Lee Priest drives the point home that the illusion of conditioned physique is more important than how much you weigh
In a recent episode of Generation Iron and Barbend’s The Mike O’Hearn Show, host Mike O’Hearn had the privilege of welcoming legendary bodybuilder Lee Priest as his guest. The candid conversation between the two icons provided valuable insights into the world of bodybuilding, specifically focusing on weight loss and the art of cutting. In this article, we’ll delve into the key takeaways from their enlightening discussion, highlighting Lee Priest’s perspective on the challenges and strategies of cutting weight effectively.
Lee Priest may be one of the more controversial pro bodybuilders within the fine history of the sport. However, beyond the bans and shocking statements – Lee Priest is also a bodybuilder who held an iconic physique. During his prime years he was a force to be reckoned with and his massive arms are still fawned over to this day.
And while many of Lee Priest’s statements may be shocking, they are mostly due to his inability (or perhaps lack of want) to filter his thoughts. He is honest and blunt. Yes, that may lead to offending people. But it also leads to truths about the industry and about bodybuilding being laid out to bare.
That’s why Mike O’Hearn has brought Lee Priest onto the podcast this week. Their conversation went well over an hour – and will be broken down into small segments so that the key takeaways from their conversation can be better absorbed. This week, Lee and Mike focus on cutting weight in bodybuilding and the often biggest challenges that are not discussed honestly in the sport. Let’s dive in.
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The Mental Challenge of Cutting Weight
Lee Priest opened up about the mental aspect of cutting weight, highlighting it as the most formidable challenge. While cardio and strict diets are physically demanding, the mental frustration during the early stages of cutting can be overwhelming. He recounted days when the scale refused to budge, and his physique appeared unchanged. This is the period where many individuals might give in to cravings or cheat on their diet.
To overcome this mental hurdle, Lee Priest revealed a personal technique. He would stand in front of the mirror, close his eyes, and repeatedly affirm that he was losing weight. This mental conditioning helped him stay motivated during the challenging early weeks of cutting. Eventually, visible changes in his physique would reinforce his belief in the process.
How Long A Period Should A Bodybuilder Cut Weight?
When asked about the ideal duration for cutting weight during bodybuilding prep, Lee Priest emphasized that his contest cutting phase lasts 12-16 weeks. However, he acknowledged that, by the time the contest arrives, you may look your best but feel your worst. This extreme approach isn’t healthy in the long run.
Lee Priest shifted the focus to the average person, emphasizing the importance of consistent and healthy eating habits. Instead of fixating on dieting and cutting, he recommended adopting a steady and balanced diet. According to Lee, healthy eating forms the foundation for looking good and feeling great.
The Psychology of Dieting
Lee Priest touched on a critical aspect of dieting psychology – the pressure to avoid unhealthy treats. He argued that trying to completely eliminate indulgent meals is unrealistic and can lead to guilt and eventual diet abandonment. Instead, he advocated for a shift in mindset. By incorporating occasional treats into a foundation of healthy eating and consistent exercise, individuals can reduce the psychological pressure and make healthy living a sustainable lifestyle choice.
This is why cheat meals should not be demonized in the bodybuilding and fitness industry. To project a world where some can eat perfectly healthy 24/7 without any temptation or craving sets a standard that is impossible to live up to. This leads to increased pressure during dieting and even worse spirals when falling off a diet.
Lee Priest Vs Bodybuilding
Lee Priest’s blunt and honest commentary in the bodybuilding world is adored by some and hated by others. His reputation for both his physique and his personality inspired Generation Iron to produce an official life story documentary about Lee – creating a definitive telling of his life, career, and impact on the sport.
Lee Priest Vs Bodybuilding is available on all major digital platforms. You can stream or download it today. More info below:
Stream or download Lee Priest Vs Bodybuilding on Vimeo On Demand.
Wrap Up
This episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show featuring Lee Priest provided valuable insights into the world of weight loss and cutting. Lee’s wisdom and personal experiences shed light on the mental challenges, strategies, and the importance of adopting a healthy, sustainable approach to diet and fitness. It’s a must-watch for anyone on a weight loss journey or interested in bodybuilding.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every Friday for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
