Despite Total Dominance in Classic Physique, This Is Why Chris Bumstead Still Continues to Compete

Five-time Classic Physique champion Chris Bumstead has dominated the stage for half a decade. Despite the best efforts of rivals Ramon Dino, Urs Kalecinski, Terrance Ruffin, and former champion Breon Ansley, Bumstead remains on the throne. Earlier, Professor Jordan Peterson asked why CBum continues to compete when he no longer has anything to prove.

While appearing on Jordan Peterson’s podcast, the bodybuilding icon revealed what continues to drive him. Although winning five Olympia titles has been the among the biggest challenges so far, Bumstead doesn’t just want to rack up trophies to his name. Instead, it’s a deeply personal reason that keeps the bodybuilder coming back year after year with an improved physique.

Bumstead talks about how the Mr. Olympia shaped his life

While answering Peterson’s question, Chris Bumstead explained that this is a question he often asks himself. However, for him “It’s not about the trophies or the medals around your neck.” It’s “more about the person I’ve become in this journey,” added the champion bodybuilder.

Bumstead sometimes feels that getting injured multiple times and battling an autoimmune disease on top of the Olympia prep is too challenging. Yet, he has fallen in love with everything he learned throughout the journey. Rising above his circumstances to come out on top taught him physical and mental perseverance.

“I’ve fallen in love with that growth,” the bodybuilder told Jordan Peterson. Taking a page out of Peterson’s book, Bumstead said that it’s the kind of growth Peterson said is necessary to become a better version of oneself. According to CBum, leaving the sport would mean losing out on further opportunities for growth.

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While CBum acknowledged that impending fatherhood will also be a challenge, he doesn’t want to stop competing just yet. In fact, CBum is preparing to take on the biggest challenge of his life as he looks to be a father and a champion simultaneously.

Chris Bumstead is taking a step back

As Chris Bumstead and Courtney King await the birth of their child, the former is back on the drawing board. Bumstead is healing himself while his rivals prepare to compete in the Arnold Classic Physique title in March. Last year, the champion tore his lat muscle while preparing for the Olympia on top of the other injuries he had accumulated from previous years.

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While his hamstring and bicep tear have healed, the effects of these injuries have stacked up. The King of Classic Physique has developed some minor mobility and flexibility issues. Hence, he is actively working with a coach to fix any imbalances or tightness in his body. CBum doesn’t want to get injured while preparing to earn his fourth Classic Physique title.

Hence, it is safe to say that while winning titles plays a role; the champion keeps coming back for personal growth.