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Robert Timms’ Physique Will “Blow The Hardness & Tightness Out Of The Water At This Olympia”
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Robert Timms promises something different and next level in his physique at the Olympia 2021.
With just a few days until the Olympia 2021, fans and athletes are getting hyped up for the biggest bodybuilding event of the year. Competitors are in process of tightening in their peak week timing to present the ultimate physique on stage. Robert Timms is a Classic Physique competitor aiming to make big waves at this year’s Olympia. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Robert Timms claims fans should expect “something different” and a next level physique at Olympia 2021.
When it comes to preparing for a competition, Robert Timms washes out all of the white noise. He doesn’t worry about what comments on social media say. He doesn’t care what rival competitors look like in their physique update photos. He only cares about the opinion of two people – his coach and his father.
This is the mindset Robert Timms informed us about during our recent video interview just weeks before the Olympia 2021. Timms has been a top tier Classic Physique competitor – and in its earliest inception as a division – Timms was one of the first pinnacles showcasing what Classic Physique should look like. It makes sense then that his Instagram handle and nickname is “Mr. Classic Physique.”
Despite this, he has yet to win a Classic Physique Olympia title for himself. This isn’t for lack of promise – the Classic Physique division sports some of the most competitive physiques in the entire sport. That’s why this year Robert Timms has adjusted his prep to transform his physique into “something different” – to use his own words. He plans to show a physique that his fans have never seen before in his career.
We asked Robert Timms what his strategy was going into the Olympia 2021. He answered by claiming his goal was to bring something special. A different physique than he’s brought to the stage in years past. To do this – he focused on really bringing in his conditioning. He wants to “blow the hardness and tightness out of the water” as he puts it confidently.
And this isn’t simply confident pre-competition cockiness. Robert Timms has shown some physique updates on his social media in weeks past – and the results are looking spectacular. Many fans have already noticed that he can be a real big threat to the returning champion Chris Bumstead – as well as other high profile competitors such as Breon Ansley and Terrence Ruffin.
Just a few weeks ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger boldly claimed during his Arnold Classic commentary that Classic Physique was the best division of the sport. While many might take offense to his dismissal of Men’s Open, his excitement for Classic Physique is shared by many. The division has proven to be a rousing success.
It’s pleased fans who miss the Golden Era of Physique. It’s also pleasing fans by the sheer competitiveness of the athletes in the division. There’s no doubt that Classic Physique sports some of the most electric face offs on stage. Each year – the Olympia champion is can be seen as a crapshoot. No one competitor, even Chris Bumstead, is a shoe in for the prize. Robert Timms seems to be yet another to throw into the mix.
You can watch Robert Timms go into full detail about his Olympia 2021 strategy in our latest GI exclusive interview segment above!
Big Ramy Weighs In At 305 LBS (With Clothes) During Olympia 2021 Press Conference
Olympia 2021 press conference: Big Ramy jumps on the scale weighing in at 305 pounds.
The Olympia 2021 press conference is always an exciting tip of the iceberg for bodybuilding’s biggest event of the year. Rivals trade barbs, hype builds to an amazing level, and there’s always a surprise or two. For example, this year – a scale was brought on stage for an impromptu weigh-in. Big Ramy stepped on the scale and weighed in at 305 pounds.
The Olympia 2021 press conference was a bit different this year. Instead of the entire roster of athletes sitting at tables with mics – the competitors were brought out in groups based on division. One of the most exciting moments of the conference was the Men’s Open group – which brought out Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, William Bonac, and returning champion Big Ramy.
Big Ramy, of course, is best known for his signature size. The question on many fans minds going into this competition – will Ramy bring in even more size? Or will he trim down in order to further improve conditioning? The question was put to rest Thursday afternoon – as conference host Bob Cicherillo brought out a literal scale to weight Ramy on the spot.
Big Ramy, for his credit, was candid about his size before the scale was brought out. He claims to be weighing in at 290 pounds. Definitely the higher end of the spectrum for Men’s Open – but nothing limit breaking. Bob Cicherillo wanted to put Ramy’s words to the test. A scale was brought out onto the stage and an impromptu weigh-in was conducted.
The scale revealed Big Ramy weighing in at 305 pounds. Of course, he was still wearing a full suit, shoes, and holding a microphone. Can that account for 15 extra pounds? That might be a bit much – but it lands him close to where he claims to be regarding his weight.
While this might not be an official 100% accurate weigh-in – it does show us that Big Ramy is still holding onto his signature size. Will this hurt his conditioning this year? We’ll soon find out on Friday night’s pre-judging. Ramy’s conditioning has been inconsistent in years past. Perhaps his Olympia 2020 showcase was the key that unlocked his struggles. But we won’t know for sure until he wins another Sandow trophy. That’s what makes this year so important for Ramy. He needs to prove that he is not a one time fluke but a reigning champion.
