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The Basics: Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Great Bodybuilder?
Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Great Bodybuilder?
Thinking of becoming a bodybuilder? For most this can be a daunting experience. Bodybuilding is not just about lifting weights to develop huge biceps. It takes discipline, dedication and determination, along with a strict nutrition plan to reach success. It also requires patience.
You can’t expect to see results right away, and you shouldn’t give up just because you think you aren’t getting anywhere. The mental and physical benefits of bodybuilding will be worth the time and effort. So if you’ve got the drive and passion for becoming a great bodybuilder, there’s no reason you shouldn’t give it a go! Follow these bodybuilding tips to get you started.
How to Become a Bodybuilder
Educate Yourself
Before you commit to a lifestyle of bodybuilding, it’s important to have a good understanding of what goes into the process. There are different types of strength training exercises you can do to achieve certain bodybuilding goals.
Weightlifting is a tried and true form of strength training that works to strengthen your muscles dramatically and quickly. Calisthenics on the other hand relies solely on your own body weight for resistance, and doesn’t require the use of any exercise equipment. Common exercises include sit ups, lunges, pushups or crunches, which you can do conveniently at any time in any place. However, as you are limited to your body weight, it may take longer to build muscle mass.
Try to find out as much information about strength training as you can before planning a fitness routine. Do research on the important muscle groups and learn the right exercise techniques by
talking to experienced bodybuilders. This extra knowledge will help you determine what type of exercise is right for you and come up with clear, realistic goals for your body.
Plan and Develop Your Fitness Routine
Your strength training routine will largely depend on where your body is at and what your specific bodybuilding goals are. For instance, if you’re a bit overweight, you will need to focus on getting your body fat percentage down before you can begin building your muscles. Doing regular cardio exercises is a great place to start with this.
If you’re ready to begin building muscle, it’s generally a good idea to start with compound exercises. Compound exercises, such as pull ups, dips, rows or squats, focus on training all areas of your body as opposed to a single muscle group. Later on in your strength training routine you can choose to target specific muscle groups through isolation exercises like bicep curls, leg extensions, or triceps extensions.
If you’re going to do weight training, you will obviously need easy access to a range of weightlifting equipment to build your physique, like free weights and weight machines. Join a gym closest to you, or invest in your own home gym equipment for even more convenience. When you start, you will need to figure out the maximum weight you can lift. Choosing the accurate weight for your training level will help you avoid injury and build the right type of muscle.
Set a Meal Plan
A well-designed nutrition plan is crucial if you want to become a great bodybuilder. Without good nutrition, you are unlikely to see much progress in your muscle size and strength. A diet rich in protein can help you to build muscle more quickly. The general rule is to consume about 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight. You can find loads of protein in foods such as fish, beans, egg whites, and lean cuts of meat.
It’s also important for a bodybuilder to consume plenty of complex carbohydrates, like whole grain bread, oatmeal, whole grain pasta, brown rice or sweet potatoes. It’s best to consume these on your workout days to ensure you sustain your energy and minimize any unwanted fat. Healthy fats are also an essential component of a good bodybuilding diet regime as it helps to boost testosterone.
Healthy fats can be found in avocados, olive oil, eggs and nuts. Finally, make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as these contain important vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fiber that are good for your health and digestion.
To ensure you stay on track with your diet, keep a detailed food diary. Don’t forget to also take photos of your bodybuilding progress along the way so that you can see what you need to work on.
Alex Cordier is a freelance writer, who has been published across various sites on topics including home, travel, health and lifestyle. She is most passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. You can check out more of her articles here.
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Photo sources:
Photo 1 – Pxhere – CC0 Public Domain
Photo 2 – Pixabay – CC0 Creative Commons
Photo 3 – Pxhere – CC0 Public Domain
Photo 4 – Pixabay – CC0 Creative Commons
Bryan Jones is Looking Huge in His Move to Open From Classic at 244Lbs
Can Bryan Jones do well in the Open Bodybuilding division?
Bryan Jones is looking pretty massive at 244lbs. The one time Classic Physique competitor has declared his intentions to move up to the Open Bodybuilding division. His impressive size abs stature could make him a potential standout when he finally makes his debut in the new division.
