First Arnold Classic Champ Rich Gaspari Deems Vacuum Pose a ‘Lost Form of Art’ in Debate With Milos Sarcev

Bodybuilding great Milos Sarcev recently reposted a photo that showed Nick Walker showcasing two different physiques. While one was his real figure, the other was a Photoshopped image that had him in a vacuum pose. This started a much-heated debate among bodybuilding experts and fans on the question of vacuum supremacy or whether it was unnecessary. As Sarcev voiced his concern against the requirement of vacuum, Rich Gaspari came forward with amazing counter analogies.

Sarcev pointed out how he never understood why vacuum was preferred. He observed how he believes bodybuilding has always been a sport of muscles rather than ribs which vacuum displays. He thus stated, “I really cannot understand people that think – doing vacuum and showing your ribs is better than showing perfectly deep abs and nearly a perfect 6-pack! Since when is bodybuilding a bone show rather than a muscle show?”

However, in a retort to Sarcev, the 60-year-old former bodybuilder Rich Gaspari, who won the very first Arnold Classic back in 1989, explained some merits of vacuum. Taking to Sarcev’s post, Gaspari commented how he finds vacuum as a lost art form. He stated, “I see a vacuum as lost art form in bodybuilding that gives the illusion of a smaller waist.”

Then Gaspari also proceeded to explain that for some people, the vacuum pose works better than other poses that showcase their muscles. Gaspari noted, “Frank Zane’s hands overhead vacuum is iconic and looked amazing more than his AB pose so i disagree on it looking like bones.” He also defended it by saying how it shows muscle control. He said, “It shows muscle control as well that was lost and now coming back.”

While the debate happened on Sarcev’s post, it first appeared on another Instagram page, where it was put out asking a different question altogether.

What initiated the debate between Gaspari and Sarcev?

The discussion was ignited when mindtomuscle’s official Instagram handle decided to use Photoshop to portray an unlikely scenario that had Nick Walker at center stage. As Walker continued his preparations for the Mr. Olympia months after he had to pull out of the 2023 event owing to a hamstring tear, mindtomuscle showcased The Mutant with a different physique. Posting the photo, the page also asked, “Debate from my last post … Will vacuum pose affect @nick_walker39 front poses or not ..?”

This photo was controversial because Nick Walker’s clearly defined deep abs were exchanged with a vacuum and the question of “What if?” was raised. While many did respond to the post regarding Walker’s physique, none would have thought that it would have led to a debate between two legends like Gaspari and Sarcev.

Between vacuum and deep abs, which do you think is the better pose? Do you think Nick Walker looks better in any of the photos, particularly? Let us know in the comments below.