Victor Martinez just might agree with Lee Haney about Men’s Open bodybuilding being “lost”
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, Victor Martinez dives into fan-submitted questions and hot-button topics, including site injections, the impact of steroids on women, prize money disparity, online beefs between industry figures, and DJ Khaled’s viral workout stunt. In a highlight, Victor Martinez weighs in on Lee Haney’s recent comment claimin that “bodybuilding has lost its way.”
Here’s a brief breakdown of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Victor Martinez answers: can you direct site inject steroids to improve specific muscles?
- Does steroid use in women change their voice permanently?
- Victor responds to Lee Haney’s comments that “bodybuilding has lost its way.”
- Victor reacts to Lenda Murray’s criticism of prize money for female bodybuilders.
- Who was right and who was wrong in the Bob Cicherillo vs Brian Powers beef?
- Victor watches DJ Khaled viral training video with Ashton Hall.
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown. Let’s dive in!
This week’s episode of the podcast is brought to you by Transparent Labs. If you would like to try Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein for yourself, save 10% OFF using code GENIRON10.
For a limited time, Transparent Labs is giving away a FREE Protein Starter Kit with every Grass-Fed Protein subscription! This kit includes a shaker bottle and a variety pack of 5 single-serving protein pouches in their top flavors, so you can find your favorite.
Fan Question: Can You Grow a Muscle by Injecting Gear Directly Into It?
A fan at the gym overheard a conversation about targeted growth through site injections—specifically, shooting steroids directly into the delts to make them grow. When asked for his opinion, Victor Martinez cracked a joke: “Maybe we should all stop doing isolation exercises and just inject whatever muscle we want to get bigger.”
But Victor quickly pivoted to the truth. “Steroids don’t work that way,” he said. “Site injections won’t grow a specific muscle.” However, he clarified that there is one exception: Human Growth Hormone (HGH). HGH, when administered locally, can result in some tissue growth at the injection site. But even with HGH, Victor advised against trying to use site injections as a shortcut.
He explained that regular site injections—especially with steroids—create scar tissue, which can deform a physique visually over time. Instead of chasing spot improvements through gear, he urges athletes to focus on training with the right technique and exercise selection. And, above all, stay natural for as long as possible.
RELATED: Bodybuilders Are Dying – An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Fan Question: Why Do Some Female Bodybuilders “Sound Like Darth Vader?“
A listener asked, in blunt terms, why women’s voices get deep after steroid use and what a good cutting protocol is for females.
Victor Martinez didn’t dodge the question. He agreed that, yes, voice changes happen with steroid use. For women, it’s especially serious. Victor claims that testosterone fundamentally alters a woman’s body and hormone structure. Even one shot of the wrong compound can deepen a woman’s voice, and according to Victor, it never reverts. “I’ve never seen a woman’s voice come back to normal once it changes.”
Victor criticized the widespread and unnecessary use of gear in divisions like bikini and wellness. He wonders why a bikini competitor even uses steroids and emphasized that many female competitors are doing far more than they need to. If someone insists on using, Victor recommends using 10% of the doses most people online brag about.
But ideally? Victor believes that it’s best to not use them at all.
Lee Haney Says Bodybuilding Has “Lost Its Way” – Victor Agrees
Eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney made waves by saying bodybuilding has lost its appeal to the general public. Victor believes Haney’s comments are directly aimed at Men’s Open bodybuilding, which has seen a drop in mainstream interest.
Victor Martinez agrees with Haney’s assessment. “The sport hasn’t evolved much,” he said. While prize money has increased somewhat, it’s still abysmally low for a professional sport. “We still don’t have a million-dollar first prize at the Olympia or Arnold Classic. Why not?” he asked.
He even called out IFBB leadership, specifically Joe Weider, for focusing more on personal luxuries than reinvesting in athletes. “Nice cars, nice houses—but why aren’t those millions going to the guys who are on stage sacrificing everything?”
Victor also blames the introduction of multiple divisions—Men’s Physique, Classic Physique—for drawing attention away from Open Bodybuilding. These newer categories present more attainable physiques and broader public appeal. In this way, Victor does believe the Men’s Open division is fading in some ways – and that Lee Haney is seeing that clearly.
Prize Money Inequality: Lenda Murray vs. Andrew Jacked
The conversation shifted to another brewing controversy—legendary female bodybuilder Lenda Murray recently raised concerns about the lack of prize money for women. She even used Andrew Jacked as a comparison point.
Victor Martinez said both sides have a case. He believes that Lenda is right and that women aren’t getting fair pay. But he also sympathized with Andrew Jacked, who became a target through no fault of his own. “He’s just doing his thing. Why drag him into it?”
Victor believes that the problem isn’t individual male athletes, but rather a systemic issue. He says that female competitors need to organize and support each other instead of standing alone like Lenda Murray. Until they present a united front, promoters and federations have no pressure to make changes.
Arnold Classic Drama: Bob Cicherillo vs. Brian Powers
In one of the most talked-about online feuds, Bob Cicherillo and Arnold Classic director Brian Powers went at it on Instagram. The issue? Cicherillo criticized Nick Walker, and Powers called him out for creating a conflict of interest as a competition announcer.
Victor Martinez broke it down like this: Bob used to be called the athletes’ rep, but he made it clear he’s not that anymore. So technically, he can say what he wants. However, Victor understands why Powers would be upset. “Bob still announces the Olympia. He’s not just some random fan. His words carry weight.”
Victor doesn’t take sides. He says both men made valid points and bad assumptions. He theorizes that at the end of the day, they just don’t like each other. That personal beef is what’s really fueling the fire, not principle.
Victor Reacts to DJ Khaled’s Workout Video: “What the Hell Is That?”
In lighter (but no less fiery) news, DJ Khaled went viral with a workout video alongside trainer Ashton Hall, marketing it as a fitness journey. Victor was unimpressed.
He laughed and shook his head, calling Khaled “the blob.” He acknowledged that it’s fine if Khaled is trying to get healthy, but the viral clip itself? “It’s nothing impressive,” Victor said. “It’s just shocking because he’s so big—and not in a good way.”
He added that the only reason this campaign is getting attention is because of Khaled’s lack of self-discipline in the first place. “He got that size because he had no self-control. So why are we applauding the bare minimum now?”
Wrap Up
As usual, Victor Martinez delivered hard truths wrapped in humor, experience, and blunt honesty. Whether talking about the science of steroids, the politics of prize money, or the absurdity of viral workout fads, he refuses to sugarcoat anything.
The Generation Iron Podcast remains one of the most authentic voices in the bodybuilding space—not because it’s always positive, but because it’s always real. And in a sport filled with hype, illusion, and marketing spin, that kind of authenticity is rare.
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!
