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Dexter Jackson Says Nick Walker “Doesn’t Have a Very Pleasing Physique”
Dexter Jackson gives his honest critique of Nick Walker.
After the 2021 Olympia, Dexter Jackson had some interesting critiques about the show. One critique in particular was that of up and coming bodybuilder Nick Walker who took fifth place at the show.
Bodybuilding has changed a great deal over the years. Back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, the Golden Era of the sport, physiques were very much similar to what we see in the Classic Physique division. Many bodybuilders, even during the introduction of Mass Monsters, had a tight and very symmetrical physique. They had slim waists and great balance to their physiques. But nowadays is a different story.
Modern bodybuilding is a different ball game. While many criteria are still adhered to, the focus on massive muscle seems to rule the day. You can’t win in the Men’s Bodybuilding division without having a great deal of muscle on your frame. It’s all about the mass monsters these days. That said, structure is still king, ask Big Ramy and Brandon Curry. But having massive muscle certainly doesn’t hurt. It’s why so many eyes were on Nick Walker during the 2021 Olympia.
Having just won the 2021 Arnold Classic, Nick Walker was brimming with confidence heading into the Olympia. Walker would end up in fifth place at the show. He gave his thoughts on his placing in a recent post on his Instagram.
While Walker may have thought he deserved a higher placing there are those who weren’t shocked all that much. One of those individuals was the winningest bodybuilder of all-time Dexter Jackson.
During a recent interview Dexter Jackson gave his unfiltered opinion on Nick Walker, particularly in terms of his aesthetics.
“I think how Hunter beat him is probably because of his shape,” said Jackson. “Nick doesn’t have a very pleasing physique, but what I do like about Nick, is he is a f—king hard worker. That boy works, and he believes in himself, he believes he can actually win.”
Dexter Jackson may not find Walker’s physique to be the most aesthetically pleasing to the eye. That said, he was sure to give Walker his praise.
“I used to have that mindset but I wasn’t out in the open with it, like Nick is… So kudos to Nick for doing what he did. He said it and he did it, and that’s something awesome to be proud of. I love his work ethic, it’s amazing. So as long as he keeps doing what he’s doing, bringing his waist down a little more, bringing his stomach down a little more…
“He’s got a ton of muscle, he don’t need to get any bigger,” added Jackson. “If he gets any bigger then he’s playing with his future when it comes to him actually becoming Mr. Olympia or something like that. He needs to stay where he’s at, he’s doing fine, and keep on practicing on the condition and probably bring his legs up.”
This is the kind of critique that many refuse to give these days. While Jackson can admit he’s not the biggest fan of Walker’s physique he can still point out what makes the young bodybuilder uniquely suited to be at the top of the game.
What do you think of Dexter Jackson and his critique of the physique of Nick Walker?
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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.
Sixteen High-Fiber Foods To Add To Your Diet
The Many Benefits Of A High-Fiber Diet
Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that is found in beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Consuming enough fiber each day is imperative for maintaining good health and function. Unfortunately, however, many individuals fail to consume enough.
This article will provide detail on sixteen excellent high-fiber foods that you should look to incorporate into your diet to boost your fiber intake.
The Health Benefits Of Fiber
Before moving on to the high-fiber foods, let’s first consider some of the health benefits associated with increased fiber intake.
1) Enhanced Digestive Health
Fiber plays an important role in regulating digestion and causing regular bowel movements. Failing to consume enough fiber may lead to constipation or diarrhea.Furthermore, consuming ample fiber every day may also enhance gut health as the consumption of specific fibers can promote the growth of good bacteria (1)
2) Decreases Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance that the body requires for maintaining the structure of cells and transport, amongst other things.Having a high level of a type of cholesterol, known as low-density lipoproteins (LDL), can increase your risk of developing heart disease. However, consuming adequate fiber has been found to reduce LDL levels (2).
3) Better Blood Sugar Regulation
Research on high fiber consumption has indicated that it may also help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent them from spiking (3).Based on these findings, it has been suggested that consuming plenty of fiber may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
4) Body Weight Management
For those who aspire to lose weight, eating a lot of fiber is recommended. This is partly due to the fact that fiber can suppress appetite and leave you feeling fuller for longer.It is thought that fiber draws in water in the intestine which consequently slows the absorption rate of nutrients thus increasing feelings of fullness (4).
5) Reduced Disease Risk
A combination of the above health benefits combine to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory-related diseases. (5).
Sixteen High-Fiber Foods
This section will recommend sixteen foods that you should consider adding to your diet due to the fact that they contain a large amount of fiber.
High Fiber Beans and Legumes
1) Split Peas
With 16.3 grams of fiber per cup, increasing the amount of split peas you eat can have a positive impact on your total fiber intake.