Upon revealing his clothed weight of 305 pounds, William Bonac had some strong opinions to share. “Let’s see if the weight can help you,” Bonac chimed in as Ramy was stepping off the scale. Bonac is known for his smaller stature compared to the likes of Brandon Curry or Big Ramy. This has always been a sticking point for critics – could Bonac ever beat Ramy (while on point) due to the limitations of his size? Bonac doesn’t seem worried. His words seem to imply he thinks he can out-condition the returning champ.
But all of this is just talk. It’s fun, it’s exciting, it gets the crowd going. But until we see them side by side on stage tomorrow night – we won’t know the true chances each of these athletes have.
Generation Iron will continue to cover the Olympia 2021 all weekend – including tonight’s Meet The Olympians alongside the pre-judging and finals both Friday and Saturday. Stay tuned and make sure to visit our official Olympia 2021 coverage page.
Breon Ansley Strips Down And Shows Sneak Peek Of Physique At Olympia Press Conference
Former Classic Physique champion Breon Ansley did not wait until Saturday to show off his physique.
Breon Ansley is one of the best Classic Physique competitors in the sport. He is a two-time Olympia champion and is looking to get his title back from reigning champion Chris Bumstead. Ansley started off the Olympia press conference with some fire, confidence, and even a sneak peek.
Ansley and Terrence Ruffin started out the press conference before being joined by Bumstead on stage. There was a confidence from Ansley that believes he can get his title back at this year’s competition. He even chose to show off his physique earlier than expected.
Breon Ansley stated that no one had to wait until the weekend to show any progress made from last year’s competition. He did so by removing his shirt and posing down a bit early.
Ansley went through a stretch where he was difficult to defeat. He took home back-to-back titles in Classic Physique at the Olympia in 2017 and 2018. Ansley also won the Arnold Classic is 2018. At 41 years old, Ansley is still competing at a high level and wants to show that he is not regressing.
Bumstead has won back-to-back competitions and it began in 2019. Ansley finished second at this competition and fell to third in 2020. Ruffin was able to jump Ansley in last year’s competition for a second-place finish. Ansley believes that he was not at his best and this is why he fell to third.
Breon Ansley was up on stage posing on his own as Bumstead and Ruffin did not participate. Bumstead believes that the other competitors are fighting for second place and he will make it three in a row. He has been active on social media showing off his recent physique. As for Ruffin, he is coming off an Arnold Classic win two weeks ago and is in the best shape of his career.
The Classic Physique competition is one that will be exciting on Saturday. With the athletes at the top, it should be as good as it gets.
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.
Chris Bumstead Reacts to the Passing of George Peterson
Chris Bumstead reacts to George Peterson’s tragic passing.
After the shocking news of the passing of George Peterson III, Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead reacts to the horrible news.
The bodybuilding world is still reeling from the news of George Peterson passing away. Peterson’s sudden passing shocked everyone and has sent shockwaves through the community. As of now there is still no cause of death, which has only sparked speculation online.
Perhaps the most shocking piece of information about this whole case is how young George Peterson was. At 37 years old, Peterson had so much left to offer not only the bodybuilding community, but the world. So many individuals have come forward to express just how incredible a man Peterson was.
By all accounts George Peterson was a gentleman, a kind and respectful human being who left a positive impression on everyone he crossed paths with. That includes the men he competing against in not only the 212 division, but the Classic Physique division as well. Namely reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead.
Having competed a number of times against George Peterson, Chris Bumstead had the opportunity to know the man on a different level. Competing against another high level athlete creates a bond that few can understand. Peterson and Bumstead both pursued the top honor of becoming Olympia champion. Both men pushed each other to become better versions of themselves. As such, the passing of Peterson has affected Bumstead greatly.
The passing of George Peterson still fresh, Chris Bumstead did his part to honor the passing of his compatriot.
Moments I won’t forget.
I appreciate you pushing me on stage and being a man to look up to both on and off the stage. Humble and hardworking at its finest.
Sending my love to your loved ones brother. RIP??❤️
The passing of George Peterson will send reverberations throughout the bodybuilding community. With so many competitors and veterans passing over the last few years, question will continue to arise as to the safety of the athletes involved.
The Generation Iron team extends condolences to the family and friends of George Peterson III.
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.
WATCH: Berry De Mey’s Olympia 2021 Predictions & Analysis
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Berry De Mey breaks down the Mr. Olympia 2021 lineup and makes his predictions.
Berry De Mey is a former pro bodybuilder and an iconic bodybuilding coach. That’s why with only a few days before the Mr. Olympia 2021, we connected with him to get his insight and analysis about the line up. This year is set to be one of the more competitive rosters we’ve seen in quite some time. A clash of the old and the new generations make for what is expected to be an intense and exciting show. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Berry De Mey makes his predictions for the Olympia 2021.
The pro bodybuilding world has been in somewhat of a transition over the past decade. The current generation is getting, well, older and young up-and-coming bodybuilders are starting to hone their skills into formidable opponents. That’s what makes this year’s Mr. Olympia so exciting. We have the likes of Hunter Labrada, Nick Walker, and Iain Valliere going up against veterans such as Big Ramy, William Bonac, and Brandon Curry.