Sometimes you have to make a change. As a competitor you can’t simply do the same thing you’ve always done and expect improved results. Just like in other sports sometimes switching divisions can be incredibly beneficial for an athlete’s career. That’s the approach that bodybuilder Bryan Jones is taking.
Bryan Jones was an impressive standout in the Classic Physique division. While he may not have dominated at big shows like the Olympia, Jones always cut out an impressive form on the posing stage.
The Last ride was great. We came to the ⭕️ and took 9th place. Gotta thank God first for being in this position first & foremost. Without my fiancé @vintij_lust most of this wouldn’t be possible at all. I love you to the Stack & back ? TYFFWM Sings your nothing short of a blessing & perfection. Well of course you know that. It’s your world now.
Also my mom & grandmother, they’ve never ever missed a show no matter where it’s my biggest supporters. Big time big time thanks to my friend & coach @cubanflexx who wants nothing but the best for me & always keeping grounded. Couldn’t ask for a better coach and friend at all. A day after the ⭕️ last year it was his idea to make this the LAST RIDE this year.
But don’t y’all worry we got something bigger in store that we know y’all gone really f*ck with this move we about to make and y’all gone either say “hell yea” or “finally”
Massive at 244Lbs
Looking to shake things up with his career Bryan Jones has chosen to switch divisions. After acquitting himself well in the Classic Physique division it appears that Jones is looking to take a different approach to his career. Jones is looking to try his chances in the Open Bodybuilding division.
Bryan Jones has been radio silent since his 2021 Olympia performance. Now he’s reappeared and is looking even more massive than ever. Jones is now tipping the scales at 244lbs.
Desired to be untouchable
Current weight 244lbs
Will Bryan Jones make a big splash in the Open division? He certainly has the potential to standout, but for now we’ll have to wait and see.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Jussie Smollett Sentenced To 150 Days In Prison After Having Osundairo Brothers Stage An Attack
Jussie Smollett will spend time in prison for putting together this plan.
Jussie Smollett has been sentenced to 150 in prison for putting together a fake hate-crime attack on himself in Chicago back in January 2019. This closes the book on a long investigation and storyline surrounding the actor. Smollett was convicted of lying to police after having the Osundairo brothers attack him on the night of the incident.
Smollett will also have to pay over $120,000 in restitution to Chicago and was fined $25,000. He will receive 30 months of felony probation. Smollett will begin his sentence immediately after the judge made his decision on Thursday.
Judge James Linn decided to sentence Smollett based on the “extreme premeditation” of the event.
“You turned your life upside down. You destroyed your life as you know it. There is nothing I can do to you today that will come close to the damage you’ve done to your own life.”
In December, Abimbola Osundairo testified that Jussie Smollett organized this fake attack. He said that he paid him and his brother for their part. Also, that it could help the aspiring actor’s career. Osundairo and his brother, Olabinjo, are fitness trainers that have had a relationship with Smollett. Both brothers received $3,500 each for their work.
Before sentencing, Linn received a motion from the defense to overturn the jury’s decision on legal grounds. This was denied as Linn believed that Smollett received a fair trial. He believed the crime committed by Smollett was one to bring more fame and attention to his name. Linn said it was a move that “craved attention.”
After being found guilty, Jussie Smollett’s attorney Nenye Uche preached his innocence and said that there will be an appeal of the conviction.
“Unfortunately we were facing an uphill battle where Jussie was already tried and convicted in the media and then we had to somehow get the jury to forget or unsee all the news stories that they had been hearing that were negative for the last three years.”
On the other hand, the attorney for the Osundairo brothers claimed that her clients “could not be more thrilled and pleased with the results.”
Jussie Smollett has been sentenced but this is a storyline that might have some more headlines added moving forward. We will keep an eye on if there is any further course of action by Smollett and his attorney.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
5 Best Supersets To Crush Biceps
Here are some supersets to hit biceps hard!
Spending a training day focused solely on the biceps seems like an exercise in vanity. Why not incorporate the “guns” into a typical chest-and-arms routine?
But there’s nothing wrong with spending a full workout training for the gun show. Plus, there’s no reason to feel guilty about it. For all the talk in recent years about training for functional movement and core strength – not just like a bodybuilder for aesthetics – there’s been little appreciation of the functional role of the biceps.
