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Brian Shaw Announces That The Winner of 2023 Shaw Classic Will Be Crowned as ‘Strongest Man On Earth’

Brian Shaw is nearing the end of his Strongman career as a competitor since his final professional appearance will be at the 2023 Shaw Classic on August 19-20. However, seeing how Brian was always focused on improving the sport, he still plans to continue, but from the position of an organizer instead of a competitor. So, wanting to make the Shaw Classic the greatest competition in the world, Brian has acquired the title of ‘Strongest Man On Earth’.
The Shaw Classic will take place for the fourth time this year and will be the first time the winner will be called the ‘Strongest Man On Earth’. Each year the competition gets better, mostly because Brian makes sure to put on as great of a competition as possible. So, he has now added another factor which will lure the greatest Strongman athletes currently to compete in his competition, as the title of ‘Strongest Man On Earth’ will be awarded to the winner.
This title was trademarked by Paul Ohl, who organized a competition called Fortissimus in 2008 and 2009. It was one of the greatest competitions at the time, and the winner earned the title of the ‘Strongest Man On Earth’. However, Paul has now decided to pass down the torch to Brian Shaw, as Paul considers him one of the greatest Strongman champions in history alongside Zydrunas Savickas.
“EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE STRONGEST MAN ON EARTH WILL OFFICIALLY BE CROWNED AT @theshawclassic IN 2023!
In 2023 The Shaw Classic will carry on the torch that has been passed from Paul Ohl and Fortissimus and now crown The Strongest Man on Earth.”
Watch a snippet of Brian Shaw & Paul Ohl’s conversation here:

Related: 2023 Shaw Classic Updates: New Competitor, Arm Wrestling Matches & More Revealed By Brian Shaw
Paul Ohl revealed that he was a fan of Brian Shaw even when he just started the sport. He recognized the greatness in Brian before anyone else and is now delighted to pass down the torch.
“At that time, there was a little hesitation… In January of 2008, I saw you compete, and I saw the first two events. I said this man — that superman should I say — will be a part of the history of the Strongman.” said Paul Ohl.
Apart from the title of The Strongest Man On Earth, Paul Ohl has also given Brian Shaw the blessing to use one of his iconic events — The Louis Cyr Stone. It is a natural stone weighing 533 pounds that is meant to be picked up. However, the events for this year’s Shaw Classic have already been revealed, meaning the Louis Cyr Stone will not be one of them. Therefore, it is likely that this event will be featured in future editions of the show, as Brian made some promising comments regarding it.
Paul then revealed why he trademarked the title of The Strongest Man On Earth and got into the committee for the competition.
“I said I am going to be on that committee for one reason. Athletes are bleeding and sweating 100%, while organizers are looking at the athletes and putting 100% in their pockets. So, I am going to be on that committee to make a bet on the biggest prize money ever.”
Paul Ohl has recognized that Brian Shaw also cares the most about the competitors instead of his own profit. So, he was more than glad to give him a trademark title.
“I am so damn proud that Brian Shaw, at the end of his career, will be the man who will take it over and will carry the torch further. I am sure you will do that. You are the man with the ethics, you are the man with the track record, and you are the man with the passion and knowledge about Strongman amongst all of them.”
Brian Shaw also had a word to say about how much this means to him and what he plans to do with his competition in the future.
“Being able to work into a position like this and have somebody like you endorse the Shaw Classic and now the Shaw Classic being able to legitimately crown the Strongest Man On Earth, is just… I don’t even have the words to say how much that means to me,” said Shaw.
Watch the full conversation here:

Related: Mateusz Kieliszkowski Withdraws From 2023 Shaw Classic; Gavin Bilton Makes His Debut
The lineup and the events for the 2023 Shaw Classic have been revealed, but now the athletes have a much bigger incentive to perform well. There is no doubt that those taking part will now push themselves to their absolute limits to claim the prestigious title, which makes the Shaw Classic arguably the greatest Strongman competition in the world.
Published: 18 July, 2023 | 10:10 AM EDT

74-YO Rudy Kadlub Sets USPA Drug Tested World Records In Squat & Deadlift While Injured

1
USPA
2022-12-03

Oregon State Championships

Masters 70-74

1257.7

353.64

Location

USA-OR

Competition
Oregon State Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
73

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
216.9

Squat
402.3
435.4
457.5

457.5

Bench
242.5
270.1
286.6

286.6

Deadlift
474
490.5
513.7

513.7

1
USPA
2022-05-27

Drug Tested National Championships

Masters 70-74

303.1

85.12

Location

USA-GA

Competition
Drug Tested National Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
73

Equipment
Raw

Class
220.5

Weight
217.6

Bench
275.6
303.1
-319.7

303.1

GLP
63.38

1
USPA
2022-05-27

Drug Tested National Championships

Masters 70-74

606.3

170.24

Location

USA-GA

Competition
Drug Tested National Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
73

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
217.6

Squat
137.8

137.8

Bench
275.6
303.1
-319.7

303.1

Deadlift
165.3

165.3

1
IPL
2021-11-04

Drug Tested World Championship

Masters 70-74

1274.3

358.94

Location

USA-CA

Competition
Drug Tested World Championship

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
72

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
216.1

Squat
402.3
431
451.9

451.9

Bench
281.1
303.1
309.7
314.2
314.2

Deadlift
474
502.7
512.6

512.6

1
USPA
2021-07-12

Drug Tested National Championships

Masters 70-74

1234.6

347.76

Location

USA-CA

Competition
Drug Tested National Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
72

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
216.1

Squat
402.3
-429.9
429.9

429.9

Bench
270.1
292.1
303.1
308.6
308.6

Deadlift
474
501.6
-518.1

501.6

1
USPA
2021-07-12

Drug Tested National Championships

Masters 70-74

501.6

141.28

Location

USA-CA

Competition
Drug Tested National Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
72

Equipment
Raw

Class
220.5

Weight
216.1

Deadlift
474
501.6
-518.1

501.6

1
USPA
2021-07-12

Drug Tested National Championships

Masters 70-74

303.1

85.39

Location

USA-CA

Competition
Drug Tested National Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
72

Equipment
Raw

Class
220.5

Weight
216.1

Bench
270.1
292.1
303.1
308.6
308.6

GLP
63.6

1
USPA
2020-11-06

Drug Tested North American Championships

Masters 70-74

518.1

143.91

Location

USA-CA

Competition
Drug Tested North American Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
71

Equipment
Raw

Class
242.5

Weight
223.1

Deadlift
474
501.6
518.1

518.1

1
USPA
2020-11-06

Drug Tested North American Championships

Masters 70-74

1251.1

347.52

Location

USA-CA

Competition
Drug Tested North American Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
71

Equipment
Wraps

Class
242.5

Weight
223.1

Squat
-396.8
429.9
-451.9

429.9

Bench
-270.1
275.6
303.1

303.1

Deadlift
474
501.6
518.1

518.1

1
USPA
2020-11-06

Drug Tested North American Championships

Masters 70-74

303.1

84.2

Location

USA-CA

Competition
Drug Tested North American Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
71

Equipment
Raw

Class
242.5

Weight
223.1

Bench
-270.1
275.6
303.1

303.1

GLP
62.64

1
USPA
2020-09-04

Drug Tested National Championships

Masters 70-74

1174

332.06

Location

USA-OH

Competition
Drug Tested National Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
71