Split peas are a highly versatile food which can commonly be found in dishes such as dhals and soups.There are two main varieties of split peas – green and yellow. Green split peas tend to be sweeter and less starchy than the yellow variety.
2) Lentils
A cup of lentils contains 15.6 grams of fiber. In addition to being high in fiber, lentils also contain a great amount of protein which plays an essential role in growth and repair.
Like split peas, lentils can be used in a variety of ways and are common ingredients in salads and soups.
There are different lentils types including brown, green, yellow, red, Puy, and Beluga. Be aware that the fiber content varies slightly between each type.
3) Black Beans
As well as being high in essential micronutrients such as manganate, folate, and thiamine, a cup of black beans contains 15 grams of fiber.
These nutrients can have an array of positive effects on bone, muscle, and heart health while also significantly reducing the risk of developing disease.
In summer, a black bean salad goes brilliantly with basically all foods that are cooked on the grill while in winter, considering adding them to vegetarian chili.
4) Lima Beans
While lima beans may not be the most popular choice for some, they do contain a great amount of fiber and can be used in many different ways in the kitchen.
Lima beans, sometimes referred to as “butter beans”, contain 13.2 grams of fiber per cup. Adding them to a range of meals can quickly and easily bump up your total fiber intake.
As well as being one of the main ingredients in succotash, lima beans can be added to soups, stews, and hummus, and salads.
High Fiber Vegetables
5) Artichokes
This strange-looking vegetable is loaded with key nutrients and antioxidants and also contains 10.3 grams of fiber per cup.
As well as potentially improving digestive health, artichokes have been associated with positively impacting cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Artichokes are great boiled, braised, stuffed, and baked. They also go well with a variety of other foods including dairy products, chicken, seafood, and eggs.
6) Peas
Peas are particularly high in vitamins A and C which play important roles in the repair and maintenance of body tissues. In addition, per cup, peas provide 8.8 grams of fiber.
The simplest way to cook peas is to simmer them in slightly salted water for approximately five minutes. Pureeing peas is another commonly used method in cooking.One of the most well-known ingredients to pair with peas is fresh mint. However, peas also go extremely well with onion and ham too.
7) Broccoli
Along with lima beans, broccoli is another controversial food that some seem to love while others despise.
Similarly to peas, broccoli provides an abundance of vitamins A and C and also contains 5.1 grams of fiber per cup.
Often when cooking broccoli, only the florets are used and the stems discarded. However, the stems are edible and can actually be used in a variety of different snacks and meals.
8) Brussel Sprouts
With 4.1 grams of fiber per cup, Brussel sprouts are another vegetable that you should consider consuming more often.
Brussel sprouts are particularly high in vitamin K which plays a crucial role in bone health and blood clotting.
Sprouts are cruciferous vegetables that are typically cleaned, cut, and cooked to accompany a main course. They can go with a range of different foods such as chicken, pork, duck, tofu, and mustard.
High Fiber Fruits
9) Raspberries
As well as being low in calories, raspberries contain many vital nutrients and antioxidants that are critical for good health. They also provide 8 grams of fiber per cup.
It is very straightforward to add raspberries to your diet as they can easily be added to your favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes.
Considering the sweet taste that raspberries have, they are mainstays of many deserts. Adding a cup of raspberries to your deserts is a quick and easy way to get a fiber boost.
10) Blackberries
Blackberries are an absolute staple of summer. As well as tasting great, they can bring a number of health benefits which can partly be associated with the high fiber content.
There are 7.6 grams of fiber found in a cup of blackberries. In addition, this fruit is packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.
Although commonly used in desserts, fruits such as blackberries are becoming more popular in savory foods such as salads, sauces, and even sandwiches!
11) Avocados
While you may not consider avocado to be a fruit, it technically is a single-seeded fruit. The avocado is held in high regard by health-enthusiasts and for good reason!
As well as having a variety of culinary uses, the avocado contains 6.7 grams of fiber per cup. Furthermore, it contains healthy fats that can protect against heart-related diseases.
Avocados can be used in a number of different ways and are commonly eaten with eggs, toast, pasta, and more. They can also easily be added to salads, soups, and smoothies.
12) Pears
At 4.6 grams per cup, pears are another excellent source of fiber. However, be aware there are many pear varieties and, therefore, the fiber content may differ.
In terms of health, as well as providing fiber, pears also contain folate, niacin, and vitamin A. These substances play an important role in energy synthesis and cellular function.
Pears go well with a number of dairy products such as mascarpone and creme fraise. However, they can also be paired with savory foods such as pork and nuts.
High Fiber Grains
13) Bran Flakes
Bran flakes a great source of fiber with one serving of bran flakes providing approximately 7 grams of fiber.