Try lifting a couch or kid without the biceps – or pushing or pulling just about anything. Sure, movement starts from the core but your arms aren’t just levers along for the ride. The biceps are fully engaged, guns locked and loaded. Studies show that the biceps support many movements across the elbow and shoulder joints.
Even if you’re a dedicated athlete training for a specific sport, there’s nothing wrong with taking an occasional workout to focus on your biceps. If nothing else, it’s a welcome diversion and the best workout is, of course, the one you haven’t done before, or at least not in some time.
In this biceps superset workout, we’ll pair a push and a pull movement. This way we both activate and challenge the biceps in an efficient manner that enables us to keep moving through the workout with no rest.
Pete Williams is a NASM certified personal trainer and the author or co-author of several books on performance and training.
FIRST SUPERSET: DIVE BOMBER PUSHUPS AND PRONE GRIP PULLUPS
Dive Bomber Pushups
What it does: This pushup variation requires more use of the biceps and shoulders.
How to do it: Start with hips in the air and feet shoulder-width apart. Lower head and shoulders down as if going under a bar. As you push your head and shoulders into position, arch your back. Reverse process to return to starting position.
How many? 10 reps.
Prone Grip Pullups
What it does: Though best known as a back movement, you’re also hitting the biceps, along with the shoulders and chest.
How to do it: Grab the bar with an overhand grip. Hanging from the bar, pull your shoulder blades back and down to lift your body and build momentum. Finish by pulling up with your arms.
How many? 10 reps
SECOND SUPERSET: FARMER’S CARRY/RACKED POSITION AND INVERTED BAR ROWS
Farmer’s Carry, Racked Position
What it does: The traditional farmer’s carry is an effective full-body move that also challenges endurance as you increase the distance carried. By carrying the dumbbells in a racked position (heads of dumbbells at shoulder level) we isolate the biceps.
How to do it: Carrying the dumbbells in a racked position, walk for 30 seconds, carefully avoiding the oblivious earbud zombies not paying attention in your gym.
How long? 30 seconds.
Inverted Bar Rows
What it does: This provides many of the benefits of a pullup while better isolating the biceps.
How to do it: Lie underneath a bar that’s several feet above you, such as in a squat rack. Hang underneath the bar with heels on the ground and arms fully extended. Pull your chest toward the bar. Pause at the top and return to starting position.
How many? 10 reps.
THIRD SUPERSET: DYNAMIC PUSHUPS AND CHIN-UPS
Dynamic Pushup
What it does: By exploding on the upward movement, you hit the biceps harder.
How to do it: Slowly lower yourself down then explode up as hard as you can. The upward movement should take no longer than 1 second.
How many? 10 reps.
Chin Ups
What it does: Like the overhead pull-up, the chin-up is a terrific shoulder and back exercise to build that V-shaped torso. But by doing the underhanded chin up, we place more emphasis on the biceps.
How to do it: Grab the bar with an underhand grip. Hanging from the bar, pull your shoulder blades back and down to lift your body and build momentum. Finish by pulling up with your arms.
How many? 10 reps
FOURTH SUPERSET: SUSPENSION TRAINER PUSHUPS AND SUSPENSION TRAINER CURLS
Suspension Trainer Pushups
What it does: The instability of the trainer forces you to recruit more muscles and the biceps play a prominent role. Plus, by pairing it with suspension trainer curls, we can keep things moving.
How to do it: Feet on the ground, assume pushup position and grab the handles. Lower and push up.
How many? 10 reps.
Suspension Trainer Curls
What it does: With your body weight as resistance, this move hits the biceps hard.
How to do it: Grab the suspension trainer handles with both hands. Lean back to fully extend your arms. With feet shoulder-width apart and back straight, use your arms to pull yourself up (toward the trainer) by performing a curl. Bend the elbows and curl the handles as close to your shoulders; use the biceps instead of your upper arms.
How many? 10 reps.
FIFTH SUPERSET: FOUR-IN-ONE AND PLANK
Four-In-One
What it does: This challenging four-in-one exercise hits your biceps from all angles.
How to do it: Start with light weight on a barbell and curl 8 times. Next curl halfway, pausing for a second just above your navel at each of 8 reps. After that, take the bar up and descend just below your pecs, again pausing for a second before returning for 8 reps. Finally, do 8 more full reps.
