The Mr. Olympia competition dates back nearly 60 years and counts Arnold Schwarzeneger among the winners who’ve helped define bodybuilding culture. Yet it’s much more than a beefcake contest. The Olympia has evolved into a weekend of events, including a fitness expo where the general public can sample protein bars, supplements, and other health products. This year, the extravaganza comes to Resorts World for the first time, October 10 -13. The reigning Mr. Olympia, Derek Lunsford, shares the details.
The Olympia has a long history in Las Vegas, but was in Orlando the past two years. Is it now back where it belongs?
“Las Vegas is the best place in the world for entertainment, so it’s only right that the Mr. Olympia is held here. When I come to Las Vegas, I feel the presence of the Olympia weekend. The first Olympia I did was here in Vegas. The last two titles I won were in Orlando. So, I haven't been super lucky here in Las Vegas, but I feel that this is the year that — if I had to put money on it — I’m going to take it home at Resorts World.”
Save me a protein brownie 💪😋 (Olympia Productions)
Bodybuilders notoriously consume lots of calories. What’s the average day like for you?
“As I'm getting ready for the Mr. Olympia, there are no beats that I miss. Every day is pretty routine. It consists of waking up, doing my cardio, posing a little bit, getting my first meal in and a couple of meals after that as I rest and get prepared. I go to the gym midday and have a training session that lasts 2-3 hours. And then I'll get another meal in, come home, do some cardio, maybe eat another meal or two and go to bed. Massage therapies are beneficial to the physique as well, so I’m not skipping those either.”
Settle the debate. Egg yolks: yay or nay? Arnold says to eat the whole egg.
“Yeah, you gotta eat them, man. I like to have a couple egg yolks in the morning, for sure. They're not gonna hurt you. Maybe when I'm getting ready for a competition, we cut the fats back, ‘cause the yolk has a little bit of fat in it, but yeah … That’s the hack right there. You have to eat a lot of eggs if you wanna get yolked.”