This week, we connected with world famous bodybuilder and trainer Berry De Mey via video chat. With just a few days before this epic Olympia showdown, we asked for his thoughts on the lineup and his predictions for the Men’s Open division. Berry De Mey has his own criteria of what the ideal Men’s Open physique should look like. So he gives his personal opinion – and then a more objective analysis what to expect at Olympia 2021.
Berry De Mey doesn’t sugarcoat it. The hype is real, Big Ramy is a top contender for the Mr. Olympia as returning champion. The truth is that many of the competitors, no matter how much they try, can match Ramy’s size. So long as Ramy keeps up his conditioning and comes in slightly better than last year – he’s a shoe in for the first spot.
That being said, Berry De Mey personally favors bodybuilder Patrick Moore. He believes that Moore hits all of the marks of what he wishes all Men’s Open bodybuilders looked like. He wishes judging would appreciate that kind of aesthetic over mass and size. Rather than a compliment to it.
But this doesn’t mean Berry De Mey thinks Patrick Moore will win the Mr. Olympia 2021. He knows all change happens slow – and so long as most bodybuilders focus more on mass, Moore will look like an outlier in a way that hurts his chances rather than helps. He hopes to see Moore one day become the Olympia champion.
Berry De Mey also points out that there are a lot of hungry talented competitors rising in the ranks competing at the Olympia 2021. Veteran bodybuilders like Brandon Curry and William Bonac are not necessarily guaranteed top 3 spots. If Hunter Labrada, Hadi Choopan, and Nick Walker bring their best – they can overtake the top 5 positions knocking down former champion Brandon Curry into a lower spot.
All in all, this is to say that nothing is guaranteed at the Olympia 2021. This should be one of the more exciting years of the event in quite some time. Will Big Ramy cement himself as a reigning champion for years to come? Or will we have yet another new champion this year. We’ll soon find out this weekend.
You can watch Berry De Mey’s full analysis and breakdown of the Olympia 2021 in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Watch The Mr. Olympia 2021 Press Conference (LIVE)
The Olympia 2021 weekend officially kicks off with the much anticipated press conference.
This weekend holds the biggest event of the bodybuilding season – the Mr. Olympia 2021. After a somewhat abridged and adjusted event last year, things still haven’t 100% returned to normal just yet. The event is yet again happening in Orlando, Florida and instead of the typical September scheduling – the event is happening in October. Perhaps this will become the new normal as we move ahead into future Olympia competitions.
Regardless, the sport of bodybuilding continues to persevere and we have an Olympia lineup that should be one for the ages. Not only that, but there is an entire PPV streaming option for fans to get a full virtual experience of the show.
And it all starts with the Mr. Olympia 2021 press conference. It’s kicking off right now and is available to live stream completely free. While the other streams of the competition on Friday and Saturday come at a one time cost – fans can enjoy the initial hype up moments from the press conference right now free of charge.
Watch the Mr. Olympia 2021 Press Conference Live
For those interested in watching some trash talk, hype, and clashes between rivals – you can watch the full live stream of the Olympia 2021 press conference right here.
For those who won’t be spending the cash on the premium stream of the pre-judging and finals, we have good news for you. The free live stream also includes other events beyond the press conference. Check out the details about the Free Fan Channel below:
Free Fan Channel: Free Live Stream
As many bodybuilding fans who have attended the Olympia weekend in person know, there are other events around the competitions themselves that bring insight into the top bodybuilders of the year. The ‘Meet The Olympians’ event and the Olympia expo.
Due to the success of the fan channel live stream last year, the virtual experience is making a return for the Olympia 2021. Here are the events included in the free live stream fan channel:
Press conference
Meet the Olympians event
Olympia World Fitness Festival (Expo)
Much like last year – those who want to get the full experience will have to drop a bit of cash. You can check out the paid streaming options below.
Premium package & Mr. Olympia Schedule (Price: $59.95)
Friday, October 8, 2021
Fitness Olympia Pre-Judging
212 Olympia Pre-Judging
Figure Olympia Pre-Judging
Women’s Physique Olympia Pre-Judging
Ms. Olympia Pre-Judging
Wellness Olympia Pre-Judging
Olympia 212 Finals
Fitness Olympia Finals
Figure Olympia Finals
Women’s Physique Olympia Finals
Ms. Olympia Finals
Mr. Olympia Pre-Judging
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Classic Physique Olympia Pre-judging
Men’s Physique Olympia Pre-judging
Bikini Olympia Pre-judging
Wellness Olympia Finals
Wheelchair Olympia Finals
Mr. Olympia Finals
Men’s Physique Olympia Finals
Bikini Olympia Finals
Classic Physique Olympia Finals
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Olympia SuperStar Seminar
Note: The Premium package does not include the Amateur events.
