Muscle Chemistry Archive
Former Mr. Olympia Chris Dickerson Has Passed Away At 82
Chris Dickerson won the 1982 Mr. Olympia title.
Bodybuilding legend and former Olympia champion Chris Dickerson has passed away at the age of 82. It was reported by RXMuscle on Thursday night that Dickerson had been living in a rehab facility after suffering a stroke and passed away due to pneumonia.
“Sad to report the passing of 1982 Mr Olympia Chris Dickerson from pneumonia … Chris has been living in a rehab facility after suffering a stroke .. he had some of the best forearms and calves I’ve seen .. and was a true gentleman R.I.P. #mrolympia”
In August of 2019, Dickerson suffered a broken hip after a fall. While in the hospital, Dickerson had a heart attack and contracted COVID-19 while recovering.
Chris Dickerson was one of the best bodybuilders of all-time and broke many barriers. He was the first openly gay professional bodybuilder and Olympia champion. Dickerson was also the first African-American winner of the Olympia and Mr. America competitions.
He was the sixth winner of the Olympia competition. The event began in 1965 when Larry Scott took home the title. In 17 years, there was a total of five winners — Scott, Sergio Oliva, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, and Frank Zane. After two second-place finishes in 1980 and 1981, Dickerson was able to win gold in 1982.
Chris Dickerson did not start competing until he was 27. In 1966, Dickerson won three of the four contests he entered. This jumpstarted what would become a legendary career. Dickerson would go onto win the 1968 AAU Mr. USA and 1970 AAU Mr. America championships. He added the title during the 1973 and 1974 NABBA Mr. Universe competitions.
In 1979, Dickerson competed in his first IFBB Pro League competition. This was a victory during the Canada Pro Cup. Dickerson appeared in the Olympia that year and finished fourth — with Zane winning the title. He would go onto finish second to Schwarzenegger during the 1980 Olympia and Columbu during the 1981 competition.
Chris Dickerson saw great success in 1980 and 1981 when he won a total of nine shows with eight runner-up finishes. He did not compete following his Olympia title until 1984. This is when he returned to the Olympia stage and finished 11th. Dickerson’s final competition came in 1994 where he won the Over 50 division in the Masters Olympia.
Dickerson is the fifth Olympia champion to pass away. This is less than two months after 2018 Olympia champ Shawn Rhoden tragically passed away. Dickerson will be remembered as one of the best of all-time.
Generation Iron sends condolences to family and friends of Chris Dickerson during this difficult time.
Natural Bodybuilder Reveals the Secret Movements to Explode Your Biceps
PNBA natural bodybuilder shares the secret movements to explode your biceps.
Everyone wants bigger muscles of the most flexed muscle. The muscle you secretly flex in the mirror. And the one that garners a lot of touch from the opposite sex. If you guessed biceps, then you’re correct! Big biceps convey strength. And if you want to take your physique up a notch, you’ll want bigger biceps. A Professional Natural Bodybuilder Association (PNBA) athlete has your back and demonstrates the moves you need to bolster your biceps through your sleeves.
This PNBA professional natural bodybuilder goes by the username @pnba_pro_dukenukem24 on Instagram (IG). He flexed his crazy sixteen-year transformation in a post – 2005 – 2021. You can see his full IG post and transformation below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXkZ_3vM5k4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
If that transformation wasn’t crazy enough, there’s something else you need to know. Pnba_pro_dukenukem24 claims to be all-natural! His first show ever took place in 2020, where he received second place in an amateur division at IFBB Tampa Pro, where he competed as a natural. He’s now a PNBA pro and has become a 2021 Classic Physique winner.
Secret Movements to Explode Your Biceps
Honing in on the correct bicep movements is essential to build killer arms. To get biceps like this PNBA athlete – pnba_pro_dukenukem24 -, you’ll want to focus on EZ bar curls and the isolation movement single-arm dumbbell hammer curls. Below are two different videos of pnba_pro_dukenukem24 performing both exercises.
EZ Bar Curl
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRklJaQgiw5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Reps and sets: perform three sets of eight to 12 reps
Why do it: Since the EZ bar curves, the grip is easier on your wrist. You’ll be able to use heavier weight compared to a straight bar. Because you’ll have more wrist mobility and won’t have to worry about wrist pain.
Single-Arm Dumbbell Hammer Curl
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMTazwrjDTp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Reps and sets: perform four sets of 16 to 20 reps
Why do it: The single-arm dumbbell hammer curl will target the long head of the bicep – as well as your brachioradialis – forearm muscle. It will also work on your grip strength and wrist strength. And since it’s an isolation movement that has you working one arm at a time, you’ll have a better mind-to-muscle connection to build muscle in your lagging side.
Build Bigger Biceps
To grow bigger arms, you need to know a few key things. First, you must do enough volume – reps and sets – for adequate muscle growth. We recommend balancing days where you use heavier weight and fewer reps—mixed with lighter weight and more reps. This builds both dense muscle and sarcoplasmic hypertrophy – an increase in fluid to your muscles that make them appear bigger. You’ll get sarcoplasmic hypertrophy from doing lighter weight with more reps. That’s why often you’ll see bodybuilders “pump” train – higher reps and shorter rest periods. They do this to get as much blood rushing to the muscle as possible to look as big as possible on stage.
This PNBA (pnba_pro_dukenukem24) athlete shows it’s possible to build bulging biceps naturally if you do the right movements. If you want arms like him, start including single-arm hammer curls and EZ bar curls in your program.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more natural bodybuilding tips!
The INBA PNBA Is The Real Deal: Pro Women’s Open Natural Olympia 2021 Champ Jill Kolivoski Fails Drug Test, Speaks Openly With Generation Iron
2021 Natural Olympia Women’s Professional Bodybuilding champ, Jill Kolivoski, fails drug test.
Jill Kolivoski, the winner of 2021 Natural Olympia in the Women’s Bodybuilding Open division, recently failed a drug test administered at Natural Olympia. Below, you can watch an exclusive clip from Generation Iron: Natty 4 Life articulating more in-depth about the drug test they administer.