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
214.1

Squat
-303.1
347.2
402.3

402.3

Bench
253.5
281.1
297.6

297.6

Deadlift
435.4
474
-501.6

474

1
IPL
2019-10-24

Drug Tested World Championships

Masters 70-74

1229.1

362.11

Location

Ireland

Competition
Drug Tested World Championships

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
70

Equipment
Wraps

Class
198.4

Weight
196.7

Squat
407.9
-429.9
429.9

429.9

Bench
264.6
292.1
-303.1

292.1

Deadlift
451.9
485
507.1

507.1

1
USPA
2019-05-11

Masters Cup

Masters 70-74

1185

348.73

Location

USA-TX

Competition
Masters Cup

Division
Masters 70-74

Age
70

Equipment
Wraps

Class
198.4

Weight
197.1

Squat
424.4

Bench
286.6

Deadlift
474

1
IPL
2018-11-08

Drug Tested World Championships

Masters 65-69

1262.1

356.34

Location

USA-NV

Competition
Drug Tested World Championships

Division
Masters 65-69

Age
69

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
215

Squat
451.9

Bench
303.1

Deadlift
518.1

1
IPL
2018-05-12

Masters Cup

Masters 65-69

1234.6

347.6

Location

USA-TX

Competition
Masters Cup

Division
Masters 65-69

Age
69

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
216.3

Squat
440.9

Bench
292.1

Deadlift
501.6

1
IPL
2017-11-02

Worlds

Masters 65-69

1201.5

336.78

Location

USA-NV

Competition
Worlds

Division
Masters 65-69

Age
68

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
218.5

Squat
429.9

Bench
286.6

Deadlift
485

1
IPL
2017-05-13

Masters Cup

Masters 65-69

1091.3

307.96

Location

USA-TX

Competition
Masters Cup

Division
Masters 65-69

Age
68

Equipment
Wraps

Class
220.5

Weight
215.2

Squat
418.9

Bench
253.5

Deadlift
418.9

1
GPC
2015-09-13

World Championships

M6

1460.6

408.49

Location

USA-NV

Competition
World Championships

Division
M6

Age
66

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
219.6

Squat
501.6
551.2
-600.8

551.2

Bench
248
435.4
457.5

457.5

Deadlift
451.9
-534.6

451.9

1
GPC
2015-09-13

World Championships

M6

1460.6

408.49

Location

USA-NV

Competition
World Championships

Division
M6

Age
66

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
219.6

Squat
501.6
551.2
-600.8

551.2

Bench
248
435.4
457.5

457.5

Deadlift
451.9
-534.6

451.9

1
SPF
2015-02-28

Myrtle Beach Classic

Masters 65-69

1375

385.15

Location

USA-SC

Competition
Myrtle Beach Classic

Division
Masters 65-69

Age
65

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
218.8

Squat
505

Bench
435

Deadlift
435

1
APF
2015-01-10

Winter Classic

M_MR_6_APF

1207

339.38

Location

USA-OR

Competition
Winter Classic

Division
M_MR_6_APF

Age
65

Equipment
Raw

Class
220.5

Weight
216.9

Squat
402.3

Bench
303.1

Deadlift
501.6

GLP
69.7

1
WPC
2013-08-29

Amateur Worlds

M_MEM_5_AAPF

1344.8

378.13

Location

USA-ID

Competition
Amateur Worlds

Division
M_MEM_5_AAPF

Age
64

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
216.9

Squat
540.1

Bench
242.5

Deadlift
562.2

1
WPC
2013-08-29

Amateur Worlds

M_MEM_5_AAPF

242.5

68.19

Location

USA-ID

Competition
Amateur Worlds

Division
M_MEM_5_AAPF

Age
64

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
216.9

Bench
242.5

1
APF
2013-04-26

Amateur National Powerlifting Championships

M_MEM_5_AAPF

1603.9

455.58

Location

USA-MI

Competition
Amateur National Powerlifting Championships

Division
M_MEM_5_AAPF

Age
64

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
212.1

Squat
507.1
562.2
606.3

606.3

Bench
242.5
440.9
463

463

Deadlift
485
534.6
-556.7

534.6

1
APA
2013-03-23

Spring Championships

Masters 60-64

1537.7

432.76

Location

USA-OR

Competition
Spring Championships

Division
Masters 60-64

Age
~63.5

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
216.5

Squat
451.9
507.1
556.7

556.7

Bench
242.5
446.4
-468.5

446.4

Deadlift
474
512.6
534.6

534.6

DQ
WPC
2012-11-06

World Championships

M_MEM_5_WPC

Location

USA-NV

Competition
World Championships

Division
M_MEM_5_WPC

Age
63

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.4

Squat
-551.2
-551.2
-551.2

1
APF
2012-05-26

Masters Teen & Junior Nationals

M_MEM_5_APF

1493.6

439.56

Location

USA-LA

Competition
Masters Teen & Junior Nationals

Division
M_MEM_5_APF

Age
63

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
197.1

Squat
551.2

Bench
429.9

Deadlift
512.6

1
APF
2011-03-09

EDC Spring Meet

M_MEM_5_APF

1598.3

458.23

Location

USA-OR

Competition
EDC Spring Meet

Division
M_MEM_5_APF

Age
61

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
207.9

Squat
-600.8
600.8
-622.8

600.8

Bench
-451.9
-457.5
457.5

457.5

Deadlift
496
523.6
540.1

540.1

1
APF
2011-03-09

EDC Spring Meet

M_MEM_5_AAPF

1598.3

458.23

Location

USA-OR

Competition
EDC Spring Meet

Division
M_MEM_5_AAPF

Age
61

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
220.5

Weight
207.9

Squat
-600.8
600.8
-622.8

600.8

Bench
-451.9
-457.5
457.5

457.5

Deadlift
496
523.6
540.1

540.1

7
APF
2010-04-18

Amateur & Raw Nationals

M_OEM_APF

1427.5

418.67

Location

USA-MI

Competition
Amateur & Raw Nationals

Division
M_OEM_APF

Age
61

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.4

Squat
551.2

Bench
413.4

Deadlift
463

1
APF
2009-08-22

Summer Power Challenge

M_MEM_5_AAPF

1537.7

451.76

Location

USA-OR

Competition
Summer Power Challenge

Division
M_MEM_5_AAPF

Age
60

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
197.8

Squat
-578.7
578.7
611.8

611.8

Bench
385.8
-407.9
407.9

407.9

Deadlift
479.5
518.1
-534.6

518.1

1
APF
2009-03-14

Spring Powerlifting Challenge

M_MEM_4_AAPF

1471.6

432.07

Location

USA-OR

Competition
Spring Powerlifting Challenge

Division
M_MEM_4_AAPF

Age
59

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198

Squat
-501.6
523.6
551.2

551.2

Bench
242.5
363.8
385.8
402.3
402.3

Deadlift
463
523.6
534.6

534.6

1
WABDL
2008-11-12

World Championships

Masters 54-60

369.3

108.31

Location

USA-NV

Competition
World Championships

Division
Masters 54-60

Age
59

Equipment
Single-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.4

Bench
369.3

GLP
56.5

1
WABDL
2008-11-12

World Championships

Masters 54-60

507.1

148.72

Location

USA-NV

Competition
World Championships

Division
Masters 54-60

Age
59

Equipment
Single-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.4

Deadlift
507.1

1
APA
2008-04-12

Northwest Open Iron War

Masters 50-59

1305

382.92

Location

USA-WA

Competition
Northwest Open Iron War

Division
Masters 50-59

Age
59

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.2

Squat
435
455
465

465

Bench
-335
335
-345

335

Deadlift
475
505
-510

505

3
WABDL
2007-11-15

World Championships

Masters 54-60

507.1

148.72

Location

USA-CA

Competition
World Championships

Division
Masters 54-60

Age
58

Equipment
Single-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.4

Deadlift
507.1

2
WABDL
2007-11-15

World Championships

Masters 54-60

336.2

98.61

Location

USA-CA

Competition
World Championships

Division
Masters 54-60

Age
58

Equipment
Single-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.4

Bench
336.2

GLP
51.44

1
APA
2007-08-18

Oregon Open Championships

Masters 50-59

1303

382.56

Location

USA-OR

Competition
Oregon Open Championships

Division
Masters 50-59

Age
58

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198

Squat
424.4
451.9
-463

451.9

Bench
315
335
350

350

Deadlift
451
476
501

501

5
WABDL
2006-11-15

World Championships

Masters 54-60

424.4

124.47

Location

USA-NV

Competition
World Championships

Division
Masters 54-60

Age
57

Equipment
Single-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.4

Deadlift
424.4

5
WABDL
2006-11-15

World Championships

Masters 54-60

303.1

88.91

Location

USA-NV

Competition
World Championships

Division
Masters 54-60

Age
57

Equipment
Multi-ply

Class
198.4

Weight
198.4

Bench
303.1

IGF 1 Bodybuilding

Insulin like Growth Factor (IGF) in Bodybuilding: Exploring IGF-1 and IGF-1 Long R3 In the realm of bodybuilding, the use of performance-enhancing substances is not uncommon. One such substance that has gained popularity is Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF). This article aims to shed light on the use of IGF-1 and IGF-1 Long R3 in bodybuilding,…

