Bodybuilding fans in 2024 watch training videos from the current crop of athletes, such as 2023 Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford and the popular Nick Walker for training inspiration. Who doesn’t want to train, albeit scaled, like the best bodybuilders in the world?
Fans of a previous era watched training videos on DVD or on YouTube in its early days. The athletes they watched likely included eight-time Mr. Olympia competitor Branch Warren and 12-time Mr. Olympia competitor Johnnie Jackson.
The gap between the two generations narrowed recently thanks to a training video featuring Jackson and Warren featured on the GASP YouTube channel. It’s unclear when the video of their training session was filmed, but it was published on Jan. 9, 2023. Check it out below:
The black and white video began with Warren and Jackson beginning their training session at the famous Metroflex Gym in Arlington, TX. Warren, Jackson, and an unnamed training partner performed incline bench presses, working to multiple top sets of 315 pounds. Drop sets were included in the final set of every exercise.
Warren and Jackson’s second exercise was the flat dumbbell press. They started with 100-pound dumbbells and worked up to 140s before their closing drop set. The third exercise was one they were both famous for: chain dips.
The two Olympia veterans wrapped three massive unmarked chains around their shoulders and repped out dips to failure. Once there, they shrugged off one chain and continued dipping to failure until they were left only lifting their body weight.
Jackson and Warren included a multi-grip barbell flat bench, pec deck, and seated cable flyes in their routine. Even though critics might call out their form, the training intensity brought by both bodybuilders was revered by fans during their onstage careers.
Branch Warren and Johnnie Jackson’s Push Day Workout
Below is a breakdown of the exercises Jackson and Warren performed:
- Incline Barbell Bench Press — 3-4 sets x 10-15 reps
- Flat Dumbbell Bench Press — 3-4 sets x 10-15 reps
- Weighted Dips — 3-4 sets x 10-15 reps
- Multi-Grip Barbell Bench Press — 3-4 sets x 10-15 reps
- Pec Deck — 3-4 sets x 10-15 reps
- Seated Cable Chest Flye — 3-4 sets x 10-15 reps
*The last set of each exercise is a drop set.
Bodybuilding’s Greatest
Warren competed as a pro from 2004 to 2016. His most notable pro show wins were at the Arnold Classic in 2011 and 2012. He won silver at the 2009 Mr. Olympia contest won by Jay Cutler. Warren retired after the 2016 Arnold Classic with nine pro wins.
Jackson competed as a pro from 2002 to 2017, with a one-year comeback in 2020. His signature pro victories were the 2017 Arnold Africa contest and the 2017 Toronto Pro Supershow. Jackson won six career pro shows. His highest Olympia finish was ninth, achieved in 2007 and 2012.
Featured image: @thebranchwarren on Instagram
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