Additionally, bran flakes are also highly nutritious and are rich in plant compounds and key minerals such as niacin, iron, vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamin, and folic acid.
While a bowl of bran flakes in the morning is a great way to start the day, adding them to smoothies, yogurts, and desserts can help to increase your fiber intake.
14) Wholewheat Pasta
Although perhaps less popular than white pasta, wholewheat pasta has many additional health benefits.
While white pasta contains approximately 2.5 grams of fiber per cup, wholewheat pasta contains more than double at 6.3 grams per cup!Pasta is one of the most versatile foods around. Consider cooking a wholewheat pasta-based meal that combines a number of the aforementioned high-fiber foods.
15) Pearled Barley
Barley is a grain that comes in a number of different forms – pearled, hulled, barley flakes, and barley grit. This grain is widely consumed and is commonly found in slices of bread and cereals.
As well as containing 6 grams of fiber per cup, pearled barley also nourishes the body with key micronutrients such as manganese, thiamine, riboflavin, and selenium.
When it comes to cuisine, barley is commonly associated with soups, such as Scotch broth. However, barley can be used in many different dishes including risotto, salads, and stews.
16) Oatmeal
When it comes to a nutritious and delicious breakfast, you need to look no further than oatmeal. Not only is it quick and easy to make, it can be combined with a variety of other high-fiber foods.While oatmeal contains a modest 4 grams of fiber per cup, adding other high-fiber products such as fruits and nuts can significantly increase the fiber content.
Oatmeal can also be added to baked goods such as muffins, granola bars, and cookies to boost fiber intake further.
Four Simple Ways To Add Fiber To Your Meals
There are a number of ways that will allow you to quickly and effectively boost your fiber intake. This section will highlight four simple methods that can have a positive impact on the fiber content of meals.
Flaxseeds
Although not mentioned in the previous section, seeds are an excellent and versatile source of fiber. To put this in perspective, just two tablespoons of flaxseeds contains 3.8 grams of fiber.
Therefore, adding flaxseeds to your oatmeal, baked goods, and yogurts is a simple way of boosting your total fiber intake. Additionally, consider breading fish or chicken using flaxseeds.
Chia Seeds
Leading on from the previous point, chia seeds contain an even greater amount of fiber than flaxseeds at 5.5 grams per tablespoon!When combined with water, these seeds create a paste that makes a great addition to many smoothies and desserts.
Carrots and Spinach
Although carrots and spinach don’t contain the same amount of fiber as the vegetables mentioned above, they can easily be grated down and added to a variety of meals to boost fiber content.
Food Processors
Food processors allow you to puree a number of these foods together to substantially increase fiber content. Consider pureeing a variety of cooked vegetables before adding them to sauces and stews.
Final Word
It is clear that consuming enough fiber per day is of great importance and something that should be prioritized. By incorporating a number of the foods outlined in this article, you can substantially increase your fiber intake and consequently experience these health benefits.
References:
1 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22555633/ Parnell, Jill A.; Reimer, Raylene A. (2012-01). “Prebiotic fiber modulation of the gut microbiota improves risk factors for obesity and the metabolic syndrome”. Gut Microbes. 3 (1): 29–34. doi:10.4161/gmic.19246. ISSN 1949-0984. PMC 3827018. PMID 22555633.
2 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9925120/ Brown, L.; Rosner, B.; Willett, W. W.; Sacks, F. M. (1999-01). “Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis”. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 69 (1): 30–42. doi:10.1093/ajcn/69.1.30. ISSN 0002-9165. PMID 9925120.
3 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18287346/ Weickert, Martin O.; Pfeiffer, Andreas F. H. (2008-03). “Metabolic effects of dietary fiber consumption and prevention of diabetes”. The Journal of Nutrition. 138 (3): 439–442. doi:10.1093/jn/138.3.439. ISSN 1541-6100. PMID 18287346.
4 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10721886/ Burton-Freeman, B. (02 2000). “Dietary fiber and energy regulation”. The Journal of Nutrition. 130 (2S Suppl): 272S–275S. doi:10.1093/jn/130.2.272S. ISSN 0022-3166. PMID 10721886.
5 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5731843/ McRae, Marc P. (2017-12). “Dietary Fiber Is Beneficial for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses”. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 16 (4): 289–299. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2017.05.005. ISSN 1556-3707. PMC 5731843. PMID 29276461.
Debunked: The Top 5 Myths About Six Pack Abs
BroScience Revealed…
Abs. One of the most common tell tales of a physically fit individual. While we know it comes down to body fat and genetics, we still can’t help but be drawn to a tight set of perfectly ripped abdominals.