Melanotan Usage in Bodybuilding

Melanotan, also known as MT2, is a synthetic peptide hormone that stimulates the production of melanin in the body. While its primary use is for tanning and skin pigmentation, Melanotan has gained popularity among bodybuilders for its potential benefits in enhancing physique and muscle definition. This article explores the usage of Melanotan in bodybuilding, including…

Best Exercises to Lose Belly Fat After 50 — Get Fit and Fabulous

Once you pass your fifth decade, everything gets harder. Building muscle is a great struggle. Getting stronger takes a more dedicated effort. And maintaining a healthy body weight becomes a massive uphill battle. The reasons are clear; your metabolism is slowing down, your testosterone levels are depleting, and you’re naturally losing muscle and strength. So, what can you do about it?
Once you’re past 50, adopting a more intelligent approach to training becomes essential to conquer the innate obstacles to maintaining a healthy weight. Following the gym crowd and doing the old stand-by exercises to lose belly fat won’t cut it.
This article lists the best exercises to lose belly fat after 50. I’ll also lay out the other aspect of weight loss over 50 — how to eat to lose belly fat.
Importance of Losing Belly Fat Over 50

There are two types of fat in your body, subcutaneous and visceral. The fat that is beneath your skin is referred to as subcutaneous fat. This type of fat may be easily grabbed by hand and gathered in the usual “problem areas,” including the thighs, hips, neck, and arms. It accounts for around 80% to 90% of our total body fat.
The remaining 10 to 20 percent is called visceral fat and is found around the liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, and other internal organs, as well as beneath the stomach muscles. It sometimes goes by “deep fat” since it covers your internal organs and fills the spaces between your stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs. [1]
Subcutaneous fat differs from belly fat, which is far more hazardous because it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disorders. Belly fat forces the abdominal muscles outward because it is harder than subcutaneous fat.
These deep abdominal fat cells transfer their free fatty acids directly to the liver rather than releasing them into the bloodstream. Triglycerides and cholesterol are other types of fat that the liver creates in reaction and release into the bloodstream. Free fatty acids are the types of fat that are released from fat cells and carried into the blood, whereas triglycerides are another type of blood-borne fat that the body uses as an energy source. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease is linked to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 
Challenges of Losing Belly Fat Over 50

Once past 50, you will find it increasingly difficult to keep your belly fat down to healthy levels. It’s not that your willpower to resist tempting foods is lower. Here are four physiological reasons you’re more prone to putting on belly fat over 50: 
1. Reduced Metabolism
At around 30, most people’s metabolisms decline by about 1% every two years. Although the exact cause of our aging metabolism is unknown, it most likely involves a decline in muscle mass and a shift in hormone levels. Men produce less testosterone, while women’s estrogen levels decrease after menopause. [2]
2. Less Muscle
Age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, kicks in from about the age of 40. Because muscle is more active metabolically than fat, having less of it negatively affects our metabolic rate. As a result, you won’t burn as many calories at rest, making it easier for that spare tire to develop around your belly. [3]
3. Lifestyle
Most people tend to slow down as they age. By the time they reach their 50s, most folks stop playing sports, no longer play with the kids, and spend more time on the couch. That means fewer calories burned throughout the day. 
4. Stress
When we experience chronic stress, our cortisol levels increase dramatically. This can indirectly contribute to higher levels of belly fat. As we get older, our stress levels can increase due to many factors, including work stressors, financial problems, and the concerns of looking after elderly parents.
Cortisol can increase the desire for comfort foods with high caloric content, particularly those high in carbohydrates and fats. These are the very foods that contribute to increases in belly fat.
Cortisol encourages fat storage, particularly visceral fat, which builds up around the abdominal organs. In fact, the hormone can actually redistribute subcutaneous fat to visceral fat.
Cortisol also has a catabolic effect on muscle tissue, causing a breakdown of amino acids. This can contribute to age-related muscle loss. [4]
15 Diet & Nutrition Tips To Lose Belly Fat Loss Over 50
As we’ve learned, excess belly fat is aesthetically unpleasing and dangerous. It puts you at a higher risk of cancer, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and depression. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce your belly fat levels dramatically.
Here are 15 diet and nutrition tips that will complement your exercise-based efforts to reduce the spare tire: 
1. Increase Your Fiber Intake
You can shed belly fat by increasing the amount of soluble fiber in your diet. This is because fiber will assist in lowering your blood sugar levels. You’ll experience stable insulin levels as a result.
Fiber, which is incredibly filling, also serves as the body’s natural cleaner. It enhances digestion and improves waste excretion. A 2011 study found that a 10-gram increase in soluble fiber consumption over a five-year period reduced belly fat accumulation by 3.7%. [5]
The best sources of fibrous carbs are brightly colored vegetables and berries, including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, beans, lentils, and other legumes.

2. Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
Unsurprisingly, overindulging in alcohol can lead to a ‘beer gut.’ In fact, if you are trying to reduce your belly fat, alcohol will be one of your worst enemies. Alcohol contains zero proteins, carbohydrates, or fats. In other words, it has no nutritional benefit whatsoever, and every gram of alcohol adds seven calories to your system.
After you drink alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it. That means your body will first burn alcohol instead of fat, postponing your ability to burn off the spare tire. 
Alcohol puts almost twice as many calories per gram into your body than carbs and protein (seven versus four). And those calories are much easier to consume than the solid foods we eat to get macronutrients into our system. As a result, it is extremely easy to take in hundreds, even thousands, of zero-nutrition calories from alcohol in an evening. 
Alcohol slows down the central nervous system and lowers inhibitions. One of the effects of this is that people eat more when they are drinking. And the foods that are normally consumed on these occasions are those that are high in simple carbs. All of this is a sure-fire recipe for fat gain.
Alcohol hurts food digestion, leading to reduced efficiency in breaking down fats for fuel, impeding the weight loss process.
Alcohol has a negative effect on testosterone production. Testosterone is an important hormone for fat loss, so its alcohol-induced lowered release will directly impact fat-burning ability.
The bottom line here is if you’re serious about getting rid of visceral body fat, you need to cut back on the booze. [6]
3. Consume More Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your feelings, behavior, and physique aesthetics will change dramatically if you consume more omega-3 fatty acids, particularly while following a weight loss program.
Here’s what increasing your omega-3 intake will do for you:

Boost your insulin sensitivity
Aid with fat burning
Boost your metabolism
Reduce cortisol production and increase your energy
Assist with muscle growth

The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are eggs, fatty fish, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds. [7]
4. Eat More Monounsaturated Fats
Monounsaturated fats have the power to lower insulin and LDL cholesterol levels. Here are five excellent sources of monounsaturated fats:

Olive
Nuts
Avocado
Avocado Oil
Coconut Oil 

5. Eliminate Processed Grains
Processed grain products include cereal, bagels, pasta, bread, and bagels. The nutritional content of the grains is reduced while the calorie density is increased by milling, refining, and bleaching. That’s not a healthy combination.
Although whole grain types are preferable because they still contain some fiber and nutrients, even these are processed to some extent and may be high in calories.
However, you should only consume only whole grains going forward. That means avoiding products made from white pasta, rice, or flour. [8]
6. Prepare for Snack Time
A vital tactic for effective weight loss is predicting and planning when you’re likely to feel hungry throughout the day. When hunger strikes, having ready-to-eat, homemade snacks can come in handy.
Here are five tasty, straightforward snacks:

Apple crisps  
Almonds
A nutritious smoothie
Hard-boiled eggs
A can of water-packed tuna

7. Reduce Liquid Calorie Intake
Liquid calories have several significant issues. Refined sugars are frequently used in weight loss smoothies as flavoring. Others use preservatives to enhance flavor and mixability. Those who consume solid meals feel satiated longer than those who use meal-replacement beverages.
In a 2007 study, test subjects were given solid food and a meal replacement shake, and their degree of satiety was monitored over the next four hours. 
The satiety levels were much higher in the solid food group. In fact, the meal replacement group’s body didn’t even recognize that they had eaten from a chemical standpoint. [9]
8. Increase Water Intake
Hydration is crucial to a successful weight-loss strategy. Water can also help increase metabolism. Participants in a study who drank 16 ounces of water daily experienced a 30% rise in their metabolism. [10]
Always keep a water bottle with you. To stay full, regularly sip from it. Drinking water will also assist you in satisfying your thirst so that you don’t confuse it with hunger.

