Arya Saffaie, hailing from Redondo Beach, California, is a notable IFBB professional bodybuilder who achieved remarkable success in a remarkably short period. Arya Saffaie won the Masters Olympia 2023 in the Men’s Physique Category.
His journey into the realm of professional bodybuilding began at an astonishing pace, as he earned his IFBB pro status after just three months of training, securing a coveted spot at the prestigious 2014 Mr. Olympia competition.
Arya’s Saffaie relationship with the iron started early, influenced by his IFBB bodybuilder brother Mike and his father.
Introduced to lifting weights at the tender age of 5, he fondly recalls those initial moments when a dumbbell was placed in his hands.
This early exposure ignited a passion within him, and by the time he turned 14, he was already dedicated to training on his own.
Over the years, Arya’s Saffaie unwavering commitment to his passion has evolved into a full-fledged career.
As an IFBB professional, he stands as a testament to his dedication to a natural approach, opting for an anti-steroid stance in his pursuit of excellence.
Arya’s Saffaie journey traces back to his roots in Redondo Beach, where familial influence set the stage for his future.
Bonding with his father and brother in weightlifting sessions from a young age, he embarked on a journey that would define his life’s trajectory.
What began with a modest dumbbell at the age of 5 evolved into a formidable regimen by the time he reached 15, frequently hitting the gym with his friends.
Upon completing high school at the age of 17, Arya’s dedication was evident in his impressive physical stature, weighing in at 170 lbs and bench-pressing twice his body weight.
He etched his name in the annals of his school’s history by shattering records, a testament to his undeniable strength and determination.
Distinctively, Arya Saffaie embraced a chemical-free approach to competition preparation, diverging from the prevalent use of steroids among his peers.
Although his chosen path demanded unwavering dedication and patience, he steadfastly adhered to the natural route, convinced of its superiority for his overall well-being.
Arya’s ascent within the bodybuilding ranks was meteoric. From his inaugural amateur competitions in 2013, he catapulted into the upper echelons of the sport by securing a place among the professionals at the 2014 Mr. Olympia.
The pivotal moment came with his victory at the NPC USA Championships, a triumph that not only bestowed him with his Pro Card but also heralded his journey from the realm of amateurs to the esteemed ranks of professionals, all within the remarkable span of under three months of focused training.
Although his journey was far from over, Arya’s relentless pursuit of excellence led him to the IFBB Greater Gulf States Pro competition, where he clinched a well-deserved first place.
And while his experience at the Olympia competition might not have yielded the anticipated results, Arya Saffaie remained enriched by the journey itself, a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to his craft.
Arya Saffaie Diet and Nutrition Plan
Arya Saffaie’s approach to nutrition serves as a cornerstone of his success, and he readily imparts his wisdom to budding bodybuilders, emphasizing the crucial attributes of “discipline, dedication, and passion.”
According to Arya Saffaie, without these qualities, adhering to a professional-level nutrition plan becomes a formidable challenge.
The financial commitment required to sustain a bodybuilder’s dietary needs also isn’t lost on Arya Saffaie.
He acknowledges that the pursuit of such an ambitious physique demands sacrifices, often affecting one’s social life.
He personally invests considerable sums, amounting to hundreds of dollars weekly, in procuring the lean meats and vegetables that form the foundation of his professional-level physique.
During competition periods, Arya Saffaie maintains a weight range of approximately 152 to 158 lbs.
In the off-season, he strategically hovers around 160lbs, a weight that aids him in achieving personal bests in the gym and lifting heavier weights.
To attain this off-season weight target, Arya Saffaie follows a regimen of consuming roughly six meals each day.
Every meal is thoughtfully designed to align with his precise macronutrient and caloric requirements, often incorporating nutrient-rich vegetables and carbohydrate sources.
His diet focuses on unprocessed foods to sustain an elevated metabolism. Hydration plays a pivotal role as well, with Arya Saffaie conscientiously drinking 1.5 to 2 gallons of water daily.
He attributes his remarkable physique visibility, revealing striations and muscle definition, to a meticulously tailored diet that he considers indispensable.
Arya Saffaie recounts reducing his body fat percentage to an impressive 3.7%, thereby showcasing the culmination of his hard work and dedication.
Complementing his nutritious diet, Arya Saffaie judiciously integrates supplements to enhance his regimen. Regular consumption of whey protein ensures that his protein intake aligns with his daily macronutrient goals.
Post-workout, he employs magnesium oil spray to facilitate muscle recovery. His mornings begin with a repertoire of vitamins and BCAAs, promoting overall vitality and health throughout the day.
As for indulgence, Arya Saffaie has his moments of enjoyment. Pizza and burgers rank among his favorite treats, reserved for twice-weekly indulgences during the off-season.
However, when in a cutting phase, these indulgent foods are temporarily set aside. During this period, Arya’s focus squarely rests on accentuating his muscle display and striving for victory in competition.
Arya Saffaie’s nutrition philosophy resonates with his commitment to holistic development.
He underscores the symbiotic relationship between dedication, discipline, and dietary excellence, underscoring how this synergy culminates in his impressive physique and noteworthy accomplishments.
Arya Saffaie Workout Routine
Arya Saffaie’s approach to training is characterized by a constant pursuit of muscle growth and a dedication to consistency.
Whether in the off-season or during competition preparation, his mindset is singular: to maximize his physique’s potential.
Unwavering Consistency
Arya Saffaie maintains a uniform training regimen throughout the year, driven by his belief that there’s no need to drastically alter his routine when transitioning between off-season and competition phases.
His perpetual low body fat allows him to forgo drastic cuts for contests.
For Arya Saffaie, the key lies in consistency, a principle he imparts to his followers, emphasizing the gradual ascent to success.
Strategic Training Structure
Arya Saffaie structures his workouts with meticulous attention, incorporating distinct phases within each weight training session to optimize muscle growth.
His methodology involves initiating sessions with heavy lifting, a practice designed to make his muscles acutely “feel the weight.”
Subsequently, he integrates supersets, strategically aiming to enhance the breakdown of muscle fibers. This comprehensive approach underscores his commitment to achieving maximal gains.
Bodyweight Workouts
Beyond traditional weightlifting, Arya Saffaie nurtures his body’s agility and balance through bodyweight workouts.
Saturdays are dedicated to creative bodyweight routines with friends at a park in Manhattan Beach.
This day serves as a contrast to his disciplined professional regimen, allowing him to explore new techniques and enjoy a more freestyle approach.
Push-ups, pull-ups, muscle-ups, and dips constitute the repertoire, fostering an environment of camaraderie and learning.
Cardiovascular Training
Arya’s cardiovascular routine, integral to his year-round aesthetic, centers on High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), a method he engages with for approximately 30 minutes six days a week.
He approaches cardio with the same intensity that characterizes his weight training, underscoring his commitment to a perpetually chiseled physique.
Outdoor jogging, track sprints, and treadmill sessions comprise his cardio repertoire, enabling him to incinerate fat effectively.
Calisthenics Fusion
Arya’s distinctive training regimen sets him apart from many other bodybuilders. In addition to weights and cardio, he dedicates an entire day to calisthenic workouts exclusively utilizing his body weight.
These sessions showcase his creativity as he melds balance, core training, explosive power, and control into a harmonious blend. This holistic approach contributes to his comprehensive physical development.
In the realm of bodybuilding, Arya Saffaie’s training philosophy emphasizes consistency, strategic planning, and a diverse approach that combines traditional weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and intense cardio.
This multifaceted strategy reflects his unwavering commitment to sculpting a balanced, powerful, and visually striking physique year-round.