Pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez shares his advice for when a woman is too into your body
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, host and pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez covers a wide range of topics that blend bodybuilding history, training advice, and industry debate. From a deep dive into Victor Martinez’s victory over Dexter Jackson at the Arnold Classic Spain to discussions about protein intake, women’s bodybuilding, and even diet choices like ramen noodles, this episode delivers the bodybuilding goods.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- How Victor Martinez Beat Dexter Jackson at the Arnold Classic
- Victor answers fan question about women who lust for his body
- Victor reacts to Women’s Open Bodybuilding and the Tampa Pro controversy
- What is Victor’s favorite women’s bodybuilding division?
- Protein intake and its role in fitness progress
- Can bodybuilders use Ramen Noodles as a carb source?
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for an in-depth recap of the discussion. Let’s dive in!
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How Victor Martinez Beat Dexter Jackson at the Arnold Classic
The episode opens with a fan question asking how Victor Martinez managed to defeat Dexter Jackson at the Arnold Classic Spain. Victor begins with humor, making it clear that luck had nothing to do with it. He jokes that fans cannot claim luck played a role, especially considering the serious spinal infection and surgeries he endured in recent years.
But beyond the joke, Victor provides a detailed and thoughtful explanation.
He shares that he spent years studying Dexter Jackson. Watching his physique, analyzing his posing routines, and understanding his stage presence became part of Victor’s preparation. Dexter was known for his consistency and precision, and Victor recognized that beating him would require more than just showing up in shape.
The turning point came after the 2010 Mr. Olympia, where both athletes placed in the top four. Shortly after, a new competition was announced: the Arnold Classic Spain. Victor learned that Dexter Jackson would be one of the top competitors entering the show. That was all the motivation he needed.
Victor made a strategic decision. If he could enter that same competition, he would finally get a direct comparison on stage with Dexter. Given how close they were competitively, Victor believed he had a real chance to win if he brought his best package. In 2011, that moment arrived.
During the final posedown, something unexpected happened. Dexter suggested that both competitors walk off stage together. Victor agreed in the moment, but as Dexter exited, Victor stayed behind and continued posing for the judges and audience.
Victor Martinez admits he doesn’t know for certain whether that decision gave him an edge, but it may have helped leave a lasting impression. In a sport where presentation matters as much as conditioning, those extra seconds on stage could make a difference.
Ultimately, Victor emphasizes that defeating Dexter Jackson was an honor. He considers Dexter Jackson one of the most consistent and decorated athletes in bodybuilding history, and the opportunity to compete against him at that level was a defining moment in his career.
Relationships, Attraction, and Handling Awkward Moments
Another fan question shifts the conversation toward relationships, asking how to handle situations where a partner may be overly physical or create embarrassing moments.
Victor Martinez explains that he doesn’t mind when a woman shows strong physical interest. In fact, he sees it as a positive in most situations. The only time it becomes uncomfortable is when there is no mutual attraction. Otherwise, he doesn’t view it as embarrassing.
Taking a more serious tone, Victor emphasizes compatibility. If one partner has a higher libido than the other, the key is finding balance and understanding. In relationships, mismatched expectations can lead to tension if not addressed.
His advice is straightforward. Instead of rejecting a partner’s advances outright, try to meet them halfway. Even if the timing isn’t ideal, making an effort can strengthen the relationship. He points out that rejection can feel personal and may lead to long-term issues if it becomes a pattern.
Victor also adds a perspective rooted in experience. Over time, energy levels and libido naturally decrease. Looking back, people may regret missed opportunities to connect when they were younger. His suggestion is to adjust your mindset, be present, and make room for those moments.
Women’s Open Bodybuilding and the Tampa Pro Controversy
One of the most serious discussions in the episode centers on the removal of Women’s Open Bodybuilding from the Tampa Pro lineup and the response from athletes.
Victor strongly supports the athletes who are pushing back.
