Who is Chris Bumstead (aka CBUM): The Making of the Most Influential Man in Fitness

Get ready to dive into the life of one of the most prominent names in bodybuilding. If you're a fan of bodybuilding, you may have heard of Chris Bumstead. He's a professional bodybuilder from Canada who has made a name for himself in the sport over the past few years. In this article, we'll take a closer look at who Chris Bumstead is, his background, career, and achievements.

Early Life and Background

Chris Jonathan Bumstead, an IFBB Classic Physique professional bodybuilder, was born on February 2, 1995, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is a four-time consecutive Classic Physique Olympia champion, winning first place in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Bumstead was also featured in the documentary film, Generation Iron 3.

During his childhood in Canada, Bumstead participated in various sports. He quickly realized that in order to achieve greatness, he needed to put in extra effort and train on his own time. This drive to excel and improve has been a constant motivator throughout his life.

Bumstead's passion for bodybuilding was sparked by his sister's boyfriend, Iain Valliere, who encouraged him to compete and coached him throughout the process. Bumstead took his first step on stage in 2014 and was immediately hooked. He knew that he had discovered his true calling and was determined to compete at the highest level.

Outside of the gym, Bumstead enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active. He's an avid snowboarder and loves hitting the slopes during the winter months. He's also a fan of hiking and camping, and often takes trips to explore Canada's beautiful national parks.

In his personal life, Bumstead is known for his kind and humble personality. He's deeply committed to his family and friends, and often credits their support as a key factor in his success as a bodybuilder. Bumstead is also an animal lover, and is often seen playing with his beloved dog on social media.

Professional Career

In 2016, Bumstead won his pro card after winning the IFBB North American Bodybuilding Championship at only 21 years old. He quickly made a name for himself in the Classic Physique division and finished as a runner-up in the Mr. Olympia competition in both 2017 and 2018. However, Bumstead's determination and hard work paid off, and he won the Mr. Olympia title in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 consecutively. He has become a dominant force in the Classic Physique division, and his legacy in the sport is only continuing to grow.

In addition to his success in the Classic Physique division, Bumstead has also been featured in several fitness magazines, including Muscle Insider, Fitness RX for Men, and Muscle & Fitness. He is a sought-after athlete and ambassador for fitness brands and has worked with several notable companies, including Gymshark and Blackstone Labs.

Bumstead is also active on social media, with over 1 million followers on Instagram and over 500,000 subscribers on YouTube. He uses these platforms to share his fitness journey, offer training tips and advice, and inspire others to pursue their fitness goals. Bumstead has also launched his own app, CBum Fitness, where he coaches and shares his training programs with his fans and clients.

Competition History

Chris Bumstead has an impressive competition history, having won numerous titles and accolades throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable achievements:

IFBB Pro League Contest History

• 2022 Classic Physique Olympia, 1st place
• 2021 Classic Physique Olympia, 1st place
• 2020 Classic Physique Olympia, 1st place
• 2019 Classic Physique Olympia, 1st place
• 2018 Olympia Classic Physique - 2nd place
• 2017 Olympia Classic Physique, 2nd place
• 2017 Toronto Pro, 1st place
• 2017 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro - 1st place
• 2016 IFBB Dayana Cadeau Pro Classic Physique - 3rd place

Amateur Contest History

• 2016 IFBB North American Bodybuilding Championships - 1st place (Pro Card)
• 2016 CBBF Bodybuilding Championships Open Heavyweight Division - 2nd place
• 2015 CBBF Canadian National Bodybuilding Championship Men’s Junior Division - 1st place

Training and Diet

Chris Bumstead's success is not just due to his genetic gifts but also his rigorous training and diet regimen. He is a firm believer in hard work and consistency, and it shows in his physique. Bumstead's training includes a combination of heavy lifting and hypertrophy-focused exercises. He focuses on compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, and bench press to build a strong foundation. He also incorporates isolation exercises to target specific muscle groups.

According to Bumstead, "My training is intense, but I always make sure to listen to my body and give it the rest it needs to recover. I also believe in constantly pushing myself to be better and to lift heavier weights."

When it comes to his diet, Bumstead is meticulous and precise. He eats the same six meals a day leading up to a competition for multiple months and only makes minor changes. This allows him to determine what his body needs and make small adjustments to achieve his goals. He also utilizes daily supplements for fat burners, whey protein, testosterone, creatine, BCAAs, and super greens support.

In an interview with Muscle and Strength, Bumstead stated, "I'm very strict with my diet leading up to competitions, but I also make sure to enjoy food in the off-season. It's important to have balance and not deprive yourself of the things you love."

