Kevin Levrone, also known as Maryland Muscle Machine, is one of the most accomplished professional bodybuilders. He is also an actor, singer, father, and actor.
Kevin was a victim of adversity from his childhood. He lost his father at 7 years old and his mother at high school. Both were victims to cancer.
Kevin was forced to confront his life’s challenges by these events and realized that he had to live a healthy lifestyle if he wanted to avoid the fate of his parents.
He became an inspiration to everyone, winning over 23 Pro Show titles and making a return for Mr. Olympia at 51 – an event that surprised everyone in the fitness world. Kevin is a boy who lost both his parents and has become a bodybuilding icon.
Here’s his story:
> “You can get as big as you want by becoming as strong as you can. When I first started lifting weights, I was a ‘how big can I bench, curl and squat, squat, deadlift, and squat’ person. This was when I realized how quickly my strength could increase and it drove me insanely crazy to get stronger.
Athlete Statistics
Full Name: Kevin LevroneWeightHeightArmsChest lbs (102. .6kg)5’11” (180cm)24″57″WaistThighsCalves29″32″19.5″Year of BirthNationalityProfession1964AmericanBodybuilder, Singer, ActorAliasEraMaryland Muscle Machine1990, 2000, 2010Weight lbs (102. .6kg)Height5’11” (180cm)Arms24″Chest57″Waist29″Thighs32″Calves19.5″Year of Birth1964NationalityAmericanProfessionBodybuilder, Singer, ActorAliasMaryland Muscle MachineEra1990, 2000, > “Champions have the willingness, endurance to go through it and the fortitude to sustain it.”
Accomplishments
Concours
* 1991 Junior Nationals- NPC, HeavyWeight 2nd
* 1991 Nationals – NPC, HeavyWeight 1st
* 1991 Nationals – NPC, Overall Champion
* 1992 Grand Prix Germany, 1st
* 1992 Grand Prix England 2nd
* Chicago Pro Invitational 1992, 3rd
* 1992 Night of Champions, 1.
* 1992 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
* 1993 Grand Prix France 5th
* 1993 Grand Prix Finland 2nd
* 1993 Grand Prix Spain 3rd
* 1993 Grand Prix Germany 1st
* 1993 Mr. Olympia, 5th
* 1993 Grand Prix England 3rd [clarification required]
* 1994 San Jose Pro Invitational, 1st
* 1994 Grand Prix France (2). 1st
* 1994 Grand Prix Italy 1st
* 1994 Arnold Classic, 1st
* 1994 Mr. Olympia, 3rd
* 1994 Grand Prix Spain 2nd
* 1994 Grand Prix Germany 2nd
* 1994 Grand Prix England 2nd
* 1995 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
* 1995 Grand Prix Spain 1st
* 1995 Grand Prix Germany 1st
* 1995 Grand Prix England 2nd
* 1995 Grand Prix Russia, 1.
* 1996 San Jose Pro Invitational, 1st
* 1996 Arnold Classic, 1st
* 1996 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 1st
* 1996 Mr. Olympia, 3rd
* 1996 Grand Prix Spain 3rd
* 1996 Grand Prix Germany 4th
* 1996 Grand Prix England 4th
* 1996 Grand Prix Czech Republic 2nd
* 1996 Grand Prix Switzerland, 3rd
* 1996 Grand Prix Russia 5th
* 1997 Arnold Classic, 8th
* 1997 Mr. Olympia, 4th
* 1997 Grand Prix Hungary 1st
* 1997 Grand Prix Spain 1st
* 1997 Grand Prix Germany 1st
* 1997 Grand Prix England 1st
* 1997 Grand Prix Czech Republic 1st
* 1997 Grand Prix Finland 1st
* 1997 Grand Prix Russia 2nd
* 1998 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 1st
* 1998 Toronto Pro Invitational, 2nd
* 1998 Night of Champions 2nd
* 1998 Mr. Olympia, 4th
* 1998 Grand Prix Germany 2nd
* 1998 Grand Prix Finland 2nd
* 1999 Arnold Classic, 2nd
* 1999 Mr. Olympia, 4th
* 1999 World Pro Championships 3rd
* 1999 Grand Prix England 3rd
* 2000 Arnold Classic, Third
* 2000 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
* 2001 Mr. Olympia, 3rd
* 2001 Grand Prix England 1st
* 2002 Arnold Classic, 5th
* 4th Grand Prix Australia 2002
* 2002 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
* 2003 Arnold Classic, 5th
* 2003 Mr. Olympia, 6th
* 2003 Show of Strengths Pro Championship. 3rd
* 2016 Mr. Olympia, 16th
> “As long you don’t give up, there will be no losing, no matter how long it takes.”
