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Strongman Commentator Eddie Butler Has Passed Away At 65 Years Old
Eddie Butler became known for his incredible work commentating the World’s Strongest Man competition.
Eddie Butler, legendary strongman commentator and Rugby player, has passed away at the age of 65. Many sources have reported that Butler died in his sleep while on a charity mission on the Inca Trail in Peru.
Butler became known for commentating the World’s Strongest Man competitions. He was the voice of Strongman competitions because of his language and tone. Butler even went on to work for BBC over the course of his career.
“The World’s Strongest Man is saddened by the news that legendary commentator Eddie Butler has passed. We will forever be grateful to Eddie for giving his voice to a golden age of Strongman. Rest in strength.”
The Career Of Eddie Butler On The Field And Behind The Mic
Eddie Butler was an incredible Rugby player before taking his talents to the mic. During the 70s and 80s, Butler helped Pontypool reach elite status in Welsh Rugby. Butler had a chance to play 16 games for the National Team during his career.
Butler moved to commentary after retiring from Rugby. He was known for his work in Strongman but also had the chance to commentate the Olympics and Rugby.
Burnage Rugby Football Club posted a tribute to Butler on Instagram. The page described Butler as “one of the best sports commentators around” because of “his iconic deep welsh tones becoming synonymous with rugby and 6 Nations.”
Many Strongmen have had the chance to meet and get to know Butler over the years. They have shared condolences via social media following the sad news.
Generation Iron sends condolences to the family and friends of Eddie Butler during this time. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Derek Lunsford Has Received Special Invitation To Compete In Men’s Open Division During 2022 Olympia
Derek Lunsford will now have a chance to compete in Open bodybuilding!
Reigning 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford will now have a chance to compete in a different division. After speculation, Lunsford has received a special invitation to compete in the Men’s Open division during the 2022 Olympia.
Lunsford submitted a formal request to receive a special invitation for the biggest show of the year and it was approved by Olympia promoters and the IFBB Professional League.
“After careful consideration, the Olympia promoters and the IFBB Professional League have granted Lunsford a Special Invitation. The addition of Lunsford further bolsters what many are calling “one of the best lineups” in the history of the event.”
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Hunter Labrada Says “Low Volume, High Intensity” Training Benefits Enhanced And Natural Athletes
Hunter Labrada reveals his thoughts on enhanced and unenhanced lifting strategies.
Men’s Open bodybuilder Hunter Labrada has become one of the top competitors in the world. He is currently working to build a championship physique for the 2022 Olympia. During training, Labrada took some time to give viewers tips on how to train if you are an enhanced or unenhanced athlete.
Labrada has bodybuilding in his blood. His father, Lee Labrada, was an elite competitor during his career. Now, Hunter Labrada is working to capture the elusive Sandow Trophy. In 2021, Labrada won the Chicago Pro and qualified for the biggest show of the year. He finished fourth at the Olympia in October.
There are many who believe Big Ramy will win his third consecutive title come December. Labrada finished behind Ramy, Brandon Curry, and Hadi Choopan. It will be interesting to see if he can make a jump over any competitor he finished behind.
Hunter Labrada Believes Lifters Should Focus On Intensity
Hunter Labrada shared tips on how enhanced athletes should train compared to natural lifters. He believes the best way is to focus on intensity rather than volume.
“I’d like to say based off of people’s body of work and the people that are at the very top of the bodybuilding food chain right now, most of them are training in a relatively low volume, high intensity fashion.
Which, surprise — it’s the best way you can be training as a non-enhanced athlete. Why? For the exact reason that enhanced athletes recover better; you are not recovering better. You need to pick and choose your battles.”
Despite your status as an enhanced lifter or not, Hunter Labrada believes that all should focus on the same strategies in order to build muscle and speed up recovery.
“I know this might be surprising, but at the end of the day, the best thing that you can do as a non-enhanced lifter is to truly lift like an enhanced lifter. Bang caveat being that progressive overload training style.”
Hunter Labrada Explains The Purpose Of Steroids
The amount of weight that bodybuilders can move in the gym over the course of a workout is eye-opening. Labrada explained that the use of steroids helps during recovery and this helps do more in the gym.