Off-season, Bumstead is more relaxed with his diet and increases his calorie intake while still staying away from fatty foods. "I still maintain a healthy diet even in the off-season, but I allow myself some treats and cheat meals every now and then," he explained in an interview with Generation Iron.

Challenges Faced by Chris Bumstead in His Fitness Journey

Chris Bumstead's journey to becoming a fitness icon has not been without its challenges and difficulties. Here are some of the obstacles he has faced along the way:

1. Injury - Like many professional athletes, Bumstead has had to deal with injuries throughout his career. In 2018, he suffered a back injury that forced him to withdraw from the Mr. Olympia competition that year. This setback could have easily derailed his career, but he persevered and came back stronger the following year.

1. Mental health - In a sport that places such a heavy emphasis on physical appearance, it's easy for athletes to become obsessed with their bodies and develop unhealthy relationships with food and exercise. Bumstead has been open about his struggles with body dysmorphia and the toll that the constant pressure to look a certain way can take on his mental health.

1. Balancing competing with a normal life - Bodybuilding is an incredibly demanding sport that requires athletes to devote countless hours to training and meal prep. Bumstead has talked about the difficulties of trying to maintain a social life and build relationships while also staying focused on his training and competition goals.
   
   
2. Financial struggles - Despite his success in the sport, bodybuilding is not a lucrative profession, and many athletes struggle to make ends meet. Bumstead has spoken candidly about the financial challenges he has faced in his career and the sacrifices he has had to make to pursue his passion.

Despite these challenges, Bumstead has remained committed to his goals and has become one of the most recognizable faces in the world of bodybuilding. His perseverance and dedication serve as an inspiration to athletes and fitness enthusiasts everywhere.

How Chris Bumstead Developed His Physique

Bumstead's training philosophy is centered around progressive overload, which involves gradually increasing the weight or intensity of exercises over time to continually challenge the muscles and stimulate growth. He also emphasizes proper form and technique, ensuring that he performs each exercise with a full range of motion and engages the targeted muscles to their fullest potential.

To achieve his desired aesthetic, Bumstead also focuses on developing his mind-muscle connection, which involves being mindful and intentional about every movement during a workout. He believes that this approach helps him better isolate and activate specific muscle groups, leading to better gains in muscle size and definition.

Another key aspect of Bumstead's training philosophy is balance. While he prioritizes certain muscle groups for aesthetics, he also focuses on developing overall strength and function to maintain a well-rounded physique. This includes working on mobility and flexibility, as well as incorporating conditioning exercises to improve endurance and cardiovascular health.

Overall, Bumstead's training philosophy is a combination of hard work, consistency, and smart programming. He recognizes that building a physique like his takes time and dedication, and he is always looking for ways to improve and optimize his approach to training.

Chris Bumstead's Sources of Income and Estimated Net Worth

Chris Bumstead's accomplishments extend beyond his successful bodybuilding career. He has also established himself as a thriving entrepreneur with two ventures under his belt. CBUM fitness offers a diverse range of athletic apparel, including gym equipment, while Raw Nutrition provides high-quality nutritional products to help fitness enthusiasts reach their goals. Bumstead's expertise and passion for fitness are reflected in both these ventures, showcasing his entrepreneurial skills.

In addition to his businesses, Bumstead's net worth is also attributed to his consistent success in the Mr. Olympia Classic Physique competition. He has won the competition twice, in 2019 and 2020, and placed second in 2017 and 2018. These victories have earned him substantial prize money, with the amount increasing to $50,000 in 2021 and 2022.

Bumstead's entrepreneurial portfolio doesn't stop there. He is a part-owner of Gymshark, founded Revive MD, a company that sells vitamins, and is the CEO of Young LA, a branded outfit company. His diverse ventures are a testament to his business acumen and success.

Through his hard work and dedication, Chris Bumstead has established himself as a successful bodybuilder and entrepreneur, inspiring many through his achievements. His estimated net worth of around $5-6 million dollars is a result of his unwavering passion for fitness and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Chris Bumstead's fitness journey and the dedication he has shown to his craft. Bumstead's story is truly inspiring, and his success serves as a reminder of the power of hard work and dedication in achieving one's goals. Whether you're just starting out on your own fitness journey or looking for motivation to continue pushing yourself to new heights, Bumstead's example is one that you can look to for inspiration. 

So keep striving for your own personal best, and who knows? You might just surprise yourself with what you're capable of achieving!