All Posts By Presser
America’s Strongest Man Athlete Series: Marcus Crowder
Get to know Marcus Crowder as he prepares for the 2021 America’s Strongest Man contest.
Marcus Crowder is from Mebane, North Carolina and was always surrounded by health and fitness. At a young age, Marcus basically grew up in his father’s gym, a gym he opened when Marcus was just 5-years old. That athletic instinct led to his love of football, and although Marcus had a larger frame, he moved well and decided to take it to the next level. Entering college at Coastal Carolina, he played football while studying for a degree in Communications. But Strongman took over and Marcus decided on a different route.
When Marcus was in the third grade, he watched Strongman on television and fell in love. The ability to see some of the strongest athletes on Earth lift, pull, and manipulate insane amounts of weights was appealing and something Marcus just fell for. While he would appear on the smaller end for a strongman, the speed he developed playing football has proved to be fruitful, and he still continues to work on speed.
Marcus’ first competition was the 2016 North Carolina Strongest Man contest where he ended up taking third place. From there, his Strongman journey was only just beginning.
Marcus Crowder’s Routine
Training
When it comes to his training, Marcus will look at the upcoming event and tailor his days towards that specifically. Normally, his training days consist of two heavier days, two lighter days, and a Strongman movement day to really nail down form and logistics for those unique Strongman lifts.
For exercises, there is an order Marcus relies on to build real strength and these exercises are some of the most important for him. These include the deadlift, overhead press, squat, and bench press. While these are imperative to his training, some of his favorites are pretty much anything else that involves a pressing motion like the giant circus dumbbell or log press. He also enjoys yoke runs.
Nutrition
For nutrition, Marcus really eats what he wants, and as a heavy weight, no one can blame him. Fueling up and taking in adequate amounts of calories is vital for powering his growth, but also recovery. He tries to get in as many whole foods as possible, but as competition time rolls around, he eats what he can get down. Since nerves start to play a bit more of a role, managing the stress and anxiety of a contest is key, especially as he looks to continue his Strongman dominance. However, after a hard lift, he won’t hesitate to enjoy a meal from Chipotle.
As someone who knows the nutritional value in supplements and what they can do for his overall health and performance, Marcus enjoys taking a pre-workout and creatine supplement to boost energy, offer increased blood flow, and build strength and size while aiding in recovery.
America’s Strongest Man Preparation & Event
With a couple weeks to go until America’s Strongest Man, Marcus works to make his body as healthy as possible, putting cardio in where he needs to as well. His recovery routine includes red light therapy, dry needling, sports massage, and an adjustment once a week. This prep has been one of the best for Marcus in a while, setting him up for only the best success at this year’s contest.
Looking towards the event itself, Marcus is excited for the log reps. The event is a 355 lbs. log that competitors will clean and press for max reps in one minute and for Marcus, he has put a lot of emphasis on the clean. His pressing strength is there, but looking to have a fast and efficient clean will really put him in a good spot to take charge in this event. In preparation for this, he will go to about 200-250 lbs. and do 2-3 sets of cleans for 8 reps, sometimes more. The key will be getting his cardio up to speed.
One event Marcus has put a lot of attention towards is the Husafell stone carry for max distance. But in efforts to make this event a strong one, he has changed his training approach. By staying at a lighter weight, he does more sets at 200 feet, but sometimes more. This will hopefully help with the 400 lbs. stone and Marcus will be one to watch in this event.
While America’s Strongest Man is his primary focus for these next few weeks, he does plan on competing at the Official Strongman Games in November. Along with Strongman, Marcus is also a powerlifter with a squat at 815 lbs., a deadlift at 810 lbs., and a 600 lbs. bench. His gym lifts have seen a 606 lbs. bench press and a 851 lbs. deadlift, and as a determined competitor, Marcus will continue to push this weight.
But for now, Marcus has his sights set on America’s Strongest Man as he hopes to take this event and the top spot. With a good training, recovery, nutrition, and supplement routine, Marcus has prepared and is ready to show off what he has at the 2021 America’s Strongest Man contest.
Important America’s Strongest Man Information
America’s Strongest Man will be presented by Big Country Classic and is set to be held on Saturday, September 25 in San Antonio, Texas. Put on by the hardworking and dedicated group at Strongman Corporation, this event is set to be an exciting contest as competitors will have the chance to fight for that top spot. Divisions include: HW Pro Men, MW Pro Men, Elite MW Men, and Elite HW Men. As the event gets closer, Generation Iron will have more details on times and results for America’s Strongest Man.
For more information, visit Strongman Corporation’s website here!
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 Marcus Crowder Instagram
2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman Results: Oleksii Novikov, Annabelle Chapman Finish On Top
Here are the full results from the 2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman.
The best strongmen and strongwomen in the world flocked to Dubai, UAE on Friday to take part in the 2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman contest. There were a total of five events that both men and women took part in. These five events were the log press, yoke walk, farmer’s walk, chain railway carriage, and Atlas stones.
This was the inaugural event for the strongwoman category and it was Annabelle Chapman who took home the prize. Chapman edged out three-time World’s Strongest Woman Donna Moore, who finished in second. Melissa Peacock finished with the bronze in the women’s division.
For the men, it was 2020 World’s Strongest Man champion Oleksii Novikov who finished on top. This was the third victory of the year as he also finished with a title at the WUS “Strength Island” Contest and the 2021 Strongman Classic. Novikov beat out Mateusz Kieliskowski and Aivars Smaukstelis for the championship.
The full results from the competition have been announced and can be found below.
2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman: Full Results
Men’s Division
Oleksii Novikov, Ukraine — 45.5 points
Mateusz Kieliskowski, Poland — 44.5 points
Aivars Smaukstelis, Latvia — 34.5 points
JF Caron, Canada — 32 points
Konstantine Janashia, Georgia — 27 points
Bobby Thompson, USA — 26.5 points
Mohamad Ezatpor, Iran — 18 points
Ervin Toots, Estonia — 17 points
Rauno Heinla, Estonia — 15 points
Ramin Farajnejad, Iran — 12 points
Women’s Division
Annabelle Chapman, UK — 32 points
Donna Moore, UK — 30 points
Melissa Peacock, Canada — 29 points
Andrea Thompson, UK — 25 points
Cori Butler, USA — 21 points
Sandra Bradley, Germany — 17 points
Jessica Fithen, USA — 14 points
Nadia Stowers, USA — 12 points
Log Press
The competition opened when competitors competed in the log lift to see how many reps they could total. The men lifted a 180kg (396.8lb) log and the women lifted a 100kg (220.5lb) log. Andrea Thompson totaled eight reps for the women. She currently holds the log press world record of 135kg (237.7lb). For the men, it was Bobby Thompson, who holds the American record in log press with a lift of 217.5kg (478.5lb).