[embedded content]
Jill Kolivoski competed in the United States Bodybuilding Federation (USBF) before returning to the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) league. In all 23 years of competing, this is her first failed drug test. In the USBF, Kolivoski was drug tested, but no banned substance was ever found in her system.
Although the USBF is also a natural bodybuilding institution, they don’t test their athletes through the same laboratory the INBA/PNBA does. The INBA/PNBA doesn’t take drug testing lightly. Competitors are thoroughly tested through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – premier drug testing for professional athletes. The Olympics use this foundation, and it detects drugs that often go under the radar through other drug tests.
Unfortunately, Jill Kolivoski and any competitor that fails a drug test in the INBA/PNBA league end up on the Hall of Shame. Furthermore, she’ll lose her title and prize money. Kolivoski is understanding of the matter and is accepting of any punishment she endures.
Substance Tested Positive For
Jill Kolivoski tested positive for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). This ingredient was found in a substance Kolivoski was unaware was banned. Based on the evidence collected, the failed drug test doesn’t seem to be a malicious act on Kolivoski’s part. When the INBA/PNBA league asked Kolivoski if she had ever heard of the banned substance she was found guilty of using, she stated, “absolutely not.” “Taking products that don’t align with a pure natural life of bodybuilding is NOT who I am and it’s NOT what I live for/represent day in and day out.”
Negligence and naiveness are what put Jill Kolivoski in this predicament. She said, “I was so excited with the idea to get back onto the stage that never once did I think I had to educate myself on supplements and banned products.” She admitted to never looking at the list of banned substances because she believed she was never at risk.
Jill Kolivoksi is extremely health-conscious and claims she never drank alcohol in her whole life, has never done drugs, and doesn’t use prescription drugs or antibiotics. She does regular fasts and is all organic – she restricts restaurants that don’t align with this. Kolivoski said she’s only started taking supplements as an adrenal fatigue remedy. She was following a nutrition plan with supplements to help lower her cortisol.
According to Kolivoski, she had no clue one of the supplements contained a banned substance until the INBA/PNBA league called her for inquiry. After further investigation, Kolivoski learned one of the supplements she was using did contain the forbidden ingredient. This same substance passed the USBF administered drug test. Although, Kolivoski now wants to educate other athletes of the potential risks of taking certain supplements, especially if they’re in the INBA/PNBA league and get tested by WADA.
INBA PNBA STATEMENT WITH REGARDS TO JILL KOLIVOSKI
Below, is a statement from the INBA/PNBA commission on December 23, 2021, regarding Jill Kolivoski’s failed drug test:
“INBA PNBA stands by the SMRTL (WADA Accredit Laboratory) test results for Jill Kolivoski. We have been in direct communication with Jill, who has taken complete responsibility for this outcome. Jill is currently suspended from competition with the INBA PNBA for five (5) years.
For decades INBA PNBA had been conditioning athletes to be well versed and compliant with the WADA Prohibited List and maintains one hundred percent transparency as the leader in this industry.
The other unfortunate part of this story is that Jill was tested one week earlier by the USBF and unfortunately their sub-standard testing did not reveal the same results! They cleared her as negative and paid Jill her prize money. One week later she tested positive for a SARM with the INBA PNBA. This is exactly why natural bodybuilding is not taken seriously. These other so-called natural federations/organizations are doing the athletes and the industry a huge disservice by misleading athletes into believing they are being tested based on their own protocols. Polygraph, Redwood Toxicology, and Quest Diagnostics in no way have the capability to do so.
This is not the first time this has happened and will not be the last. Rest assured the INBA PNBA will continue to treat natural athletes at the Olympic level, and most importantly test at the same level, only utilizing WADA Accredited Laboratories to ensure an even playing field in the sport of natural/tested bodybuilding.”
Generation Iron would like to thank Jill Kolivoski for her open commentary on the failed drug test after being stripped of the Women’s Bodybuilding title at Natural Olympia 2021. And we’d like to extend our thank you for the cooperation of the INBA/PNBA league and all parties involved.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest news on natural bodybuilders!
The INBA PNBA Is The Real Deal: Women’s Professional Open Natural Olympia 2021 Champ Jill Kolivoski Fails Drug Test, Speaks Openly With Generation Iron
2021 Natural Olympia Women’s Professional Bodybuilding champ, Jill Kolivoski, fails drug test.
Jill Kolivoski, the winner of 2021 Natural Olympia in the Women’s Bodybuilding Open division, recently failed a drug test administered at Natural Olympia. Below, you can watch an exclusive clip from Generation Iron: Natty 4 Life articulating more in-depth about the drug test they administer.
[embedded content]
Jill Kolivoski competed in the United States Bodybuilding Federation (USBF) before returning to the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) league. In all 23 years of competing, this is her first failed drug test. In the USBF, Kolivoski was drug tested, but no banned substance was ever found in her system.
Although the USBF is also a natural bodybuilding institution, they don’t test their athletes through the same laboratory the INBA/PNBA does. The INBA/PNBA doesn’t take drug testing lightly. Competitors are thoroughly tested through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – premier drug testing for professional athletes. The Olympics use this foundation, and it detects drugs that often go under the radar through other drug tests.
Unfortunately, Jill Kolivoski and any competitor that fails a drug test in the INBA/PNBA league end up on the Hall of Shame. Furthermore, she’ll lose her title and prize money. Kolivoski is understanding of the matter and is accepting of any punishment she endures.
Substance Tested Positive For
Jill Kolivoski tested positive for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). This ingredient was found in a substance Kolivoski was unaware was banned. Based on the evidence collected, the failed drug test doesn’t seem to be a malicious act on Kolivoski’s part. When the INBA/PNBA league asked Kolivoski if she had ever heard of the banned substance she was found guilty of using, she stated, “absolutely not.” “Taking products that don’t align with a pure natural life of bodybuilding is NOT who I am and it’s NOT what I live for/represent day in and day out.”