How many? 1 set
Plank
What it does: This promotes overall core stability, but your biceps are keeping you in a proper position. Plus, after doing the Four-in-One, this will seem like a break.
How to do it: Lie in a prone pushup position with hands on the floor, elbows under shoulders, and bent 90 degrees. Push up off the elbows, tucking your chin so your head is in line with your body. Keep head in line with spine and belly button drawn in. Hold for one minute.
How long? 60 seconds.
Martyn Ford vs. Iranian Hulk Boxing Match Moved To April 30
Martyn Ford confirmed that the fight will be postponed to the final day of April.
Fans have been waiting a long time to see Martyn Ford and the Iranian Hulk step into the boxing ring together. They will have to wait a few weeks longer. The fight between the two behemoths has been moved from April 2 to April 30. It will still take place at the O2 Arena in London.
Ford took to Instagram to make the announcement on Thursday afternoon. Box Star UK, which is the promoter of the event, also released a statement explaining that the fight will be postponed to give the fighters more time to prepare. This is because of injuries to some of the fighters on the card.
““There has been a date change, 30th of April. Same venue, same opponent, same result. Just give me more time to prepare to become faster, stronger, sharper, more powerful.”
“I can only apologise for any issues, please feel free to contact Boxstar if there is anything that’s causing issues and they assure me they will do all they can to help make this a smooth transition. On the bright side we have some huge announcements to make, and this extra few weeks gives extra time to make this a night to remember. The roof blowing off the o2 was not ideal, and a few behind the scenes issues to boot HOWEVER.. we move on, adapt and deliver .. see you there !!!! Head over to @boxstaruknow for tickets,” Ford’s caption read.
Martyn Ford explained how Iranian Hulk was given the option to back out of the fight but he is not interested in doing so. This is not a surprise given the anticipated nature of this fight. Also, Sajad Gharibi has been putting in some serious work, in many different ways, to prepare for the event.
The bout being postponed will just add some more drama to the actual night. Both fighters have been wanting to get in the ring together and now, they will have an extra four weeks to prepare. This is something they have both been doing. Ford has taken the time to train with athletes such as Rico Verhoeven.
One thing we do know is that the fight is still on. Those who are looking forward to the action will just have to mark down a new date on their calendar.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Bikini Natural Bodybuilder Jackie Gonzalez’s Thunder Thighs Workout
PNBA Bikini’s competitor Jackie Gonzalez shares a quad-focused leg workout to build thunder thighs!
Your quadriceps make up a big portion of your thighs, and it’s essential to have well-developed thighs in bodybuilding. Although having thunder thighs is an aspiration, many lifters endeavors, especially women who lift. International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) athlete Jackie Gonzalez shared a quad-focused workout on Instagram (IG).
Jackie Gonzalez is a Bikini competitor who competed in the Bikini Divas division at 2021 Natural Olympia. She placed in the top 10, receiving seventh place. Outside of bodybuilding, she’s a teacher and owns a dog and cat in Dallas, TX.
In an IG post on February 23, 2022, Gonzalez shared a quad-focused leg workout she did to prepare for the upcoming 2022 INBA PNBA season. Gonzalez stated:
“I have been loving this off season so far and believe to have been progressing fairly steadily in terms of progressively lifting heavier when possible. I’m so excited for this coming season!
Try out this quad focused leg day and tell me how you like it:
-Squats: 2 warm- up set followed by 2Sx15R, 1Sx12R, 1Sx8R, 1Sx5R
-Leg Press: (High-Low foot positioning) 3Sx15R
-Leg Extension: 3Sx15R, 4S is a drop set x3
-Walking Lunges + step-up (10 each leg) x2
-Seated Leg Curl: 4Sx15R”
Jackie Gonzalez’s Quad-Focused Workout
Four muscles make up your quadriceps – the anterior (front) of your thigh. You use your quads for everyday functions, such as transitioning from sitting to standing. They support your knees and are important for knee extension. Below is Jackie Gonzalez’s off-season leg workout that emphasizes quads.
*Note: She warmed up with two sets of squats followed by completing two sets of 15 reps, one set of 12 reps, one set of 8 reps, and one set of 5 reps of squats.
