Victor Martinez gets real about unregulated gas station supplements that can easily be purchased… but should you?
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, host Victor Martinez covers everything from bodybuilding fan debates and questionable gas station products to Hollywood physique preparation, retired bodybuilding legends, and Nick Walker’s growing momentum ahead of the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
With Nick Walker dominating the 2026 Tampa Pro and openly declaring that he will win the Olympia if everyone arrives at 100%, the conversation naturally centered on whether Walker has positioned himself as one of the biggest threats to the title. The hosts also discussed Tom Holland’s unusual approach to getting ready for a shirtless Spider-Man scene and why retired bodybuilders can still maintain impressive physiques long after leaving competition.
Here’s a brief overview of the topids discussed in this episode:
- Does Victor Martinez too often “both sides” an argument on the podcast?
- Victor weighs in on questionable sex-related gas station products
- Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Dehydration Strategy Gets Critiqued
- Nick Walker dominates the Tampa Pro – will he dominate at the Mr. Olympia?
- Victor reacts to Flex Lewis’ post-retirement physique update
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more in-depth recap of the discussion. Let’s dive in!
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Victor Martinez Responds to Claims That He Avoids Taking Sides
The episode opened with a fan comment accusing Victor Martinez of being “luke warm” toward everyone in bodybuilding and avoiding direct opinions because he wants to stay liked by everyone.
Vlad Yudin disagreed with the criticism, pointing out that he can remember several occasions when Victor has been openly outspoken about individuals and controversial topics. Victor agreed with Vlad and explained that he does not believe his relationship with the bodybuilding industry is the same as his relationship with bodybuilding fans.
According to Victor, there are not many people within the industry who actually like him, so he has no reason to carefully avoid criticism simply to maintain popularity. He also emphasized that he keeps his relationship with fans separate from his relationships within the industry.
Victor then challenged the fan to ask him a direct question involving two choices. His response was clear: give him two bodybuilders or two opinions and ask which one is better, and he says he will provide a straight answer without trying to balance both sides or turn the question into a joke.
Victor Warns Against Questionable Gas Station Products
A fan then asked for advice after secretly taking a “Rhino” pill purchased at a gas station. The fan said the product improved his performance but caused a severe headache and created another problem because he did not want to keep the purchase secret from his girlfriend.
Victor initially joked by asking how bad the headache was before explaining that the situation represented a serious mistake. His concern was that the fan had discovered a product that appeared to work but could potentially create health problems.
Victor compared the situation to a strange experience from his own past involving marijuana purchased under the table at a gas station. He described the substance as “some weird oregano shake” and said the experience left him feeling as though he was “one step away from psychosis.”
The larger point was straightforward: taking unnecessary risks with questionable products is not worth it. A short-term result is not necessarily worth exposing yourself to unknown ingredients or potentially dangerous side effects.
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Dehydration Strategy Gets Critiqued
The hosts also discussed Tom Holland’s admission that he attempted a bodybuilding-style dehydration strategy before a shirtless Spider-Man scene. Holland reportedly avoided drinking water the day before filming and then consumed a large amount of water the day before that in an attempt to make his physique appear more defined.
Victor was surprised that Holland went through the trouble, especially because modern Hollywood productions have access to lighting, camera techniques, visual effects, and other tools that can enhance an actor’s appearance.
Victor also questioned the preparation itself. He pointed to Hugh Jackman’s work as Wolverine as a better example of how an actor can approach physique preparation. In Victor’s view, Holland could have benefited from working with a trainer who understood how to properly prepare his physique rather than relying on a one-day dehydration strategy.
Victor’s main criticism was that the approach seemed unnecessary and poorly planned. A structured training and nutrition program could have produced a better result without relying on extreme short-term manipulation.
The conversation then shifted to movies when Vlad asked Victor about the worst movie he had seen this year. Victor selected Citizen Vigilante, starring Armie Hammer, criticizing its production quality, editing, appearance, and acting.
Nick Walker Dominates the Tampa Pro
The biggest bodybuilding discussion centered on Nick Walker’s Tampa Pro victory.
Victor praised Walker’s performance and said that when Nick decides to deliver, he can bring an exceptional physique to the stage. The victory was particularly significant because public discussion surrounding Walker had recently questioned whether he remained a serious threat at the highest level.
Co-hosts Vlad and Edwin pointed out the sudden change in perception. Walker went from being discussed as though he was no longer a major threat to becoming a frequent name in conversations about the potential 2026 Mr. Olympia winner.
Victor referenced an important bodybuilding principle: “You’re only as good as your last show.” A dominant performance can completely change an athlete’s confidence, public perception, and motivation.
Ehsan also reminded the audience that Walker defeated Hadi Choopan at the Arnold Classic earlier in the year. He believed Walker was even tighter at that contest and suggested that if Walker had brought that level of conditioning to Tampa, the result could have been even more impressive.
Now qualified for the Mr. Olympia, Walker has the opportunity to focus on maintaining his physique and sharpening his conditioning rather than worrying about qualifying.
Nick Walker’s Confidence Is Exactly What a Champion Needs
Walker has made an extremely confident prediction for the 2026 Mr. Olympia, saying that if everyone arrives at 100%, he will win.
Victor Martinez believes that mentality is exactly what a potential champion needs. At the Olympia level, competitors are dealing with some of the best bodybuilders in the world, and even a small amount of doubt can affect preparation and performance.
At the same time, Victor acknowledged that confidence does not make the victory easy. He believes the 2026 Mr. Olympia could be one of the strongest contests in years. The top five is expected to be extremely competitive, and the modern era has not had the same kind of dominant reigning champion seen during the Phil Heath years.
With multiple elite competitors capable of winning, the Olympia represents a remarkably tight race.
Flex Lewis Shows Why Retirement Does Not Mean Giving Up Bodybuilding
The hosts also discussed Flex Lewis after he showed off an impressive physique during a recent vacation update.
Victor said Flex looks great but argued that fans should not be surprised when retired bodybuilders continue training and maintaining impressive physiques. For many elite competitors, bodybuilding is a lifestyle rather than something that disappears when competition ends.
Victor referenced Flex Lewis, Jay Cutler, and Phil Heath as examples of former champions who continue to look impressive after retirement, even though they are no longer carrying the extreme bodyweights required for competition.
The discussion eventually turned to the most dramatic post-retirement transformations. Victor avoided naming a specific former competitor because he did not want to offend anyone. Vlad, however, pointed to Paul Dillett as one of the most dramatic examples he has seen, noting the enormous difference between Dillett’s massive competitive physique and his much lighter post-retirement appearance.
When Victor was asked whether he could ever see himself becoming significantly smaller, he joked that he could not imagine getting that skinny “unless I start smoking crack.”
Wrap Up
Overall, this episode of the Generation Iron Podcast offered a wide-ranging look at bodybuilding, from fan expectations and athlete confidence to physique preparation, retirement, and the unpredictable momentum of an Olympia season. With Nick Walker coming off a major Tampa Pro victory and openly targeting the 2026 Mr. Olympia title, the hosts made it clear that the road to the championship is becoming increasingly interesting.