Negligence and naiveness are what put Jill Kolivoski in this predicament. She said, “I was so excited with the idea to get back onto the stage that never once did I think I had to educate myself on supplements and banned products.” She admitted to never looking at the list of banned substances because she believed she was never at risk.
Jill Kolivoksi is extremely health-conscious and claims she never drank alcohol in her whole life, has never done drugs, and doesn’t use prescription drugs or antibiotics. She does regular fasts and is all organic – she restricts restaurants that don’t align with this. Kolivoski said she’s only started taking supplements as an adrenal fatigue remedy. She was following a nutrition plan with supplements to help lower her cortisol.
According to Kolivoski, she had no clue one of the supplements contained a banned substance until the INBA/PNBA league called her for inquiry. After further investigation, Kolivoski learned one of the supplements she was using did contain the forbidden ingredient. This same substance passed the USBF administered drug test. Although, Kolivoski now wants to educate other athletes of the potential risks of taking certain supplements, especially if they’re in the INBA/PNBA league and get tested by WADA.
INBA PNBA STATEMENT WITH REGARDS TO JILL KOLIVOSKI
Below, is a statement from the INBA/PNBA commission on December 23, 2021, regarding Jill Kolivoski’s failed drug test:
“INBA PNBA stands by the SMRTL (WADA Accredit Laboratory) test results for Jill Kolivoski. We have been in direct communication with Jill, who has taken complete responsibility for this outcome. Jill is currently suspended from competition with the INBA PNBA for five (5) years.
For decades INBA PNBA had been conditioning athletes to be well versed and compliant with the WADA Prohibited List and maintains one hundred percent transparency as the leader in this industry.
The other unfortunate part of this story is that Jill was tested one week earlier by the USBF and unfortunately their sub-standard testing did not reveal the same results! They cleared her as negative and paid Jill her prize money. One week later she tested positive for a SARM with the INBA PNBA. This is exactly why natural bodybuilding is not taken seriously. These other so-called natural federations/organizations are doing the athletes and the industry a huge disservice by misleading athletes into believing they are being tested based on their own protocols. Polygraph, Redwood Toxicology, and Quest Diagnostics in no way have the capability to do so.
This is not the first time this has happened and will not be the last. Rest assured the INBA PNBA will continue to treat natural athletes at the Olympic level, and most importantly test at the same level, only utilizing WADA Accredited Laboratories to ensure an even playing field in the sport of natural/tested bodybuilding.”
Generation Iron would like to thank Jill Kolivoski for her open commentary on the failed drug test after being stripped of the Women’s Bodybuilding title at Natural Olympia 2021. And we’d like to extend our thank you for the cooperation of the INBA/PNBA league and all parties involved.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest news on natural bodybuilders!
Bodybuilder Tony Ellett Has Died
Tony Ellett is a well-known bodybuilder in the United Kingdom.
Tony Ellett, a famous bodybuilder in the UK, has passed away. The news was announced on Facebook and there have been many sharing condolences on social media. The cause of death has not been revealed but it was said that Ellett passed away on Wednesday night.
“What can I say I’m absolutely heartbroken. on 22/12/21 @ 10:38 my heart stop and broke into a million pieces not just for me but for Curtis as well. I will alway treasure the memories we had together and I promise I will take good care of curtis and we will never forget you. Sleep tight tone until we meet again. xxxx.”
Ellett made a name for himself in NABBA during his career in bodybuilding. He began competing in 2009 and had some success during his time on stage.
Tony Ellett made his debut during the 2009 NABBA England Championships. He finished fifth, which would be one of nine top-five finishes in his career. Ellett followed that up with two more fifth-place finishes during the 2011 NABBA Mr. Britain and 2013 NABBA England Championships.
Ellett broke though in 2016 with a second-place finish during the 2016 NABBA England Championships. This was before be picked up the first victory of his career. Ellett won gold at the 2016 UK NABBA UK Championships. He would compete two more times, with the last one coming in 2017 during the NABBA Mr. Britain competition.
The presence on social media from family and friends shows what kind of person Ellett was. There has been a recent string of deaths in the bodybuilding community. There was no cause of death for Ellett but it is a clear problem that continues to impact bodybuilding around the world.
Generation Iron would like to send condolences to family and friends of Tony Ellet during this difficult time.
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.
Bodybuilding, Juicing & Why You Should Avoid Those Packaged Juices
Juicing is an easy way to get all those nutrients for your bodybuilding gains.
We all love juice but maybe don’t realize that juicing can be a game changer for our bodybuilding goals. Providing for a sweet treat without all the negative effects of a dessert, you can obtain tons of nutrients through juicing that allow you to simply thrive inside and out of the gym. While those popular juices are nice, they tend to be loaded with sugar and potential artificial ingredients. Even the ones that claim to be natural may not compare to a home pressed juice.
While juicing may take time, for you have to set up, prepare, and clean up, it is so worth the small hassle to give yourself a great outlet to pump you with those essential vitamins and minerals and whatever other nutrients are included. Juicing has gained popularity for what it can do for your health and wellness, but don’t neglect what this can also do for your bodybuilding gains.
Let’s take a look at juicing and see what makes this so great for bodybuilders. For those unfamiliar, we’ll set you up with everything to know so you get the most bang for your buck and can fully optimize these valuable nutrients we all so desperately want.
Juicing 101: Just Starting Out
Juicing is where you juice fruits and vegetables to separate out the pulp until you are left with pure juice. A juicer is not a blender to make smoothies but simply a way for you to organically juice your own beverage without any added elements. With so many recipes out there, ones exist for immunity, strength, weight loss, and energy so finding the right recipe for your bodybuilding gains is not out of the question (1).
Benefits Of Juicing
The benefits of juicing will allow you to see the best gains when looking towards those bodybuilding goals. By giving yourself the ability to better tackle any of those nutritional needs, juices will offer a delicious and nutritious way to see gains.