Amateur package (Price: $29.95)
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Open Women’s Physique
Masters Figure 35+
Open Figure
Masters Bikini 35+
Open Bikini Women’s
Wellness
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Masters Bodybuilding 35+
Open Bodybuilding
Open Classic Physique
Open Men’s Physique
Masters Men’s Physique 35+
Note: This package only features the Amateur events and does not include IFBB Pro events.
Devices To Watch Mr. Olympia 2021
The Olympia 2021 weekend is also getting a bit of an upgrade in terms of flexibility with watching the event live streams. There are a wide variety of TV and mobile devices you can watch. That means if you’re on the go or want to have a full TV experience – there are options for you.
See the different devices available for the Mr. Olympia 2021 live stream below:
iPhone
Apple TV
Android
Android TV
Fire TV
Roku
How CBD Helps Boost Your Overall Athletic Performance
CBD products are in full demand right now and the benefits make it obvious as to why.
With a hot and growing industry continuing to rise, CBD companies have taken full advantage of this new craze that everyone is talking about. A safe and effective way to tackle any unwanted pain, aid in recovery, and assist with many other bodily functions, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to CBD. We are always trying to look for the next great product to boost our overall health and fitness lifestyle and CBD fits right into that mold.
While CBD is a substance extracted from the cannabis plant, this has some people on edge for fear of the mind altering effects associated with THC. This is where the difference lies. CBD is a wonderful alternative to an effective sports treatment because it doesn’t have the mind altering effects of THC and is legal in most places. Knowing the difference between CBD and THC and how they work in our bodies is very important to understand so we don’t stunt our overall growth and performance short.
CBD can come in many forms which is a benefit to everyone because its variety allows for your preference or means of consumption to exist. Finding a good quality CBD supplement can be challenging with so many companies right now saturating this incredibly popular market. Looking at labels and reading into certain companies can help narrow down your search as to the best CBD products around.
Check out our list of the top CBD supplements here!
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. Next to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is the second most abundant ingredient in the plant. It is a naturally occurring substance used to promote relaxation and calm and is not psychoactive, unlike its counterpart THC.
THC gives you that euphoric feeling because it works as an activator to the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor, binding to it and activating the reward system to impose those feelings most associated with THC. CBD by contrast is a bad binder when it comes to attaching to the CB1 receptor and won’t induce those traditional “high” feelings. What it can do is either inhibit THC or promote the effects of it by helping with the many benefits it provides (1).
There are a few types of CBD to try, each having their own unique properties but benefiting you all the same. Full spectrum CBD is when it is extracted from the plant but other forms of plant matter remain attached. Cannabinoids have therapeutic properties while terpenes give it a fragrance. Flavonoids have properties like anti-inflammatory aid and neuroprotective ones. This induces the “entourage effect” because you are hit with all these different compounds from the plant.
CBD is another form where a purification process leaves you with almost all pure CBD. This is flavorless and odorless and is often cheaper. You can mix this into anything food or beverage for a versatile form of CBD.
How CBD Works?
CBD works to target the endocannabinoid (eCB) system by binding to receptors that play a role in many bodily functions. The eCB system is an essential body system responsible for bodily homeostasis and maintaining a healthy biological environment in response to those things that happen both internally and externally. This plays a big role in mood, sleep, pain relief, appetite, immune system health, and a host of others. Acting as sort of a bridge between our body and mind, CBD works to internally connect all of our bodily forces at play to work together while tackling external issues when it comes to mental health.
Benefits Of CBD
Aid In Muscle Soreness & Pain Relief
CBD can react with the neurotransmitters of the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and help improve chronic pain (2). That unwanted muscle soreness you feel after a workout can last longer than you would like. This can hinder your next few workouts, but CBD can aid in the healing and recovery process to help you throughout the day and performing at a high level for each and every workout after.
Lower Stress & Anxiety Levels
CBD can act on your brain’s receptors to regulate mood and other forms of social behavior to mimic that of serotonin. This can help make you feel good as well as relaxed, thus working to lower levels of anxiety and stress (3). For athletes leading up to a competition, or just those who want a healthier state of mind, CBD can work wonders for your mental health.
Crush Cravings & Boost Metabolism
CBD works as an appetite suppressant, so you crush those cravings that hit you late at night. It can also help with the regulation of your hormones that deal directly with metabolism. So while you eat less of that junk food with reduced cravings, you will burn more calories and shed some pounds with an increased metabolism. This can give you that shredded athletic physique you desire while improving all aspects of your performance for whatever your respective sport.
Featured CBD Supplement To Boost Athletic Performance
Finding the right CBD product can be challenging but it is absolutely possible with the right approach. Knowing what you are looking for in terms of either topicals, tinctures, or pills can help narrow down your search. One great company, cbdMD, produces amazing CBD products perfect for boosting your athletic performance. Let’s take a look at just one of their great supplements.
cbdMD CBD Recover Tub
Recover is a CBD cream made from soothing herbal ingredients and pain killing medicine to help relieve any muscle soreness and pain. Superior Broad Spectrum hemp extract works with histamine dihydrochloride, to provide temporary relief and increase blood flow, while other ingredients like arnica, aloe vera, and MSM, provide a creamy, moisturizing base. Perfect for sore muscles and joint pain, Recover is a great supplement for you.
cbdMD Recover Tub offers soothing CBD cream with pain killing and herbal ingredients for a warming sensation while providing temporary relief from minor aches and pains.