Men’s
Bobby Thompson — Four reps (T-first)
Oleksii Novikov — Four reps (T-first)
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — Three reps (T-second)
Aivars Smaukstelis — Three reps (T-second)
JF Caron — Two Reps
Women’s
Andrea Thompson — Eight reps
Annabelle Chapman — Seven reps
Melissa Peacock — Five reps (T-third)
Jessica Fithen — Five reps (T-third)
Nadia Stowers — Five reps (T-third)
Yoke Walk
The yoke walk measured how far competitors could travel in one minute. The men traveled with a 450kg (992.1lb) yoke and the women moved a 300kg (661.4lb) yoke.
Men’s
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 71.1 meters
Oleksii Novikov — 69.2 meters
Konstantine Janashia — 60 meters
Women’s
Donna Moore — 62.5 meters
Melissa Peacock — 60.6 meters
Andrea Thompson — 57.8 meters
Farmer’s Walk
In the farmer’s walk, competitors had to complete a 30-meter walk to see who would finish with the quickest time. The men totaled 180kg (396.8lb) with 90kg (198.4lb) in each hand while the women carried 110kg (242.5lb) with 55kg (121.3lb) in each hand. Times were not listed for Kieliszkowski and Novikov but it was clear who finished first in the head-to-head heat.
Men’s
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Oleksii Novikov
Konstantine Janashia — 52.92 seconds
Women’s
Annabelle Chapman — 17.01 seconds
Donna Moore — 17.05 seconds
Cori Butler — 17.66 seconds
Chain Railway Carriage
This event was not released until right before it began. Competitors had to push a weighted sled with chains attached to it down a track. Once that was finished, they had to return to the starting position, grab a rope, and pull the sled back to the starting position.
Men’s
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 25.34 seconds
Oleksii Novikov — 29.11 seconds
Mohamad Ezatpor — 29.15 seconds
Women’s
Melissa Peacock — 30.60 seconds
Annabelle Chapman — 31.83 seconds
Sandra Bradley — 32.91 seconds
Atlas Stone
This event consisted of 10 stones for time. The mens’ stones ranged from 110kg (242.5lb) to 200kg (440.1lb). The womens’ stones ranged from 60 kilograms (132.3lb) to 150kg (330.7lb).
Men’s
Aivars Smaukstelis — 10 stones in 55.65 seconds
Oleksii Novikov — 10 stones in 57.04 seconds
JF Caron — 10 stones in 75 seconds
Women’s
Donna Moore — Nine stones
Melissa Peacock — Nine stones
Cori Butler — Nine stones
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate to Oleksii Novikov and Annabelle Chapman for winning the 2021 World’s Ultimate Strongman. Generation Iron will have full coverage of the 2021 Arnold Classic. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hunter Labrada Looks Massive Prior To 2021 Olympia
Hunter Labrada gave a recent physique update in preparation for the Olympia.
Hunter Labrada wants to put on a better show than he did during his first Olympia in 2020. He placed eighth in Men’s Open and by the looks of his social media, Labrada can be a big-time force heading into the event.
The 20201 Olympia will take place from Oct. 7-10 in Orlando. Labrada gained qualification by winning the Chicago Pro. About four weeks away from the biggest event of the year, Labrada seems to be in competition shape and it looking massive in a recent physique update on his Instagram page.
“4 weeks out from the ⭕️!–Big changes this week! Really happy with how I’m tightening up with my weight holding!–Last weeks fasted weight: 261lbs
This morning: 261lbs”
Hunter Labrada is no stranger to bodybuilding. This is a sport that has been in his family for years. Lee Labrada, Hunter’s father, placed top three in the Olympia four times during his career. Now, his son is looking to stay on that path and make some noise on the biggest stage.
Labrada also took the time to lay out his process in the gym and with his diet with just under a month before the Olympia.
“Nutrition: changed enough this week I’m going to run what I’ve got for another 2-3 days and go from there! Ate a bit yesterday to fill out for my guest posing, and my body absolutely blasted through all the extra food. Metabolism is definitely turnt!–Training: this past week was the first week I started to feel a little brittle? things are starting to dry out, and it’s time to be smart! Notice I didn’t say back off! Intensity will stay sky high??–Cardio: 25 min fasted in the morning, 20 min fasted at night, with my hr between 130-150 the whole time.”
Hunter Labrada has been a pro since winning the 2018 NPC Nationals. He did not lose a competition as an amateur and was victorious in his pro debut at the 2020 Tampa Pro.
Heading into the Olympia, Labrada knows that he will have to go up against some of the best in the world. 2020 Olympia champion Big Ramy and 2019 champ Brandon Curry are all set to compete once again.
Labrada has the muscle mass and definition needed to compete and perform well at the Olympia. With just under a month left, he will be in the final stretch of preparation for the biggest event of the year.
Generation Iron will have full coverage of the 2021 Arnold Classic. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Regan Grimes Gives Physique Update Ahead Of 2021 Olympia
Regan Grimes is looking massive as we approach the biggest competition of the year.
Regan Grimes made the transition from Classic Physique to Men’s Open and has been an intriguing competitor ever since. He has not been able to make a huge impact just yet but that could change as we approach the 2021 Olympia.
Grimes has always had an incredible physique but he seemed to be a bit undersized for Men’s Open. That could be changing and Grimes is not shy about showing off his progress. The Canadian bodybuilder recently showed his recent progress ahead of the biggest competition of the year.
“ITS A HIGH DAY!▪️30 Mins Fasted CardioMeal 12 Whole Eggs + 5oz Chicken130g Oatmeal + 1 Cup BlueberriesMeal 2 [ Pre-Workout ]6oz Chicken + 400g Rice + Banana–Finishing up my Hamstring & Glute workout thought I would hit some poses and see how we are looking!”
