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Top-rated Weight Lifting Belts On Amazon in 2021
Independent research conducted by our team has revealed that Amazon has some of the best weight lifting belts in 2021. We have tested some of these items so our list of belts is dependable. There are several factors one needs to consider before buying a lifting belt and our criteria are based on those factors.
They include:
Stability.
Comfort.
Toughness.
First off, what role do lifting belts play in weight lifting? Well, the primary role of the belts is to prevent injury that results from lifting heavier weights. If you were to lift a weight about your weight without a belt, chances are that your spinal discs will be compressed too much and get injured. A lifting belt reduces the compressive forces that act on your spinal discs, thus protecting against injury. Additionally, the belt gives the lifter stability by ensuring that the center of gravity does not shift while lifting a heavy load.
Bodybuilders develop injuries as a result of poor lifting, which entails lifting too much heavier weights, lifting quickly, or lifting at the wrong angle. All these mistakes have one effect on the lifter’s body; putting intense stress on the lower back. Although a belt may not help much in the case of lifting super heavy loads, it comes in handy when you lift quickly and lifting at the wrong angle.
Related Article:: 10 Best Suspension Training Kits: Your Easy Buying Guide
All lifting belts serve the same purpose, but effectiveness varies with design and quality. Here are some of the best weight lifting belts on Amazon in 2021.
ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt
It comes first on our list because of the quality and stability it offers when lifting. ProFitness workout belt gives adequate support when doing exercises such as squats, deadlifts, cross-training, and more. Made with genuine, tough leather, this belt will guarantee you many years of service without showing a single sign of wearing out. The belt’s improved form and technique are also worth noting. In addition to preventing injuries, ProFitness also helps maintain strength and stability in every set. If you’re looking to have a strong back, this belt will ultimately take you there since it helps sustain strong abdominals and build core muscles.
> > ProFitness Genuine Leather Workout Belt Dark Iron Fitness Lifting Belt Harbinger Women’s Weightlifting Belt RDX Weightlifting Belt DMoose Fitness Dip Belt Schiek Sports Model Weight lifting Belt Valeo 4-Inch Weight Lifting Belts Dip Weight Lifting Belt with Chain Inzer Advance Designs Forever Lever Belt
Top 20 Heavy Weight Equipment for Powerlifting on Amazon
Powerlifting is no easy task especially if you’re ill-equipped. For the longest time now Amazon has become a powerhouse when it comes to powerlifting equipment. You will not only get quality equipment but you also be sure to find one that is aesthetically fit for the job. We are always indebted to provide bodybuilders with the ultimate list of amazon products to serve all their needs. It is important to note that our list is based on the user experience, specifically on the product’s review section. Here are the top 20 heavy equipment for powerlifting you can find on Amazon.
1. Hulkfit Olympic 2-Inch Hex Weight Lifting Trap Bar
This trap bar is expertly designed to fit a standard 2-inch belt on a 1.97-inch load diameter. The product comes in two designs-open and regular to serve all your powerlifting needs. Also, the bar has a capacity of more than 1000 pounds; thanks to the heavy-duty steel material sit is made from.
> > Hulkfit Trap Bar Raydem Resistance Bands Synergee Farmer Walk Handles Self-locking Weightlifting Belt Adidas Men’s HVC Wrestling Shoe Iron Chest Master Push-up Machine 7mm Thick Knee Sleeves Sling Shot Mark Bell Elbow Sleeves YoungLA Men’s Running Shorts Marcy Flat Weight Bench HarderWill Deadlift Jack Alternative ASIMASN Pull-Up Bands Fat Gripz Pro Cap 7-Feet Olympic Bar I WILL AESTHETICS Weight Lifting Hooks Powerlix Elbow Brace Compression Support Mava Sports Knee Wrap Powerlifting Belt/ Weight Lifting Belt Xonyicof Fitness Dip Belt Whatafit Pull Up Assist
Anterior Pelvic Tilt Fix for Bodybuilders
There have been many instances of pelvic tilt among people with poor sitting positions or those who sit for many hours. Research has shown that most people with this problem are either office workers or people who spend hours playing computer games, but it also affects bodybuilders. The condition manifests itself in later stages when it starts affecting several aspects of a person’s life, but is barely noticeable when it starts setting in. The anterior pelvic tilt colloquially referred to as APT, is characterized by an inward curving of the pelvic bone. The person may also show signs of a protruding abdomen. Anterior pelvic is related to two other pelvic conditions-posterior pelvic tilt and lateral pelvic tilt. Although not very common, these two other pelvic tilts affect the way a person walks, kicks, or runs.
Scientifically, anterior pelvic tilt occurs when there is a slight dislocation or shortening of the pelvis such that the front and back regions of the pelvis are not aligned. That means the person’s walking or running will be affected. Additionally, the person may develop weak abdominal muscles and glutes if the condition is not fixed in its early stages. Some people with a pelvic tilt have also reported pain in the lower back, knees, and legs. The anterior pelvic tilt is also linked to involuntary hip and knee movement. That is not to mention the obvious sign- improper posture.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt Test
How does one whether they have an anterior pelvic tilt or not? Well, you may not notice it through posture until sometime later. However, several scientific tests have been proposed, one of them being the Thomas Test. Here is how to conduct the test:
Lie on your back, on a sturdy stable, with your legs hanging off the table.
Raise your left leg and put it on the table, hold it still with your hand.
Pull the leg towards your chest slowly until it touches it.
Check if the back of the other leg is resting on the table.
Repeat the procedure with the other leg.
