All Posts By Presser
Julius Maddox Easily Bench Presses a Massive 635Lbs For Reps
Julius Maddox reps out 635lbs and makes it look easy.
Bench press king Julius Maddox just recently showed why he had the title pressing 635lbs for reps in his recent training. Maddox is on the hunt to conquer the 800lb bench press and this kind of training is preparing him nicely for the task.
There just some human beings that simply defy logic. These are the kind of people that can achieve such Herculean levels of strength that it leaves you scratching you head. These people have far surpassed what it means to be human. Powerlifting champion and bench press king Julius Maddox is one such individual.
Currently holding the world record bench press at an astonishing 782lbs (354kg), Julius Maddox is the king of benching. While there are some solid competitors hoping to challenge his reign, Maddox is holding on strong to the title. His current goal of benching 800lbs is still in reach. Unfortunately Maddox was unable to achieve the goal in his last attempt.
With that said, Julius Maddox isn’t giving up on 800lbs. He’s dusted himself off and returned to the lab in hopes of eventually conquering the massive task. In order for him to accomplish the feat he’ll have to be consistently in the gym.
Going for max lifts can certainly be effective, but building endurance is also a necessity. As such Julius Maddox is repping out a massive amount of weight during certain session. In a recent session Maddox benched 635Lbs for reps and made it look easy.
If he continues to put in solid training like this there’s no doubt that Julius Maddox will achieve the nigh impossible feat of 800lbs.
Do you think Julius Maddox can hit his goal of 800lbs?
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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.
2021 Toronto Pro Supershow: Top Competitors To Watch
Here is a preview of the 2021 Toronto Pro Supershow!
The 2021 Toronto Pro Super Show is among us. It will take place on Dec. 5 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This is the biggest event of the year that takes place in Canada and is an honor for any competitor to win. This will also earn winners qualification to the 2021 Olympia.
This is the first event of its kind since 2019. The Toronto Pro last year was cancelled to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now that it is back, competitors are as motivated as ever. This event will feature competitors from the Men’s Open, Men’s 212, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, and Women’s Bodybuilding divisions.
When taking a look at the field, it is highlighted by Men’s Bodybuilding. The field is smaller than usual but still features some talent that will put on an exciting show. Let’s take a look at some of the top competitors that will be present in Toronto.
Quinton Eriya
Eriya will be one of two returning competitors from the 2019 event. This was his professional debut and finished sixth in Men’s Open. Since then, Eriya has competed in three big shows and finished in the top-10 in all of them. This includes the 2020 New York Pro and 2021 Romania Muscle Fest Pro. At 26 years old, Eriya has a chance to punch his ticket to the Olympia by winning a show he is familiar with. He recently returned to stage after having surgery to treat Gynecomastia in 2020. Now, he can continue to make a name for himself.
Joseph Seeman
Seeman returns to the stage in Toronto after placing fourth in 2019. This was one of the best finishes of his career. Since then, Seeman has made an appearance at th 2020 California Pro and 2020 Chicago Pro. Seeman also has two sixth-place finishes this season at the Arnold Classic UK and Legion Sports Fest Pro. Seeman continues to improve each time he steps on stage. As a returning competitor in Toronto, he is a name that can be considered to win it all.
Joel Thomas
Hailing from Tallahassee, Thomas makes frequent appearances during the Tampa Pro. This year, he finished seventh, matching the best finish of his career. The time has come for Thomas to qualify for the Olympia and it can be done with a victory here. He is one of many competitors with a chance to win in Toronto as the field is as even as ever.
Victor Rea Cano
Rea Cano has not competed much this year but he put together a strong campaign back in 2018. This is where he finished sixth at the Vancouver Pro before making appearances at the Tampa Pro and Prague Pro. A native of Mexico, Rea Cano recently made the trip to Bucharest to compete in the Romania Muscle Fest Pro back in November. This gave him a chance to see where he stacks up against similar competition. That is what he will do again heading into this show in Toronto.
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The Best Way To Build Your Butt
Best Butt Building Exercises
Turning a flat butt into a round and muscular butt can take some time and effort. Running on the treadmill or spending some time on other cardio equipment isn’t going to budge the needle for you if you’re looking to transform your rear.
