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What Is The Steinborn Squat & Is It Worth It?
This squat may look comical but it is no joke once under so much weight.
If you watch a video of the Steinborn Squat, you would think we were joking. We always preach about good form and how taking care of ourselves physically is vital for keeping us in the gym and keeping that mindset intact. Watching someone perform the Steinborn squat with 405 lbs. is like holding your breathe under water, as you question what could possibly be going through their head. The way the body contorts, the strange, sudden movement of the bar as it falls onto the shoulder blades, and the massive load taken as you perform the squat portion all make you think this lift is crazy. But people still do it.
A bit of a circus type lift, the Steinborn squat comes from a lifter Henry Steinborn, who is by all accounts, a real pioneer in the lifting world. As someone putting up huge numbers and breaking PRs at the time, Steinborn held a respected streak of feats and was a specimen for human strength at that time. This squat may be one to scoff at first glance but is no laughing matter once under such weight.
Let’s take a look at the Steinborn Squat and see what this lift is all about. From what it is, to muscles worked, the benefits, and how to perform it, we’ll explore if this lift is something to even try. Do the benefits outweigh the cons and just how vital is this lift for us to see growth. It’s all below, so let’s get into it.
What Is The Steinborn Squat?
The Steinborn squat is a challenging and unorthodox lift which sees the athlete lift the bar to the point it is parallel to the ground, then slowly roll it on their back as they perform a free standing squat. While it may look as though it is an injury waiting to happen, when done properly, it is an example of the human potential and the resilient nature serious lifters have so technique is key (1). One to impress anyone in the gym, it may not be the best exercise for you to perform. It’s almost like a game of chance with your low back and our guess is that your back wants no part in it. Yet still, for those who do partake in the Steinborn squat, when done properly, it can be a cool lift to try.
Muscles Worked
For the most part, this exercise is a lower body builder working your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and adductors. Given this has a massive squat component to the lift, it makes sense this lift would challenge your lower body in a great way. Aside from your lower body, this lift can give your back some work, as well as your obliques and delts.
Benefits Of The Steinborn Squat
This exercise will still see great benefits, it is important however to consider this lift needs proper form and the utmost care for your body before you undergo such a grueling lift. Benefits for this lift include:
Increased strength: This lift will definitely build strength and size as a seriously effective movement in your workout routine. It will work for both functional strength, as well as more sport specific, but either way, you get that great benefit (2).
Importance of form: To often do we take form for granted and this lift won’t allow for any nonsense. By performing this lift, we learn the true value of technique and just how important it is to really give your full attention to it.
Challenge stability: With this lift being performed outside a squat rack, it will really test your ability to stay balanced, especially under such a large load (3). Starting with the squat portion already at the bottom requires you to find stability under such weight, thus challenging your core strength as well.
Mental test: As mentioned earlier, this lift tests the human limits and ability to get work done. If you can properly perform this lift, your confidence will surely increase ten-fold, which is exactly what you want and need.
How To Perform It
Here are the steps for performing the Steinborn squat:
Set your bar up with the desired amount of weight. Squat down on one end of the barbell as if you were going to deadlift it.
As you lift the bar up, it will be perpendicular to the ground. Start to set your grip on the bar while keeping your body engaged, preparing to take on such a load.
Once your grip is set, start to get the bar into a squat position, slowly beginning to rest it on your back and rotating to the center once the bar is comfortably on your back.
Once in that deep squat, find your balance, engage your core, and perform a squat.
Once done, you can either reverse that movement back to get the bar on the ground, or you can simply place it in the rack.
Is It Worth Doing?
For those with vulnerable or more sensitive backs, this lift is not recommended. For those with poor form as well, this lift is probably not for you. The amount of load put on your body is immense and if not done properly, it can lead to some real issues down the line. If you do try this lift, it is a great test of the human capacity for mental will and resilience and who knows, you may end up really liking it.
Wrap Up
The Steinborn squat is definitely not one of those conventional lifts but what it can do is more than you may think. While it will build strength and enhance stability, it is more so a test of the human will to lift massive weight. Starting back with Steinborn himself, this lift is one for all to envy and not one to be taken lightly. If you’re willing to try, give the Steinborn squat a go and see what it can do for you.
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
Comfort, Paul; Kasim, Peter (2007). “Optimizing Squat Technique”. (source)
Gullett, Jonathan C.; Tillman, Mark D.; Gutierrez, Gregory M.; Chow, John W. (2009). “A Biomechanical Comparison of Back and Front Squats in Healthy Trained Individuals”. (source)
Chandler, T. J.; Wilson, G. D.; Stone, M. H. (1989). “The effect of the squat exercise on knee stability”. (source)
The Key To Massive Legs
Raise your very own quadrasaurus.
