan quickly became to try to compete in Men’s Open after putting on incredible size.
In the early summer months last year, there were questions whether Lunsford would be able to compete at the Olympia because he did not have this special invitation. Also, he would be unable to compete in Men’s 212 because of the weight restrictions. He would not be able to cut down in time if he wanted to defend his title from the 2021 Olympia.
Lunsford has not become a threat to the Olympia title and will be one of the favorites come November.
Derek Lunsford’s Chest Workout
Derek Lunsford shared his latest chest workout on his YouTube page and this is what it looked like:
- Cable Crossovers
- Incline Dumbbell Bench Press
- Plate-Loaded Bench Press Machine
- Chest Press Machine
- Pec Deck Flye
- Decline Sit-Ups
- Leg Raises
“Everyday is a great day to get better!
@mrolympiallc in less than 10 weeks.”
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Derek Lunsford focused on adding size to his chest, rather than strength during this workout. When it comes down to this close to a bodybuilding contest, most competitors will focus on adding size and improving conditioning rather than getting stronger. He even ended with some exercises to hit all sections of his abs, as the midsection is a big judging point for competitors. At this point of the summer, there are many predictions being made about the upcoming Olympia competition.
Lunsford was recently quoted during an interview discussing the top of the scorecard for the upcoming Olympia competition. He believes that his battle with Hadi Choopan will highlight the show once again, as the Persian Wolf will be back to defend his title, but Lunsford is coming back better than ever after he was bested by Choopan back in December 2022. He also believes that Nick Walker and Samson Dauda will battle for third place. Of course, this was the show during the 2023 Arnold Classic where Dauda gained an edge.
The Men’s Open division will have even more talent than it did last season so all competitors will have to be at the top of their game. By the looks of it, Lunsford is well on his way.
Who do you think will be winning the the Sandow this year? Will Lunsford be the 2023 Mr. Olympia? Or will someone else take the spot. Let us know!
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