9. Begin Meal Prepping
One of the keys to sticking to your smart eating plan is prepping your meals in advance. This involves keeping a couple of hours aside, usually on the weekend, to prepare your weekly meals. 
This greatly eases your search for nutritious options that adhere to your macronutrient guidelines. Meal planning will also significantly reduce your likelihood of reverting to poor eating patterns.
10. Avoid Trans Fatty Acids
Unsaturated lipids become trans fatty acids when hydrogen is introduced. They have been demonstrated to increase belly fat in addition to being connected to heart disease and insulin resistance. According to one study, eating a lot of trans fats can increase belly fat by 33%. [11]
11. Do a 14-Day Detox
To get rid of toxins and other impurities in your body, try a 14-day detox. The doors of fat loss may effectively be flung open by this. It’s not necessary to starve during a cleanse. It involves giving your body the proper nutrients to remove toxins and restore its natural equilibrium. 
12. Increase Coconut Oil Consumption

Recent years have seen a lot of research focused on the coconut. Many of these studies have focused on how they can aid in weight loss.
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that do not circulate in the bloodstream like long-chain fatty acids. Instead, they are sent to the liver, which turns them into energy. As a result, your body turns to coconut oil for energy rather than storing the calories as fat.
According to some studies, switching from olive oil, which contains long-chain fatty acids, to coconut oil, which contains medium-chain fatty acids, results in greater fat reduction. Coconut oil is particularly helpful for decreasing weight around the abdomen, where visceral fat collects. Because it is linked to so many ailments, visceral fat is the most harmful type of fat.
In a recent study, one ounce of coconut oil was added to women’s diets with excessive abdominal fat. Both their waist circumference and their BMI significantly decreased after 12 weeks. This was accomplished without any exercise or other dietary changes. [12]
13. Add Herbs to your Meals
Several plants have been used by indigenous peoples worldwide for centuries to help with weight loss. In recent decades, science has confirmed the effectiveness of some of them. Here are three of the best:

Turmeric
Cumin
Ashwagandha

14. Consume More Protein

Protein aids in fat loss in addition to helping you develop muscle. This is because protein has the strongest thermogenic effect of all the macronutrients, is very filling, and reduces hunger. As a result, it requires more energy to digest than fats or carbohydrates.
When paired with weight resistance exercise, protein’s ability to build muscle also aids in belly fat reduction. Maintaining muscle demands five times as many calories as maintaining body fat. Therefore, the more muscular you are, the leaner you will be!
Plan to consume one gram of protein per pound of body weight, with your preferred protein sources being eggs, chicken, fish, legumes, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese. [13]
Related: Try Our Protein Calculator
15. Cut Yourself Some Slack
It is important to be realistic when trying to lose belly fat. When you try to lead a healthy lifestyle, you’ll find yourself moving in the opposite direction from the vast majority of people. The environment you are in will constantly provide you with temptations. It’s ridiculous to expect yourself to never make a mistake. Remember that a poor eating decision won’t halt your progress.
The key takeaway is that you shouldn’t punish yourself if you make a poor nutritional choice or skip an exercise. Your ability to succeed depends on developing long-lasting habits that you can maintain. An occasional slip-up won’t hamper your results.
Best Exercises to Lose Belly Fat Over 50
Losing weight, and keeping it off, is all about consistency. Sticking to a balanced training and diet plan to create a calorie deficit will help you shed unwanted pounds effectively and sustain your weight loss progress over time.
The key to success is incorporating a sustainable exercise schedule into your lifestyle. Let’s find out how it should (and shouldn’t) be done.
How Not to Lose Belly Fat
Let’s get it straight from the outset, you will not lose belly fat by doing hundreds of sit-ups, crunches, leg raises, or other exercises for your abdominal muscles. The reason is simple; you cannot spot-reduce belly fat. In other words, doing a thousand crunches will not burn fat off your belly fat.
Fat comes off the body evenly. So, when you do a calorie-burning exercise, you cannot dictate what part of the body it will come from. Depending on your genetics, the fat might come off the belly and the sides of the waist (the dreaded love handles) last. When you build muscle, you will also increase your metabolism to burn more calories.
Exercise Type: Fast or Slow?

There is a lot of confusion about what type of cardiovascular exercise is best for weight loss. It boils down to two options — long and slow cardio or fast and short cardio. Both sides have their passionate advocates, yet the current scientific consensus is squarely on the side of fast, short, high-intensity sessions. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves quick bursts of high-intensity training followed by short rest periods.
The best HIIT exercises will allow you to use maximum exertion to burn maximum calories. Running is a great choice, allowing for hard-out sprints (imagine a Doberman is chasing you) followed by a slow jog. Incorporating HIIT training into your exercise schedule thrice weekly will help you burn calories while exercising and turn your body into a fat-burning furnace by boosting your metabolism for the next 24 hours. [14]
The best exercises to reduce belly fat for men are those that burn the most calories. Combine this with a healthy diet, and your belly girth will decrease. Here are the six effective belly fat exercises to reduce fat from your midline: 
Treadmill
Exercising on a treadmill is the most popular form of cardio exercise in gyms worldwide. However, most people do not do it with enough intensity. Walking at 2 miles an hour while reading a book will not cut it. A far better way to go is HIIT. This involves interpreting short sprints with even shorter rest periods for multiple bouts. 
Tabata is another effective form of HIIT workout for fat loss. It involves a slow two-minute warmup and a 20 seconds max speed sprint. You then throw your legs out to the side of the running belt for 10 seconds. That is one round. The workout involves performing eight rounds. It is extremely hard work but burns a ton of calories. Then, thanks to what is known as the enhanced post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) effect, you will have an elevated metabolism for the next 24-36 hours!

Rowing Machine
The rowing machine is another excellent exercise that will help you reduce fat around your belly. This exercise involves your whole body and gets your heart and lungs in good shape. While rowing, stay upright and move through a full range of motion, pushing through the legs. [15]
Here’s an awesome fat-burning rowing machine workout that combines the rowing machine with body weight and free-weight exercises:

Row at a steady pace for 10 minutes.
Jump off the machine and do 10 dumbbell overhead presses.
Do 10 standing torso twists or cross-body punches.
Row at a steady pace for 10 minutes.
Jump off the machine and do 10 lateral shuffle walks.
Now do 15 kettlebell swings.
Row at a steady pace for 10 minutes.
Jump off the machine and do a 30-second plank.
Now do 10 step-ups.

Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks is a classic old-school cardio exercise you can do anywhere, anytime, to burn off those excess calories. To perform them, start with your legs together and your arms by your sides. Take a small jump straight up and, as you do, move your legs apart. At the same time, swing your arms up above your head into a clap. Take another small jump and return your arms and legs to their starting position. 
You can use jumping jacks to burn off calories as a stand-alone exercise or add them to your workout routine. For example, if you are doing a weight training program, do 20 jumping jacks between each set.

Burpees
The burpee is another old-school bodyweight exercise that must be a part of your training regimen. This is, in fact, one of the highest calorie-burning exercises that you can do without any equipment. 
Here is how to perform the burpee:

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and your arms by your sides.
Drop down into a push-up position, kicking your feet back behind you.
Perform a push-up.
Jump your feet back toward your hands.
Spring up into the air to return to the start position.