For more great CBD products, check out cbdMD and browse their great selection.
Check out our list of the Best CBD Supplements for more great pain relieving products!
Wrap Up
CBD is a supplement that has taken the world by storm. Cannabis has long been thought to have these great properties but the fear of a mind altering substance has caused a lot of debate around this plant. With the process of extracting CBD to benefit your overall health and wellness, people everywhere can now reap the benefits of CBD without the unwanted side effects of THC, the mind altering substance in cannabis. From pain relief, to lower levels of stress and anxiety, to increased metabolism and less cravings, this supplement can really work to boost your overall athletic performance to keep you on top of your game. Give CBD a try and set yourself up for the most success you can when it comes to your athletic ability and performance.
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
Harvard Medical School Health Blog (2018). “Cannabidiol (CBD)- what we know and what we don’t”. (source)
Boyaji, Shafik; Merkow, Justin; Elman, R. Noel M.; Kaye, Alan D.; Yong, R. J.; Urman, Richard D. (2020). “The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Chronic Pain Management: An Assessment of Current Evidence”. (source)
Medical Cannabis Network (2020). “Effects of CBD oil on mental health: anxiety disorders”. (source)
Best Elbow Sleeves For Powerlifting & Bodybuilding (Updated 2021)
The top elbow sleeves for weightlifting can protect your joints from unwanted pain and strain.
You may see fitness folks wearing knee sleeves in the gym all the time, but elbow sleeves are another great tool to use to protect against and relieve pain. You know what they’re for. Offer a snug fit to provide protection, support, and comfort to a vulnerable or recovering knee. But you may not be as familiar with elbow sleeves and the role they can play in enhancing your health and fitness goals. As beneficial workouts aids for those in the gym for casual training, those in the heat of serious athletic training, or even those competing, elbow sleeves can give you an edge when it comes to safe and effective lifts and overall performance.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Elbow Sleeves for 2021 for all your weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding needs. The right elbow sleeve can warm your elbows, help relieve aches and pains, and ultimately avoid injury to keep you going for a long time.
Best Elbow Sleeves For 2021
Best Overall Elbow Sleeves
The best elbow sleeve will work to add nice compression and support as you lift big weight in order to offer protection for this vulnerable joint from any unwanted pain, or worse, an injury given the nature of sports.
SBD Elbow Sleeves
SBD elbow sleeves are a serious contender in the market for a number of reasons. SBD as a company prides themselves on bringing athletes the best equipment around to enhance all aspects of their health, fitness, and performance and they do just that. Designed with powerlifters and strongman events in mind, these elbow sleeves are made to minimize the risk of injury and increase performance while maximizing longevity. Manufactured in Great Britain, these elbow sleeves are made of high grade neoprene with a thinner interior panel for easy fitting and free movement. Sold as a pair and available in all sizes, these elbow sleeves are for those looking to seriously advance in their weightlifting goals.
SBD Elbow Sleeves are designed for powerlifters and strongmen to increase performance and maximize longevity with great protection.
Pros
High quality neoprene ensures durability but also free movement
A reputable company with strength sports in mind and proven results
Cons
A premium priced item, these are only available on their website
Price: $62.50
Best Elbow Sleeves For Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders constantly put themselves through wear and tear as they work to perfectly sculpt their physiques. Elbow sleeves can keep them in the gym so they never lose those physique gains.
Gymreapers 5mm Elbow Sleeves
These elbow sleeves from Gymreapers are designed to help take you to the next level and improve all of your workouts. With a 5mm neoprene sleeve, it will slide easily up your arm and fit comfortably around your elbow, offering great support as you train. The thick padded material adds to the comfort but also to the durability of the sleeve as it won’t tear with any lift. Able to increase muscular control and reduce elbow swelling, these sleeves from Gymreapers will support you no matter what.
Gymreapers 5mm Elbow Sleeves are made of neoprene with a great fit and easy adjustability for comfort.
Pros
Good quality and stitching to ensure longevity
Offer great support and don’t inhibit movements
Great customer service from a company who cares
Cons
The sizing chart is wrong so potentially go one size up
The forearm is as big as the upper arm and there is no taper so it tends to be less snug as you move away from your upper arm
Slightly more expensive than others
Price: $39.99
Best Weightlifting Elbow Sleeves
For those who love weightlifting, you know how sore your elbows get but a compression sleeve can help. Keeping them safe and protected as you constantly abuse them in the gym will only enhance your chance for success and the right sleeves for weightlifting are exactly what you need.