“Post workout will be another 150g carbs & 100g with meals 4,5,6! ? It’s a good day! Tomorrow morning update with coach @dorian_hamilton should be our best look yet! Excited for the weeks to come leading into the @mrolympiallc ?? @gatsupplements#TeamGat“
Regan Grimes has put on visible mass. He included his workout and a meal in his caption along with recent poses from the front and side. Grimes mentioned the Olympia so it is clear that his sights are set on a better performance in 2021.
Last year, Grimes finished 15th at the Olympia. This was his first appearance in the Men’s Open division. He finished eighth at the 2018 Olympia in the Classic Physique division. This was also his final competition before making the transition.
Grimes has four top-three finishes since joining Men’s Open. This includes a win at the 2020 Romania Muscle Fest Pro. This is one of the reasons that Grimes has been a dark-horse prospect since coming to Men’s Open.
There is no doubt that Regan Grimes is ready for a stronger performances on stage this year. The Olympia will take place from Oct. 7-10 in Orlando. Grimes will have a chance to compete against some of the top athletes in the world and by the looks of his progress, Grimes is ready to make some noise.
Generation Iron will have full coverage of the 2021 Arnold Classic. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Follow This Insane Pro Warm-Up Routine For Ultimate Gains
If you do not warm-up before a workout, you are leaving gains on the table.
Most people head straight to the resistance training section as soon as they enter the gym. They think performing a lightweight set of their first exercise is all the warm-up they need. If you are one of these people, this article will show you how this mindset is setting you up for failure.
There can be various reasons why an individual skips a warm-up. Some of the most common causes include:
tight schedule / running late
enough training experience that warm-up is not required
do not lift heavyweight
If you are one of the lifters who never has enough time to warm up, then you probably do not have enough time to work out as well. Go home and take a break. Return when you are serious about making progress.
And then there are individuals who live the #CardioLife. These people consider treadmills and elliptical machines to be warm-up exercises themselves.
Why Warm-Up Before A Workout?
Your muscles are like rubber bands.
If you spend most of your day sitting, staring at your phone (like you are doing right now), those rubber bands have mostly gone unused. Then, if you head to a gym and immediately start lifting heavy or sprinting like it is the end of the day, unstretched rubber bands get pulled apart very quickly and might get snapped or pulled out of shape.
If you engage in high-intensity training (resistance or cardiovascular), you should follow a proper warm-up routine.
Skipping a warm-up routine can put you at a greater risk of injury, or you might end up putting unwarranted strain on your muscles. Taking a few minutes to ease your muscles into exercise mode will help you reap many fitness rewards in the long run.
Benefits of Warming-Up Before Your Workout
1. Improves Flexibility
Stretching out your muscles before a workout can improve your flexibility. Better flexibility can help improve your body posture and balance that can, in turn, help you exercise correctly.
Related Read: Flexibility Vs. Mobility: The Difference You Need To Know
2. Less Muscle Tension and Pain
Relaxed and warmed-up muscles move with less pain or stiffness.
Check Out: Best Foam Rollers For Muscle Recovery
3. Enhanced Performance
Numerous studies have proved that warmed-up muscles can help you work out more effectively. When you warm up before a workout, you are priming your muscles for the mayhem that is to follow.
4. Improved Range of Motion
Warming up before a workout can loosen up your muscles. A better range of motion in your joints can help achieve greater muscle fiber recruitment.
Related: Full Range Of Motion Vs Partials: Which Is The Way To Go?
5. Increased Blood Flow and Oxygen
Nutrients that you eat travel to all parts of your body via the blood. A better blood flow can help your muscles get the pre-workout nourishment they need before you begin intense training.
6. Lower Risk of Injury
This is one of the biggest reasons why you should never skip a warm-up session before a workout. According to a study, warming up can help relax your muscles which, in turn, can lead to a lower risk of an injury.
If you want to reach the pro level, you should spend at least 15-minutes warming up before a workout. And no, warm-ups do not have to be boring. If your warm-ups are limited to shoulder rotator cuff movements, you have been doing it all wrong. More on this later in the article.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s warm-up sessions range between 30-45 minutes. That’s more than the total time most people spend on their workouts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BT5gTtWlbhQ/
Types of Warm-Ups
We know what you are thinking.
“Do warm-ups have to be so complicated?”
Yes and no.
In fitness, rules aren’t set in stone. What works for one might not work for the other. You will have to try a combination of different warm-ups (given below) before you can settle on what does the trick for you.
1. Static Stretching
Static stretching is the most common type of stretching. It consists of stretches held for a long period in the same position to help lengthen and loosen your muscles and connective tissue.
Few examples of static stretches:
toe touch
calf stretch
adductor stretch
Although static stretches might sound easy and convenient, they are not the best choice for you. Studies have shown that there aren’t many benefits of static stretching before workouts.
Research indicates that static stretching can decrease your potential for strength gains and performance. On top of this, static stretches do not reduce the chances of an injury.
These types of stretches can help increase your range of motion and flexibility. Static stretches are best done at the end of a workout.
2. Dynamic Stretching
A dynamic warm-up gets your body ready to work at a higher intensity. It focuses on performing movements similar to the exercises you will do in your workout.
Examples of dynamic stretches include:
hip circles
leg pendulum
arm circles
arm swings
spinal rotations
Dynamic warm-ups can help build strength, mobility, and coordination, which can all help improve your workout intensity. If this was not enough, research has shown that dynamic stretching can help reduce soreness after a workout.
An Advanced Dynamic Stretching Pro Warm-Up Circuit For Ultimate Gains
Jump rope – 2-3 minutes
Jumping jack – 50 reps
Bodyweight squat – 20 reps
Lunge – 5 reps (each leg)
Hip extension – 10 reps
Hip rotation – 10 reps (each leg)
Forward leg swings – 10 reps (each leg)
Side leg swing – 10 reps (each leg)
Push-ups – 20 reps
Spider-man steps – 5 reps (each leg)
The majority of lifters like to chat around while they are doing their warm-up. This needs to be stopped. You have to put in the maximum effort while performing these moves to ensure your muscles are ready for the main workout.
Perform one circuit of the dynamic stretching routine. Do anything more than this, and you might end up exhausted and running on fumes.
By the time you are done with the circuit, you will have broken some typical warm-up stereotypes. For a beginner, the advanced dynamic warm-up routine might be harder than the actual workout.