Perhaps its nature, perhaps it’s nurture, but even in 2020 people are looking for the perfect formula for the ever elusive 6 pack abs. While there are 8 packs, and sometimes even more, the 6er has always been a standard for a gold standard for a good looking body. Without it you’re like a burger without fries, always missing something. But with lots of buzz comes lots of rumors, and the 6- pack has been a hot topic for a long time.
Some myths start as excuses, some start as perceived truths that have been found out over time, and some are just to save face Either way they’re ruining your gains, and the gains of people around you. Here are some of the 5 top myths about 6-pack abs.
Myth #1 Carbs Are Bad
For the last couple of years carbs have been getting a bad rap. Damn near every fad diet condemns it, and carb loading is all but a thing of the past. What they’re not telling you is complex carbs are good, it’s the simple carbs that give you your spare tire. Things such as bread, processed sugars, sports drinks, and cereals, are all considered simple carbs because they break down easily. Try eating legumes, nuts, and and vegetables instead. All the benefits, none of the drama.
Myth #2 You Can Substitute A Bad Diet For A More Strenuous Workout
There’s an old adage that “abs are made in the kitchen”, and while we’re in the process of throwing out old theories, this one is actually true. Your diet is Quintessential to sculpted abs. The reason we say “sculpted” is because that’s exactly what you’re doing, trying to reveal the art surrounded by subcutaneous fat. So put down the Twinkies, and pack on the extra reps instead.
Myth #3 Eat Right, Work Out, The End…Right?
Wrong. While eating right and working out are definitely essentials, so is rest. By rest we don’t only mean Sleep, which is also a big component, but rest in the sense of being at ease. A state of being without stress. Stress through not sleeping right or a hectic lifestyle can actually build up cortisol levels which make it harder to lose stubborn fat. Take a walk, watch a movie, meditate…just do what you love.
Myth #4 You Can Shape Your Abs
The harsh reality about abs is what you get is what you got. You can’t add an extra pack or change your symmetry. Some abs line up, some don’t, all you can do is do the best with what you were given. However, you can improve muscle thickness and abdominal imbalances with a good workout routine.
Myth #5 The Be All And End All Of All Ab Exercises
While not all ab exercises are created equal, there’s no end all be all of ab exercises. The truth is your abs will get use to even the best exercises over time if you do them consistently. Switch up your exercises and the angles they’re performed to promote new stimulus and muscle confusion.
Are you underwhelmed with you ab development? Let us know by hitting up our comments below or head on over to our official Facebook and Twitter.
Pocket Guide To Calories, Basal Metabolic Rate & Intake Requirements
Everything you need to know for your bulking and cutting needs.
For so many of us, we have that image of what we want to be. Those of us bodybuilders have that image for what we want to look like. But it can be a real challenge in getting there. Having the expertise to know what to do and how to do it. Sure, reading about fellow bodybuilders and athletes is a great tool, but what works for them may not work for you. That can be discouraging.
However, if you take these components and break them down into only the essentials, you clear out the clutter that can overwhelm you. When it really comes down to it, there are only a handful of things that matter and each is manageable in efforts to get you to your goal. Between calories, basal metabolic rate, and daily intake requirements, with the right understanding, you will definitely be on your way to reaching those goals.
Let’s take a look at this pocket guide for calories, basal metabolic rate, and daily intake requirements as we try our best to break down only the essentials, so you feel as though it is accomplishable. Because it is. It just takes a bit of time and understanding to really get there.
Let’s Talk Calories
A calorie is a way to measure energy expenditure, as well as stored energy. Carbs, protein, fats, fiber, among others, release energy through your metabolism, and in reaction with oxygen, energy is released. Kilocalories are referred to as calories in your diet, being those calories you eat, and calories through exercise, being those you burn away (1).
When it comes to your daily calories and caloric intake, it is important to understand that this is totally dependent on a number of factors: age, gender, activity level, genetics, and so on. We’ll look at this from three different activity levels being sedentary, moderately active, and active.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, sedentary adults between the ages of 19-50 years old would require on average around 2,400 calories for men and 1,900 calories for women. Moderately active men would average around 2,600 calories while moderately active women are around 2,100 calories. Moving into the active territory, they define this as walking more than 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, with light physical activity associated with the typical daily activity you already partake in. In this case, men would require around 2,900 calories and women average to about 2,300 calories (2).
What Is Basal Metabolic Rate?
Your basal metabolic rate is the total number of calories needed to function on a daily basis. This includes things like circulation, breathing, nutrient processing, protein synthesis, among others. This means ultimately that energy is used only to maintain vital organs. This works in tandem with your resting metabolic rate which measures the number of calories burned at rest (3).
A popular way to measure your basal metabolic rate is through the Harris-Benedict equation. The end result is the number of calories needed to maintain your current body weight based on sex, height, weight, and age requirements (4). This came from a study conducted by James Arthur Harris and Francis Gano Benedict and is a popular way to calculate this.
