Lee Andrew Priest McCutcheon, a former Australian IFBB professional bodybuilder, and NABBA professional athlete, is renowned as one of Australia’s most recognized Pro bodybuilders worldwide.
Lee’s remarkable journey in the bodybuilding industry began at a remarkably young age, winning his first show at the tender age of 13 and earning his IFBB Pro status by turning 20.
His propensity to stir controversy through his unapologetic honesty on sensitive subjects such as drug use and religion sets Lee apart from his peers. His candidness has made him a unique figure in the world of bodybuilding.
In addition to his achievements in bodybuilding, Lee Priest is known for his passion for speed and car racing. At 32, he began a racing career, excelling in the road, drag, and circle track competitions.
Lee’s talent and dedication led him to notable victories, including the California SCEDA Racing Championship in 2006, and he was honored as the Rookie of the Year in 2005.
Lee Priest was born in Newcastle, Australia, in 1972 and raised in Walls End alongside his older sister, Lee Priest’s fascination with bodybuilding was evident from an early age.
His mother, Lynn Priest, a bodybuilding competitor, significantly ignited his interest in weightlifting. Starting training at just 12 years old, Lee received guidance from his grandfather, who helped him grasp the basics.
Within a year of commencing his training, Priest decided to compete for the first time. Pouring his heart and soul into his preparation, he emerged victorious at the 1986 Sydney Bodybuilding Classic, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career.
Winning his debut show at 13 solidified Lee’s passion for bodybuilding, and he knew it was a path he wanted to pursue indefinitely.
He continued to compete, securing triumphs in various competitions throughout his teenage years. Remarkably, he clinched the IFBB Mr. Australia title thrice at 17, 18, and 19.
At 17 years old, Lee Priest represented Australia at the IFBB World Amateur Championships, earning a respectable 4th place finish in the lightweight category.
Despite his young age, he could not obtain his Pro card in Australia, despite winning the prestigious Mr. Australia title at 19.
Consequently, Priest sought opportunities elsewhere, competing in competitions such as the Niagara Falls Championships, where he gained recognition and eventually earned his Pro card. Winning his Pro card at age 20 solidified Lee as one of the youngest bodybuilders to achieve IFBB Pro status.
Following this milestone, Priest continued to compete in IFBB shows with remarkable success over the next 16 years. Notably, Lee ventured into The Ironman Pro, where, after numerous second and third-place finishes, he secured victory at 34.
His triumph extended beyond The Ironman Pro, with notable wins in competitions such as the 2002 IFBB San Francisco Pro Invitational 1st place, the 2004 IFBB Ironman Pro (2nd place), and the 2005 IFBB Grand Prix Australia 1st place.
At 25, Lee Priest made his mark on bodybuilding by placing 6th in the 2002 Mr Olympia. Such was his impact that he eventually had a contest named after him—the Lee Priest Classic.
Lee Priest’s influence wasn’t limited to bodybuilding alone. He delved into car racing events, displaying his prowess on the track. His notable achievements include being crowned Rookie of the Year in 2005 and securing the SCEDA Racing Championship in 2006.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Lee Priest appeared in various TV and movie projects, guest-starring on podcasts and local Australian TV shows. He was also featured in promotional ads, further cementing his status as a recognizable figure.
Lee’s honesty and outspoken nature on controversial subjects, including openly discussing his use of steroids and his atheism, contributed to his distinctiveness within the bodybuilding community. Lee Priest’s impact as a legendary bodybuilder and talented racer is unquestionable.
Lee Priest Diet and Nutrition Plan
Lee Priest follows a disciplined diet and nutrition plan to support his bodybuilding goals. During his off-season bulking phase, he aims to gain around 75 pounds.
However, when it comes to dieting, he adheres to a strict regimen and avoids cheat days. Lee emphasizes the importance of eating six full meals daily, spaced every 2-3 hours, to maximize strength gains.
His diet includes a variety of macronutrients and food sources:
- Proteins: Lee incorporates protein-rich foods such as tuna, lean steak, chicken breasts, whey protein, and eggs. These are essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Carbohydrates: To fuel his workouts and provide energy, Lee includes carbohydrates from sources like cream of rice, pasta, oatmeal, bread, and rice.
- Fruits: Lee includes fruits like oranges, bananas, and apples, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Fats: Healthy fats are also a part of Lee’s diet plan. He includes almonds, cheese, milk, and flax oil to provide essential fatty acids for overall health and hormone production.
- Vegetables: Lee includes salads, broccoli, green beans, and asparagus as part of his diet, ensuring he gets essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Lee Priest Meal Plan
Here’s the meal plan for Lee Priest:
Lee Priest Meal 1
- Egg whites 8
- Whole egg 1
- Oatmeal 8o g
- Fruit 1 piece
Lee Priest Meal 2
- Chicken breast 200 g
- Rice or pasta 1 cup
- Green vegetables 1 cup
Lee Priest Meal 3
- Tuna (in water)
- Whole-grain bread 2 slices
- Flax oil
- Salad with mixed greens and vegetables 1 cup
Lee Priest Meal 4
- Whey protein shake
Lee Priest Meal 5
- Salmon or chicken breast 200 g
- Rice or pasta 100 g
- Green vegetables 1 cup
Lee Priest Meal 6
- Whey protein shake
- Handful of almonds or a small serving of cheese
- Milk 1 cup
Lee Priest Supplements
While Lee Priest’s regular diet includes a wide range of foods, there are times when his protein intake may need to be higher.
It is essential to consider additional supplements alongside his regular diet to ensure sufficient protein intake for muscle building. These supplements include:
Whey Protein
Whey protein is a popular supplement that can help meet the body’s protein requirements and support muscle growth. It can be consumed in the form of shakes or blended into smoothies.
Glutamine
Glutamine is another supplement that can boost immune function and protect the body from various illnesses.
Multivitamins
Taking multivitamins is essential for maintaining overall health and supporting regular metabolic processes. These supplements contain a combination of essential vitamins necessary for various bodily functions.
Incorporating these supplements and a well-rounded diet can help ensure that Lee Priest meets his protein needs and maintains his muscle-building goals.
Lee Priest Workout Routine
Lee Priest’s workout routine is structured as follows:
Monday: Legs Workout
| Leg Extension | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Squats | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Leg Presses | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Lunges | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Stiff-Leg Deadlifts | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
Tuesday: Back Workout
| Chin-Ups | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Barbell Rows | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Dumbbell Rows | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Seated Cable Rows | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Pulldowns | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
Wednesday: Shoulders Workout
| Military Presses | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Side Laterals | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Front Raises | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Rear Laterals | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
Thursday: Biceps Workout
| Barbell Curls | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Dumbbell Curls | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Preacher Curls | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Cable Curls | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
Friday: Triceps Workout
| Pushdowns | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Dumbbell Extensions | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| Dips | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
| French Press | 3 Sets 10-12 Reps |
Saturday and Sunday: Rest
- Rest
The schedule is then repeated, with Lee Priest following the same sequence for each muscle group.
It’s important to note that Lee Priest emphasizes the importance of warm-up exercises to prepare the muscles before the workout and to stretch to cool down and prevent injuries. He also suggests staying hydrated by drinking water or energy drinks during exercise.