Derek Lunsford has practically
none of it because he’s only 24
and has been a competitive
bodybuilder for only a few years.
At last year’s 212 Olympia, it
didn’t seem to matter that he
was lacking the “hard and grainy”
look that signals a mature
physique. Lunsford placed fifth
in the loaded lineup, nipping at the
heels of seasoned veterans Jose
Raymond and David Henry (third
and fourth place, and ages 43
136
FLEX | MARCH ’18
and 42, respectively) and beating
40-somethings Ronny Rockel
and Charles Dixon.
“Actually, that’s probably one
of the things that held me back
at the Olympia—a lack of muscle
maturity,” says Lunsford, a native
of Indiana. “But I love bodybuilding
so much that I’m willing to take a
lower placing. I think I could have
placed a little higher, but I respect
the judges’ opinions. Plus, I have
so much respect and appreciation
for all the work the older guys
like Jose Raymond have put in.
They’ve put a lot more into it than I
have. Ultimately, I just want to see
the sport of bodybuilding grow.”
Speaking of growing, the
immense size and width of
Lunsford’s shoulders must have
had something to do with him
cracking the Olympia top five on
his first try. In the following pages,
you’ll find his multidimensional delt
routine—a crucial workout for any
MAYBE MUSCLE
MATURITY IS