“I want you to take a step back and think about what all of those steroids that we are taking do. They greatly enhance your recovery capabilities, meaning we can do more work in the gym versus someone who isn’t. So… what does that mean? That means the non-enhanced lifters should be at the level of volume or even a lower level of volume than the enhanced lifters.”
There are many athletes who claim to be natural because of the reputation that steroids have. This is something that Hunter Labrada spoke on in the beginning of the video. He believes that no matter if you are enhanced or natural, it is nothing to discuss or be ashamed of.
I’m going to preface this by saying: if you are natty, good for you. If you are enhanced, good for you. If you are either of them and you brag about it and take pride in the fact and tear others down who are the opposite, shame on you,” Hunter Labrada said.
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Regan Grimes Announces He Will Not Compete At 2022 Olympia, Plans To Put On 15 Pounds Of Muscle
Regan Grimes announced that he will sit out the Olympia to add some more size.
Regan Grimes has not competed since March and now, fans will have to wait until next year to see him back on stage. Grimes announced on Cutler Cast with Jay Cutler that he will sit out the 2022 Olympia. He plans to put on 15 pounds of muscle to compete with the size on stage.
Grimes qualified for the 2022 Olympia after winning the 2021 Egypt KO Pro. He continued to compete to see where the matched up with the other competitors. Grimes finished as the runner-up to Shaun Clarida during the 2021 Legion Sports Fest before seventh-place finishes during the Arnold Classic and Boston Pro.
Following Boston, Grimes announced that he would be taking some time off to prepare for the Olympia. Now, he will take even more time to make some changes to his physique.
Regan Grimes Shares Plan For Next Season
Regan Grimes made the official announcement on the podcast, which was released on Thursday morning.
“We’ve decided to take it off this year and continue putting tissue on and we’ll hit a show next year and go to Olympia,” Regan Grimes said.
“I’m 14 weeks out from the Olympia and I need to put on 15 pounds of muscle to compete. I’ve been competing for the last 10 years and I think this is the time to take a year off.”
Regan Grimes continued to explain the aspects that went into this decision. Grimes and Milos Sarcev ultimately felt like this was the best course of action to prepare for next year.
“We did the Arnold’s, but unfortunately, I got sick halfway through. We were going to keep pushing and hoped the body would start responding. After Arnold, Boston and Reno, we had a 12-week and 12-week break, and then 24 weeks out from the Olympia, we started discussing something and around 13-14 weeks out.”
Milos Sarcev Believes Regan Grimes Needs More Size To Compete With Big Ramy
Milos Sarcev had plenty of positive things to say about Grimes’ physique. He is a well-conditioned competitor who brings great symmetry as well. Now, he will have to add more muscle in order to compete with the size of Big Ramy. There are many who believe Ramy is unbeatable is he comes to the Olympia shredded.
He blows them out of the water as far as symmetry, balance and shape, but they’re still going to beat him in this mass department. Nowadays you have to have size to compete with Big Ramy,” Milos Sarcev said.
Regan Grimes now has a plan moving forward and will begin putting it into motion. Fans will look forward to seeing Grimes qualify for the 2023 Olympia and ultimately compete on the biggest stage.
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Matias Scopinaro Teaches How to Lose Fat and Maintain Muscle The Natural Way
Natural bodybuilder Matias Scopinaro gives tips on losing fat and keeping muscle.
Looking to burn fat and maintain muscle the natural way? Well it appears that you’re in luck thanks to natural bodybuilder Matias Scopinaro. The natural bodybuilding champion and coach recently shared his knowledge on the methods he uses to lose body fat while holding onto to hard earned muscle mass.
In this modern era of fitness, so many individuals rely on extra help like supplements to help fuel their workout and recovery. There is indeed nothing wrong with that approach whatsoever, even for a natural bodybuilder. Where things get a bit dicey is the usage of performance enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids. Utilizing steroids can allow an athlete to recover from rigorous training and take their muscle growth to the next level. As a result it can also help individuals burn a considerable amount of fat as well.
But what is one to do if they wish to burn fat, build muscle, and do so without the help of performance enhancing drugs?
In reality the natural approach isn’t too dissimilar to that of an athlete who utilizes PEDs. The biggest difference is the training volume and recovery time. With PEDs recovery time is shorten and can even allow a human to push themselves to extraordinary limits. PEDs allow for more volume which means more potential to grow.