Harris-Benedict Equation
Men: BMR= 66.5 + 13.8(weight) + 5.0(height)- 6.8(age)
Women: BMR= 655.1 + 9.6(weight) + 1.9(height) – 4.7(age)
Important Daily Intake Requirements
We’ve already covered calories and how important it is to figure out your daily caloric intake. But to go further, let’s take a look at those vital macronutrients in protein, carbs, and fat. Macronutrients are those nutrients that we need in larger quantities to provide support for energy, metabolism, muscle growth, and overall development. As our body’s primary source of energy, these are needed in larger quantities to make up the majority of the calories we consume.
Protein
When it comes to fulfilling our protein needs, we need to remember that there are many ways to get protein into our bodies. For healthy adults, the recommended daily intake is 0.8-1.0 grams of protein/kg body weight (4).
Whole foods are always the way to go, and even those on a vegan diet can get adequate amounts of protein. But protein powders are a solid way to get that vital protein into our bodies, and with both whey and non-dairy proteins, everyone can benefit from a great protein powder (5).
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Carbohydrates
When it comes to carb and carb sources, it is important to know that carbs are not bad. A common myth around nutrition is that carbs are stored as fat and will then only increase your body weight and reduce definition. Carbs are vital for a number of functions and must not be forgotten in your diet. It is recommended that the daily carb intake be around 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calories (4).
Fats
Fats are another thing that have a bad reputation but knowing there are different kinds of fats is very important. Fats are used for a number of bodily functions and neglecting them would be a terrible disservice to your overall health, wellness, and performance. Daily fat requirements are around 30% of your total day’s calories (4).
Why All This Matters
The amount of calories you consume, your basal metabolic rate, and your daily intake all contribute to your health, performance, and goals being met. Eating enough in the day is important and while it is easy to starve yourself and feel terrible throughout the day, you are hurting your gains, despite what you may have heard. Knowing the ins and outs of these three important components can lead to effective cutting and bulking, while also aiding in a better lifestyle overall.
Wrap Up
This pocket guide for calories, basal metabolic rate, and your daily intake requirements will provide the blueprint for what you need to know to get started. Having the tools is half the battle and once you know what to, you can finally go and do it and see those desired goals become reality.
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
Howell, S.; Kones, R. (2017). “‘Calories in, calories out’ and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories”. (source)
United States Department Of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (2011). “Estimated Calorie Needs per Day by Age, Gender, and Physical Activity Level”. (source)
McMurray, R.; Soares, J.; Caspersen, C.; McCurdy, T. (2015). “Examining Variations of Resting Metabolic Rate of Adults: A Public Health Perspective”. (source)
Kansas State University. “What are My Calorie, Protein, Fat, & Carbohydrate Needs?”. (source)
Cintineo, H.; Arent, M.; Antonio, J.; Arent, S. (2018). “Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training”. (source)
Nick Walker On Olympia Finish: ‘5th Place To Me Is A Loss’
Nick Walker was unhappy with his finish at the 2021 Olympia and will make improvements heading into next year.
It was quite a year for Nick Walker. He took home the prize at the New York Pro and this qualified him for the 2021 Olympia. Just two weeks before the biggest competition of the year, Walker won the Arnold Classic and had all the momentum heading into Orlando.
Walker made an impression right away because of his insane mass and conditioning. This was apparent once again on the Olympia stage and this led to him being part of the top five during announcements on Saturday night. Walker took home fifth place while Hunter Labrada finished fourth. Of course, Big Ramy repeated as champion followed by Brandon Curry and Hadi Choopan.
For Walker, he is not satisfied with this placing at the Olympia despite being in the top five.
“5th place to many is a huge accomplishment. 5th place to me is a loss…. a loss that I will make sure with this whole year of training never happens again. I know what needs to be improved and I know what needs to be fixed.”
Nick Walker oozes confidence and that was shown after winning the Arnold Classic. Walker believed he was going to make it three-for-three at the Olympia and this is the mindset competitors must have heading into competition, especially going up against some of the other best in the world.
Walker references what needs to be fixed. He does not say anything specifically but he claims that he knows and will make the necessary changes to finish higher in next year’s competition.
This was Walker’s first big year as a professional and it was a good one. He picked up two victories at the biggest shows outside of the Olympia. It is clear that Big Ramy is the class right now and that is the level that Walker will shoot for. Big Ramy entered the Olympia weighing over 300 pounds of solid muscle. This was enough to win another Olympia and he has made it clear that he will continue to defend his title.
Nick Walker is just getting started and will continue to be a force in Men’s Open. It will be exciting to see the changes that he makes to improve his physique further and place higher in the Olympia.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.