Having gigantic ripped legs are things of legend. Sure, everyone loves having massive biceps and chests – but that’s the obvious choice. When you see someone with truly massive legs it’s a sight to behold.
But why don’t you have legs like that? (Unless you do, then congratulations!) We’re here to help you out with that. Many people tend to take it easy on their leg workouts or even skip it all together. This is mostly because legs are one of the harder areas to make look lean and massive.
But instead of giving your legs the silent treatment, here are some ways that you can improve your leg workout game and hopefully build some truly massive muscles.
Your Deadlift and Squat Form Really Sucks
Let’s start off with a simple one. Almost everyone knows that deadlifts and squats are essential workouts for bodybuilding and a great way to strengthen your legs. But it’s not that simple if you are slacking off and screwing up your form. If you curve the crap out of your back on squats or slam the weight down onto the floor for every deadlift rep – you are doing something wrong. This leads to ineffective muscle building. It leads to an inflated sense of how much you can lift. It leads to weak legs. The opposite of what you want.
Use Isolated Movements as Accessory Exercises
This is where a lot of people make mistakes. All of those machines like Leg Extensions and Leg Curls should not be the main focus of your leg workout. These are not go to machines that will make your legs look like bulging monsters.
But don’t ignore these exercises completely. You can work with these machines at high repetitions and medium resistance to really isolate and tone your quads and hamstrings. While the compound exercises will really bulk up the muscle – these exercises will perfectly tone them into incredible definition. Think of these as accessories and not the main meal.
Make Sure to Work Unilaterally
No matter who you are, almost everyone is either right or left dominant. This goes for any body part. This means that when you work your muscles one is always doing a little bit more work than the other.
In order to prevent this, you need to include unilateral workouts into your routine. Exercises like lunges, single leg squats, and single leg deadlifts are surefire ways to make sure your muscles develop evenly.
We suggest that you perform these exercises at the beginning of your workout rather than the end. It’s very common to see these kinds of exercises as something you just sort of tack on at the end of the day. This leads to a half-hearted performance on your sets. Try to hit these exercises while you are fresh to improve the balance between your muscles.
Exercises You Should Add to Your Arsenal
With all of these helpful tips to help you move towards bigger and stronger legs, let’s put all of the essential workouts that you should use in your workout arsenal. Try mixing and matching these different exercises to create something that really maximizes your muscle gains.
Major Exercises
Squats
Traditional Deadlifts
Stiff Leg Deadlifts
Sumo Deadlifts
Romanian Deadlift
Power Clean
Single Leg Squats
Single Leg Deadlifts
Accessory Exercises
Lunges
Leg Extensions
Leg Curls
Standing Calf Raises
Are you a master of meaty legs? Share your tips with us in the comments section below. You can also give us a shout out on our Facebook and Twitter pages too.
Brad Castleberry Explains: Is 24 Hour Intermittent Fasting The Key To A Shredded Physique?
Brad Castleberry explains how 24 hour intermittent fasting can be an extra tool to create a lean and conditioned physique.
Brad Castleberry has his fair share of controversies but one thing that can’t be denied is his fantastic and consistently lean physique. He’s the kind of bodybuilder that maintains great conditioning all year. This can be a true challenge given the twists and turns life throws our way every single day. So how does he do it? We asked Castleberry that very question. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Brad Castleberry details his tactics, including intermittent fasting, for maintaining a shredded physique year round.
Brad Castleberry is the kind of bodybuilder who can throw off his shirt any day of the week at any point of the year and look shredded. While genetics play a big part of that ability – Castleberry doesn’t want to be written off just for good genetics alone. The truth is that maintaining a consistent conditioned physique takes a lot of work. The kind of work you can never take a break from.
In our new video conversation with Brad Castleberry, we asked him how he stays shredded all year round. He explained that it’s all in the diet. Most importantly, it’s about being extremely strict in your diet every single day, 365 days a year. That’s the part that’s a challenge for almost everyone. There’s no days off. There’s no breaks. There’s no turning on and off the diet. If you want to look like Castleberry throughout the year – you need to work throughout the year.
Of course, this isn’t the answer people want to hear. They want to know tips and tricks to make that hard work easier. Or how to optimize their diet habits to make the goal more obtainable. For Brad, his key additional tactic is 24 hour intermittent fasting.
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Check out our latest GI Exclusive with Brad Castleberry above!
Brad Castleberry details how he fasts for a full 24 hours one day per week. Absolutely no food or carb filled drinks for a full day. He swears by it and he claims it’s a helpful tool to bringing in your physique to truly shredded levels. Though he does warn that this is just a cherry on top. It’s not the end-all be-all way to become shredded. If you’re eating like a slob but intermittent fasting – it won’t work.