If you want to build a peach emoji ? like butt, you need to switch between the compound (multi-joint) and isolation (single-joint) exercises. If your glutes are lagging as compared to the other muscle groups, you should dedicate entire workouts to training your butt.
1. Squats
Squats are an overall leg building exercise. While performing the squats and every other glute building exercise, you need to make sure you go deep. Ass to the grass is the way to go while performing the butt building exercises.
Going below parallel on the squats will target your butt effectively. Pausing at the bottom of the movement for a couple of seconds will fill your rear with lactic acid. Put more focus on your glutes by not locking out your knees at the top of the movement.
2. Donkey Kickbacks
Donkey Kickbacks are an excellent isolation exercise for building muscle mass in your glutes. If the bodyweight version of the kickbacks feels easy, you can add resistance by using weights.
Get into a kneeling push-up position on an exercise mat. The bend of your knee should create a 90-degree angle between your calf and hamstring. Exhale and lift your right leg until your hamstring is in line with your back. Return back to the starting position and repeat for the left leg.
3. Lunges
Lunges target your glutes and quads and can help in building muscle definition. You can try the standing, alternating or walking lunges to target your glutes. Bulgarian split squats are another variation of the lunges which can help you in developing your butt.
Start with holding dumbbells on each side. Bring your right leg forward and perform a lunge so your right knee is only an inch away from the ground. At the bottom of the movement, your right calf, and left quad should be parallel to the floor. At the same time, your left calf and right quad should be parallel to each other. Return to the starting position and repeat for the left leg.
4. Hip Thrusters
Hip thrusters are one of the most underutilized exercises when it comes to glute training. Most people make the mistake of going through the motions while performing this exercise. You should pause and squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement to get the best results.
Lie with your upper back at the side of a flat bench and place a barbell on your quads. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Your butt should be an inch away from the floor at the bottom of the movement. Your back, glutes, and hamstrings should be in a straight line at the top of the movement.
5. Dumbbell Sumo Squats
Using dumbbells while performing the sumo squats help you in increasing your range of motion. Stand on an elevated platform like the aerobic steps or a couple of benches to further increase your range of motion.
Hold a dumbbell between your legs and perform a squat without bending your back. Pause for a couple of seconds at the bottom of the movement and don’t lock out your knees at the top to target your glutes efficiently.
Which are your favorite glutes exercise? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements.
The 5 Biggest Planking Mistakes You Need To Stop Making
Portrait of young muscular man with bare chest doing plank exercise on floor during workout in modern gym
Most Common Planking Mistakes
Planks have a cult following amongst people who want stronger cores and shredded midriffs. While you might find several people performing the planks at your gym, only a few of them do them correctly.
If you’re reading this article, chances are even you’re making the five mistakes mentioned below while performing the exercise. Sit up and take note because fixing these errors can take your core game to the next level.
The Hanging Crotch
Yes, you read it right. The hanging crotch is a real planking problem. As easy as they might look, performing the planks can be hard, especially for beginners. A weak core tends to drop down from the correct position where the torso and lower body are in a straight line.
If you don’t have someone to correct your form, filming yourself while holding the plank can be a good way to review your set. Letting your torso hang below the straight line can result in the recruitment of your shoulders which can take away the tension from your midriff.
Forming A Bridge
While performing the planks, the fatigue which makes the torso hang low for some people can force the others to form a bridge. Both of these situations take the tension off the primary muscles and put them on the secondary muscles.
Some people lift their hips while planking to take the tension off their core. If you feel the fatigue setting in, it’s better to take a 5-10 second breather in-between your set rather than using a cheating posture.
Head Position
The head position is one of the most overlooked aspects of planking. Most of the people have the incorrect head position as they tend to look up straight or to their sides. Having a wrong head position while planking can cause neck pains in the long run.
Your neck will have the least amount of friction when it is in a straight line with the rest of the body. In an orthodox plank, you should be looking straight at the floor. Avoid moving your head to keep the tension on your mid-section.
Limb Position
Do you ever consider where and how you place your legs and arms while getting in the planking position? Most people don’t, and this is why they leave gains on the table. Some people make the mistake of keeping their hands interlocked and their legs placed together.
In the correct planking position, your feet should be placed shoulder-width apart and your elbows should be planted under your shoulders. Your upper arms should be parallel to each other, and your hands turned into fists.
