The Truth Podcast, hosted by 25-time Olympia-winning bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod, recently featured two-time Arnold Classic Physique champion Terrence Ruffin, who’s prepping for the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro in May. Afterward, Rambod pushed Ruffin through a grueling delts and arms workout.
During their conversation, Ruffin said he believes the deaths of his former coaches, Matt Porter and John Meadows, were viewed as a bad omen by prospective coaches during the height of his bodybuilding success.
“When John passed, some coaches thought I was bad luck. I reached out, and they were like, ‘nah.’ This is when I placed second at the Olympia,” Ruffin revealed. He currently works with a French coach.
[Related: Mike Sommerfeld’s 2025 Arnold Classic Prep Features Low-Carb Two-a-Days in the Gym]
Personal Setbacks & Time Off
After a successful 2023 season with wins in Las Vegas, NV, Dubai, and India, Ruffin faced much tougher personal challenges.
I took [2024] off. It was a lot—ending a relationship and a serious injury where I couldn’t really train my upper body.
—Terrence Ruffin
Physical therapy and stem cell treatment helped Ruffin recover before he moved from Tampa, FL, to Houston, TX, where he’s forged new connections and a stronger mindset.
Bodybuilding Beginnings
Ruffin described the catalyst for his bodybuilding passion as a blessing in disguise. “I joined the military young. I wanted to do Special Forces, but I washed out near the end of training. I was only 120 pounds and struggled with the heavy carries,” he divulged.
Upon a gym-goer’s suggestion, Ruffin picked up a magazine featuring Dexter Jackson, inspiring him to pursue a bodybuilding career. Ruffin admired the no-nonsense approach of four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, Flex Wheeler’s unmatched aesthetics, Kai Greene’s masterful posing, and Shaun Clarida’s triumphs over taller competitors.
Evolution of Classic Physique
Ruffin commented on the rapidly evolving Classic Physique division with a new wave of emerging talent:
Every year, I think we’ve hit the peak of Classic Physique. Then, someone new comes along, and it keeps evolving. The young guys coming up have insane genetics.
—Terrence Ruffin
Complacency is career suicide, as Ruffin stated, “It’s scary, I got to stay on my s***. Staying the same get one “passed up 100%,” Rambod added. A prime example is Mike Sommerfeld, who catapulted from eighth at the 2023 Classic Physique Olympia to runner-up, behind reigning, six-time Olympia champion Chris Bumstead, in 2024.
“Every aspect that judges see, even while clothed, is important,” Rambod affirmed. “You must look good in bad light; the greats understand that.”
Training and Mental Approach
Ruffin credits his former trainer, Joe Bennett, for helping him analyze weak points and adjust. “Many bodybuilders don’t sit down and make a real game plan for improvement.” Classic weight limits also present unique challenges:
“Some guys get too big and struggle to make weight. Symmetry is key. You can’t blow up one body part — you’ll run out of room to grow elsewhere.”
—Terrence Ruffin
Ruffin intends to spice things up en route to the 2025 Olympia: “We need more trash talk — nothing negative, just good competition. It makes the sport more exciting for fans.” Rambod suggested letting it flow naturally.
Pittsburgh Pro & Beyond
Size is Ruffin’s priority for the Pittsburgh Pro. He is content with his symmetry after making off-season improvements, but recognizes he needs to bring up his back and hamstrings and improve his side triceps pose.
“I was severely underweight at my last Olympia. I expect to step on stage about 10 pounds heavier this time.” That’s most of the difference difference between Ruffin’s 170-pound stage weight in 2023 and his 187-pound weight allowance.
Ruffin ranked fifth at the 2023 Olympia and remains optimistic about his potential. While committed to Classic Physique, Ruffin would consider switching to the 212 division depending on his future success in Classic.
“You never know when your time is up. That fear of ‘what if I’ve already seen the best of my time on stage’,” Ruffin expressed.
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Featured image: @ruff_diesel on Instagram
