Irish Bodybuilder Shaun Clarida Prepares for 2023 Mr. Olympia Title Defense
American bodybuilder Shaun Clarida is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation for the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia. In a recent YouTube video, Clarida showcased his intense arm workout as he aims to extend his lead at the top of the 212 class. With just 13 weeks to go until the competition, the reigning champion is focused on bringing a bigger physique to the stage.
Clarida, who began his professional career in 2014, has been a dominant force in the Men’s 212 division for nearly a decade. His impressive muscle mass, size, and conditioning propelled him into the top ten at the 212 Mr. Olympia in 2017. He claimed his first Olympia title in 2020, dethroning former champion Kamal Elgargni. Although he was knocked off by Derek Lunsford the following year, Clarida reclaimed the title at the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
In a previous appearance at the 2023 Arnold Classic, Clarida competed in the Men’s Open division and held his own against some of the industry’s biggest names. Despite the considerable height difference, he finished fifth and received praise as a potential title contender from bodybuilding legend Lee Labrada. Clarida even argued that he could have taken out former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay on the Olympia stage.
However, Clarida made it clear that he would continue to compete in the 212 division and aimed to break the record of legendary bodybuilder Flex Lewis, who holds the most 212 Olympia titles at seven. Under the mentorship of renowned bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod, Clarida detailed his training routine using FST-7 (fascia strength training) to build a massive chest. He also shocked fans with a massive physique update, weighing in at 206 pounds, 20 weeks out from the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
In the recent YouTube video, Clarida demonstrated his dedication to his title defense by crushing an intense arm workout. He revealed that he doesn’t perform arm days every week but incorporates them into his training routine as the competition draws closer. Hammer curls and single-arm overhand dumbbell extensions are his favorite biceps and triceps movements.
Clarida explained, “I always got that one particular exercise that works best for me, my go-to, for biceps it’s hammer curls and for triceps, it’s single-arm overhead dumbbell extensions. It just puts so much tension, resistance, and stretch. It’s just phenomenal and what I contribute my triceps growth to.”
He emphasized the importance of warming up before engaging in heavy compound movements, ensuring that his biceps and elbows are properly warmed up. For his arm workouts, he maintains a rep range of 8 to 12, depending on whether it’s a compound movement or a cable exercise.
Clarida’s arm workout includes exercises such as rope triceps extensions, cable biceps curls, cable triceps pushdowns, dumbbell hammer curls, single-arm overhead triceps extensions, single-arm biceps preacher curls, cross-body triceps extensions, overhead cable curls, triceps dips, and machine exercises.
In addition to his arm workout, Clarida has also shared his back and biceps workout, as well as a grueling lower body workout showcasing his impressive quad development. It is evident that he is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
With his sights set on claiming a third 212 Olympia title, Clarida’s dedication and hard work are evident. As the competition draws near, fans and fellow bodybuilders eagerly await his appearance on stage later this year.
Watch Shaun Clarida’s full arm workout video here: [YouTube link]
Published: 15 August 2023 | 4:19 PM EDT