If you still have some gas left in the tank or want to try a different exercise, here are some of our favorite dynamic stretching exercises:
Walking jacks
Arm circles and shoulder shrugs
Marching in place
Mountain climbers
Swinging toe touches
Hip circles
We Are Halfway Through
Yes, we have only gone over half of your new warm-up routine. If you think it is too much, remind yourself about The Rock’s warm-up routine. Imagine the disappointed look on Black Adam’s face when he watches you quit during a warm-up routine.
Oh, so you are reading on. We are impressed.
Until now, we have discussed how to warm up for your workout. Now we will explore three different ways to use your warm-up routine to boost your strength so you can crush your PRs.
Three Pro Warm-Up Techniques For Superior Results
Depending on your lifting experience, the following three warm-up techniques can help improve your strength, performance, and effectiveness in the gym.
1. Overshoot Your Working Set
One of the best ways to build strength is to ramp up your low-rep sets beyond your working weight. The benefit of this technique is that when you come back down to your working weight, it will feel like you are lifting peanuts – Ronnie Coleman style.
Example: Assume that it is chest day, and your workout includes performing three sets of five reps on the bench press.
How to overshoot your working set:
Perform a few low-weight ramp-up sets.
Then perform one rep at 90-95 percent of your 1RM (one rep max). You do not want to attempt a PR on this set. Remember: this is just a warm-up.
Start your working set and drop down to your actual working weight. The weight will feel like you had been lifting feathers this whole time. It is the same feeling when you drop down the weight while performing a drop set.
This warm-up method is a way to trick your nervous system into thinking your working weight is super heavy – when it is not.
2. Incorporate Accommodating Resistance In Your Warm-Ups
Resistance bands and chains are some of the most common types of accomodating resistance tools. Their versatility allows them to be used in a variety of barbell and machines exercises.
Must Read: 4 Must-Know Facts On Lifting With Chains
Bands and chains are great tools to trick the nervous system during warm-ups. The best part about these tools is that they are easily accessible. They are common resistance accessories for serious lifters and can be found in most gyms.
Example: Using resistance bands on leg days can add a new dimension to your workouts. For improving your squat, add a resistance band to each end of the barbell, locked at the bottom of the squat rack with band pegs or looped into a knot.
How to squat using resistance bands:
Attach one end of the resistance band to the bottom of a squat rack, either through built-in pegs, looping the band into a knot, or tying it around a heavy kettlebell or dumbbell.
Add appropriate weight to the barbell you will be using. Use lighter weight as compared to what you would use on an orthodox barbell back squat as you will be facing additional resistance on the eccentric part of the lift.
Attach the top of each band to each end of the barbell.
Perform your warm-up sets. As you lower into the squat, the bands will recoil and remove additional resistance.
As you return to the starting position, the bands will engage and resist you by adding tension to your lower body.
Remove the bands after a few sets and squat with your regular working weight. You will now be able to lift heavier with better control. The instant strength gains will feel surreal.
Tip: Make sure you only use high-quality bands for resistance training. A cheap quality band can snap during the exercise leading to an injury.
Check Out: Best Resistance Bands For Home Workouts & Gains (Updated 2021)
3. Use A Thick Grip
Hand and forearm strength are often overlooked aspects of pressing movements like bench press and shoulder press. Using grip accessories like Fat Gripz can make it harder for you to hold onto a bar. Holding onto a bar with Fat Gripz results in more forearm and hand muscle fiber recruitment.
You will probably not be able to lift your usual weight for usual reps while using a grip accessory. Incorporating grip accessories in your warm-up routine can help you lift more in your working sets. You will see substantial gains in your pressing power once the grips are removed.
Related Read: Get Popeye Forearms With These Simple Forearm Exercises
How to use Fat Gripz in your warm-ups:
Attach Fat Gripz to the barbell for your warm-up sets.
Choose a weight you are comfortable with and perform your bench warm-ups as usual.
On the eccentric movement of the lift, squeeze the Fat Gripz as hard as you can. The muscles in your forearms and hands will be forced to activate at a greater intensity.
Remove the Fat Gripz.
Your hands and forearms are now ready for peak performance, and you will have a much easier time performing the lift.
You could use any of these three advanced warm-up techniques in your workout or a combination of the three lifts in a single session. You are only limited by your imagination here.
Example: Overshoot your bench press working set using accomodating resistance and a thick grip.
Conclusion
You can perform both these warm-up routines in a single workout. After you finish the dynamic stretching warm-up circuit, you could then start with the three advanced warm-up techniques.
But before you do any of this, you need to change how you view warm-ups. Warm-ups should not feel like wasted time. By following the techniques laid out in this article, you will not just warm up but fire up for greater gains.
How long is your warm-up routine?
Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
How to Watch Thor Bjornsson vs Devon Larratt Boxing Match This Weekend
Thor Bjornsson is set to battle Devon Larratt and this is how you can watch!
2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor “Thor” Bjornsson will do battle this weekend against multiple-time arm wrestling champion Devon Larratt. It’s a showdown of strength athletes that no one thought they’d see.
In what was supposed to be a battle between strongman rivals Eddie Hall and Thor Bjornsson has now taken a different turn. After suffering a bicep injury, Hall was forced to withdraw from the match leaving Thor without an opponent for their proposed September showdown. That is until arm wrestler Devon Larratt stepped up to the plate.
The battle set to take place in Dubai should be a battle of heavy hitters. Thor Bjornsson has been working on his boxing skills with consistency for over a year and a half now and has made some great strides. The skills he’s been able to build have been truly impressive and show that he has more than enough talent to acquit himself well against professional boxers. Devon Larratt on the other hand has little to no boxing experience.
The champion arm wrestler recently admitted he’s a terrible boxer ahead of his match with Thor Bjornsson. While arm wrestlers are known for their immense strength, you need more than power to be able to be a successful boxer. Devon Larratt certainly has a uphill battle ahead of him.
Here’s How You Can Watch The Match
The match, including eight other bouts, is available on pay-per-view on CoreSports.world for $9.99 plus tax. Take a glimpse at the full fight card below.
CoreSports — Fight Night 3 | Full Card
Main Event — Hafthor Björnsson vs. Devon Larratt
CrossFit Bout — Jacob Heppner vs. Josh Bridges
Lightweight — Anthony de Bruijn vs. Giorgi Gachechiladze
Heavyweight — Martin Bakole vs. Haruna Osumanu
Featherweight — Stefi Cohen vs. Marcela Nieto
Bantam — Avril Mathie vs. Jesca Mfinanga
Super Middleweight — Stephanie Fondjo vs. Badri Gogichashvili
Super Featherweight — Fahad Al Bloushi vs. Ayuba Tezikoma
Super Lightweight — Khalid Naseer vs. Abdul Malik Jabir
Will you be tuning into the fights?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Editorial writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is also a martial arts instructor and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 14: Will The Recent Bodybuilder Arrest Strike Fear In The Sport?