Benefits of juicing include:
Better nutrient absorption: By getting the fruit or vegetable into a liquid form, this will be easy to digest so you can absorb all those nutrients much better (2).
Many options for fruits and vegetables: There are so many options for you to juice when it comes to fruits and vegetables, each giving you different benefits.
Can be a good way to detox: Juicing is a nice way to detox after an illness, a long night out, or simply a recharge for yourself.
Will help in many ways: There are many recipes to try to help in many ways like weight loss, strength, energy, and immunity.
Bodybuilding & Juicing: How This Can Help Your Gains
For bodybuilders, juicing is an easy and convenient way to get all of these nutrients into your body. By working with important recipes for weight loss, immunity, strength, detox, and energy, you can start to tackle those issues that often plague us inside and out of the gym. As someone who is constantly seeking the best for their gains, looking to premium produce in juice form will offer the best benefits and the best results for all your bodybuilding goals.
On top of taking those valuable supplements, like multivitamins and super greens, you will better allow your body to absorb those nutrients that your body is often depleted of. An awesome way to boost nutrient intake, your body will thank you after a grueling workout.
Finding The Right Juicer
When looking for the right juicer, it is important to consider a number of factors. Making sure it is easy to clean, use, and store is important so it isn’t in your face and taking up valuable countertop space. Also, be sure that it will juice all kinds of fruits and vegetables so you are not limited with what you can do. Speed and how loud the machine is are important because this affects how well it juices and how annoying it will be for you. Of course, price matters and you want to make sure you get the right juicer at an affordable price.
Best Foods To Juice & Why
While there are many fruits and vegetables you can juice, we wanted to share some key ones and what they can do for your goals. Some of the best foods to juice include:
Kale: High in antioxidants, this also contains key vitamins and minerals to protect against free radicals and boost bodily functions (3).
Carrots: High in vitamin A, biotin, and potassium, carrots have a great nutrient profile and pair well with other vegetables.
Wheatgrass: Nutrient-dense and comes with 17 different amino acids, impressive considering these help with building protein (4).
Ginger: Great for inflammation and immunity, ginger can wake the body up, while also potentially helping with weight loss (5).
Why You Should Avoid Those Packaged Juices
We all know those tasty packaged juices we would put in our lunch boxes as kids. We can name all the brands no problem. But for those looking to increase their bodybuilding gains, avoiding those juices at all costs is a must. Given the amount of sugar included and what these can do to counteract those gains should make you want to avoid at all costs. By juicing your own juice and knowing exactly what to put in it, you can optimize your health and wellness, along with your bodybuilding gains.
Wrap Up
Juicing has many great benefits towards your bodybuilding goals and can be a game changer when it comes to pumping yourself with nutrients in an efficient way. While it does take time to clean up and actually make the juice, it is worth it as you seek the best gains. Check out some awesome juicers and give this a try, for you won’t be disappointed by the results.
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
Henning, S.; et al. (2017). “Health benefit of vegetable/fruit juice-based diet: Role of microbiome”. (source)
Goodman, B. (2010). “Insights into digestion and absorption of major nutrients in humans”. (source)
Samec, D.; et al. (2019). “Kale (Brassica oleracea acephala) as a superfood: Review of the scientific evidence behind the statement”. (source)
Mujariya, R.; et al. (2012). “A study on wheat grass and its nutritional value”. (source)
Mashhadi, N.; et al. (2013). “Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence”. (source)
Anderson Silva opens as favorite to be next opponent for Jake Paul
Anderson Silva could be in line to take on Jake Paul next.
It has been less than a week since Jake Paul moved to 5-0 with a sixth-round knockout of Tyron Woodley. Now, there have been lines made on who will have the chance to take on the former YouTuber in the ring next. As of now, Anderson Silva is the early favorite.
Silva began boxing at the beginning of 2021 after a long stint in UFC. In his first match, Silva took on former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In his first boxing match since 2005, Silva upset the former champion by split decision. He then faced UFC champ Tito Ortiz and won via a first-round knockout.
The talks began by saying Silva could take on Jake’s brother, Logan Paul, but there was no real steam and now sights could be set on the younger of the two.
Below, you can see a list of names, along with their odds, that could take on Jake Paul next.
Anderson Silva – 3/1
Tommy Fury – 7/2
Dillon Danis – 7/1
Nate Diaz – 7/1
Conor McGregor – 15/2
Jorge Masvidal – 15/2
Floyd Mayweather – 12/1
Oscar De La Hoya – 12/1
Mike Tyson – 25/1
Canelo Alvarez – 33/1
Logan Paul – 100/1
Tommy Fury was set to take on Paul on Saturday before backing out with an injury. John Fury recently threatened Paul to take on his son in March. A bout with Conor McGregor seems unlikely because the UFC star has nothing to prove. Also, Floyd Mayweather took part in a poorly displayed exhibition fight against Logan Paul and he should not revisit this idea.
Jake Paul recently took to social media to address Canelo Alvarez. He wrote “I hope you’re training, Canelo” on Twitter but Paul must be careful what he wishes for.
Jake Paul recently defeated Woodley in their second fight. The first came by split decision. This moved his record to 5-0 but the competition has been less than impressive. It began with a win over former NBA player Nate Robinson followed by fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib. Paul then defeated MMA fighter Ben Askren before two victories over Woodley.
Many might not like the act being put on by the Paul brothers but it works and it makes money. At this point, Paul needs to step into the ring with real boxers to gain some credibility. Silva began boxing for the first time since 2005 but there is no doubt that he has the skill to be successful.
Anderson Silva would be a difficult fight for Paul so it will be interesting to see if he would plan for this one. Either way, it is likely that we hear news about Jake Paul’s next opponent early in 2022.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
WATCH: Martins Licis and Justin Medeiros Crush Massive Deadlifts In Workout
Martins Licis and Justin Medeiros put up enormous weight during a workout.
