James “Flex” Lewis is an IFBB Professional Bodybuilder from Wales who has impacted bodybuilding. With his impressive physique and devotion to his craft, he has become a well-respected and trimmed athlete in the industry.
One of his most notable accomplishments is his seven-time win as the 212 division Olympia champion, cemented his status as one of the best in the sport.
Flex Lewis Early Life
James “Flex” Lewis was born on November 15, 1983, in Llanelli, Wales, where his addiction to muscular physiques started at a young age.
It all started when he got his hands on a book by the legendary Tom Platz, also known as the “Golden Eagle,” which featured photos of Platz’s iconic legs. It flashed a passion for building muscle that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Despite his parents’ initial reluctance, James started lifting weights at 12, using plastic Weider-branded weights at home. Arnold Schwarzenegger, another legendary figure in bodybuilding, also motivated him.
Growing up, Flex was heavily involved in the sport of Rugby, where he earned the nickname “Flex” due to his unbelievable flexibility and ability to evade tackles. At the gym, he was eventually found by local bodybuilder Steve Naylor, who saw great potential in the young bodybuilder.
At 19, Flex Lewis entered his first bodybuilding competition, the Jr. Mr. Wales, which he won. At this event, he met the famous coach Neil “Yoda” Hill, who would become his coach for several years.
At 22, Flex Lewis moved to the United States to follow his dreams of becoming a pro bodybuilder, and the rest, as they say, is history.
James “Flex” Lewis never lost sight of his goals and remained faithful to his dreams. His early life and journey to becoming one of the greatest bodybuilders is a testament to his devotion, hard work, and relentless determination.
Flex Lewis Bodybuilding Career
Flex Lewis is among the most successful bodybuilders ever known for outstanding accomplishments in the 212 division.
His journey to the top of the bodybuilding world started when he was persuaded to try Neil Hill’s Y3T program, which led to his second win in a bodybuilding competition. After being contacted by Ed Connors, Lewis knew he needed to come to the US to gain his real possibility in bodybuilding.
He trained at the iconic Gold’s Gym in Venice, California, before being invited by Milos Sarcev to train with the elite bodybuilders at the Colosseum Gym. This group of contenders trained and did everything together, forming a close-knit brotherhood.
Ultimately, Lewis was introduced to the legendary Joe Weider by promoter Peter McGough. Weider was so impressed with Lewis’s talent that he presented a contract with Weider Publications in 2006. In 2007, Lewis won his Pro Card at the British Nationals in the Overall Division.
This was just the beginning of his great success in the 212 division, where he won seven consecutive titles, earning him the nickname “the greatest 212 division bodybuilder of all time.” He retired from the 212 division after his seventh win, having firmly cemented his place in bodybuilding history.
Despite this fantastic success, Lewis decided to switch to the Open division, where the competition is fierce, and the contestants are as big and muscular as possible.
He received a special invitation to compete in his first Mr. Olympia contested in 2020 against Big Ramy, Hadi Choopan, Hunter Labrada, Phil Heath, Nick Walker, William Bonac, and Brandon Curry but chose to sit it out and focus on rehabbing his injuries from years of being an athlete.
Lewis’s career has impressive victories, including his first-place finishes in 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 Mr. Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding IFBB Pro 212 competitions.
He also won the IFBB San Marino Pro, the EVLs Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding, the IFBB Korea Grand Prix 212, and the IFBB Arnold Sports Festival, among many other prestigious titles.
His journey to the top of the bodybuilding world is one of the most outstanding in the sport’s history, and his accomplishments will surely inspire generations of bodybuilders to come.
