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Arnold Classic 2021 Bikini Prejudging Report & Analysis
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.
Arnold Classic 2021 Fitness International Prejudging Report & Analysis
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.
Watch The 2021 Arnold Classic Pre-Judging (LIVE)
The 2021 Arnold Classic pre-judging broadcast is live – here’s how to watch.
Today, September 25th 2021, is the 2021 Arnold Classic competition. One of the biggest bodybuilding events of the season has finally arrived after some delays and a condensed schedule. Nevertheless, we have top competitors from around the world ready to battle for the title. The Arnold Classic is being held in Columbus, OH – but the event is also providing a free live stream for the world to watch. The pre-judging has just begun. Here’s how to watch the 2021 Arnold Classic pre-judging live stream.
Like last year, the Arnold Classic is providing a free live stream of both the pre-judging and finals of the event. This year it’s more important than ever before due to the global pandemic limiting in-person attendance for the event. What is typically a multi day event and expo with over 100 sports present is now condensed only into the pro bodybuilding Arnold Classic competition
Watch The Arnold Classic Pre-Judging
The 2021 Arnold Classic live stream is broken into two parts. The pre-judging starts at 10:00 A.M. (EST) and the finals start at 6:30 P.M. (EST). Both streams are completely free and available at the official Arnold Classic webcast page right here.
As mentioned, the bodybuilding pro show been condensed and none of the other sporting and fitness events typically held at the Arnold Classic will be conducted this year. That means there are no additional live streams for Strongman, Powerlifting, and the usual dozens of other events.
Arnold Classic Pre-Judging: What To Expect
Unfortunately, the 2021 Arnold Classic has been plagued with athlete drop outs. In the Men’s Open division, four major athletes have announced that they will not compete. Cedric McMillan was the first to announce his withdrawal due to an injury. There were also three athletes who dropped out last minute due to travel issues. Lionel Beyeke was unable to arrive in the states due to COVID-19 related travel issues. This was later followed by Roelly Winklaar. Then at the very last minute – returning champion William Bonac had to withdraw also due to COVID-19 travel complications.
Needless to say, these four major dropouts have greatly changed the landscape for the Men’s Open at the 2021 Arnold Classic. There is still quite the stellar lineup – and the lack of Bonac means we will have a new champion this year. Nick Walker is the clear standout to win the title. His victory at the New York Pro earlier this year showcased a phenomenal physique. His mixture of conditioning and size will be hard to beat.
But it’s not impossible. Biting at Walker’s heels are Akim Williams, Iain Valliere, Justin Rodriguez, and Steve Kuclo. All four of these athletes have shown incredible promise and will give Walker a run for his money. GI alum Victor Martinez predicts that Rodriguez is poised to at least place in the top 3. Could he edge his way into the first position?
Kuclo has had a string of bad luck – competing against the likes of Iain Valliere in previous shows and falling short. Perhaps this competition will be when he perfects his peak timing. Valliere himself has already won multiple shows this year – including just six weeks earlier at the Texas Pro. Will his short turnaround be a blessing or a curse for his peak timing at the 2021 Arnold Classic? We’ll soon find out.
The pre-judging round is our first change to really see these competitors side by side. It’s also our first chance to see who is coming in on point after weeks of previews during prep. By the end of the pre-judging, we’ll have a clear idea of who is to land in to the top five.
Of course, a lot can change between the pre-judging and finals. We’ve seen competitors fade and competitors show up with renewed vigor and dryness. Unlike a typical year for the Arnold Classic, Men’s Open will not have a full day between pre-judging and finals. So the window is much more tight. Still – it will be exciting to see how the competitors adjust after today’s pre-judging round.
You can watch the 2021 Arnold Classic pre-judging live stream above. Make sure to stay tuned to the Generation Iron fitness network for pre-judging reports, results, and more updates!
Leon Brown, Bodybuilder And Golden Era Icon, Has Died
Leon Brown, aka The Brown Bomber, has passed away
Sad news hits the bodybuilding world as reports indicate that Golden Era bodybuilder Leon Brown, also known as The Brown Bomber, has died. Brown competed and trained for just under 50 years. He was also the first bodybuilder to ever be featured in Sports Illustrated.
An official announcement has not yet been made, but news of Brown’s death started circulating on social media and early news reports. At the time of this writing, there has been no cause of death revealed.
