Derek Lunsford isn’t playing it safe in the final two weeks of his Mr. Olympia preparations. In a September 11 video, he shared his latest full back day training session leading up to his title defense in Las Vegas.
In 2025, Lunsford ran the table and beat every Men’s Open athlete he competed against. His victories at last year’s Arnold Classic and Pittsburgh Pro gave him the momentum push he needed to reclaim the prestigious Sandow trophy.
All season long, Lunsford has focused on improving his arms and chest. His back has remained a standout body part, but to ensure his rivals don’t catch up, he is making sure his signature width is still a strength when he steps back onstage.
How Derek Lunsford Is Training Back in Final Stretch Before 2026 Mr. Olympia
Find the exercises from the video below:
- Lat Pulldowns
- Single-Arm Pulldowns
- Straight-Arm Pulldowns
- Plate-Loaded Row Machine
- Supported T-Bar Rows
- Dumbbell Hyperextensions
- Cable Curls
- Seated Calf Raise Machine
“It’s simple, but it’s not easy. The system that works if you work,” he shared. “This is nothing for the champ.”
Heading into Sin City, Jay Cutler likes Lunsford’s chances. He broke down the Men’s Open lineup at the Olympia and believes Lunsford’s width gives him a major edge against his competition. Cutler was also impressed with the two-time Mr. Olympia’s leg improvements.
While ‘The Comeback Kid’ can see Lunsford pulling ahead at the Olympia, King Kamali (Shahriar Kamali) has a differing opinion. He predicted that Nick Walker will be a big problem for Lunsford when they square off again:
“If Derek is going to sit here saying what he’s said over and over again… I’m going to wipe everybody clean at the Olympia. You got to watch Derek; I’m talking to you now, man.”
“Nick can beat you. He will beat you in those back shots, your money shots. Nick can beat you. He has the hams. It’s not just a glute competition as Milos likes to say. Nick Walker is a big problem for Derek.”
Anticipation for the biggest show of the year continues to grow. Dan Solomon announced that the Olympia livestream will be completely free, setting the stage for possibly the most watched event in bodybuilding history. Don’t miss it from September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our team at Fitness Volt will have live play-by-play coverage.