Burpees can be performed in HIIT fashion, making them an even more effective fat burner. Here is an example of how you can do this:

Do burpees for 20 seconds.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Do another 20-second round of burpees.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Repeat until you have completed eight rounds, aiming to maintain the same number of burpees in each round.

Step-Ups
Step-ups are another effective calorie burner that you can do without any equipment. Besides helping you reduce belly fat, this exercise will work on your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Here is how to perform step-ups:

Stand out 12 inches away from a step or bench with a hip-width stance. 
Place your right foot on an elevated surface while the left is grounded. 
Drive your right foot into the surface and extend your leg. Both your feet should be together at the top. 
Reverse the movement to lower yourself to the floor. 
Switch between legs or complete recommended reps on the same side between changing sides. 
Always keep your body straight and tall. Avoid the temptation to lean forward from your hips. Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands to burn even more calories.

Shuttle Sprints
This is a challenging cardio calorie burner that will also improve your agility. 

Set up two markers on the floor 3 yards apart. 
Begin with your hand on one of the markers in a sprint stance. 
Sprint to the other marker and touch it with your hand. 
Immediately sprint back to the other marker.

Lift Weight to Lose Weight
The second tier of your weight loss exercise regimen needs to involve some form of resistance training. There is conclusive evidence that exercise involving muscle contraction burns more calories and assists in fat loss. 
Incorporating weight training into your exercise schedule will not only boost your fat-burning efforts but also ensure that you are not losing vital muscle tissue. In the process, it will help build your dream physique. [16]
Lifting weights burns a considerable amount of calories. That is especially the case when you perform what are known as compound moves, such as deadlifts, that involve several muscle groups working together. But there’s an extra benefit. After you finish your workout, your body will have a greater need for oxygen to meet the demands that your workout has placed on your muscles. This brings on the EPOC effect. 
EPOC stands for excessive post-exercise oxygen consumption, and it leads to a higher metabolic rate for up to 24 hours. That means you burn more calories for up to a day after your workout.
When you work a muscle with weights, you place stress on that muscle. This can cause micro-tears in the muscle fiber. When you recover after the workout, your body uses energy to rebuild the muscle. That, too, is burning calories from stored body fat. 
Weight training is the best way to add muscle mass. Muscle is much more dense than fat. It takes up more space and burns five times more calories than fat. So, every ounce of muscle you add makes you more of a fat-burning machine. That’s why resistance training should be integral to your belly fat loss program. I recommend doing resistance exercises at least twice weekly. 
Rather than doing multiple sets of the same exercise before moving to the next one, you will do all five exercises consecutively, with a minimum amount of rest between exercises. Don’t rest at all between exercises one and two. Then give yourself 30 seconds to regain your breath before doing exercises three and four. Rest another 30 seconds before doing exercise number five.
Go through this circuit thrice, resting for two minutes between each circuit.
For each consecutive workout, your goal will be to add more resistance to the bar. However, only do so when you are confident that you have optimized your form on that movement.
Here is your six exercises resistance training circuit for weight loss:
Dumbbell Bench Press 
Prime Mover: Pectorals

Sit on the end of a bench with dumbbells resting on your thighs. Roll back onto the bench, bringing the dumbbells up to arm’s length above your chest. 
Breathe in as you expand your chest and lower the dumbbells to the sides of your chest. Be sure to go down to a point at least an inch lower than your nipples. 
In the bottom position, your scapulae should be squeezing together. Now breathe out as you power back to the start position.

Farmer’s Walk 
Prime Mover: Quadriceps

Select a pair of light dumbbells of an appropriate weight.
Stand between the dumbbells and bend down to grip the handles. Lift the dumbbells by driving up through your heels while keeping your back straight and your head up.
Take an exaggerated step that requires you to lunge. The longer the step, the more emphasis is placed on your glutes, while shorter steps maximize the effect on the thighs.
Pushing off with your forward leg, continue lunge walking until you have covered the set distance.

Deadlift
Prime Mover: Upper Back

Stand in front of the bar so that your midfoot is under the bar and your feet are shoulder-width apart.
Grab the bar by bending the knees but maintaining a neutral spine. Hold the bar with a shoulder-wide mixed grip.
Push through your heels as you pull with your hips, not your arms. Your hips should be higher than the knees at the start of the pull.
Bring the hips, shoulders, and chest up together as the bar comes off the floor. You want the bar to travel directly up and close to your body.
As the bar reaches the mid-thigh level, squeeze your glutes tightly to prevent pulling with your lower back. At the same time, pull your shoulders back. 
Continue pulling until you are standing erect. 

Kettlebell High Pull
Prime Movers: Quadriceps / Glutes

Holding a light kettlebell, and with your feet shoulder-width apart, squat down with a neutral spine and your hips slightly higher than your knees. Your shoulders should be ahead of the kettlebell.
Simultaneously pull down through your feet while driving your hips up and forward. Pull the kettlebell up toward your chin. This movement should bring you up on your toes.
Immediately squat back down into the start position.

Incline Dumbbell Curl
Prime Mover: Biceps

Set an incline bar at a 45-degree angle. Grasp two dumbbells with an underhand grip.
Curl the weights towards your shoulders.
Stop and squeeze your biceps when the dumbbells are 6 to 8 inches in front of your shoulders. Hold the contraction, squeezing tight, for 2 seconds.
Slowly return the dumbbells to the starting position. Be sure to resist gravity during eccentrics.

Lying Triceps Extension 
Prime Mover: Triceps

Lie face up on a bench with a pair of dumbbells in your hands.
Extend your arms directly above your upper chest.
Keeping the elbows in, bend at the elbows as you bring the dumbbells down at the sides of your forehead.

Contract the triceps to return to the start position.

Putting It Together
Now that we’ve identified the types of exercise that best fit your weight loss exercise schedule, let’s consider the frequency of performing those movements. You must exercise five days a week. You will perform your HIIT exercises on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As already explained, HIIT involves short-duration workouts. In fact, you’ll only have to allocate six minutes to your workouts on those days.
Here’s how it will look:

Choose an exercise you are comfortable performing with maximum intensity (sprinting, cycling, and skipping are good options).
Perform a medium-intensity warmup for two minutes.
Perform 20 seconds of maximum intensity.
Recover for 10 seconds.
Repeat this sequence until 4 minutes are up.

On Tuesday and Thursday, you will perform your resistance training workout. On each exercise, you will perform 12 repetitions. Then move directly to your next exercise until you have completed the six-exercise circuit. Work up to doing four rounds of this circuit workout.
Supplement Strategies to Lose Belly Fat Over 50
The are four mechanisms used by fat loss supplements to help users strip off body fat:

Appetite suppression
Increased metabolism
Increased fat oxidation
Boosted energy levels

