Since entering the competitive bodybuilding scene in 2019, Erin Banks has become one of the sport’s most famous athletes. By 2021, he was second in his Men’s Physique Olympia and won the title in 2022.
Three months later, in March 2023, Banks won his second Arnold Classic title, successfully defending his first title the year before. Banks, who has lifetime Olympia qualification as the reigning champion, will be looking to defend his title November 2-5, 2023 in Orlando, Florida.
bar bend I learned to catch up with Banks enjoying the downtime he earned How he navigated and won the sport’s two biggest contests in a three-month window in a rowAdditionally, he shared his workout preferences and mentioned whether there is any truth to the fact that he may one day compete in the Classic Physique division.
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The secret is a solid routine
Banks’ training starts at 4:30 am. Before turning his attention to his busy home life, he wakes up early to try out some fasting cardio at the gym. He then begins his day by helping the children get ready for school.
Similarly, the early morning tradeoff is the evening. Banks will be released by 8:00 p.m. at the latest to allow adequate recovery time.
“When I’m really locked up for these shows and preparations, I’m in bed by 7 p.m.,” Banks says. bar bend“Recovery is key, so I don’t like pushing it away.”
Indeed, the past few months have been tough for Banks, who has been slowing things down to prioritize his recovery. Did you? He prioritized consistency.
“Routine is very important,” says Banks. “I believe a lot of my success is based on what I do every day. Adapt and stay focused.”
reluctant bodybuilder
Before competing on stage, Banks was on soccer, basketball, and track teams in high school before studying kinesiology in college. Although he’s athletic and knows how his body works, he says he never wanted to be a bodybuilder. But in 2017, bodybuilder and coach Terry Reeves “begged” Banks to give it a try.
Banks’ initial reaction was, “I really don’t want to compete.” However, after seeing photos of the Men’s Physique contestants, he felt their aesthetics were within his bounds.
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Banks has a natural confidence that has contributed to his winning streak. We feel that his charisma impressed the judges. With so many things at stake today, Banks practices the poses for up to an hour each day.
Between his victories at the 2022 Olympia and the 2023 Arnold Classic, Banks was training for maintenance. Because Banks’ physique was already ranked among the best in the world in Las Vegas, Nevada. They hit the stage in Columbus, Ohio.
“We tried to keep every other body part, but when you start exercising to the extreme, it all grows,” says Banks. I did.”
But just because it’s the best in the world doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. Banks is now focusing on his upper chest, which he feels is the weak point of his physique.
stick to a nutrition plan
While cutting, Banks burns about 2,700 calories per day. By about 10 weeks away from competition, he’s up to his 3,200 calories. He gets most of his nutrition from chicken breast, rice and broccoli. It may sound boring, but it works.
When you want to be the best, taste doesn’t matter.
Banks adds a quarter tablespoon of pink Himalayan salt and “a little” Mrs. Dash seasoning to all meals “to keep some flavor.” At the start of the preparation, before the cutting begins, he also allows himself condiments such as hot sauce and mustard.
“At that 10- to 12-week mark, we push that sort of thing aside,” Banks said. “It’s based on being the best. I’ve never been bored with food, so for the last three years I’ve been eating the same thing and getting ready. to the point of being untraceable.It’s a mental game.”
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Banking Offseason: Cheat Meals and Charity
Following the 2023 Arnold Classic, Banks said he was taking a two-and-a-half month break, which is unusual for his time as a professional bodybuilder.
“You can sit outside for the next couple of hours without worrying about eating,” says Banks. “That’s my resting place. I can probably go four or five hours without eating anything. That’s the best thing in the world right now.”
Banks admits to being just as disciplined and sweet-toothed as he is in the kitchen. His go-to cheat meal is at The Cheesecake Factory, and when the waiter asks for an order, he pulls no punches.
“Fries with mac and cheese balls, avocado spring rolls….with carrot cake and the best Oreo cheesecake,” says Banks.
When he’s not prepping and mashing cheesecakes, Banks is helping out his community through the annual Sock Drive, an initiative to help homeless people in Fresno, California get socks. spending time on By 2022 he will have delivered over 1,500 pairs.
Erin Banks back workout
Banks invested a portion of his winnings in a new self-titled apparel line featuring his silhouette in an NBA-style logo. His gym bag already has wrist wraps, knee sleeves and a camera. Banks takes his workout plans to the gym.
“I don’t put much in my gym bag,” says Banks. “I drink a protein shake and a pre-workout before I hit the gym. It’s that simple.”
Banks is known for his wide V-taper and thick rear deltoids, but he says he has a “love-hate relationship” with back training. Here’s a sample back workout that Banks does twice a week as part of his splits.
- Straight Arm Lat Pulldown: 4 x 20 (moderate weight for warming up)
- Chest support T-bar low: 4×8-12 (Heavy)
- Seated Lat Pulldown: 4×8-12 (Heavy)
- Rack pull: 3×10 (Super Heavy)
- “Ebanks Row” (his signature hyper-extended row): 4 x 10 (super heavy)
A workout cooldown consists of pose exercises after the pumps are set to help combat fatigue to emulate the experience of being on stage.
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In an Instagram post on March 11, 2023, Banks hinted that he might one day compete in the Classic Physique division. how serious was he? he’s pretty serious
“I weigh about 225 pounds when I’m on stage. In comparison, me and Chris Bumstead are about the same height,” says Banks. “I think the Classic weight limit is 242 pounds for him.
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Featured Image Courtesy: Arnold Sports Festival
