Who is Steven Cao?
Steven Cao is a Men’s Physique bodybuilder, personal trainer, and fitness model from the United States.
After only one year of competing on the bodybuilding stage, he made his professional debut in 2017.
Steven Cao played basketball, his favorite sport, all through his boyhood and the beginning of adolescence.
However, after learning how to lift weights at the age of 16, Steven’s preferences started to shift. He started spending more time lifting weights at the gym and less time playing basketball.
Steven eventually gave up playing basketball entirely and started competing in bodybuilding. After years of ups and downs, challenging obstacles, including receiving an inguinal hernia diagnosis.
Steven rose to fame as a bodybuilder and a social media fitness guru by adhering to his ethos;
“Success will take care of itself if you work hard at whatever you do.”
Here is Steven Cao’s narrative:
Body Measurements of Steven Cao
| Full Name: | Steven Cao |
| HEIGHT: | 5’10” (177.5cm) |
| WEIGHT: | 185 – 195lbs (83.9 – 88.5kg) |
| NATIONALITY: | American |
| PROFESSION: | Fitness Model, Men’s Physique Competitor, Personal Trainer |
| ERA: | 2010 |
“Challenge yourself to become stronger as life becomes more difficult. Keep in mind that challenging paths frequently lead to wonderful destinations.”
Accomplishments
Competitions
2016
- John Kemper Classic, NPC Men’s Physique Class B, 1st place
- John Kemper Classic, NPC Men’s Physique Novice Class A, 1st place
- Universe Championships, NPC Men’s Physique Class B, 6th place
- National Championships, NPC Men’s Physique Class C, 6th place
2017
- Jr. National Championships, NPC Men’s Physique, 1st place – Pro Status Earned
- San Jose Pro, IFBB Men’s Physique, 4th place
Never give up; keep moving forward despite how difficult the going becomes. It is up to you to struggle through these challenges and maintain your strength. Don’t give up.
Biography
From Bodybuilding To Basketball
Steven Cao started lifting weights to “bulk up” for basketball. Steven cherished spending time on the basketball court as a child. He loved the sport so much that he intended to support himself through it.
However, Steven knew he needed to put on weight at the age of 16 to continue playing basketball at a high level. He then decided to join the closest gym he could find and begin weight training as a result.
Steven’s life then took a different turn when he decided to give up basketball and get into bodybuilding after noticing the benefits of weight training.
Steven then developed a training schedule that he followed many days a week, significantly accelerating his physical development.
Reaching A Plateau And Modifying Your Diet
Steven eventually reached a plateau in his bodybuilding progress, though. His muscles stopped developing as quickly as they had.
As a result, Steven started experimenting with new techniques and approaches to continue developing his physique.
Steven eventually discovered that his nutrition was the reason why he wasn’t developing as quickly anymore after months of trial and error. Steven’s physique once more experienced a growth spurt as soon as he raised his caloric intake.
Men’s Physique Class Contests
Steven developed an impressive physique after several years of refining his diet and exercise routine.
Steven, however, felt that this was insufficient and that he needed a greater challenge, which was to participate in bodybuilding competitions.
Steven’s fantasy quickly became a reality. He hired a trainer and got ready for his first bodybuilding competition.
For Steven, getting ready wasn’t an easy task. Steven experienced a significant setback during his preparations, in addition to “the tough” exercise, weight training, and strict dieting: an inguinal hernia.
Steven was obliged to have surgery as a result, which kept him away from the gym for three months.
Steven, however, handled everything with grace and came back better than before. He not only fully recovered his muscular mass, but he also dazzled everyone by winning his first Men’s Physique competition in the 2016 NPC John Kemper Classic.
Getting A Pro Card
Steven appeared once more soon after making his debut in the John Kemper Classic. This time, Steven competed to win the Pro Card at the 2016 National Championships. Unfortunately, his effort was in vain.
The outcome didn’t deter Steven, though. He continued working out diligently all year long, taking a hiatus from competition to concentrate on taking home the Pro Card at the 2017 National Championships.