If you have a pelvic tilt, the back of the leg hanging off the stable will be slightly lift off it. You will notice that you have to shift to keep it from lifting off the stable. A person with a normal pelvic will not have trouble keeping the leg rested until you release the other.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt Fixes
There are several ways you can fix a pelvic tilt without necessarily undergoing surgery. Most of these fixes are done with physical exercises. However, you need to be careful with the type/intensity of the exercise if you have back pain. You don’t want to make the pain worse by doing strenuous exercises which you think will give quick results. Strengthening the muscles will not always fix a pelvic tilt, strengthening the posterior pelvic tilt does. There are a couple of ways you can use to achieve this.
Must Read:: Training Template by Lift Run Bang
1. Press Your Back Against the Ground
The first step in fixing a pelvic tilt is practicing to press your back against the ground. People with a severe tilt will not find this easy, so it will take a lot of exercises to finally push your back against the ground. To achieve this easily, you need to lie your back on a sturdy surface that is soft enough for you. Now fold your legs at the knee and straighten your hands on the sides. Remain in that position for as long as you can.
2. Contract your Glutes While Standing
Squeezing your glutes will make your posture appear a bit more natural from some angles. Stand with your feet together and keep your hands relaxed at the sides. Now push your hips down and back as you stretch your hands in front of you. Go as low as you can and only stop when your back starts to hurt. Take a rest for 30 seconds and repeat the procedure. You can do five to 10 rounds every day to master it fully.
3. Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach
It has been found that sleeping on your stomach will likely extend your front pelvis. It is even worse if you support your head with your hands or pillow. But sleeping on your back does not only make you comfortable but will also ensure you don’t develop a pelvic tilt. You may feel comfortable sleeping with your stomach you must not make it a habit. If you have to, then don’t do so for long hours. Start sleeping on your side and transition to your back and you will master it with time.
Must Read:: The Importance of Sleep for Bodybuilders
4. Perform More Hamstring Exercises
These exercises are meant to stretch muscles found in your lower back. The exercises may not necessarily make APT go away but they’ll ensure you have a painless back, even with the condition. Additionally, hamstring exercises ensure your muscles don’t lose their flexibility when you assume the same posture for long. Here is how to perform a simple hamstring exercise:
Look for a standard-height table.
Sit on it and straighten your back.
Stretch one leg forward and support it at the back of the knee with your hand. Hold in that apposition for 30 seconds.
Repeat with the other leg.
Do 10 to 15 sets every day.
5. Half-Kneeling Stretches.
Half-kneeling stretches will not only increase the flexibility of your hip joints but will also strengthen lower back muscles. Additionally, the stretches are ideal for people with anterior pelvic tilt because you allow your back to move according to the knee’s movement. Here is how to perform a simple half-knee stretch:
Go down on your knees.
Straighten your back.
Lunge with one leg as the other rests on the floor.
Tighten your abdominal muscles as you squeeze your glutes.
Move your pelvis forward until you feel the stress.
Rest for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg lunged.
Do 10 to 15 sets of the exercise every day.
6. Roll the Foam
Foam rolling is one of the most popular exercises in our gyms. Little do most people know it can be used to fix several physical conditions. Rolling the form on your entire back will not only relax the back muscles but can also fix anterior pelvic tilt. To perform the exercise, find foam and lie on your back, your hands hanging freely, and your feet on the flow. Slowly roll the foam from the middle–back to the lower back for as long as you’re comfortable.
7. Rear Leg Raise Exercises
Weak heap and abdominal muscles are some of the symptoms of anterior pelvic tilt. Rear leg raise exercises help tighten these groups of muscles, thus helping you improve your stability. The exercises may be a little strenuous but you don’t have to do them intensely. Follow this procedure to perform them.
Start by getting to all fours on an exercise mat or carpet.
Take a deep breath and exhale, squeezing your stomach muscles in the process.
Take the back of your right knee with the right hand, then tilt towards the left.
Slowly pull the leg forward until you feel the tension.
Repeat with the left leg.
As you perform the exercises, make sure to remain in the position for 20 seconds. Also, take 30 second rests between rounds to avoid getting fatigued quickly. You can do 5 sets of these exercises every day.
8. Simple Squats
Squats are a great way of exercising but they can also help with APT. There is nothing much to explain about squats because almost everyone has done it at some point. But people with this condition could not be in a position to do them right, so we will explain.
Stand upright with your legs slightly apart.
Stretch your hands forward, perpendicular to your body.
Slowly push your hips back and down until feeling the tension.
Remain in that position for 15 seconds.
Rest for 10 seconds and go again.
Make sure you do the squats frequently to realize results. Most importantly, only do rounds you can manage to avoid putting a strain on your lower back.
9. Hip Muscle Flexing Stretches
These exercises are meant to strengthen the hip muscles but can also help with lower back pain. However, you have to be careful not to put too much strain on that region because it could weaken it further. The exercises are simple but you need to do them consistently however easy they may seem.
Stand upright and stretch your hands outwards.
Put your right leg forward and make sure the knee makes a right angle.
Move your body forward towards the knelt knee and tighten stomach muscles.
Keep moving until you feel the tension.
Remain in that position for 15 seconds.
Change to the left leg and repeat the procedure.
Do 10 to 15 sets.
Related Article:: Get Rid of Stretch Marks During the Steroid Cycle or Post Steroid Cycle?
When to See a Doctor?
Anterior pelvic tilt can interfere with many aspects of your life if it goes unchecked for long. For instance, the condition could rob you of your favorite sport. Additionally, most people who develop a pelvic tilt at later stages of their lives tend to lose their confidence. If the condition happens to reach that far, then it about time you booked an appointment with a doctor. The doctor may not necessarily recommend surgery but they will help you choose exercises that are most appropriate for your condition. That will help you avoid extreme exercises that will do more harm than good to you.