[embedded content]
Craig Golias reacts to the recent shocking pro bodybuilder arrest and how it might affect the sport moving forward.
Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias reacts to the high profile pro bodybuilding arrest, talks about the importance of rest in bodybuilding, and how to avoid bloating on a bodybuilder diet.
Just hours before hopping on to record Talking Huge, breaking news shook the bodybuilding world. A pro bodybuilder was arrested for alleged possession of steroids. Suddenly, a part of our planned conversation was shifted. The news spread fast and brought up a lot of questions. Vlad wanted to know what Craig Golias’ thoughts were on the still developing story. This topic takes up a large chunk of our recent episode conversation. But we also cover some listener questions such as how to avoid bloating, Craig’s body measurements, and more. Let’s jump right into it.
Will The Recent Pro Bodybuilding Arrest Strike Fear Into The Industry?
It’s an unwritten reality that steroid use in pro bodybuilding exists. In order to reach the freak factor massive size while also holding shredded conditioning – bodybuilders often rely on steroids and other PEDs. This, of course, is illegal under US law. But in reality, it’s often rare for a bodybuilder to actually be accused and arrested for possession of steroids.
So it came as a shock when a pro bodybuilder was arrested for just that. A shipment of “controlled substances” was shipped from Canada to Miami, Florida. The authorities caught on, tracked the package, and arrested the bodybuilder upon the package being accepted and opened.
The news spread fast throughout the bodybuilding industry. Will this arrest be an early sign of more to come? Should competitors who use PEDs be worried about getting caught? Will this shocking news story change the way the industry works? At least for a short term period?
Craig Golias isn’t too worried. In fact, he thinks most pro bodybuilders understand the safety precautions to take so that they won’t get caught. The fact that controlled substances were shipped internationally was the first red flag. Most bodybuilders know not to ship drugs internationally like that.
Craig Golias also hopes that the pro bodybuilder in question gets off with very few convictions. Craig believes that the serious arrests happen for those who are creating and selling steroids. Users often get off easy. At least, that’s what Craig believes to be true.
At the time of this episode’s release – a lot is still unknown and the story is still developing. Craig Golias is no expert (nor does he claim to be). This episode is purely his raw gut reaction to the news mere hours after it was announced.
Craig Golias Answers: How To Avoid Bloating In Bodybuilding
Craig Golias also touches upon the topic of bloating in bodybuilding. Does he ever suffer from bloating? And how does he deal with it. The unfortunately reality is that most bodybuilders have to deal with bloating. A bodybuilder diet, especially while bulking, requires a massive influx of food. This more often than not causes bloating.
So what does Craig Golias due to relieve the uncomfortable pressure of bloating? Craig often drinks a lot of water. It might feel worse at first but helps flush the bloating. Beyond that, he simply lives with it. It’s unavoidable as a bodybuilder. He makes sure to simply give himself a few hours between eating and actually training – so that he’s more comfortable while in the gym.
Wrap Up
There are far more topics discussed in this episode than we can cover in this article. Craig Golias also talks about the proper amount of sleep a bodybuilder should have per day, his body size measurements, and more! You can check it all out in the latest episode of Talking Huge above! Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
2021 Arnold Classic: How To Tune In, Competitors To Watch
Here is how to tune in to the 2021 Arnold Classic and the athletes to keep an eye on.
The bodybuilding season is approaching some of the biggest events of the year. It begins with the 2021 Arnold Classic, which will take place on Sept. 25 in Columbus, OH. If you are not able to be there in person, it is important to know how to watch the show from the comfort of your own home.
The Arnold Sports Festival will be providing a free webcast for those who cannot be there. The prejudging webcast begins at 10 A.M. and the finals webcast will begin at 6:30 P.M. The commentators are unknown at this time but it is likely that Arnold Schwarzenegger and 2017 Arnold Classic Champion Cedric McMillan will be involved — whether it is on commentary or on stage.
The 2021 Arnold Classic will feature four divisions. This is a condensed version of the show that was pushed back because of COVID-19. The 2020 show featured eight divisions. In 2021, expect some of the top competitors from Men’s Open, Classic Physique, Bikini, and Fitness to be present.
Below, you can find the full list of competitors along with the biggest names to keep an eye on once the event begins.
2021 Arnold Classic: Athletes To Watch
Men’s Open
William Bonac is the clear name to watch heading into Columbus. He is the reigning champion after winning his second Arnold Classic in 2020 — 2018 was his first victory. Bonac has competed in every Olympia since 2014 with a second-place finish in 2019. The lineup is missing two big names with McMillan withdrawing with an injury and Lionel Beyeke dealing with travel restrictions.
Bonac will have to deal with the likes of Iain Valliere and Steve Kuclo. Valliere has been dynamic in 2021 so far with victories at the Tampa Pro and Texas Pro in consecutive weekends. He has been training heavy in the gym but has been able to keep his incredible physique in competition shape. Kuclo, who finished second to Valliere in the Texas Pro, will enter with experience at the Arnold Classic and with six Olympia appearances under his belt.
Akim Williams and Hassan Mostafa are other impact performers. Williams picked up a victory and Olympia qualification during the Puerto Rico Pro. Mostafa is currently second in the points standings with an eye on the biggest competition of the year.
Complete Roster
William Bonac
Maxx Charles
Mohamed El Emam
Steve Kuclo
Seung Chul Lee
Hassan Mostafa
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Justin Rodriguez
Iain Valliere
Nick Walker
Akim Williams
Roelly Winklaar
Classic Physique
Alex Cambronero is one of the returning champs from the 2020 Arnold Classic. He has a chance to be the first repeat champion in the Classic Physique division here in 2021. Cambronero switched to Classic Physique from 212 after a successful run in that division. Cambronero finished fourth in last year’s Olympia.
One of the competitors who bested Cambronero at the 2020 Olympia was Terrence Ruffin. He finished second to Chris Bumstead. Ruffin finished second to Cambronero at the Arnold Classic last season so this storyline is one to keep an eye on heading into the event. Courage Opara is a dark-horse contender for the title this year after finishing in the top three in each of the last two years.