Leon Brown was a Golden Age bodybuilder with a rollercoaster of a career filled with highs and lows. He shared the stage with truly legendary bodybuilders including the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Sergio Oliva, Frank Zane, and Lou Ferrigno.
The GI Team is here to provide top news and original content for the new generation. The generation of bodybuilders who are pushing the sport to bigger and better places. Join The Movement. Become a part of Generation Iron!
UFC Fighter Jon Jones Has Been Arrested For Domestic Violence In Las Vegas
UFC Star Jon Jones falls into yet another controversy with another arrest.
UFC star Jon Jones was arrested Friday morning in Las Vegas according to a report by ESPN. Jon Jones is an often controversial but wildly popular MMA fighter who was also featured in the theatrical documentary The Hurt Business.
Jon Jones is being charged with a misdemeanor battery domestic violence charge and injuring or tampering with a vehicle. This charge is deemed a felony according to officer Larry Hadsfield of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department – who spoke with ESPN for the story. Jones is currently being held at Clark County Detention Center. He is scheduled to first appear in the Las Vegas Justice Court this Saturday at 1:30pm.
According to the initial report, Jon Jones was arrested at 5:45 A.M. Friday at a resort near Las Vegas Boulevard. Jones adviser, Richard Schaefer spoke with ESPN – stating,
“the facts are still developing, we really don’t know yet the full story so I’m not going to make any comment until I have a chance to talk to Jon and until we see how this plays out.”
Jon Jones is known as on elf the best UFC fighters in the history of MMA. He had held the UFC title for nearly nine years and was never truly beaten in the octagon. His only official loss was via a controversial disqualification.
While very popular and legendary in the sport, he is also just as notoriously known for his past controversies. Most notably, Jones was involved in a felony hit and run arrest and had failed two drug tests in his career.
After some time out of the spotlight, Jon Jones was set to make some sort of return as a heavyweight – wanting to add yet another title to his impressive collection. Just one day before his arrest, he had spoken with ESPN stating that he was weighing in at 255 pounds and was looking to bulk even further – to 270 pounds for his heavyweight debut.
This story is still developing. Generation Iron will continue to update as more information becomes available.
Jacob Ladon is a staff writer and former amateur bodybuilder. He has been passionate about bodybuilding since he was 15 years old and discovered the joys of training in the gym. He reports and comments on all bodybuilding related matters.
William Bonac To Put All Energy Into Olympia
William Bonac will fully set his sights on the Olympia after missing the Arnold Classic.
William Bonac has enjoyed great success at the Arnold Classic. Unfortunately, Bonac will miss this year’s event because of travel issues. With no appearance in the Arnold Classic, this means Bonac will have his sights set on the Olympia.
Bonac is the reigning Arnold Classic champion in 2020. He also won the event in 2018 and placed second in 2019. On Friday, Bonac officially announced that he will not be able to compete on Saturday and will be fully focused on the Olympia.
“Today I feel like my heart is broken but tomorrow I will wake up and put all that energy into the final stages of my prep for Mr Olympia. We all fail and we all fall down sometimes but what matters the most is to stand up stronger. So this is what I will do now. Stay tuned!?”
William Bonac has had success in the Olympia as well. He has five-straight top-five finishes, including two finishes in the top three. Bonac was not the first competitor to announced that he was unable to compete in the Arnold Classic.
Both Cedric McMillan and Roelly Winklaar were forced to withdraw from the competition with injuries. This is a loaded field at this year’s event and will still be something to watch even without some of the biggest names.
“There are a lot of great athletes in the line up for this year and I was really looking forward to step on stage and being challenged as defending champion. I live for this sport and especially for these great moments, so You might be able to imagine what I feel now.”
William Bonac has looked competition ready in recent social media updates and the makes his appearance in the Olympia one to watch. The recent news is unfortunate for one of the best in the spot but it just makes for what could be an incredible performance at the biggest event of the year.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
TestoGen Testosterone Triple Action Review: The Ultimate Test Booster
This testosterone booster can support and enhance testosterone levels with natural ingredients and a powerful formula.
Product Overview
Low testosterone can be a drag. And while we may not know we are suffering from it, it is absolutely possible. As we age, our levels start to decline leaving us feeling tired, weaker, and definitely less defined. Plus, our sex drive is down and we really start to feel completely lost with what to do. This is where a testosterone booster can works wonders. Designed to raise those T levels, a testosterone supplement can work for your benefit by getting them to optimal levels. TestoGen Testosterone Triple Action is a powerful testosterone supplement able to tackle any and all of these needs so you never suffer from low testosterone again.