Beyond helping his physique – Castleberry also shares the benefits of doing a full 24 hour fast once per week. He claims that it actually helps your energy levels rather than depletes them. Many people think that fasting will make you drained and tired. But the opposite is true if you do it intermittently. It detoxes your system and the hunger can help keep you focused. That focused energy can help you stay on track with your goals. This includes eating healthy and keeping your strict diet the rest of the week.
While this advice is purely anecdotal, it’s no secret that intermittent fasting has been proven to help with weight loss (if paired with a healthy diet). Fasting for a full 24 hours is not the only way to intermittently fast. You can also fast for 16 hours and eat within an eight hour window every single day. There are a variety of intermittent fasting tactics available. They all work. For Castleberry, going all in on a 24 hour fast works best for his lifestyle.
If you’re the kind of person who already eats well but has trouble getting your physique to that next level of shred. Consider intermittent fasting as a helping hand to your routine. It might just be the edge you need to become a lean mean bodybuilding machine. Just don’t use it as an excuse to scarf down an extra cheat meal after you fast.
You can watch Brad Castleberry breakdown his full tactic for staying as lean as possible all year in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belts Review For Strength & Quality
These options from Pioneer are sure to protect and support you as you deadlift insanely massive weight.
Product Overview
Time and time again, you’ve heard people rant and rave about weightlifting belts. You’ve thought to yourself that you don’t need it, that it’s probably a waste of money, or that you don’t lift heavy enough to deserve to wear one. Its time to rethink however you view weightlifting belts because the benefits far outweigh any excuse you can come up with. For those of you who love wearing lifting belts and can’t go without them, help us out and try to convince the others to hop on board. Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belts are great products for strength and support while being ultra-high quality and they just might change your mind for us.
What you will find out of a good lifting belt is a host of benefits designed to keep you physically healthy in the gym. By putting pressure on your abdominal cavity, you work to stabilize the spine and take pressure off the low back, thus adding great support (1). With better stabilization, you now have a solid foundation to increase strength and power, as well as promote better form and technique. With a reduced chance of injury, you’ll keep grinding away for days (2). Pioneer products are designed to give you the edge when it comes to growth and support and these deadlifting belts are no different.
Shop at Pioneer
Pioneer is a division of General Leathercraft Manufacturing, Inc., a premiere company creating high-quality leather products including weightlifting belts and other exercise accessories and aids. With a great product line dedicated to assisting the needs of athletes everywhere, Pioneer has made it their mission to keep active individuals healthy and safe, especially as they lift big weight. Along with an amazing line of lifting belts, Pioneer also produces top tier knee wraps, wrist wraps, elbow wraps, and other equipment to keep athletes safe overall. Their mission is to provide great customer service and a product you will love to have and use. A company full of integrity and quality, Pioneer is a standout in the exercise equipment community.
Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belts Highlights
Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belts are made from full grain sole leather to allow for repeated abuse and the prevention of wear and tear over time and are 6.5mm thick. The nickel-plated rivets and buckles hold this belt together and show true craftsmanship both in terms of look and quality. The beveled edges are put in place for added comfort, giving customers a sense of ease that Pioneer cares about the smaller details as well in their quest to make a great belt. Strong enough to be durable and last a long time while also allowing for comfort and versatility, you will feel great about any workout that comes your way. Made right here in the United States, this belt is an all around great addition to your gym bag and workout routine. And a wise choice at that.
3 Pioneer Belt Options
With these deadlifting belts, Pioneer has designed three options so you can find the best fit for you. For something you need to rely on to help keep you safe and lifting big, you want something comfortable and versatile, yet one you can trust.
3’’ Leather Deadlift Belt
The 3’’ belt is great for those looking for that middle of the road option. It will offer nice support and a snug fit, without feeling too suffocating or not as tight. A comfortable option for those unsure of their size, meeting in the middle is always a solid first step before experimenting with what works best for you.
4’’ Leather Deadlift Belt
Pioneer’s 4’’ belt is great for those who feel they need a bit more support with a bit bigger of a belt. This will allow for a tighter, more compressed feel, yet with Pioneer’s high quality and well built belt, you will still have comfort and versatility to move freely and perform any big lift you desire. For those on the bigger end of size, this may be a great belt for you as well.
2’’ Leather Deadlift Belt
The 2’’ belt is an interesting one for it is rather skinny compared to its counterparts. For those looking to move even more freely while still having some sort of compression against them, the 2’’ belt is a good option. If you are typically bothered by things feeling snug around the waist or potentially digging into your hips, this belt may be a good option for you in terms of fit.