TuT
TuT or Time Under Tension is arguably the biggest variable in the results you’ll see from the planks. If you’re a beginner, start by planking for 30-seconds and add 15-seconds every week as you get better at the exercise.
As you’re planking, make sure your core is tight and you’re focusing on contracting your abdominal. The more tension you can get on your abs while holding the right form, the better your results will be.
Which is your best planking time? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements.
Bradley Martyn Workout For Massive Full Body Growth
This workout from Bradley Martyn will fire up your muscles to see huge growth.
Bradley Martyn is a pro bodybuilder, personal trainer, and online personality who uses his platform to show off workouts and inspire others. Knowing how hard it can be to see the gains you want most, Bradley seeks to promote only the best content for all his viewers.
So many people claim to know the best tips for fitness. But it can be more than challenging for us to really know who is telling you the truth and who is flat out lying. We have busy schedules and need to find the right workouts that fit into our lifestyle without completely draining us. So, on top of a hectic search for the right person, you’re just cooked from all that work you put in for the day. So, let’s use professional athletes as resources to grow and better ourselves. Bradley Martyn is a great one to take note of for he knows what it takes to get that massive physique and will be honest about the entire approach.
Bradley has built up a great routine over the years and with tough training, smart nutrition, and only the best supplementation, he has been able to tackle all his goals.
Full Name: Bradley Martyn
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
235-245 lbs.
6’3’’
05/22/1989
Division
Era
Nationality
Bodybuilder, Online Trainer, Social Media Personality
2000, 2010
American
This week long workout is exactly what you need for it will boost your growth, aid in that shredded aesthetic, and give you new and challenging workouts that will only steer you in the right direction.
About Bradley Martyn
Bradley Martyn is a social media influencer and physique competitor who knows a thing or two about fitness. His YouTube video channel has garnered great support and popularity and his mission is to get his followers to be lean, feel great, and learn the healthy habits to keep it all going. He is a competitor who has won events including the 2011 NPC Southern California Championships and the 2013 NPC Phil Heath Classic.
While he knows how to compete and train to be the best, his main drive is his YouTube channel which has afforded him Internet fame, a stable way to make money as an entrepreneur, and a way to help people change their lives. His company Rawgear is a great way to find apparel, eBooks, and many more resources to help you on your own personal journey and with your workout routine.
Bradley Martyn’s Training Routine
Let’s take a look at this week long training plan from Martyn so we too can look and feel great while aiding in your training and performance goals. While each day may seem as though there aren’t many exercises, what you’ll find is that this will allow you to lift more weight and fatigue will be more attainable to fight through.
For those looking for a little more pump at the end, you can always add in drop sets to really target those muscles deep within so they too can get a good workout. Really focusing on time under tension and creating as much resistance as possible is something to take note of as well. With some of these exercises like lunges, dips, or push-ups, you can add weight or use resistance bands to give you that extra bit of a boost for your chest day or arm day routine to boost training.
Monday – Back Day For Strength
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Wide Grip Lat Pulldown
3
10
Dumbbell Row
3
12
Bent Over Barbell Row
3
10
Pull-Ups
3
15
Tuesday – Chest Workout For The Ultimate Pump
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Bench Press
3
10
Incline Dumbbell Press
3
10
Machine Chest Press
3
8
Dips
3
15
Weighted Push-Ups
3
12
Wednesday – Legs For Tree-Trunk Thighs
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Squats
3
10
Front Rack Lunge
3
8
Leg Extensions
3
12
Lunges With Dumbbells
3
12
Thursday – Arms For those Bulging Bis & Tris
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press
3
8
Bicep Curls
3
10
Seated Cable Curls
3
10
Seated Overhead Triceps Extension
3
10
Standing Barbell Curls
3
12
Friday – Shoulders For That Boulder Look
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell Press
3
10
Front Raise
3
10
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
3
10
Cable Face Pulls
3
12
Shrugs
3
15
Best Supplements For The Best Gains
When it comes to tackling all of your gains, looking towards the best supplements can be a sure fire way to see results. For those looking to maximize growth and repair, check out a protein powder, for this will pump you with that vital protein to keep you growing. For that pre-workout boost of energy, a pre-workout supplement will be what you need for it will increase energy and focus and catapult you to the next level. Other notable supplements to try are creatine, BCAAs, fat burners, and multivitamins, all of which can help aid in their own respective ways.