What a good testosterone booster will do is, of course, elevate testosterone levels so they get to exactly where you want them. But other benefits include heart and blood health, changes in body composition, bone density, and that all important sex drive. TestoGen can do this and much more will natural ingredients and a powerful formula designed only to give you the absolute best.
TestoGen is a natural testosterone supplement made from safe and natural ingredients proven to boost testosterone levels and aid in muscle growth.
TestoGen is owned by Muscle Club Limited, a trusted name in the health and fitness industry using only the most effective ingredients to create top tier supplements. Working with a team of experts and fitness professionals, they provide great guidance and advice on healthy living, exercise, diet, and much more. By creating this testosterone supplement, they seek to help adult men of all ages get the most out of there health and training with optimal testosterone levels.
TestoGen Testosterone Triple Action Highlights
TestoGen Testosterone Triple Action is a natural testosterone supplement designed to help men increase their testosterone levels safely and naturally. This combines eleven proven and effective ingredients essential for maintaining strength, muscle development, virality, and stamina so you get the most out of your overall health and training. With 100% natural and premium ingredients, a 100-day money back guarantee, and worldwide free shipping, this supplement can work wonders for whatever testosterone needs you may have.
Ingredients
D-Aspartic Acid: Can enhance testosterone production to see a healthy increase in testosterone (1).
Nettle Leaf Extract: Allows for free testosterone circulation and can build muscle and boost libido.
Korean Red Ginseng Extract: A libido stimulator, this can protect the testes from any damage by dioxins.
Fenugreek Extract: Can work to boost libido, increase strength, enhance stamina, and influence vitality. As an antioxidant, it helps keep free radicals from working against your body (2).
Boron: Can increase free testosterone and decrease estrogen levels (3).
Black Pepper Extract: Increases the bioavailability of all these nutrients so they hit your body more effectively.
Zinc: Keeps sperm health and is responsible for a host of important bodily function (4).
Magnesium: Has an important role in testosterone production and can promote better sleep, which is vital for healthy testosterone production.
Other Ingredients
Vitamin D3, Vitamin K1, Vitamin B6, Gelatin (capsule), Maltodextrin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate
Number Of Ingredients
11
Number Of Servings
30
Serving Size
4 Capsules
Highest Dosed Ingredient
D-Aspartic Acid
Best Way To Take
Take 4 capsules, 20 minutes before breakfast for the best results.
Price & Effectiveness
TestoGen Testosterone Triple Action is that test booster you need most to see the best gains possible when it comes to testosterone support and enhancing. With 30 servings per container, 4 capsules as a serving size will pump you with this powerful formula to see those results you want most.
Pros
Natural testosterone supplement with clean and effective ingredients
Great benefits to testosterone support as well as maintaining strength, virality, stamina, and focus
Top-rated and easy to use
100-day money back guarantee
Cons
4 capsules is a lot for a serving size
It is a premium priced option
Price: $59.99
Who Should Use TestoGen?
TestoGen should be used by men over 18 who are suffering from low testosterone. This includes effects like lacking motivation and energy, struggling to build muscle, and those whose sex drive has seemed to fall away. Since TestoGen contains natural testosterone boosting ingredients, no harmful chemicals or illegal substances ruin this great product.
Check out our list of the Best Testosterone Boosters for more great T boosting products!
Overall Value
TestoGen Testosterone Triple Action is that top rated testosterone booster you need most. With natural and effective ingredients packed into a powerful formula, this test booster is one to certainly give you the best chance at seeing that test boosting success. TestoGen created this product so athletes and everyday men never suffer from low testosterone levels again and can work on optimizing their overall health and performance for the better. What you are really getting is a top tier testosterone boosting supplement with great ingredients and a money back guarantee from a company who knows the needs of athletes. Try TestoGen today and see what this can do for all your testosterone boosting goals.
Try TestoGen 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 TestoGen and Envato
References
Melville, G.; Siegler, J.; Marshall, P. (2017). “The effects of d-aspartic acid supplementation in resistance-trained men over a three month training period: A randomised controlled trial”. (source)
Mansoori, A.; Hosseini, S.; Zilaee, M.; Hormoznejad, R.; et al. (2020). “Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials”. (source)
Ferrando, A.; Green, N. (1993). “The effect of boron supplementation on lean body mass, plasma testosterone levels, and strength in male bodybuilders”. (source)
Prasad, A.; Mantzoros, C.; Beck, F.; Hess, J.; et al. (1996). “Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults”. (source)
Emmanuel Yarbrough: The World’s Heaviest Athlete
The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Emmanuel Yarbrough as the world’s heaviest athlete.
