In early February 2025, retired bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod critiqued reigning Arnold Classic Physique champion Wesley Vissers’ 2024 Olympia physique on his Truth Podcast. He recently compared top Classic Physique bodybuilder Ramon Rocha Queiroz’s fourth-place package from the same event.
Queiroz was runner-up at the 2022 and 2023 Olympia contests and won the 2023 Arnold Classic Physique competition. After falling off the podium at the 2024 Olympia, Queiroz is using his off-season to tighten up, sitting out of the 2025 Arnold Classic, held from Feb. 28 through March 1 in Columbus, OH.
Rambod highlighted Queiroz’s strengths and how he could improve for a higher Classic division ranking:
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Ramon Queiroz’s Strengths
Rambod highlighted five of Queiroz’s top-tier aesthetics:
1. Insane Arms
Queiroz’s world-class arm development stands out in the front double biceps pose. “Crazy, crazy forearms,” Rambod pointed out, cautioning, “If he isn’t careful, they can get too big.” It’s possible disproportionately large forearms can throw off balance between the biceps and triceps.
2. Upper-to-Lower Body Symmetry
The balance between the arms and calves is important to presenting symmetrical proportions. “The bicep-to-calf ratio is on point,” Rambod highlighted.
Comparatively, Rambod feels Vissers’ arms are perfect, but his calves are undersized, taking away from his ratios.
3. Quads Size and Shape
Queiroz’s quadriceps are near-complete with an optimal quad sweep (i.e., outer quad roundness), muscular development, and separation between the four quad heads. Rambod’s only criticism was a slight lack of detail and conditioning.
Rambod noted, however, that he doesn’t believe Queiroz’s 2024 Olympia physique was his best. Still, “The quality of his muscles is amazing,” Rambod said.
4. Elite Midsection with a Classic X-Frame
The “X-frame” is the hallmark of aesthetic perfection — a look Queiroz exemplifies. “His waist is still small, and I love that I can see the outline of his abs,” Rambod observed, accentuating their 3D appearance.
5. Roadmap Back
In a back double biceps pose, Queiroz is near perfect, with minor flaws due to suboptimal conditioning rather than muscular development. If Queiroz nails his water manipulation and comes in drier, he’ll look incredible.
Where Queiroz Can Improve
There were three areas Rambod suggested that Queiroz could improve during his off-season.
1. Lat Width & Thickness
The lats help create the V-taper — the top half of the X-frame aesthetic. “We’re looking for that gigantic X,” Rambod explained, suggesting Queiroz could add width to his lats to better match his quad sweep.
2. Hamstring Development
Queiroz’s side chest pose would be ideal if he had more hamstring size to enhance the depth and separation from his quads. “Seated leg curls, lying leg curls, and stiff-leg deadlifts would help,” Rambod advised.
Queiroz’s balanced calf development would need to be maintained as he builds up the areas Rambod recommends. “Just because you have calves from one angle doesn’t mean they’re complete,” Rambod explained. “Always work all areas of the calves.”
3. Triceps Depth
Rambod suggested Queiroz should incorporate more reverse grip pushdowns to balance his strong biceps. “We want the triceps to arch to show even more width,” he said. “Techniques such as reverse-grip pushdowns could help create a fuller and more three-dimensional arm appearance.
Queiroz’s Physique Rating
Rambod was impressed with Queiroz’s overall physique, which is reflected by Queiroz’s on-stage success at 30 years old. “[The 2024 Olympia] wasn’t his all-time best look,” Rambod acknowledged, as Queiroz’s conditioning was slightly off compared to his best looks in 2022 and 2023.
Rambod remains optimistic, saying, “Come the 2025 Olympia, Queiroz will have all the motivation in the world to go to the next level.” Rambod gave Queiroz a final rating of 8.3 out of 10 Sandows, slightly higher than Vissers’ physique score.
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Featured image: @ramondinopro on Instagram
