In the ever-evolving world of Classic Physique , few names have risen as quickly and impressively as Mike Sommerfeld . Known for his massive quads, aesthetic proportions, and relentless work ethic , Sommerfeld made waves in 2024 with a runner-up finish to Chris Bumstead at the Mr. Olympia .
Now that Bumstead has officially retired, the door is wide open—and Sommerfeld is stepping through with intensity, innovation, and a plan .
Fresh off his victory at the 2025 Arnold Classic , Sommerfeld has kicked his Olympia prep into high gear , sharing insights into his training methodology, supplementation strategy , and mental approach to bodybuilding.
In a recent leg day session, Mike Sommerfeld showcased his high-intensity leg training routine , complete with myo reps , strategic rest, and a strong emphasis on recovery and supplementation —all key components of his 2025 title chase .
Let’s break it all down.
🏆 Mike Sommerfeld: From Runner-Up to Title Contender
After finishing second to Chris Bumstead at the 2024 Olympia , many wondered what would become of the Classic Physique division. But with Bumstead officially retiring, the stage is set for a new era—and Mike Sommerfeld is ready to lead the charge .
Sommerfeld proved his readiness with a dominant win at the 2025 Arnold Classic , showcasing a more refined, conditioned, and powerful physique than ever before.
Now, his sights are firmly set on Las Vegas and the 2025 Mr. Olympia —and he’s not leaving anything to chance.
🦵 Mike Sommerfeld’s Leg Day Routine: Myo Reps and Strategic Fatigue
Leg development has always been a hallmark of Sommerfeld’s physique. His quad sweep, thickness, and separation are among the best in the division. But maintaining that edge requires innovative training methods —and Sommerfeld isn’t afraid to experiment.
Here’s a breakdown of his recent leg day workout :
- Machine Adductors
- Seated Hamstring Curls
- Lying Hamstring Curls
- Deadlifts
- Leg Extensions
- Leg Press
What made this session stand out was his use of myo reps —a high-intensity technique that involves performing a “activation set” followed by mini-sets with short rest periods .
“Every rep you mess up is a rep your competitor performs perfectly. If you’re a wimp, you can be as strong as you want, you just won’t access it.”
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What Are Myo Reps?
- Activation Set : Performed with a lighter load (around 50% of max) to pre-fatigue the muscle .
- Mini-Sets : Short bursts of reps (usually 3–5) with 20–30 seconds of rest in between.
- Range of Motion : Full range is ideal, but partials can be used once fatigue sets in.
This method is excellent for muscle endurance, hypertrophy, and metabolic stress , making it a valuable tool for athletes in contest prep.
Sommerfeld explained how this approach allows him to train to failure safely , while still maintaining form and muscle engagement .
💤 Recovery: The Secret Weapon in Contest Prep
Sommerfeld is not just a beast in the gym—he’s also a strategic, science-driven athlete when it comes to recovery.
“The more and better you sleep, the better everything else works.”
That’s a simple but powerful philosophy that he lives by—especially during the grueling contest prep phase .
He also emphasized the importance of rest between sets , noting that short bursts of high-intensity work should be followed by adequate recovery to maintain performance and prevent burnout.
This balance between intensity and recovery is what allows him to stay consistent, strong, and injury-free.
🧬 Mike Sommerfeld’s 10 Go-To Recovery Supplements
With strict dieting and calorie restrictions during prep, Sommerfeld relies heavily on strategic supplementation to support his body.
He recently shared his top 10 recovery supplements , which play a crucial role in his success:
- Creatine – Enhances strength, pumps, and cognitive function.
- Electrolytes – Crucial for hydration and muscle function.
- Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) – Supports gut health and immunity.
- Liver Support – Helps with detoxification and metabolic function.
- Multivitamins – Ensures micronutrient needs are met.
- No Stress – Aids in stress management and cortisol control.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports joint health and inflammation regulation.
- Sleep & Dream – Promotes deep, restorative sleep.
- Thyroid Support – Helps maintain metabolic rate during calorie deficits.
- Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and supports collagen production.
“We’re not able to eat high amounts of vegetables or fruits, especially when we’re in contest prep because we’re limited in calories.”
This stack is a cornerstone of his recovery protocol , helping him preserve lean mass, maintain energy levels, and recover faster between brutal training sessions.
🔁 Training Philosophy: Hard Work, Smart Strategy
What sets Mike Sommerfeld apart isn’t just his physique—it’s his approach to training and preparation . He blends traditional bodybuilding techniques with modern science and intensity techniques like myo reps to maximize muscle growth and conditioning.
He’s also deeply aware of the mental side of competition , often emphasizing the importance of consistency, mindset, and visualization .
“If you’re a wimp, you can be as strong as you want, you just won’t access it.”
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That mindset is what separates champions from contenders.
🥊 The Road to the 2025 Mr. Olympia
With the 2025 Mr. Olympia on the horizon, Sommerfeld is already in high-intensity prep mode . His Arnold Classic win was just the beginning.
Here’s what to watch for in his Olympia journey:
| Focus Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Quad Development | Already a strength, but needs to stay sharp and defined. |
| Back & Shoulder Width | Must maintain proportion and symmetry. |
| Conditioning | Needs to stay dry without losing fullness. |
| Mental Toughness | Will be tested as the pressure increases. |
With Chris Bumstead retired , the division is wide open—and Sommerfeld is more than ready to step up.
🔥 Final Thoughts: Mike Sommerfeld Is Built for the Title
Mike Sommerfeld is not just another bodybuilder—he’s a strategic, intelligent, and relentless competitor who’s built for the long haul.
From his innovative leg training methods to his science-backed recovery stack , he’s doing everything right to position himself as a legitimate threat for the 2025 Olympia title .
And with his recent win at the Arnold Classic , he’s already proven he can bring his best when it matters most.
So if you’re asking:
Who’s going to win the 2025 Mr. Olympia?
Don’t be surprised if the answer is:
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