There are only few that can say that have been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2012, Emmanuel Yarbrough joined this prestigious list.
Yarbrough is an athlete that was always known for his incredible size growing up. This culminated when he was recognized as the world’s heaviest athlete. At 6-foot-8 and 704 pounds, there was no bigger athlete on the planet.
Emmanuel Yarbrough was an amateur sumo wrestler who also competed in MMA, wrestling, and college football during his time at Morgan State — where he was also a two-time All-American Division II wrestler. After college, Yarbrough trained in judo and began competing as a sumo wrestler.
In 1992 and 1994, Yarbrough won silver medals in the Sumo World Championships. He added a bronze medal in 1993. Moving forward in his career, Yarbrough increased his weight to 828 pounds and this is when he was awarded as the heaviest athlete. Yarbrough quickly became the World Amateur Sumo Champion and was one of the most famous sumos outside Japan.
In 1994, Yarbrough appeared in UFC 3 beginning his journey in mix-martial arts. He was a big name and well-known figure that was used in promotions leading up to the event. Yarbrough did not see much success as an MMA pro, finishing just 2-4 in his career. Yarbrough added professional wrestling to his ledger once he was done as an MMA fighter.
It is no surprise that Yarbrough also appeared on the big screen. He had a certain flare for acting and it was because of his bright personality. In 1997, he appeared in a Bollywood film entitled Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi. He was also on several talk shows and a commercial for Motorola. This was followed by cameo appearances on other shows and commercials.
In 2015, Yarbrough suffered a heart attack and died at the age of 51. Born in Rahway, NJ, Yarbrough is remembered as a fan friendly personality and figure that found success in many avenues. He is known for his incredible size but brought much more to the table than that.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2021 Olympia To Have Record $1.6 Million Prize Money
The 2021 Olympia is setting a prize money record.
The 2021 Olympia is setting a new record with an enormous $1.6 million prize across all divisions. Athletes will have the opportunity to take home a tremendous amount of money, money that can change their lives.
Professional bodybuilding has never been known for having the best prize money, particularly in the beginning of the sport. In recent years however many shows have been improving their payouts to athletes. The Olympia show has done well to improve their payouts for competitors. With every passing year the payment situation has been improving and 2021 is no exception.
Following their trend of increased prize money, the 2021 Olympia is defying all expectations. This year the show will payout $1.6 million over all divisions. It’s an opportunity to change a great deal of lives for these Olympian athletes.
Setting New Records
Below the official Olympia Instagram released this statement about the record setting prize money.
It’s Official: Olympia Prize Money Will Set a New Record – Nearly 1.6 Million Dollars on the Line!!!
Olympia owner Jake Wood and Chief Olympia Officer Dan Solomon have confirmed the prize money for next month’s Olympia Weekend. With full details coming soon, the total prize purse will be the largest ever awarded in the history of bodybuilding, fitness or physique competition. Set for the weekend of October 7th-10th, the fitness industry will gather in Orlando, Florida with the sport’s most prestigious titles on the line.
Sanctioned by the IFBB Professional League, the event is expected to be completely sold out. With more than 230 professional athletes expected to compete in 11 divisions, the 2021 Olympia will have more sponsors than its had in the 57 year history of the event. Plans also include a new & improved press conference, an expanded expo, along with a jaw-dropping stage production, unlike anything this sport has ever seen.
This comes as a pleasant surprise. Prize money issues have plagued the sport for some time. It’s great to see that Olympia owner Jake Wood and Olympia Chief Olympia Officer Dan Solomon are pushing hard to increase the purses at the biggest bodybuilding show in the world. It’s a great sign of things to come.
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.
How to Continually See Progress in the Gym
Build muscle and see progress after workout by using these tips.
Progress isn’t always linear. In fact, unless you’re a novice lifter, progress may be fairly stagnant at times. You’re not always going to be blessed with noobie gains. The kind of gains someone makes when they just start lifting and can get basically get bigger just by looking at a set of dumbbells.
The longer you train, the harder it is to see progress. And as you mature into your training age, the more important the details of your training become to elicit adaptation.