He argues that Women’s Open Bodybuilding is a foundational part of the sport. In the early days, bodybuilding competitions primarily featured two divisions: Men’s Open and Women’s Open. These divisions helped build the sport into what it is today.
While modern bodybuilding has expanded to include divisions like Bikini, Wellness, Figure, Fitness, and Women’s Physique. Victor believes that growth should not come at the expense of the original categories.
He acknowledges that newer divisions attract more participants and may shift attention away from Women’s Open. However, he insists that the division still deserves respect and support, especially for athletes who are passionate about competing at that level.
Victor Martinez also highlights a grassroots effort to bring the division back to the Tampa Pro through a GoFundMe campaign. He encourages fans and fellow athletes to contribute, stressing the importance of unity within the bodybuilding community.
According to Victor, this is not just about one division. It’s about preserving the history and integrity of bodybuilding as a whole.
He also suggests that brands and companies within the fitness industry should step up. Since female bodybuilders contribute to the market by purchasing supplements, apparel, and training services, those same companies should support the divisions that represent them.
Favorite Women’s Division and Muscle-Building Differences
Co-host Ehsan Farahi follows up with a lighter question, asking Victor Martinez about his favorite women’s division.
Victor avoids picking just one, saying he appreciates competition across all categories. However, he jokes that he enjoys the Wellness division, highlighting its “distinct” physique standards.
The conversation then shifts to a more technical topic: whether women have a harder time building muscle due to lower natural testosterone levels.
Victor offers an interesting perspective based on his experience working with female athletes. Contrary to common belief, he suggests that women can sometimes build muscle more efficiently than men, depending on training, consistency, and discipline.
His viewpoint challenges a widely accepted assumption and adds nuance to the discussion about gender differences in bodybuilding.
Protein Intake and Its Role in Fitness Progress
The podcast also touches on a claim that skipping protein can negatively impact not just muscle growth, but overall health, including skin and immune function.
Victor Martinez questions why anyone would commit to training without paying attention to protein intake. From his perspective, it’s a fundamental part of achieving results. However, Edwin Mejia Jr. points out that many gym-goers still overlook this aspect of nutrition.
Victor reflects on his early days in bodybuilding, when finances were tight. At that time, he couldn’t afford protein supplements and had to rely on whole foods whenever possible. Even then, he admits he was likely under-consuming protein.
His takeaway is clear. If someone is training hard but not seeing results, inadequate protein intake is often a key factor. While supplements can help, they are not mandatory. What matters most is ensuring sufficient protein through any available means.
He also acknowledges that protein powders have become more expensive, which may discourage some people. Still, he emphasizes that prioritizing protein is essential for progress.
Can Bodybuilders Use Ramen Noodles as a Carb Source?
The episode closes with a question about whether ramen noodles can serve as a viable carbohydrate source for bodybuilders. Victor Martinez responds with humor, joking that ramen might make sense in extreme situations, like being in prison. Outside of that, he sees little value in it.
He explains that most pre-packaged ramen products lack nutritional quality and are not suitable for a structured bodybuilding diet. While they may be cheap and convenient, they do not provide the kind of clean energy that athletes need.
Victor does make a distinction, noting that high-quality, authentic ramen from restaurants or places like Japan can be different. However, the instant versions commonly consumed are not a good choice.
Instead, he recommends more balanced and affordable carb sources, such as regular pasta or other whole foods that provide better nutritional value.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast blends storytelling, practical advice, and industry insight in a way that reflects Victor Martinez’s experience and personality.
From breaking down a career-defining victory over Dexter Jackson to addressing real-world relationship dynamics and defending Women’s Open Bodybuilding, Victor offers a perspective shaped by decades in the sport.
At the same time, the discussion around protein intake and diet reinforces a key message: success in bodybuilding comes down to consistency, smart choices, and attention to fundamentals.
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a casual gym-goer, this episode provides valuable takeaways while keeping the tone engaging and relatable.