It is not everyday that Strongman and CrossFit are seen together but this happened when Martins Licis and Justin Medeiros took on a workout. Licis shared a video to his YouTube page on Tuesday of the duo crushing some deadlifts that were upwards of 600 pounds.
The last time these two were together was during the 2021 Rogue Invitational. Licis won gold in the strongman competition and set a new world record in Thor’s Hammer with a 136kg (300lb) lift. Medeiros was victorious during the CrossFit event. They continue to be some of the best in their own sport.
Licis won the 2019 World’s Strongest Man competition while Medeiros was named the 2021 Fittest Man on Earth. At XCEL Fitness in Holladay, UT, the duo got together to show off some impressive deadlifts.
[embedded content]
Heading into the holidays, it is only right that they showed off their festive spirit. Medeiros was seen wearing an elf’s hat while Licis went all out with a full Santa Claus costume. The session began with some rows on the machine while a makeshift Bag Toss was being set up. Medeiros was discussing the importance of warm-ups and how they can impact the workout.
“I do the same warm-up, which is, I do pigeon stretches, some runner’s lunge, some windshield wipers. I also got a gluten band for gluten activation, monster walks, banded squats, and sumo squats. After that, I’m probably good to go,” Justin Medeiros said.
Once the Bag Toss, which is a strongman event, was set up, Licis explained that the best throws will feel effortless. He cleared the crossbeam with a 20-pound bag while Medeiros was unsuccessful.
The two quickly moved onto deadlifts with some serious weight. Licis told the group to pause below the knee to make sure that there was complete control. Medeiros began with a 500-pound deadlift, which is nearly three times his bodyweight. His weight at the time of the list was not said but he is listed at 190 pounds on the CrossFit website.
Martins Licis was next and completed five reps with 605 pounds. Licis has been lifting heavy in the gym preparing for the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic. He will enter the competition as one of the favorites to take home the prize.
The session ended with one-minute Each bike challenges. The full workout can be viewed on Licis’ YouTube page.
Martins Licis will be back in action from March 3-6 during the Arnold Strongman Classic. Justin Medeiros is in his offseason but is preparing for the 2022 CrossFit Open, which begins on Feb. 24.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Best CBD Supplements For Muscle & Recovery (Updated 2021)
See which CBD topicals and other post-workout products help alleviate unwanted muscle pain, support pain relief, and aid in recovery.
The CBD (Cannabidiol) industry is hot right now and products like CBD oil are popping up literally everywhere with great post-workout benefits towards muscle and recovery, especially for bodybuilding! This new craze has hit everyone by storm but athletes especially are thrilled with this new product. As a safe and effective way to handle all muscle pain, support muscle and pain relief, and aid in recovery after post-workout soreness, it is no wonder why athletes utilize CBD to boost performance. Without the fear of failing a test for competition or putting something harmful in their bodies, CBD has come to the rescue to ensure all of your health and wellness needs are taken care of to ensure a happy and healthier quality of life and better bodybuilding results post-workout.
CBD comes in many forms which include oils, salves, capsules, gummies, lollipops, vapes, and topicals. But, many are not real CBD and you must be very cautious. A lot of companies are capitalizing on the new market for CBD products and selling bad products for a profit. That’s why it is more than important to make sure each label is accurate and honest before trying any new product. Any good company will be open about the labels and seek not a profit, but the opportunity to better their consumers’ lives, pre, during, and post-workout.
We’ve put together a list of the Best CBD Supplements for 2021 so you can find the best products to help with your muscle pain, recovery and muscle soreness, muscle growth and maintenance, overall health, and wellness to promote bodybuilding goals post-workout. From tinctures, to topicals, gummies, and capsules, everything you want is right here and waiting for you try.
Best CBD Supplements For Muscle & Recovery 2021
Best Overall CBD Tincture
For those who want to take their CBD supplement orally, a quality tincture is the way to go. With great flavors and the ability to work quickly, this is another great recovery option for those post-workout needs.
cbdMD 1,500mg CBD Oil Tincture
Type Of Application
Tincture
CBD Dosage
1,500mg
Best Way To Take/Use
Take 1 serving (1mL) and place it under your tongue. Let it sit for a moment before swallowing.
cbdMD 750mg CBD Oil Tincture delivers a Superior Broad Spectrum CBD formula with natural MCT carrier oil that works to boost your health and wellness every time you take it, especially for bodybuilding post-workout. Packed with supporting cannabinoids and terpenes, this tincture offers a host of benefits like supporting calmness, enhancing recovery, managing stress, and allowing you to function on a day to day basis at a high level with minimal to no muscle pain. Made from USA-grown industrial hemp, this is third party tested, gluten-free, and vegan, making this a trusted and honest supplement.
Code GENIRON For 15% Off
cbdMD 1,500mg CBD Oil Tincture is packed with supporting cannabinoids and terpenes to promote calmness, recovery, and stress relief. This delivers a superior broad spectrum CBD formula with natural MCT carrier oil for added support.
Pros
Superior Broad Spectrum CBD formula
Great benefits and supporting cannabinoids
USA-grown hemp and third party tested
Gluten-free and vegan
Cons
Premium priced option
Price: $89.99
Use the promo code GENIRON for 15% off! Also, check out our individual review here!
Best Overall CBD Topical
A great topical can provide awesome benefits for you can apply directly on the sore spots. Perfect for post-workout recovery, this will greatly enhance your recovery process.
cbdMD Recover
Type Of Application
Topical
CBD Dosage
3,000mg
Best Way To Take/Use
Wash and dry the skin area and apply a generous amount of cream. Massage until it is fully absorbed.
cbdMD Recover is a fantastic pain relief cream to help relieve minor muscle aches and discomfort. It will work to warm the sore spot while also hydrating dry skin with the help of histamine dihydrochloride. A carefully crafted formula with Superior Broad Spectrum CBD uses high quality hemp extracts with only the best in manufacturing practices. Available in four CBD concentrations and three different applicators, this CBD cream with skin moisturizers is perfect for fighting muscle pain and helping you recover post-workout.
