Lee Priest, born in Australia, is one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in bodybuilding history. Known for his massive arms, freaky muscle density, and elite stage conditioning, Lee built a legendary physique despite standing at just 5’4” (163 cm) — inspiring millions of shorter athletes around the world. His combination of size, symmetry, attitude, and work ethic earned him the reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound bodybuilders ever.
Lee’s physique was famous for:
✔ Insane arm size
✔ Wide V-taper
✔ Round delts
✔ Deep separation
✔ Stage-ready conditioning every show
Early Life & “Lee Priest Young” Transformation
Lee Priest began lifting weights at 12 years old, and by 13 he was already competing. His genetics were so exceptional that he won multiple teenage titles, rapidly becoming one of Australia’s biggest prospects.
At just 20 years old, he earned his IFBB Pro Card, making him one of the youngest IFBB Pros in history — a major reason the search term “lee priest young” is extremely popular.
His early years showcased a physique far ahead of its time:
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Huge arms
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Tight midsection
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Thick legs
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Classic structure
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Limitless potential
Bodybuilding Career & Competitions
Lee Priest competed for nearly 20 years and became known as a crowd favorite, placing in the top ranks of:
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Mr. Olympia
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Ironman Pro
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San Francisco Pro
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Night of Champions
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Arnold Classic
His major win came later in career:
🏆 2006 IFBB Ironman Pro Champion
Fans loved his posing style, charisma, and attitude — making him one of the most beloved bodybuilders of his era.
Lee Priest Training Style & Workout Routine
Lee Priest’s training was brutally intense and simple — built around heavy weights and high volume.
Typical Split:
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Day 1: Chest
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Day 2: Back
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Day 3: Shoulders
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Day 4: Arms (Biceps + Triceps)
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Day 5: Legs
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Day 6: Repeat or Light Pump Day
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Day 7: Rest
Favorite Exercises Include:
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Barbell curls
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Preacher curls
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Skull crushers
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Incline dumbbell press
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Lat pulldowns
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Squats & leg press
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Rear delt flyes
His arm workouts became legendary — contributing to his massive 22-inch arms, which often outshined even taller competitors.
Lee Priest Diet & Nutrition
Lee was famous for his intense bulking phases, which led to some of the most viral “Lee Priest off-season” photos in bodybuilding.
Contest Prep Diet:
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Lean chicken breast
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White fish
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Brown rice
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Oats
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Egg whites
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Sweet potato
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Green vegetables
Off-Season Diet:
Lee often ate huge calorie amounts — embracing dirty bulks to gain mass fast.
This became a big part of his personality and online popularity.
Controversies & IFBB Issues
Lee Priest had a history of speaking openly about:
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Judging inconsistencies
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Politics within the IFBB
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Athlete treatment
These opinions led to suspensions and conflicts, but also helped build his “rebel” personality.
Today, he is respected globally for his honesty and continues to appear in:
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Interviews
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Podcasts
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Fitness expos
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Motivation videos
Lee Priest Today
Even after retirement, Lee maintains an impressive lean and muscular physique.
He remains a huge presence on:
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YouTube
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Instagram
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Fitness podcasts
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Bodybuilding news channels
His humor, honesty, and knowledge make him a favorite among new and old fans.
Lee Priest Legacy
Lee Priest is considered:
✔ One of the most genetically gifted bodybuilders ever
✔ A top entertainer and fan favorite
✔ A representative of the Golden Era mindset
✔ Proof that height doesn’t determine greatness
✔ A bodybuilding icon across generations
His influence continues to grow, making him one of the most searched athletes in bodybuilding history.