Below you can see Jackie Gonzalez performing hip thrusts – glute exercise.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZqAM7mgz1u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Bikini Divas
The INBA PNBA has a few different Bikini divisions, including Bikini Divas, Bikini Angels, and Bikini Mamas. Jackie Gonzalez competes in the Bikini Divas class – Kayla Rowling is the back-to-back winner.
Sex appeal and presentation are an essential part of the scoring in this category. Bikini Divas will dress in a swimsuit, high heels, and jewelry. Women in this class will still be muscular and toned; visible abs and a slightly visible glute-hamstring tie-in are imperative to be a top contender. So to rank well in the judge’s eyes, having lean and muscular legs are advantageous.
However, Bikini Divas won’t be quite as muscular as other divisions, such as Women’s Physique and Women’s Figure. Although compared to Bikini Angels, muscularity is more critical since Angels aren’t entirely judged on their physique – visible abdominals aren’t necessary.
Recap
Well-developed thighs are imperative in many bodybuilding categories. And many lifters, especially women, aspire to have toned legs. So try out Jackie Gonzalez’s quad-focused workout next leg day to develop thunder thighs!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more workouts from the best natural physiques in the world!
The Best Peanut Butter Alternatives For Health & Gains
What peanut butter alternatives are out there for continued gains.
When it comes to our continued gains, nutrition is an easy place to start and for those who enjoy peanut butter, checking out some peanut butter alternatives is one way to hop on board the gains train. Eating well and finding those healthy foods may seem challenging but it is not impossible by any means. Those clean foods we know and love are perfect for seeing continued success and for those of us bodybuilders looking to tone and sculpt, it is imperative we put an emphasis on those clean and whole foods.
Peanut butter is a fantastic option for our bodybuilding goals and is a great food to include with a variety of meals. Easy and convenient, our favorite PB snacks have the ability to launch our gains to new heights. However, for those allergic or just looking for something different, there are those peanut butter alternatives that can greatly affect our diet, and ultimately, our overall gains. Knowing what they are and experimenting with them can give you the best chance to find your favorites to include in any meal or snack.
Let’s jump into the best peanut butter alternatives so you can see what is out there and how these will affect your diet and gains. Even for those who feel they would never abandon peanut butter, some of these alternatives may just change your mind and give you something else to consider next time you are looking for that tasty snack.
Benefits Of Peanut Butter
Before we jump into these alternatives, a quick rundown of peanut butter and what it can do for your bodybuilding goals is warranted. This food can do a lot for your gains and is one to definitely consider putting into your diet.
Benefits of peanut butter include:
Good source of healthy fats: Taking in healthy fats is important and will balance out our macronutrients nicely. By including healthy fats and those sources in your diet, you make sure to reach a good limit in your daily intake (1).
Also has protein: PB also has protein that is needed for muscle growth, recovery, and satiety and is perfect for your goals (2).
Versatile and convenient: This can be put with many things and is a great food to have for a sit-down meal or those on-the-go meals for ease and convenience.
Related: Why Peanut Butter Works Well For Your Bodybuilding Gains
Best Peanut Butter Alternatives
So, while peanut butter is clearly beneficial and worthwhile to have in your diet, taking into account peanut butter alternatives is something that will benefit you and your bodybuilding gains. There are great nut butter alternatives but also those that are nut-free so you can fit these into your dietary needs, allergy restrictions, or just diversify your diet.
Nut Butter Alternatives
Let’s take a look at some great nut butter alternatives for those who want something nutty without dealing with peanut butter specifically. While they each have their own unique taste, they go well with a variety of things like sandwiches, yogurt, and other foods that you may have in your diet already.
Almond Butter
Almond butter is made from roasted almonds and is a great alternative to peanut butter. The taste is great and what you will find is that this may be higher in calories, but loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (3). Working to keep you full and give you those healthy fats, this is a great choice for a snack.
Hazelnut Butter
Hazelnut butter can work to assist weight management and decrease cell damage since hazelnuts are high in antioxidants. Fighting inflammation is great and will keep you moving more efficiently for workouts and everyday movements.
Cashew Butter
A great choice for those vegan and vegetarian diets, this will also work to keep you full and help with weight control. Being low in sodium also works to balance out those sodium levels.