Overall
It is important to know that anterior pelvic tilt is not a disability but a severe case that may affect a person’s life significantly. Luckily, the exercises discussed above can help you manage its more severe symptoms such as the back, knee, and hip pain. The exercises will also prevent the weakening of the stomach and hip muscles which are caused by APT.
Brutal Force SBULK: The Ultimate Testosterone Booster
Testosterone is a very important hormone in both men and women, although men tend to have higher levels than women. Even so, both genders can boost their naturally-occurring testosterone level significantly by using dietary supplements containing synthesized testosterone. Bodybuilders have a lot to gain from taking testosterone boosters given the nature of their career. Brutal Force SBULK is a steroid booster that has been tried and tested when it comes to muscle growth. Additionally, the hormone gives you immense energy to lift heavier weights and perform extreme workouts you wouldn’t do with other products. It also boosts sex drive, helps get rid of excess fat without losing fat, among many benefits. So, should you know about SBULK?
Brutal Force SBULK – Overview
SBULK is a top-rated testosterone booster that is different from your regular supplements in many ways. It is primarily made from natural ingredients with the potential to increase your testosterone levels significantly. The product is exclusively meant for people who want to surpass their natural capabilities at the gym, specifically bodybuilders. However, this supplement can also be used by athletes from other sports. SBULK has gained popularity due to its ability to show impressive results within just a few days. It comes in tablets that can be swallowed with water, chewed, or crushed and mixed with your favorite drink.
What SBULK Does for You?
SBULK comes with monumental benefits that befit every bodybuilder; whether you’re a beginner or pro. Below are some of the things you should expect once you start taking the supplement.
1. Build Lean Muscle – with SBULK
SBULK helps sculpt your body by providing you with the necessary lean muscle. Bodybuilders who rely on physical workouts only to build lean muscle will confirm to you that it leaves them disadvantaged. Supplements like SBULK are essential in ensuring you can control weights that appear bigger than your size. Additionally, the hormone, which comes in capsules increases muscular energy by more than 50%, thus allowing you to perform intense exercises for long.
2. Burn Excess Fat While Retaining Muscle
More often one loses muscle while trying to get rid of excess fat. That is what happens when you use mediocre, unnatural supplements. With SBULK, you will burn all the fat that is preventing you from getting lean muscle without losing existing muscle. That is because supplement allows you to increase the intensity of your cardio exercises without putting a strain on your muscles. You don’t have to cut too many calories in the diet to lose fat. Just take SBULK regularly and accompany it with strength exercise, then see how that works out for you.
Related Article:: Effective Techniques to Burn Body Fat and Maintain Muscle Mass
3. Recover Faster
There is nothing as frustrating as picking a nasty injury in the middle of a major contest or a few days to the contest. Your only chance of getting back to the competition on time is if you recover faster. Surgical or nonsurgical treatment is your only way out, but the former would normally keep you in bed longer than expected. SBULK has been proven to help athletes such as bodybuilders recover faster and resume their careers on time. However, you can combine it with medical treatment for quick, better results. You also need to take it regularly for the entire period to avoid losing gains made when you started.
4. Massive Energy
Bodybuilding is all about strength and energy. You may have a big body but you need the energy to make it useful. Additionally, you will need to recover your energy after an intense workout or contest. SBULK is made to help you recover lost energy faster than the normal rate. That means you’re going to increase the amount of time you work out, translating to better results. Most importantly, this supplement helps older people have energy comparable to that of a youth. So, if you miss your youthful years, be sure to have memories flashing back after using SBULK.
5. Builds Confidence
We only need a little confidence to do the things we have been afraid to do. If you have contemplating lifting a certain weight but fear of the unknown keeps creeping in, all you need is SBULK to overcome that fear. SBULK gives you immense confidence and self-esteem to push your limits as far as workouts are concerned. additionally, that confidence radiates to other areas of your life outside the gyms, including your social life. You should probably try this product if you think you’re an introvert. It might shock you to realize that you aren’t one after all.
6. Higher Sex Drive
Do you feel like you’re becoming a disappointment in the bedroom? Well, it is probably because your energy is draining faster than you can replace. It could be due to stress, sickness, or a poor feeding habit. All these factors can make your steroid levels drop drastically. If you’re looking for something to pump blood through your veins fast, then you need SBULK. Your body will process it much faster than it does other substances and all you’re left with is BRUTAL FORCE. Your sex life will never be the same again once you start including SBULK in your diet. The only thing you need to worry about is taking excess of it to impress your partner. Only take the recommended amount and everything will be just fine.
Must Read:: What Are The Best Drugs For Pro-Sexual Effects?
Why SBULK?
SBULK is not your ordinary testosterone booster. The product has been expertly manufactured to meet all your bodybuilding needs without causing harm to your body. Due to the massive energy gains associated with testosterone, small amounts of the hormone are produced by the body every day. However, because males can tolerate higher amounts of the hormone than females, the amounts produced by the male body can increase significantly depending on the activity they do. 6 milligrams of testosterone is enough for the average male, but believe it or not, that amount produces tremendous energy in males who are below 20 years. That is because their naturally-occurring testosterone is much higher than in older men.
Older males tend to produce less of the hormone as years go by and that is not enough to sustain the workouts they are used to. To correct this deficit, they are advised to take supplements that boost testosterone levels. They will then be able to carry out their usual activities, including workouts even though their bodies are aging. Apart from aging, some other factors such as stress can inhibit testosterone production. Behavioral factors like smoking and poor diet can cause the levels of testosterone to drop significantly in young males. So, whether you’re young or old, you may be forced to boost testosterone levels in your body at some point.