Wrap Up
This workout from Bradley Martyn is a monster workout for men looking to fire up their muscles to only see growth. What this workout does is offer a fantastic strength based training plan from someone who knows how to work and get the job done. Taking notes from the pros is something we can all do more of, especially when it comes to our fitness goals. By following a good nutritional plan, giving our bodies the best with a solid supplementation routine, and finding the perfect plan to attack our goals, those desired gains are not far away. Give this workout a try and start to see that shredded aesthetic really take shape as you start to lift more weight.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Bradley Martyn Instagram
Nick Walker Shares Full Day Of Eating A Total Of 4,567 Calories
Nick Walker took viewers through a typical, six-meal day.
Nick Walker continues to be one of the fastest-rising stars in bodybuilding after what was an incredible rookie year. He has built one of the most monstrous physiques and it cannot be done without elite offseason training. Walker knows how to plan his diet, along with training and supplements, to get the best out of himself.
Walker frequency posts workouts on his YouTube page for viewers to try out themselves. Recently, the 27-year-old bodybuilder took us through a full day of his diet plan. This included six meals the totaled 4,567 calories.
It is not surprising to see Walker take his diet as seriously as he does. This is essential as he continues to gain nutrients and build a physique that is needed to accomplish great things. Walker was champion of the Arnold Classic back in September and finished fifth in his first Olympia.
Let’s take a closer look at a full day of Walker’s diet. It begins with his morning supplementation. This includes a multivitamin, Vitamin C, tumeric, revive heart, revive prostate, revive blood pressure, revive liver, revive kidney, omegas, Vitamin K2 & D3, and bergamot.
Meal One (Pre-Workout)
Chicken
Onions
Peppers
75 grams of grains
80 grams banana
100 grams blueberries
20 grams almond butter
One hour after eating, Walker takes more supplements. This time it is 20 grams RAW AA, RAW BUMP, RAW Intro Workout formula, and creatine.
Meal Two (Post-Workout)
Chicken
2 eggs
Meal Three
Steak
Jasmine rice
Onions
Peppers
2 eggs
Meal Four
Chicken
Peppers
Onions
Jasmine rice
Cinnamon
Garlic spices
Meal Five
Chicken
Peppers
Onions
Jasmine rice
Meal Six
Steak
Onions
Peppers
Brownie
Almond buter
Before the night is over, Nick Walker takes RAW sleep, magnesium, Pepsin GI, vitamin C, and Glucose all after his last meal. Throughout the day, Walker admitted that it is a bit tough around meal five. This is why he likes to use different spices to shake things up a bit. This will avoid getting bored with the same blend of spices and flavors.
Walker has three consistent parts of his meals — rice, onions, and peppers. He believes that cream of rice is especially optimal for meals. Walker also admits that the peppers and onions are an important way to flavor proteins.
Throughout the video, Nick Walker lets viewers into what he eats and how he prepares his meals. It is always interesting to see how the best of the best prepares and trains on a day-to-day basis. Walker is coming off an enormous year and there could be plenty more to look forward to in the future.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Tiffany Chapon Beats Squat World Record During Training Session
Tiffany Chapon completed a squat slightly over the world record in a recent training session.
A new wave of powerlifters is coming and Tiffany Chapon is one of the up-and-coming athletes to watch. The 20-year-old lifter already has a strong resume and continues to impress. In training, the 47kg competitor keeps putting up big numbers and this could lead to something special in competition.
Most recently, Chapon shared a video on Instagram showing a 153.5kg (338.4lb) squat. It is important to note that this is one full kilogram more than the current world record in the 47kg division.
“Squat: 153.5 kg (unofficial wr). I failed this bar 5 minutes before but I’m slowly learning to understand and listen to myself. I’m happy the technical adjustments are paying off.”
While Chapon’s lift cannot be officially recognized as a world record, it is noteworthy that she was able to top it in training. This is a lift that is more than three times her bodyweight at the time. Chapon admitted that she failed the first attempt but was able to make adjustments to succeed the next time around. This means that she is learning each day and it a scary thought for opponents.