Walnut Butter
High in antioxidants, this gives you the benefit of fighting oxidative stress while also working to improve brain health since it is loaded with cognitive boosting vitamins and minerals (4).
Non-Nut Butter Alternatives
Taking into account those non-nut butter alternatives are also wise because they provide for similar benefits but fit well for those who feel like nut butters aren’t conducive to their specific lifestyle. For those that have an allergy to nuts and those nut butters above, these options are great.
Sunflower Seed Butter
Sunflower seed butter is loaded with vitamins and minerals and can work to promote healthy weight and limit cell damage. Less inflammation is what we all want as hard-working athletes and with the right alterative like sunflower seed butter, we can find that no problem (5).
Tahini comes from sesame seeds and can help with blood pressure and cholesterol, since this is rich in vitamins and minerals. What you will find is that this is surprising good with those foods that you traditionally eat with peanut butter.
Peanut Butter Alternatives: Should I Ditch Peanut Butter?
At the end of the day, you don’t have to ditch peanut butter totally. These peanut butter alternatives are just options so you have the best chance at seeing great gains while also having the option to switch up your diet. With the right alternatives, you have a better chance at seeing those gains you want most and can work to alleviate any stress in diversifying and finding the right foods for your diet. So, don’t ditch peanut butter altogether but be open to some alternatives that help you greatly.
Wrap Up
These peanut butter alternatives will provide for similar gains while also allowing you the benefit of seeing great results. Whether it be a nut butter or non, what you will find is that by diversifying your diet, you better tackle any of those gains you want most while keeping your diet changing in a healthy way. These peanut butter alternatives are great and should absolutely be in your diet, for your overall health, nutrition, and gains matter.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Harvard Medial School (2019). “Ask the doctor: Why is peanut butter “healthy” if it has saturated fat?”. (source)
Arya, S.; et al. (2016). “Peanuts as functional food: a review”. (source)
USDA/Agricultural Research Service (2008). “Antioxidant Effects From Eating Almonds”. (source)
Poulose, S.; et al. (2014). “Role of walnuts in maintaining brain health with age”. (source)
Dreher, M.; et al. (1983). “Sunflower Butter: Nutritional Evaluation and Consumer Acceptance”. (source)
2022 Boston Pro Preview: Who Will Win the Arnold Classic Rematch?
Many Men’s Open competitors will be back on stage just one week after the Arnold Classic.
The 2022 Arnold Classic took place just one week ago. Brandon Curry took home the title in Men’s Open and he will be present at the 2022 Boston Pro. This time, it will not be on stage but part of the meet-and-greet. Many competitors that Curry defeated will return to the stage in hopes of winning the big event.
In a way, this is viewed as the Arnold Classic rematch. A total of six competitors in Men’s Open will take the stage in Boston after appearing at the Arnold Classic. It will be interesting to see who will be able to take command of the stage. William Bonac finished second to Curry last week while Steve Kuclo rounded out the top three.
The 2022 Boston Pro features seven divisions and hand out Olympia qualifications to the champions. This event will take place on Saturday at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. Check out the full list of Men’s Open competitors below along with some analysis on the top competitors.
2022 Boston Pro Lineup
William Bonac
Maxx Charles
Phil Clahar
Samson Dauda
Douglas Fruchey
Regan Grimes
Steve Kuclo
Justin Maki
Eslam Mohamed
Justin Rodriguez
Nathan Spear
William Bonac
William Bonac entered the Arnold Classic looking to make an impact and that is what he did. After missing the show in 2020, Bonac took the stage and presented a championship physique. Many thought that he deserved to win the show but was slightly bested by Curry. If he shows up like he did in Columbus, Bonac will be difficult to beat and has to be considered the favorite during the Boston Pro.
Steve Kuclo
Steve Kuclo is a mass monster and he showed that in Columbus. Leading up to the Arnold Classic, Kuclo was sharing physique updates looking massive, especially his arms and legs. This earned him another third-place finish and he will compete once again here. With Curry out of the lineup, the matchup between Kuclo and Bonac might be the main headline going into the weekend.