Complete Roster
Alex Cambronero
Deontrai Campbell
Jarek Crew
Logan Franklin
Bryan Jones
Fabian Mayr
Courage Opara
Terrence Ruffin
Tony Tavares
Dani Younan
Bikini
Elisa Pecini has been a force in the Bikini division for years now. She is coming off a victory at the 2020 Arnold Classic and 2019 Olympia Bikini. She finished sixth at the Olympia last year but will look to return to dominance. Jennifer Dorie seems to be her biggest competition, along with Lauralie Chapados. Dorie finished second at the 2020 Olympia and Chapados won the Chicago Pro this year.
Ashley Kaltwasser and Breena Martinez have both been on stage this season which will help moving forward. The Bikini division is extremely competitive and that makes for an entertaining show in Columbus.
Complete Roster
Romina Basauldo
Lauralie Chapados
Jennifer Dorie
Jasmine Gonzalez
Ashley Kaltwasser
Jourdanne Lee
Priscilla Leimbacher
Breena Martinez
Gabriella Messias
Elisa Pecini
Fitness
Missy Truscott is the reigning Olympia and Fitness International champion. Who did she defeat in both? That would be Oksana Grishina and Whitney Jones. This makes for a must-see division at the Arnold Classic.
Grishina has totaled 13 victories from 2011-2017 before taking some time off. Jones finished third in the Olympia and won the 2018 and 2019 Mr. Olympia and 2018 Figure International competition. There is a strong chance that this group finishes at the top in this event but there are other names to watch, such as Aurika Tyrgale.
Complete Roster
Jaclyn Baker
Darrian Borello
Amanda Ciani
Oksana Grishina
Whitney Jones
Sally Kendall-Williams
Ariel Khadr
Minna Pajulahti
Missy Truscott
Aurika Tyrgale
Generation Iron will have full coverage of the 2021 Arnold Classic. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
How Straight Bar Dips Offer Great Bodybuilding Gains
Straight bar dips are a great challenge to really fire up your muscles with a great bodyweight exercise.
When it comes to our gains at the gym, we all look to the big machine to get the job done. Whether it be the squat rack, smith machine, or leg press, the machines we can stack weights upon weights on seem like the best options to really get our muscles fired up so they can grow. But some common misconceptions around bodyweight workouts may be hurting our gains and ability to really see huge growth. An exercise like the straight bar dips may be overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. What this exercise can do is really enhance your gains so you see huge growth and allow your body to be challenged in ways you may never have thought possible.
Dips have the ability to really enhance your strength and target several layers of muscles at a time, all while simply using your bodyweight for resistance. Easy to perform yet still challenging enough to see growth, dips are one exercise that are easily overlooked and they really shouldn’t be. As a complex exercise, dips have the ability to build strength, reduce pain, and strengthen smaller stabilizer muscles so you continue to thrive when its time to perform those big lifts. Giving yourself the best advantage for growth should be the goal and this exercise can really be a catalyst for that.
Let’s take a closer look at the straight bar dip exercise to really see what this can do for you. From what it is, to muscles worked, the many benefits, and how to perform it, we have all the answers into this killer exercise that will certainly push you to new heights when it comes to your goals.
What Are Straight Bar Dips?
A great variation to the traditional dip, straight bar dips put a greater emphasis on your chest to give you an excellent workout. By challenging your range of motion and your body proximity to the bar, your legs are used as sort of a counter weight and anchor so you can perform this exercise. By using a different grip, your hands are now placed in front of your body in a pronated position to offer a unique variation to this exercise.
Muscles Worked During Straight Bar Dips
As a complex and challenging exercise, your chest will be targeted more than traditional dips to really enhance that pushing power. Along with this muscle group, your triceps and shoulders will also be targeted to give you great bodyweight resistance as you enhance all areas of your pushing capabilities.
Benefits Of Straight Bar Dips
Enhanced Upper Body Strength
This exercise will really enhance upper body strength by targeting three main muscles groups in your upper body. Your chest will be targeted greatly and your triceps and shoulders will have to come to its assistance to really get the most out of this workout. As a great bodyweight workout, really challenging yourself just got a lot easier with this exercise as you seek to build serious pushing power and upper body strength capabilities (1).
Challenging Your Grip Strength
With a unique grip position now at play, you will start to see just how strong your grip strength really is. This variation of the traditional dip may be slightly misleading, but what you’ll find is a strain to hold this parallel grip. If you find your grip to be weaker than originally thought, look into strengthening exercises that can really help promote a more solid grip (2).
Build Functional Capabilities
While we all want to look big and have that shredded physique, it is helpful when our exercises are functional and can really allow us to work hard for our everyday activities. Building functional strength should be the number one goal because this will help us as we work on development but also everyday movements.
Work On Stabilization & Balance
Working on stabilization and balance are more than important when it comes to every lift we do in the gym, as well as every activity we perform outside of it. By keeping our cores engaged and working on that upper body strength, our lower body will work to counterbalance our weight since this is a bodyweight workout. The benefit to this is that we will really start to see more stability when it comes to our bigger lifts.
Simple To Perform Yet Still Challenging
This exercise is simple to learn yet still provides a challenge for our muscles so they have to grow. These kinds of exercises are perfect because the complexity comes in the muscle building, not necessarily learning proper form. While good technique will come overtime and with continued practice, what you’ll find is this exercise can be placed anywhere in your workout and the gains will be the exact same.
How To Perform Straight Bar Dips
Place yourself on the dip machine and have your hands in a pronated position on the grips. Lower yourself into a dip by allowing your elbows to bend as you lower to the floor. Your arms will be parallel to the ground as you stop your descent. Once in this position, drive back to the starting position and push through your palms. Repeat for your desired number of reps and really work to challenge yourself for great growth.
Wrap Up
Straight bar dips are a great variation of the traditional dip exercise to add diversity and a challenge to your workouts. What you’ll find is an increase in resistance for your chest muscles, as well as your triceps and shoulders being targeted as well. This will really work to build upper body strength and focus on functional movements while giving you a great workout to be proud of. Placed anywhere in your workout, this exercise has the ability to really enhance your gains and will prove to be great in the long run. Give this exercise a try and see what this can do for your strength and physique today.
