How Champions Like Hadi Choopan, Tristyn Lee, and Brandon Curry Achieve Peak Fitness: A 17-Step Guide to Pure Fitness

The road to fitness mastery is never easy, but when we look at icons like Hadi Choopan, Tristyn Lee, and Brandon Curry, their achievements inspire us to strive for greatness. These athletes have worked tirelessly to transform their bodies and lives, becoming symbols of success in the bodybuilding and fitness world.

But how did they do it? What steps did they take to get where they are today, and how can you apply these strategies to your own fitness journey? Below, we dive into their stories and outline a 17-step guide to help you get on the path to pure fitness.

Hadi Choopan: The Persevering Wolf

Hadi Choopan, known as "The Persian Wolf," is one of the most celebrated names in bodybuilding. Despite facing numerous challenges growing up in Iran, including limited resources, Choopan never gave up on his dream. His rise to fame culminated in winning the 2022 Mr. Olympia title.

Height: 5'6" (167.5 cm)

Weight: 220–230 lbs (100–104 kg)

Age: 36 (born September 26, 1987)

Key Achievement: 2022 Mr. Olympia Winner

Choopan's training regime is intense, involving multiple strength sessions daily with a focus on maximizing muscle density. His diet is rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to fuel his heavy training.

Tristyn Lee: The Teen Prodigy

Tristyn Lee, the young fitness sensation, started his fitness journey as a teenager. Known for his incredibly shredded physique and incredible work ethic, Tristyn’s discipline has earned him a massive online following.

Age: 21 (born August 20, 2002)

Weight: 120–130 lbs (54–59 kg)

Height: 5'3" (160 cm)

Tristyn Lee’s diet plan revolves around high-protein meals with moderate fats and low carbs. His workout routine is highly varied, focusing on hypertrophy, strength training, and even calisthenics. His mindset? Consistency is key.

Brandon Curry: The Comeback Champion

Brandon Curry is another standout in the world of bodybuilding. His path to success saw its ups and downs, but he eventually won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title in 2019. His sheer perseverance makes him a symbol of grit and determination.

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Weight: 235–245 lbs (107–111 kg)

Age: 41 (born October 19, 1982)

Key Achievement: 2019 Mr. Olympia Winner

Wife: Brandy Leaver

Curry’s workout regimen involves split routines focusing on different muscle groups each day. He emphasizes form, moderate to heavy lifting, and recovery. His diet features a balance of proteins, carbs, and fats, ensuring optimal performance and muscle growth.

17 Easy Steps to Achieve Pure Fitness (Inspired by the Pros)

Now, let’s break down a simple, yet effective 17-step guide based on the principles of these fitness icons. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, these steps can help you achieve a fit and healthy body.

1. Set Clear Goals

Before starting any fitness journey, define your objectives. Are you aiming to build muscle, lose fat, or improve endurance? Having clear goals helps guide your workout and diet choices.

2. Track Your Progress

Like Hadi Choopan and Brandon Curry, tracking progress is essential. Monitor your weight, reps, sets, and even what you eat daily. This allows you to make informed adjustments as you improve.

3. Prioritize Strength Training

Strength training forms the backbone of muscle growth. Lifting weights three to five times a week, as these athletes do, builds muscle and burns fat effectively.

4. Master Compound Movements

Incorporate compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses into your routine. These exercises target multiple muscle groups, making your workout more efficient.

5. Dial in Your Nutrition

Eating for performance is crucial. Follow a high-protein diet with moderate carbs and fats, just like Tristyn Lee. Focus on whole foods, lean meats, and vegetables.

6. Stay Consistent

Consistency is key. Stick to your workout and diet plans, even on tough days. Tristyn Lee’s success is based on his ability to stay disciplined through thick and thin.

7. Train Each Muscle Group

Bodybuilders like Brandon Curry focus on all muscle groups. Make sure you're not neglecting legs, back, or core in your workouts.

8. Take Rest Days

Overtraining can lead to injuries. Incorporate rest days to allow your muscles to recover and grow. Both Choopan and Curry stress the importance of recovery for long-term success.

9. Mix Up Your Routine

Prevent plateaus by incorporating variety into your workouts. Change up your exercises, sets, and reps every few weeks.

10. Incorporate Cardio

While strength training is vital, cardiovascular health shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether it’s low-intensity walking or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), add some cardio to your routine.

11. Stay Hydrated

Hydration plays a critical role in muscle recovery and overall health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before and after workouts.

12. Get Enough Sleep

Recovery happens when you sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night to ensure your body can repair itself and build muscle.

13. Supplement Wisely

Supplements can aid in muscle growth and recovery. Consider protein powders, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and omega-3s, which are common in the diets of top bodybuilders.

14. Learn From Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes in their fitness journey. Learn from them, adjust your plan, and keep moving forward. Even champions like Choopan faced setbacks but persevered.

15. Focus on Form

Poor form can lead to injury and inefficient workouts. Make sure you're using the right technique, especially with heavy weights.

16. Stay Mentally Tough

Building a champion’s physique requires mental resilience. Stay patient and determined, just like Brandon Curry during his many years of training before winning Olympia.

17. Believe in Yourself

Lastly, confidence is key. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for a competitive level, believing in your ability to improve makes all the difference.