Any bodybuilder or physique athlete who has competed knows the following statement: “Bodybuilding shows are won from the back.” As cliché as it may sound or read, the message can’t be ignored. When you face the curtain and reveal your back to the judges, it better be on point. If it isn’t, you’ll find yourself making your way down the placings real fast. Width, density, and detail are all factors to look for when you’re looking at the back of a physique athlete.
The 2021 Mr. Olympia is approaching quickly, and everyone that will be gracing the stage in Orlando on the weekend of Oct. 7-10 are working hard on back day. Some competitors are keeping their plans and programs under wraps while others are so confident that they are sharing progress pics and clips of themselves in action at the gym. The athletes that are below are leaving no stone unturned, no weight unlifted, and no rep left behind.
The 2021 Tampa Pro and Texas Pro winner has served notice that he is taking every title and placing he can reach. This rising star out of Canada has really focused on making his back look as thick and powerful as possible. Check out how he is pulling and controlling seven plates on the seated row machine. Obviously he isn’t lacking strength, either.
Valliere’s brother-in-law happens to be the two-time defending Classic Physique Olympia champ, and it’s clear that he isn’t resting on his laurels. C-Bum can be seen here taking five plates per side for a ride on deadlifts. Any competitor that will be facing him may want to make back training a priority if they want to be compared to him.
Jewett has become a perennial contender in the 212 division. He has finished as high as fourth on the Olympia stage. The Texan performs his sets with precision and control. One example of his execution can be seen with the single-arm lat pulldown that he featured in one of his latest Instagram posts. Even through his shirt, you can see the lat is doing a lot of hard work.
The 2019 Men’s Physique Olympia winner, Raymont Edmonds, placed second last year to now two-time champion Brandon Hendrickson. His lats have been a priority during his prep. That’s why he is using the T-Bar Row with close grips and without a chest pad. The deep stretch he is getting at the bottom of each rep will make that area even better. He’s living proof of his slogan: “Your Ambition Manifests Success.”
This Women’s Physique superstar knows basics still work best. That’s why she has been relying on pullups to make her back as wide and detailed as possible. That’s good because she will need it when she faces reigning Ms. Physique Olympia Sarah Villegas in Orlando this October. Aside from the impressive physique she has, she is also an incredible athlete.