Here are some proven methods you can incorporate into your program to continually see progress in (and out of) the gym.
USE INDICATOR EXERCISES
While working out is obviously better than doing nothing, it lacks any clear direction. You mosey around the gym looking for something to do without any clear goals. Training, on the other hand, implies each of your workouts act as “building blocks” to your ultimate goal. In order to understand which goals you should be setting and to add meaning to your workouts, you can use indicator exercises.
Indicator exercises or indicator lifts are movements you use to gauge your progress overtime. They tell you whether or not your program is actually working! If you can lift heavier weight or successfully complete more reps overtime, then you’re doing something right. If not, it may be time to revaluate your approach to training.
Why You Should Use Indicator Exercises
Performance-based goals lead to aesthetic-based outcomes. Training to perform better will ultimately make you look and feel better.
They give intent to your workouts. That alone, will spark a fire under your ass and breed new life into your training.
They give you direction. No more wandering around the gym trying to figure out what you’re doing next or which machine you’re going to use as a seat warmer. You’ll know which exercises you should be doing because they should only be ones that benefit your indicator lifts.
They increase the intensity of your workouts. Indicator exercises give you something clear to train for and, as a result, increase the intensity of your workouts.
How to Choose Your Indicator Exercises
Pick 3-4 lifts for your indicator exercises. As Joe DeFranco recommends, it’s ideal to use upper and lower body movements. This stops you from deviating too heavily into one direction of training and allows for a more well-rounded program.
Your indicator exercises don’t have to be the major barbell lifts, either. On the contrary, most people would find benefit in using joint-friendlier alternatives when setting strength goals in the gym.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to choose your indicator lifts. But here are some suggestions to help you get the ball rolling.
Examples of Upper Body Indicator Exercises
Chin-Up
Bench Press
Floor Press
Examples of Lower Body Indicator Exercises
Trap Bar Deadlift
Box Squat
Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat
Once you determine which indicator exercises you’ll use to gauge the success of your program, it’s relatively easy to decide which exercises to do throughout your program. Just pick the ones that will improve your indicators.
ADJUST YOUR RANGE OF MOTION
An exercise’s range of motion is determined by the distance your joints are moving during the lift. This has direct implications on the amount of time your muscles are under load or stress during an exercise and, as a result, can significantly affect how your body responds.
Not all range of motions were created equal. If you can’t do full ROM biceps curls with 20lb dumbbells, it’s probably not a great idea to let ego take over and do ¼ reps with the 40’s. Often times, simply reducing the weight you’re lifting and performing an exercise through it’s full intended range of motion will elicit the muscle adaptation you’re looking for.
That said, a greater range of motion doesn’t always mean a better range of motion. Sometimes, partial reps can be very beneficial from a hypertrophy and strength perspective.
You can use partial reps by reducing the ROM of an exercise in order to overload a portion of the lift or place greater emphasis on a particular muscle group. A few examples include:
High box squats to increase lockout strength in the back squat and quad development.
Floor presses to increase lockout strength in the bench press and triceps development.
Rack pulls to increase lockout strength in the deadlift.
Partial overhead dumbbell presses to emphasize the delts.
Most people complaining about not seeing progress in the gym are the same ones who have a “broken record” training program. They do the same shit day after day, week after week, year after year.
A simple and highly effective way to continually elicit muscle adaptation is to introduce various ranges of motion throughout your program.
PAIR EXERCISES WITH SUPERSETS OR TRI-SETS
Pairing exercises together into a superset (two exercises performed back to back) or even a tri-set (three exercises performed one after the other) offers great benefits, including:
Time management. Accomplish more work in your training session.
General conditioning. Supersets and tri-sets are proven ways to improve your overall conditioning.
Added mobility work. I know, you’d rather read the dictionary in it’s entirety than do mobility or stretching. I get it. That’s why pairing mobility drills in between your lifting sets might be something to consider. You’re going to be resting anyways, so you can kill two birds and get some necessary mobility in. You’ll feel better and you’ll recover better. Both of which are pretty damn important if you want to lift and build muscle.
Muscle development. This one should be obvious. And there are a ton of ways you can organize your supersets and trisets to see continuous progress and battle the monotony of your stale workouts. Read my article on Best Supersets to Build Muscle for some ideas.
Summary
The longer you train, the harder it becomes to see progress. Use these strategies throughout your program to battle stagnation in the gym and to continually elicit muscle adaptation.