Victor Martinez reviews the yearly cost for bodybuilders ranging from diet, to training, and even PEDs
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., Ehsan Farahi, and Vlad Yudin, delivered another episode packed with insights on bodybuilding recovery, luxury gym trends, the financial realities of being a professional bodybuilder, and predictions for the highly anticipated 2025 Arnold Classic.
Most notably, Victor Martinez breaks down the recent bodybuilding costs posted by bodybuilder Eric Janicki and evaluates whether or not the price points are correct. Are they over-exaggerated? under-exaggerated? Victor goes over it line by line.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect in this episode:
- The financial realities of being a pro bodybuilder.
- How to train hard without overtraining.
- Introducing the $10,000/month gym membership. Is it worth it?
- How much should you pay a bodybuilding coach?
- 2025 Arnold Classic lineup reactions and predictions.
Keep reading for an in-depth recap of the episode below. Let’s dive in!
The Real Cost of Being a Professional Bodybuilder
The main topic of conversation revolved around bodybuilder Eric Janicki’s breakdown of the total annual costs of being a professional bodybuilder, which range from $32,000 to $53,000.
The cost categories included:
- Nutrition/Groceries: $9,600–$14,000/year
- Supplements: $3,600–$6,000/year
- Gym & Coaching: $300–$12,000/year
- PEDs: $1,300–$25,000/year
- Show Fees, Travel, Miscellaneous: $5,500–$9,500/year
Victor Martinez noted that the grocery cost seemed on the lower end, recalling how much he personally spent during his competitive years (over $300/month). He also felt that the coaching cost would be higher for athletes receiving intensive, hands-on guidance.
Ultimately, Victor agreed that Janicki’s breakdown accurately illustrated the expensive lifestyle of a professional bodybuilder, emphasizing the importance of increased prize money and brand-building to secure sponsorships and additional revenue.
Fan Question: Overcoming Recovery Challenges
This week’s fan question revolved around recovery after an intense workout. The listener, a natural lifter at 5’7” and 185 pounds, recently performed 10 sets of 10 skull crushers with 25-pound dumbbells, paired with dumbbell curls. While the “unbelievable pump” was satisfying, lingering tricep tightness and pain lasted for nearly a week.
Victor Martinez immediately suggested the importance of recovery tools, including:
- Glutamine for muscle repair.
- BCAAs to assist with recovery and reduce soreness.
- Massages as a key element—Victor strongly emphasized that massages are often overlooked but vital for reducing tightness and improving blood flow.
Victor also questioned the fan’s frequency of this taxing workout. While he understood the appeal of the pump, he recommended limiting such extreme sessions to once or twice per month to allow proper recovery and avoid setbacks. He added that stretching and recovery are as important as the workout itself.
Ehsan Farahi chimed in with an additional tip—icing the arms post-workout to reduce inflammation and soreness. Although Victor found the idea amusing, he acknowledged that it might help the recovery process for some individuals.
Finally, Victor Martinez clarified a common misconception: being a natural lifter does not mean avoiding supplements like protein shakes or creatine. These are not performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) but rather effective tools for natural athletes to optimize recovery and gains without any real downside.
$10,000 Per Month Private Gym: Worth the Price?
The podcast shifted to a fascinating discussion about Continuum, an ultra-luxurious private gym charging a staggering $10,000 per month. With membership capped at 250 individuals, the gym markets itself as an exclusive, premium fitness experience.
For comparison, high-end gyms like Equinox charge around $500 per month. Victor Martinez questioned the true value of such an expensive gym, arguing that most affordable gyms offer comparable equipment and amenities. The difference, he noted, lies in exclusivity and privacy.
Vlad Yudin raised a thought-provoking question: Could this gym’s exorbitant price be a gimmick designed to attract wealthy clientele seeking a status symbol rather than actual value? Ehsan agreed, likening the gym’s appeal to the exclusive clubs in Dubai, where people pay premium prices just to flaunt their ability to access something others cannot.
Even when Vlad hypothetically suggested that the gym include personal trainers and TRT treatments, Victor firmly believed the cost was unjustifiable. For Victor, the value simply does not match the price tag, no matter how exclusive the gym might be.
The Cost of Hiring a Bodybuilding Coach
The next topic tackled the cost of hiring a professional coach in the bodybuilding industry. Victor Martinez shared his perspective on what a serious athlete should expect to pay:
- A reputable coach typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000 per month.
- Alternatively, some athletes arrange a deal where the coach takes a percentage of prize winnings from competitions.
Victor explained that top-tier coaches dedicate significant time to their clients, spending 4-5 days per week on in-person training while also maintaining constant communication to keep athletes on track. Given this level of dedication, the price is justified for those aiming to compete at an elite level.
2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Lineup: Predictions and Analysis
The final segment focused on the 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Open lineup, featuring some of the most prominent names in bodybuilding. Victor Martinez and the team provided a detailed analysis of the competitors:
- Samson Dauda: Fresh off his Olympia victory, Dauda is determined to prove his win was no fluke. Competing at the Arnold Classic also helps him maintain his conditioning.
- Derek Lunsford: After slipping to third place at the 2024 Olympia, Lunsford has an opportunity to redeem himself. Victor noted that Lunsford’s recent physique updates look “crazy freaky.”
- Andrew Jacked: Victor believes Jacked deserved better placings and will look to correct that in this show.
- Akim Williams: Fresh off a major win in Spain, Williams continues to improve his conditioning and is poised to make a big impact.
- Carlos Thomas Jr.: A potential dark horse with impressive muscle bellies, Thomas just needs to perfect his conditioning.
- Brandon Curry, Shaun Clarida, Jon Delarosa, Patrick Moore, James Hollingshead, and Justin Rodriguez were also discussed as strong competitors with unique strengths.
The hosts also addressed Hadi Choopan’s absence. Despite winning the 2024 Arnold Classic and placing second at the Olympia, Choopan is opting out to focus on family and prepare for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
Ehsan Farahi supported Samson Dauda’s decision to compete in the Arnold Classic, emphasizing that it helps maintain conditioning throughout the year.
Victor Martinez’s top two predictions for the 2025 Arnold Classic:
- Samson Dauda
- Derek Lunsford (unless he repeats his 2024 Olympia mistakes).
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast was packed with valuable insights for bodybuilding enthusiasts. From recovery tips and the costs of bodybuilding to debates about luxury gyms and predictions for the 2025 Arnold Classic, the hosts delivered expert analysis and candid opinions. Whether you’re a casual fan or a serious lifter, this episode provided a well-rounded look into the challenges, expenses, and triumphs of the bodybuilding world.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
