Victor Martinez shares some deep cuts in his list for the most underrated bodybuilders of all time
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin delve into critical topics affecting bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. This episode tackles questions about weight loss, the prime years for a bodybuilder, and some of the most underrated bodybuilders in history.
Victor Martinez may be a pro bodybuilder past his prime – but he is still a passionate lover of the sport for past, present, and future. That’s why this week’s two biggest topics on the Generation Iron Podcast pull on Victor’s depth of knowledge and years of experience.
What is the average prime years of a bodybuilder? And how can it be extended? Also – who are the most underrated bodybuilders of all time? Victor specifically picks true underrated athletes whose names you may not even know.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect in this week’s episode:
- How to reduce loose skin after rapid weight loss
- Exploring a bodybuilder’s prime years and the decline afterwards
- Victor Martinez’s picks for the most underrated bodybuilders of all time
Let’s break it all down in our official recap below.
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Fan Question: How to Remove Loose Skin Without Surgery?
A fan posed a question about loose skin after significant weight loss, asking if there’s any way to remove it without surgery. Victor Martinez begins by reacting to the fan’s weight loss journey, noting a rapid loss of five pounds per week. Victor emphasizes that losing weight at such a pace is excessive and likely results in muscle loss alongside fat.
From a bodybuilding perspective, Victor advises that an ideal rate of weight loss is about 2-3 pounds per week. This controlled rate allows individuals to monitor their muscle retention while cutting fat effectively.
Addressing Loose Skin
Victor then addresses the loose skin issue directly. He explains that rapid weight loss often leads to loose skin, and unfortunately, surgery is usually the only effective solution. However, losing weight slowly can minimize loose skin. He mentions that if a person has been overweight for a long period, their skin is less likely to snap back after significant weight loss due to prolonged stretching.
For those with slightly loose skin, Victor suggests that Preparation H can help tighten it up, but this remedy is limited to very minimal loose skin. Ultimately, he stresses that there is no magical cure for loose skin without resorting to surgical procedures.
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Prime Years for Bodybuilders and the Turning Point to Deterioration
The next topic of discussion is identifying the prime years for a bodybuilder and when the transition from peak performance to deterioration typically occurs.
Wear and Tear
Victor Martinez starts by highlighting the impact of wear and tear and injuries on a bodybuilder’s longevity. Heavy lifting, particularly during the intense 3-4 months of competition prep, contributes significantly to physical deterioration. As bodybuilders age, they often struggle to lift as heavy as they did in their 20s and 30s. If they don’t adjust accordingly and still try to lift as they did a decade earlier, this could lead to more frequent injuries.
Mind-Muscle Connection and Muscle Maturity
Despite the physical decline, aging bodybuilders develop a better mind-muscle connection and muscle maturity, allowing them to maintain or even improve their physique until they hit a tipping point where wear and tear become too significant.
Victor Martinez shares his personal experience, stating that he likely reached his prime in his mid-30s. He reiterates that injuries often unnoticed in youth accumulate over time, becoming more pronounced and impactful as one ages.
Patience and Adaptation
Victor Martinez advises young bodybuilders to practice patience and avoid rushing into heavy lifts or steroid use. He emphasizes the importance of adjusting workouts to reduce wear and tear and maintain peak physique longer. For example, older bodybuilders might avoid exercises like deadlifts to preserve their joints and muscles.
Dexter Jackson: An Exception
Edwin brings up Dexter Jackson, who maintained top performance into his 40s and 50s. Victor attributes Dexter’s longevity to his lifting strategy of lighter weights with more volume and his unique genetics.
Steroid Use
Vlad Yudin questions the impact of steroids on longevity. Victor Martinez explains that steroids can help with recovery but also push athletes to extreme limits, leading to increased damage. The key is balanced use, avoiding early and prolonged steroid cycles to prevent premature burnout.
Extending Prime Bodybuilding Years
Victor shares his top tips for extending the prime years of a bodybuilder:
- Patience: Avoid rushing progress and be mindful of injury risks.
- Rest: Ensure adequate recovery time to prevent overtraining and injuries.
- Injury Prevention: Focus on safe lifting techniques and avoid ego lifting.
Victor Martinez also recalls Jean-Pierre Fux, a promising bodybuilder whose career was cut short due to injury, highlighting the importance of injury prevention.
Victor’s Picks for Most Underrated Bodybuilders
To wrap up the episode, Victor Martinez lists his most underrated bodybuilders, acknowledging their contributions and potential overlooked by mainstream recognition:
- Freddy Ortiz
- Paul Grant
- John Brown
- Leroy Colbert
- Ron Coleman: Not to be confused with Ronnie Coleman, Ron was a natural bodybuilder.
- Danny Padilla
- Franco Santoriello
Lee Haney: Underrated?
Vlad Yudin poses the question of whether Lee Haney, an 8-time Mr. Olympia champion, is underrated compared to Ronnie Coleman. Victor agrees, noting that Haney’s era lacked the exposure provided by modern digital platforms, and the mass monster era has shifted fan expectations.
Wrap Up
The Generation Iron Podcast episode with Victor Martinez offers invaluable insights into weight loss, the prime years for bodybuilders, and the often unrecognized talents in bodybuilding history. From the impact of rapid weight loss on muscle retention to strategies for extending one’s prime, Victor’s advice is a goldmine for bodybuilders at any stage of their journey. As the sport continues to evolve, understanding these aspects becomes crucial for both aspiring and seasoned athletes.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