Flex Lewis Contest History
- 2018 Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2017 Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2016 Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2015 Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2014 IFBB San Marino Pro, 212, 1st
- 2014 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2014 IFBB Korea Grand Prix, 212, 1st
- 2014 Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding: IFBB Pro 212, 1st
- 2014 IFBB Arnold Sports Festival, 212, 1st
- 2013 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2013 Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2012 EVL’s Prague Pro 212 Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2012 British Grand Prix 212 Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2012 Olympia Weekend Bodybuilding 212, 1st
- 2011 Arnold Classic Europe Men’s Bodybuilding, 5th
- 2011 Olympia Weekend Men 212, 2nd
- 2011 New York Pro Championships Men’s 212, 2nd
- 2011 Mr. Europe Grand Prix Men’s Open bodybuilding, 3rd
- 2011 IFBB British Grand Prix Men’s 212, 1st
- 2009 IFBB Atlantic City Pro 212 Division, 1st
- 2009 IFBB 202 Challenge (Mr. Olympia) 212 Division, 5th
- 2008 Europa Pro Overall Division, 7th
- 2008 Europa Pro 212 Division, 1st
- 2008 Tampa Pro Open Division, 7th
Flex Lewis Body Measurements
| Flex Lewis Height | 5 Feet and 5 Inches |
| Flex Lewis Weight | 100 to 110 KG |
| Flex Lewis Date of Birth | November 15, 1985 |
| Flex Lewis Age | 40 Years |
| Flex Lewis Arm size | 20 Inches |
| Flex Lewis Chest size | 49 Inches |
| Flex Lewis Waist Size | 31 Inches |
| Flex Lewis Religion | Christian |
| Flex Lewis Nationality | Welsh/American |
Flex Lewis vs. Lee Priest
Flex Lewis and Lee Priest are known for having impressive physiques. Flex Lewis is known for his wildly well-balanced physique, with each muscle group well-defined and commensurate.
His streamlined, aesthetic look has earned him numerous awards in bodybuilding.
Lee Priest, on the other hand, is known for his massive size and unique muscular development. He has thick muscle mass and is renowned for his impressive biceps.
Flex Lewis and Lee Priest have significantly won in their bodybuilding careers.
Flex Lewis has won numerous titles, including seven consecutive 212 Olympia titles, making him one of the most successful bodybuilders in that category. He has also won the Arnold Classic and numerous other contests.
Lee Priest has a dedicated fan base and has been known for his impressive feats of strength, including a 755lb deadlift at 17. He has also succeeded as a professional bodybuilder, with top-10 placings in the Mr. Olympia competition.
Flex Lewis vs. Hadi Choopan
Flex Lewis and Hadi Choopan are known for their impressive physiques in bodybuilding.
Flex Lewis has a well-balanced, streamlined aesthetic, with each muscle group being well-defined and commensurate. His symmetrical look has accumulated multiple awards and prizes in the bodybuilding world.
Hadi Choopan Mr Olympia 2022, on the other hand, is known for his massive size and dense muscle mass. He has a striking, heavily muscled look and impressive legs.
Flex Lewis and Hadi Choopan have had successful bodybuilding careers. Flex Lewis has won numerous titles, including seven straight 212 Olympia wins, making him one of the most successful bodybuilders in the 212 Division.
He has also won the Arnold Classic and numerous other competitions. Hadi Choopan has succeeded in the IFBB Pro League, including winning the 2019 Vancouver Pro and placing 3rd at the Mr. Olympia competition.
Hadi Choopan got 4th place at the Olympia 2020 and 3rd at the Olympia 2021. He won the Olympia 2022 in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding Category.
Flex Lewis vs. Ronnie Coleman
Flex Lewis and Ronnie Coleman have considerably different physiques. Flex Lewis has a well-balanced, streamlined aesthetic, with each muscle group being well-defined and commensurate. His balanced look has made him famous with numerous awards and accomplishments in the bodybuilding world.
On the other hand, Ronnie Coleman was known for his immense size and muscular growth, with a heavily muscled, dense physique unmatched at his peak in bodybuilding.
Ronnie Coleman is considered one of the most successful bodybuilders ever, with eight Mr. Olympia crowns. He also won countless other contests, including the Arnold Classic, and his record-setting win streak in the IFBB Pro League has yet to be overtaken.