Price & Effectiveness
Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belt is made from high quality leather and will allow for durability and support, while also providing comfort and versatility. With three great options in 2’’, 3’’, and 4’’, you can’t go wrong with finding the best fit for you.
Pros
Three great size options with all being 6.5 mm thick
Nickel plated rivets and buckle are durable look great
Full grain sole leather allows for great strength and pliability
From a reputable and honest company in Pioneer
Cons
Unknown if belts are approved for competition or not
Check out our list of the Best Weightlifting Belts for more awesome products!
Overall Value
Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belts are great lifting tools to really boost all areas of your physical health and wellness. By providing support and stabilization for those massive lifts, you start to see the results you want in terms of increased strength and size while protecting yourself against injury and stress on the low back. Pioneer has designed and created some amazing workout products and these lifting belts are no different. High quality leather matched with a sleek look and attention to the smaller details, this belt has the potential to seriously enhance all areas of your lift. What you are really getting is a top tier lifting belt made from quality material with three size options from a company who knows the needs of athletes. Check out Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belt today and see what this can do for those deadlift PRs.
Check Out Pioneer Leather Deadlifting Belts Here
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Pioneer and Envato
References
Miyamoto, K.; Iinuma, N.; Maeda, M.; Wada, E.; Shimizu, K. (1999). “Effects of abdominal belts on intra-abdominal pressure, intra-muscular pressure in the erector spinae muscles and myoelectrical activities of trunk muscles”. (source)
Finnie, S. B.; Wheeldon, T. J.; Hensrud, D. D.; Dahm, D. L.; Smith, J. (2002). “Weight Lifting Belts: Motivations For Use”. (source)
The 8 Best Bodyweight Exercises for the Back
The 8 Best Bodyweight Exercises for the Back
There’s a tendency to assume that back pain is a result of back problems. That’s sometimes the case as anyone with herniated discs in the lumbar spine can attest.
More often, however, the modern epidemic of back problems comes from our sedentary culture where spend too much time sitting. This shortens our hamstrings, locks up our hips, and creates muscle dysfunction throughout the body that translates into back pain.
That’s why to address back problems, we must attack the entire core region, turning to moves that open the hips and lengthen and strengthen our bodies, putting them back in proper alignment.
A back workout not only should produce that coveted V-shaped back but also create the core strength that will prevent long-term back ailments (to say nothing of back injury in the gym). Bodyweight back moves are especially effective as studies suggest they improve movement quality.
Here are eight bodyweight exercises that not only will strengthen the back but also keep us from developing back problems down the road.
Rib Opener
What it does: This move lengthens and strengthens the muscles of the chest and back, creating mobility in the thoracic spine.
How to do it: Lay on your left side with the left (bottom) leg straight and your right (top) leg at a 90-degree angle atop a foam roller. Your left hand is on your right knee. Reach your right arm across your chest as if pinning a newspaper to the chest. Pull your chest to the right, getting a good stretch. Hold for two seconds.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps on each side.
Bow and Arrow
What it does: A variation on the rib opener that also strengthens the muscles of the chest and back, creating mobility in the thoracic spine.
How to do it: Kneel on your right knee and place a short foam roller between the side of your left knee and a wall. Bring your hands together in front of you and then extend your right arm fully back, similar to a yoga Warrior 2 pose but with palms facing out. Hold for two seconds.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps on each side.
Pull Ups
What it does: No other move makes you feel like you’re building that V-shape back. You’re hitting the muscles of your upper back, along with the shoulders, biceps, forearms, and chest.
How to do it: Grab the bar with an overhand grip. Hanging from the bar, pull your shoulder blades back and down to lift your body, and build momentum. Finish by pulling up with your arms.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps (or as many as possible) with 30 seconds rest between sets.
Backward Lunge with Twist
What it does: This move provides all of the benefits of a lunge while also giving you a great stretch of the back.
How to do it: With feet together, step back with your right leg into a lunge. Arch your back and twist your torso over your left (front) leg while reaching your right hand to the sky. Push out of that position into the next lunge.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps with 30 seconds rest between sets.
Sliding Leg Curls
What it does: This move challenges your hamstrings as well as your glutes and lower back.
How to do it: Lie faceup on the floor with your arms at your sides, legs straight, and heels on a towel on a slippery surface (or while in socks on a smooth surface). Lift your hips off the ground, keeping a straight line from ankle to shoulders, sliding your heels to your body. Return to the starting position.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps with 30 seconds rest between sets.
One-Arm, One-Leg Plank
What it does: This move challenges you to keep your back flat and stabilized.
How to do it: From a pushup position with forearms on the ground, push up off your elbows supporting your weight on your elbows. Tuck your chin so that your head is in line with your body. Lift one arm and opposite leg, hold for two seconds. Switch limbs.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps (per side) with 30 seconds rest between sets.
