Victor Martinez and the GI crew debate whether or not Shawn Ray’s bodybuilding statements are unwarranted negativity or a reality check
This week’s Generation Iron Podcast, hosted by bodybuilding icon Victor Martinez alongside Ehsan Farahi, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin, delves into a myriad of topics spanning the expansive world of bodybuilding, fitness, and the challenges encountered by athletes within the industry. In a recent episode, Victor Martinez reacts to Shawn Ray’s latest statements about Nick Walker’s 2024 Olympia chances that aggravated the bodybuilding community.
Are Shawn Ray’s honest opinions spreading unnecessary negativity in the sport? Is he doing it on purpose to gain attention and clicks? Or are his comments blunt, but necessary, when discussing the world of bodybuilding and the sometimes unforgiving nation of the sport?
In addition, the GI crew addressed other topics including fan questions, dissected the intricacies of choosing the right coach, explored the demanding daily schedules of successful individuals, and delved into the impact of ADHD on bodybuilding. Let’s dive into it!
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Shawn Ray’s Bold Prediction
Victor Martinez and the rest of the GI crew dive headfirst into the controversial statements made by Shawn Ray regarding Nick Walker’s chances in the 2024 Mr. Olympia. Shawn Ray made a point to note that there is no guarantee Walker will make it into the prestigious competition this year. This comes after Nick Walker missed the 2023 Mr. Olympia due to a hamstring injury – upon which he is still recovering.
Shawn Ray’s statements directly comment on Walker’s hamstring injury – and how he will need to not only recover in time for the Mr. Olympia – but also qualify beforehand in order to compete. Ray notes that at this early stage there’s no telling if Walker will be able to pull that off.
Shawn Ray’s comments stirs heated discussions. The bodybuilding community online quickly responded with heated criticism of Ray’s analysis. Victor Martinez vehemently disagrees with Ray, asserting that nothing in bodybuilding is ever guaranteed for any of the currently unqualified athletes. With no new information, Ray’s opinion is merely speculative.
The hosts dissect Shawn Ray’s tendency to make bold predictions without substantial evidence, highlighting instances where his comments have generated controversy within the bodybuilding community. They critique Ray’s approach, labeling it as “tough love” or “hard truths,” but acknowledge that it often contributes to a negative atmosphere within the sport.
Victor points out that Shawn Ray’s opinion lacks additional or new information, describing it as an unfounded negative sentiment. The hosts express their reservations about Ray’s tendency to make such predictions without concrete evidence, questioning the need to shatter dreams before Nick Walker has even secured qualification or a special invite.
Choosing the Right Coach
The podcast answers another fan question: “With so many coaches having numerous clients, how does one choose a coach with enough time for individual attention?” Victor Martinez offers a nuanced perspective, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing a coach’s roster of star athletes. The more renowned athletes a coach has trained, the more confidence one can derive in their ability to impart valuable expertise.
However, Victor also notes that the best coaches are often in high demand, juggling numerous clients simultaneously. Consequently, the concern over a coach’s availability becomes a crucial factor.
Victor suggests that investing top dollar in a coach (with proven experience) ensures dedicated time and attention. While acknowledging that the best coaches are busy, he contends that a coach worth their fee will prioritize each client.
This approach, Victor argues, establishes a reciprocal commitment wherein the coach dedicates time, and the client reciprocates with financial investment. He warns against coaches with unrealistically low pricing, as they may not offer the same level of commitment and attention as those with higher fees.
RELATED: 5 Things To Look For In An Online Coach
How Much Should You Spend On A Bodybuilding Coach?
Vlad Yudin poses the question of fair pricing – how much money is realistic to spend on a bodybuilding coach? Victor Martinez responds with a cautionary tone. A $200 per month investment, according to Victor, is unlikely to secure the services of a top-tier coach. Instead, he suggests that a more realistic figure would be around $5,000 per year for access to a reputable coach.
Ultimately you get what you pay for. At cheaper rates you are either getting less experienced coaches or less time with an experienced one. Often times cheaper coaching plans have very little personal interaction – and are simply apps with questionnaires and cookie cutter online programs for you to follow. While those may help for some – Victor and Ehsan believe that those who are looking for serious progress should likely aim for a more personally dedicated coach.
A Key Coaching Factor: Bonding Between Coach and Client
Ehsan Farahi introduces the vital aspect of the coach-client relationship, stressing that even the most accomplished coaches may not be the right fit if a personal connection is lacking. Despite the transactional nature of the coach-client dynamic, Ehsan argues that a strong personal connection is essential to establish the trust necessary for effective coaching.
Even the best coaches in the world may not be able to help you succeed if they cannot forget a good fit trusting relationship with the individual client. This is something a person should keep in mind while seeking a coach – and let themselves be open to building a relationship in order to better succeed.
RELATED: YOU Are The Reason Your Online Bodybuilding Coach Failed
Red Flags To Look For In Bodybuilding Coaches
Edwin Mejia Jr. delves into Victor’s preferences in coaches, prompting him to highlight the importance of coaches who can explain the rationale behind their training programs. Victor advises clients to question their coaches and seek clarification on the ‘why’ behind each instruction. An unwillingness to explain, according to Victor, is a red flag.
The conversation extends to the dangers of trusting coaches who use photoshopped before-and-after promos. The hosts unanimously advocate for thorough research, including checking for reviews and potential claims of photoshopping, especially in the realm of online coaching.
Daily Schedules of Successful Individuals
The dialogue transitions seamlessly into an exploration of the daily schedules of successful individuals, sparked by Vlad’s mention of Mark Wahlberg’s highly regimented routine. Victor Martinez draws parallels between Wahlberg’s schedule and those of other successful athletes like Mike O’Hearn and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The consensus is that waking up early is a common trait among high achievers, allowing them to capitalize on the limited hours in a day.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Mark Wahlberg’s ambitious daily schedule:
- 2:00am: Wake up
- 2:45am: prayer time
- 3:15am: breakfast
- 3:40-5:15am: workout #1
- 5:30am: post-workout meal
- 6:00am: shower
- 7:30am: golf
- 8:00am: snack
- 11:00am: family time/work calls/meetings
- 1:00pm: lunch
- 2:00pm: meeting/work calls
- 3:00pm: pick up kids
- 3:30pm snack
- 4:00pm: workout #2
- 5:00pm: shower
- 5:30pm: dinner/family time
- 7:30pm: bed
Ehsan Farahi shares a personal anecdote, recounting his shift from waking up at 8 am to adopting a 6 am wake-up time over the past four years. The change, he notes, has significantly enhanced his sense of accomplishment and overall productivity. The hosts collectively emphasize the necessity of waking up early to align with the standard operating hours of businesses and vendors, facilitating the completion of ambitious daily goals.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, the Generation Iron Podcast continues to provide a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted world of bodybuilding. The recent episode, featuring discussions on coach selection, daily schedules of successful individuals, the impact of ADHD on bodybuilding, and Shawn Ray’s bold predictions, offers valuable insights and diverse perspectives. The hosts’ dynamic interactions and wealth of experience make the podcast an indispensable resource for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone intrigued by the intricate dynamics of the bodybuilding community.
You can watch this week’s episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes of the podcast only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
