Victor Martinez shares his thoughts on the viral and often controversial Diamond Gym
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast bodybuilding host Victor Martinez discussed a wide range of subjects from managing water retention while running higher testosterone cycles to the nutritional pros and cons of crawfish during Louisiana’s famous crawfish season.
They also explored the evolving relationship between legendary rivals Kai Greene and Phil Heath, compared the judging dynamics of the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia, and addressed rumors about the Arnold Classic potentially relocating to California. And made a point to defend Diamond Gym after it received recent viral online criticism.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed this week:
- Victor Martinez goes all in on the controversial Diamond Gym
- Victor Martinez shares insights regarding testosterone substances and water retention
- Can crawfish be part of a successful bodybuilder diet?
- Will Victor open up his own gym?
- Victor’s reaction to Kai Greene and Phil Heath making amends
- Victor answers: why are the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia results so different?
- Will the Arnold Classic ever move to California?
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading or an in-depth breakdown of the discussion. Let’s dive in!
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Victor Martinez Goes To Bat For Diamond Gym After Viral Controversy
Victor Martinez addressed the recent viral controversy surrounding Diamond Gym, a well-known hardcore bodybuilding gym in New Jersey that has been heavily criticized online.
Some critics claim the gym promotes unsafe lifting practices, pointing to videos of lifters performing partial reps or using what they consider poor form during heavy sets. Martinez pushed back on those claims, arguing that the criticism often ignores the culture and purpose of a hardcore bodybuilding gym.
According to Martinez, Diamond Gym represents something that is becoming increasingly rare in the United States: a training environment built specifically for serious lifters who want to push their limits.
He contrasted that atmosphere with large commercial chains like Planet Fitness, which are designed to be more sanitized and beginner-friendly, often enforcing rules such as their well-known “no yelling” policy.
Martinez believes gyms like Diamond Gym provide a necessary space where experienced bodybuilders can train intensely, chase personal records, and feed off the motivation of others doing the same.
While he acknowledged that some of the online criticism may have valid points, Martinez ultimately defended the gym, saying the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. With so few bodybuilding-focused gyms remaining on the East Coast, he feels it’s important to support spaces that still embrace hardcore training culture.
Managing Water Retention When Running High Testosterone
One of the first fan questions came from a group of gym members who said they run higher testosterone levels and frequently experience significant water retention. They asked if there were safe ways to reduce water retention without resorting to unhealthy shortcuts.
Victor Martinez responded with a direct and cautionary answer: excessive water retention is often a sign that the dosage is too high.
According to Martinez, when someone runs high doses of testosterone or other performance-enhancing drugs, the body may respond with increased fluid retention. While many athletes look for quick fixes such as diuretics or other substances, Martinez advised that the safer approach is much simpler. His main recommendation was to reduce the dosage.
From Martinez’s perspective, persistent water retention can indicate that the body is under stress. Running excessively high levels of testosterone can increase strain on the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart. If the bodybuilder notices unusual bloating or swelling, it may be a signal that the cycle is too aggressive.
He stressed that bodybuilding success should never come at the expense of long-term health. Reducing the dose and taking a more measured approach to performance-enhancing drug use is often the safest solution.
Martinez also reminded listeners that athletes should always cycle responsibly and prioritize health monitoring. While many bodybuilders experiment with various strategies to manage side effects, addressing the root cause is usually more effective than trying to mask symptoms. And of course – always seek medical advice from a doctor.
The key takeaway from Martinez’s advice was clear: if water retention becomes excessive, reconsider the dosage and approach rather than searching for shortcuts.
RELATED: Bodybuilders Are Dying – An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Are Crawfish Healthy? A Bodybuilder’s Perspective
The same fan question included a second topic that was particularly relevant to listeners in Louisiana, where crawfish season is a major cultural event. The fan asked whether crawfish boils are compatible with a healthy diet and overall fitness goals.
Victor Martinez explained that crawfish can actually be a good source of protein, making them a viable food option for people focused on muscle growth or maintaining lean body mass. However, there is an important caveat that many people overlook.
Eating large amounts of crawfish can increase the risk of Gout, a painful form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints.
Shellfish and certain seafood varieties are known to contain compounds that can contribute to elevated uric acid levels in the body. When consumed frequently and in large quantities, this can increase the likelihood of developing gout.
Martinez emphasized that gout is not something to take lightly. The condition can cause severe pain, swelling, and joint inflammation, often affecting the feet and toes. For athletes who rely heavily on mobility and training consistency, it can be particularly disruptive. Because of this risk, Martinez suggested moderation.
His recommendation was to limit crawfish consumption to about twice per week. This allows people to enjoy the food and its protein benefits without significantly increasing the risk of gout.
Interestingly, Martinez also noted that he personally does not eat much shellfish or crawfish. It is simply not his preference when it comes to food choices. Even so, he acknowledged that crawfish can fit into a balanced diet if eaten responsibly.
Why Victor Martinez Hasn’t Opened His Own Gym
Another fan asked Victor Martinez why he has not opened his own gym or built a supplement line, suggesting that his reputation in fitness would likely make both ventures successful.