SBULK is your easiest way out if you need to boost your testosterone level for one reason or the other. The best thing about using this product is that you will experience radical changes/benefits in no time.
How Safe is SBULK?
As mentioned earlier, the product is made with natural ingredients that cause no harm to your body. Most importantly, the supplement’s composition is just right; meaning every ingredient has been made standard to create a balance. If you’re worried about nasty side effects, then worry no more because the formula is no different from your usual diet. But you shouldn’t worry about mild side effects in case they occur. Every new substance, including prescription drugs, causes your body to react. If you feel the effects are getting worse, then it means your body is allergic to one of the components and you should see your doctor immediately. Otherwise, SBULK is a safe product you should take without any doubts.
Is SBULK Legal?
The simple answer is yes. SBULK does not contain any illegal substances that will put you on the wrong side of the law. As mentioned earlier, severally, the supplement’s main components are all-natural substances. The manufacturer has steered clear of any substances that would jeopardize the integrity of the product. So, yes, SBULK is very legal.
Where to Purchase It SBULK?
SBULK is available in your favorite supplement store at a fair price. You can also order the product online and it will be delivered to your doorstep as soon as possible. However, you must be careful not to buy a counterfeit because of the obvious far-reaching consequences. Always ensure you’re getting the product from a recognized/established dealer.
Most importantly, consider purchasing directly from the manufacturer/supplier or their approved affiliates. We highly recommend buying from our shop since the product comes directly from the manufacturer.
Overall
Although it is relatively new in the market, SBULK is climbing the ladder quickly to become the most preferred testosterone booster in the market. Few such products come close to SBULK in helping bodybuilders get lean muscle, lose fat without losing muscle, recover from injury faster, and replace energy. Now that you know critical information about this product, why don’t you make haste and grab a pack while stock lasts? Feel free to ask questions about SBULK through the company’s official website (Brutalforce.com) and get all the answers you need.
Big Ramy Profile & Stats
The biography, life, and accomplishments of Big Ramy
Big Ramy is an Egyptian IFBB pro bodybuilder whose rapid rise to bodybuilding fame culminated in a win at the 2020 Mr. Olympia contest. As a real force in the bodybuilding world, his work ethic and sheer will to be the best has made him a serious contender on the world’s stage.
Below is a complete breakdown of his profile, stats, biography, training and diet regimens.
Full Name: Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay (IFBB Pro Bodybuilder)
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
300 lbs.
6’0”
09/16/1984
Division
Era
Nationality
Open
2010
Egyptian
BIOGRAPHY
Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay is from Alexandria, Egypt. He is a IFBB professional bodybuilder that had a rapid rise to fame when he became pro in just under three years of training.
Mamdouh was a trained fisherman that grew up in a poor area of Egypt. He spent multiple years working in Kuwaiti waters for a living. He decided to attend the ‘Oxygen Gym’ in Kuwait on a whim and fell in love with bodybuilding immediately. His genetics were also perfect for the sport.
As he started to attend the gym more often and work on improving his physique, his friends encouraged him to compete in bodybuilding competitions. He finally accepted their challenge and competed in the 2012 Amateur Olympia in Kuwait City and won. This title gave him his Pro Card, and since then, he has been unstoppable.
Big Ramy made his IFBB Pro debut at the New York Pro in 2014 and won. Following this win, he won several major competitions and came in 1st place at the 2020 Mr. Olympia contest, cementing his place in the history books. Big Ramy has made a huge name for himself and is very popular in the bodybuilding community.
TRAINING
Back Workouts
Big Ramy completes 4-5 sets of each back exercise for 8-15 reps, then he ‘pyramids’ up in the weight for each set as he decreases his repetitions as he sees fit. It is important to rest between sets.
Reverse Grip Lat Pulldown, 4 sets, 10 reps
Seated Cable Row, 4 sets, 8-12 reps
Barbell Or T Bar Row, 4 sets, 10-12 reps
Triceps
Bar Pushdown, 4 sets, 10-12 reps
One-Arm-Dumbbell Extension, 4 sets, 10-12 reps
Rope Pushdown, 4 sets, 12-15 reps
Biceps
Hammer Curl, 4 sets, 10-12 reps
Preacher Curl, 4 sets, 10-12 reps
Rope Curl, 4 sets, 12-15 reps
Leg Workouts
Leg Extensions, 4 sets, 10-12 reps
Squat, 4 sets, 5-8 reps
Leg Press, 4 sets, 10 reps
Machine Squat, 4 sets, 8-10 reps
NUTRITION
Big Ramy has a healthy diet. He consumes a great amount of calories per day to ensure that he doesn’t lose any of his muscle gains. From quality meats, carbohydrates, and fats, he attempts to consume 3,858 calories per day.
Meal 1
12 egg whites
3 whole eggs
8 oz sweet potato
Meal 2
5 oz of rice
8 oz chicken breast
Meal 3
Protein shake
Meal 4
4 whole eggs
8 oz sweet potato
Meal 5
8 oz chicken breast
1 cup brown rice
1 cup sliced pineapple
Meal 6
10 oz salmon
1/2 cup cooked white rice
Meal 7
10 oz steak
Green salad
Meal 8
Protein shake
2 tbsp peanut butter
SUPPLEMENTATION
While Big Ramy uses his own personal choice when it comes to supplements, it is important to always have a solid pre-workout and protein powder to ensure serious energy and muscle pumps while also promoting great gains and recovery. Something like a BCAA intra-workout product is great for maintaining fuel and preserving muscle throughout your workout as you eliminate fatigue, and of course, a creatine supplement can really boost your gains to new heights.
