Chris Bumstead Discusses Retirement, Taking “Year-By-Year” Approach: ‘My Answer Always Is That I Want One More Olympia’
Chris Bumstead admits it was “a little foolish” to try and predict when he will retire.
Chris Bumstead has created a brand for himself and has become one of the biggest stars in bodybuilding, despite of his division. Classic Physique continues to grow and Bumstead has a lot to do with it. In a recent interview, Bumstead explained how he has changed his views a bit on retirement and is now taking a “year-by-year” approach.
Bumstead was able to take the Classic Physique Olympia title from Breon Ansley in 2019 and has not relinquished it since. He is the reigning three-time champion and will be looking for his fourth in a row come December.
On social media, Bumstead has shared many videos of diets and workouts that he uses during his prep for the biggest show of the year. In the past, Bumstead has discussed retirement but he recently changed his tone and has taken on a different approach.
Chris Bumstead Taking “Year-By-Year” Approach
Chris Bumstead was asked about his retirement during a recent interview with Muscular Development Magazine. He admitted that he is not putting a timeline on his career.
READ MORE: Why Does Chris Bumstead Take Multiple Ice Baths Per Week?
“You talked a couple years ago about retiring by 30…You’ve got a good handle on your health now. Three titles already. You’re still only 27. Do you still think ‘I need to retire by this with this many titles’ or is it more year-by-year?” Bumstead was asked.
“I’m definitely taking it more year-by-year, for sure. I think it was a little foolish to try and predict the day that I would be ready to be done. I think it’s more something now, where I’m more genuinely, my answer always is ‘I want one more Olympia.’ So people will say ‘oh, so you’re done this year?’ And I’m like ‘no. I just want one more.’”
Then depending how this year goes and I feel, mentally and physically, and afterwards if I’m excited and hungry for more, I’m going to do another. If I don’t, I won’t,” Bumstead said.
Chris Bumstead continued to explain how this mindset has allowed him enjoy competing and enjoying the moment rather than setting goals and limits.
“Having that kind of detachment that I don’t have to do it has allowed me to fall into a mindset where I get to compete and I’m more excited to. It’s something that I’m grateful for being able to do instead of something that I have to do saying ‘I have to compete and be a five-time, six-time champion.’ I get one more year at least. I’m going to give it my all. Depending on that, I might give it another one. Just enjoying the minute.”
Chris Bumstead leads the way for a division in bodybuilding that is growing, both in size and in talent. The expectations from the public can put pressure on competitors and Bumstead believes that this is one of the biggest challenges each year.
“It’s more of a mental challenge to continuously stay on top and keep doing things, and when there’s a lot of outside noise coming in constantly, the eyes are on you, expectations are on you, and that can change things for sure.”
What we do know is that Chris Bumstead will be on stage come December looking for his fourth consecutive title. Following the 2022 Olympia, we will learn a bit more about the future of Bumstead on stage.
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