Here are five supplements you can consider for your weight loss program:
Caffeine
Caffeine has been a foundational ingredient in fat burners from the very start. Its main appeal is its ability to speed up metabolism. Each milligram of caffeine you add to your body has been shown to increase your metabolic rate by about one calorie to a maximum of about a hundred calories daily. Caffeine also reduces perceived exertion during exercise. That means you can work harder for longer and burn more calories. 
Caffeine also can focus your energy consumption during exercise on your fat reserves rather than stored glucose. The evidence that caffeine suppresses the appetite is not very strong. 
Too much caffeine, however, is not a good thing. The maximum daily dosage should be limited to around 300 mg (250 mg for women).
Coffee Caffeine
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is added to fat burners to increase fat oxidation. That’s because it has been shown to play a key role in transporting long-chain fatty acids into the cell’s mitochondria, where energy is produced. The body naturally produces carnitine, but it quickly depletes when exercising. Adding it to your fat burner will help to replenish your carnitine levels and speed up fat oxidation.
Look for a supplement that provides 1-3 grams of carnitine daily.
Green Tea
Green tea comes from the camellia sinensis plant. It is rich in polyphenols, including catechins and flavonoids. Catechins have been shown to be especially beneficial for fat loss, boosting the metabolism. The star among the catechins when it comes to fat burning is a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG will boost your metabolism and work with L-carnitine to promote fat oxidation.
Green tea also gives you an energy boost. The ideal daily dosage of green tea for fat loss is 100 mg. Some products will individually list EGCG on the ingredient label. In that case, look for 500 mg.
Green Tea
Capsicum
Capsicum contains a polyphenol known as capsaicinoids. This compound provides a hot and spicy flavor to hundreds of foods. It has been shown to have some pretty impressive fat-burning benefits. For one thing, capsaicinoids increase the core temperature of the body. Your body will then work overtime to bring the temperature back to a state of homeostasis. This takes up energy, which burns calories. 
Capsaicinoids also break down adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main form of energy in the body. It has also been shown to boost the body’s lipase production, which breaks down fat for energy.
Glucomannan
The roots of the konjac plant are used to make the dietary fiber glucomannan. It has an incredible capacity for water absorption, which transforms it into a thick, gel-like substance. It multiplies to many times its original size when ingested because it combines with bodily fluids. Your stomach has to make place for this, which causes you to feel full. In this manner, glucomannan aids in appetite suppression so that you consume fewer calories throughout the day and finish with a net calorie deficit.
In addition to making more room in your stomach, glucomannan also delays stomach emptying and lessens the absorption of fats and proteins. The recommended dosage is one gram taken three times daily.
Summary
This article provided a complete blueprint for losing belly fat over 50. You’ve been given the ideal balance of cardiovascular exercises to burn calories and resistance training to increase muscle mass and stoke your fat-burning furnace. At the same time, you’ve been given a wealth of nutrition and dietary tips to get you beyond the barriers to belly fat loss.
It’s now over to you to put all this belly fat-burning knowledge into action. Don’t let procrastination hold you back. Instead, resolve to start your workout program tomorrow, starting with the three weekly HIIT workouts and then adding in two circuit weight training sessions. Then, work through the 14 nutritional tips, incorporating one new tip daily into your routine over the next two weeks. Stay positive, remain consistent, and you will steadily lose that stubborn belly fat. 
References

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Hunter GR, Singh H, Carter SJ, Bryan DR, Fisher G. Sarcopenia and Its Implications for Metabolic Health. J Obes. 2019 Mar 6;2019:8031705. doi: 10.1155/2019/8031705. PMID: 30956817; PMCID: PMC6431367.
Van der Valk ES, Savas M, van Rossum EFC. Stress and Obesity: Are There More Susceptible Individuals? Curr Obes Rep. 2018 Jun;7(2):193-203. doi: 10.1007/s13679-018-0306-y. PMID: 29663153; PMCID: PMC5958156.
Burton-Freeman B. Dietary fiber and energy regulation. J Nutr. 2000 Feb;130(2S Suppl):272S-275S. doi: 10.1093/jn/130.2.272S. PMID: 10721886.
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Zivkovic, Angela M, et al. “Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids Aid in the Modulation of Inflammation and Metabolic Health.” California Agriculture, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2011, 
Harris Jackson K, West SG, Vanden Heuvel JP, Jonnalagadda SS, Ross AB, Hill AM, Grieger JA, Lemieux SK, Kris-Etherton PM. Effects of whole and refined grains in a weight-loss diet on markers of metabolic syndrome in individuals with increased waist circumference: a randomized controlled-feeding trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Aug;100(2):577-86. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.078048. Epub 2014 Jun 18. PMID: 24944054; PMCID: PMC4095661.
Stull, April J, et al. “Liquid and Solid Meal Replacement Products Differentially Affect Postprandial Appetite and Food Intake in Older Adults.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2008
Boschmann, Michael, et al. “Water-Induced Thermogenesis.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2003
Dorfman, Suzanne E, et al. “Metabolic Implications of Dietary Trans-Fatty Acids.” Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2009
Assunção, Monica L, et al. “Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity.” Lipids, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2009
Batterham, Rachel L, et al. “Critical Role for Peptide YY in Protein-Mediated Satiation and Body-Weight Regulation.” Cell Metabolism, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2006
Atakan MM, Li Y, Koşar ŞN, Turnagöl HH, Yan X. Evidence-Based Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity and Health: A Review with Historical Perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 5;18(13):7201. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18137201. PMID: 34281138; PMCID: PMC8294064.
Hansen RK, Samani A, Laessoe U, Handberg A, Mellergaard M, Figlewski K, Thijssen DHJ, Gliemann L, Larsen RG. Rowing exercise increases cardiorespiratory fitness and brachial artery diameter but not traditional cardiometabolic risk factors in spinal cord-injured humans. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2023 Jun;123(6):1241-1255. doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05146-y. Epub 2023 Feb 13. PMID: 36781425; PMCID: PMC9924870.
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28 min read

Standing Forward Bend Uttanasana – Benefits, Common Mistakes, and Variations

Picking up where gym class left off, or where it left you hanging rather, and yes pun intended, the standing forward bend uttanasana (meaning intense or deliberate stretch) is how a toe touch/hamstring stretch should be. Operating from the hips, and keeping a level spinal, this inverted pose matches top and bottom energies, stretches every aspect of your posterior, decompresses the vertebrae, possibly improves brain function, and is a tension-relieving powerhouse. 
In this guide, we want to go over the right way to do a forward fold so that you can progress naturally, and learn how to use props to increase your flexibility. 
Muscles Involved During Forward Bend Uttanasana
Uttanasana Pose
You have many muscles that take part in a in a hip hinge movement like the forward bend and its variations. Here are brief descriptions of the groups.
Hamstrings – Forward bend variations ask a lot of the hamstrings muscles. Strategically located on the back of the thigh, where they flex the knee, and extend the hip, this three-headed muscle needs ample elasticity to fold you to the degree of uttanasana. 
Hips – What could you do without functional hips? A whole lot of nothing! Crucial for all total body movements, supporting weight loads, and allowing us to hinge forward, these muscles consist of the glutes, flexors, extensors, and rotators.
Forward bends should be a hip hinge focused exercise, not a spine rounding movement.
Erector spinae – As you cannot without pliable hamstrings, neither can you hinge far enough forward if your trunk, and lower back muscles are stiff. The spinal muscles border the vertebrae and are what allow us bending actions like both parts of the forward bend. 
Abdominals – An effective forward bend also involves good core control during the lowering and lifting phases of fold over techniques. 
How To Do Forward Bend Uttanasana 
Commonly taught to practicing beginners, the forward bend is a process that is individual, yet involves the same rules of movement patterns, like moving from the hips. Below is a breakdown of the individual steps involved in performing a forward bend uttanasana. 
Steps

Begin in a basic standing or mountain pose with the feet hip width apart. You may use the yoga block and “pouring” technique demonstrated in the video example below. 
Place your hands on your waist, then begin to tip your upper body forward while maintaining a straight back. 
Hinge all the way forward, drawing the inner thighs back, and outstretch your arms toward the floor. From here, you can place your hands down on the floor, but only if you can maintain a neutral spine. If your back rounds, you can bend your knees to keep your torso straight, or stand a block on the floor and place your hands on top to shorten the range of motion.
Allow your head to relax down toward the floor. 
Stay there for several deep breaths. 
Notice how your hamstrings feel and be mindful to keep them more tensed or relaxed based on their flexibility. 
Inhale, lift up into a neutral back by moving onto the fingertips, or bringing the hands to the shins. 
Press down through the feet, raise the arms up, then exhale and relax your arms down by your sides. You’ve got it!

Tips

If you can’t complete the full pose, come halfway down, and focus on keeping your back straight. Give your hamstrings time to open up over time. 
Utilize a yoga block to increase your range of motion, and use your legs to anchor yourself in a static stretch. 
The “tipping the bowl” technique is a very helpful method to help master your hip hinge. 