COMPETITION HISTORY
2012 Kuwait Golden Cup – 1st
2012 Amateur Olympia – 1st
2013 New York Pro Championship – 1st
2013 Mr. Olympia – 8th
2014 New York Pro Championship – 1st
2014 Mr. Olympia – 7th
2015 Arnold Classic Brazil – 1st
2015 Mr. Olympia – 5th
2015 Arnold Classic Europe – 4th
2015 EVLS Prague Pro – 2nd
2016 Mr. Olympia – 4th
2016 Arnold Classic Europe – 2nd
2016 IFBB Kuwait Pro – 1st
2016 EVLS Prague Pro – 2nd
2017 Mr. Olympia – 2nd
2017 Arnold Classic Europe – 1st
2018 Mr. Olympia – 6th
2020 Arnold Classic – 3rd
2020 Mr. Olympia – 1st
Jose Raymond’s Warning: Avoid Coaches Who Rely Too Strongly On Drugs
Jose Raymond shares the biggest red flags when choosing a bodybuilding coach.
Jose Raymond has been a competitive bodybuilder since 1993. While he had to step down for a few years due to an injury, he has been actively involved with bodybuilding for nearly 3 decades. So it stands to reason that his advice on what to look for in bodybuilding coaches should be taken seriously. In our latest GI Exclusive, Jose Raymond warns of the biggest red flags to look for when choosing a bodybuilding coach.
Jose Raymond didn’t start working with a bodybuilding coach or guru until he was 37 years old. That’s because he wanted to exhaust every single one of his own resources to see how far he could climb before turning to expert help. That kind of mentality showcases how rigorous and serious Raymond took his own role in bodybuilding. It’s his first tip for young bodybuilders today looking for advice on finding a bodybuilding coach.
Far too often, a bodybuilding coach is seen as a necessary key to success in pro bodybuilding. While a coach can be extremely helpful, they are not a catch-all tool to instantly make a bodybuilder better. At the end of the day, the bodybuilder does the work and follows the plan. So before turning towards a coach, Raymond suggests that a bodybuilder does the work to ensure they have exhausted all personal resources. This way – the bodybuilder will know they are ready to put everything in to working with a coach and succeeding.
Of course, when starting the journey of looking for a coach, the biggest question is who do you trust? There are certainly famous names in bodybuilding with proven pedigrees. But not all bodybuilders will have the luck or opportunity to work with them. In today’s internet landscape, it can be hard to tell the tried and true coaches from the hacks looking to make easy money.
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Check out our GI Exclusive segment with Jose Raymond above!
That’s why Jose Raymond shares some red flags that bodybuilders should look out for when choosing a coach. These are key factors that should give the bodybuilder an immediate warning to stay away and find someone else.
His first tip is to look for a coach that still embraces the basics. While it’s certainly okay for a coach to bring in some groundbreaking material into their practices – they should also respect the basics that work. Science does evolve and opinions on fitness do change but certain fundamentals will always be true. If you find yourself with a coach who is trying to reinvent the wheel and throw away tried and true basics – that should be a warning sign.
Secondly, Jose Raymond believes that a coach who focuses too much on drugs is a red flag. Raymond admits that drugs are always going to be a part of any professional sport. It will be an element for top tier pro athletes. But Jose Raymond believes that more recently, the importance of drugs has become overstated. Many bodybuilders go into a coaching relationship only looking for a drug protocol. That is not the main thing a coach should be doing.
So Jose Raymond’s advice is to turn away from any coach that claims he can provide a drug protocol that will make you successful. More is not always better when it comes to drugs. Moreover, drugs are not the most important element in bodybuilding. Any coach who tells you that is not the right coach.
So ultimately there are two key takeaways Jose Raymond hopes to convey for up and coming bodybuilders. Don’t look for coaches that throw away the basics. And don’t look for coaches that act more like drug dealers than trained professionals. If you avoid those two things, do your research, and find a credited trainer – you’ll find yourself getting the help you need for success.
You can watch Jose Raymond break down his advice for bodybuilding coaches in full by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
NutraBio Super Carb Review For Performance & Recovery
The king of performance carbohydrates, this supplement will boost your training, performance, and recovery goals to new heights.
Product Overview
For those of us who constantly train and seek the highest level of performance, having a fully stocked supplement routine is vital to ensure those much-needed gains become reality. While we all know some of the staples that everyone talks about, it is important to not overlook a few of the potentially helpful, yet not as well known, products designed to help get us there. A quality protein supplement and pre-workout are no brainers and an intra-workout should absolutely be included in your repertoire. But carbohydrate supplements have the ability to enhance performance and recovery and NutraBio Super Carb is one of those amazing products to do just that.
It is important to know why carbohydrate supplements are worth your time and investment. Those of us who train regularly know we need fuel and that fuel comes from glycogen, which is derived from carbs. Glycogen is key in providing fuel for performance and recovery and finding the right sources of clean carbs can make or break a good training session. While many carbohydrate supplements contain added fillers and other nonsense, the high-quality ones are where you should look and NutraBio Super Carb should be at the top of your list.
Shop at NutraBio
NutraBio is a high-quality sports supplement company designing and producing top tier products for athletes everywhere. Their mission is to maximize the quality of life for all consumers by providing advanced nutrition products with science-backed research to enhance training and performance. NutraBio is a standout when it comes to clean and effective products and sought to revolutionize the industry by using zero fillers, additives, or excipients of any kind and working to ensure accurate dosages for all active ingredients. With the utmost quality in mind, NutraBio is a transparent and honest company working for your benefit only.