Mava Sports Bamboo Elbow Compression Sleeves
Mava Sports is known for quality equipment and these elbow sleeves add to the list. Made for pain relief and recovery, these sleeves can reduce inflammation and swelling while also alleviating soreness. Best known for compression, these sleeves will improve endurance and promote faster muscular recovery so you can attack whatever comes your way next. Made from bamboo charcoal fiber, these sleeves are designed for sensitive skin and top tier durability, really putting these up there as some of the top elbow sleeves.
Mava Sports Bamboo Elbow Compression Sleeves are perfect for compression to improve endurance and promote faster muscle recovery.
Pros
They don’t roll down and have a snug fit for these elbow sleeves for weightlifting
The bamboo charcoal fiber keeps your skin sensitivity in mind and provides for solid durability
Great compression to aid in recovery from this elbow compression sleeve
Cons
They may be slightly more stiff than other sleeves and can limit range of motion
The measurement scale is off
Price: $13.71
Best Elbow Sleeves For Lifting & Compression
Finding the right elbow sleeves on the market to fit are very important because ones that are too tight can limit blood flow and too loose won’t get the job done. The right compression sleeve will only boost your lifting abilities as well as range of motion with more flexibility than an elbow brace.
PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve
PowerLix offers great protection with these elbow sleeves as it applies stable pressure across your elbow with the ultimate goal of relieving pain from any ailment. While doing all of this, it still allows for peak performance and a full range of arm motion. Providing superior support and comfort, this tight, breathable compression fabric helps with joint stability and increased blood flow. The neoprene material wicks away moisture and its special knitted technology ensures it stays put right on your arm for any pain support you need.
PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve applies stable pressure for reliving pain and improving your range of motion with comfort.
Pros
Offers nice compression and elbow support to alleviate any unwanted pain
Comes in at a very reasonable price for an elbow compression sleeve
Cons
Durability comes into question after multiple uses and the sizing chart seems to be off
The fabric is not as smooth so it can be uncomfortable after prolonged use
Price: $16.97
Best Elbow Sleeves For Powerlifting
Powerlifters are always lifting heavy weight and that can cause wear and tear on your elbows. The right sleeve will allow for powerlifting movement with the best elbow support around the elbow and forearm with it feeling too tight.
Rehband Rx Original Elbow Sleeve
Rehband offers the opportunity to unleash your full potential with these elbow sleeves to support peak performance and superior protection against any injury. The patented technology is engineered to provide elbow stability, compression, and warmth all with the goal of controlling power, leverage, and really boosting recovery. The 5mm thick elastic elbow sleeve does the best of both worlds for a tight fit as well as good mobility. Great for any activity, Rehband works to support performance, comfort and recovery to keep you grinding as long as you want.
Rehband Rx Original Elbow Sleeve provides elbow stability, compression, and warmth to control power and leverage with improved performance.
Pros
Offer nice tightness while also providing for free movement from this elbow compression sleeve
Supports any pain and recovering injury for added recovery enhancement
Cons
While the benefits are great, some of the quality concerns are disappointing, especially given that this is a highly priced item compared to other compression sleeve products
Price: $33.99-$43.27
Benefits Of An Elbow Compression Sleeve
You see everyone from professional athletes to everyday gym-goers wearing elbow sleeves and its no wonder why. Compression, support, stability, protection, increased circulation, and warmth are all great benefits of elbow sleeves. Elbow sleeves and compression sleeves can:
Provide compression and warmth around the elbow to increase blood flow and enhance recovery for those looking to build muscles safely (1).
Support the elbow to distribute tension equally around other smaller muscles during fitness work to strengthen the joint.
Offer support and stability to really increase big lifts and see growth in strength (2).
Aid in recovery by improving blood flow and circulation thus providing comfort to the muscle.
An elbow sleeve should work for you and make you more confident as you lift to build those muscles and strengthen this joint. If you don’t want to become reliant on it, then choose the days you feel you need it most and work that into your routine. But an elbow sleeve’s ability to protect and support your workouts should not be forgotten, especially if you already deal with elbow issues and need extra support.
How We Choose
When it comes to choosing the best elbow sleeves, we first look at the overall quality and durability of the elbow sleeve. You want a sleeve that you can get used and one that will last a long time. With a durable sleeve, you never have to worry about it letting you down. We then look at comfort. While you exercise and lift, you want to be as comfortable as possible and not suffer through a workout because your equipment is uncomfortable. Finally, we look at price. It is possible to find the right fitness gear at an affordable price so you can protect yourself and not break the bank.
FAQ Section
What is the best elbow sleeve?
SBD Elbow Sleeves. These elbow sleeves are designed with powerlifters and strongman events in mind, these elbow sleeves are made to minimize the risk of injury and increase performance while maximizing longevity.
How should my elbow sleeve fit?
Your elbow compression sleeves should be snug and comfortable. Too tight and it can limit circulation and too loose, it just won’t get the job done. Being able to move your elbow with comfort, feel support, and prevent injury is the end goal.
Will an elbow sleeve hinder my performance and workouts?