Chen Wei-Ling of Taiwan holds the current world record but Chapon could be coming for it soon. This is not the first time that the French powerlifter has put up big numbers in the gym.
Tiffany Chapon also topped the world record total of 408kg (899.5lb) in a training session. This record is held by Heather Connor. Unofficially, chacon added a 96kg bench and has totaled 411kg in total. She has put in some serious work since beginning her career at age 19.
This is when she made her debut during the 2020 FFForce Silent Worker Meet. Since then, Chapon has appeared in six sanctioned events and has won four of them. She now competes at 47kg but has multiple world records in the 43kg division. These include raw squat (122.5kg), deadlift (146.5kg), and total (339kg).
During the 2021 FFForce Girl Power competition, Chapon put up her best day. She posted a total of 402.5kg, which is currently the this heaviest total on record in IPF competition. Wei-Ling and Connor are the only two competitors to log a heavier total.
Tiffany Chapon has already logged plenty of world record lifts in her young career. As she matures a bit in the sport, there are more to go down. Chapon could have her eye on the squat record next given her recent lifts and is learning the technical side of the sport. This means she is going to improve and gain strength rapidly.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Claire Burton Makes 50 the New 20 in Natural Bodybuilding
Claire Burton dominates natural bodybuilding after turning 50.
They say 30 is the new 20. Well, Claire Burton backs the notion that it’s 50 that’s the new 20. Claire Burton is a British professional natural bodybuilder and competes in the most prominent natural bodybuilding league – International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA/PNBA). In March of 2021, Claire Burton turned 50, and despite moving into a new age decade, she’s had quite the year.
Claire Burton had to say this on Instagram (IG):
“The plan was to take this year ‘out’ and celebrate my 50th Birthday. But the 2020/21 Covid-curveball changed those plans! I hit the BIG 50 in March, the gym reopened 12th April and prep officially started 5 weeks later.”
You can view the full post below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CW8DxudjC2N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
In 2021, Burton snatched many titles in natural bodybuilding, including first place in Pro Women’s Physique at the United Kingdom Drug Free Bodybuilding Association (UKDFBA) UK International Championships and first place in Pro Women’s Physique at the INBA/PNBA World Championships. And to end her 2021 season on a high note, she snagged the Women’s Physique Masters gold medal at the 2021 Natural Olympia. Then shortly won Pro FitBody at World Natural Bodybuilder Federation (WNBF) Worlds Championships 32 a week later.
Furthermore, at The Pinnacle of Natural Bodybuilding – Natural Olympia – she placed second place in Pro Women’s Physique Open. The difference between the Women’s Physique Open and Masters is the Masters are women age 40+, while the open has no age barrier. Earning a medal – especially silver – in an Open division is an impressive feat for a Masters’ competitor.
Natural Olympia
Natural Olympia is the most significant event in natural bodybuilding – the Mr. Olympia of the International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness (IFBB) league. All competitors participating in Natural Olympia – INBA/PNBA athletes – are thoroughly drug tested by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – caliber drug testing in professional sports.
Women’s Physique Division
Claire Burton has competed in both the Women’s Figure and Physique divisions. Women have slightly more muscle mass than the figure class in the physique division – the figure division is more concerned about exhibiting a V-taper from the shoulders to the hips and thighs. However, the physique division has less muscle mass than Women’s Bodybuilding. Both figure and physique classes depend on muscularity, definition, and stage presence.
Personal Trainer
Claire Burton gives her success back by being a personal trainer at Third Space and coach at Fit2Fite. Her passion for fitness and helping people began decades ago as a group exercise instructor and former British kickboxing champion.
She believes in Viper Fitness supplements for nutrition, and she has no shame in admitting her sweet tooth. She stated on social media, “There is nothing nutritionally healthy about this Deep Dish Malteser Pie…BUT it was sooooooo good and it made me smile. I did share some of it.”
She believes you should set sustainable goals and not accomplish everything overnight. The whole “Rome wasn’t built in a day” motto resonates with her deeply. Furthermore, Burton recognizes that personal training is about people above all.
Generation Iron would like to congratulate Claire Burton on her tremendous year in 2021 and wish her a Happy Belated 50th Birthday!
Click the link to see the initial schedule for the upcoming INBA/PNBA 2022 season!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated on natural bodybuilding athletes!