Biography
Childhood
Kevin was raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Kevin was one of six children in a family of six. His mother was an African-American and his father was an Italian-American. Both of them died from aggressive forms of cancer. Some of his close relatives also died from cancer shortly after the tragedy.
Kevin and his siblings were shocked by the unfortunate events and had to come up with a plan to get over it. Kevin saw a way out of the “dark place” he was in by getting into bodybuilding.
He was concerned about his health and feared he would be the same as his parents.
He stated that he had figured out, “hey, something’s up here, I need my health to keep me healthy.” At his age, this translated to him wanting to be strong to protect myself and gain power in an uncertain world. This is how I coped with the loss.
Early Career
He was inspired by the shape and condition his cousin returned from the military in to begin taking bodybuilding and diet seriously.
He began to compete in local shows shortly after. But the real test was when he became an IFBB professional.
Kevin began his professional career at the age of 27, in 1991, when he won his first NPC finals. He won Grand Prix Germany the following year, was 2nd in Grand Prix England and took home 1st in Night of Champions.
A few months after his 2nd place finish in Mr. Olympia 1992 was achieved, an accident took place. He was bench pressing 600 lbs and tore both his major and minor pectoralis.
Injuries aftermath
Levrone required immediate surgery to repair both his pectoralis muscles. Two surgeries were required to repair the injury, one lasting over eight hours.
After his first surgery, he contracted an infection that made matters more difficult for him.
He had to stop weightlifting for a while, but he still did exceptionally well that year, placing 2nd at the Grand Prix Finland and winning the Grand Prix Germany 1993.
Later Competitions
Levrone recovered from his injury and continued to dominate bodybuilding, winning numerous prestigious shows such as the Grand Prix Spain (Arnold Classic), San Francisco Pro Invitational, Grand Prix England (Grand Prix England), etc.
He was also 2nd in many other competitions which made him the Pro Show champion.
Mr. Olympia
Kevin was one of the most successful bodybuilders ever, but he had yet to win the Mr. Olympia contest.
He won 23 trophies and more medals during his life, but unfortunate events like injuries made him hungry for the ultimate title.
Levrone was a contestant at as many as thirteen Mr. Olympias. He never won the competition, earning him the nickname “The Uncrowned King Of Mr. Olympia”.
The Life After Competition
The 2003 Show of Strengths Pro Championship was Kevin’s last competition before he declared his days of competition over.
Levrone said that even though he didn’t announce his retirement, he had decided to do something new and didn’t want to compete at the time.
Levrone was active in acting, singing and other sports during his time off from competition.
American launched his supplement line in 2015, and an online training platform for students in March 2016.
Olympia Makes a Comeback
Kevin Levrone announced his return to Mr. Olympia after 13 years of inactivity. The announcement was a surprise to the entire world and attracted a lot attention to the upcoming Mr. Olympia contestants.
After he announced his comeback, Levrone’s popularity exploded on social media. He became the most popular bodybuilder in 2016.
Many were impressed by Kevin’s physique on the competition stage. He placed 16th, but he was 51 years old at the time and many believed that he had achieved something no one before him.
Kevin explained that his legs weren’t as developed as his upper bodies. He had tendonitis, which meant he couldn’t squat or bring out the best version his legs.
Kevin has been before.
Events after the Olympics
Levrone stated after the Olympia that “With time on mine now, only the skies are the limit.” Levrone stated that he does not think about retiring and is looking forward to competing again.
Although he did not place among the top competitors, many fans and professionals rated him as the best and the “true champion of 2016″. Mr. Olympia”.
