Lee Priest, the Australian bodybuilding icon known for his monstrous physique and equally giant personality, has never shied away from speaking his mind.
His candidness and willingness to address the unspoken or controversial aspects of bodybuilding and gym culture have endeared him to many fans.
However, this same trait has also stirred controversy, including past issues with bodybuilding federations.
Priest’s latest comments on the use of hip thrust machines by men have sparked discussions, laughter, and debates across the fitness community.
A History of Candidness
Lee Priest is celebrated for his achievements on the bodybuilding stage but is equally known for his outspoken nature.
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Over the years, Priest has built a reputation for his unfiltered commentary on various aspects of bodybuilding, training methodologies, and gym etiquette.
His straightforwardness has made him a beloved figure among fans who appreciate his authenticity in an industry often criticized for its lack of it.
Yet, this trait has also been a source of contention, leading to notable conflicts, including his ban from competing due to criticisms directed at the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness (IFBB).
The Controversial Comment
In recent videos that quickly gained traction on social media, Lee Priest shared his views on men using hip thrust machines, which are often utilized to strengthen the glutes.
With characteristic bluntness, Priest remarked,
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“The people doing the Hip Thrusts with the bar or that butt machine.The amount of people to get on that even the men, I’m like fk why? Go do squats, you are a man, Stop F’in hip thrusting into the air, Jesus, it’s like a se*ual assault on god.”
Additional Commentary from Lee Priest
In his latest discourse, Priest opens with a scenario all too familiar to regular gym-goers: the quest for 20 kilo plates.
“Say well good morning let’s have a little discussion or you can call it a rant when you go into the gym and you see the leg press and the sled machine and there’s no 20s,”
Priest begins, setting the stage for his critique. The heart of his frustration? An overwhelming number of these plates are monopolized by the hip thrust machine.
“It’s a sad State of Affairs when there’s more 20 kilo plates on the hip frosting machine then on the leg press and all the other leg equipment,”
Priest observes, voicing a concern over the prioritization of equipment usage in gyms that, in his view, could be detrimental to a more balanced and traditional approach to leg training.
A Strong Stance on Masculinity and Exercise Choice
Expanding on his previous comments, Priest directly addresses the men in the gym, pulling no punches:
“I’ll say it now if you’re a guy and you’re doing hip thrusts us you’re a pu**y.”
This blunt assertion underlines his belief that avoiding traditional leg exercises such as squats and leg presses in favor of hip thrusts is, in essence, a cop-out. He suggests that this choice reflects a broader reluctance to engage in more challenging, and by his implication, more masculine workouts.
Squats Over Hip Thrusts
Priest’s argument is rooted in a preference for traditional, compound movements like squats over targeted machines such as hip thrusts, especially for men.
He champions squats as a foundational exercise that not only targets the lower body more comprehensively but also invokes a sense of rugged, classic bodybuilding.
In contrast, he views the hip thrust, despite its effectiveness for glute development, as less masculine and somewhat comical, especially when performed by men.
The Reaction
As expected, Priest’s comments ignited a flurry of reactions.
Supporters argue that Priest is merely advocating for a return to fundamental exercises that have been the cornerstone of bodybuilding and strength training.
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They appreciate his humor and see his comments as a lighthearted jab at modern gym culture’s obsession with specialized machines and movements.
Critics, however, point out that Priest’s views may reinforce outdated stereotypes about masculinity and fitness.
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They argue that the effectiveness of an exercise should not be judged by perceived masculinity but by its utility, benefits, and the goals of the individual performing it.
Furthermore, they suggest that such comments could discourage people from exploring a range of beneficial exercises due to fear of judgment.
A Broader Perspective
Lee Priest’s remarks on hip thrust machines spotlight a broader debate within the fitness world about exercise selection, goals, and the evolving landscape of gym culture.
While Priest champions a more traditional approach to training, the modern fitness industry has seen a diversification of methodologies and equipment designed to cater to a wide range of goals, from aesthetic improvements to functional strength.
Conclusion
Lee Priest’s comments on men using hip thrust machines are emblematic of his larger persona: unapologetically outspoken, humorous, and occasionally controversial.
While some view his remarks as a refreshing dose of humor and a call to return to traditional training methods, others see them as an unnecessary reinforcement of outdated norms.
Regardless of where one stands, it’s clear that Priest remains a significant and provocative figure in the bodybuilding community, sparking conversations that extend far beyond the walls of the gym.