But if you’re choosing to build muscle the natural way, bodybuilder Matias Scopinaro has just what the doctor ordered. The natural bodybuilder has always advocated against the usage of PEDs and encourages people to stick to the natural bodybuilding path.
In a recent post to social media Matias Scopinaro provides a method to lose body fat and gain muscle, all while doing things the natural way.
How to Burn Fat and Maintain Muscle, The Natural Way
To burn fat don’t get dizzy:
Rule number 1: Be in a calorie deficit. The deficit can be reached in many ways (law of thermodynamics: you spend more than you consume, you can’t escape this law) but the optimal thing for composition (losing fat and maintaining muscle) is to have some basic points in mind.
Train heavy (muscle up)
Seek each workout to be more intense than the previous (more weight and same reps/more reps at same weight/shorten rest times maintaining same reps and weight)
Protein: between 1.6g and 2.2g x kg per pound of body weight.
Fats: Don’t lose 20% of total calories to keep your hormones at optimal function.
Carbohydrates: Prioritizes fibers and complexes, eliminates all man-made.
Cardio: as minimum as possible.
The Key Takeaways
Making sure to be in a calorie deficit, training heavy, challenging your muscles with increasingly intense lifts, maintaining a balanced diet (with protein ratios of 1.6g to 2.2g per pound of body weight, maintaining a percentage of fat, and eating complex carbohydrates) seem to do the trick. What’s interesting is Matias Scopinaro maintaining that cardio should be kept to a minimum. This is most likely so you don’t burn the very muscle you’re planning to keep on.
Cultivate patience and forget ridiculous and trendy diets. Something important: it’s normal to fall into “plates” (where you feel you’re not going down at the rate you were going down) and that’s expected. The body is wise and through several metabolic mechanisms slows down the process of self-preservation. In these cases, adjust the variable to lower calorie intake and/or increase calorie expenditure. It’s pretty simple but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
What do you think of Matias Scopinaro and his advice on how to lose body fat and maintain muscle?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Bodybuilding Legend Bill Pearl Has Passed Away At 91 Years Old
Golden Era bodybuilder Bill Pearl passed away in his home early Wednesday morning.
Former Mr. Universe champion and Golden Era bodybuilding legend Bill Pearl has passed away at the age of 91. Pearl, who enjoyed incredible success on stage, was battling Parkinson’s disease and this might have played a role in his death. The news was announced on Wednesday by Pearl’s wife, Judy Pearl, on his official Facebook page.
Pearl was recently involved in a mower accident and picked up a bacterial infection while he was in the hospital. He was able to overcome the infection thanks to “intense antibiotic therapy.” Judy Pearl shared a long message on behalf of her husband.
“TO ALL OUR FAITHFUL FACEBOOK FRIENDS:
As you all know, Bill has overcome a lot of things that would have taken down a lesser man in this past year.
just as he was getting back in the gym after his accident, he developed a bacterial infection (pseudomonas) which he apparently picked up while in the hospital. after intense antibiotic therapy, he overcame that.
i believe the parkinsons finally defeated him.
he passed away peacefully at home at 4:00 AM this morning.”
The Legendary Career Of Bill Pearl
At 22 years old, Bill Pearl served in the United States Navy. He was stationed in San Diego and began training at Leo Stern’s gym. In 1953, he competed for the first time as a professional, winning the AAU Mr. California and Mr. America competitions.
That same year, Pearl won the first of four NABBA Mr. Universe titles. In 1956, Pearl captured the Mr. USA title. Aside from his career on stage, Peal began managing several gyms and even dabbled in owning. This includes his purchase of George Redpath’s gym in 1962, which was one of the first co-ed gyms in the country.
Following his career on stage, Bill Pearl worked as a trainer, coaching nine Mr. America winners and 14 Mr. Universe champs. He also wrote three books, where he continued to share his knowledge of fitness.
Bill Pearl won six Lifetime Achievement Awards following his career from many outlets. In 2004, he was awarded the Arnold Schwarzenegger Lifetime Achievement Award for his incredible work in bodybuilding.