Training
Training philosophy
Kevin loves to keep his body guessing when it comes to his workout routine.
He said, “It always depends on the exact goal.” As a general rule, I do all my pushing movements on one day and all my pulling movements on another. Although you might think this is basic knowledge 101, I am still asked that question a lot. It bears repeating.
Kevin suggests that when it comes to developing triceps, you should do all movements. Locking out is what makes your triceps work at their best. To hit all three triceps heads, flex and squeeze at each contraction.
Kevin stressed the importance of lifting heavy weights with high volumes. According to Kevin, low reps are the best. It all depends on the individual. Kevin says, “Those lower reps always worked well for me.” While I am aware that others aim for 10, I prefer to go heavy.
Favorite Exercises
Levrone’s favourite exercises are:
* Flat bench
* Squats
* Bent Over Rows
> “Flat bench works your whole chest. Squats target every muscle in your body. You can get every muscle in your back with Bent Over Rows. These are three powerful and very effective workhorse exercises.
Kevin’s Arm Workout
Kevin liked to change things up at the gym but when it came time to his arms, he tended to stick to the same routine because it was the most effective way to gain size.
Triceps
* Close-grip bench pressing: 4 sets of 6-8 reps
* Lying Extension: 4 sets of 6-8 reps
* Rope pushdown: 4 sets (6-8 reps)
* One-arm dumbbell extension: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Biceps
* Barbell curls: 4 sets of 6-8 reps
* 4 sets of 6-8 repetitions for the seated dumbbell curl
* Cable curl: 4 sets (6-8 reps)
* Concentration curl: 4 sets (6-8 reps)
> “Stay focused. It is best to not let it go until your good is greater than your best.
Nutrition
Kevin likes to eat a strict diet without cheat meals. Kevin is well-known for his “growing into show” strategy, which he used to prepare for future competitions.
He grew in the months prior to the show, and didn’t always follow the same bulking or cutting routine that lasts an entire year.
American also stated that he hated red meat. My diet is very low in carbs and includes lots of chicken and fish. Everything is clean. I love vegetables, so I am currently cutting them. When I’m not cutting, I will add sauces and spices to the mixture. It’s all whole foods, unprocessed and clean for now.
Kevin’s Diet
Kevin’s diet was like this during the competition days.
* Meal 1-10: 2 whole eggs, 10 egg whites, 1/2 oatmeal
* Meal 2 – 1 cup cooked rice, 12 oz fish
* Meal 3: 1 cup rice cooked, 12 oz chicken breast
* Meal 4 – 1 cup cooked rice, 12 oz fish
* Meal 5 – 1 cup cooked rice, 12 oz fish
* Meal 6-12 egg whites (sometimes steak)
Supplementation
Levrone believes in pre-workout vitamins and feels they are essential if an athlete is to be at their best in the gym.
> “I highly recommend an NO2 component as a pre-workout. It heats up the machine, and increases blood flow to the muscles. Be careful that you aren’t buying trash. You will feel it, so be careful with premium, pro-grade stuff like mine. Before I begin weight training, I will eat some food. Before I lift weights, protein and carbs are important. After I lift, protein and carbs will be reduced. For bulking, I will consume more calories. To reduce my carbohydrate intake, I’ll cut back on the carbohydrate intake.
> > “I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I want it to be here when it does.”
Influences and Idols
Kevin claims that he finds inspiration from every bodybuilder, as each one has their own story and is unique.
> “Everybodybuilder is exceptional and brings something positive to the sport. Every Mr. Olympia has something I love. Nevertheless, I also like some bodybuilders who are not just regular men, but wheelchair or female bodybuilders.
> “Obsessed” is a term used by lazy people to describe the dedicated.
Kevin Levrone: What can we learn from him
Kevin Levrone accomplished feats that few could. His extraordinary accomplishments include his loss of parents at an early stage and his return to bodybuilding at 51, where he competed in the most prestigious competitions in the world.
We can take away from this that it is possible to overcome almost any obstacle.
You can also build your own success by overcoming obstacles like Kevin and not giving in when it gets tough.