Floor Ys
What it does: This move not only strengthens the back and shoulders, it counteracts the effects of sitting by pulling your shoulders back and down where they belong.
How to do it: Lie face down on the floor so that your back is flat. Squeeze your shoulder blades back and down and lift your arms above your head to form a Y, rising off the floor. Keep your thumbs up.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps with 30 seconds rest between sets.
Half Locust
What it does: This yoga move strengthens the erector spinae muscles, which run on both sides of the spine from the pelvis to the upper back.
How to do it: Lie face down on the ground with arms by your sides. Inhale and lift your head and upper chest off the ground. Only lift a few inches, which should be enough to have everything above your breastbone in the air. Hold for two seconds and return to starting position.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps with 30 seconds rest between sets.
Pete Williams is a NASM-CPT and the author or co-author of several fitness books, including Core Performance and Every Day is Game Day. His work has appeared in publications such as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, and USA Today.
NY Pro 2021 Preview: Who Has The Best Chance of Victory?
Who wins at the NY Pro?
The NY Pro is upon us and there is a ton of competition at this show. With the previous year’s runner-up, an outspoken upstart, his budding rival, and a contender with a ton of momentum, it’s anyone’s guess who will win this show. Let’s take a closer look at the competitors and see who has the best chance at victory.
Hassan Mostafa
A favorite to win the show, Hassan Mostafa is looking to be in some incredible shape heading into the NY Pro. Prepping with the likes of Flex Wheeler and Jose Raymond, Mostafa has kind of experienced wisdom behind him to take his game to the next level. With such a balanced physique, incredible symmetry, with well develop musculature, it’s easy to see why Hassan Mostafa could crush the competition at the NY Pro.
Blessing Awodibu
After coming in third place at the Indy Pro, a lot of questions have been raised of Blessing Awodibu. While he did develop some impressive legs for the show, he was still lacking in the conditioning department. If you let Blessing tell it, it seems that the Indy Pro was merely a dress rehearsal for the NY Pro. That said, it’s hard to imagine he could transform his physique enough in a weeks time to make it count. Whether he wins or not, chances are good that he will at least crack the top five.
Nick Walker
Looking to make a big impression in his come back to the stage, Nick Walker has been putting his all into his NY Pro prep. With some monstrous legs that deft humanity, Walker has a great chance at taking top three at this show. It will be interesting to see how his rivalry with Blessing Awodibu will play out. While Walker does have some great legs, his chest is a bit of a week point that his rival Blessing could potentially exploit. For now, whether they are battling for first or not, many eyes will focused on the battle between Nick Walker and Blessing Awodibu.
Justin Rodriguez
Winner of the Indy Pro, Justin Rodriguez has a ton of upside. Riding high on the momentum of his win, Rodriguez has a great chance to repeat at the NY Pro. The package he brought to the Indy Pro was very impressive and complete. There’s no question that his biggest competition at the show will be Hassan Mostafa. Both have symmetry, both are balanced, and both are well muscled. Don’t be surprised if Justin Rodriguez ends up in a head to head battle with Hassan Mostafa.
Who do you think will win at the NY Pro?
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.
NY Pro Preview: Who Has The Best Chance of Victory?
Who wins at the NY Pro?
The NY Pro is upon us and there is a ton of competition at this show. With the previous year’s winner, an outspoken upstart, his budding rival, and a contender with a ton of momentum, it’s anyone’s guess who will win this show. Let’s take a closer look at the competitors and see who has the best chance at victory.
Hassan Mostafa
The favorite to win the show a second year in a row, Hassan Mostafa is looking to be in some incredible shape heading into the NY Pro. Prepping with the likes of Flex Wheeler and Jose Raymond, Mostafa has kind of experienced wisdom behind him to take his game to the next level. With such a balanced physique, incredible symmetry, with well develop musculature, it’s easy to see why Hassan Mostafa could crush the competition at the NY Pro.
Blessing Awodibu
After coming in third place at the Indy Pro, a lot of questions have been raised of Blessing Awodibu. While he did develop some impressive legs for the show, he was still lacking in the conditioning department. If you let Blessing tell it, it seems that the Indy Pro was merely a dress rehearsal for the NY Pro. That said, it’s hard to imagine he could transform his physique enough in a weeks time to make it count. Whether he wins or not, chances are good that he will at least crack the top five.
Nick Walker
Looking to make a big impression in his come back to the stage, Nick Walker has been putting his all into his NY Pro prep. With some monstrous legs that deft humanity, Walker has a great chance at taking top three at this show. It will be interesting to see how his rivalry with Blessing Awodibu will play out. While Walker does have some great legs, his chest is a bit of a week point that his rival Blessing could potentially exploit. For now, whether they are battling for first or not, many eyes will focused on the battle between Nick Walker and Blessing Awodibu.