The effort was worthwhile because Steven earned the Pro Card and finished first overall at the 2017 Jr. Nationals.
Contrasting With Professionals
Steven was now eligible to fight against the top Men’s Physique bodybuilders in the world after winning his Pro card.
He made his professional debut in 2017, the same year he took home the Nationals. San Jose Pro was the name of the competition, and Steven finished fourth in the Men’s Physique category.
Increasing Your Social Media Presence
Along with his achievements on the bodybuilding stage, Steven’s internet reputation also expanded. On his social media pages, he chronicled every step of his bodybuilding adventure, and as a result, he received enormous popularity.
Steven decided to become a personal trainer as a way of saying thanks to his many supporters. Since then, Steven has assisted others in becoming strong, fit, and healthy by sharing his fitness and lifestyle tips.
“If a path has no impediments in its way, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. The difficulties are there to be overcome to strengthen you. Something wonderful will result from your efforts if you remain committed and persistent.
Training
Education In Aesthetics
Steven works out in a method that helps him create a lean, attractive body. His goal is to resemble 1970s bodybuilders, who had a small waist, broad shoulders, wide back, and shredded core.
Steven trains five or six days a week to reach his goal. He works out for between 90 and 150 minutes each time.
In addition to getting enough recovery in between sets to maintain high energy levels during the workout, this enables Steven to train with a lot of volumes.
Steven Cao’s Back Exercise Program
- 4 sets of 8–12 reps of pull-ups
- Four sets of 8–12 repetitions of lat pulldowns
- 4 sets of 8–12 repetitions on a single-arm lat pulldown machine
- 4 sets of 6–8 repetitions of T-bar rows (heavy)
- 4 sets of 8–12 repetitions of seated cable rows
- Lat pulldowns while standing, 4 sets of 8–12 reps
Nutrition
While some contestants find it challenging to subsist on chicken and rice, These dishes are tasty to Steven. It sounds simple, but I like it, he says. As a result, Steven may more easily complete his in-season preparations.
In regards to the off-season, Steven mainly follows a balanced diet. He will, on occasion, “throw in” a cheat meal, like sushi.
Influences And Idols
Ariel Alberto, Steven’s friend, and coach was a big aid to him during his competitive career, according to Steven.
To quote Steven, “Wanted to send a huge shout out to my coach for always being there, pushing me, and constantly making sure I’m on track with everything.”
He encouraged me and assured me I could succeed when I performed in my first show. I kept thinking about that up until the day I received my Pro Card.
After two national shows and learning from past mistakes, we finally accomplished the goal we had set for ourselves at the outset of my competitive career.
We brought my best package, managed to win an overall title at the national level, and earned IFBB Pro status. Stephen Cao
Conor McGregor, an Irish professional MMA fighter, is another person that motivates Steven. Steven thinks Conor has the mentality of a champion—someone who overcame adversity by having faith in himself and working hard.
Inspiring Others
Besides his instructor and other celebrities, Steven is also influenced by fitness role models. His admirers and followers, whose achievements inspire him to be the best role model he can be, are another source of motivation for him.
This is Steven Cao discussing his motivation for working out and bodybuilding: “Would you continue to do the job that you do if happiness was the only form of currency?
Yes, I am passionate about assisting people in achieving their goals and leading better lives. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to inspire others.
At the Olympia expo, a young boy approached me and said he had been following me ever since I began my journey and that I had transformed his life.
He claimed that I inspired him to go to the gym and work out because he was bullied in school. That is precious in my eyes, and I will keep doing what I am doing to support anyone who needs it. Stephen Cao
What Steven Cao Can Teach Us?
Steven Cao teaches us that we shouldn’t ever be frightened to take chances in life. Steven’s basketball career as a teen put him on a secure and possibly prosperous path.
He eventually discovered that bodybuilding was his genuine calling, and he made the risky decision to pursue it over basketball.
Steven eventually realized that this was one of his better choices because it led to his success as a professional Men’s Physique competitor and fitness model.
The lesson here is to keep in mind that it’s sometimes a good idea to give up on certain things to pursue something that could change your life.