Martinez revealed that he had actually considered opening a gym in the past. At one point, he even had a promising opportunity lined up with a landlord he knew personally. According to Martinez, the landlord initially promised him a rental space suitable for launching a gym. Unfortunately, the deal fell through when the landlord ultimately gave the space to someone else.
However, Martinez clarified that the second part of the fan’s assumption was not entirely accurate. While he does not currently own a gym, he already has his own supplement brand.
Martinez encouraged listeners to check out his line called Victor Martinez Signature Series, which includes products designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
The brand reflects his years of experience in professional bodybuilding and the supplement industry. While opening a gym remains a possibility in the future, Martinez appears focused on building and expanding his supplement business for now.
Kai Greene and Phil Heath Show Respect at the Arnold Classic
One of the most talked-about moments in bodybuilding recently involved former rivals Kai Greene and Phil Heath sharing a moment of mutual appreciation during the 2026 Arnold Classic weekend.
The two competitors were known for one of the most intense rivalries in modern bodybuilding, particularly during their battles at the Mr. Olympia. During the Arnold Classic weekend, the two men publicly thanked each other for pushing one another throughout their careers.
Victor Martinez reacted to the moment with humor, describing it as “very cute.” But he also emphasized the deeper significance behind it. For him, the exchange showed the difference between professional rivalry and personal animosity.
While Greene and Heath clearly had strong personalities and occasionally clashed during their competitive years, their rivalry was ultimately rooted in passion for the sport. They pushed each other to improve and elevate their physiques.
Now that those battles are in the past, Martinez believes both men can appreciate the role the other played in shaping their careers.
He pointed out that moments like this demonstrate the maturity and professionalism of top-level athletes. Even when rivalries are intense during competition, respect often develops afterward when competitors reflect on how they challenged each other.
Arnold Classic vs Mr. Olympia: Why Results Sometimes Differ
Another major topic on the podcast was the comparison between the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia.
Fans often wonder why athletes who compete at both shows sometimes receive very different placings. Since both events are judged under the same federation, people frequently assume the results should remain consistent.
Victor Martinez explained that the differences are largely due to the structure and context of the competitions. The Mr. Olympia is considered the most competitive bodybuilding show in the world because athletes must qualify to compete. This means the stage is filled with the best bodybuilders from across the globe who have already proven themselves during the season.
The Arnold Classic, on the other hand, typically features invited competitors rather than strictly qualified ones. While the lineup is still elite, the selection process differs.
Another important factor is competition timing and preparation. Even when the same athletes compete at both events, their physiques can change dramatically between shows. Bodybuilding preparation is extremely precise, and small differences in diet, conditioning, or peak timing can significantly affect how a physique appears on stage. Martinez emphasized that each competition is essentially a fresh start.
Two athletes might compete against each other at the Olympia and then meet again at the Arnold Classic months later. But their conditioning, muscle fullness, and stage presence may be completely different by that point.
This variation in preparation often explains why results can shift between competitions.
Does Arnold Schwarzenegger Influence Arnold Classic Judging?
During the conversation, Vlad Yudin raised another question: does Arnold Schwarzenegger influence judging decisions at the Arnold Classic?
Martinez does not believe that Schwarzenegger directly controls how judges score the competition. He acknowledged that Schwarzenegger has strong opinions about bodybuilding physiques and is not shy about expressing them. However, Martinez does not think those opinions translate into official instructions for the judging panel.
Instead, the judging still follows the same criteria used across other IFBB Pro competitions.
Schwarzenegger’s influence is more cultural than technical. As the founder and public face of the event, his opinions naturally carry weight within the community. But Martinez does not believe he is actively dictating results behind the scenes.
Rumors About the Arnold Classic Moving to California
The episode also veered into some rumors circulating in the bodybuilding industry that the Arnold Classic might eventually move from Columbus, Ohio to California.
At the time of the discussion, no official announcement had been made. The speculation appears to be based on internal industry chatter rather than confirmed plans.
Victor Martinez said that, in his opinion, moving the Arnold Classic to California would likely be a mistake. One of his main concerns is the logistical challenges. California’s major cities are known for heavy traffic, higher travel costs, and expensive accommodations. These factors could make the event more difficult for athletes, fans, and vendors attending the massive Arnold Sports Festival expo.
Another concern is space. The current venue in Columbus allows for an enormous expo floor that hosts hundreds of fitness companies, competitions, and demonstrations. Martinez questioned whether a similar setup would be easy to replicate in California.
That said, he acknowledged one reason the move might make sense historically. California is closely tied to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bodybuilding legacy and is where much of his career took shape.
Even so, Martinez remains skeptical that relocating the event would improve the overall experience for attendees.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast delivered a mix of practical advice, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from one of bodybuilding’s most respected veterans.
Victor Martinez provided straightforward guidance on managing water retention while using testosterone, emphasized moderation when it comes to crawfish consumption, and shared personal stories about missed business opportunities and supplement ventures.
The hosts also reflected on the evolution of rivalries in bodybuilding and examined why competition results can vary between the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia.
Finally, they weighed in on ongoing rumors about the Arnold Classic’s potential relocation, highlighting the logistical challenges such a move might create.
For bodybuilding fans and fitness enthusiasts alike, the discussion offered valuable insights into both the science and culture of the sport.