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cbdMD Recover is a great pain relief cream to help relieve minor aches and discomfort. A carefully crafted formula, this uses high quality hemp extracts with only the best manufacturing practices.
Pros
Great formula of CBD and histamine dihydrochloride
Made from high quality hemp extracts
Available in four concentrations
Cons
Premium-priced option
Price: $129.99
Use the promo code GENIRON for 15% off!
Best CBD Tincture For Sleep Recovery
Sleep is vital for growth and recovery and sometimes our busy schedules can keep us up at night. A great CBD supplement geared towards sleep recovery will ensure a quality sleep so you can maximize those gains.
Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural Drops
Type Of Application
Tincture
CBD Dosage
300mg
Best Way To Take/Use
Take 1 full dropper every six hours or as needed. Place under your tongue and swallow.
Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural Drops is an original strength Broad Spectrum blend of active cannabinoids in a concentrated, all-natural tincture. With many ways to take, this can help with fast acting muscle relief from exercise and other activities and works to promote the best sleep recovery around and is great for bodybuilding post-workout. Using MCT oil, it helps the body absorb everything better so you can effectively tackle all of your body’s needs. With great benefits to promoting calmness, enhancing physical and mental wellbeing, muscle relief from exercise, and increasing your chances for a better sleep, this is a great tincture to work for sleep and recovery for post-workout muscle soreness.
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Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural Drops is an all-natural tincture for fast acting muscle relief. Along with MCT oil, this allows for better absorption to promote calmness, sleep, and post-workout soreness.
Pros
Original strength Broad Spectrum blend
Concentrated and all-natural
MCT oil works to absorb faster
Great price
Cons
Only available through their website
Price: $29.99
Use the promo code generationiron for 20% off!
Best Overall CBD For Weight Loss
As CBD is studied more and more, its benefits towards weight loss is interesting to explore. Paired with other great fat burning ingredients, CBD may be the key to your weight loss needs.
PFX Labs ShredCBD
Type Of Application
Capsule
CBD Dosage
1,200mg
Best Way To Take/Use
Take 1 capsule by mouth 1-3 times daily.
PFX Labs ShredCBD is a brand new design for CBD supplements used to help target body fat while also promoting energy, focus, sleep, performance, and overall wellbeing. With 20mg of premium pure CBD isolate in each capsule, this formula also includes 3 powerful fat burning ingredients to give you the best chance at weight loss. With zero unwanted side effects and a large number of benefits to more than just fat loss, ShredCBD is making waves as an innovative way to get rid of that unwanted fat to start seeing a shredded physique with that hard earned bodybuilding muscle pre, during, and post-workout.
PFX Labs ShredCBD is a brand new design to help target fat loss while also promoting things like focus, sleep, and overall performance. With three powerful fat burning ingredients, no unwanted side effects ensures a safe supplement.
Pros
CBD isolate and three powerful fat burning ingredients
Great benefits towards fat loss, inflammation, performance, and more
Made in the USA in a GMP certified facility
Cons
Research is still in its infancy
Only available in the USA
Price: $46.00
Best CBD Topical For Recovery
Recovery is key and with a good recovery routine you can be sure to bounce back faster and avoid those unwanted injuries that exercise can cause. With a topical ready to go, a quick application can alleviate all that soreness.
Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream
Type Of Application
Topical
CBD Dosage
750mg
Best Way To Take/Use
Apply cream into affected areas and rub in.
Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream is a carefully formulated and balanced combination of THC-free, high quality broad spectrum CBD and pain fighting, anti-inflammatory botanicals perfect for your bodybuilding goals post-workout. With advanced ingredients and a unique, richly moisturizing cream, you can start to tackle those unwanted muscle aches and joint pains. With great benefits towards relieving exercise muscle pain and muscle aches, everyday activity, physical and mental well-being, and total wellness, this topical is the right addition to your routine to alleviate muscle pain and aid in recovery and muscle relief.
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Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream is a carefully formulated and balanced pain relief cream that is THC free. Great for tackling muscle pain and aches, as well as total well-being, this topical is perfect for you.
Pros
Balanced THC-free and high quality broad spectrum CBD
Anti-inflammatory botanical add advanced ingredients
Rich moisturizing cream
Great for relieving pain
Cons
Premium-priced option
Only available directly from their website
Price: $69.99
Use the promo code generationiron for 20% off!
Best Overall CBD Gummies
Gummies are another great way to get all the benefits of CBD into your body quickly. Great flavors matched with different concentrations will ensure all those needs are met.
cbdMD 750mg Gummies
Type Of Application
Edible
CBD Dosage
750mg
Best Way To Take/Use
Take 1 or 2 gummies a day and gradually increase as needed.
cbdMD 750mg Gummies provide a delicious way for you to get Superior Broad Spectrum CBD into your body for optimal effectiveness post-workout. This formula includes additional cannabinoids and plant terpenes to deliver a high quality and consistent supplement perfect for bodybuilding. Third party tested for quality and purity, while also being gluten-free and vegan, the many flavors and three different concentrations make these gummies extremely sought after.
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cbdMD 750mg Gummies are a delicious way to deliver high-quality CBD for any post-workout needs. It is third party tested for quality and purity so you know you are getting only the best.
Pros
Superior Broad Spectrum CBD with additional cannabinoids and plant terpenes
Third party tested
Gluten-free and vegan
Great flavors and three different concentrations
Cons
Premium-priced option
Price: $59.99
Use the promo code GENIRON for 15% off!
What Is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid derived from cannabis. It’s often the second most prevalent ingredient to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in which the latter causes the “high” effect. But, most CBD is extracted from industrial hemp which contains fewer amounts of THC, and therefore it won’t make you “high” (1).
