“I’ve Been Here Since the 80s”: 54-Year-Old Mike O’Hearn Gave the Coldest Reply to Critics Accusing Him of Being a Fake Natty in 2022

While the average netizen, who isn’t a bodybuilding fan, might have heard the name Mike O’Hearn after the viral “baby don’t hurt me” memes, the 54-year-old is a veteran bodybuilder. For many bodybuilding fans, Mike O’Hearn’s physique is the epitome of the “natty physique.“ Despite being 54, O’Hearn maintains an exceptionally, chiseled physique and incredible strength.

However, his age-defying body has convinced some fitness enthusiasts that O’Hearn is lying about being a natural bodybuilder. So when bodybuilding and fitness YouTuber Tanner Shuck caught up with O’Hearn, he wanted to know the bodybuilder’s opinion on the criticism. Let’s hear what the American Gladiators star had to say.

The bodybuilding icon’s diplomatic yet cold reply 

On Nov 9, 2022, YouTuber Tanner Shuck uploaded a video on his channel after interviewing bodybuilders at the Dubai Muscle Show. While meeting “the legend Mike O’Hearn,” the self-improvement YouTuber asked the million-dollar question. “A lot of people have accused you of being a fake natty okay, what would you say to the guys that there are natty?” “What do they need to do to achieve a physique like yours?” added Shuck. However, the bodybuilding icon didn’t lash out or dismiss the doubters. Instead, he replied in a calm and collected manner. “I wouldn’t say much to them,” O’Hearn said. However, while answering the second part of the question, he subtly gave those accusing him, a reality check.

“To the guys who want to do this for a long period of time, you got to go back, and you can say whatever you want about me, but I’ve been here since the 80s. And I’m still here today,” said the former Mr. Universe. Alluding to his decades of immense discipline and intense training, O’Hearn said, “So there’s a long road to take. It’s a tough road. But for those that really want it, do the long road won’t do the short term.”

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While no one has proved that the four-time Mr. Universe is a fake natty, neither can anyone deny his work ethic.

Mike O’Hearn’s approach to training

The social media icon has a unique approach to training. Besides being disciplined about his diet and working out for decades, the bodybuilding veteran views strength with a different lens. Instead of traditional bodybuilding techniques, O’Hearn champions a method called power bodybuilding.

The former competitive powerlifter combines both powerlifting and bodybuilding techniques to build incredible strength and gain muscle mass. While talking about his approach to training, O’Hearn once said, “I will create my body so freaking strong that the average stuff doesn’t hurt. And then the muscle will come from the side effect of just lifting and eating right.” What did you make of the bodybuilding icon’s answer to Tanner Shuck’s question? Let us know in the comments. 

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