Samson Dauda
There are some competitors that emerge during the finals and that is what Dauda did at the Arnold Classic. After displaying just pure size and conditioning during prejudging, Dauda stuck out during the finals and earned a fourth place finish at the show. This could set the tone for the upcoming season as Dauda looks to put his name next to some of the elite competitors in the sport.
Justin Rodriguez
Rodriguez entered this session with plenty of hype as one of the up-and-coming stars. He showed glimpses of that at the Arnold Classic and will continue to improve. Rodriguez made an impression during prejudging but was passed by Dauda come the finals on Saturday night. This will be another chance for Rodriguez to show what he has in a big competition.
Regan Grimes
Regan Grimes is 28 years old and entering his prime. He is already qualified for the 2022 Olympia by winning the KO Pro Egypt back in October. This does not mean that he is done competing as Grimes will see how he stacks up against other elite competitors. He earned a seventh place finish at the Arnold Classic and will look to build upon this in Boston.
The full lineups from the rest of the divisions can be found below.
Classic Physique
Michael Bell
Antonio Cummings
Tony Duong
Urs Kalecinski
Jared Keys
Lamar Shaw
Bartley Weaver IV
Andrew Wilson
Divine Wilson
Men’s Physique
Erin Banks
Riccardo Croci
Daniele D’Onofrio
Joshua Guidry
Lee Harvey
Jeremy Henry
Drelyn Hunt
Emanual Hunter
Julian Ibes
Daniel Leone
Diogo Montenegro
Puwanat Putoya
Sharif Reid
Franklin Turner
Antoine Weatherspoon
Fitness
Jaclyn Baker
Stephanie Jones
Kristin Pope
Missy Truscott
Aurika Tyrgale
Tamara Vahn
Figure
Luana Carparelli
Maude Exantus
Wendy Fortino
Nicole Zenobia Graham
Neli Mitreva
Lola Montez
Kiah Tiller
Bojana Vasiljevic
Ronshende Whittington
Bikini
Maureen Blanquisco
Jessica Nicole Dolias
Alessia Facchin
Eli Fernandez
Nittaya Kongthun
Crystal Leigh
Anya Nicholson
Elisa Pecini
Wellness
Vanessa Bernardo
Angela Borges
Daisha Johnson
Julia Chitarra de Mello
Celeste Morales
Yarishna Ayala Otero
Lorena Ragusa
Tracy Williams
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hardcore Truth: Johnnie O. Jackson Reviews The Arnold Classic 2022
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Johnnie O. Jackson shares his analysis and opinion on the top six Men’s Open placings at the Arnold Classic 2022.
This past weekend held the Arnold Classic 2022, it was an exciting event that returned to its normal full form after two years of shortcomings due to the global pandemic. The event is considered to be the second biggest competition of the bodybuilding season, second only to the Mr. Olympia itself. So of course, a bodybuilding show of this size is not without its controversies – with many debating whether William Bonac or Brandon Curry should have won first place. In this week’s episode of Hardcore Truth, Johnnie O. Jackson gives his analysis and opinions on the top six placings at the Arnold Classic 2022.
Seven divisions battled it out over the weekend at the Arnold Classic, bringing together some of the most talented athletes currently competing. When the results were announced on Saturday night, there was a mixture of excitement, respect, and controversy. The most hotly debated topic was about the battle of Brandon Curry and William Bonac. Many believed that Bonac should have taken the top spot. Regardless of outcome, these two competitors were extremely close in physique quality and performance. When a battle comes neck and neck as we reach the finish line – controversy always ensues.
That’s why Johnnie O. Jackson decided to put his opinion into the ring and break down his thoughts on the top six placings during the Arnold Classic 2022 finals. Let’s jump into his thoughts below.
Johnnie O. Jackson’s breakdown of the Arnold Classic 2022 Top Six Placings
First Johnnie O. Jackson puts his focus on sixth place finisher Brett Wilkin. Wilkin went into the Arnold Classic with a lot of hype this year due to some promising physique updates on social media entering the show. Ultimately, for fans expecting a massive top 3 finish, there was a bit of a let down after all the hype.
But Johnnie O. Jackson points out that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Wilkin looked improved of last year and is still relatively early in his career. Jackson’s biggest assessment? Wilkin needs more size in order to compete with the top 3 at an event this size.