There are also many other cannabinoids alongside CBD and THC but these two have the notable effects alongside other types of CBD.
What Makes Up CBD Supplements & Other Ingredients
Phytocannabinoids: Naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant and can help with inflammation, muscle relief, and muscle soreness.
Terpenes: The natural essential oils found in plants and each has it’s own unique properties. They can bind to receptors in the brain and increase dopamine and promote other benefits.
Flavonoids: Compounds that give plants their color and can help with inflammation for muscle pain and pain relief.
MCT Oil: Derived from fat called medium-chain triglycerides sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. It allows for better absorption so your body gets all the benefits faster.
Benefits Of CBD On Muscle, Recovery & More
CBD has many benefits towards our physical and mental health and are absolutely worth knowing when looking to buy the right CBD supplement for you. For bodybuilding, our bodies go through a lot and working with great supplements to tackle muscle pain and pain relief is more than important, especially post-workout.
Relieve muscle pain: Helps by regulating the endocannabinoid system in which pain is a function. It can impact receptors and reduce inflammation and chronic pain while promoting pain relief to enhance your bodybuilding goals post-workout (2).
Reduce anxiety and depression: A more natural approach to treating mental health, it can act on the brain’s receptors to transmit serotonin, which makes you feel good.
Promotes better sleep: Can help you sleep through the night and improve the overall quality of your sleep and work for pain relief post-workout (3).
Helps with skin issues: Since CBD acts an anti-inflammatory, skin issues like acne may be handled since different glands do not become as infected.
Support immune system: Keeps your immune system alert and allows antibodies to react effectively to anything foreign (4).
How Does CBD Work
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is essential for bodily homeostasis and maintaining a healthy biological environment in response to internal and external factors (5).
Composed of cannabinoid signaling molecules, the eCB system plays a big role when it comes to mood, sleep, post-workout muscle pain, appetite, immune system functioning, and all functions at the cellular level and beyond. So, it acts as a bridge between the body and mind which helps to further explain neuro plasticity and external factors as an influence on our mental state of health (6).
CBD can bind to the endocannabinoid receptors to aid in the regulation of homeostasis and this is why many people use a supplement. But, its effects are pronounced in many cases, offering obvious positive changes.
Some Types Of CBD
Full-spectrum
Full-spectrum cannabidiol is extracted from the cannabis plant but the terpenes, cannabinoids, fatty acids, flavanoids, and other plant matter remain attached. Full spectrum CBD is a “full-spectrum” of compounds is what often causes the “entourage effect”. Cannabinoids have therapeutic and psychoactive effects and include both CBD and THC, while terpenes provide cannabis with its fragrance.
Flavonoids offer benefits like anti-inflammatory aids for your muscle and neuroprotective properties which are great for bodybuilding post-workout. The entourage effect is when all of these work together to maximize the benefits for you and make up full spectrum CBD and full spectrum hemp from CBD oil products and the effects of CBD on health benefits like alleviating chronic muscle pain.
Full-spectrum CBD does have 0.3% or less of THC but CBD isolate is purified through a process which makes it a THC-free substance (7).
Isolate
CBD isolate requires a purification process before it makes it to shelves. But, when it’s extracted from the plant, all of the plant matter is still intact. But, when this full-spectrum CBD is purified through an additional process, you’re left with 99% pure CBD.
This process creates a flavorless, odorless, pure white power containing zero THC. The benefits of CBD isolate are that it is in fact THC free and is cheaper than other forms of CBD. It is easy to take, less messy than other oils, and can be used to make your own products making this a very versatile form of CBD for all things muscle and recovery related to alleviate that post workout muscle soreness.
Are There Side Effects?
It’s always a good idea to consult with your primary care physician before introducing any new substances into your dietary regimen. This is especially important if you suffer with any health issues. Although CBD can be relatively safe as a whole, it is important to remember that everyone is different and everyone reacts differently to any supplement. Always be sure to read the instructions and labels to know exactly what you are getting and exactly what you are taking to ensure a quality product leads to a higher quality of life.
If you experience any undesirable side effects while taking CBD, stop use and seek a doctor’s advice to ensure you don’t worsen any symptoms. Don’t rely on the Internet to self diagnose especially when it comes to your health. Trust the experts and work to benefit yourself.
Interactions with certain medications and some side effects from use are always a possibility. So, taking the necessary precautions beforehand is always advised for your safety. If you do take other medications, check before hand to see if there is a history of them interacting with CBD in a negative way so you know what you are getting into.
Some of the side effects possible with CBD use include:
Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Changes in appetite
Anxiety
Nausea
Mood changes
And that’s why it’s even more important to make sure you’re getting a pure product, which contains actual CBD. There’s no point in suffering through poor side effects because of a poorly made product. Top tier companies will work to give you the best chance at succeeding with all of your goals and offer products of nothing but the highest quality and test results.
How Much Are These CBD Supplements?
The right CBD supplements may seem expensive, but it is possible to find a great product at an affordable price. While those premium and top tier products may seem too out of your reach, knowing how much it is and how much it is per serving may make it seem more reasonable. We broke down each of the supplements on this list with the overall price and price per serving to give you a chance to compare and see what is feasible for your needs.
Category
Product
Price
Why We Love It
Best Overall CBD Tincture
cbdMD 1,500mg CBD Oil Tincture
Price: $89.99
Per Serving: $2.96
A great formula with awesome benefits that is third party tested.
Best Overall CBD Topical
cbdMD Recover
Price: $129.99
Made with quality hemp extracts and available in four different concentrations.
Best CBD Tincture For Sleep Recovery
Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural Drops
Price: $29.99
Per Serving: $0.99
All natural with MCT oil to absorb faster at a great price.
Best Overall CBD For Weight Loss
PFX Labs ShredCBD
Price: $46.00
Per Serving: $0.76
Powerful fat burning ingredients and solid benefits to performance and fat loss.
Best CBD Topical For Recovery
Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream
Price: $69.99
Advanced ingredients for fighting inflammation and great for relieving pain.