Benefits of Forward Bend Uttanasana 
You wouldn’t think folding in half wouldn’t have any more benefits than making yourself more compact. But oh, there are plenty of worthwhile advantages of this yoga pose. 
Formidable hamstrings 
Among the muscle groups in the lower body, athletes, and highly active people especially, should be stretching their posterior thigh muscles. Highly prone to injuries, the hammies have a distinctive role in explosive, or heavy hitting activities, like sprints, jumping, and big weight lifts. These muscles decelerate, and undergo lots of 
According to an article published to National Library of Medicine, hamstring injuries account for 37% of muscle traumas in professional sports injuries (1).
Stretching can maintain healthy muscle length, support, adequate joint range of movement, and help create proper muscle contractions. 
Tension release 
When you bend over, blood rushes to the head, and this can oftentimes cause a tingly sensation in combination with the neck being stretched. It’s a great feeling and a good way to loosen your tight upper body muscles. We tend to use these muscles a lot when we’re slouched over on our laptops, texting, or changing between bad sleeping positions.  
Perfect the hip hinge
Learning how to hinge at the hips is paramount as it is a foundational, non negotiable technique for exercises in yoga, weight training, and sports. It protects the back and teaches safe spine positioning as to prevent injuries, but also for optimal force transfer, as the core muscles create a rigid torso. 
Reduce mental stress and anxiety
Ideally, you perform your yoga routine in a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment. Using this time to focus on strengthening your mind and body, and releasing built up tension will go very far in reducing mental stress and anxiety. 
Proper breathing, and focus are two key habits everyone needs as it teaches you how to maintain self control and awareness. You’re understanding and feeling everything going on. 
Common Mistakes During Forward Bend Uttanasana 
It’s important that you understand the desired outcome of a pose in order to apply the proper techniques. For uttanasana, the hips, spine, and legs need to be moving in a way that will ensure optimal posture. 
Rounding or flexing the spine 
While it’s true the lower back and spinal muscles must engage in a forward bend, it’s not where the focus or movement should be. Instead, initiate and continue the forward fold by using the muscles of the hips. Keep the back straight, and if you notice rounding, bend the knees, , use a block, or avoid going any further. 
Being too forceful with your stretching
Chances are if you’re serious about practicing yoga poses, you’re somewhat educated on safe stretching technique. But… we can never be too certain. Sometimes when you’re new to trying an exercise, you make mistakes without realizing it. 
The forward fold isn’t a simple toe touch but a stance that requires a patient person. Feeling a little discomfort is normal, but you need to know the difference between acceptable and excessive. For example, if your lower back is feeling tight, you don’t want to force a lot more movement right away as it’s a delicate area. 
Variations of Forward Bend Uttanasana 
Now you’ll get to learn some of the forward bend variations that you can use to build up to a full forward fold, or advanced to a more challenging version. 
Ardha uttanasana 
If uttanasana seems to out of reach (pun definitely intended) for you, then the natural progression is a half forward bend, or ardha uttanasana. The goal is to come just halfway down, and get the hands to the floor far away from the feet even. 
Here’s a quick tutorial with some great tips for this half fold variation. 

Hands to feet pose pada hastasana 
A higher level pose than uttanasana, in pada hastasana, the feet sit on the palms and the fingertips contact the wrists. You’ll probably look like a chimp in hands to feet, and you’ll need the flexibility of one too! 
Steps

Start from standing with your feet a few inches apart from each other. 
Inhale, raise both arms overhead. 
Exhale, then slowly fold your upper body over until your head is upside down. 
When you can, slide your palms under your feet so that your toes are touching your wrists. Flex the front thigh muscles, or the quadriceps.
If your flexibility allows, bend your body further toward your legs, bringing your head in between the legs, and focus your gaze between your lower legs. 
Stay here and focus on 5-8 deep breaths. 
Now slowly raise your head up, leaning your weight forward, and place your hands on the floor. 
Inhale, and come back to the original standing position while keeping the arms raised overhead.
Exhale, then bring the arms down. 

Pro tip: Bend the knees if you struggle to keep the legs fully straight. 

Wide legged forward bend 
In the wide legged forward bend you want to give yourself ideal distance to tip the crown of your head on the floor. Although, if you can’t it’s okay too. This pose challenges the inner thigh muscles that adduct the legs, and it isometrically strengthens the hips and pelvis. 
Steps 

From standing, spread your feet wide, roughly 4-5 feet apart from each other. Find a balance between wide stance, and maintaining stability. 
Face your toes forward or slightly inward to activate the inner thighs and glutes, keep your legs straight and engaged, and shift your weight to your outer feet. Place your hands on your hips.
Now fold forward at the hips, and lower your torso until your upper body is roughly parallel to the floor. Make sure to keep your back straight. Then, slowly stand up straight.
Repeat step 4, but now stretch your arms down to the floor and touch it with your fingertips.
Walk your hands back until your fingers and toes are in line, and press your palms flat on the floor.
Lift your head up and gently stretch toward the sky.
Then drop your head and body down toward the floor, while bending your elbows. Try to relax your upper body.
Gently rest the crown of your head on the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds, trying not to exceed 10 seconds at first.
Now come up onto your fingers, walk your hands forward, and bring your hands on your hips, one at time, then slowly stand up in the starting position.

Spread leg forward fold 
Performed on your backside, the spread leg forward fold is another wide legged stance posture. It presses the posterior legs and heels into the floor, creating a stable environment to focus on an intense hip hinge. If you can, remove the hands from the equation, and try to touch your chin on the ground for a crazy good torso stretch.
Steps

Sit on your mat, with your knees bent, feet on the floor, and arms resting on your legs.
Now straighten your legs out in front of you, then spread them wide.
Use your hands to gently adjust your glutes by pulling them out to ensure you’re able to maintain an upright posture and lengthened torso without restriction.
Flex your feet by pulling the toes back toward your ankle, and press the heels into the ground.
Then place your fingertips behind your butt on the floor, and pull the shoulder blades slightly toward each other, and down. Lift your chest up.
Hold this position and feel the stretch throughout your body.
If you’d like a more intense stretch, place your hands in front of you on the floor, then slowly walk your hands forward as much as you comfortably can.
Now allow your upper body to sink down toward the floor to further the stretch. Remember to maintain a lengthened back, not simply hunching over.
From here, if you do not have the flexibility to descend further, you can use a yoga bolster and/or stacked blankets for support.
Gently lie your head down, facing either side, and rest your elbows on the floor with your palms facing up.
Let your entire body relax and sink into the cushions, allowing your arms to also become heavy.
Bring awareness to your groin, feeling the wide position of your legs, while allowing your lower body to sink down into the floor.
Slowly breathe in and out.
Stay here for about 5 minutes.
To come out of the pose, turn your hands over onto your palms, then slowly sit up, walking your hands back toward you for support.
Before you finish the pose, and if you’re comfortable, from the sitting position, place the bolster/blankets on one leg, and lie your head down to that one side for 3-5 minutes. Repeat on the other side.

Wrapping Up
The standing forward bend uttanasana is a no frills pose, but one that sets a foundation for many postures. It’s a basic necessity, as you should be able to demonstrate hip hinge proficiency, core control, full body awareness, self control, and adequate flexibility. But you’ll want to take your time as you descend into intense forward fold variations, and use progression techniques such as a yoga block prop, your arms and legs, and even straps. 

11 min read

Ronnie Coleman Teams Up w/ Panatta Equipment to Build The ‘World’s Greatest Gym’

Bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman is determined to create his own personal mecca of weightlifting. In a recent YouTube video, Coleman revealed that he teamed up with Panatta Gym Equipment to create a one-of-a-kind gym. 

“We have finally arrived at the world’s famous Panatta city. I’m here to introduce Panatta sports to the United States, yeah buddy. Let’s go do this y’all,” Ronnie Coleman shared. 

For nearly a decade, Ronnie Coleman sat atop the Mr. Olympia throne as the undisputed king of the sport. He amazed fans and intimidated rivals with his unparalleled size, strength, and willpower. Coleman suffered in the training room day after day to earn a total of eight Mr. Olympia titles. In 2006, he was dethroned by his long-time rival Jay Cutler. 
But Coleman was far more than a bodybuilder. His strength was on another level, and that’s something he showcased often at the gym. He lifted weights that would make most people faint. Coleman is famous for his astonishing 800-pound squat for two reps as well as his iconic 2,300-pound leg press. That strength inside the gym gave him a near-invincible aura during his reign. 