A Deep Dive Into Pre-Workout Ingredients & Why They Matter
The right ingredients can make or break your pre-workout supplement.
Pre-workouts and pre-workout ingredients have long been talked about. As a supplement, pre-workouts can elevate our energy levels, give us serious boosts to push through fatigue, and provide for serious muscle pumps so we get the most out of our lifts. But finding the right pre-workout products can be difficult and ultimately, so many supplements are full of nonsense ingredients. Premium products are what you deserve and if you know what to look for, then you are on your way to serious gains.
Let’s jump into this and talk pre-workouts. A product is all about the ingredients inside and each supplement has its own formula that separates it from the next. For you, knowing what you are taking is imperative, for while your gains matter, so too does your overall health.
Let’s Talk Pre-Workouts
We’ve all probably heard of pre-workout supplements and what they can do for us. Our busy schedules sometimes require us to find that energy somehow and while some of us can drink a cup of coffee and be fine, others like the added ingredients of this supplement to assist with their gains. Of course, the question of money and necessity come into play, but for those who feel a pre-workout is helpful, they reap the rewards that come with it.
What you will get out of a pre-workout supplement is increased energy and focus as a result of certain ingredients, like caffeine. This will get you moving and give you energy to tackle any challenge. A good pre-workout will also work to reduce fatigue to keep you going through any workout, offer muscle pumps by increasing blood flow for a real increase in strength and size, and enhance recovery to promote more efficient growth and faster turn around time (1,2).
While pre-workouts on the whole are safe to take, it is important to know that the ingredients in your formula dictate how safe and effective it will be. Don’t let a company put some nonsense ingredients in your product just so it can sell. Really push to have the best, most premium products on your shelf. For those sensitive to caffeine, pre- workouts may come with unwanted side effects so that is something to aware of. Thankfully, stimulant-free pre-workouts exist so you can get the same benefits, if not better.
Check out our Best Pre-Workout Supplements list here!
Key Pre-Workout Ingredients To Look For
When it comes to ingredients, you deserve to have the best quality in the formula. Plus, companies should fully disclose what ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient the supplement contains.
Let’s take a look at some key ingredients to look for in a pre- workout supplement.
Caffeine Anhydrous: Caffeine will work to elevate energy and increase focus and reaction time. That pre-workout urge you feel to get moving is most likely the result of the caffeine and how it affects you. It will also work to increase your metabolism as well (3).
Creatine: Creatine is great for increasing strength and size and helping to restore those ATP levels to keep you going in those grueling workouts. It also has properties to assist cognitive functioning (4).
BCAAs: The three BCAAs, being leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are perfect for pushing through fatigue, delaying soreness for more efficient workouts, and aiding in muscle growth for the best gains (5).
Beta-Alanine: Beta-alanine can help boost athletic performance, delay fatigue and really reduce lactic acid in your muscle for less soreness, and aid in muscle building.
L-Citrulline: L-citrulline is great for increasing exercise capacity and athletic performance, as well as reducing fatigue and post-workout soreness.
Betaine Anhydrous: Betaine is useful for building strength and peak power output, but also for those looking to change their body composition around for that desired physique (6).
L-Theanine: L-theanine is good for mental assistance and can ease stress and anxiety while taking away the jitters of caffeine. So, you get the energy without the dreaded crashes (7).
L-Tyrosine: L-tyrosine also acts a stress reliever and can improve memory and cognitive functioning for better alertness and workouts (8).
Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is another source of caffeine, so in turn energy. It will also boost your metabolism for added weight loss benefits and give you a nice boost to carry you through any workout.
Best Pre-Workout Supplements For A Pre-Workout Boost
Now that you know exactly what to look for in a pre-workout, and you know the key ingredients to make sure are on the label, knowing what pre-workout supplements are out there can greatly affect the quality of your product. Some companies just pump out quantity over quality. However, with our Best Pre-Workout Supplements top review, we’ve narrowed a list of the best pre-workouts to make this choice a little easier for you.
On this list, you will find reputable and popular brands like Cellucor, Transparent Labs, Enhanced Labs, and Kaged Muscle. But newer companies have come to the fold and have really made a dent in the supplements game. Brands like National Bodybuilding Co., Pre Lab Pro, and Cira Nutrition are definitely worth checking out. This list will have everything you need to find the best product for you.
