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Mr. Olympia Contest 2017 Event in Las Vegas

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       As we head into August, bodybuilding fans and enthusiasts alike are looking forward to the much anticipated 2017 Olympia event in Las Vegas, Nevada! Taking place from September 14 to 17, the Mr. Olympia contest and expo is sure to bring fans from all across the globe for what should be one of the most competitive match-ups we have seen in a while on the main stage.

      With Cedric McMillan winning this year’s Arnold Classic and looking better with his signature conditioning and aesthetic appeal, can Phil Heath continue his reign of dominance and become a 7-time Mr. Olympia 2017 winner? And I personally think that Phil heath becomes Mr. Olympia 2017 winner is Or will the tides turn as we’re starting to see a slight favor towards a more “classic” look and have the judges sway their opinion towards McMillan? With about 3 months left for contest prep, it should be exciting to follow everyone into the contest stage and see if history can be made.

Mr. Olympia 2017 Contests

         Anything can happen leading up to Mr. Olympia and there is a line-up of great competitors able to score an upset on contest night. Big Ramy is looking freakishly huge with recent footage of him, walking at around 320 pounds in the offseason! Dexter “The Blade” Jackson is always prime to take an upset placing with his consistency with being in shape on contest night and remains a threat - even at the age of 47.

            And of course, the big talk this year is the Olympia debut of Sergio Olivia Jr., who is none other than the son of 3x Mr. Olympia winner Sergio “The Myth” Olivia. Can we have the first 2nd generation IFBB bodybuilder win the entire Olympia? It is a long shot, to say the least for this year, but it will be interesting to see how Olivia Jr. gets ready for the stage and time will tell whether he has what it takes to be a future champion.

Mr. Olympia List (taken from contest website this month):

NAME COUNTRY
Beyeke, Lionel France
Bonac, William Netherlands
Curry, Brandon USA
De Asha, Nathan United Kingdom
Elssbiay, Mamdouh Egypt
Heath, Phil USA
Jackson, Dexter USA
Jackson, Johnnie USA
Martinez, Victor Dominican Republic
McMillan, Cedric USA
Oliva Jr., Sergio USA
Osladil, Lukas Czech Republic
Rhoden, Shawn USA
Williams, Gerald USA
Winklaar, Roelly Curacao

 

          Coverage of Mr. Olympia will also feature the 212 division, which has a roster of seasoned vets set to make a competitive line-up this year! Flex Lewis is the reigning 5 x 212 Olympia and will surely be tough to dethrone with his dominating size and conditioning set forth every Olympia contest. With the 2017 Arnold Classic casting a few surprises in this division earlier this year, Ahmad Ashkanani is in a position to create even more upsets when he faces Flex Lewis onstage in September.

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Currently qualified 212 Olympia Contestants:

NAME COUNTRY
Ashkanani, Ahmad Kuwait
Choopan, Hadi Iran
Correa, Eduardo Brazil
Dixon, Charles USA
Henry, David USA
Lewis, Flex United Kingdom
Raymond, Jose USA
Rockell, Ronny Germany
Sadek, Milan Czech Republic

           The Fitness Olympia always puts on a great show in Las Vegas, and Oksana Grishina has won the past 3 Fitness Olympia titles in convincing fashion. Despite being 39 years old, age has not slowed her down and we here at Muscle Mecca predict that Oksana will be a likely 4x Fitness Olympia champion this year.

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Currently qualified Fitness Olympia contestants:

NAME COUNTRY
Da Silva, Regiane Germany
Foroni, Giorgia Italy
Grishina, Oksana Russia
Johnson, Tanji USA
Jones, Whitney USA
Kendall-Williams, Sally USA
Khadr, Ariel USA
Pajunen, Piia Finland
Wagner, Bethany USA

          Who doesn’t love seeing these ladies onstage?! Though there is a wide talent pool of qualified competitors, Latoya Watts brings a package of perfect shape, symmetry, and one of the most impressive v-tapers we have ever seen in the division that will be hard to stop her from winning the title a 4th time. What do you think guys and gals - does anyone have a chance of beating Latoya?

