Steven Cao is a well-known American fitness model, personal trainer, and professional Men’s Physique bodybuilder.
Steven Cao got 16th place at the Olympia 2022 against Erin Banks, Brandon Hendrickson, Diogo Montenegro, Charjo Grant, Kyron Holden, Ryan Terry, Jahvair Mullings and Carlos Deoliveira in the Men’s Physique Category.
Steven has become a well-respected figure in the fitness industry, encouraging and inspiring others to achieve their fitness goals.
Steven Cao Early Life
Steven Cao was born in the United States on November 21, 1994. As a child, he played basketball, which was his favorite sport. However, at the age of 16, Steven discovered weight training as a means to gain more strength for basketball.
He started training with weights and soon found a passion for bodybuilding. Steven created a training plan and followed it several days a week, but eventually hit a plateau in his progress.
After experimenting with different methods, he discovered that his diet was the issue and increased his calorie intake to see growth once again.
After perfecting his exercise and diet plan, Steven had an impressive physique and decided to compete in bodybuilding shows. He found a coach and started preparing for his first competition.
Despite facing difficult challenges, including being diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, Steven remained determined and ultimately became a recognized bodybuilder and social media fitness icon.
Steven Cao Bodybuilding Career
Steven Cao’s bodybuilding career began through basketball at the age of 16. He signed up at the closest gym and started training with weights, which led to outstanding physical progress and, ultimately, a decision to quit basketball and pursue bodybuilding.
After hitting a plateau in his bodybuilding transformation, Steven found that his diet was the culprit. As soon as he increased his calories, he again surged in growth. He went on to perfect his diet and workout plan and was determined to challenge himself by competing in bodybuilding competitions.
Steven encountered setbacks during his preparation for his first bodybuilding show, including an inguinal hernia that required surgery and put him out of the weight room for three months.
However, he took all of this in his stride and impressively took home 1st place in his Men’s Physique bodybuilding debut at the 2016 NPC John Kemper Classic.
After winning 1st place at the 2017 Jr. Nationals with the Pro Card in his hands, Steven was able to compete against the best Men’s Physique bodybuilders in the world. He debuted professionally in 2017 at the San Jose Pro, taking 4th place in the Men’s Physique division.
Since then, Steven has competed in numerous IFBB Pro League competitions, including the Olympia, where he placed 16th in 2022, and the Arnold Classic USA, where he placed 3rd in 2020. In 2022, he took home 1st place in the Mile High Pro Men’s Physique division.
Steven has demonstrated impressive dedication and resilience throughout his career, overcoming setbacks and continually striving to improve. His hard work and talent have made him a formidable competitor in bodybuilding.
Steven Cao Contest History
- 2022, Olympia, Men’s Physique, 16th
- 2022, Mile High Pro, Men’s Physique, 1st
- 2022, Optimum Classic Pro, Men’s Physique – open, 6th
- 2021, Europa Games Orlando Pro, Men’s Physique, 3rd
- 2020, Olympia, Men’s Physique, 14th
- 2020, Chicago Pro, Men’s Physique, 1st
- 2020, Border States Pro, Men’s Physique, 2nd
- 2020, Arnold Classic USA (PRO), Men’s Physique, 3rd
- 2019, Tampa Pro, Men’s Physique, 3rd
- 2019, Chicago Pro, Men’s Physique, 14th
- 2019, San Jose Pro, Men’s Physique, 4th
- 2018, Jicheng Sanyo Pro, Men’s Physique, 7th
- 2018, Pittsburgh Pro, Men’s Physique, 7th
- 2018, Europa Orlando Pro, Men’s Physique, 6th
- 2018, Atlantic Coast Pro, Men’s Physique, 2nd
- 2018, Arnold Classic, USA (PRO), Men’s Physique, 6th
- 2017, San Jose Pro, Men’s Physique, 4th
- 2017, NPC Junior Nationals, Men’s Physique – class C, 1st
- 2017, NPC, Junior Nationals, Men’s Physique – overall, 1st
- 2016, NPC, Nationals, Men’s Physique – class C, 6th
- 2016, NPC, Universe, Men’s Physique – class B, 6th
Steven Cao Body Measurement
| Steven Cao Height | 5 Feet and 10 Inches |
| Steven Cao Weight | 90 KG |
| Steven Cao Date of Birth | November 21, 1994 |
| Steven Cao Age | 29 Years |
| Steven Cao Arm Size | 18 Inches |
| Steven Cao Chest Size | 46 Inches |
| Steven Cao Waist Size | 30 Inches |
| Steven Cao Nationality | American |
Steven Cao’s Wife
Steven Cao is currently in a relationship with Ivelisse Diaz, a medical student with a bachelor’s in Biology. Ivelisse has a significant presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where she has amassed a large following.
