How much ya bench? Every one of us has either asked that question or had others ask us. As bodybuilders, we get that question fairly often from regular folks who have no idea we focus more on the development of our physiques than the amount of weight we can lift. Yet even among our own, there has always been a fascination with that most basic of upper body lifts. We even tend to follow current world records. That s why I was happy to speak recently with Kentucky s Julius Maddox, who for the past several years has been the strongest raw bench presser alive. He had quite a story to tell, as Julius turned his life around from being a drug addict and prison inmate to one of the strongest human beings on earth. We spoke about his troubled past, how he accidentally discovered his talent, the raw vs. equipped debate, and more.
By Steve Blechman
Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead has spectacular structure, shape and symmetry, but like all bodybuilders he’s had to work long and hard to build and carve a championship physique. Chris has had a friendly rivalry with two-time champ Breon Ansley for years, but at the 2020 Olympia, Chris Bumstead drastically improved his back and biceps, and at just 25 years old, decisively stormed his way to a second Olympia title. Chris Bumstead is the reigning king of Classic Physique who has more than earned his spot on the cover of this month’s Muscular Development.
MD’s Giles Thomas talked to Chris Bumstead about the improvements he has made, his growing confidence in his abilities, and his long-term goals in the sport for this month’s cover story, “The Classic Ideal! Chris Bumstead Seals the Deal With 2 Olympia Titles.”