Johnnie O. Jackson then moves onto Justin Rodriguez – who he believes has an incredible physique but could improve by bringing up his arms and the separation in his quads. Beyond that he brought in powerful conditioning and grainy physique. He also believes that between the pre-judging and finals – Justin Rodriguez woke up and brought a much more intense and passionate posing routine which helped his placing.
Johnnie O. Jackson then moves onto Steve Kuclo – whom he doesn’t have any direct criticism for. He believes that Kuclo continues to remain consistent and slowly improve his overall package. Jackson thinks that there is no specific area he needs to focus on – rather he simply needs to move to the next step on all of the little details to pull up into a possible number one spot in the future.
William Bonac vs Brandon Curry – Johnnie O. Jackson’s verdict
Now Johnnie O. Jackson dives into the controversy of William Bonac vs Brandon Curry. In Jackson’s personal opinion, he finds that Brandon Curry deserved the win he got. But he also understands that the battle was very, very close. Ultimately, depending on the subjective slant of the judges – it could have gone either way.
In Jackson’s opinion, he thinks that Bonac landing on second has to do with the lack of consistency in his performance over the past two years. Bonac placed sixth at the Mr. Olympia 2021. His physique at the Arnold Classic 2022 was much improved and perhaps one of the best versions of Bonac we’ve seen. In Jackson’s opinion, this inconsistency between shows gave Brandon Curry the edge over Bonac.
As a fair counterpoint to Johnnie O. Jackson’s opinion here – each individual bodybuilding show should be judged in a vacuum. The physique a year ago should not reflect on the physique presented on stage at the Arnold Classic 2022. However, it is also pretty common knowledge that the judges partially base their assessment of an athlete based on how they improved, or fell behind, from their last show. It’s often said that the Mr. Olympia champion, for example, can’t just look the same every year. He still needs to find a way to improve and beat his previous self.
So perhaps Brandon Curry’s consistency swayed the judges to give him the nod. Not all fans might be satisified by this answer. But the reality is that no matter how transparent and objective the sport tries to be – it is still judged by human beings. Subjective opinion will always sway a score in a slightly different direction.
Wrap Up
You can watch Johnnie O. Jackson go into full detail about his analysis of the top six bodybuilder placings at the Arnold Classic 2022 by watching the latest episode of Hardcore Truth above. Do you agree with Jackson on his takes? Let us know by commenting on our social media. And make sure to stick around every Thursday for new episodes of Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson!
Iranian Hulk Shows Crazy Training Methods That Include Getting Hit With Wooden Boards
The Iranian Hulk continues to prepare for his fight with Martyn Ford.
Sajad Gharibi, known as the Iranian Hulk, is preparing to fight Martyn Ford on April 2 at the O2 Arena in London. This boxing match was announced back in October and since then, both athletes have been displaying some unique training methods. The Iranian Hulk has taken his methods to the next level including being hit in the stomach with wooden boards.
Gharibi has been active on social media showing off his preparation for the bout and they have been intense from the start. Recently, the Iranian Hulk’s videos include work with different weights, sparring techniques, and yes — wooden boards.
“I have nothing to loseWhen No one has anything to lose This is very dangerous
Cant wait to FIGHT.”
Gharibi might be referencing the fact that Ford is viewed as a big favorite in this fight. He has a background in jiu-jitsu and MMA so his boxing skills are not new. This does not mean that the Iranian Hulk is going to back down and this was shown during the first stare down.
The two fighters met face-to-face for the first time on Feb. 25 and it got heated quickly. The Iranian Hulk did not back down to ‘The World’s Scariest Man’ and attempted to take him down during the first encounter. Ford responded with a shove. As if the battle needed anymore anticipation, both athletes gave it a little extra.
The Iranian Hulk has displayed methods like this before. In January, he was seen fighting a group of men as a tactic and before that, Gharibi was punching concrete walls. While the purpose of these methods remains a mystery, we do know that he is willing to go to great lengths to win this fight.
“If you still look good at the end of your workout, you didn’t train hard enough.”
The anticipation of this fight has been taken to new levels as the date gets closer. Ford might be considered the favorite but we have seen that the Iranian Hulk is willing to do what it takes to compete. Like Gharibi has said, when an underdog has nothing to lose, it can be a scary thing. We will see how it all plays out on April 2.
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