Super Carb Highlights
Super Carb is an innovative supplement designed to fuel performance by using a patented carbohydrate called Cluster Dextrin. Cluster Dextrin is a low glycemic, highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) with a high molecular weight and ultra-low osmolality, making this a real game changer for how carbohydrate supplements operate. The result of this superior carb is that it will give smooth and constant energy to replenish those muscle glycogen stores without spiking sugar levels. With no stomach discomfort and accelerated recovery, your workout routine just got that much better.
On top of the innovative and highly effective Cluster Dextrin, Super Carb also contains an advanced electrolyte performance matrix. With zero fillers, maltodextrin, dextrose, or additives and no proprietary blends, a fully disclosed label ensures honesty and transparency so you know exactly what you are getting. Compared to others on the market, Super Carb is perfect for glycogen loading and improving athletic performance with positive hormonal benefits and is great for athletes of any age.
Ingredients
Rapid Glycogen Pre-load System
Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (Cluster Dextrin): Low glycemic with high molecular weight and ultra-low osmolality. Promotes fast gastric emptying and maintains a slow release for better interaction between carb breakdown and the normal release of fatty acids. Will provide a constant source of energy and replenish muscle glycogen stores without spiking blood sugar levels (1).
Electrolyte Optimizer
Calci-K (calcium potassium phosphate citrate): Can help with muscle control and nerve function and can balance urinary pH levels (2).
Sodium Phosphate: Help retain water to prevent dehydration and will allow the body to expend more energy.
Di-Magnesium Malate: Can improve mood, blood sugar control, and exercise performance (3).
Other Ingredients
Flavoring (for Sweet Tea flavor): citric acid, malic acid, natural flavor, black tea extract, sucralose, acesulfame potassium
Calories
100
Carbs
25g
Number Of Servings
30
Serving Size
1 scoop
Flavors
Kiwi Strawberry, Orange Mango, Pineapple, Raspberry Lemonade, Unflavored, Sweet Tea
Best Way To Take
Mix 1-2 scoops with 12-16 oz. of water and take before, during, or after intense exercise.
Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
Super Carb is that innovative and advanced carbohydrate supplement you need to boost performance and replenish those glycogen stores for accelerated recovery. With 30 servings per container, one scoop of this carb product will boost your gains and give you the best chance at success.
With 6 great flavor options, Super Carb comes in: Kiwi Strawberry, Orange Mango, Pineapple, Raspberry Lemonade, Unflavored, and Sweet Tea.
Pros
100% highly branched cyclic dextrin for innovative carb source
Advanced electrolyte matrix
Great benefits to performance and recovery
Awesome flavors
No filler or proprietary blends
Cons
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Lyman Good is an MMA fighter, Bellator World Welterweight Champion, and NutraBio athlete seeking the best supplement around to boost training and performance. With a pro record of 19-3, he holds nine wins by knockout and three by submission, with wins over UFC vets and serious contenders like Nah-Shon Burrell, Dante Rivera, Hector Urbina, and Mike Dolce. Good works with NutraBio because of the level of devotion and loyalty their team has to the brand, their products, and the people they work with. Relying on NutraBio to only give him the best supplements around, Good believes he’s found his perfect match when it comes to giving him the best in order to be the best.
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NutraBio Super Carb is that innovative product you need to get the most out of your performance and recovery. With the use of the patented carb source Cluster Dextrin and other great ingredients, this advanced supplement will surely give you the edge you need most out of your training and performance. NutraBio works hard for their consumers for they know the needs of athletes and understand just what it takes for them to succeed. What you are really getting is an advanced and innovative product from a great company with tons of benefits and awesome flavors. Check out NutraBio Super Carb today and see what this can do for all your performance goals.
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References
Furuyashiki, Takashi; Tanimoto, Hidenori; Yokoyama, Yasuhiro; Kitaura, Yasuyuki; et al. (2014). “Effects of ingesting highly branched cyclic dextrin during endurance exercise on rating of perceived exertion and blood components associated with energy metabolism”. (source)
DiMeglio, Linda A.; Imel, Erik A. (2014). “Calcium and Phosphate: Hormonal Regulation and Metabolism”. (source)
Younes, Maged; Aggett, Peter; Aguilar, Fernando; Crebelli, Riccardo; et al. (2018). “Evaluation of di-magnesium malate, used as a novel food ingredient and as a source of magnesium in foods for the general population, food supplements, total diet replacement for weight control and food for special medical purposes”. (source)
Former UFC Champion Tyron Woodley Will Fight Jake Paul
Will former UFC champ Tyron Woodley shut down the Jake Paul hype train?
It appears that Jake Paul is getting his wish as he agrees to do battle with former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. This unlike the fights previous will provide a far more interesting storyline than any of Paul’s prior engagements.
It’s no secret that people find Jake Paul pretty detestable. After all the YouTube star is essentially a professional troll. But despite that description, he’s gone above and beyond the role of a usual troll and has decided to take his trash talk from the virtual world and into the boxing ring. He’s convinced former UFC fighter Ben Askren to do battle and it appears lightning is striking twice. This time around Paul will face off against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
The Fight Is On!
This match will certainly be different than Paul’s bout with Askren. Unlike his teammate Askren, Tyron Woodley was known for knocking people into another dimension. The raw power in his hands is truly something to behold. He has faced some of the best strikers in the world and hurt them with his punches. Though he’ll be wearing boxing gloves and not the smaller four ounce gloves he’s more accustomed to, Woodley will still possess that incredible knockout power.