Brandon Curry Has ‘Zero Regrets’ After Second-Place Finish At Olympia
Former champion Brandon Curry made a statement after finishing second at this year’s Olympia.
It has not been too long since Brandon Curry was hoisting the trophy in the air after winning the 2019 Olympia. He reached the pinnacle of bodybuilding and was looking to stay at the top. While he has been one of the best in the sport since that night, Curry has been defeated two years in a row now.
In 2020, Curry finished second to Big Ramy at the Olympia. The 2021 competition is now complete and it was the same fate for Curry. During prejudging, it was clear that Curry and Big Ramy were the top two and it would make for an interesting battle come the final.
After a second-straight silver medal, Curry took to Instagram to make a statement and say that he will be back better than ever.
“2021 was another one for the history books!I gave it my best and managed to pull off a 2nd place battle against the current champ @big_ramy. Congrats to him on his performance and for retaining his title! I fell short according to the judges, but I have zero regrets because I did my absolute best and the rest was in their hands.To be in the top 2 in the world for 3 consecutive years is my historical moment for the year. Each year I find something significant in the outcome and that was that moment for me.”
Brandon Curry took the necessary time to thank his family, friends, sponsors, and trainers. He made sure to hit all ends that work with him during his journey to the Olympia. And of course, Curry promised to be back in the future.
This is not surprising given the string of success he has found. Curry has been a top-two finisher in each of the last three Olympia’s. There is no doubt that he is one of the best in the world but the judges have been leaning toward Big Ramy over the last two years.
“Time to come home and kick things up a notch!” Curry continued.
“Thank you to all of my fans around the world-I truly have the greatest fans in the world!And thank you to my family and friends for the encouragement along the way. It carried me further than you may realize….And to my kids for understanding why I’m away for months at a time and showing up to cheer for me…every victory I have is your victory too! And to those who helped my wife and children while I was away. I thank you. #ILLBEBACK #15 ??”
Brandon Curry made his first appearance at the Olympia in 2013, where he finished eighth. After a few finishes near the bottom, Curry climbed to top five in 2018. This was before he won both the Olympia and Arnold Classic in 2019. Now, Curry has solidified his legacy and has shown that he is a difficult competitor on stage.
Sights have already been set on the 2022 competition. There is no doubt that we will see Curry if all goes right and he could be competing for another title.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Rock Does Rap Verse On Latest Tech N9ne Track
The Rock makes his rap debut on recent Tech N9ne track.
It looks like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is making a foray into hip hop. The actor recently posted a video of himself laying down some rhymes on a new track by recording artist Tech N9ne. With his entrepreneurial spirit it’s clear that The Rock is ready and willing to try and do just about anything he sets his mind on.
The actor and entrepreneur has his hands in many different pots. The Rock is building an empire across a multitude of different mediums. He’s dominated in television and has a stranglehold on film. Now The Rock appears to be venturing into brand new territory…in hip hop.
While The Rock may have been known for his way with words during his WWE tenure, rapping is a whole different story. The Rock apparently on special request from rap artist Tech N9ne came up with his own rap verse for the new track “Face Off” also featuring Joey Cool and King Iso. You can see a clip of The Rock’s verse in the post below.
“Black & Samoan in my veins, my cultures’ bangin’ with Strange…”
Grateful and humbled to make my rap debut with these hip hop kings ??? as I was just trying to deliver a rhythm, flow, energy & intensity that didn’t suck ?
Huge grateful shout to the hip hop community for all the luv ? & music fans for all your HYPE reactions
???????
And finally, THANK YOU to my brother, the GOAT @therealtechn9ne for coming up with this big crazy idea of wanting me to drop some Rock gasoline bars on the fire ?? with my #StrangeMusic USO’s
@TheRealKingIso
@_joey_cool.
We made the MF’n ANTHEM HYPE song ???
Hip hop and rap requires some a certain level of lyrical prowess as well as the confidence to pull it off. The Rock did a pretty good job in his first step into the rap game. Will he make this a regular thing? Chances are that is highly unlikely.
What did you think of The Rock in his rap debut?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.
Pre Lab Pro Review- The Next-Gen Pre-Workout Formula
This pre-workout is all-around ergogenic with smart stimulation for fast and healthy progress.
Product Overview
With so many pre-workouts on the market, choosing the best option can be incredibly daunting. Many supplements are just packed with caffeine to keep you bouncing all over the gym, and once you’re done, you realize your workout was incredibly ineffective. Why waste your time and money with a nonsense pre-workout when you could have a top tier product on your shelf? Pre Lab Pro is the next-gen pre-workout formula designed with your training and performance, as well as health and wellness in mind.
