Phil Heath Details TRT Protocol, Predicts 2025 Arnold Classic Champion
‘The Gift’ opens up about his TRT regimen and breaks down the frontrunners for the upcoming 2025 Arnold Classic.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath continues to push the limits in the gym despite stepping away from competitive bodybuilding. In a recent YouTube video aired on February 20, 2025, Heath provided insights into his latest testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) protocol while also backing reigning Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda to defend his title successfully.
As one of the most dominant Men’s Open competitors in history, Heath shares an elite distinction with Arnold Schwarzenegger, boasting seven Sandow trophies. Throughout his tenure, Heath consistently thwarted some of the sport’s most formidable challengers, including his intense rivalry with Kai ‘The Predator’ Greene.
Under the tutelage of esteemed coach Hany Rambod—who guided athletes like Derek Lunsford before his own retirement—Heath possesses a keen understanding of the current bodybuilding landscape. With the 2025 Arnold Classic fast approaching, he not only outlined his TRT strategy but also detailed why he believes Dauda has the edge to secure another victory.
Phil Heath Discusses TRT Dosage at 45, Offers Guidance to Derek Lunsford and Samson Dauda Ahead of 2025 Arnold Classic
During the YouTube discussion, Heath disclosed that he administers 200 milligrams of testosterone weekly to optimize his physique at 45 years old. He emphasized that adjustments to his diet have significantly reduced inflammation and contributed to overall well-being.
“How many milligrams of testosterone are you using now? 200, I weigh 246-248 and normally around this time I would be 275-280 pounds. My diet has changed.
The inflammation is definitely leaving my body much more than what it would be if I was doing different PEDs and stuff like that. As you can see, I’m kind of getting leaner in the face, so I’m probably looking a little bit younger as well,” shared Heath.
Shifting the conversation to the 2025 Arnold Classic, Heath placed his confidence in Samson Dauda, citing his remarkable showing at the most recent Mr. Olympia event, where he unseated Lunsford.
“Derek Lunsford or Samson Dauda? Well, as of right now we’re going to have to go with the champ who just recently won the Olympia, Samson Dauda. He did beat Derek and Derek got third with Hadi Choopan placing second.”
Heath elaborated that Lunsford’s past success has largely hinged on his unparalleled back density and conditioning. However, if Lunsford hopes to reclaim dominance, Heath urges him to enhance his lower-body proportions to achieve a more symmetrical and complete physique.
“I do realize with Derek Lunsford the things I would probably focus more on, we when I say we, he, creates a lot more balance with the physique than what he’s presented. I feel like last year it was very well predicated on a lot of back. His back wins the shows and such. And that’s a huge body part for me, he has an incredible back.”
Specifically, Heath advised Lunsford to scale back on excessive back training and place greater emphasis on increasing his leg workout frequency to ensure balanced development. He also commended Dauda’s continued improvements and unwavering work ethic.
“One of the greatest [backs] of all time in my opinion. But with that said, it can showcase some of your weaknesses as well. So it can make you more top-heavy and I think that’s — I wouldn’t say it’s ruining anything because I think he’s amazing. I just think that it didn’t carry the balance with the legs. If the legs grew as fast as the back did, I don’t think he would have had a problem,” he shared.
“If he maybe slows down the back training and increases the frequency of leg training and has good responses from that, I think he’d be very well favorable to give Samson Dauda a run for his money.”
“With that said, we’ve seen some pictures and videos of Samson and he has not let off the gas at all,” Heath shared. “A part of me was like, why? You don’t need to be bigger you just need to be better but he’s actually gotten better and it looks like he’s actually gotten better.”
Given Heath’s extensive experience at the pinnacle of the sport, his analysis of the Men’s Open division remains invaluable. The excitement is building for the 2025 Arnold Classic, taking place from February 27 to March 1 in Columbus, Ohio—an event no bodybuilding fan should miss!