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
Coyne, Joseph; Secomb, Josh L.; Tran, Tai T.; Lundgren, Lina E. (2015). “Reliability Of Pull & Dip Maximal Strength Test”. (source)
Lee, Julia-Ann; Sechachalam, Sreedharan (2016). “The Effect of Wrist Position on Grip Endurance and Grip Strength”. (source)
Best Shaker Bottles For Bodybuilding & Hydration (Updated 2021)
Elevate your pre-, mid-, or post-workouts with a top tier shaker bottle for all those protein and nutrient needs.
Shaker bottles have grown in popularity and there is no question as to why. The convenience and ease of these health and fitness aids for athletes, bodybuilders, strongmen, or just everyday gym-goers has given shaker bottle purchases a serious boost. With that, companies have sought top-tier designs to attract buyers and the great designs and technologies on the market today truly benefit the consumer with an individual bottle or a shaker bottle pack.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Shaker Bottles for 2021 so you can have a great product to make a protein shake, or hold whatever workout beverage you desire. The right bottle will be durable and last a long time for all those nutrient needs.
Best Shaker Bottles For 2021
Best Overall Shaker Bottle
The best shaker bottle overall will be high-quality and durable for all your needs while also holding plenty of liquid for the perfect pre-, mid-, or post-workout beverage.
Hydra Cup High Performance Dual Shaker Bottle
Hydra Cup brings this amazing two-chamber shaker bottle to cover your pre- and post-workout needs all in one bottle. Able to hold whatever you need it to, this is the perfect way to eliminate two bottles and the hassle of cleaning after each supplement. Able to hold 36 ounces total, one side can hold up to 22 ounces while the other holds 14 ounces. A high-quality and durable solution to multiple shaker bottles, Hydra Cup offers a leak proof seal with snap on lids, as opposed to twist. For mixing, the dual mixing grids sit on the cap and allows for smooth mixing and easy clean-up. Easy to clean with a well-thought out design, this dual threat shaker bottle is a great overall option.
Hydra Cup High Performance Dual Shaker Bottle is a two-in-one, high-quality shaker bottle able to hold your desired beverage with 22-ounces on one side and 14-ounces on the other.
Pros
The two-in-one design makes all of your nutrition needs easy and convenient
36 ounces is more than enough volume for your nutrient needs
For the price, this product is durable, reliable, and an overall easy to use shaker bottle
Cons
The quality of the lids is weak and some buyers have reported breaking or slight leaking
Clean-up can be a bit of a hassle given there are so many undetachable parts included
Price: $13.50
Check out our individual review for Hydra Cup High Performance Shaker Bottle here!
Best Shaker Bottle For Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders need a good shaker to hold liquid and other supplements as they seek the best gains inside and out of the gym and the best shaker bottle for bodybuilding can do just that.
BlenderBottle Pro Series Shaker
With a traditional blender bottle size and design, BlenderBottle Pro Series brings you everything you need in a traditional blender bottle. Its wide mouth design allows for easy access to add supplements and the rounded base works for thorough mixing. Their patented mixing system uses a 316 surgical grade stainless steel ball only used with BlenderBottle products. Pro Series offers an innovative leak-proof lid and the flip cap makes a distinct snapping noise to let you know you are good to go. With a sleek design, BlenderBottle will provide for great traditional benefits while fitting anywhere and providing you with your overall nutrient coverage.
BlenderBottle Pro Series Shaker Bottle is everything you need in a traditional shaker with a wide mouth design and patented mixing system for the best mixing and shakes.
Pros
Keeping the traditional design yet still proving effective is a great draw for BlenderBottle
The mixing ball still holds up as a quality way to blend ingredients together
28 ounces is the perfect size for volume
Good price for the new Pro Series design as well
Cons
Some leaking has been reported
The round bottom is a great design for mixing, but the vertical grooves make cleaning difficult
Price: $13.44
Best Shaker Bottle For Mixing
Mixing can be a challenge and many shakers leave clumps and bits of powder, but the right bottle will handle all those mixing needs for the smoothest shake.
ShakeSphere Tumbler
ShakeSphere brings this really great advanced design to the table with a large capsule-shaped shaker bottle. What makes this bottle so interesting is that it doesn’t have a mixing ball or mesh grid to blend your ingredients together. The capsule design allows for all contents to continue moving around the inside without getting stuck on the corners. This ensures an effective and smooth consistency for all of your mixing needs. Cleaning is made easy with less parts and its BPA free Tritan plastic make this tumbler very durable and freezer safe. A secure, leak-proof lid is provided for no mess and as a quality product, this advanced design will aid in functionality and convenience.
ShakeSphere Tumbler brings an advanced design with a large, capsule-shaped shaker bottle that doesn’t need a mixing ball or mesh grid given its innovative design.
Pros
This advanced design with no mixing tool is really great for convenience and clean-up
It’s size is very portable although slightly more expensive than others, you are getting a very durable and high-quality product
Cons
If not shaken thoroughly enough, clumping can occur. This is where something like a mixing ball would provide for that extra mixing benefit
The mouthpiece is slightly smaller than you may want, but that just comes with the design
Price: $19.99
Best Two-Chamber Shaker Bottle
Two-chamber shaker bottles are awesome for they can hold one supplement or desired liquid on one side and a different one on the other with no crossover and plenty of opportunities for gains.
Hydra Cup High Performance Dual Shaker Bottle
Hydra Cup brings this amazing two-chamber shaker bottle to cover your pre- and post-workout needs all in one bottle. Able to hold whatever you need it to, this is the perfect way to eliminate two bottles and the hassle of cleaning after each supplement. Able to hold 36 ounces total, one side can hold up to 22 ounces while the other holds 14 ounces. A high-quality and durable solution to multiple shaker bottles, Hydra Cup offers a leak proof seal with snap on lids, as opposed to twist. For mixing, the dual mixing grids sit on the cap and allows for smooth mixing and easy clean-up. Easy to clean with a well-thought out design, this dual threat shaker bottle is a great overall option.
Hydra Cup High Performance Dual Shaker Bottle is a two-in-one, high-quality shaker bottle able to hold your desired beverage with 22-ounces on one side and 14-ounces on the other.
