A 3-time Mr. Olympia Runner-up credits one thing above all else. Rich Gaspari recently opened up about how genetics helps one become the world’s best bodybuilder. 

Let’s find out what he said.

On June 15, Gaspari's official Instagram account shared a video of him performing barbell curls. In the caption of the video, he said, 

“Of course, genetics play a role in being one of the best bodybuilders, but with physical genetics, you also need the mental genetics to never give up and push through no matter what. That's what makes a champion.”

According to the video, Gaspari’s ultimate goal is to “become the best, no matter the cost.” Though he was not blessed with perfect proportions, the 3-time Mr. Olympia Runner-up has one thing: grit.

So, the owner of “Gaspari Nutrition” trains himself without taking days off from his workouts, and he has outshone several bodybuilders.

For instance:

• In 1986 at Mr. Olympia, Gaspari placed 2nd, while Bob Paris finished 9th and Lee Labrada 5th.
• At the 1987 Mr. Olympia, Gaspari finished in 2nd place, and Robby Robinson finished in 5th.

He carved out his legacy in the bodybuilding world through his sweat, pain, refusal to quit, and consistency. 

After so many years since his retirement from the sport, he still believed in consistency. On June 9, Gaspari shared a video on his Instagram, captioning 

“If you want to continue to improve in life, whether in your physique or in overall life, you need to strive for perfection but look to be consistent. In the end, consistency will cause improvements."

Even after reaching 63, he still trains regularly to stay healthy and fit.

Rich Gaspari still trains at 63 regularly

On June 16, Gaspari shared a video with his fans on his social media, captioning “RDLs are great to work hamstring tie-ins and lower back. I always include RDL's to work hamstrings.”

In the video, the veteran bodybuilder was seen performing RDLs and advised people to add that exercise to their training routine.

Apart from this, on May 26, he shared a glute-building exercise on Instagram. In the video, he was seen performing reverse lunges on a super squat machine to add variety to his workout. The post reads “Always like to change up my workout with different variations of an exercise…. Really great feel hitting my glutes”

So, to be a legendary bodybuilder, physical strength is important, while “mental genetics” and grit are essential elements.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil