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Lil Jon made his debut at the Muscle Beach championship in Los AngelesThe rapper, 54, took home 3rd place in the Men’s Physique Master’s Over 45 categoryThe Grammy winner said he’s been through a lot as he changed his lifestyle and hopes to inspire others

Lil Jon is showing off the results of his hard work in the gym.

On Monday, Sept. 1, the “Turn Down for What” rapper, 54, made his fitness competition debut, participating in the annual Muscle Beach championship at Venice Beach in Los Angeles. He flexed his muscles in the Men’s Physique Master’s Over 45 category and took home 3rd place.

Lil Jon’s personal trainer Jay Galvin celebrated the win on Instagram, sharing a photo of the hip-hop star with his medal.

“My bro @liljon came straight off a plane to his first show ever @musclebeachvenice and took 3rd place!!!!” Galvin wrote.

Lil Jon with his trainer at the Muscle Beach competition.

bruceeardenas/Instagram

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“It’s been a lot physically, just in the gym, dedication, eating, focus. I’m winning just by being here and changing my lifestyle, mentally and physically,” Lil Jon told reporters during the competition. “One of the things I hope is that I can be an inspiration to so many people who say, ‘Oh, I don’t have time. I can’t do it.’ If I can do it, then you can do it too.”

The Muscle Beach championship is an annual competition for amateurs, attracting athletes around the world to compete in categories like bodybuilding, physique, bikini and wellness. Over the past year, Lil Jon has been documenting his health and fitness journey on social media, posting workout videos and even hosting meditation sessions for his followers.

Lil Jon showing off his 3rd place medal.

mrjaygalvin/liljon/Instagram

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On August 20, the Grammy winner posted a video from the gym and shared how he’s achieved his new physique.

“I get asked all the time how I got in such good shape. No. 1 is diet. No. 2 is this,” Lil Jon said as the clip shows him walking on a treadmill. “Get on the treadmill. Incline 15. Speed 2-3mph. It’ll melt the fat off your body. Do it, do it, do it. Yeah!”

In February 2024, the “Snap Yo Fingers” artist also released a 10-track guided meditation album, describing it as “truthful” to his personal life, which has been focused on “fitness and wellness.”