Too Much For The Social Media Star?
So has Jake Paul finally bit off more than he can chew? The jury is still out on that one. After all, Paul is calling out fighters who have either no great striking experience or who are at the end of their careers in a different combat sport. That said, Tyron Woodley isn’t the kind of fighter you can just handle with minimal striking experience. Woodley not only has power, but patience and intelligence that has seen him overcome the likes of kickboxing and Muay Thai champions. Woodley will treat this bout seriously and give Paul all he can handle and more.
Honestly, while he may be a troll, Jake Paul does possess skill. He may even have more skill than his older brother Logan Paul who is set to face Floyd Mayweather in just a couple of weeks. That said, Tyron Woodley is a whole other beast, one that he’s never faced before. Paul may have just hit off more than he can chew.
So what do you make of the bout between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Danny Hester: Chris Bumstead Won Olympia Due To Improvements But Not Perfection
Danny Hester believes that Chris Bumstead’s physique was very close to Breon Ansley – but it was his massive improvements that earned him the win.
Chris Bumstead vs Breon Ansley was one of the most hyped up battles of the Classic Physique Olympia 2020. Ultimately, Chris Bumstead solidified his status as champion with a second win. Surprisingly, Breon Ansley fell down to third place. But Danny Hester believes that Bumstead and Ansley’s physiques were actually very close in quality. What made the difference was Bumstead’s massive improvements since last year.
The same can be said of Terrence Ruffin, who slipped up into second ahead of Breon Ansley. These three competitors were neck and neck. It’s Danny Hester’s belief that comparisons to previous years and how much they each improved decided the ultimate placings. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Danny Hester explains how judges consistently reward improvements – and that’s the main reason Chris Bumstead won Olympia 2020.
Danny Hester wants to make one thing clear during our latest interview segment. When a bodybuilder competes on stage, they are being not only compared to the other competitors but also their past self. Pro bodybuilding and judges cannot help but be somewhat subjective. Despite scores and a set of guidelines to follow – judging a physique will always be skewed by subjective opinion.
That’s why there are multiple judges on the panel instead of just one. To help bring in a consensus among multiple perspectives. Danny Hester also believes that comparisons to previous competitions also helps keep the judges guided. That it’s an unwritten guiding principle with scoring. If a bodybuilder shows incredible improvement from one competition to the next – the judges take notice. That affects the overall score and placing.
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Watch our GI Exclusive segment with Danny Hester above!
Danny Hester doesn’t give his personal opinion on who had the best physique at the Classic Physique Olympia 2020. But he does suggest that the physique quality was very close between Chris Bumstead and Breon Ansley.
“Now even with the improvements, was it enough for him [Chris Bumstead] to beat Breon? That’s a whole different story,” Danny Hester states in our interview. While not confirmed -this seems to imply that Hester doesn’t view Bumstead’s physique as breakaway superior from Ansley.
He does understand, and truly believes, that Chris Bumstead won purely on his vast improvements. Hester himself gives Bumstead credit. He admits that the amount of improvements in Bumstead’s physique from the Olympia 2019 to 2020 was incredible. It’s hard for any pro bodybuilder to get that kind of improvement in one year. Bumstead pulled it off. The judges noticed. That gave Bumstead the edge.
Danny Hester relates this to his experience competing. He recalls a competition he competed in just three weeks before winning the Classic Olympia. He placed third due to feeling slightly sick on the night of the show. He was frustrated. So he worked extra hard in the final three weeks leading up to Olympia.
Ultimately, he won the Classic Physique Olympia. He thinks this is partially due to the extra effort he put in after feeling defeated. But he also thinks it’s because some of the same judges were at the earlier show and also judging at Olympia. They saw his improvements. They directly noticed how he changed. That helped him get an edge and win that year.
So what does that mean for Chris Bumstead going into 2021? There are always improvements to be made – but can he surprise with such vast improvements like the year before? And if he can’t will it be enough for him to stay on top? Only time will tell. Perhaps Breon Ansley will be the one to bring in improvements and get the edge.
You can watch Danny Hester go into more detail about his thoughts of the Classic Physique Olympia results by watching our latest GI Exclusive above!
7 Ultimate Training Tips For Developing Forearm Size
Building The Forearms for Fuller Looking Arms
When looking to build significant muscle size, training tends to focus on developing large muscles groups such as the glutes, quads, lats, pecs and delts.
While the arms do often receive a lot of attention too, the focus is predominantly on the muscles of the upper arm – the biceps and triceps.
As a result, the forearms can be neglected and therefore can under-develop in comparison to other areas.
It is important to build size and definition in the forearms in order to develop full-looking arms that matches your overall physique.
The general approach to forearm building is to concentrate on forearm isolation exercises for the forearm flexors and extensors – exercises such as wrist curls.
While these types of exercises can certainly allow for forearm growth, there are a number of other methods that can be employed to accelerate the rate of development.
The 7 Tips For Big Forearms
If you are serious about building size in the forearms, adopt a number of the following 7 tips and look to incorporate them into your training program.
1) Ditch the Straps
Wrist straps can be an excellent training tool which eliminate the detrimental impact of failing grip strength by securing the bar to the hands (1).
With exercise like the deadlift, failing grip strength can cause the individual to cease exercising before they reach absolute muscular failure.
Adding wrist straps will provide a much securing grip on the bar and allow the performer to work through to muscular failure without the grip slackening and failing.
However, when it comes to building size in the forearms, leave the straps in the locker room.