Any good pre-workout will increase energy and focus so you feel willing and ready to tackle any workout. But those pre-workouts that go above and beyond will aid in muscle pumps, reduce fatigue, boost endurance capacity, and increase recovery to give you the best benefits possible from your supplements. Pre Lab Pro can do this and much more and is one of those products you must try.
Pre Lab Pro is the all-around pre-workout for strength, speed, stamina, endurance, and recovery. Nootropic-enhanced caffeine for energy, focus, and calm intensity ensures fast and healthy progress.
Pre Lab Pro is on a mission to help athletes and people of any fitness level bring their workouts to the next level. Safety is their number one priority and by working with safe and natural ingredients, this allows for more muscle, enhanced athletic goals, and a healthier lifestyle overall as you seek those gains you want most.
Pre Lab Pro Highlights
Pre Lab Pro is the next-gen pre-workout formula designed for all-around strength, speed, stamina, endurance, and recovery. Using nootropic-enhanced caffeine, this provides for smart stimulation for energy, focus, and calm intensity. This revolutionary design targets three key pathways that work in synergy to supercharge workout performance, promote health balance, and accelerate your overall progress. Using premium ingredients, Pre Lab Pro works to optimize the safety and effectiveness of this product so you only see those gains you want most. Promoting a wide range of benefits towards your fitness goals, you can work towards fast and healthy progress with Pre Lab Pro.
Ingredients
Natural Caffeine: Sourced from Coffea Robusta seeds, this works for maximum benefits and minimal side effects. It will enhance attention and focus, increase energy and intensity, aid in muscle strength and fat burning, and offer clean energy for jitter-free workouts (1).
L-Theanine: Helps reduce caffeine jitters and crashes and offers more calm, cleaner stimulation (2).
L-Tyrosine: Can sharpen focus under stress and maintain neurotransmitters that may be depleted by caffeine. It also works to support brain chemicals that support athletic intensity and cognitive assistance (3).
L-Citrulline: Supports peak power output and helps keep energy in your muscle tissues. It also boost muscle growth and recovery and maintains your VO2 max for muscle efficiency (4).
Red Beet Powder: A natural source of nitrate, this will relax your blood vessels and boost blood flow to push you through all training (5).
Other Ingredients
Vitamin D, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Potassium, Iron, Salt, Dextrose, DL-Malic Acid, Erythritol, Natural Flavors, Xylitol, Monk Fruit Extract, Stevia Extract, Silica
Stim Or No Stim
Stim
Number Of Servings
20
Serving Size
1 Scoop
Flavors
Natural Berry
Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 12 oz. water and drink 30 minutes before exercise.
Price & Effectiveness
Pre Lab Pro is a great pre-workout made with premium ingredients to deliver smart stimulation, homeostasis support and fast and healthy progress for the best gains to training and performance, as well as health and wellness. With 20 servings per container, 1 scoop will pump you with these great ingredients. A great Natural Berry flavor ensures you never grow bored with the taste.
Pros
Clean and effective pre-workout made with natural flavors
Great benefits to strength, speed, stamina, endurance, and recovery
Nootropic enhanced caffeine for energy and focus
From a reputable and honest company
Cons
Premium priced option
Only available directly on their website
Price: $59.00
Who Should Take Pre Lab Pro?
Pre Lab Pro is great for anyone taking part in a number of training programs from strength training to high intensity interval training, and even longer distance running or endurance work. It will help prime your muscles so you get the most out of each and every workout.
Is Pre Lab Pro Safe?
Pre Lab Pro is safe for use and great care is taken throughout the whole process. With premium ingredients and clinical research to back it up, an honest label gives you everything you need to know about this product. Undergoing plenty of quality control checks and quality assurance, it is third part tested for purity and potency.
Since this does have caffeine, it is important to keep that in mind. Those sensitive to caffeine may experience side effects, but that would be with most products containing caffeine.
Overall Value
Pre Lab Pro is that next-gen pre-workout formula designed to give you the edge when it comes to all your gains. Working to shatter limits and reach beyond just strength and stamina, Pre Lab Pro is made with premium ingredients and a cutting edge formula to round out an incredible workout. What you are really getting is the highest-quality pre-workout with safe and effective ingredients from a company who prides themselves on transparency. Check out Pre Lab Pro today and see what this amazing supplement can do for all your workouts.
Try Pre Lab Pro Today
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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 Pre Lab Pro and Envato
References
Cappelletti, S.; Daria, P.; Sani, G.; Aromatario, M. (2015). “Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug?”. (source)
Owen, G.; Parnell, H.; Bruin, E.; Rycroft, J. (2008). “The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood”. (source)
Coull, Nicole; Chrismas, B.; Watson, P.; Horsfall, R.; et al. (2016). “Tyrosine Ingestion and Its Effects on Cognitive and Physical Performance in the Heat”. (source)
Gonzalez, A.; Trexler, E. (2020). “Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature”. (source)
Clifford, T.; Howatson, G.; West, D.; Stevenson, E. (2015). “The Potential Benefits of Red Beatroot Supplementation in Health and Disease”. (source)
The Anabolic Doc: The Truth About Sex Problems Post-Steroids
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The Anabolic Doc doesn’t mince words when it comes to sexual problems after coming off steroids.
