Samson Dauda details the winning combination of his wife as his coach that helped earn him the 2024 Mr. Olympia title
In the fourth and final installment of GI Conversation With Samson Dauda, Vlad Yudin delves deeper into the mind of the 2024 Mr. Olympia champion. This episode gives viewers a closer look at Samson Dauda’s training philosophies, contest prep strategies, and his unique partnership with his wife, who plays a crucial role in his career. With humor and insight, Samson debunks old-school myths about bodybuilding while sharing his approach to success, both in and out of the gym.
Free Weights vs. Machines: A Balanced Approach
Vlad Yudin kicks off the episode by asking a question that has sparked endless debates among bodybuilders for decades: free weights or machines? Samson responds with a balanced perspective that highlights his open-mindedness toward all training methods. He rejects the idea that one is superior to the other, mocking the “old-school” bodybuilders who claim machines aren’t as effective as free weights.
“I think it’s stupid to reject machines,” Samson Dauda says. “These machines are designed to keep us safer and help us target specific muscle groups more efficiently.” He stresses that the key to success in bodybuilding is using all available tools, from new-age machines to classic free weights. He views each piece of equipment as a part of a larger puzzle, helping him sculpt the physique that ultimately led to his 2024 Mr. Olympia win.
Samson Dauda’s message is clear: there’s no reason to limit yourself when training. “You need to use everything at your disposal,” he advises, underscoring the importance of blending old-school methods with modern advancements to build a complete and balanced physique.
Cardio During Prep: Fine-Tuning Fat Loss Without Losing Muscle
As the conversation moves forward, Vlad asks Samson Dauda about his cardio routine during contest prep—a topic of interest to many aspiring bodybuilders. Samson starts his cardio regimen about 15 weeks out from a competition. He begins modestly with 20 minutes per day, gradually increasing it by five minutes each week. By the final weeks, he’s doing an intense hour-and-a-half of cardio daily.
Samson Dauda chooses to perform an incline fast-paced walk rather than high-intensity cardio. He explains that this method allows him to keep his heart rate elevated while burning fat without risking too much muscle loss. “You’re a bodybuilder, not a marathon runner,” he quips, reminding viewers that cardio for bodybuilders should be about precision—burning fat efficiently while preserving the hard-earned muscle mass that sets champions apart.
This method has proven effective for Samson Dauda, allowing him to step onto the Olympia stage in peak condition without sacrificing the fullness and density of his muscles.
Samson Dauda’s Diet: A Team Effort With His Wife
Nutrition is one of the most critical elements of contest prep, and Vlad probes Samson Dauda about his diet as he prepares for a major competition. Samson surprises viewers by admitting that he doesn’t personally count his calories during prep—his wife does it all for him. She monitors his food intake closely, adjusting it each week to ensure he’s leaning out while maintaining his energy levels.
“If I had to guess,” Samson says with a laugh, “by the final weeks, I’m eating less than 1,000 calories because I’m so starving by that point.” He trusts his wife implicitly with his nutrition, which frees him to focus on training and recovery.
Samson Dauda emphasizes the importance of their partnership. His wife, who has a background in fitness and nutrition, has been by his side throughout his entire bodybuilding career. In fact, she was the one who initially encouraged him to pursue bodybuilding, recognizing his potential long before anyone else did.
“We’ve learned so much together,” Samson explains, “and we’re always continuing to educate ourselves.” His wife has studied alongside him, working with coaches and picking up tips from other experts to ensure that Samson’s diet and training are always optimized. This collaborative approach has helped Samson stay consistent and make the necessary adjustments leading up to his Mr. Olympia win.
Debunking the Myth: Women and Bodybuilding Success
Vlad brings up a topic that has long been a point of contention in bodybuilding circles: the belief that women are “kryptonite” to a bodybuilder’s career. It’s a sentiment often repeated by older generations of bodybuilders who claim that relationships can distract men from their goals.
Samson Dauda, however, firmly disagrees. “I don’t know what kind of women these people were with,” he jokes, “but my wife puts me under more pressure than anyone else can.” He emphasizes that his wife has been his greatest source of support and motivation throughout his journey. She pushes him to be better and sees things in him that he sometimes doesn’t see in himself.
Samson Dauda goes further to say that the idea of women being a distraction is outdated and misguided. “The women in our lives are the ones who notice things when we have no one else,” he says. In his case, his wife’s presence has been a key factor in his success, both as a bodybuilder and as a person. He credits her for keeping him grounded and helping him stay focused on his goals.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Journey
Episode 4 of GI Conversation With Samson Dauda offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a champion. From his balanced training approach to his dedicated partnership with his wife, Samson’s journey is one of hard work, resilience, and adaptability. His openness to evolving with the times—whether that means embracing new training tools or defying outdated stereotypes—has propelled him to the top of the bodybuilding world.
This episode provides an inspiring glimpse into the mindset of a champion who is not only driven by personal ambition but also supported by a strong, dynamic team at home. Whether you’re a seasoned bodybuilder or a newcomer to the sport, Samson Dauda’s story serves as a testament to what’s possible when passion meets persistence and partnership.
You can watch the final episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new GI Exclusive interviews only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