Check out our Best Pre-Workout Supplements list here!
Wrap Up
Pre-workout supplements have the ability to really elevate your performance and take it to the next level. It is important, however, to take note of the formula and make sure your pre-workout ingredients are quality and made with you in mind. Don’t settle for a brand that pumps out quantity over quality and really put an emphasis on you, your body, and your gains. The right pre-workout supplement will work wonders for you and can take your bodybuilding and fitness goals to new levels. Be in charge of your training and overall health and only use the best pre-workout supplements around.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Ellerbroek, Anya C.; Antonio, Jose (2019). “Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on Strength, Endurance, and Mood”. (source)
Kedia, A.; Hofheins, J.; Habowski, S.; Ferrando, Arny; et al. (2014). “Effects of a Pre workout Supplement on Lean Mass, Muscular Performance, Subjective Workout Experience and Biomarkers of Safety”. (source)
McLellan, Tom M.; Caldwell, John A.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2016). “A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance”. (source)
Kreider, Richard B. (2003). “Effects of creatine supplementation on performance and training adaptations”. (source)
Negro, M.; Giardina, S.; Marzani, B.; Marzatico, F. (2008). “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system”. (source)
Cholewa, J.; et al. (2013). “Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone”. (source)
Nobre, A.; et al. (2008). “L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state”. (source)
Coull, N.; et al. (2016). “Tyrosine Ingestion and Its Effects on Cognitive and Physical Performance in the Heat”. (source)
The Anabolic Doc Answers: What Do Bodybuilding Fans Really Want? Natural Or Enhanced?
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The Anabolic Doc debates with Vlad Yudin: Will fans really abandon pro bodybuilding if strict drug testing were applied to all leagues?
There’s no doubt that natural bodybuilding leagues such as the INBA/PNBA have been growing over the past decade. But the IFBB still holds strong as the most watched and widely seen league in competitive bodybuilding. While they don’t condone drug use – the IFBB differs from natural leagues by not conducting drug tests. This is true of many pro leagues that do not hold the term “natural” in their title. This begs the question – are untested pro leagues more popular because of the drug use? Will fans abandon these leagues if they were to start strict drug testing? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, the Anabolic Doc shares his thoughts on fan reactions to natural bodybuilding.
Generation Iron: Natty 4 Life was a film that dove deep into the world of natural bodybuilding – revealing a collective of passionate athletes and passionate promoters who want to dedicate their love of bodybuilding to fair drug tested competition. This dedication feels more prescient than ever due to the recent too-soon deaths of many competitive bodybuilders in the sport. While nearly all of these deaths have no announced cause at the moment – the conversation about health for athletes has reached an all time high.
That’s why during our conversation with Dr. Thomas O’Connor, aka the Anabolic Doc, we asked for his opinion on the bodybuilding fanbase as a whole. Namely, do bodybuilding fans want a safer more natural version of bodybuilding? It’s no secret that, while growing, natural leagues still fall behind the IFBB when it comes to mainstream attention. Fans seem to want a safer sport – but not want to sacrifice the mass monster size that has come with PEDs.
The Anabolic Doc thinks that this hypocritical separation comes from a base need in our DNA. Ever since the earliest times of history – humans have been entertained by violent spectacle. The Roman gladiators are used by an example by the Anabolic Doc. Fans separate the men and women from the spectacle – and desperately want to believe that the drug use isn’t the main cause for health issues.
Of course, the Anabolic Doc had dedicated his life to anabolic research. So he knows that continued drug use on a scale seen in pro bodybuilding is definitely dangerous. Despite this, the bar has been set too high in terms of expectations for physiques. It can come at a cost for athletes – but so long as they are willing to take that risk, fans will be enamored with the results.
That being said, the Anabolic Doc also believes that the dislike for natural bodybuilding is overstated. He thinks that the online world has created a loud hateful minority that takes all the spotlight. Perhaps as natural bodybuilding leagues such as the INBA/PNBA continue to grow – we will see a shift in terms of health. But that shift will happen slowly. Perhaps the recent deaths in bodybuilding will be the first chapter in a long book of change.
You can watch the Anabolic Doc’s full comments on natural bodybuilding vs untested bodybuilding in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!