Victor Martinez compares pro bodybuilding icons and legends in their prime to today’s athlete lineup. How would they fair?
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., Ehsan Farahi, and Vlad Yudin delve into a range of topics, from the potential comeback of bodybuilding legend Lee Priest to obtaining the pump during a workout in older age. Most notably, Victor Martinez also explores how past bodybuilding icons might fare in today’s competitive landscape.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect in this week’s episode:
- Bodybuilding fans push back about the health prospects of nicotine.
- Victor answers: Best ways to obtain the pump when you are in older age.
- Lee Priest comeback? Evaluating his recent IFBB Pro card renewal.
- Victor compares today’s bodybuilding Men’s Open competitors to iconic legends of the past in their prime. How would they fair?
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. You can also keep reading for an in-depth recap of the episode topics. Let’s dive in.
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Evaluating Past Legends in Today’s Bodybuilding Arena
As the main focus of this week’s episode, Victor Martinez and the GI crew engage in a deep-dive analysis of how legendary bodybuilders from previous eras might perform against current athletes. The rules were simple, the names would be in comparison to the Men’s Open division only and they would be “transported” from their prime into the current 2025 lineup.
Various bodybuilding icons and legends were discussed:
- Frank Zane: Victor Martinez believes Zane could excel in the Classic Physique division but might struggle in the Men’s Open due to size disparities, potentially placing in the top 10.
- Flex Wheeler: The 1993 version of Wheeler, dubbed the “Sultan of Symmetry,” is seen as a potential winner in today’s competitions. Victor Martinez argues that Wheeler’s exceptional symmetry could outshine the mass-focused physiques prevalent now, citing Shawn Rhoden’s victory as evidence that symmetry can triumph over sheer size.
Victor Martinez
“That’s the sultan of symmetry. The symmetry that Flex Wheeler would bring in right now compared to what the guys have now looking like blobs… he’d win.”
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: While acknowledging Arnold’s iconic status, Victor Martinez points out that his leg development might be insufficient by today’s standards. He humorously suggests Arnold might not place but concedes that at his best, Arnold could achieve standings similar to the late Cedric McMillan.
- Markus Ruhl: Known for his massive size, Ruhl’s muscle balance is identified as a weakness. Victor suggests that while Ruhl’s sheer mass is impressive, competitors like Samson Dauda, who combine size with balanced aesthetics, might surpass him. Nonetheless, Ruhl could still secure a top-five position.
- Dorian Yates: Reflecting on Yates’ 1995 physique, Victor Martinez and Ehsan agree that his combination of mass and unparalleled conditioning could earn him a Mr. Olympia title today. They note that modern competitors often struggle to match Yates’ level of conditioning.
Victor Martinez
“These guys are coming in with enough conditioning but not with that sick conditioning that Dorian had.”
- Jay Cutler: Victor Martinez posits that while Cutler might not surpass current champion Samson Dauda, he would likely place in the top three. Ehsan suggests a potential top-two finish.
- Phil Heath: Both hosts concur that a prime Phil Heath would dominate the current scene, describing him as the closest to a perfect bodybuilder during his peak, making him virtually unbeatable.
- Kai Greene: Victor Martinez and Ehsan agree that Greene’s consistent conditioning and substantial size would make him a strong contender for the Mr. Olympia title today. They lament that, if not for Phil Heath’s reign, Greene might have secured multiple championships.
Nicotine: Health Benefits or Risks?
The discussion continues with fan reponses regarding the health effects of nicotine, particularly in comparison to cigarettes. Some fans argue that nicotine alone offers health benefits, suggesting that while it’s addictive, the harmful effects are primarily due to other substances in tobacco products.
Notably, a message attributed to Danny Hester describes nicotine as a potent neurocognitive agent beneficial for brain function but cautions that its vasoconstrictive properties may hinder training performance.
The hosts maintain a cautious stance. Victor Martinez acknowledges potential cognitive benefits but emphasizes that nicotine isn’t inherently healthy. Vlad supports this by sharing his research, which found limited evidence supporting nicotine as a health-promoting substance. He points out that there are safer and more effective ways to enhance cognitive function without the associated risks of nicotine use.
Addressing the Elusive Muscle Pump in Older Athletes
A 72-year-old fitness enthusiast writes in, expressing frustration over the inability to achieve a muscle pump during workouts. Despite increasing his weight from 212 to 250 pounds and experimenting with various supplements and techniques, he hasn’t experienced the desired pump for two years.
Drawing from personal experience, Victor Martinez suggests that overtraining and insufficient recovery might be contributing factors. He recommends reducing training frequency to four days a week and incorporating vasodilators like Cialis or Viagra, as well as considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Additionally, supplements such as arginine could be beneficial.
Victor Martinez also advises focusing on slow repetitions, emphasizing the muscle contraction during warm-ups, and paying attention to the eccentric phase of movements. Proper nutrition, particularly adequate carbohydrate intake, is crucial for achieving a muscle pump.
Ehsan raises concerns about older individuals using pre-workout supplements or medications like Viagra or Cialis, noting potential health risks, especially related to blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Lee Priest’s IFBB Pro Card Renewal: A Comeback on the Horizon?
The conversation shifts to Lee Priest’s recent renewal of his IFBB Pro card, following controversy over the “three-year rule” for maintaining active status. Vlad expresses surprise, recalling Priest’s previous ban from the IFBB Pro League.
Victor Martinez speculates on the possibility of Priest’s return to competition, suggesting he might participate in the Masters Olympia, either this year or next. They also discuss Priest’s recent claim that, in his prime, he could secure a top 10 spot in the current Mr. Olympia lineup.
Victor agrees, praising Priest’s impressive size and mass, though he notes that conditioning was sometimes a challenge for him. He believes Priest’s genetics could potentially place him in the top six or even top four among today’s competitors.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast offers a rich blend of fan engagement, expert insights, and speculative discussions, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into both contemporary and historical facets of bodybuilding.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And make sure to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