Similar to Steven, Ivelisse is passionate about fitness and bodybuilding, and she has been a great support system for Steven throughout his career.
She encourages him to achieve his goals and motivates him when needed. It’s clear that Steven and Ivelisse share a strong connection and have a lot of love for each other.
They often share photos of each other on their social media accounts, showcasing their happy moments. Steven’s fans are always excited to see the couple’s adorable pictures and cheer them on in their endeavors.
Steven Cao Training
Steven’s dedication to fitness and bodybuilding has encouraged him to sculpt a ripped and aesthetic physique he often shares on social media.
Steven’s training regimen is intense, as he aims to look like bodybuilders from the 70s with a small waist, big and round shoulders, wide back, and ripped midsection. He trains five or six days a week, and his workouts are long, lasting between 90 and 150 minutes.
This allows Steven to train with a lot of volumes, alongside giving himself enough rest between sets to keep high energy levels throughout the workout.
Steven’s workout routines are tailored to work on specific muscle groups, ensuring he maintains a balanced and symmetrical physique.
Steven Cao’s Back Workout Routine
| Exercise | Sets x Reps |
| Pull-ups | 4 x 8-12 |
| Lat Pulldowns | 4 x 8-12 |
| Single-Arm Lat Row Machine | 4 x 8-12 |
| T-Bar Rows | 4 x 6-8 (heavy) |
| Seated Cable Rows | 4 x 8-12 |
| Standing Lat Pushdown | 4 x 8-12 |
Steven Cao’s Chest Workout Routine
| Exercise | Sets x Reps |
| Incline Bench Press | 4 x 8-12 |
| Flat Bench Press | 4 x 8-12 |
| Dumbbell Flyes | 4 x 10-12 |
| Cable Crossovers | 4 x 10-12 |
Steven Cao’s Arm Workout Routine
| Exercise | Sets x Reps |
| Barbell Curls | 4 x 8-12 |
| Hammer Curls | 4 x 8-12 |
| Tricep Pushdowns | 4 x 8-12 |
| Skull Crushers | 4 x 8-12 |
Steven Cao’s Leg Workout Routine
| Exercise | Sets x Reps |
| Barbell Squats | 4 x 8-12 |
| Leg Press | 4 x 8-12 |
| Leg Extensions | 4 x 10-12 |
| Leg Curls | 4 x 10-12 |
Steven Cao Diet Plan
Steven Cao sticks to a primarily chicken and rice diet during his in-season preparations. Though it may seem bland, he enjoys eating these foods, which makes the diet easier to follow.
Steven maintains a healthy and clean diet in the off-season, occasionally indulging in cheat meals such as sushi.
He focuses on consuming high-quality protein sources, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to fuel his body and achieve his desired physique.
Steven Cao’s Net Worth
Steven Cao has a net worth of approximately $500k. This includes his earnings as a social media influencer, bodybuilder, and fitness coach.
Additionally, he has sponsorship deals with several supplement and fitness brands, contributing to his overall net worth.
FAQs
Steven Cao is 5 feet and 10 inches tall.
Steven Cao is 29 years old as of 2023.
Steven Cao is currently in a relationship with Ivelisse Diaz, a medical student with a bachelor’s in Biology.