The right fit and a quality elbow compression sleeves will not hinder your weightlifting and performance. If anything, it will enhance your lifting by giving you something to protect that vulnerable elbow joint.
Wrap Up
Elbow sleeves are great workout aids to really enhance comfort and compression for enhanced lifting and performance. Make sure you keep longevity in mind as well as overall fitness so you last longer in whatever your competition requires. Whether professionally or recreationally, you deserve to enjoy what you’re doing and work hard at it for as long as you can and elbow sleeves are just one great way for you to really achieve that. From increased blood flow, compression, protection, and recovery, elbow sleeves should be in your locker, gym bag, or both. Check out our list above and see what a great elbow sleeve can do for you!
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References
Duffield, Rob; Cannon, Jack; King, Monique (2010). “The effects of compression garments on recovery of muscle performance following high-intensity sprint and plyometric exercise”. (source)
Tohoku University (2020). “Compression garments reduce strength loss after training” (source)
How To Get Rid Of Muscle Soreness
DOMS Happen Due To New Workouts
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can be one of the most irritating things, especially for people with physically demanding jobs. Muscle soreness can occur on the next day of a workout or the day after. These are a few facts about muscle soreness.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in good shape or not, muscle soreness can happen when you start a new workout program or perform new exercises. New exercises shock your muscles and break them down.
High Chances of Muscle Soreness When You Workout After Long Layoffs
If you’ve been out of the gym for a long time, you can expect to face muscle soreness after your first hard workout. You can minimize the muscle soreness by gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts.
You Can’t Avoid Muscle Soreness
You can’t control DOMS. There are chances you might not experience DOMS after a hard workout and have them after a relatively light workout. Your level of fitness doesn’t affect if your muscles will be sore after a workout or not.
This is How To Get Rid of Muscle Soreness
1. Nutrition
Muscle soreness happens when your muscles are broken down after a strenuous workout. Right after your workouts is also the perfect time to feed your muscles. Your muscles will absorb the most amount of nutrients at this time.
After a workout, have a protein shake or a protein rich diet. Protein is the main building block of your muscles and will help in the quick recovery from muscle soreness. Apart from the protein, follow a balanced diet to meet your macro and micronutrient requirements.
2. Massage
Getting a massage is another effective way of releasing the tension in your muscles. Massage the affected muscle for up to 30 minutes to reduce the soreness. Deep tissue massage or ART (Active Release Technique) is effective at recuperating from sore muscles.
If you don’t want to go for a professional massage therapy, you can ask your spouse or a friend to massage the tense muscles. You can also massage the sore muscles yourself with the help of an electric massager or a foam roller.
3. Rest
Rest is one of the most important aspects of recovery after a workout. No matter how hard you workout, you won’t grow while you’re inside the gym. Your muscles repair themselves and grow while you’re sleeping.
You need at least six hours of sleep every night to recover from your workouts. If your muscles are sore for most of the week, this could be a sign of overtraining. You should take an additional day off from training to recover from your workouts.
4. Active Recovery
On your days off, you don’t have to sit on the couch all day long. You will not be working out and doing the same things which got you sore. Staying active by doing cardio helps in regulating blood throughout your muscles.
Blood carries nutrients to your muscles which help with recovery. Make sure you don’t over-exert your muscles. You can also perform exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and squats to get a pump without exerting your muscles.
5. Cold and Hot Treatments
Cold and hot treatments can help you with recovery from muscle soreness. Taking a cold shower after a workout is known to help with recovery. You can also apply ice and hot water bags to your sore muscles to speed up the recovery process.
Alternating between applying ice and hot water bags is also an incredibly effective way to get rid of muscle soreness. Using the alternating technique helps you get the best of both worlds. Just make sure you start with the ice treatment and make the hot water bag treatment last twice as long as the ice treatment.
What do you do to get rid of muscle soreness? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
How To Perform the Nordic Hamstring Curl
Understanding The Benefits and Uses of This Multi-Functional Exercise
It’s not uncommon for exercises to go through popular phases. Right now, the nordic ham curl appears to be one of those exercises.From top athletes to the general population, the nordic hamstring curl (sometimes referred to as the Russian hamstring curl) is forming part of training sessions. So, why exactly has the nordic ham curl rapidly grown in popularity?This article will detail how to perform the Nordic ham curl, discuss the many reasons behind why it is such an effective resistance exercise and detail considerations to be made in regards to the exercise.
50Performing the Nordic Hamstring Curl
The Nordic hamstring curl is primarily an isolation exercise for the hamstrings. The exercise involves starting from a kneeling position and hinging forward from the knees. While the conventional method requires a partner to anchor you, it can still be performed without the need for a partner.This section will detail how to execute the Nordic hamstring curl safely and effectively.
Step One: Start by kneeling down and anchor the feet to the floor. This can be done using a partner or by using weight or appropriate apparatus. Anything that has an opening a few inches from the floor and allows you to lock the feet in position will suffice. Place something soft under your knees to protect them.Step Two: Prior to hinging forward, push the chest high, pull the shoulders back and squeeze the abs to ensure that the trunk of the body is held upright.Step Three: Begin to fall towards the floor by moving through the knees only. Resist gravity for as long as you can as you hinge forward.
