Is This the Most Shredded Person on Earth, 1% bodyfat?

There are many different opinions when it comes to what people consider to be the figure. Some find that massive muscles are the embodiment of perfection. For them muscular body is a symbol of strength, power and physical dominance, and can be helpful when handling heavy weights.

Others, on the other hand, opt for a leaner physique. Having a leaner physique is preferable when engaging in sports like swimming, boxing, kickboxing.

And there are those who hold the middle ground, claiming that the ultimate physique can only be achieved by combining the two approaches. In other words, the well developed and defined muscles, should have the backing up of leanness to emphasize their impressiveness.

That would imply having less body fat than the average guy. The combination of increased musculature and lower body fat is a guarantee for gaining sculpted and shredded look.

One of the greatest adherents to this philosophy is Helmut Strebl. This fitness model sports such a shredded physique claiming that he has only one percent of body fat. Although some people may find this impressive, a more sober individual would say that this is a case of not knowing when to stop.

Strebl started lifting weights at the age of twelve in order to strengthen his self-defense skills. However, he aspired to match his muscular school friend as he became stronger. Soon after reaching his objective, Helmut decided to pursue a career as a fitness model.

From the start, Helmut Strebl had a fondness for lifting weights. He replaced dumbbells with two 5 kg detergent bottles loaded with water before ever entering a gym.

Take a look at the video below and judge yourself.

 

Let’s make something clear. Having lower body fat percentage is not bad altogether, especially when you are in the bodybuilding business. It provides your laboriously gained muscle mass with the sharp finish emphasising that sculpted look.

On the other hand, depleting your body of fat to such an extreme could prove disastrous for your overall health and is highly ill advisable. Our bodies are simply not built to survive with such a low body fat percentage.

Although Strebl may beg to differ, the long term consequences of his feat are yet to be seen. Also, have in mind that not all people share the same genetic traits.

Helmut Strebl workout routine

Helmut Strebl prefers training his muscles to the limit and typically does supersets. He practices breathing techniques during the downtime in between sets. Before going on to his next set, he will inhale and exhale about five times.

Monday: Back/Shoulders/Calves/Abs

Wide Grip Lat Pull-down: 4 sets of 16-20 reps
Close Grip Chin-up: 3sets of 12 reps
Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 8-12 reps
Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 5 sets of 8-12 reps
Seated Dumbbell Lateral Raise : 3 sets of 15-20 reps
Standing Barbell Upright Row: 4 sets of 8-12 reps
Seated Calf Raises: 5 sets of 30-50 reps
Standing Calf Raises: 5 sets of 10-15 reps
Machine Crunches: 6-8 sets of 30-50 reps
Leg Raises: 5 sets of 20-40 reps

Tuesday: Chest/Triceps

Bench Press: 5 sets of 6-10 reps
Stability Ball Dumbbell Bench Press: 5 sets of 10-15 reps
Pec Deck Machine: 5 sets of 10-15 reps
Seated Barbell Triceps Extension: 5 sets of 8-12 reps
Dips: 5 sets of 15-20 reps

Wednesday: Biceps/Hamstrings/Abs

Barbell Preacher Curl: 5 sets of 8-12 reps
Barbell Bicep Curl: 5 sets of 6-10 reps
Lying Leg Curl: 4 sets of 8-12 reps
Seated Leg Curl: 4 sets of 6-10 reps
Crunches on a bench: 5 sets of 30-40 reps
Incline Bench Crunches: 5 sets of 30-50 reps

Thursday: Quads/Calves

Leg Press: 5 sets of 20-30 reps
Leg Extension: 5 sets of 15-30 reps
Seated Calf Raises: 5 sets of 30-50 reps
Standing Calf Raises: 5 sets of 10-15 reps

Friday: Glutes/Chest

Machine Glutes Extension: 5 sets of 20-30 reps
Standing Machine Glutes Extension: 5 sets of 20-30 reps
Decline Close Grip Bench Press: 5 sets of 3-5 reps

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: Back/Calves

Seated Cable Row: 4 sets of 15-20 reps
Supinated Grip Lat Pulldowns: 5 sets of 10-14 reps
Seated Calf Raises: 5 sets of 30-50 reps
Standing Calf Raises: 5 sets of 10-15 reps

Helmut Strebl workout routine

Helmut has a tight diet and prefers to plan it out in advance. Every day, he eats five to seven meals. He is eating protein rich foods at every meal. Among his preferred sources of high-quality protein are: Beef, chicken, turkey, egg whites, fish like cod or halibut.

To get his bodyfat under 5%, Helmut cuts back on carbohydrates drastically while slightly increasing his fat intake. He also takes a month or more to cycle carbohydrates before a show. There are four days in each of his carb cycles. During the first three days, Strebl consumes 150–200 grams of carbohydrates, which are spread out over six meals.