Currently qualified Figure Olympia contestants:

NAME COUNTRY
Calhoun, Andrea USA
Dees, Heather USA
De La Rosa, Swann USA
Fortino, Wendy USA
Garcia, Maria Spain
Gillon, Cydney USA
Grajales, Sandra Mexico
Hammermeister, Stephanie USA
Ivusic, Ivana USA
Jordan, Marlissa USA
Lewis Carter, Candice USA
Martineau, Laurelle USA
Ondrejovicova, Adela Slovakia
Pollard, Andrea USA
Reyes Padilla, Jessica Puerto Rico
Soltero, Natalia Mexico
Watts, Latorya USA
Wilkins, Nicole USA
Yabekova, Martina Canada
Zabavina, Natalia Russia

       With the continuing growth of the sport & more people interested in competing, the Olympia will be featuring more divisions than ever before. Not only will Men’s Physique be featured, but we also have:

  • Men’s Classic Physique
  • Women’s Physique
  • Women’s Bikini

        It will definitely be a long weekend of competition in this year’s iteration of the Olympia. As in years past, the main contest stage will be held at the Orleans Arena with the official hotel venue being the Orleans Hotel (off-strip). Book now if you haven’t already - from my past experience, the Orleans gets fully booked by around July!

The bottom line:

        The Olympia experience wouldn’t be complete without going to the Olympia Expo, so be sure to check that out too! Featuring not only bodybuilding and physique, but the expo is also packed with contests such as powerlifting, strongman, and even jiu-jitsu. As with every year at the expo, they will also be featuring the “Male Model Search” in which you can win an exclusive contract with a media company by showing up at the expo and proving that you have what it takes to be the next big-time model. Details can be found on the Mr. Olympia website.

         By the way, if you want to get your seat to watch the real muscles show, grab your ticket today here

Muscle Mecca signing off for now. We’ll be keeping you posted with continual updates on the Olympia and be providing you coverage as we get closer to September. As always, keep training hard and work on becoming the best version of what you want to be in the gym!

Bodybuilding

Mastering Bodybuilding in 2025: Top Fitness Tips for Success

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Bodybuilding is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle that requires dedication, discipline, and a thorough understanding of fitness principles. As the world of fitness continues to evolve, bodybuilders must stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and scientific advancements to achieve their goals. In 2025, several innovative approaches are redefining bodybuilding. Here are essential fitness tips for bodybuilders to excel this year.

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 Embrace Technology-Driven Workouts

In 2025, technology plays a significant role in bodybuilding. Wearable devices, fitness apps, and virtual reality (VR) training are now integral components of an effective workout regimen.

Wearable Devices

Modern wearables track everything from heart rate and sleep patterns to muscle activation and caloric expenditure. Utilize these devices to monitor your progress and make data-driven adjustments to your training and nutrition plans.

Fitness Apps

Leverage fitness apps for customized workout plans, progress tracking, and virtual coaching. Many apps now incorporate artificial intelligence to provide personalized feedback and recommendations.

Virtual Reality Training

VR technology offers immersive workout experiences, allowing bodybuilders to simulate different training environments and scenarios. This can enhance motivation and add variety to your routine.

Focus on Functional Strength

While hypertrophy (muscle growth) remains a primary goal, functional strength is gaining importance. Functional strength training improves overall performance, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances daily activities.

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Compound Movements

Incorporate compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and joints, promoting balanced strength development.

Core Stability

Prioritize exercises that strengthen the core, such as planks, Russian twists, and leg raises. A strong core supports better lifting mechanics and reduces the risk of lower back injuries.

Optimize Nutrition for Muscle Growth and Recovery

Nutrition is the cornerstone of successful bodybuilding. In 2025, the focus is on personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs and goals.

Protein Intake

Ensure adequate protein intake to support muscle repair and growth. Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on your training intensity and goals.

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Nutrient Timing

Pay attention to nutrient timing to maximize muscle recovery and growth. Consume protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes post-workout to replenish glycogen stores and kickstart muscle repair.

Supplements

Utilize supplements wisely. Creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and omega-3 fatty acids are popular choices for enhancing performance and recovery.

Prioritize Mental Health and Mindfulness

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall fitness. Incorporating mindfulness practices can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance performance.

Meditation

Incorporate meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Mindfulness meditation can enhance your mind-muscle connection during workouts.

Visualization

Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse your workouts. Visualizing successful lifts and achieving your goals can boost confidence and motivation.

Rest and Recovery

Prioritize rest and recovery to prevent burnout and overtraining. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and incorporate rest days into your training schedule.

Leverage Advanced Training Techniques

Advanced training techniques can help break through plateaus and stimulate muscle growth. In 2025, several methods are gaining popularity among bodybuilders.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training: BFR involves restricting blood flow to the muscles during low-intensity exercises. This technique can enhance muscle growth and strength without the need for heavy weights.

Eccentric Training: Focus on the eccentric (lowering) phase of exercises. Eccentric training can stimulate greater muscle damage and growth compared to traditional concentric movements.

Periodization: Implement periodization into your training plan. Varying the intensity, volume, and type of exercises can prevent plateaus and ensure continuous progress.