Step Four: As you near the floor, place both hands on the floor and then perform an explosive push-up to propel the body back up to the starting position.
Nordic Hamstring Curl Benefits
The main reason that the nordic hamstring curl has become so popular in recent times is that there have been a vast number of studies looking at the benefits of the exercise.The results have indicated that there are many benefits associated with regularly performing the Nordic ham curl.The exercise has been linked to significantly improving the strength of the hamstrings. More specifically, the eccentric strength of the hamstring has been found to significantly increase (1).A concentric contraction occurs when muscle contracts and shortens whereas an eccentric contraction refers to the contraction that occurs when a muscle lengthens.During the nordic ham curl, the hamstring muscles slowly eccentrically contract under tension as the body drops towards the floor. This helps to explain why the hamstring eccentric strength is significantly improved through performing the Nordic ham curl.This increase in eccentric strength has a direct impact on reducing the risk of injury to the hamstring (2). Considering that hamstring is a commonly injured site, performing the Nordic ham curl regularly is particularly recommended for athletes and sportspeople.As well as enhancing strength, further studies have indicated that the exercise can also bring about substantial hamstring growth (3).Lastly, the nordic can serve as an excellent exercise for developing sprinting ability (4) and therefore, should be used by those who participate in sports that demand short, sharp bursts of sprinting.
Nordic Ham Curls vs Glute Ham Raises
Another common posterior strengthening exercise is the glute-ham raise and there are a number of similarities between the two exercises.Both are bodyweight-based resistance exercises that focus primarily on knee flexion. The difference between the two is the equipment used.While Nordics don’t typically require any equipment, the glute-ham raise uses something known as a GHD (glute-ham developer). This piece of equipment puts the body at a more optimal angle for working the hamstrings (and glutes) and increases the range of motion.While the glute-ham raise may be slightly more effective, it’s important to recognize that both exercises are effective for developing strength and can be used to fulfill different needs and demands.
Can Nordics Improve Deadlift Performance?
Many may conclude that strengthening the hamstrings through Nordic ham curls will increase deadlift performance as the hamstrings play a major role in the deadlift. However, this is not necessarily the case.While Nordics are associated with an array of benefits, it may not directly impact your ability to lift heavy.The reason for this is that the nordic ham curl primarily develops hamstring eccentric strength. When it comes to heavy deadlifts, it is concentric strength that is most important.Therefore, increasing the eccentric strength of the hamstrings will have little to no impact on the amount of weight that you can pull from the floor.
Another consideration to make is that the nordic ham curl is knee-dominant exercise whereas deadlifts are hip-dominant exercises. Consequently, Nordics are not really specific to strength sports as they train the hamstrings in a different manner.If you are looking to increasing hamstring in a sport-specific manner, hip-dominant exercises such as stiff-leg deadlifts, back extensions, and reverse hypers, are recommended. However, be aware that there are occasions where poor hamstring eccentric strength can hinder your performance.When performing nordic ham curls, if you find that you are struggling to resist gravity and drop immediately you may have poor hamstring eccentric strength.
If this is the case, it may be beneficial to perform Nordics to increase eccentric strength.
Final Word
If you are an athlete, the nordic ham curl can serve as a practical and effective exercise for enhancing eccentric strength, improving muscle size and reducing the risk of injury. However, it may not be the most optimal choice for improving powerlifting performance.
References:
1 – Ditroilo, Massimiliano; De Vito, Giuseppe; Delahunt, Eamonn (2013-10). “Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise”. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology: Official Journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology. 23 (5): 1111–1118. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2013.05.008. ISSN 1873-5711. PMID 23809430.
2 – Ribeiro-Alvares, João Breno; Marques, Vanessa B.; Vaz, Marco A.; Baroni, Bruno M. (2018-05). “Four Weeks of Nordic Hamstring Exercise Reduce Muscle Injury Risk Factors in Young Adults”. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 32 (5): 1254–1262. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001975. ISSN 1533-4287. PMID 28459795.
3 – Seymore, Kayla D.; Domire, Zachary J.; DeVita, Paul; Rider, Patrick M.; Kulas, Anthony S. (2017-05). “The effect of Nordic hamstring strength training on muscle architecture, stiffness, and strength”. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 117 (5): 943–953. doi:10.1007/s00421-017-3583-3. ISSN 1439-6327. PMID 28280975.
4 – Ishøi, Lasse; Hölmich, Per; Aagaard, Per; Thorborg, Kristian; Bandholm, Thomas; Serner, Andreas (2018-07). “Effects of the Nordic Hamstring exercise on sprint capacity in male football players: a randomized controlled trial”. Journal of Sports Sciences. 36 (14): 1663–1672. doi:10.1080/02640414.2017.1409609. ISSN 1466-447X. PMID 29192837.