“All day yesterday he was fretting about his facebook page,and had me post a couple of things he had prepared.
He loved to share stories of other peoples triumphs and accomplishments.
he had written a lot while his page was down last year which he asked me to continue to post.
He so much appreciated your prayers and messages of encouragement after his accident. He loved reading your comments and arguements. It kept him occupied when he was unable to do much physically. Thank you all. I know we will all miss him,” Judy Pearl wrote on Facebook.
Generation Iron sends condolences to the family and friends of Bill Peal during this time. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Michal Krizo Aiming For Top 10 At Olympia, Shares Recent Physique Update During Posing
Michal Krizo hopes to finish in the Top 10 at the 2022 Olympia, if he is able to qualify.
Michal Krizo has not earned his Pro Card just yet but already has aspirations of his first Olympia competition, which he hopes will be in 2022. During a recent Q&A session, Krizo shared that he would like to finish in the Top 10 this year before moving into the Top 6 of the competition next year.
Krizo made the jump from the IFBB Elite Pro League to NPC in hopes of earning his Pro Card. He will compete at the Olympia Amateur and hopes to become an IFBB pro following the competition. From there, Krizo will compete at the EVLS Prague Pro, and potentially in Romania if he does not win in Prague.
Despite the fact that he has not earned his Pro Card yet, there are many who believe Krizo will be dangerous. Both Milos Sarcev and Jay Cutler have had the chance to see Krizo in person and believe his physique is ready to make some noise at the next level.
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Michal Krizo Shares Hopes For Olympia, Physique Update
Michal Krizo is preparing to take the stage in four weeks but it is clear that he has his eyes on December. During a recent interview, Krizo shared that he is not expecting anything but if he qualifies, he wants to be one of the Top 10.
“I don’t expect anything but if I qualify this year, I would like to place in the top 10. And next year, at least in the top six,” Krizo said.
Krizo has been hard at work in the gym and recently shared a physique update as well. He posted a posing routine to his YouTube page, showing off his muscles in different ways.
“We don’t talk weaknesses. Exactly. I have no weaknesses. You can’t talk about that otherwise people will focus attention to it.”
Michal Krizo is one of the fastest rising stars in bodybuilding. When he is able to earn his Pro Card, there will be immediate hype on the Olympia stage. Both Krizo and all of his fans are hoping that this can happen right away in 2022.
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Hafthor Bjornsson Shows Off Shredded Abs In Recent Physique Update
Hafthor Bjornsson continues to train, staying ready for his next opponent in the ring.
Hafthor Bjornsson went through an incredible physique transformation once he went from strongman to boxing. Bjornsson was victorious during his first fight and is continuing to train for his next opponent. One has not been named and during this time, Bjornsson is training in different ways. In a recent update, “The Mountain” showed off his shredded abs after an intense workout in the gym.
Bjornsson built a legendary strongman career, including winning the 2018 World’s Strongest Man competition and setting the deadlift world record. Following his career in strongman, Bjornsson decided to try his hand in the ring. He defeated fellow strongman Eddie Hall by unanimous decision back in March. Now, he is waiting for his next opponent and has been linked to many names.
First, Tyson Fury has been going back-and-forth with Bjornsson about a potential fight. Fury was supposed to discuss options with his team but nothing has come to light just yet. Also, Martyn Ford is looking to line up an opponent in the ring and the two behemoths have been linked as well. It will be interesting to see who Bjornsson will take on next.
Hafthor Bjornsson Looking Ripped In The Gym
Hafthor Bjornsson took to Instagram to show off his recent physique update and share videos of his workout. It was an ab and back workout that hit muscles in different ways.
“Back attack and abs today after 12 hours of hardcore day at work. Filmed a very physical fight scene all day while being exposed to the ☀️ Thankful and blessed to be in good health and great physical condition! ??”
Bjornsson did not share the exact numbers of sets and reps in the video. It was quick clips showing hanging leg lifts, T-Bar rows, and row machine reps. Despite taking his training to a different place, Bjornsson continues to maintain superhuman strength that he used to show during competition.
Hafthor Bjornsson recently deadlifted 705.4 pounds for two reps. In the video, it is clear that he has plenty left in the tank. Bjornsson might be training for boxing but he clearly wants to keep his strength at an elite level.