Even today, Jay Cutler, the man who succeeded Coleman, admits no one has ever come close to Ronnie’s prime physique. He believes bodybuilders today lack the size and conditioning that made Coleman such a nightmare to deal with on stage. While he struggles to walk without assistance, Coleman’s love for working out still consumes his life. And now, having opened a new gym, perhaps fans will see more clips of Big Ron pumping iron. 
Ronnie Coleman Creating ‘The World’s Greatest Gym’ With Panatta Equipment: “It’s a Natural Fit” 
The CEO of Ronnie Coleman’s Signature Series opened up about the big move as well as the founder of Panatta Equipment. 
“We have the potential to become the Rolls Royce of bodybuilding,” said Rudy, the founder of the Panatta company. 
“The equipment is just remarkable, there’s really nothing out there. There’s an attention to detail and passion to really pushing the pace of innovation is just unmatched. Everything that he does, that Rudy has created, it’s like he’s thought of everything. I don’t know if I’ve seen a jump in innovation and quality in equipment in a very long time and he’s doing that right now,” said Brandon Hearn CEO of Ronnie Coleman’s Signature Series. 
“It’s a natural fit that we want to team up with the best, we’re the best, they’re the best. There’s a natural synergy together to go out and kind of conquer the fitness world,” added Hearn. 

Aside from gym openings, Coleman has remained hopeful about his health in retirement. It’s no mystery that ‘The King’ has suffered from some health obstacles since last appearing on stage. In fact, Coleman mentioned that he’s undergone more than ten back surgeries. As a result of the toll they’ve taken on his mobility, the bodybuilding legend struggles to feel his extremities when he’s pushing through training sessions. 
With health a top priority, Coleman has been receiving regular stem cell therapy treatments. He said they are helping a lot, especially with his overall pain levels. While he doesn’t think he’ll be walking unassisted any time soon, Coleman is hopeful and positive about the future. 
With Coleman’s latest MetroFlex Gym opening, fans are excited to see what’s next. In the past, The Metroflex Gym housed several elite athletes during their careers, such as Coleman, Branch Warren, Johnnie Jackson, and Steve Kuclo. 
RELATED: Ronnie Coleman Reacts to Reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan’s Craziest Lifts
You can watch the video from Ronnie Coleman’s YouTube channel below: 

Published: 17 July, 2023 | 8:14 PM EDT

Flex Lewis Likens Derek Lunsford to Conor McGregor: ‘You’re Going to Be the First-Ever Champ-Champ’ 

Before he greenlights his 2023 Olympia prep, Derek Lunsford joined Flex Lewis for a talk about his future. In the latest Straight Outta the Lair Podcast, Lewis discussed their old rivalry and stressed how close Lunsford is to becoming the sport’s first two-division Mr. Olympia champion. 
Former 212 Olympia Derek Lunsford’s name has grown tremendously in the bodybuilding world over the last few years. In 2022, Lunsford set himself up for success, having displayed a jaw-dropping physique at Jim Manion’s Pittsburgh Pro. This impromptu appearance was crucial as it paved the way for him to earn a special invite to compete in the Open Mr. Olympia. 
Despite it being his debut in the Open, Lunsford stole the show at the 2022 Mr. Olympia contest. Many in the audience deemed his prejudging act one of the most memorable in years. Ultimately, Lunsford battled his teammate Hadi Choopan and Nick Walker for gold in the finals. It was close, but the judges awarded Choopan first for his conditioning, especially from the front. 

Lunsford decided to stick with the recipe he used last year and once again made headlines following the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro. During this appearance, he guest posed next to Olympia contenders Nick Walker, Hunter Labrada, Samson Dauda, Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay, and reigning two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida. 

Flex Lewis, meanwhile, decided to retire last May, right around when Lunsford began picking up momentum. While Lewis intended to switch to the Open, health issues prevented him from fulfilling the dream. Nevertheless, he’s remained passionate about bodybuilding with a long-form podcast. 
Flex Lewis: ‘Going into This Year’s Olympia, Derek Is The One’ 
Lewis always wanted to be a two-division champion like former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor. However, he believes Lunsford is on that path now. 

“Going into this year’s Olympia, I said to so many people – Derek Lunsford is the one. That Pittsburgh Pro, that blew my mind and everyone else’s. I thought to myself, thank God that guys not in the 212 anymore. I also said to myself, thank God I am not competing in the Open class against this guy. I also said, whoever is going to be standing next to that guy is in for a handful,” said Lewis. 

“What you’ve done since the 212 is honestly so inspiring. You say that you were never able to dethrone me, but you know what I can say about you, is, I might have beaten you in the 212 class but now you’re going to be – in my eyes – the first ever champ champ. That to me, because of Conor McGregor and many of the other guys from different weight divisions have done it, is and was my motivation.

It was my motivation to be the first-ever two-division champ-champ. You now, whether you thought about it or not, it was consuming for me… I know [being] able to achieve something I’ll never be able to achieve now that I’m retired. I want to see you go to the moon and back,” said Lewis. 

Lewis, Lunsford Talk ‘Born’ 212 Rivalry + Derek’s Time Training w/ 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman 
Flex Lewis and Derek Lunsford agree that most of the animosity toward each other was manufactured by their teams. 

“We were rivals man, we were really butting heads,” said Derek Lunsford. “There was this born rivalry and now we realized, it didn’t really stem from us. There was external people fluffing things up. There was people in the middle doing [talking]. And we had no clue,” said Lewis. 

“It was firing us both up,” said Lunsford. 

“Listen, then it was yeah, I was doing a pose a most muscular, and Franco McGrath was standing behind me and then you literally did the same thing a day later. I’m looking at this: I’m like Frank am I reading into this, did he just do it because of us, and Frank’s like, ‘Yeah, he did!’ Frank was like the hype guy. He’d be like, ‘Did you see what Derek’s done today?’ It was definitely a planting of the seed going into that year [2018]. When I looked back, it’s truly what I needed. It’s what I needed,” said Lewis. 

Bro, that’s Ronnie Coleman, saying that he believes I can be Mr. Olympia this year. Like, I want to give you words but I have none. It’s almost like, wow, holy crap! Then at the same time, wait a minute, now there’s this other level of pressure too. The greatest of the greats just said he can do it. Well now, I better freakin do it, you know what I mean. That’s my honest feeling when it comes to that.”

With preparations heating up for everyone, Lunsford has taken a keen interest in his nutrition this off-season. The former 212 Olympia champ detailed his diet and supplement stack recently. Lunsford is aiming to eat as clean as possible this year, which he believes will have a positive impact on his overall physique in November.  

Despite Choopan’s impressive victory last December, many have suggested he won’t defend his title successfully in Orlando, Florida. Nick Walker believes the next winner will either be himself or Lunsford. As for 2023 Arnold Classic titleholder Samson Dauda, he believes with more back detail, he has the tools to capture Olympia gold on his second attempt. 

Should Derek Lunsford win in November, he will go down as the sport’s first-ever two-division Mr. Olympia champion, a goal Flex Lewis once shared when he was competing actively. 

Watch the full video from Flex Lewis’ Straight Outta the Lair YouTube channel: 

Published: 17 July, 2023 | 3:45 PM EDT

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In the world of testosterone therapy, understanding the different injection techniques is essential. This article explores the differences between intra-muscular and subcutaneous injections and provides insights into the proper needle sizes for each method. Discover the benefits of testosterone injections and gain valuable tips for safe and effective administration. Whether you’re new to testosterone therapy or seeking to optimize your injection technique, this article will guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

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“HGH Men Discover the powerful benefits. This article explores common dosages and durations for beginners, intermediates, and advanced athletes, as well as the role of HGH in anti-aging. Learn how HGH can enhance muscle growth, promote fat loss, aid in recovery, and optimize performance for male athletes.”

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