While not as successful in major competition wins, Flex Lewis has achieved notable success in his own right, with seven consecutive 212 Olympia championships and victories in other competitions like the Arnold Classic USA Pro.
Ronnie Coleman‘s massive size and unparalleled success in competitions make him a legend in bodybuilding and Olympia, while Flex Lewis’s well-balanced, aesthetic physique has earned him multiple awards and praise among his peers.
Flex Lewis vs. Derek Lunsford
Flex Lewis and Derek Lunsford have similar physiques as both competed in the 212 division, focusing on a well-balanced, streamlined aesthetic.
Flex Lewis has a symmetrical look with well-defined muscle groups and proportionate size, while Derek Lunsford has a similar aesthetic with impressive muscle thickness and a tight abdomen.
Flex Lewis has achieved substantial victory in bodybuilding, with seven straight 212 Olympia titles and accomplishments in other competitions.
While relatively new to the pro bodybuilding scene, Derek Lunsford has already made a significant impact, winning the 2017 NPC USA Championships and the 2017 Mr. Olympia 212 Rookie of the Year award.
In 2020, Derek got fourth place in 212 Olympia and won the title of Mr. Olympia in 212 Division in 2021. At the Olympia 2022, Derek Lunsford competed in the Men’s Bodybuilding Open Class on a special invitation from the Olympia team; he got 2nd place at the contest.
Flex Lewis vs. Chris Bumstead
Flex Lewis and Chris Bumstead have extensively different physiques. Flex Lewis has a well-balanced, streamlined aesthetic, with each muscle group being well-defined and proportionate.
His symmetrical look has achieved multiple honors in the bodybuilding world.
On the other hand, Chris Bumstead is known for his classic physique shape, emphasizing aesthetics and a streamlined, vintage look reminiscent of the golden age of bodybuilding like Arnold.
Flex Lewis has earned significant success in bodybuilding, with seven successive 212 Olympia wins.
While still relatively new to the pro bodybuilding scene, Chris Bumstead quickly rose to dominance with back-to-back Classic Physique Olympia titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He has also won the Arnold Classic and other major competitions in his respective category.
Flex Lewis vs. Phil Heath
Flex Lewis and Phil Heath have different physiques. Flex Lewis has a well-balanced, streamlined aesthetic, with each muscle group being well-defined and proportionate. His symmetrical look has earned him numerous accolades in the bodybuilding world.
On the other hand, Phil Heath is known for his mass and size, with a heavily muscled and dense physique that has earned him multiple Mr. Olympia titles.
Phil Heath is widely regarded as one of the most successful bodybuilders of all time, with seven Mr. Olympia titles. He also won numerous other competitions, including the Arnold Classic, and his record-setting win streak in the IFBB Pro League has yet to be surpassed.
While not as successful in major competition wins, Flex Lewis has achieved significant success in his own right, with seven consecutive 212 Olympia titles and victories in other competitions like the Arnold Classic.
Flex Lewis Wife
Flex Lewis is married to Ali Lewis. The couple has been together for several years and has two children. In his successful bodybuilding career, Flex always prioritizes his family and spends quality time with them.
Since retiring from competitive bodybuilding, Flex has been able to dedicate more time to his wife and kids. He frequently shares photos and updates of his family on his social media, showcasing his love and pride for them.
Ali is essential to Flex’s life, providing him with love, support, and stability. Together, they have built a solid and loving family unit that is the foundation for Flex’s happiness and success on and off the stage.
Flex Lewis Net Worth
As a highly successful and accomplished bodybuilder, Flex Lewis has made a significant net worth throughout his career. His net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.
His numerous victories in bodybuilding contests, endorsements, and sponsorships can be attributed to this. Throughout his career, Flex Lewis has worked with major brands in the fitness industry, such as Gaspari Nutrition and BSN.