Best Overall CBD Gummies
cbdMD 750mg Gummies
Price: $59.99
Per Serving: $1.99
Great flavors with different concentrations while being third party tested.
What To Consider Before Buying
There are a few things to consider before buying CBD supplements to give you a boost for better gains, but to also ensure the best for your overall health. Things to consider before buying include:
Strength Of The Supplement
Knowing the strength of your CBD supplement will help you to know just how it will affect you. Those stronger dosages may not work for you, and while you might not have crazy side effects, it is important for your health to know that a lower dose may be better for you.
Potential Side Effects
Any side effects that may arise when using CBD is important to consider before buying. Through research and hearing other peoples’ recommendations, you can better understand what side effects may strike and how best to handle them.
What Type Of Product
You should know what type of product you are looking for, whether that be a topical, tincture, gummy, or other potential sources, knowing exactly what you’re looking for will help your gains and overall health.
Price Per Serving
Knowing how much you are getting per serving will be a huge factor in what you buy. As these supplements can get expensive, it is important to be aware, so you don’t suffer any extra cost that just isn’t worth paying.
How We Choose
When looking at the best CBD supplements, especially for muscle and recovery, we wanted to offer a variety of different forms which is why this list contains tinctures, topicals, gummies, and capsules. Everyone has a preference on what they enjoy and this list reflects that. We looked at the reputation of each company to make sure each was high-quality and using top tier ingredients and CBD for each product. The effectiveness of each product was important to us as well, for you deserve to have the best supplements on your side. Price is always important because it is possible to get great supplements without totally breaking the bank.
FAQ Section
What is the best way to take CBD?
There isn’t one best way to take this supplement. It really is a personal preference which is why we included options for a variety of forms. From tinctures, to topicals, gummies, and capsules, you can decide which is the best form for you. Those with muscle pain, for example, may seek a topical to apply directly on the sore spot and this is a great approach for bodybuilding.
How do I properly dose CBD?
When it comes to dosing CBD, always look at the directions label on your product. The company will tell you amount and most likely the best time to take said supplement. If the recommended dose feels too low, then consider talking with an expert and find an appropriate amount that is over the serving size.
Is there such thing as taking too much CBD?
Taking too much CBD can increase the possibility of negative effects occurring. While CBD has minimal side effects, if any at all, taking too high of a dose only puts you in a position to spur some of those on and you just don’t need that.
How long does it take for CBD to kick in?
This all depends on the form you take it in and the potency of the product. Typically, smoking or vape form is the fastest approach with topicals occurring rather quickly as well. Oral ingestion tends to be the slowest but longest lasting. For bodybuilding, you should choose which one will work best for you.
Wrap Up
CBD is a promising health aid and as research continues, we’ll have even more information about its potential healing power and real potential to aid with muscle and recovery needs for your bodybuilding goals and pain relief. The use of CBD is increasing in popularity at lightning speed but it has helped so many people deal with their ailments and can help you with whatever you may be suffering from. Work to stop pain and alleviate stress with these great products to give yourself a better, more healthier quality of life and even greater bodybuilding results.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References
MD, Peter Grinspoon (2018). “Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t.” (source).
Boyaji, Shafik; Merkow, Justin; Elman, R. N.; Kaye, Alan D.; et al. (2020). “The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Chronic Pain Management: An Assessment of Current Evidence”. (source)
Shannon, Scott; Lewis, Nicole; Lee, Heather; Hughes, Shannon (2019). “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series”. (source)
Nichols, James M.; Kaplan, Barbara L. F. (2020). “Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol”. (source)
“Human Endocannabinoid System – UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative – Los Angeles, CA.” (source)
“Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System – NORML – Working to Reform Marijuana Laws.” norml.org.
Marinotti, Osvaldo; Sarill, Miles (2020). “Differentiating Full-Spectrum Hemp Extracts from CBD Isolates: Implications for Policy, Safety and Science”. (source)
Will Smith Joins Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa For Training Session
Will Smith is continuing his fitness journey and did so on the football field.
We have seen Will Smith attack the basketball court on numerous occasions for Bel-Air Academy during The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. Now, he has taken his workouts to the football field. Smith joined Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a recent workout as he continues to get in shape.
Smith showed off his dadbod back in May and claimed that he was in the “worst shape of his life.” The Hollywood star has committed to getting back into shape and he was tested by a young NFL quarterback.
Tagovailoa was taken with the fifth-overall pick by the Dolphins during the 2020 NFL Draft. He has taken over as the full-time starter in Miami and knows a thing or two about staying in shape. This stems from his time playing for Nick Saban at Alabama. In a recent video posted to Smith’s YouTube page, the duo gets together in Miami for a training session.
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Tagovailoa quickly breaks down his schedule before the workout begins. The quarterback typically trains legs and upper body on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday is used as a balance and proprioception day. The duo enjoys a Kava drink before getting in some stretching before the workout begins.
Will Smith continues to follow Tagovailoa as they perform dumbbell bench presses and side planks. This is followed by some lying lateral raises and reverse crunches. This word into Tagovailoa’s plan as he trains hard four days a week with weights and cardio each morning.
Smith has not been shy about sharing his fitness journey for his 57 million Instagram followers to see. In a post on Wednesday, Smith is seen catching some passes from Tagovailoa and jokes about his impact on the Dolphins’ current win streak.
“I’m not saying me training with @tuaman has anything to do with @miamidolphins 6 game winning streak but I’m just sayinnnn’ ;-)”
After a 1-7 start for Miami and Smith being unhappy with the shape he was in back in May, both have made tremendous progress. The Dolphins have now won six in a row getting them back into the postseason race in the AFC. Smith has been putting himself through strenuous workouts to get back into shape. It seems to be working for both.
Will Smith is one of the best and most popular actors in Hollywood. It is unknown what is on tap for 2022 but with the way Smith is ending this calendar year, it seems as though he is going to be in great shape.