Victor Martinez reacts to Bob Cicherillo’s recent statement calling the bench press dangerous – and his answer may surprise you
The Generation Iron Podcast returns with another energetic episode hosted by Victor Martinez, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin. The trio dove into a variety of trending topics including – holiday season and cheat meals, Bob Cicherillo’s comment about bench presses, Charlie Sheen’s steroid use, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the topics discussed this week:
- Does Victor Martinez cheat on holiday meals or eat clean?
- Are shrugs a dying exercise in bodybuilding and fitness?
- Victor Martinez answers – is the bench press really a dangerous exercise?
- Charlie Sheen’s past steroid use dissected
- Jay Cutler, Martin Fitzwater, and Gustavo Badell
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the entire episode. Let’s dive in!
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Holiday Eating: Victor Says Thanksgiving Is Your Countrywide Cheat Day
The episode kicked off with a fan question that many fitness followers face every year. What does Victor Martinez usually eat during the holidays, and does he stick with clean eating or load his plate with spices and traditional dishes?
Victor did not hesitate. He joked that there is no right or wrong way to eat on the holidays. In his view, the point of Thanksgiving is for people across the country to stop counting calories. He called it a nationwide cheat day, one that everyone should enjoy without guilt or hesitation. For Victor, the focus is not on tracking macros but on letting loose, celebrating, and sharing time with the people who matter.
He explained that strict diets have a place, but they should not dominate moments meant for gratitude and joy. In his words, the key is simple. Give yourself the day, enjoy it as much as you can, then get right back to your routine the next morning. Celebrate hard, then work hard again.
This year, Victor carries even more appreciation into the holiday season. He spoke openly about how grateful he is to spend the holiday with friends and family after a spinal surgery and a medical emergency earlier in the summer that nearly cost him his life. Thanksgiving now carries a deeper meaning for him. It is not only a break from dieting but a reminder of how precious time is.
Are Shrugs Still Popular? Victor Explains How to Avoid a Narrow Look and Shoulder Injuries
Another fan asked about shrugs and whether they still hold a place in modern bodybuilding. The fan shared that barbell shrugs were once a favorite heavy movement, followed by dumbbell shrugs, but now he struggles with shoulder problems.
Victor Martinez answered with the same direct honesty he brings to all training questions. Shrugs are still used today by bodybuilders and by lifters both inside and outside the sport. They remain a solid movement for trap development. The key is understanding their place in a complete training plan.
According to Victor, the problem comes when people emphasize shrugs too much. Too high of a volume can create an imbalanced look. The traps grow while the surrounding areas lag behind, which often makes the lifter appear more narrow. Shrugs should support your physique, not dominate it.
As for the fan’s shoulder issues, Victor pointed out that behind the neck movements are known troublemakers. They place the shoulder in a compromised position and raise the risk for long term injury. If someone’s shoulders are in rough shape, this is one likely culprit. Victor reminded listeners to always listen to their bodies before damage becomes irreversible. If a lift feels unstable or painful, stop long before something tears or locks up.
Bob Cicherillo Calls the Bench Press the Worst Exercise in the World – Victor Responds.
The next topic centered on a bold claim from Bob Cicherillo. Bob had argued that the bench press is the worst exercise in the world because of how often it leads to pec tears. Victor Matinez’s reaction blended respect for the classic movement with an honest look at its dangers.
Victor acknowledged that he does agree with Cicherillo – the risks are real. The bench press has caused many injuries, and pec tears are a common issue among those who push too heavy without proper warm up or form. At the same time, he stressed that the bench press is a foundational part of bodybuilding history. Its cultural impact runs deep. There is nothing more iconic than loading up a barbell, lying back, and pressing it from your chest. For many, the bench press is the purest expression of upper body strength.
From a growth perspective, Victor still believes the bench press is unmatched. Other exercises support chest development, but no machine can match the direct impact and overall engagement of a proper bench press. For lifters who want serious chest progress, the bench press remains one of the best tools available.
Even so, Victor urged caution. Warm ups should never be skipped. Form should always come first. A spotter is a must when lifting heavy. And above everything else, lifters must listen to their bodies. Push too far past your limits and the risk of a pec tear becomes very real.
Victor also gave a personal verdict. While he benched heavily during his competitive years, he would never bench press today. As he explained, he is older, retired from competition, and focused on preserving his health. He believes people can safely bench into their younger years and through their 40s. After that point, it may be wiser to scale back and shift to movements with lower injury risk.
The takeaway was clear: bench responsibly.
Charlie Sheen Used Steroids to Add 10 MPH to His Fastball for Major League
The hosts then moved to a headline outside the bodybuilding world. Charlie Sheen recently admitted that he used a cycle of steroids to add roughly ten miles per hour to his fastball for his role in the film Major League. The steroids helped him throw up to 85 miles per hour.
Victor Martinez was not shocked. He explained that actors who take on physical roles are usually given top tier trainers who can guide them safely and efficiently. In this case, the quick timeline and athletic demands of the role likely led to the introduction of steroids as a shortcut. Victor did not think it was worth using steroids just to add ten miles per hour, but noted that considering Charlie Sheen’s history of wild choices, this probably ranked low on his list of risky decisions.
He also suspected that the process was likely supervised by experts who ensured Sheen avoided serious health issues during the short cycle.
Edwin added that Hollywood has a long history of steroid assisted transformations. Actors have spoken openly about the pressure to change their physique or performance ability under tight production schedules. The idea that big transformations happen naturally is unrealistic, and the industry has known this for years.
Jay Cutler Compares Martin Fitzwater’s Consistency to
The final topic involved a memorable comparison from Jay Cutler. Jay said that Martin Fitzwater’s consistency reminds him of the late Gustavo Badell. For Victor, this struck a personal note because he knew Gustavo well and respected him deeply.
Victor agreed with Jay’s point about consistency. Fitzwater shows steady progress and a reliable work ethic, two traits that Gustavo also had. But Victor added a key distinction. Gustavo had a fire in him that was rare. He had a beast like intensity, a relentless drive that set him apart. From what Victor has seen, Fitzwater does not carry that same extreme force in his personality. Yet when it comes to discipline and consistent improvement, the comparison makes sense.
Wrap Up
This episode of The Generation Iron Podcast highlighted why the show continues to resonate with fans. The discussions ranged from lighthearted holiday eating tips to serious training safety advice and thoughtful reflections on legends in the sport. Victor brought humor, honesty, and experience to every topic, while Edwin and Vlad guided the conversations with sharp questions and timely insights.
Whether the topic was bench press danger, steroid use in Hollywood, or the mindset of rising athletes, the hosts kept the conversation grounded in real world wisdom. It was another strong episode filled with practical advice, authentic reactions, and stories that connect both seasoned lifters and everyday fans.
