Mike O’Hearn speaks with 5x WBFF bodybuilding champion Wole Adesemoye to discuss the intricacies of peak week prep and how to turn adversity into a superpower
In Generation Iron and Barbend’s latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, host Mike O’Hearn sat down with Wole Adesemoye, a remarkable figure in the world of bodybuilding. As a 5-time WBFF champion bodybuilder and holistic personal trainer, Wole’s journey to success is nothing short of inspiring. In this captivating conversation, Wole shares insights from his recent competition in Las Vegas and delves into the mindset that propels him towards greatness. This recap highlights key takeaways from their discussion and explores the wisdom shared by this dynamic duo.
Wole Adesemoye is a 5x WBFF bodybuilding campion and also a personal trainer. At over 40 years old – he has become an icon for longevity in bodybuilding. Adesemoye recently had a bodybuilding competition in the United States and completed his final prep at Mike O’Hearn’s house for his “peak week.”
Peak week, as many bodybuilders know, is the final week before a bodybuilding competition. Also called “hell week,” this is often the most challenging period of competition prep requiring a reduction of water weight to bring in a shredded physique for the stage. After the competition, Adesemoye sat down with Mike O’Hearn to reflect on the week prep – and discuss the larger arc of his bodybuilding career. Let’s dive in.
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Peak Week at Mike’s House: A Unique Experience
Wole Adesemoye’s recent visit to Las Vegas wasn’t just for sightseeing; he was in town for a bodybuilding competition. What set this peak week apart from his previous experiences was the remarkable support he received at Mike O’Hearn’s residence. With nutrition and scheduling meticulously handled by Mike and his team, Wole could focus solely on resting and training, eliminating the usual stress of peak week.
One of the most notable changes Wole made this time was “doing less.” Unlike past competitions where he felt compelled to constantly push himself harder, this time, he had complete confidence in his physique. This newfound self-assurance allowed him to trust the process and “do less,” recognizing that working smart can be as important as working hard.
The Evolution of Wole’s Mindset
Wole Adesemoye reflects on his earlier years in bodybuilding when he believed that being the hardest-working athlete in the room was the only path to success. However, as he matured, he realized the value of working smarter, not just harder. Dedication and hard work remain essential, but understanding that years of effort accumulate and contribute to success is equally vital. Wole’s focus on optimizing his approach rather than overexerting himself aligns with his goal of achieving longevity in the sport.
Mike O’Hearn, a veteran in the fitness industry, draws parallels between Wole and legendary bodybuilder Lee Haney, praising Wole’s size, structure, and aesthetics. As someone 12 years Wole’s senior, Mike serves as both a mentor and a role model, illustrating that maintaining a strong physique and staying dedicated are possible without burnout. Mike’s emphasis on strengthening connective tissue resonates with Wole as a key strategy for long-term success.
Embracing Positivity Amidst Struggles
Despite his boundless positivity, Wole Adesemoye’s personal life has been marked by challenges, including his father’s abandonment and struggles with dyslexia. In the podcast, he shares how these adversities shaped him into the person he is today. Dyslexia, once seen as a disadvantage, became a “superpower” that instilled in him a relentless work ethic and the ability to persevere through hardship. Wole’s story underscores the transformative power of embracing life’s challenges as opportunities for growth.
Mike O’Hearn adds a unique perspective, likening Wole’s journey to that of a superhero in comics and movies. Both superheroes and super-villains experience trauma, but the former use their adversity as a source of strength, while the latter seek to destroy what hurt them. Wole’s ability to turn personal struggles into a driving force echoes the superhero narrative.
The Grueling Path to Victory
During peak week, Wole Adesemoye impressively shed 21 pounds of water weight while maintaining his impressive muscle mass, ultimately weighing in at 242 pounds on stage. But what comes after a championship win? Wole’s answer may surprise you; he immediately returns to the gym, displaying his unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Even in victory, he sees room for enhancement.
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A Lifelong Dedication to Bodybuilding
Wole Adesemoye envisions no retirement from bodybuilding in his future. His focus on strategies for longevity in fitness aligns with the example set by bodybuilder Robby Robinson, who continues to thrive well into his eighties. Wole and Mike aim to follow in Robinson’s footsteps and prove that maintaining peak physical condition is achievable throughout one’s life.
RELATED: Watch the teaser trailer for Robby Robinson’s Blueprint – the life story documentary
Reframing Stereotypes About Bodybuilding
Mike and Wole acknowledge the unfortunate stereotype that associates bodybuilding primarily with steroid use. They both emphasize that bodybuilding encompasses much more than this narrow perception. It teaches dedication, passion, hard work in the face of adversity, and promotes lasting health and well-being. Despite the negative attention garnered by steroid use in the sport, they believe that bodybuilding can inspire and uplift.
The First Step on a Never-Ending Journey
Wole Adesemoye concludes the podcast with a powerful analogy. Winning a bodybuilding competition should be viewed as the first step in a lifelong journey, not the final destination. Much like earning a doctorate degree, the real value lies in what comes next. It’s the momentum that propels individuals like Wole and Mike O’Hearn towards their next achievements and opportunities.
Wrap Up
In this episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, Wole Adesemoye’s journey through peak week, his unwavering dedication to improvement, and his ability to transform adversity into strength serve as a testament to the power of mindset, hard work, and resilience in the world of bodybuilding and life itself.
You can watch the full episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show above. And don’t forget to check back every Friday for new episodes of the podcast only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
