Chris Bumstead

Chris Bumstead — The Modern King of Classic Physique

Chris Bumstead — known worldwide as CBum — is the most dominant and influential Classic Physique bodybuilder in history. With his trademark tiny waist, sweeping quads, broad shoulders, and iconic mustache, Bumstead revived the Golden Era look and reshaped modern bodybuilding.

He is a 5× Mr. Olympia Classic Physique Champion (2019–2023) and the face of today’s aesthetic-driven bodybuilding culture. Loved for his physique and his humility, Bumstead has become a global fitness icon whose reach goes far beyond the bodybuilding stage.

Fans admire CBum for:
✔ The greatest X-frame of the modern era
✔ Small waist & deep vacuum pose
✔ Sculpted chest and wide lats
✔ Massive, detailed quads
✔ Classic Golden-Era flow with modern size

His physique has become the standard of Classic Physique worldwide.

Early Life & Path to Bodybuilding

Chris Bumstead was born on February 2, 1995, in Ottawa, Canada. Naturally athletic, he played multiple sports including football, baseball, basketball, and track.

At age 14, he began lifting weights — inspired heavily by his soon-to-be mentor and brother-in-law, IFBB Pro Iain Valliere.

By age 18, Bumstead gained over 50 lbs of muscle and realized bodybuilding was his calling. He entered his first competition at 19 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning his IFBB Pro Card at just 21 years old.

What made him stand out early:

A naturally tiny waist
Long muscle bellies
Perfect structure for Classic Physique
Relentless work ethic even as a teenager

The Chris Bumstead Training Philosophy

Bumstead’s training style is built around:

High-intensity, moderate-volume workouts
FST-7–inspired training
Strict form over heavy ego lifting
Mind–muscle connection
Prioritizing back and legs to maintain Classic proportions

Typical CBum Training Split

Day 1 – Back
Day 2 – Chest
Day 3 – Shoulders
Day 4 – Arms
Day 5 – Legs
Day 6 – Rest
Day 7 – Repeat

He also incorporates posing sessions and vacuum training daily during prep.

CBum Diet & Nutrition

Chris Bumstead uses a clean, structured diet focusing on:

High protein
Moderate carbohydrates
Quality fats
6 meals per day in prep
Off-season calories up to 5,000+

Common food sources include:

Chicken, beef, turkey
Rice, oats, potatoes
Eggs & whey
Peanut butter, avocado
Greens & berries
Electrolytes and essential minerals

He co-owns Raw Nutrition, his own supplement brand.

Health Struggles & Comeback Power

Despite his dominance, Bumstead has battled:

An autoimmune kidney disease (IGAN)
Multiple bicep and quad tears
Hernia injury
Anxiety during prep
Severe fatigue during Olympia season

Yet he continues to be the mental toughness icon of modern bodybuilding.

CBum’s Personal Life

Wife: Courtney King (former Bikini Olympia champion)
Daughter: Born 2024
Coach: Hany Rambod (creator of FST-7)
Sister: Melissa Bumstead (IFBB Pro)
Brother-in-law: Iain Valliere (IFBB Pro, former coach)

Legacy of Chris Bumstead

Chris Bumstead’s impact is massive:

✔ The greatest Classic Physique champion ever
✔ The most influential bodybuilder of the modern era
✔ A global face of fitness culture
✔ Pioneer of the revived Golden Era aesthetic
✔ One of the most followed athletes in bodybuilding history
✔ Inspiration for millions of young lifters

His name has become synonymous with Classic Physique perfection.