Dr. Thomas O’Connor, also known as the Anabolic Doc, has dedicated his life to working with strength athletes and bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids. He’s been very clear about the dangers these drugs hold but has also provided an empathetic viewpoint as to why athletes turn to PEDs in the first place. Beyond serious health concerns of long term steroids use – the Anabolic Doc went into detail about the realities behind sexual performance and steroids. What is true? What is a myth? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, the Anabolic Doc gets real about what happens to your sex life after coming off steroids.
Beyond roid rage, the second most overplayed stereotype about steroids is enhanced sexual performance. It makes sense – blast your body with testosterone and give your private parts a boost. But just how true are these claims and how much is fiction? We turned to Dr. Thomas O’Connor – aka the Anabolic Doc – for answers.
First things first, the Anabolic Doc makes it clear that increased sexual performance is 100% a side effect from using steroids. In many ways, this is an additional appeal to using these drugs. Beyond the improved athletic performance and muscle building – private life between the sheets sees a dramatic boost in “energy.” That being said, there is also a downside – it just might not rear its ugly head until many years down the line.
As with many things in long term steroid use – over time health complications begin to arise. This is even more true when coming off steroid use permanently after decades of cycles. It’s well documented that long term steroid use will lead to a permanent decrease in testosterone within your body. This can affect many things. It can make you feel depressed. It can make you feel weak and lethargic. It can also diminish your sex drive and performance.
But for those who think it’s not that big of a deal – the Anabolic Doc has some grave news for you. Without treatment such as Testosterone Replacement Therapy, it’s almost guaranteed that your future sex performance will dry up after coming off steroids. The Anabolic Doc has often talked about the “suffering” of steroid users during older age. This isn’t just medical pain and suffering – it’s also psychological.
The Anabolic Doc receives many patience who are mentally suffering due to a diminished sex life and worsening sex performance. We’re not talking about 80 year olds here. We’re talking 50 year old men who should still be able to function well enough. But due to low levels of testosterone production from steroid use – their “ability” falls apart.
Even worse, this can happen at a much younger age as well. If a person goes through multiple cycles of steroids – when they are off cycle, their sexual performance will be diminished as well. The Anabolic Doc specifically states many men in their 20’s who can’t date women whenever they are off cycle. When they come back on steroids – everything works fantastic. But at such a young age – without the continued use of these drugs – they become lame ducks.
“You’re going to come off this shit and you’re going to crash like a lead balloon,” Dr. O’Connor states in our interview. He then goes on, “And you’re going to be with a girl and if you’re 20 or 23 or 27 and you can’t date… that’s the new thing now… the new lexicon. It’s ‘can’t date.’”
You can watch the Anabolic Doc’s full comments on steroid use and sexual performance in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Chuck Liddell Arrested On Domestic Violence Charge
Former UFC champion Chuck Liddell was arrested on charges of domestic battery, claims he was the victim.
UFC Hall-of-Famer Chuck Liddell was arrested on Monday morning in Hidden Hills, CA around midnight on a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.
Lost Hills officers responded to a call regarding a family disturbance that involved a physical altercation between Liddell and his wife. He was taken to the Lost Hills Sheriff Station where his bail was set at $20,000. Liddell was released on Monday morning at 10 A.M. local time.
On Monday, Liddell released a statement on Instagram claiming that he was the victim. Liddell says he sustained bruises and lacerations following the incident.
“Last night the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputies who responded were professional. While the information about the case will be revealed in due course, I believe it is important to convey and clarify a few facts about the situation,” Chuck liddell wrote.
“I was the victim of the incident last night at our family home, as details of the case will reveal. The deputies informed me that my wife would be arrested, as I did not respond to her assault while I sustained bruising and lacerations. I volunteered to go in her place.
This was one of the Manu times I have tried to shield a family mental health issue from the public purview. It has become painfully apparent that this cannot continue, as our private life has not reached a public breaking point. Please respect our privacy as I help to navigate our family through this difficult time.”
Chuck Liddell claims that the details of this incident will be revealed in due time. He has a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday in Van Nuys, CA.
Liddell was one of the early stars of UFC during its takeoff and is one of the highest pay-per-view draws in history. He headlined 13 events and last fought in 2010. Liddell is the former light-heavyweight champion who was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2009.
This is an ongoing story that will have more information released as time goes on. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.