Derek Lunsford

Two-time 212 Mr Olympia runner-up Derek Lunsford has some things to say about the pressure involved in executing what he and others around him had come to expect.

Not too many people can say they’ve placed second twice at Mr. Olympia. Derek Lunsford can. But in true champion form, these runner up spots are not enough for him. He’s after the gold. To come up short two years in a row is a hard pill to swallow, but those that are destined for greatness are the best at looking introspectively and making adjustments, both physically and mentally. Derek catches us up on the changes he’s made going into the 2020 Olympia with plans to nail this one down.

We are in a constant physical, mental, and spiritual evolution. Whether it's how we approach training, the thought process behind getting ready for a show, or the overall outlook on life, we're always changing, fine tuning, and improving. Derek Lunsford, who has quickly shot from amateur to the upper 1% of the pro ranks, dives deep on how his training has morphed over the past few years.

A champion shouldn't be judged solely on outcomes. In fact, their reaction to defeat is more indicative of what caliber of a winner they are. When someone learns, adapts, and overcomes, that is when they will truly shine. After falling a bit short at the 2019 Mr. Olympia, Derek Lunsford reflects on what he's learned and how he's moving forward.

I have to admit that I haven’t always been great at finding balance in my life with bodybuilding, but I’ve learned how to get better through the years. It’s not an easy thing to do when you’re competing to be the best at something. I’m pulled to capitalize on every minute of every day to set the standard of what it means to be the best bodybuilder in the world. When I “give up” one day of training, I feel like it’s one day I’ve lost. I constantly think about how I can be better today for tomorrow.

There are many lessons to be learned from the Iron but one that sticks out prominently is overcoming adversity—the ability to bounce back after a setback or disappointment. Many talented athletes have fallen to the wayside because they never stood back up once they fell. Champions are defined by how they handle these hardships and still triumph. Derek Lunsford has something to say about it in his latest article.

With 3 weeks to go until the Olympia, Derek Lunsford spits the facts about the importance of going the extra mile when most people throw in the towel. In his latest article, "The Last Push," Derek explains what champions do to separate themselves from the rest.

Legs are one of the most prominent--and important--feature on a pro bodybuilder. If you have weak legs, you're going to have a hard time turning pro, and most certainly underperform among them. Derek Lunsford is known for having a killer set of wheels. He highlights how to build your legs like an IFFB Pro in his latest article.

You know that point between off-season and prep where you gotta make the switch and you have to do it seamlessly? Yeah, we know it too. Derek Lunsford has you covered in his latest article.

Tired of having the same old shake recipe? Try making a mug cake with Animal Whey. Follow Derek Lunsford's directions in his latest video on how to get it to come out perfect.

Successful people not only have physical talent but the mental fortitude to believe, execute, and endure. The missing link between being good and being great is a champion mindset. Derek Lunsford, the 212 Mr Olympia runner up, is known for living each day with passion and forward focus. Read more about it in his latest article “Life Motivation” and get an inside look into the mind of one of bodybuilding’s elite.

Passion is a general love for what you do. It’s what wakes you up in the morning and what you think about as you fall asleep. Far too many people live their lives for the dollar bill or what is convenient, rather than their true passion. Read more as Derek Lunsford dives into the topic in his latest article “Find Your Passion.”