Incorporate Recovery and Mobility Work

Recovery and mobility are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining optimal performance. In 2025, bodybuilders are paying more attention to these aspects of training.

Foam Rolling and Myofascial Release: Use foam rollers and massage balls to release muscle tightness and improve flexibility. Regular myofascial release can reduce soreness and enhance recovery.

Stretching: Incorporate dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching after workouts. Stretching improves range of motion and prevents muscle imbalances.

Cryotherapy and Hydrotherapy: Explore recovery techniques like cryotherapy (cold therapy) and hydrotherapy (water therapy) to reduce inflammation and accelerate muscle recovery.

 Engage in Continuous Learning and Community Building

The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for success. Engage in continuous learning and connect with the bodybuilding community for support and motivation.

Educational Resources: Read books, watch videos, and attend seminars to stay updated on the latest research and trends in bodybuilding.

Community Engagement: Join online forums, social media groups, and local bodybuilding clubs. Sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow bodybuilders can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Professional Guidance: Consider working with a certified personal trainer or coach. Professional guidance can help you optimize your training and nutrition plans, ensuring you're on the right track.

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Conclusion

In 2025, bodybuilding is more than just lifting weights; it's a holistic approach to fitness that encompasses technology, nutrition, mental health, and advanced training techniques. By embracing these fitness tips, bodybuilders can achieve their goals, stay injury-free, and enjoy a fulfilling fitness journey. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to success in bodybuilding. Stay committed, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun on your path to becoming the best version of yourself.

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Top Video Games for Bodybuilders in 2025

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There are several video games that can be great for bodybuilders, combining fitness and fun! Here are some of the best options:

Ring Fit Adventure (Nintendo Switch)

The game uses the Ring-Con and Leg Strap to guide you through various exercises and adventures. It's a fun way to get a full-body workout while playing a game.

Fitness Boxing 2: VR Boxing Remastered (PlayStation VR)

It offers a full-body boxing workout with a variety of punches and combos. It's a great way to improve your fitness while enjoying a virtual boxing experience.

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Just Dance 2024

This popular dance game gets you moving to the beat with a variety of songs and dance routines. It's a fun way to burn calories and improve your coordination.

Zumba Fitness

Burn It Off (Nintendo Wii): This game offers a fun and energetic Zumba workout, perfect for those who enjoy dancing and want to get a good cardio workout.

Yoga for Beginners

If you're looking for a more relaxing workout, yoga games can help improve flexibility and reduce stress. Many of these games offer guided yoga sessions that you can follow along with.

Gym Tycoon

This game lets you build and manage your own gym, complete with various workout equipment and fitness classes. It's a great way to learn about different exercises and how to create effective workout routines.

The Sims 4: Fitness Stuff Pack

This expansion pack for The Sims 4 adds fitness equipment and activities to the game, allowing you to improve your character's fitness and join the athlete career.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

While not a traditional fitness game, this classic game includes bodybuilding activities that can help your character gain muscle and improve fitness.

Knockout Home Fitness (Nintendo Switch)

This game offers a variety of boxing workouts that can help improve your strength and endurance.

Gym Simulator 24 (PC)

In this simulation game, you can build and manage your own fitness empire, creating workout routines and managing gym equipment.

Let's Get Fit (Nintendo Switch)

This game focuses on pure workouts, allowing you to set programs and follow along with digital trainers for a customized fitness experience.

Beat Saber (VR)

A popular VR game where you slash blocks to the beat of the music, providing an intense full-body workout.

Synth Riders (PlayStation VR)

This game combines freestyle dance and fitness, offering high-tempo tracks and multiplayer modes for a fun and energetic workout.

Yoga Master (PlayStation)

Designed by professional yoga coaches, this game offers a variety of yoga lessons and poses to improve flexibility and reduce stress.

Les Mills Bodycombat (PlayStation VR)

A martial arts-inspired workout game with a range of workout plans and coaching to keep you motivated.

OhShape Ultimate (PlayStation VR)

This game provides a full-body cardio workout with six sessions and two difficulty levels, designed to engage every part of your body.

These games offer a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts, making them great additions to your fitness routine.

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2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

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Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.

The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).

In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions​.

These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status​

Drug Testing

Participants undergo rigorous drug testing to ensure they are not using banned substances. This can include urine tests, polygraph tests, and other methods to maintain the integrity of the competition.

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Categories

Competitions typically feature various categories to accommodate different body types and levels of experience. Common categories include:

  • Men’s and Women’s Bodybuilding
  • Men’s Classic Physique
  • Women’s Figure
  • Bikini
  • Men’s Physique

Judging Criteria

Athletes are judged based on several factors, including:

  • Muscle Mass: The size and volume of muscles.
  • Symmetry: The balance and proportion of the physique.
  • Conditioning: The level of muscle definition and leanness.
  • Presentation: Posing routines and overall stage presence.

