The 2023 Pittsburgh Pro is set to be a star-studded event as a lineup of bodybuilding talents is expected to guest pose at the competition this weekend. In a recent episode of The Truth Podcast, Hany Rambod, a renowned bodybuilding coach, previewed the show and provided updates on Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Chris Bumstead. Last year, Lunsford stole the show at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro, guest posing alongside other Open class talents without appearing undersized. This prompted Olympia officials to award him with a special invitation to compete in the Open category, which he accepted and asserted himself as a title contender. At the 2022 Mr. Olympia event, Hadi Choopan claimed gold while Lunsford, who debuted in the Open class, walked away in second.
Rambod discussed the off-season progress of Lunsford, Choopan, and Bumstead, stating that he sometimes implements a ‘dry run’ before starting a prep, where he manipulates water, sodium, and carbohydrate intake. He added that Lunsford was attempting to keep his weight controlled last year, but that won’t be the case this weekend. Rambod believes the Pittsburgh Pro sets up the rest of the bodybuilding calendar. Following the guest posing obligation, he plans to lay out more aggressive game plans for Lunford, Choopan, and Bumstead.
The reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan is now training at 100% intensity, according to Rambod. Bumstead’s stem cell therapy treatment helped his torn bicep, and Rambod believes they are looking to hit new ‘milestones’. Rambod stressed the need to keep all of his athletes within striking distance for the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia competition. He believes that getting all the guys in striking distance to start the prep is really what it’s all about at this point. Rambod also discussed Nick Walker’s potential as an IFBB Pro, underlining his love and loyalty for bodybuilding, expressing that he ‘lives the sport 24/7.’
Fellow coach and guru, Chris Aceto, rendered his thoughts on the guest posing gathering in Pittsburgh. He anticipates an on-stage battle between Lunsford and Big Ramy given the strengths of their respective physiques. Regardless, he stressed that the Pittsburgh guest posing event is an opportunity to leave an impression with judges months from Olympia. A packed lineup will take over Pittsburgh this weekend, including Nick Walker, Hunter Labrada, Samson Dauda, Derek Lunsford, Big Ramy, and Shaun Clarida.
The Pittsburgh Pro is a significant event in the bodybuilding calendar, with many of the sport’s top athletes gathering to showcase their talents. The guest posing show this weekend is expected to be a thrilling event, with a star-studded lineup of bodybuilders set to take the stage. Fans and judges alike will be eagerly watching to see how these athletes perform, as the results of this event could have a significant impact on the rest of the bodybuilding season. With Rambod and other top coaches in attendance, the competition is sure to be fierce, and the athletes will be pushing themselves to their limits to leave a lasting impression on the judges.