Justin Rodriguez
Winner of the Indy Pro, Justin Rodriguez has a ton of upside. Riding high on the momentum of his win, Rodriguez has a great chance to repeat at the NY Pro. The package he brought to the Indy Pro was very impressive and complete. There’s no question that his biggest competition at the show will be Hassan Mostafa. Both have symmetry, both are balanced, and both are well muscled. Don’t be surprised if Justin Rodriguez ends up in a head to head battle with Hassan Mostafa.
Who do you think will win at the NY Pro?
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.
‘Strength Wars: The Movie’ Clip – Anabolic Horse Vs Terron Beckham
Strength Wars: The Movie – A neck and neck battle between two vastly different athletes.
Strength Wars: The Movie is officially available on digital. You can order the film today right here. In this clip, Anabolic Horse battles against football athlete Terron Beckham. Both athletes vary widely in training discipline but the competition is close as these two swing back and forth for victory.
Strength Wars: The Movie released on April 16, 2020 and quickly became one of the top sports films on digital in the United States. That’s thanks in large part to the elite cast of athletes who agreed to compete in one of the most grueling strength competitions currently in action.
You can currently watch the film on all major digital platforms. But if you haven’t had a chance to see the film – we have a brand new exclusive clip to give you a look at just how intense the battles become.
In this clip, Strength Wars veteran Anabolic Horse squares off against Terron Beckham. Anabolic Horse describes himself as a powerbuilder while Beckham is a former football player and still maintains that style of training. Looking at both of their physiques and training disciplines – the two couldn’t be farther apart. But both are masters in their respective field.
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Check out Anabolic Horse vs Terron Beckham in this Strength Wars: The Movie clip above!
This is exactly where the excitement of Strength Wars comes into play. Two totally different training methods battling in a course designed to put them both to the test. Which will win out in the end? Powerbuilding or Football athletics? We won’t ruin that here – you’ll have to watch the movie for that.
But what you can see is that the battle is truly neck and neck. This clip showcases only one section of the course – but the two swerve back and forth for the lead. With each passing rep and each new section of the course – endurance fads. Who will outlast the other for ultimate victory?
More About Strength Wars: The Movie
Introduced in 2012, Strength Wars pits two muscle and strength athletes from different sports such as Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, Strongman, and Cross Fit against each other, by competing in a collection of strength exercises to determine an ultimate winner. Now in 2020, Strength Wars gets the feature film treatment with the biggest strength tournament in the competition’s history.
Welcome to Strength Wars: The Movie.
Directed by Vlad Yudin (Generation Iron series, The Hurt Business, Dorian Yates The Original Mass Monster) and produced by Edwin Mejia Jr., the film will feature an all-star cast including Larry Wheels, Anabolic Horse, Terron Beckham, Jerry Pritchett, Blaine Sumner, Big Neechi, Leonidas Arkona, and NDO Champ. The film will increase the stakes, transforming the 2v2 battles into an eight person tournament where only one can stand tall as champion. The film will also dive deep into the lives of each competitor across the globe as they train and prepare for the Strength Wars tournament.
Strength Wars: The Movie is available now on digital. You click here or the banner below to order today.
Kai Greene Shows Support for Palestine Amid Recent Conflict
Kai Greene shows solidarity with Palestine.
The current conflict in the Middle East has resulted in quite a major outcry from the international community. Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have killed over 26 Palestinians, some of those children, as conflict continues to rage. It has caused many to speak out against the loss of Palestinian lives including Kai Greene.
The bodybuilding star with a great deal of international appeal, Kai Greene has traveled around the world and back visiting many different cultures along the way. It’s clear that because of his compassion for people of all different walks of life that Kai is expressing solidarity for those being killed in these recent conflict. In particular, Kai Greene threw his support behind Palestinians in the wake of so many lives lost.
Kai Greene took to Twitter to express his opinion on the situation and it appears very clear.
FREE PALESTINE ??
— Kai Greene (@KaiGreene) May 11, 2021
While this may be a very controversial issue, the loss of human life should never be taken for granted. Kai Greene appears to be taking this stance due to how Palestinians have who reside in the Gaza Strip have been treated. The recent airstrikes and dozens of causalities appears to have pushed Kai to issue a statement on the current events in the Middle East.
The airstrike was done in retaliation to Hamas firing rockets into Israel, injuring dozens. Hamas’s attack was in response to Israeli security forces injuring 700 Palestinians in the West Bank, including a massive crackdown on a mosque in Jerusalem.
