• An Unforgettable Open

• How to Gain Lean Muscle

• The Value of Taking Risks

Last weekend, I stepped on stage at an Open bodybuilding competition in Prague, Czech Republic, and achieved one of my lifelong bodybuilding goals.

My entire career, I’ve been curious how I would stack up against Open-class bodybuilders, and even though I had just a few weeks after the Olympia to prepare, the experience was amazing.

I wasn’t focused on the outcome, but it was cool to finish second to my friend and occasional training partner Martin Fitzwater and to edge out Shaun Clarida, a true bodybuilding professional, who placed third. It was arguably the most fun I’ve ever had on stage.

Right now, my heart is full.

I went into this competition not knowing what to expect. I just wanted to challenge myself in a new way.

The quick turnaround from Olympia, especially the extended dieting, made it tough, but the experience reminded me why I love this sport. The nerves, the excitement, the unknown — it all came together to create a moment I’ll carry with me forever.

I’ve thought about competing in the Open division for a long time. Every year after Olympia, I’d look for shows in Florida or the U.S., but nothing worked out.

This year, I decided it was now or never. I found a show in Europe and thought, why not?

Before Olympia, when I told Martin my plan, he said, “If you do it, I’ll do it.” That sealed the deal.

I’ve always wanted to see how my physique — bigger and fuller than when I compete in the Olympia Classic Physique — would stack up against the top Open pros.

At the time, we didn’t know Martin would place in the top four at Olympia, which made standing next to him in Prague even more meaningful.

Of course, there were moments when I questioned myself. Why am I still dieting? Why push so hard for a show without the same stakes? But every time, I reminded myself that this was my chance to do something purely for the experience.

I didn’t want to look back and wonder, what if? This journey has been about living with no regrets.

I recently saw a clip from an F1 race that resonated deeply. Fernando Alonso had just won a race by daringly passing a competitor in a tight corner. “I knew he’d hit the brakes,” Alonso said. “He has a wife and two kids at home.”

That quote hit me. It made me think about how our priorities shift over time. Alonso was willing to take a risk his competitor wasn’t, and that was the difference between winning and losing.

Five years ago, I might have leaned harder into this challenge. But now, I’m equally focused on what comes next: building my businesses, nurturing my relationship with my wife, and building a life that matters beyond the stage.

That balance feels right.

Even so, there are aspects to competing I’ll miss: the simplicity of the routine — eating, training, and recovering with a clear purpose — and the sense of community these competitions create.

Bodybuilding brings people together in a way that few other things can. You share sacrifices, triumphs, and memories that last a lifetime.

Of course, there are things I won’t miss — like eating plain salmon and rice while everyone else enjoys muffins. But the bonds and relationships I’ve built make it all worthwhile.

The Open in Prague also reminded me that the standards we choose to live by are personal. We set them for ourselves, and meet them through the conscious choices we make every day.

For me, this competition wasn’t about winning; it was about embracing the unknown to see how I measure up.

At check-ins, Steve Weinberger, the head judge, said, “You’ve got big balls coming here, Chris. Elephant balls.”

That stuck with me. It wasn’t about whether I “should” be there. It was about showing up, embracing the challenge, and doing something new.

Standing on that stage next to some of the best Open competitors reminded me that life’s best experiences often come outside our comfort zone.

To everyone who supported me in Prague, your energy was incredible. Thank you for making this experience unforgettable.

Set the Standard!

Chris

One key aspect of bodybuilding is stage presentation, and preparing for an Open show brought unique challenges compared to Classic Physique.

When competing in Classic, I have to cut weight drastically, losing both fullness and muscle. There’s barely enough time to fill back out before stepping on stage.

For the Open show in Prague, I had 4 to 6 weeks to regain what I’d lost from the Olympia, and the difference was clear.

My legs were bigger, my upper body fuller, and though I was only 4 to 6 pounds heavier on stage, it was enough to hold my own against some of the best Open bodybuilders.

To prepare for Prague, Justin King and I designed a “4 Weeks to Open” program focused on high-volume training.

The goal was to give my muscles room to grow and fill out as much as possible in a short period. We leaned into old-school movements I love, pushing intensity and maximizing every session.

We also revamped my nutrition, especially around training, to align with the program’s goals. Justin and I broke down all the details in an exclusive webinar, which you can access as part of my 4 Weeks to Open Challenge.

If you want proven ways to add lean muscle in just one month — and the chance to win prizes — this challenge is for you. Sign up today!

Q: Hi Chris, now that you’re retired, will your content on YouTube and social media change?

 — Pete E., Jupiter, Fla.

A: Great question, Pete. My content has always been a reflection of my life, so as my life evolves, so will my content.

I’ll be exploring different, more approachable training styles, and sharing ways to stay jacked and get a bit more athletic all while living a balanced life.

My Full Day of Eating videos will shift too, focusing on macros, healthy food, and smart supplementation without the emphasis on extreme competition diets.

You might also see more business, travel, and family moments, like sharing pancakes and muffins with my daughter.

I’m excited to document this next phase of my life, and I promise to keep it real, fun, and inspiring. Stay tuned!

 Question for Chris? Email [email protected] and we’ll consider it for inclusion in a future issue of The Standard.

Champion Mentality

“Every year has its share of struggles. All that means is that every year has given me the opportunity to grow. At times I’ve complained and pitied myself, but I’m grateful for every obstacle that has made me who I am. If there’s no struggle, there’s no progress.”

Introducing: The New STNDRD in Fitness!

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