All eyes will be on Bjornsson as he looks to line up another opponent. No matter who it is, it will be a fight that brings plenty of attention. Until then, Bjornsson is keeping his physique in shape and maintaining that shredded physique that he has built over the last year.
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John Haack Bench Presses An Incredible 606Lbs in Recent Training
John Haack bench pressed an impressive 606lbs in recent training.
Well, it appears that he’s back at it again. Popular powerlifter John Haack has recently benched pressed an impressive 606lbs in training. Looking to dominate at the USPA Pro Raw competition, Haack has been doubling his efforts in training and has looked impressive in his pursuit of great strength.
One of the strongest human beings on the planet pound-for-pound, John Haack has constantly showcased some impressive strength during his career. As a powerlifter the goal is always to improve upon your strengths and weaknesses. All athletes understand the importance of making constant improvements in order to remain at the top of the food chain. For Haack that means never skipping steps in training and holing himself to a higher standard.
When he’s not breaking records in competition, you can always find John Haack at the gym pushing himself to his limit. His recent personal record squat shows that Haack is a powerlifter with considerable strength in every lift. In his most recent major accomplishment in training, Haack bench pressed a massive 606lbs. That is no small feat considering the man’s size.
John Haack competes between 198 and 220lbs at powerlifting meets. That means he’s often times lifting three times his body weight in the gym and in competition. That alone has garnered Haack a considerable amount of praise in the powerlifting industry.
Massive Strength
John Haack recently putting up 606lbs, nothing short of remarkable to behold. With the USPA Pro Raw meet approaching, Haack is leaving no stone unturned as he builds on his already considerable strength.
275kgs/606lbs for an RPE 8 With a nip slip. Nice little PB to finish off prep for the USPA Pro Raw.
Its clear that John Haack is one of the strongest competitors in the 198lb (90kg) and 220lb (100kg) powerlifting divisions. If he continues his steady growth there’s no telling how far he could go in regards to all-time great status.
What do you think of John Haack and his impressive 606lb bench press?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Nathan De Asha On Using Trenbolone “Year-Round”: ‘I Love That Sh*t, I Love Going In There Strong’
Nathan De Asha uses Trenbolone year-round because it does not give him aggression.
Nathan De Asha is a Men’s Open competitor who likes to keep his physique in shape year-round. This happens by staying strong in the gym and De Asha credits his use of Trenbolone. During a recent interview, the bodybuilder spoke on his steroid use.
De Asha put together a strong year in 2021, winning the Europa Pro Championships. He followed that up with victories at the Arnold Classic UK and Yamamoto Cup. During his preparation, De Asha likes to stay on his cycle and Trenbolone is a big part of it.
Nathan De Asha: “I Love Going In There Being Strong”
bodybuilders often go on and off cycles during preparation but Nathan De Asha reveals that he is never off Trenbolone. He likes to remain strong in the gym and feels like this is the substance that gives the best results.
“I live on Tren all year-round bro. All year-round. I love the shit bro. I love that shit. I’d probably go from Tren A to Tren E, to a tri Tren, then back to a Tren A. I just love being strong — that’s it,” De Asha explained.
“I love going in there being strong. Sometimes I go in there and do f***ing Instagram f***ing fame posts, just go on there squat whatever, bench whatever, for a few likes and shit. I just like being strong man, I like Tren.”
Larry Wheels recently got off steroids all together and began TRT. He is a powerlifter that has been focusing on his health and this means getting away from certain steroids. During his career, Wheels discussed the effects of Trenbolone and described it as a “living hell.”
Nathan De Asha explained that he has not had any of those reactions personally and this is a reason he likes it.
“Go in the gym, strong. I don’t think it gives me aggression because I’m a nicely balanced person anyway. So, it doesn’t really do much to me. I just use it for strength and that’s it.”
This is one substance that Nathan De Asha uses all year-round and admitted that he will not go off it unless he has to.
“If my coach says, ‘Nathan, go on this, this and this.’ Okay, cool, I’ll take it, and if Tren isn’t in there, I’ll take it anyway. I don’t got to tell anybody. Nobody is here when I’m f***ing shoot up. Besides when the boys were jabbing me and stuff, I don’t know, I just like it.”
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