This conflict only appears to be heating up and could prove to devastate many lives in the coming days and potentially weeks to come. This video below demonstrates how heartbreaking the situation is.
Kai Greene calling for freedom for Palestine could be viewed as controversial view. That said, the loss of so many Palestinian lives can not be overlooked.
What do you think of Kai Greene and his stance on the conflict in the Middle East?
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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.
CBD Supplements for Weight Loss
More than half of all adults in the United States are overweight. So it’s not surprising that people are looking for help to lose extra fat.
One aid that is becoming increasingly popular is CBD supplements. Cannabidiol (CBD), is a nonpsychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Studies and personal experiences have shown how CBD can help curb your appetite, shift stubborn fat and improve your metabolism. It may be one of the safest and most effective weight-loss supplements we know of.
However, not all supplements are created equal. And a quick google search will bring up oils, gummies, pills, and more, at various dosages and in various forms. How do you know which will be the most effective to help you lose weight? Here we will give a brief overview of the different CBD supplements.
How CBD Aids Weight Loss
Your body houses an endocannabinoid system that interacts with the compounds found in Cannabis. CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the brain and nervous system and other major organs such as the lungs and skin. This allows CBD to have some amazing effects on the body.
Here we will give a brief overview:
Fat Browning – CBD has the amazing ability to transform fat cells so that they can be more easily burned away. It turns “bad fat” – white fat cells, into brown fat cells, also known as “good fat.” (1)
Brown fat cells contain raised numbers of mitochondria and use more energy, which means they are more easily used as fuel and burned.
Appetite-suppressant – CBD interacts with your body’s natural endocannabinoid system and blocks certain CB1 receptors. One of the effects of this is a reduction in hunger. (2) On the other hand, another compound found in Cannabis – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has the opposite effect and actually increases appetite.
Reduces Stress and Improves Sleep – CBD may benefit your sleep and reduce cortisol levels which cause stress and inflammation. (3) (4) This can help you on your weight loss journey partially because it is easier to stick to healthier habits when you feel good. In addition, your body is more likely to hold onto fat when you are getting insufficient sleep, or your cortisol levels are high.
Insulin Regulation – When there is too much insulin in the bloodstream, our bodies are unable to burn fat. Irregular blood sugar can also lead to sugar cravings, making it hard to restrict food intake. CBD helps to stabilize insulin levels, kickstarting the body into burning fat. One study incorporating data from 4,567 patients found that regular marijuana users had 17% lower fasting insulin levels, 16% lower levels of insulin resistance, and a smaller waist circumference. (5)
Mitochondrial Function – Mitochondria is the source of energy within a cell. Imbalances can negatively affect how we burn energy and make weight gain more likely. Fixing those imbalances can dramatically improve your metabolism. CBD has the incredible ability to regulate mitochondrial activity. (6)
Types of CBD
All CBD products, regardless of what form they’re in, come in three basic varieties:
Full-spectrum CBD: Contains all parts of the hemp plant, including CBD and small traces of other CBD compounds such as THC and terpenes.
Broad-spectrum CBD: Includes all of the ingredients in full-spectrum CBD, except THC.
CBD isolates The purest form, containing only CBD.
Other products contain both CBD and THC. These products have their own benefits. However, THC is the psychoactive compound in Cannabis, so if you want to avoid feeling high, look for products with just trace amounts of THC.
Different Forms of CBD
Everybody processes cannabis and cannabinoids a little differently. Finding your ideal form of cannabis consumption may take trial and error. The most common forms include CBD oil, pills, creams, and vapor liquid.
Different forms affect your body in different ways. Some key differences include:
Onset: How quickly will the product begin to work?
Distribution: Which parts of the body will be most affected?
Duration: How long will the effects last?
Dose: How much CBD are you getting?
Edibles and Capsules
Onset: 1-2 hours.
Distribution: Absorbed by the gut and modified by the liver, then spreads throughout the body fairly evenly.
Duration: Effects may last up to 12 hours.
Dose: Doses of CBD products range from 5 mg to hundreds of milligrams.
Before reaching the liver, cannabinoids will interact with receptors in the gut, making capsules an effective way to take CBD for weight loss. The long-lasting effects of capsules mean that you benefit from their effects for longer.
Shred CBD comes in capsule form and has been specifically designed to aid weight loss.
Tinctures, Oils, and Sprays
Onset: 15 minutes – 1 hour.
Distribution: Absorbed into the bloodstream by the mouth, then evenly distributes.
Duration: Lasts around 6-8 hours.
Dose: 2.5-5 mg of CBD is a common starting dose.
Oral-mucosal drugs are directly absorbed into the blood via the mouth. It is best to place the dose under the tongue and wait for a minute before swallowing. If swallowed, you will experience similar effects to capsules but at a lower dose and at a quicker pace, making it less effective for weight loss.
