Men’s Open bodybuilder Martin Fitzwater made an impressive debut at the 2024 Olympia, securing fourth place overall. Fitzwater followed that performance by winning the 2024 Prague Pro, defeating renowned athletes like Chris Bumstead and Shaun Clarida to qualify for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
During a recent Q&A at the LA Fit Expo, Fitzwater discussed his personal challenges, sources of motivation, approach to dieting, and how to build 21-inch arms.
[Related: 5 Must-Do Exercises for a Bigger Chest]
Muscle Beach TV Interview
Martin Fitzwater reflected on his 2016 appearance on Muscle Beach TV, sharing memories from that pivotal moment in his fitness journey. At the time, Fitzwater weighed between 190 and 200 pounds as he prepared for Junior Nationals.
During that interview, Fitzwater recalled being assured of a promising future in pro bodybuilding. He consistently received guidance and advice from seasoned professionals like Jay Cutler to equip him with the tools to succeed.
“It’s cool to see it all come full circle, and now I am standing across from [Cutler] at the Expo shaking hands,” Fitzwater expressed.
ESPN Interview
In an interview with ESPN, Fitzwater was asked how he navigates social media as a fitness enthusiast, bodybuilder, and athlete. He admitted it’s been one of the most challenging aspects of his professional journey.
Working Construction & Bodybuilding
Fitzwater was a pharmacy student and on his college track team. In 2017, he decided to pursue a bodybuilding career. He left school to support his new path and took on a grueling 70-hour-a-week construction job, using the income to fund his bodybuilding aspiration. “If you have a goal and really want it, you’ll make it happen.”
While Fitzwater has always excelled as a bodybuilder — he transferred many skills honed as a collegiate shot athlete at a Division I school in Wyoming into bodybuilding. Managing the social media side of his career hasn’t come as easily.
Fitzwater hired a cameraman so that he could solely focus on his craft as a bodybuilder and not as a content creator. “I still have that presence doing videos, educating people, and giving my knowledge, but having somebody who understands [social media] to do that creative proportion [is beneficial],” he explained.
BuzzFeed Interview
Fitzwater’s favorite saying is, “It’s not about the end goal; it’s about the journey.” Celebrating small milestones along the way is a boon, as each step offers a sense of achievement.
While Fitzwater’s ultimate goal is to become Mr. Olympia, he enjoys experiences like the Fit Expo and cherishes these moments with his friends. “You want to chase those goals, set them high, and set a big standard. But remember to live in the moment and soak it all in,” he expressed.
Fitzwater has no regrets regarding his bodybuilding journey thus far. “Getting on stage for the first time, it’s just something you must do,” Fitzwater explained. “You’re never going to cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i’. You’ll never look like Mr. Olympia for the first [competition].” For Fitzwater, the thrill of being on stage is unforgettable; an experience he wants to feel again and again.
Chat with Olympia President Dan Solomon
Fitzwater told Olympia president Dan Solomon that he’s preparing for an exceptional off-season to build for the Pittsburgh Pro. They agreed that, with the increased prize money, Pittsburgh is expected to be an outstanding event.
How Does Martin Fitzwater Eat So Much?
During the Expo, Fitzwater ate chicken thighs and rice topped with teriyaki sauce. As he prepares for day two of the event, he shared that he’s currently in his off-season and focused on bulking up. His breakfast comprises Elev8 cream of rice, cookie butter, 10 grams of almond butter, and turkey.
Fitzwater’s fast metabolism requires 1,000 grams of carbohydrates daily during his construction days. Even in high school, he maintained a consistent diet focused on high carbs, protein, and fat. “I’ve always been a big eater and ate 10,000 calories per day,” Fitzwater stated.
Measuring Biceps
Fans asked Fitzwater the size of his biceps; unsure, he grabbed a measuring tape and measured 21.5 inches.
LA Fit Expo Panel
During a panel discussion with Keone Pearson and Breon Ansley, Fitzwater was asked what had changed for him in 2024. He had taken the previous year off to make improvements, including packing on more size.
Fitzwater’s primary focus, however, was enhancing his mental state, which he credited with significantly contributing to his progress. He expressed gratitude to those who genuinely believed in him and acknowledged their role in his success.
Fitzwater’s goal isn’t to pursue the “mass monster” aesthetic. Instead, he aims to balance classic aesthetics and the Men’s Open division elements, creating a distinctive and harmonious style. “My physique is not a big mass monster. I’m not this big, crazy Ronnie Coleman-looking guy. I got a tiny waist, and I want bring a Classic look to Open Bodybuilding,” Fitzwater explained.
Mental Struggles
In 2022, Fitzwater ranked second at the Texas Pro, which devastated him. Determined to prove himself, he entered the Arnold UK with an improved physique and better conditioning but finished fourth. Disheartened, he considered walking away from the sport altogether. However, encouragement from friends like Brett Wilkins reignited his passion.
Recognizing the toll on his mental health, Fitzwater sought therapy, a decision that strengthened his mindset and a more focused bodybuilder. “Coming into this last year, I’ve had nothing but success because of [therapy],” Fitzwater shared. “Sometimes you have to take a step back before you can take a step forward. Those little things really let you know one who’s in your corner and believes in you and what you are capable of.”
Olympia Debut
“I believed I could be Mr. Olympia since I started in 2017,” Fitzwater affirmed. He accepted praise from those he has admired since childhood, yet still finds his journey surreal. Nevertheless, Fitzwater’s ultimate of winning the Mr. Olympia title remains steadfast.
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Featured image: @martfitzh2o on Instagram