Pros
The two-in-one design makes all of your nutrition needs easy and convenient
36 ounces is more than enough volume for your nutrient needs
For the price, this product is durable, reliable, and an overall easy to use shaker bottle
Cons
The quality of the lids is weak and some buyers have reported breaking or slight leaking
Clean-up can be a bit of a hassle given there are so many undetachable parts included
Price: $13.50
Best Shaker Bottle With Supplements Storage
Having a bottle with proper storage is exactly what you need to thrive as you can hold your desired liquid as well as pills, powders, or other supplements.
Hydro2Go Protein Shaker Bottle
Hydro2Go is exactly the bottle for you if you are looking for extra storage for all of your capsule and powdered supplement needs. Their newly designed bottle allows for a better drinking and mixing experience and can really work to blend powders and sediment that stick to the bottom. Made from great quality material with a unique leak-proof design, this shaker bottle is certainly one to highly consider. The biggest bonus of this shaker bottle is the two twisted storage jars included: one that is 3.3 ounces and one that is 5 ounces. Perfect for snacks, powders, pills, or even small amounts of liquids, these compartments screw on easily to the base of the bottle or detach for separate storage. With a unique design and two great containers, Hydro2Go is a solid shaker bottle to provide for that much needed extra storage.
Hydro2Go Protein Shaker Bottle is perfect for those looking for extra storage with two twisted storage jars underneath a durable shaker bottle.
Pros
A great price for this easy-to-use shaker bottle
The two storage containers to hold pills, powder, or a host of other ingredients is a really nice feature
Able to attach or detach easily just adds to the overall benefit
Cons
There are a lot of parts to clean and keep track of, but that is just something you will have to weigh out
Does not mix very well which is disappointing
Price: $10.99
Best Electric Shaker Bottle
Having an electric shaker bottle would be a great luxury and working with one that has a lot of power can easily blend your beverage to ensure only the smoothest shake.
VOLTRX Premium Electric Protein Shaker
VOLTRX VortexBoost is a premium electric shaker bottle to work for great blending technology with the ease of solid mixing. Its unique and functional eye-catching design make this the perfect fit to help you with all of your hydration and supplementation needs. Easy to clean with warm water and detergent and one month battery life off of a two hour charge makes this a truly premium item. The heavy-duty motor is leading the way for industry standards and spins at 2,000 rpms to ensure solid mixing with no lumps or clumps. The base can be detached for clean-up or charging making this bottle very convenient despite its advanced technology. For its ability to effectively get the job done with a push of a button, VOLTRX VortexBoost is really a great electric shaker bottle.
VOLTRX VortexBoost Premium Electric Protein Shaker Bottle is a premium electric shaker bottle with a unique and functional technology to ensure no clumping and easy cleaning.
Pros
A very cool electric design eliminates the need for manual shaking
The ability to detach the base for cleaning and charging is a perfect feature
Easy to clean with a powerful motor gives electric shaker bottles a win
Cons
Some buyers have reported poor quality
The charging ability is not as powerful and the battery life does not last as long as advertised
Price: $29.99
Benefits Of Shaker Bottles
Having a quality shaker bottle can work for a number of benefits that can greatly affect your overall training and performance. With the right bottle, all of those needs can be met efficiently and easily. Benefits of the best shaker bottle for bodybuilding include:
Convenient way to get nutrients: A shaker bottle can be an easy and efficient way to get all those nutrients from supplements whether that be a protein powder, pre-workout, intra-workout BCAA, or something else.
Easily hold desired beverage: These can hold whatever beverage with ease and travel can also be simple.
Extra space for storage: Some bottles have storage compartments to make storing easy for powders, pills, or other supplements and snacks.
No excuse for dehydration: With a quality shaker and easy access to your desired beverage, there is no excuse to not be hydrated before, during, and after your workouts.
What To Look For In A Good Shaker Bottle
Finding the right shaker bottle for all of your needs can be challenging, but there are some key reasons to select one over the other. Make sure the size of the bottle fits your needs. If you need one that is more portable, go with a smaller size. You can still get the benefits of your supplements without lugging around a giant shaker bottle. Most shaker bottles will come with a wire wisk or a blender ball, a basic technology, but one that is great for getting rid of clumps and working to smooth your shake. With other blending technologies out there, look for one that will really avoid clumping and ensure a quality consistency of whatever liquid you have.
For durability, you want to check out the overall quality of the bottle, as well as the leak or spill-proof lid. You already pay enough for a quality supplement and that shouldn’t go to waste with a poorly made blender bottle. Also, be sure to check out what kind of storage compartments, if any, a shaker bottle can have. Many have extra twist off caps to store powder or capsules and are great, portable ways to bring your supplements on the go. Lastly, be sure you find a good quality shaker bottle that is affordable. Staying healthy can be expensive, but this is one purchase that doesn’t have to be.
How We Choose The Best Shaker Bottles
When looking at the best shaker bottles for bodybuilding and beverage needs, we look at a number of factors to ensure your bottle is exactly what you’re looking for. We first look at the material used and the durability of the product. You deserve to have a bottle that will last a long time and withstand repeated abuse inside and out of the gym. We then look at size and other features, like the lid or possibly blending technology. You want this to hold as much liquid as you want while also being easy to use with a top tier design. Lastly, we look at price. Fitness equipment can be expensive but it is possible to have a quality shaker at an affordable price.
FAQ Section
What is the best shaker bottle?
Hydra Cup High Performance Shaker Bottle. This brings an amazing two-chamber shaker bottle to cover your pre- and post-workout needs all in one bottle. Able to hold whatever you need it to, this is the perfect way to eliminate two bottles and the hassle of cleaning after each supplement. Able to hold 36 ounces total, one side can hold up to 22 ounces while the other holds 14 ounces.
What exactly can my shaker bottle do?
Shaker bottles are most commonly associated with a protein shake after a workout to pump you with valuable protein for growth and recovery. But these bottles can hold water, or other beverages like an intra-workout BCAA for those mid-workout needs.
What are some key features to look for in a shaker bottle?
One feature to consider is storage, for some bottles will have attachable compartments to put powder, pills, or other supplements. Looking to technology, you may want a self-blending bottle for easy mixing. Also, the shape of the bottle can help with mixing as well.
Wrap Up
A great quality shaker bottle can really transform your gym experience and aid in all of your hydration and supplementation needs. It is important to look at all factors like durability, portability, size by volume, and effectiveness before purchasing an individual bottle or a shaker pack. Whether it be a traditional design, something more advanced, or even electric, there is absolutely the right product out there for you. Check out our list above of the best shaker bottles and look to really elevate your overall health and performance.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.