Smoking and Vaping
Onset: Seconds to minutes.
Distribution: Impacts the lungs immediately, then the brain and heart, then is distributed throughout the body.
Duration: Most effects subside after 2-3 hours.
Dose: As little as is necessary.
When cannabis is inhaled through the lungs, it is sent to the brain before being metabolized. This makes it fast-acting and short-lived. This is effective for acute problems such as nausea and pain, but it is not the best method for weight loss.
Other Forms of Cannabis
Some other forms of CBD you might see include:
Topicals
Topicals are creams containing CBD. They can be very effective for skin conditions or joint pain, but they are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, they are not effective for weight loss.
Transdermal
Transdermal products are patches that are applied to the skin. They are designed to release cannabinoids into the bloodstream at a constant rate.
Although that sounds like a compelling option, studies have brought into question the effectiveness of Transdermal CBD. In a clinical trial, transdermals failed to treat epilepsy, where a sublingual CBD isolate was effective. If a company is selling a transdermal product, it should be able to demonstrate how well it is absorbed.
Water Soluble
Cannabinoids like to mix with oil, not water. However, some companies have found ways to dissolve them in water, allowing for CBD-infused beverages. The research is limited. However, in order to make cannabinoids water-soluble, they are changed in a way that means you absorb them quicker. This means that you may experience a bigger effect for a shorter period, which may not be the most effective way to take CBD for weight loss.
CBD Dosing
In a 2017 review, it was found that there is no universal dosage of CBD. Most human studies range between 20 and 1,500 mg per day. (7) There is no single dose that will be right for everyone. You should experiment with different products and find what works best for you.
What happens if you take CBD every day?
A 2011 review on the safety and side effects of CBD found no adverse effects of continuous use of CBD, even at high doses such as 1,500mg. (8)
Is CBD Legal?
Cannabidiol (CBD) products are legal on the federal level so long as they contain under 0.3% THC. Most CBD products will be well under this limit. For example, ShredCBD contains under 0.1%.
The food and drug administration has even approved the use of one CBD product, Epidiolex, which can now be given on prescription to treat epilepsy.
CBD Pills Vs. CBD Oil For Weight Loss
Two of the most effective and most common ways to take CBD to aid in weight loss are CBD oil or CBD pills. How do you decide which is right for you?
The differences are actually quite small. Both have the same potential benefits. However, capsules can be easier to manage and are dosed more precisely than CBD oil for weight loss.
Furthermore, capsules lead to slower absorption, and you will experience the effects for longer, which may give them the edge when it comes to CBD products for weight loss.
In one study on CBD and epilepsy, researchers explained,
“Administering CBD as a capsule rather than a liquid allows for more precise determination of pharmacokinetic parameters and is more representative of CBD swallowed products.” (9)
Furthermore, full-spectrum CBD oil or any other oil form has an earthy taste, which isn’t to everyone’s taste. A capsule or a pill, on the other hand, is easy to swallow and won’t leave you with any taste.
Our recommendation for a CBD pill for weight loss is ShredCBD.
Limitations of CBD and Weight Loss
When it comes to health and wellness, nothing replaces a healthy diet. Although using CBD can certainly help you to lose weight, you will only experience these health benefits when taken alongside a healthy diet.
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
Parray, H.A., Yun, J.W. Cannabidiol promotes browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mol Cell Biochem 416, 131–139 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-016-2702-5
Rossi, Francesca et al. “Role of Cannabinoids in Obesity.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 19,9 2690. 10 Sep. 2018, doi:10.3390/ijms19092690
Shannon, Scott et al. “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series.” The Permanente journal vol. 23 (2019): 18-041. doi:10.7812/TPP/18-041
Murillo-Rodríguez, Eric et al. “Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats.” FEBS letters vol. 580,18 (2006): 4337-45. doi:10.1016/j.febslet.2006.04.102
Penner, Elizabeth A et al. “The impact of marijuana use on glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance among US adults.” The American journal of medicine vol. 126,7 (2013): 583-9. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2013.03.002
Ryan, Duncan et al. “Cannabidiol targets mitochondria to regulate intracellular Ca2+ levels.” The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience vol. 29,7 (2009): 2053-63. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4212-08.2009
Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139-154. doi: 10.1089/can.2016.0034
Bergamaschi, Mateus Machado et al. “Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent.” Current drug safety vol. 6,4 (2011): 237-49. doi:10.2174/157488611798280924
Birnbaum, AK, Karanam, A, Marino, SE, et al. Food effect on pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol oral capsules in adult patients with refractory epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2019; 60: 1586– 1592. https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.16093