Preparation

Competitors often spend months preparing for these events, focusing on strict diet plans, intense workout regimens, and posing practice. The goal is to achieve peak physical condition on the day of the competition.

Community and Support

Natural bodybuilding competitions foster a sense of community among athletes who share a commitment to health and fitness. Many competitors form lasting friendships and support networks through these events.

Starting training for a natural bodybuilding competition is an exciting journey! Here are some key steps to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to compete in a specific category like Men’s Physique or Women’s Figure? Setting clear goals will guide your training and nutrition plans.

2. Create a Training Plan

Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes:

  • Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are essential for building overall muscle mass.
  • Isolation Exercises: Target specific muscles to enhance definition and symmetry.
  • Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to continuously challenge your muscles.

3. Follow a Structured Diet

Nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss:

  • Caloric Intake: Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your goals (bulking or cutting).
  • Macronutrients: Balance your intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Aim for high protein to support muscle repair and growth.
  • Micronutrients: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

4. Incorporate Cardio

Cardio helps with fat loss and improves cardiovascular health. Include both steady-state and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions in your routine.

5. Practice Posing

Posing is a critical aspect of bodybuilding competitions. Practice regularly to perfect your form and presentation on stage.

6. Rest and Recovery

Allow your body to recover with adequate sleep and rest days. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

7. Stay Consistent and Patient

Building a competition-ready physique takes time and dedication. Stay consistent with your training and diet, and be patient with your progress.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in natural bodybuilding. They can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track.

9. Join a Community

Engage with other natural bodybuilders for support and motivation. Online forums, social media groups, and local gyms can be great places to connect.

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Qualifications

The qualifications for natural bodybuilding competitions vary slightly between organizations but generally follow these principles:

Drug-Free Status: Athletes must demonstrate they have been drug-free for a specific period, typically between 5 to 10 years. They are required to pass a drug test, usually through urine samples or polygraph tests, to prove they haven't used banned substances like steroids, hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)​.

Membership Requirements: Competitors often need to be members of the organizing federation. For example, in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), athletes must have a valid WNBF membership to compete​.

Amateur and Pro Divisions: Most competitions have both amateur and professional divisions. To qualify for a pro division, an athlete must first win an amateur event or obtain a “pro card” by performing exceptionally in a recognized event​.

Age and Gender Categories: Athletes are categorized by age and gender. Categories typically include juniors (under 23), open divisions, masters (over 40), and grandmasters (over 50)​.

Entry and Registration: Competitors must pay an entry fee and complete registration. For certain competitions, a pre-qualification based on past performance may be required​.

Distinction Between Natural and Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

The main differences between natural and steroid-based bodybuilding revolve around the methods used to build muscle and the resulting impacts on the body. Here are some key distinctions:

Natural Bodybuilding

  1. Muscle Growth: Achieved through consistent weight training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Muscle growth is gradual and sustainable.
  2. Health: Generally safer with fewer side effects. Promotes overall health, including better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, and increased bone density.
  3. Appearance: Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more balanced and proportionate physique. Muscle definition is less extreme compared to steroid users.
  4. Recovery: Recovery times are longer, requiring more rest between intense workouts.
  5. Competitions: Natural bodybuilding competitions often have strict drug-testing policies to ensure participants are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

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Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

  1. Muscle Growth: Steroids significantly accelerate muscle growth and strength gains. Results are more dramatic and achieved in a shorter time.
  2. Health Risks: Steroid use can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects like mood swings.
  3. Appearance: Steroid users often have a more “enhanced” look with larger muscle mass, visible veins, and extreme muscle definition, even in the off-season.
  4. Recovery: Faster recovery times due to the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
  5. Side Effects: Visible side effects can include acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and changes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Choosing Between the Two

  • Natural Bodybuilding: Ideal for those who prioritize long-term health, sustainable muscle growth, and a balanced lifestyle.
  • Steroid-Based Bodybuilding: Often chosen by those seeking rapid and extreme muscle gains, but it comes with significant health risks and ethical considerations.

Take Away

The main advantage of participating in natural bodybuilding events is the emphasis on health and sustainability. Natural bodybuilding promotes muscle growth through consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, leading to gradual and sustainable results. This approach minimizes health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, such as liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, natural bodybuilding fosters a balanced and proportionate physique, and the strict drug-testing policies in competitions ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants. This focus on overall well-being and ethical competition makes natural bodybuilding a healthier and more sustainable choice.

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