These partnerships have helped him to increase his earnings significantly. In addition, he has also made appearances in various fitness magazines, which has also contributed to his overall net worth.
Flex Lewis Training Routine
Flex Lewis’ training routine is conceived to maximize muscle incitement and prevent adaptation.
Neil Hill’s trainer sets his program to cycle repetition ranges, weights, and training frequency. In the off-season, he trains six days a week and spends 1.5 to 3 hours per workout.
Flex Lewis’ Chest and Triceps Workout
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
| Incline Smith Machine Press (Warm-up) | 4 | 15-20 |
| Incline Smith Machine Press | 3 | 8-12 |
| Seated Machine Press | 3 | 8-12 |
| Incline Flye | 4 | 8-12 |
| Seated EZ-Curl Bar Extension (Warm-up) | 4 | 15-20 |
| Seated EZ-Curl Bar Extension | 3 | 8-12 |
| V-Bar Cable Pushdown | 3 | 8-12 |
| Kickback | 3 | 8-12 |
Flex Lewis Back Workout
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
| Wide-Grip Pull-Ups | 3 | 8-12 |
| T-Bar Row | 3 | 8-12 |
| Seated Cable Row | 3 | 8-12 |
| One-Arm Dumbbell Row | 3 | 8-12 |
| Reverse-Grip Pulldowns | 3 | 8-12 |
| Deadlifts | 4 | 8-12 |
Flex Lewis Leg Workout
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
| Leg Extensions (warmup) | 4 | 15-20 |
| Leg Press | 3 | 8-12 |
| Hack Squat | 3 | 8-12 |
| Lunges | 3 | 8-12 |
| Seated Leg Curls | 3 | 8-12 |
| Standing Calf Raises | 3 | 15-20 |
| Seated Calf Raises | 3 | 15-20 |
Flex Lewis Diet Plan
James “Flex” Lewis follows a strict and clean diet plan all year round, consisting of six meals daily.
His diet is rich in green vegetables, lean meats, eggs, nuts, healthy butter, avocados, oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and fresh fruits. He also takes various supplements to support his muscle growth and recovery.
Flex Lewis Daily Meal Plan
| 1st Meal | 2 whole eggs and 10 egg whites 4 oz dry-weight oatmeal 1 slice wholegrain toast with peanut butter 3 oz of Greek yogurt 2 oz mixed berries 20 min after 1st Meal: 1 serving of fat-burner tablets 2g omega-3 fish oils vitamin B complex |
| 2nd Meal | 3 oz dry weight, whole grain brown rice 8–9 oz fish 3 oz greens 10–15 min before 3rd Meal: 1 serving of digestive enzymes |
| 3rd Meal | 9–10 oz sweet potato 8 oz ground turkey 3 oz greens 2–3 oz fresh pineapple 45 min before training: 1–1.5 scoops of pre-workout 15–20 min before training: 1 Scoop of Amino Acids ½ scoop fast-acting carbs supplement 1 serving fat burner During workout: ½ scoop BCAAs Post-workout: ½ scoop BCAAs 1-1.5 scoops of fast-acting carbs supplement 40–45g of whey isolate 10–15 min before the 4th meal: 1 serving of digestive enzymes |
| 4th Meal | 9–10 oz baked potato 8oz steak, 1 whole egg 3 oz greens |
| 5th Meal | 5–6 oz dry-weight, wholegrain rice 9 oz salmon 3 oz greens |
| 6th Meal | 1 slice of whole-grain toast 100g low-fat cottage cheese 1 tbsp natural peanut butter 1.5 scoops of Casein protein |
FAQs
Flex Lewis is 40 years old.
Flex Lewis is 5 feet and 5 inches tall.
James “Flex” Lewis was born in Llanelli, Wales, on November 15, 1983.
Flex Lewis is married to Ali Lewis. The couple has been together for several years and has two children.