Canadian bodybuilder Chris Bumstead, six-time winner of the Classic Physique Mr Olympia, is sending a clear message that strength is back on his agenda. In a new Instagram post, Bumstead shared how he is back to moving big weights and doesn’t plan on holding back at the gym.

The Instagram post features Bumstead setting himself up for an elevated deficit deadlift. He is standing on two bumper plates, raising his feet a few inches off the floor. This helps increase his range of motion, forcing him into a deeper starting position and making the deadlift more challenging.

“Strength phase is officially in session. Because functional isn’t supposed to mean weak,” stated the caption of the post.

Within just 24 hours, Bumstead’s post gathered over 352K likes, with several people taking immense inspiration from his training and his mindset.

According to Bumstead, the concept of functional fitness requiring the sacrifice of strength is a myth. He believes that functional training and strength building should complement each other.

A lot of people may hold a misconception that functional trainers use only light weights or end up losing strength. Bumstead wants to break that misconception, proving that he can train for mobility and athleticism while gaining strength.

Along with shifting focus to strength training, Bumstead fuels his body with a strict high-protein diet designed to support performance and recovery.

What Chris Bumstead eats to fuel heavy training and recovery

When it comes to fueling his body, Bumstead is very careful about what he puts on his plate. As such, he enjoys high-protein whole foods that support muscle growth, performance, and recovery.

His goal is to find the right balance that helps him stay functional and mobile while enjoying a jacked physique.

"Building and maintaining muscle isn't just about aesthetics; it plays a huge role in longevity, overall health, and keeping your metabolism strong,” he said in an interview with Business Insider.

During the same interview, he revealed how he eats nutritious whole foods that keep him fuller for longer, preventing the need to snack. His typical breakfast consists of eggs and a smoothie.

Lunch, for Bumstead, could be a combination of rice and a protein-rich option like ground turkey. More often than not, he indulges in two dinners, opting for the same combination along with potatoes, rice, and fish.

He also revealed how he might change the size of his portions as per his body goals and requirements, but his diet stays mostly the same.

His calorie intake can fluctuate anywhere between 5,000-6,000 calories daily during bulking phases and 3,700-3,800 calories during training or off-season phases.

Bumstead has always been vocal about eating a healthy, wholesome diet, no matter what training phase he is in. What do you think of Bumstead’s approach to functional training?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi