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First Year in Prison: Review Limitless Bodybuilding
First Year in Prison: Review
Limitless Bodybuilding
By PJ Braun
‘Even though I have been locked up a year, it could be so much worse.’
As I write this it’s February 8th, just nine days shy of a year since being incarcerated. For that reason, I decided to recap my year for you, guys. I am going to break it down CliffsNotes style. February 17th was probably the worst day of my life. Driving to the courthouse awaiting my fate was brutal. Leading up to that day I was focused on spending as much time with my fiancée Marissa and my family as I could. It still makes me sad at times when I think that it took coming to prison for me to realize I was living life way too fast and missing out on what really matters to me.
The last couple of months before coming to prison was a special time for me, however the upcoming sentencing was always looming in my mind and anxiety and depression were consistent feelings that consumed me. This contributed to me being lazy and sloppy with my training and nutrition. I had stopped taking growth hormone about a month before the incarceration and I noticed that I had softened up quite a bit and lost some fullness and vascularity. I stayed on testosterone all the way to the sentencing and was hoping to be able to stay on the test because of my doctor’s recommendation letter. When I was pulled out of court in handcuffs and taken to intake at the main jail in Fort Lauderdale, I found out quickly that the BOP [Federal Bureau of Prisons] does things much different than I thought.
I was told I could not be on any of my prescription meds, stripped of my clothing and tossed in a detox room for a week before being able to meet with a doctor who put me back on Paxil at a higher dose of 40 milligrams instead of my normal 30 milligrams. The reason I mention this is because one of the side effects of Paxil is weight gain, which I will get to later. I went from Main Jail to county jail for another week and then to the FDC Miami, where I spent the first 38 days in quarantine locked up 23 hours a day and barely eating. This was very hard. In the beginning of that quarantine phase was when I knew my hormones were crashing after being on testosterone for most of the last 20 years. It was very strange.
Sometimes I would get so depressed and emotional out of nowhere that I would face the wall of my cell and tears would be coming out like faucets. A year later the emotions are in check, but my energy is low.
I did have some great experiences in Miami, though. My “celly,” Francisco, got me back to God and was an excellent guide on how prison works. I learned how to move the right way. When you are in a facility with guys who have spent most of their time in high-level security, you learn a lot about the way the system works, and you develop a different level of respect that isn’t seen in most of the self-surrender guys at the camp. It is a privilege to be at a camp and many of the guys here worked their way down over many years. At the same time, I don’t think you should have to be at a “pen” to know manners and respect. I learned how to make weights with garbage bags filled with water that were tied up inside laundry bags and sheets and I started training hard.
When I left Miami, I went back to lockdown again in Atlanta for a month before I got on the bus to Montgomery. I felt like I was starting all over again but I was ready. Unfortunately, there are no weights here so I got creative with bodyweight exercises and developed a full-body routine that I was doing every day until I came to RDAP [Residential Drug Abuse Program]. At that point back in August, I started training one body part a day with a ton of volume. I am talking 30 sets or more and with supersets. Along the way, much of this has been a blur but a few moments really stick out. Cedric McMillan and Bostin Loyd, RIP. These were hard phone calls with my dad that broke my heart.
I did a lot of reflection on life outside of bodybuilding this year. I thought about my drug and diuretic use while I was competing and my desire to be the biggest and best. I was pretty conservative for the most part but also took some chances toward the end, and I wonder if those chances will catch up to me later. We are always quick to say, “The steroids did it” but we are also quick to say, “Well, he must have had a preexisting condition.” Regardless, guys are dying young and I feel there has to be more time spent getting blood work done, and working with doctors no matter what. I know guys who have died young that were the picture of health on the outside, but that doesn’t mean shit if you don’t know what’s going on inside. Then you have guys who just don’t care and want to be big at all costs and if that’s their decision, then so be it because it was their choice. I have had guys tell me they want to die young and jacked and not old and frail. Who am I to say what a person can and can’t do, when they are aware of the potential risk and ignoring it out of pure self-will? I would like to die old and mentally strong, but I want some muscle too.
The moment that sticks out as by far the best was when I finally got to see and touch Marissa for the first time after almost nine months. I have never felt that combination of nerves, anxiety and excitement at such a high level in my life. When we ran to each other in visitation and embraced with a kiss, it had to look straight out of a blockbuster Hollywood romance movie and I will never forget the way we cried together in pure jubilation with her saying, “Why is your heart beating like that?!” And me replying, “Because I am so excited to see you again.” I thank God every day for her love.
And speaking of her and her love, it’s kept me really motivated and strong. A lot of guys don’t have anyone on the outside, and that can be a struggle. I see it and live with it; guys who literally have no one. I am blessed, and I have so much gratitude for the people in my life. My dad has done awesome with Blackstone Labs™, and I never have to worry about anything with him and my partner, Jared Wheat. I am not a momma’s boy, but I sure do love the love my mom shows, day in and out.
What I am trying to say with all this is even though I have been locked up a year, it could be so much worse. I have learned to have more positive self-talks with myself and find the silver lining in everything. I have learned to trust God and his process for me, and I have learned to be present in the moment and not worry as much about things I can’t control. What I can control is myself and my actions, and I choose to get up before count every day and be first outside to train. It makes me feel great and accomplished.
I conduct myself with respect and integrity and when it comes to fitness and bodybuilding on the compound, there hasn’t been a day in a while that I haven’t been asked for help and taken the time to explain and help as much as I can because I know how positive bodybuilding and fitness can be for everyone, physically and spiritually. I have missed the bodybuilding shows but I have friends like Guy Cisternino, Billy Gagliardo and Nick Trigili, who email what is going on. I have Muscular Development magazine in my corner giving me a voice, but I also rely on the magazine to keep my finger on the pulse of the industry and get so excited when the mail comes, and my MD is there.
My training is going as good as it can be and I am a big but kind of chubby 275 pounds, but if you know me like my Blackstone Labs™ family does, then you would know that means next year’s BEAT PJ contest is going to be our biggest ever and NO ONE is going to beat me this time!
Thank you all for reading. If you have requests on what you want me to write about, submit them to the Blackstone Labs™ Instagram. I love you all, peace out, bye!
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10 Facts on how bad COVID Was for the Fitness Industry
Key Statistics about COVID 19 Pandemic Nearly 60% of US gym membership holders are considering canceling. Post COVID-19, 59% of Americans have not renewed their gym memberships. 59% of lifetime gym membership holders will not renew their gym memberships. According to the NHFA, a whopping 22% of American gyms have closed down post COVID-19 pandemic,…
Best Dip Belts for Comfort, Value, and More
The dip, sometimes called the upper-body squat, is a favorite among lifters across many different disciplines — and for good reason. This ever-reliable exercise works your chest, shoulders, and triceps hard. For those who don’t know the exercise, it is usually done by holding yourself upright on dip bars, arms aligned with the body, and hands on the bars. The motion involves lowering until elbows just about break ninety degrees before pressing back up to the starting position; that’s one rep. Once body weight alone is easy to lift, you may be in the market for a dip belt.
Dip belts wrap around your lower torso, resting against your lower back, and have a chain or strap around the front that attaches to various weights like plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, or a willing partner. The array of dip belts available on the market is pretty expansive (with leather, nylon, neoprene, and other options), so let’s slowly lower ourselves into the best dip belts on the market and rise up with the right one for you.
Best Dip Belts
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Best Dip Belt Overall
Dip belts are a great tool for adding extra resistance to — you guessed it — dips. They can be used for more than that with the right design, and some are definitely more functional and comfortable than others. This one hits all the right notes, making it our top overall pick. Meet the Gymreapers Dip Belt.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
Not only is this dip belt tough, but it’s comfortable to wear too. Instead of pinching leather that most dip belts are made from, this belt is made from contoured neoprene with padding in the back for extra support under heavy weights. To hold the weight, Gymreapers has an adjustable, heavy-duty, 30-inch steel chain with an enlarged carabiner for easy clipping.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
If you want both comfort and heavy-duty support in your dip belt, look no further than the Gymreapers Dip Belt. Available in three colors, Black, Red, and Ranger Green, this belt is made to last with contoured neoprene and back padding for comfort.
Pick out your favorite color — Black, Red, or Ranger Green — and elevate your dip, pull-up, and chin-up game for about $39.99 before tax with free Prime shipping.
Who Should Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Those who want their dip belt to last a long time. A steel chain and high-quality neoprene ensure this belt can stand up to heavy use.
Athletes who want an adjustable dip belt to accommodate those of different heights.
People who are keeping their budgets tight. This dip belt is reasonably priced, especially for its high-quality build.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Those who prefer a leather dip belt will want to look elsewhere.
Anyone who doesn’t want the noise of a steel chain may want to opt for a fabric or leather-only option with no chain.
People who are very large or very small may not fit comfortably in this as it is a one-size-fits-most belt.
Reasonably priced and extra-padded for comfort, this dip belt features a heavy-duty chain for supporting max weight. Plus, it comes in an easily washable neoprene material. What’s not to like about this dip belt? If you’re in the market for one, we think it’s definitely worth your consideration.
Most Comfortable Dip Belt
Comfort is important when it comes to lifting gear, especially with dip belts. Nobody wants to feel their skin being scraped or pinched every set. This belt excels in comfort thanks to the placement of its dual carabiners and extra padding.
Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
On top of being a well-padded dip belt to achieve a level of comfort that could sway the decisions of athletes who intend to lift rather heavy, this dip belt is versatile. Hypeletics features two carabiners, one on either side of the hips, for added comfort and stability when weight is on the belt. This tough belt can hold up to 270 pounds of weight which is way more than most people will need. It has the capacity to double as a squat belt by using a carabiner to cinch the waist clips together.
Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
A reinforced high-grade neoprene belt with a 40-inch strap capable of supporting six Olympic sized plates. The soft padding is positioned intentionally to prevent the belt from digging into your sides.
In addition to being a comfortable piece of gear, it has quite the waist range it can fit. Anyone with a waist over approaching 38 inches is still within range of what this belt can safely accommodate. Pick up your favorite of six different color options with options like Pink Camo and Desert Digital for about $34.99 before tax with free Prime shipping.
Who Should Buy Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
Athletes with larger waists.
Those who want the versatility of a dip belt that can double as a squat belt.
Anyone who needs to emphasize comfort during their workouts.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
Athletes who have smaller waists and need a snug fit.
Those who want a leather dip belt.
Taller folks may want a dip belt with a shorter chain. This one is 40 inches long.
As is a pattern for a lot of the better dip belts on the market, this belt might struggle to comfortably sit on an athlete who has a smaller waist. If your waist is over 30 inches and you find a need to ease the pressure loaded from equipping weight plates to a dip belt, then this option should be in consideration for you.
[Related: Could Baking Soda Be The Best Workout Supplement You’ve Never Tried?]
Best Dip Belt With Chain
There’s something old-school and satisfying about the rattling of chains and clanging of plates in a gym that feels cool. With this dip belt, you’ll have exactly that with a solid 30-inch chain to support heavy dips and pull-ups.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
The chain on this dip belt is made from steel and is 30 inches long — though you can adjust it with the oversized carabiner to nearly any length that suits your needs. Doing belt squats? Maybe you need it shorter for a better range of motion. Dips or pull-ups? Longer might be better to stabilize the plate with your feet more easily.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
If you want both comfort and heavy-duty support in your dip belt, look no further than the Gymreapers Dip Belt. Available in three colors, Black, Red, and Ranger Green, this belt is made to last with contoured neoprene and back padding for comfort.
Gymreapers made their dip belt comfortable too with padded and contoured neoprene around the back, which can help when you start adding a lot of weight. Choose from your favorite of three colors — Black, Red, and Ranger Green — for around $39.99 before tax with free Prime shipping.
Who Should Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Athletes who want an adjustable chain on their dip belt will like this pick.
Those who need to keep their fitness equipment on the more affordable side. This dip belt is priced well for its high quality.
People who are looking for different color options for their dip belt. You can pick from three here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Athletes who are looking for a versatile dip belt. This one is decently versatile, but there are others with more versatility on the market.
Those who are on a strict budget may want to look for some more bargain options or see if their gym has one they can provide for free to use.
Anyone who wants a listed weight capacity. We suspect this belt can hold a solid amount of weight, but there isn’t a limit listed, so test at your own risk.
This dip belt combines the old-school feel of a steel chained dip belt with the modern comforts of contoured, neoprene padding for an all-around superior product. Add some extra intensity to your bodyweight movements with the Gymreapers Dip Belt.
Best Value Dip Belt
When it comes to accessory equipment for the gym, you don’t want to spend a ton of money on specialty pieces like a dip belt. Purchasing a solid one that fulfills its purpose is usually sufficient. Sometimes that same economic choice is also a top-tier piece of equipment, like in the case of the Gymreapers Dip Belt.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
This dip belt is a premium-quality product at budget-level pricing. Whether you’re new to weighted bodyweight movements or an experienced pro, this belt can accommodate your needs. The heavy-duty, adjustable steel chain is 30 inches long and makes for a top-notch product.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
If you want both comfort and heavy-duty support in your dip belt, look no further than the Gymreapers Dip Belt. Available in three colors, Black, Red, and Ranger Green, this belt is made to last with contoured neoprene and back padding for comfort.
To further improve upon the classic dip belt design, Gymreapers includes padding and a contoured design around the back and sides of the belt for added comfort — especially during higher-rep sets or when the weights get heavy. Pick up your favorite color (Black, Red, or Ranger Green) for around $39.99 before tax with free Prime shipping, and you can get to making those gains.
Who Should Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Those who want to ball on a budget. This dip belt was seemingly made for it.
People who want premium features, but don’t want to pay a premium price. Padding, an adjustable chain, and a contoured fit are features we’d expect on belts double this price.
Those who are just beginning to dabble in weighted bodyweight exercises and want to start off with a relatively inexpensive dip belt.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Folks who might not yet be advanced or strong enough for adding extra resistance to bodyweight movements.
Anyone who is very tall may find the 30-inch chain to be too short for them to comfortably use.
Those who prefer to use leather or nylon dip belts.
The steel chain here is strong and thick, like most of our favorite lifters, and the belt itself is padded and ergonomically shaped for maximum comfort when pushing yourself with those heavy dips. For a belt that’s more on the budget side of the price spectrum, this dip belt has a ton of premium features.
[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]
Most Durable Dip Belt
When you buy a piece of equipment for the gym, you want it to last a while, so you can get your money’s worth out of it. No one wants to replace their dip belt every year, and this belt has the ability to stand the test of time. Enter the Rogue Dip Belt.
Rogue Dip Belt
You may have seen this dip belt in competition use before at the CrossFit Games. It features a 30-inch, steel chain-link system and D-shaped carabiners, which allow for a higher load capacity, easier adjustments on the fly, and a tougher overall makeup. The belt itself is made from heavy-duty and durable nylon that’s three inches in the front and four inches in the back for better load disbursement.
Rogue Dip Belt
The Hulk himself couldn’t break this dip belt with a massive 29,400-pound weight rating. That’s thanks to heavy-duty nylon and a 30-inch steel chain which attaches to two steel D-shaped carabiners.
The weight rating on this dip belt is comically high at 29,400 pounds (you read that right). So it’s safe to say it can hold your extra weight for dips or pull-ups. It comes in Black and Yellow, and is priced right around $55 before tax and shipping.
Who Should Buy the Rogue Dip Belt
Athletes who need help with weight distribution for better comfort and balance. The four-inch width across the back helps in this department.
Folks who want supreme confidence in their dip belt. Not only was this dip belt used in the CrossFit Games, but its weight capacity is off the charts.
Those who like to be seen. The high-vis yellow option ensures no one will miss you crushing your reps.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Rogue Dip Belt
People who don’t like the rougher feel of nylon compared to neoprene.
Athletes who want color choices other than Batman and Construction Worker.
Those who are on a budget can find cheaper alternatives on this list.
This belt is built for one purpose — function — and it achieves that tremendously. It does this through high-quality and very durable materials, like nylon and steel, as well as expert construction. Anything from Rogue is expected to be of top-tier quality as that’s what the brand is known for. We don’t think you’ll find a more durable dip belt than this one from Rogue.
Benefits of Dip Belts
Dip belts can be a great addition to your training regimen. You can up the difficulty and resistance of many bodyweight exercises — not only dips, but pull-ups and any type of exercise you can creatively think up. The additional weight you’re able to afix to the belt and your body may aid in driving your strength and muscle growth further than you could with your bodyweight alone. Some people use dip belts for an entirely different purpose — decompressing their spine — by strapping the belt to their ankles or lower spine and hanging on a pull-up bar.
How We Chose the Best Dip Belts
The differences between dip belts and their attributes can influence their durability and comfort while lifting. Ultimately, the best dip belt should relieve any strain on your back while supporting the increase in weight. Here are some of the key features to look for when investing in your next dip belt.
Material
There are many different materials that can make a good dip belt. Neoprene is breathable, which can be more comfortable depending on what you workout in. Leather is likely not to tear and withstand the test of time, but doesn’t breathe. Nylon is durable and may be more flexible under pressure.
[Related: Leather Vs. Nylon Lifting Belts: What Are The Differences?]
Chains vs. Straps
Most dip belts will be sold with either a chain or a strap, although there are other options like rope, bungees, or bands. Both chains and straps are serviceable and can bear similarly large amounts of weight. The main differences between the two is how they feel while lifting, which comes down to personal taste, and their length in regard to the dip belts they accompany. The length is important for maintaining proper weight distribution during a lift to ensure you feel comfortable and can maintain proper form.
How Much Do Dip Belts Cost?
Dip belts aren’t as expensive as some other types of workout gear. Some people may not be able to justify the cost for a piece of equipment that is essentially single-use without some creativity on behalf of the user. If you want to push up your pull-up game then a dip belt is invaluable and you can easily rationalize the modest price.
Best Dip Belt Overall
Gymreapers Dip Belt
$39.99
Most Comfortable Dip Belt
Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
$39.97
Best Dip Belt with Chain
Gymreapers Dip Belt
$39.99
Best Value Dip Belt
Gymreapers Dip Belt
$39.99
Most Durable Dip Belt
Rogue Dip Belt
$55.00
People in the market for a top-notch dip belt can find one for as cheap as about $40 though the price can increase a bit from there. Generally reinforced and padded dip belts or those with very high weight capacities can range up to and over $60.
What To Consider Before Buying Dip Belts
While it may seem straightforward, there are actually quite a few considerations to make before choosing your dip belt, including your form and the amount of weight you will consistently be using.
How’s Your Form?
Ensure you are completing dips with proper form using supported weight or bodyweight before adding weight with a dip belt. If your form is failing without any additional weight, attaching plates to a dip belt and performing the movement could lead to injury. Make sure you are strong enough and are close to form-perfect before investing in a dip belt.
Get a Feel For It
Once you have your dip belt, don’t rush right into the weight you think you can move. Try out different lighter amounts of weight on your dip belt before you perform the exercise to get a feel for how each weight amount stresses the dip belt and the pressure it exerts on your back, which should not be painful. If you experience pain with the dip belt on, remove the weight immediately and reassess.
[Related: Intermittent Fasting 101: A Guide To Benefits, Muscle Gain, And More]
Be Mindful Of Weight Distribution
Dip belts are made to support additional weight, but the form of that weight is something you can change depending on the dip belt and your preferences. For example, if the weight distribution of a weight plate is less than desirable, you could try using a kettlebell or dumbbell instead. Just be sure that any weight is safely harnessed to the chain or strap before performing any exercises.
Final Word
Dip belts offer a way to overload exercises that would otherwise be limited by your bodyweight. They can be extremely useful, especially if you want to keep the intensity higher or the same as your body weight decreases when dieting. Adding some extra resistance can mimic dips at a heavier weight to keep the intensity high. They come in lots of different materials from leather to nylon and neoprene, but they all serve the same purpose. Some have better versatility than others with adjustable chains and multiple connection points. Think through some of the ways you envision using this piece of equipment before making a final decision — it may save you from having to buy again shortly.
At the end of the day, dips are an exceptional exercise for building the triceps, shoulders, and chest. They should be a mainstay of your upper body training if your shoulders are healthy enough for it. A dip belt can help you add more weight to your lifts to further your gains and continue your progression toward a stronger upper body.
FAQs
What is the best dip belt?There are a lot of options for dip belts on the market but they’re not all made equal. We’re big fans of the Gymreapers dip belt since it’s cost-effective despite being very high in quality. It features padding and reinforced stitching making it not only comfortable but sturdy for heavy weights and repeated use.
When should I use a dip belt?Dip belts are used to add increased resistance, and thus increased intensity, to your workouts. They should be included in the beginning of your working sets and generally for lower reps to focus more on strength and hypertrophy. Ditch the belt and focus on bodyweight only for more endurance-based training in the higher rep ranges.
How much do dip belts cost?Dip belts are relatively inexpensive compared to other gym equipment though some folks may not find them worth it. For people who are focused on improving their bodyweight training and kicking it up another notch then you can find dip belts for as little as about $40. Ones that are reinforced or padded may cost more — up to around $60 or more.
My gym already has a dip belt. Should I still buy my own?That’s up to you. We can tell you that there are a ton more advantages than disadvantages to owning your own. You’ll never have to wait for someone to finish using it or wonder if the person before you wiped it down. It’ll also be the right size for you since you can measure your waist before ordering one. The only real downside is having to transport it to and from the gym.
I’m not strong enough yet to use a dip belt. What can I do to get there?We have a guide to progressive overload, which can potentially help you make progress in pretty much any lift when done correctly. Bench dips are a great alternative to bodyweight dips until you can perform three to five repetitions with good form in a controlled manner. Just be sure to keep in mind that it takes time to progress and you’ll get there if you keep at it and work hard.
Looking Back at John Claassen’s 235-Pound Raw Deadlift at 92 Years Old
It’s no secret that resistance training has positive impacts on longevity. A 2019 meta-analysis in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that “Resistance training is associated with lower mortality and appears to have an additive effect when combined with aerobic exercise.” (1) John Claassen is representative of these results.
The then 89-year-old Claassen found he moved less efficiently, and his posture was worsening with age; he sought to make a change. Now, the 96-year-old Claassen is a powerlifter training at Greysteel Strength and Conditioning in Farmington, MI. He celebrated his 90th birthday with a 100-pound deadlift and has only improved since.
In the documentary-style video below, the then 92-year-old Claassen trains for a deadlift contest at CrossFit Illumine in Niles, IL, where he competed raw. He went three for three — 97.5 kilograms (215 pounds) on his first attempt, 102 kilograms (225 pounds) on his second attempt, and 106.5 kilograms (235 pounds) on his third attempt. Check it out below:
[Related: Eleuterio Montalvo (125KG) Lifts Third-Heaviest All-Time Raw Total of 868.5 Kilograms in the Teen 18-19 Division]
During his training for his deadlift competition, Claassen performed barbell curls, deadlifts, safety-bar squats, prowler pushes, and incline bench presses. On contest day, he was filmed warming up with 90, 135, and 180 pounds on the barbell. He wore knee sleeves and a lifting belt.
The only competition I have is with myself.
Training at an older age has a plethora of health benefits. According to PLoS One, “Older athletes are capable of rigorous training programs and top performances while adjusting to changes due to biological aging.” Additionally, Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting are less likely to lead to injury than participation in contact sports. (2)(3)
A 2021 meta-analysis in the European Review of Aging and Physical Activity found that after analyzing 561 healthy older adults aged 65.8 to 82.8 with sarcopenia (loss of muscle tissue due to aging), resistance training “improves body fat mass, muscle strength, and muscle performance.” (4) Specifically, they found positive effects on body fat mass, handgrip strength, knee extension strength, and gait speed.
Train for Life
Claassen didn’t begin his weight training journey until he was 89 years old. He decided to make a change because he noticed his physicality deteriorating as his posture worsened. The change involved walking into the gym, finding a coach in a supportive environment, and some weight plates on a barbell. He’s representative that it’s never too late for fitness.
More Training Content
References
Saeidifard, F., Medina-Inojosa, J. R., West, C. P., Olson, T. P., Somers, V. K., Bonikowske, A. R., Prokop, L. J., Vinciguerra, M., & Lopez-Jimenez, F. (2019). The association of resistance training with mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European journal of preventive cardiology, 26(15), 1647–1665. https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487319850718
Huebner, M., Meltzer, D., Ma, W., & Arrow, H. (2020). The Masters athlete in Olympic weightlifting: Training, lifestyle, health challenges, and gender differences. PloS one, 15(12), e0243652. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243652
Aasa, Ulrika et al. “Injuries Among Weightlifters And Powerlifters: A Systematic Review”. British Journal Of Sports Medicine, vol 51, no. 4, 2016, pp. 211-219. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096037. Accessed 11 Apr 2023.
Chen, N., He, X., Feng, Y. et al. Effects of resistance training in healthy older people with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 18, 23 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-021-00277-7
Featured image courtesy of Greysteel: Fitness After Fifty’s YouTube channel.
Sudden Death During Sex
Sudden Death During Sex
“Your eyes are bigger than your stomach.” That saying refers to people who put more food on their plates than they can possibly eat. Viagra created a similar situation for guys with bad hearts – their penises are bigger than their hearts. They want sex, but don’t have the physical stamina or cardiovascular health to complete the job. Poor metabolic health triggers heart disease and erection problems. Viagra can get you erect, but it can’t compensate for a weak heart. Sudden death during sex is a real danger for many men. Sex causes near maximal metabolic stress in older men. For guys with bad hearts: just because you can have sex doesn’t mean you should. Check with your doctor to determine if you have the health and stamina to be a sex machine. (Seminars Cardiothoracic Vascular Anesthesia, 10: 256-258)
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2023 Arnold Brazil Preview Show MD Power Hour E14 ft Giles Thomas & Miguel Chain
Written by Giles “Tiger” Thomas & Miguel Chain ft. Ron Harris
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Can Nick Walker grow his legs ? Can Hunter Beat Andrew Jacked ? Does Flex Lewis miss the stage ?
#mrolympia2023 , #bodybuilding2023 , #bodybuildingupdates Can Nick Walker grow his legs for the Olympia 2023 ? Can Hunter Labrada Beat Andrew Jacked at Texas Pro 2023 ? Does Flex Lewis miss the stage ? Hunter pushing hard for 2023 season Timestamps 0:00 Flex Lewis 0:31 Flex Still Got it 1:03 Does Flex miss the stage…
‘It’s a 3-Headed Monster’: Phil Heath Reveals His Top Picks for 2023 Mr. Olympia
Bodybuilding legend Phil Heath has developed a sharp eye for spotting talent based on years of competition. In a recent interview with Bob Cicherillo, Heath shared his thoughts on the frontrunners for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Phil Heath cemented his place in the record books with his cartoonish muscle mass, shape, and 3D delts. After taking runner-up at the 2010 Mr. Olympia, Heath took home his maiden Sandow trophy in 2011. He went on a dominant run at the top and racked up six consecutive title defenses till 2017. Besides his freakish physique, Heath developed an intense rivalry with perennial top contender Kai Greene, which is widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the history of the sport.
The 2022 season wrapped up with an exciting Mr. Olympia contest last December. Former two-time champ Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay got knocked off the throne by Hadi Choopan. Ramy came in looking visibly off and left the door open for the title to change hands. Former 212 Olympia champ Derek Lunsford shocked the world with a runner-up finish whereas rising sensation Nick Walker took bronze. Samson Dauda proved his potential with a sixth-place finish in his debut.
Following the Olympia, Walker, Dauda, Ramy, and Andrew Jacked battled again in Ohio for the 2023 Arnold Classic. While Walker was the betting favorite going into the event, Dauda turned in a fantastic performance to edge him out for the title. His win put him in a prime position to claim victory at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Given the change in the hierarchy of the Men’s Open division, there is a ton of excitement for the biggest fitness showcase in the world.
Coach Milos Sarcev believes Dauda has what it takes to become the next Mr. Olympia despite the competition he’ll face from Choopan and Lunsford. He said Dauda should add thickness to his back. Bob Cicherillo expressed a similar sentiment when he backed ‘The Nigerian Lion’ to win it all if he came at his best.
Phil Heath backs Hadi Choopan to defend the crown at the 2023 Mr. Olympia
In a recent YouTube video, Phil Heath shared his thoughts on the competition for the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He backed reigning champ Choopan to successfully defend the title.
“I think Hadi’s a repeat champion,” said Heath. “I do and here’s why. You got to look at someone’s origin, champions have a specific origin of how they got here in the first place. You think of someone that has grown up in that environment in Iran. Everything matters. This thing means everything to him and his country. There’s a lot of expectations but he’s met those expectations in a very quick period of time. He’s never really been off.”
“It’s going to be Hadi all day because he’s got the maturity. We don’t know what this dude looks like right now. He’s in the freaking gym. He would’ve did the Arnold if he was able to. That’s freaking scary. He doesn’t give a sh*t about what anyone has to say. He is in that gym more passionately present than anyone right now.”
Derek vs Hadi
Heath reveals his top contenders & defends Big Ramy
Phil Heath believes Walker, Lunsford, and Dauda are also in the mix of title contention.
“It’s a three-headed monster at this point. It’s either Derek, I can make a case for Nick, Nick is an anomaly, he’s very different. If there was a way for Nick to do what Branch did in 09, then it’s a clear cut. It’s him and Hadi going at it. It’s going to cancel out a lot of guys because of the density and muscle maturity because those two won’t be out-conditioned. The cool thing about Derek is now he’s comfortable in that Open body. He’s a hard worker, got a good support system, a good coach”
“If Samson Dauda actually gets a little bit more density in the back, he’s extremely dangerous. He’s got the legs, hamstrings, if he can get more 3D in that back it is a problem because he’s taller and bigger. I do think Olympia this year is very competitive and I hope all of them stay healthy.”
‘The Gift’ came to the defense of Big Ramy and pushed back on some of the criticism thrown his way.
“What we need to learn is stop hype focusing on the bullsh*t because you’re actually tarnishing an incredible legacy. If a Ferrari has a scratch on the hood it’s still freaking jumping. Quit making it seem like it’s ruined. That’s what’s happening with critics on Ramy and other people. I’m just saying we should still appreciate the physique that we’re seeing. Thee judges are going to do what they’re doing so I’m not bent about it.”
Earlier this month, Samson Dauda left fans stunned with his impressive package in a guest-posing appearance at 10x Ben Weider 2023, teasing what is to come on the horizon.
You can watch the full video below.
RELATED: ‘I’m Not Retired’: Kai Greene Fails to Shut Door on Comeback & Lauds Rival Phil Heath for Success
Based on the latest developments, this year is shaping up to be another exciting season in bodybuilding with an impeccably diverse lineup, featuring the best of both freaks and aesthetics.
Published: 12 April, 2023 | 9:01 AM EDT
Samson’s gonna surpass 330 lbs. this year + How will Ping do in Open ? Does William looks 341 lbs. ?
#mrolympia2023 , #bodybuilding2023 , #bodybuildingupdates Samson Dauda is gonna surpass 330 lbs. this year + Samson’s Journey is truly inspiring and motivational , How will Ping Yun Long do in Open ? Does William Martin looks 341 lbs. ? Biggest guy after Big Ramy ? Timestamps 0:00 Samson Dauda 1:00 Biggest Samson Ever ? 1:31…