During all pulling exercises, you hold the bar by wrapping the fingers and thumbs tightly around the equipment your using, otherwise it will fall out of your grasp.
The extrinsic muscles of the forearms must work hard to maintain a secure grip throughout the duration of the exercise (2). Over time, these muscles will improve in strength and increase in size.
Furthermore, the heavier the load lifted, the more the forearms flexors must engage. Therefore, when lifting heavy, forget using straps in order to get maximize forearm activation.
There are a number of common pulling exercises that are excellent for forearm development and grip strength – exercises such as the deadlift, barbell row, and chin-ups.
Pushing exercises, such as the bench press and overhead press, are also effective forearm extensor developers – however, pulling exercises are superior for forearm engagement.
2) Grip Hard
Leading on from the last tip, it may be the case that you want to work the forearms but do not want to forgo using wrist straps.
This is absolutely fine. It is still possible to work the forearms effectively while still using the straps.
Here are two methods that are particularly useful for really pumping up the forearms.
Grab a barbell, place it on a power rack and load it up. Grip tightly and look to hold it at arms length for approximately 30 – 60 seconds.
It is also possible to this with dumbbells too. Select two heavy dumbbells, secure your grip and hold, again for 30 – 60 seconds.
Look to repeat this 8-10 times to really get the forearms burning.
3) Utilize Cables
As mentioned earlier, one of the most common forearm exercises is the wrist curl and reverse wrist curl. Barbells and dumbbells are most frequently used with this exercise.
However, the cables may be a better choice when it comes to wrist curls. This is because the cables maintain tension throughout the entirety of the movement.
This places an even greater demand on the wrist flexors and extensors and which may lead to a more efficient development of the forearms.
For the cable wrist curl, attach a short bar to the cable and adjust the pulley to the lowest position. Using D rings for this exercise is also acceptable.
In a kneeling position, place the forearms on the knees and use the thighs like a preacher bench. If preferred, set up a preacher bench in front of the cable machine instead.
Focus on flexing and extending the wrist only and perform the prescribed number of reps. It may be of greater benefit to focus on one wrist at a time rather than both simultaneously.
4) Go Old-School
You don’t need the latest fitness equipment to work the forearms effectively. In fact, there are a number of excellent forearm exercises that use basic kit.
One of the simplest exercises uses a dowel and a length of string. Insert the string through dowel, attach a weight to the string and the look to turn the dowel round and round to bring the weight up.
Once the weight has risen up to the dowel, unravel the string by gradually turning the dowel back and lowering the weight to the floor once again.
The hand gripper is another example of another basic piece of forearm developing kit. You can buy hand grippers with a range of grades.
Some take 60 pounds of pressure to close whereas others can be as high as 360 pounds of pressure! Be aware, this exercise is a lot more challenging than it looks.
5) Increase Wrist Training Frequency
The forearms are made up of dense muscle tissue which can be a little more resistant to change. Therefore, training them more often is crucial to facilitate size improvements.
Furthermore, research indicates that one of the most effective methods of promoting muscular hypertrophy is to increase the frequency of training (3).
Therefore, if looking to accelerate forearm hypertrophy, consider performing forearm orientated exercises more regularly – perhaps as much as every second day.
Be careful not to schedule forearms into your training the day before performing back and biceps. Having sore forearms when performing pulling exercises may negatively impact your performance.
6) Use a High Rep Scheme
Typically, for hypertrophy, a rep range of 6-12 reps will suffice. However, for forearm training, it is recommended to aim a lot higher than that.
Aim to complete high rep sets with a minimum of 15 reps. Feel free to experiment with rep ranges utilizing anything between 15 – 50 reps per set.
Many individuals believe that completing high reps does not positively impact the rate of muscle growth. However, high reps have been found to be beneficial when it comes to hypertrophy (4).
7) Consider Loaded Carries
Finally, it may be worthwhile adding in heavy carry exercises into your training – exercises such as the dumbbell farmers walk.
Not only will these type of exercises place a great demand on your grip strength and forearms, they are also very simple to set-up and execute.
For the dumbbell farmers walk, all that is required is a clear space and a heavy load. Simply pick up the load and take a number of steps forward while keeping the weight tight to the body.
Keeping going until the grip gives in and forces you to stop. Over time, gradually add more load to continuously challenge the forearms and force them to adapt.
Final Word
While wrist isolation exercises are very useful for developing forearm size and strength, there are a number of other strategies that can be adopted to bring about substantial growth.
Consider utilizing a number of the aforementioned forearm tips to your training, train hard, be consistent and over time, the forearms will noticeably grow causing the arms to look comprehensively bigger and fuller.
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References:
1-Coswig, Victor S.; Machado Freitas, Diogo Felipe; Gentil, Paulo; Fukuda, David H.; Del Vecchio, Fabrício Boscolo (2015-12). “Kinematics and Kinetics of Multiple Sets Using Lifting Straps During Deadlift Training”. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 29 (12): 3399–3404. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000986. ISSN 1533-4287. PMID 26595133
2-Mitchell, Brittney; Whited, Lacey (2019), “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Forearm Muscles”, StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, PMID 30725660
3-Ochi, Eisuke; Maruo, Masataka; Tsuchiya, Yosuke; Ishii, Naokata; Miura, Koji; Sasaki, Kazushige (July 2, 2018). “Higher Training Frequency Is Important for Gaining Muscular Strength Under Volume-Matched Training”. Frontiers in Physiology. 9. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00744. ISSN 1664-042X. PMC 6036131. PMID 30013480.
4-pubmeddev. “Effects of Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Well-Trained Men. – PubMed – NCBI”. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.