For Mike Sommerfeld, 2026 started as a challenging year when he failed to compete in the Arnold Classic in Ohio because he did not meet the required weight limit of 200-205 lbs (depending on height measurement) and missed it by 6 to 7 lbs. But it did not take long to show the bodybuilding world and his opponents that he still had the power and earned 1st place at the Arnold Classic UK.

Now, as the most anticipated Mr. Olympia approaches, Sommerfeld is not only training at 100 percent but also regularly sharing his workout videos and updates on his Instagram. Recently, he shared 5 vital lessons from his coach, Neil Hill.

On July 12, Sommerfeld, on his Instagram channel, shared a post featuring Hill, with the caption, “This is what @neil_yoda_hill1 found out about me. We collected a lot of Data and Information over the last 8 Years we worked together. Here are 5 Key findings.”

As per the Instagram video, the 5 findings include:

• Coach Neil changed my foods to higher carbs than high fats. Because he found out my body handles carbs well and makes me look fuller
• Mostly, he has to pull me back from work instead of pushing me harder
• That recovery is one of my most important pillars to become better
• Nutrition is a big trigger when it comes to my Look
• Supplementation is key to keep my healthy.

Sommerfeld partnered with Hill in 2019, when Hill became Pro, and has since been trained by Hill. Under Hill's guidance, the German bodybuilder has earned 2 Arnold Classic titles, including the 2025 Arnold Classic Ohio and the 2026 Arnold Classic UK.

Hill also knows how to train the bodybuilder for any competition.

“So I've been coaching Mike since the 1st of January 2019," Hill said in a 2024 Instagram post. "And every year I feel that we've made a positive progression and a positive change with his physique, but also not just his physique on stage but how he holds himself, how he carries himself, how he applies himself off stage as well.”

And Sommerfeld’s fans are waiting to see how the bodybuilder carries himself at the 2026 Mr. Olympia, where he will face powerful bodybuilders like Andrea Mammoli, Wesley Vissers, and Ramon Rocha Queiroz.

One thing Sommerfeld needs to do to outshine competitors is intense training. And Hill is leaving no room in that area.

Mike Sommerfeld’s 2026 Olympia preparation guided by Neil Hill

On July 6, Sommerfeld shared a YouTube video on his channel featuring his coach, Hill, who was seen guiding the German bodybuilder in training more effectively for the 2026 Mr. Olympia.

Exercises performed by Sommerfeld include the following:

• Seated Pec Fly
• Gym Loco Machine Press
• Machine Incline Press
• Standing Side Lateral Machine Raise
• Seated Machine Tricep Pushdown
• Bent-Over EZ Bar Triceps Extension

During the session, Sommerfeld was observed receiving a suggestion from Hill, who instructed him to focus on his posture during the incline chest press. In addition, Hill advised Sommerfeld to adjust his position higher on the left side to improve the biomechanical alignment of the movement.

What are your thoughts on Hill training Sommerfeld?

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for all things fitness!

Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi