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Anderson Silva opens as favorite to be next opponent for Jake Paul

Anderson Silva could be in line to take on Jake Paul next.
It has been less than a week since Jake Paul moved to 5-0 with a sixth-round knockout of Tyron Woodley. Now, there have been lines made on who will have the chance to take on the former YouTuber in the ring next. As of now, Anderson Silva is the early favorite.
Silva began boxing at the beginning of 2021 after a long stint in UFC. In his first match, Silva took on former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In his first boxing match since 2005, Silva upset the former champion by split decision. He then faced UFC champ Tito Ortiz and won via a first-round knockout.

The talks began by saying Silva could take on Jake’s brother, Logan Paul, but there was no real steam and now sights could be set on the younger of the two.
Below, you can see a list of names, along with their odds, that could take on Jake Paul next.

Anderson Silva – 3/1
Tommy Fury – 7/2
Dillon Danis – 7/1
Nate Diaz – 7/1
Conor McGregor – 15/2
Jorge Masvidal – 15/2
Floyd Mayweather – 12/1
Oscar De La Hoya – 12/1
Mike Tyson – 25/1
Canelo Alvarez – 33/1
Logan Paul – 100/1

Tommy Fury was set to take on Paul on Saturday before backing out with an injury. John Fury recently threatened Paul to take on his son in March. A bout with Conor McGregor seems unlikely because the UFC star has nothing to prove. Also, Floyd Mayweather took part in a poorly displayed exhibition fight against Logan Paul and he should not revisit this idea.
Jake Paul recently took to social media to address Canelo Alvarez. He wrote “I hope you’re training, Canelo” on Twitter but Paul must be careful what he wishes for.
Jake Paul recently defeated Woodley in their second fight. The first came by split decision. This moved his record to 5-0 but the competition has been less than impressive. It began with a win over former NBA player Nate Robinson followed by fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib. Paul then defeated MMA fighter Ben Askren before two victories over Woodley.
Many might not like the act being put on by the Paul brothers but it works and it makes money. At this point, Paul needs to step into the ring with real boxers to gain some credibility. Silva began boxing for the first time since 2005 but there is no doubt that he has the skill to be successful. 
Anderson Silva would be a difficult fight for Paul so it will be interesting to see if he would plan for this one. Either way, it is likely that we hear news about Jake Paul’s next opponent early in 2022.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 

By Presser
3 min read

WATCH: Martins Licis and Justin Medeiros Crush Massive Deadlifts In Workout

Martins Licis and Justin Medeiros put up enormous weight during a workout.
It is not everyday that Strongman and CrossFit are seen together but this happened when Martins Licis and Justin Medeiros took on a workout. Licis shared a video to his YouTube page on Tuesday of the duo crushing some deadlifts that were upwards of 600 pounds.
The last time these two were together was during the 2021 Rogue Invitational. Licis won gold in the strongman competition and set a new world record in Thor’s Hammer with a 136kg (300lb) lift. Medeiros was victorious during the CrossFit event. They continue to be some of the best in their own sport.

Licis won the 2019 World’s Strongest Man competition while Medeiros was named the 2021 Fittest Man on Earth. At XCEL Fitness in Holladay, UT, the duo got together to show off some impressive deadlifts.
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Heading into the holidays, it is only right that they showed off their festive spirit. Medeiros was seen wearing an elf’s hat while Licis went all out with a full Santa Claus costume. The session began with some rows on the machine while a makeshift Bag Toss was being set up. Medeiros was discussing the importance of warm-ups and how they can impact the workout.
“I do the same warm-up, which is, I do pigeon stretches, some runner’s lunge, some windshield wipers. I also got a gluten band for gluten activation, monster walks, banded squats, and sumo squats. After that, I’m probably good to go,” Justin Medeiros said.
Once the Bag Toss, which is a strongman event, was set up, Licis explained that the best throws will feel effortless. He cleared the crossbeam with a 20-pound bag while Medeiros was unsuccessful.
The two quickly moved onto deadlifts with some serious weight. Licis told the group to pause below the knee to make sure that there was complete control. Medeiros began with a 500-pound deadlift, which is nearly three times his bodyweight. His weight at the time of the list was not said but he is listed at 190 pounds on the CrossFit website.
Martins Licis was next and completed five reps with 605 pounds. Licis has been lifting heavy in the gym preparing for the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic. He will enter the competition as one of the favorites to take home the prize. 
The session ended with one-minute Each bike challenges. The full workout can be viewed on Licis’ YouTube page.
Martins Licis will be back in action from March 3-6 during the Arnold Strongman Classic. Justin Medeiros is in his offseason but is preparing for the 2022 CrossFit Open, which begins on Feb. 24. 
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 

By Presser
3 min read

Best CBD Supplements For Muscle & Recovery (Updated 2021)

See which CBD topicals and other post-workout products help alleviate unwanted muscle pain, support pain relief, and aid in recovery.
The CBD (Cannabidiol) industry is hot right now and products like CBD oil are popping up literally everywhere with great post-workout benefits towards muscle and recovery, especially for bodybuilding! This new craze has hit everyone by storm but athletes especially are thrilled with this new product. As a safe and effective way to handle all muscle pain, support muscle and pain relief, and aid in recovery after post-workout soreness, it is no wonder why athletes utilize CBD to boost performance. Without the fear of failing a test for competition or putting something harmful in their bodies, CBD has come to the rescue to ensure all of your health and wellness needs are taken care of to ensure a happy and healthier quality of life and better bodybuilding results post-workout.
CBD comes in many forms which include oils, salves, capsules, gummies, lollipops, vapes, and topicals. But, many are not real CBD and you must be very cautious. A lot of companies are capitalizing on the new market for CBD products and selling bad products for a profit. That’s why it is more than important to make sure each label is accurate and honest before trying any new product. Any good company will be open about the labels and seek not a profit, but the opportunity to better their consumers’ lives, pre, during, and post-workout.
We’ve put together a list of the Best CBD Supplements for 2021 so you can find the best products to help with your muscle pain, recovery and muscle soreness, muscle growth and maintenance, overall health, and wellness to promote bodybuilding goals post-workout. From tinctures, to topicals, gummies, and capsules, everything you want is right here and waiting for you try.
Best CBD Supplements For Muscle & Recovery 2021

Best Overall CBD Tincture
For those who want to take their CBD supplement orally, a quality tincture is the way to go. With great flavors and the ability to work quickly, this is another great recovery option for those post-workout needs.
cbdMD 1,500mg CBD Oil Tincture

Type Of Application
Tincture

CBD Dosage
1,500mg

Best Way To Take/Use
Take 1 serving (1mL) and place it under your tongue. Let it sit for a moment before swallowing.

cbdMD 750mg CBD Oil Tincture delivers a Superior Broad Spectrum CBD formula with natural MCT carrier oil that works to boost your health and wellness every time you take it, especially for bodybuilding post-workout. Packed with supporting cannabinoids and terpenes, this tincture offers a host of benefits like supporting calmness, enhancing recovery, managing stress, and allowing you to function on a day to day basis at a high level with minimal to no muscle pain. Made from USA-grown industrial hemp, this is third party tested, gluten-free, and vegan, making this a trusted and honest supplement.

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cbdMD 1,500mg CBD Oil Tincture is packed with supporting cannabinoids and terpenes to promote calmness, recovery, and stress relief. This delivers a superior broad spectrum CBD formula with natural MCT carrier oil for added support.

Pros

Superior Broad Spectrum CBD formula
Great benefits and supporting cannabinoids
USA-grown hemp and third party tested
Gluten-free and vegan

Cons

Premium priced option

Price: $89.99
Use the promo code GENIRON for 15% off! Also, check out our individual review here!

Best Overall CBD Topical
A great topical can provide awesome benefits for you can apply directly on the sore spots. Perfect for post-workout recovery, this will greatly enhance your recovery process.
cbdMD Recover

Type Of Application
Topical

CBD Dosage
3,000mg

Best Way To Take/Use
Wash and dry the skin area and apply a generous amount of cream. Massage until it is fully absorbed.

cbdMD Recover is a fantastic pain relief cream to help relieve minor muscle aches and discomfort. It will work to warm the sore spot while also hydrating dry skin with the help of histamine dihydrochloride. A carefully crafted formula with Superior Broad Spectrum CBD uses high quality hemp extracts with only the best in manufacturing practices. Available in four CBD concentrations and three different applicators, this CBD cream with skin moisturizers is perfect for fighting muscle pain and helping you recover post-workout.

Code GENIRON For 15% Off

cbdMD Recover is a great pain relief cream to help relieve minor aches and discomfort. A carefully crafted formula, this uses high quality hemp extracts with only the best manufacturing practices.

Pros

Great formula of CBD and histamine dihydrochloride
Made from high quality hemp extracts
Available in four concentrations

Cons

Premium-priced option

Price: $129.99
Use the promo code GENIRON for 15% off!

Best CBD Tincture For Sleep Recovery
Sleep is vital for growth and recovery and sometimes our busy schedules can keep us up at night. A great CBD supplement geared towards sleep recovery will ensure a quality sleep so you can maximize those gains.
Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural Drops

Type Of Application
Tincture

CBD Dosage
300mg

Best Way To Take/Use
Take 1 full dropper every six hours or as needed. Place under your tongue and swallow.

Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural Drops is an original strength Broad Spectrum blend of active cannabinoids in a concentrated, all-natural tincture. With many ways to take, this can help with fast acting muscle relief from exercise and other activities and works to promote the best sleep recovery around and is great for bodybuilding post-workout. Using MCT oil, it helps the body absorb everything better so you can effectively tackle all of your body’s needs. With great benefits to promoting calmness, enhancing physical and mental wellbeing, muscle relief from exercise, and increasing your chances for a better sleep, this is a great tincture to work for sleep and recovery for post-workout muscle soreness.

Code generationiron For 20% Off

Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural Drops is an all-natural tincture for fast acting muscle relief. Along with MCT oil, this allows for better absorption to promote calmness, sleep, and post-workout soreness.

Pros

Original strength Broad Spectrum blend
Concentrated and all-natural
MCT oil works to absorb faster
Great price

Cons

Only available through their website

Price: $29.99
Use the promo code generationiron for 20% off!

Best Overall CBD For Weight Loss
As CBD is studied more and more, its benefits towards weight loss is interesting to explore. Paired with other great fat burning ingredients, CBD may be the key to your weight loss needs.
PFX Labs ShredCBD

Type Of Application
Capsule

CBD Dosage
1,200mg

Best Way To Take/Use
Take 1 capsule by mouth 1-3 times daily.

PFX Labs ShredCBD is a brand new design for CBD supplements used to help target body fat while also promoting energy, focus, sleep, performance, and overall wellbeing. With 20mg of premium pure CBD isolate in each capsule, this formula also includes 3 powerful fat burning ingredients to give you the best chance at weight loss. With zero unwanted side effects and a large number of benefits to more than just fat loss, ShredCBD is making waves as an innovative way to get rid of that unwanted fat to start seeing a shredded physique with that hard earned bodybuilding muscle pre, during, and post-workout.

PFX Labs ShredCBD is a brand new design to help target fat loss while also promoting things like focus, sleep, and overall performance. With three powerful fat burning ingredients, no unwanted side effects ensures a safe supplement.

Pros

CBD isolate and three powerful fat burning ingredients
Great benefits towards fat loss, inflammation, performance, and more
Made in the USA in a GMP certified facility

Cons

Research is still in its infancy
Only available in the USA

Price: $46.00

Best CBD Topical For Recovery
Recovery is key and with a good recovery routine you can be sure to bounce back faster and avoid those unwanted injuries that exercise can cause. With a topical ready to go, a quick application can alleviate all that soreness.
Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream

Type Of Application
Topical

CBD Dosage
750mg

Best Way To Take/Use
Apply cream into affected areas and rub in.

Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream is a carefully formulated and balanced combination of THC-free, high quality broad spectrum CBD and pain fighting, anti-inflammatory botanicals perfect for your bodybuilding goals post-workout. With advanced ingredients and a unique, richly moisturizing cream, you can start to tackle those unwanted muscle aches and joint pains. With great benefits towards relieving exercise muscle pain and muscle aches, everyday activity, physical and mental well-being, and total wellness, this topical is the right addition to your routine to alleviate muscle pain and aid in recovery and muscle relief.

Code generationiron For 20% Off

Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream is a carefully formulated and balanced pain relief cream that is THC free. Great for tackling muscle pain and aches, as well as total well-being, this topical is perfect for you.

Pros

Balanced THC-free and high quality broad spectrum CBD
Anti-inflammatory botanical add advanced ingredients
Rich moisturizing cream
Great for relieving pain

Cons

Premium-priced option
Only available directly from their website

Price: $69.99
Use the promo code generationiron for 20% off!

Best Overall CBD Gummies
Gummies are another great way to get all the benefits of CBD into your body quickly. Great flavors matched with different concentrations will ensure all those needs are met.
cbdMD 750mg Gummies

Type Of Application
Edible

CBD Dosage
750mg

Best Way To Take/Use
Take 1 or 2 gummies a day and gradually increase as needed.

cbdMD 750mg Gummies provide a delicious way for you to get Superior Broad Spectrum CBD into your body for optimal effectiveness post-workout. This formula includes additional cannabinoids and plant terpenes to deliver a high quality and consistent supplement perfect for bodybuilding. Third party tested for quality and purity, while also being gluten-free and vegan, the many flavors and three different concentrations make these gummies extremely sought after.

Code GENIRON For 15% Off

cbdMD 750mg Gummies are a delicious way to deliver high-quality CBD for any post-workout needs. It is third party tested for quality and purity so you know you are getting only the best.

Pros

Superior Broad Spectrum CBD with additional cannabinoids and plant terpenes
Third party tested
Gluten-free and vegan
Great flavors and three different concentrations

Cons

Premium-priced option

Price: $59.99
Use the promo code GENIRON for 15% off!

What Is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid derived from cannabis. It’s often the second most prevalent ingredient to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in which the latter causes the “high” effect. But, most CBD is extracted from industrial hemp which contains fewer amounts of THC, and therefore it won’t make you “high” (1).
There are also many other cannabinoids alongside CBD and THC but these two have the notable effects alongside other types of CBD.
What Makes Up CBD Supplements & Other Ingredients
Phytocannabinoids: Naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant and can help with inflammation, muscle relief, and muscle soreness.
Terpenes: The natural essential oils found in plants and each has it’s own unique properties. They can bind to receptors in the brain and increase dopamine and promote other benefits.
Flavonoids: Compounds that give plants their color and can help with inflammation for muscle pain and pain relief.
MCT Oil: Derived from fat called medium-chain triglycerides sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. It allows for better absorption so your body gets all the benefits faster.
Benefits Of CBD On Muscle, Recovery & More
CBD has many benefits towards our physical and mental health and are absolutely worth knowing when looking to buy the right CBD supplement for you. For bodybuilding, our bodies go through a lot and working with great supplements to tackle muscle pain and pain relief is more than important, especially post-workout.

Relieve muscle pain: Helps by regulating the endocannabinoid system in which pain is a function. It can impact receptors and reduce inflammation and chronic pain while promoting pain relief to enhance your bodybuilding goals post-workout (2).
Reduce anxiety and depression: A more natural approach to treating mental health, it can act on the brain’s receptors to transmit serotonin, which makes you feel good.
Promotes better sleep: Can help you sleep through the night and improve the overall quality of your sleep and work for pain relief post-workout (3).
Helps with skin issues: Since CBD acts an anti-inflammatory, skin issues like acne may be handled since different glands do not become as infected.
Support immune system: Keeps your immune system alert and allows antibodies to react effectively to anything foreign (4).

How Does CBD Work
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is essential for bodily homeostasis and maintaining a healthy biological environment in response to internal and external factors (5).
Composed of cannabinoid signaling molecules, the eCB system plays a big role when it comes to mood, sleep, post-workout muscle pain, appetite, immune system functioning, and all functions at the cellular level and beyond. So, it acts as a bridge between the body and mind which helps to further explain neuro plasticity and external factors as an influence on our mental state of health (6).
CBD can bind to the endocannabinoid receptors to aid in the regulation of homeostasis and this is why many people use a supplement. But, its effects are pronounced in many cases, offering obvious positive changes.
Some Types Of CBD
Full-spectrum
Full-spectrum cannabidiol is extracted from the cannabis plant but the terpenes, cannabinoids, fatty acids, flavanoids, and other plant matter remain attached. Full spectrum CBD is a “full-spectrum” of compounds is what often causes the “entourage effect”. Cannabinoids have therapeutic and psychoactive effects and include both CBD and THC, while terpenes provide cannabis with its fragrance.
Flavonoids offer benefits like anti-inflammatory aids for your muscle and neuroprotective properties which are great for bodybuilding post-workout. The entourage effect is when all of these work together to maximize the benefits for you and make up full spectrum CBD and full spectrum hemp from CBD oil products and the effects of CBD on health benefits like alleviating chronic muscle pain.
Full-spectrum CBD does have 0.3% or less of THC but CBD isolate is purified through a process which makes it a THC-free substance (7).
Isolate
CBD isolate requires a purification process before it makes it to shelves. But, when it’s extracted from the plant, all of the plant matter is still intact. But, when this full-spectrum CBD is purified through an additional process, you’re left with 99% pure CBD.
This process creates a flavorless, odorless, pure white power containing zero THC. The benefits of CBD isolate are that it is in fact THC free and is cheaper than other forms of CBD. It is easy to take, less messy than other oils, and can be used to make your own products making this a very versatile form of CBD for all things muscle and recovery related to alleviate that post workout muscle soreness.

Are There Side Effects?
It’s always a good idea to consult with your primary care physician before introducing any new substances into your dietary regimen. This is especially important if you suffer with any health issues. Although CBD can be relatively safe as a whole, it is important to remember that everyone is different and everyone reacts differently to any supplement. Always be sure to read the instructions and labels to know exactly what you are getting and exactly what you are taking to ensure a quality product leads to a higher quality of life.
If you experience any undesirable side effects while taking CBD, stop use and seek a doctor’s advice to ensure you don’t worsen any symptoms. Don’t rely on the Internet to self diagnose especially when it comes to your health. Trust the experts and work to benefit yourself.
Interactions with certain medications and some side effects from use are always a possibility. So, taking the necessary precautions beforehand is always advised for your safety. If you do take other medications, check before hand to see if there is a history of them interacting with CBD in a negative way so you know what you are getting into.
Some of the side effects possible with CBD use include:

Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Changes in appetite
Anxiety
Nausea
Mood changes

And that’s why it’s even more important to make sure you’re getting a pure product, which contains actual CBD. There’s no point in suffering through poor side effects because of a poorly made product. Top tier companies will work to give you the best chance at succeeding with all of your goals and offer products of nothing but the highest quality and test results.
How Much Are These CBD Supplements?
The right CBD supplements may seem expensive, but it is possible to find a great product at an affordable price. While those premium and top tier products may seem too out of your reach, knowing how much it is and how much it is per serving may make it seem more reasonable. We broke down each of the supplements on this list with the overall price and price per serving to give you a chance to compare and see what is feasible for your needs.

Category
Product
Price
Why We Love It

Best Overall CBD Tincture
cbdMD 1,500mg CBD Oil Tincture
Price: $89.99
Per Serving: $2.96
A great formula with awesome benefits that is third party tested.

Best Overall CBD Topical
cbdMD Recover
Price: $129.99

Made with quality hemp extracts and available in four different concentrations.

Best CBD Tincture For Sleep Recovery
Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural Drops
Price: $29.99
Per Serving: $0.99
All natural with MCT oil to absorb faster at a great price.

Best Overall CBD For Weight Loss
PFX Labs ShredCBD
Price: $46.00
Per Serving: $0.76
Powerful fat burning ingredients and solid benefits to performance and fat loss.

Best CBD Topical For Recovery
Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream
Price: $69.99

Advanced ingredients for fighting inflammation and great for relieving pain.

Best Overall CBD Gummies
cbdMD 750mg Gummies
Price: $59.99
Per Serving: $1.99
Great flavors with different concentrations while being third party tested.

What To Consider Before Buying
There are a few things to consider before buying CBD supplements to give you a boost for better gains, but to also ensure the best for your overall health. Things to consider before buying include:

Strength Of The Supplement

Knowing the strength of your CBD supplement will help you to know just how it will affect you. Those stronger dosages may not work for you, and while you might not have crazy side effects, it is important for your health to know that a lower dose may be better for you.

Potential Side Effects

Any side effects that may arise when using CBD is important to consider before buying. Through research and hearing other peoples’ recommendations, you can better understand what side effects may strike and how best to handle them.

What Type Of Product

You should know what type of product you are looking for, whether that be a topical, tincture, gummy, or other potential sources, knowing exactly what you’re looking for will help your gains and overall health.

Price Per Serving

Knowing how much you are getting per serving will be a huge factor in what you buy. As these supplements can get expensive, it is important to be aware, so you don’t suffer any extra cost that just isn’t worth paying.
How We Choose
When looking at the best CBD supplements, especially for muscle and recovery, we wanted to offer a variety of different forms which is why this list contains tinctures, topicals, gummies, and capsules. Everyone has a preference on what they enjoy and this list reflects that. We looked at the reputation of each company to make sure each was high-quality and using top tier ingredients and CBD for each product. The effectiveness of each product was important to us as well, for you deserve to have the best supplements on your side. Price is always important because it is possible to get great supplements without totally breaking the bank.

FAQ Section
What is the best way to take CBD?
There isn’t one best way to take this supplement. It really is a personal preference which is why we included options for a variety of forms. From tinctures, to topicals, gummies, and capsules, you can decide which is the best form for you. Those with muscle pain, for example, may seek a topical to apply directly on the sore spot and this is a great approach for bodybuilding.
How do I properly dose CBD?
When it comes to dosing CBD, always look at the directions label on your product. The company will tell you amount and most likely the best time to take said supplement. If the recommended dose feels too low, then consider talking with an expert and find an appropriate amount that is over the serving size.
Is there such thing as taking too much CBD?
Taking too much CBD can increase the possibility of negative effects occurring. While CBD has minimal side effects, if any at all, taking too high of a dose only puts you in a position to spur some of those on and you just don’t need that.
How long does it take for CBD to kick in?
This all depends on the form you take it in and the potency of the product. Typically, smoking or vape form is the fastest approach with topicals occurring rather quickly as well. Oral ingestion tends to be the slowest but longest lasting. For bodybuilding, you should choose which one will work best for you.
Wrap Up
CBD is a promising health aid and as research continues, we’ll have even more information about its potential healing power and real potential to aid with muscle and recovery needs for your bodybuilding goals and pain relief. The use of CBD is increasing in popularity at lightning speed but it has helped so many people deal with their ailments and can help you with whatever you may be suffering from. Work to stop pain and alleviate stress with these great products to give yourself a better, more healthier quality of life and even greater bodybuilding results.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
References

MD, Peter Grinspoon (2018). “Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t.” (source).
Boyaji, Shafik; Merkow, Justin; Elman, R. N.; Kaye, Alan D.; et al. (2020). “The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Chronic Pain Management: An Assessment of Current Evidence”. (source)
Shannon, Scott; Lewis, Nicole; Lee, Heather; Hughes, Shannon (2019). “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series”. (source)
Nichols, James M.; Kaplan, Barbara L. F. (2020). “Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol”. (source)
“Human Endocannabinoid System – UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative – Los Angeles, CA.” (source)
“Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System – NORML – Working to Reform Marijuana Laws.” norml.org.
Marinotti, Osvaldo; Sarill, Miles (2020). “Differentiating Full-Spectrum Hemp Extracts from CBD Isolates: Implications for Policy, Safety and Science”. (source)

By Presser
20 min read

Will Smith Joins Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa For Training Session

Will Smith is continuing his fitness journey and did so on the football field.
We have seen Will Smith attack the basketball court on numerous occasions for Bel-Air Academy during The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. Now, he has taken his workouts to the football field. Smith joined Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a recent workout as he continues to get in shape.
Smith showed off his dadbod back in May and claimed that he was in the “worst shape of his life.” The Hollywood star has committed to getting back into shape and he was tested by a young NFL quarterback.

Tagovailoa was taken with the fifth-overall pick by the Dolphins during the 2020 NFL Draft. He has taken over as the full-time starter in Miami and knows a thing or two about staying in shape. This stems from his time playing for Nick Saban at Alabama. In a recent video posted to Smith’s YouTube page, the duo gets together in Miami for a training session.
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Tagovailoa quickly breaks down his schedule before the workout begins. The quarterback typically trains legs and upper body on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday is used as a balance and proprioception day. The duo enjoys a Kava drink before getting in some stretching before the workout begins.
Will Smith continues to follow Tagovailoa as they perform dumbbell bench presses and side planks. This is followed by some lying lateral raises and reverse crunches. This word into Tagovailoa’s plan as he trains hard four days a week with weights and cardio each morning. 
Smith has not been shy about sharing his fitness journey for his 57 million Instagram followers to see. In a post on Wednesday, Smith is seen catching some passes from Tagovailoa and jokes about his impact on the Dolphins’ current win streak. 
“I’m not saying me training with @tuaman has anything to do with @miamidolphins 6 game winning streak but I’m just sayinnnn’ ;-)”

After a 1-7 start for Miami and Smith being unhappy with the shape he was in back in May, both have made tremendous progress. The Dolphins have now won six in a row getting them back into the postseason race in the AFC. Smith has been putting himself through strenuous workouts to get back into shape. It seems to be working for both.
Will Smith is one of the best and most popular actors in Hollywood. It is unknown what is on tap for 2022 but with the way Smith is ending this calendar year, it seems as though he is going to be in great shape.
 

By Presser
3 min read

Ryan Crowley Gets Extremely Honest On How Social Media Hate Emotionally Affects Him

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Ryan Crowley gets surprisingly candid about his relationship with social media and online hate.
Ryan Crowley, in part, discovered bodybuilding due to being bullied as a child. It’s a story we’ve heard countless times before in the sport. He sought to become physically strong to avoid being bullied in his future. Now Crowley is a promising bodybuilder (recovering from a major injury) and looking to make a big splash in the industry. Yet somehow he still faces the same kind of bullying he remembers from childhood. This time in the form of hateful online comments. Has his past experiences helped him develop thicker skin? In our latest GI Exclusive, Ryan Crowley opens up about how he interacts with social media online bullying – and how it still emotionally affects him.
Whether you like it or not, social media is here to stay. It’s also a big part of modern bodybuilding. No longer do pro competitors need magazines to display their stunning physiques. They can each amass followings on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. They can directly engage fans. They can share updates whenever they want. There is no longer a gatekeeper between the athlete and the audience.

In many ways this is fantastic. It opens the doors wide open for new kinds of success. But it also brings a very ugly side of the internet front and center into every bodybuilder’s inboxes. Bullying and hate from anonymous users can mount across comments and DMs. There’s a lot of positivity too, which must be acknowledged, but the hate comes through in a way that was otherwise impossible before the web. This is something Ryan Crowley is all too familiar with.

We’ve spoken with others about the vitriol that can come through online commenting. In the case of Chef Rush, for example, it took the form of hate speech. Joey Swoll also revealed to us the death threats he would receive. It can get very dark. Ryan Crowley is a bodybuilder who has experienced bullying far before the internet. As a chubby child, he was often the butt of many jokes. This certainly emotionally affected him. To combat the sadness – he sough to become strong and eventually discovered bodybuilding.
Now an adult, he strangely finds himself, in some ways, back where he started. While he is no longer overweight, he faces hateful comments online due to having a rather large social media following. During our video conversation, Crowley became extremely candid and open about how this affects him. In some ways, he becomes the same young boy that he was being bullied in his past. He admits to reading the hurtful comments and letting them deeply affect his mood.
He tells us this with a smile on his face in the moment. It’s as if he is completely aware how silly it is to let strangers have such a hold over him. But he’s also aware that he can’t help his gut emotional response to these kinds of comments. We’re all human after all. He knows he should simply not read the comments. Just ignore them. But he reads through them anyway.
He also admits that being so easily affected by the comments triggers more comments:
“I wear my heart on my sleeve and I’m very sensitive. And they know this. This is why they say this stuff because they know it gets to me. It’s just something I get on with, you know? It gets to me and then I get on with it.”
This is classic bullying. The more the bully knows that they are triggering a response. The more they continue to push harder. Of course, Ryan Crowley is not disabled by these hateful comments. They do not freeze up his life into misery. As he states, he’s able to move on. But he also comes back for more. He pours over his comments, gets upset by certain hateful statements, uses his girlfriend for support, and then tries to shake it off and go one with his day.
There have been many reports in the bigger picture beyond bodybuilding of how social media affects anxiety and happiness. Recent whistleblowers at Facebook even stated that there are mounds of data showcasing the psychological damage it can cause – but they chose to bury those facts and move forward with their policies anyways. It’s a problem bigger than Ryan Crowley or bodybuilding. But it’s refreshing to see a public figure in the sport speak so honestly about it.
You can watch Ryan Crowley discuss his interaction with online hate – as well as his future plans for recovery and his bodybuilding career – in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.

By Presser
5 min read

Guy Cisternino Suffers Leg Injury During Training With Branch Warren

Guy Cisternino injures leg during a recent training session.
Bodybuilding veteran Guy Cisternino suffered an unfortunate injury to his leg during a recent training session. Cisternino trained with fellow veteran bodybuilder Branch Warren when he heard a pop in his right quad.
One of the most recognized and respected bodybuilders of the modern era, Guy Cisternino has become notorious for speaking his mind. Never a man to shy away from his words, Cisternino always called it like he saw it. When he retired earlier this year the competitive bodybuilding scene lost one of its most interesting figures.
But just because he retired does not mean he’s stopped doing what he loves. That’s right you can still catch Guy Cisternino training hard in the gym to maintain his physique. He may no longer be looking to compete at the highest level, but that doesn’t mean he’s not intent on pushing the iron in the gym.
Unfortunately though with hard training can come some hard consequences. It appears that during a recent training session the veteran bodybuilder suffered a leg injury.

According to a post on his Instagram Guy Cisternino suffered an injury to his right quad. It happened on a leg day training session with fellow veteran bodybuilder Branch Warren. Cisternino gave details on how the injury occurred.

Sometimes life just keeps happening. Past couple of months have been very hard on me mentally, emotionally, and now physically. They say to feel pain means you’re alive, so you learn to take whatever life throws at you the good or the bad, that’s life. I was training with @thebranchwarren in Texas on Wednesday.
Normal dam day, we’ve smashed legs together hundreds of times. Literally last set of the first exercise doing reps of 20, my right quad popped, sounded like I stepped on a lightbulb.
As soon as I stopped Branch was about to yell at me to keep f**king going, but saw my face and knew right away it wasn’t good. Went to ER, then jumped on a flight next day back to Nj, got MRI Friday, results back today. Long and short of it, best case of a worst case scenario.
I tore the sortoreous deep in the belly of the muscle along with a lateral tear in the quad tendon. Neither requires surgery as long as I don’t train legs for 6 weeks and allow it to recover and heal.
So for now no more leg videos, now I’ve added a separate arm day instead of leg day to see if I can get these arms to fluff up a bit! Took off Thursday and back to work on Friday. It’s not a job, it’s a way of life for me.

The Generation Iron team wishes Guy Cisternino a speedy recovery.
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.

By Presser
3 min read

Shoulders With Sephora: Gains At Generation Iron Personal Training

Work your shoulders with Sephora as she grinds in the state-of-the-art Generation Iron gym.
Finding the right location to workout can be a daunting task, but Generation Iron Personal Training makes that easy. A fantastic gym with state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable trainers, your gains will become a reality in no time. Plus, with the ease and convenience of setting up a time to work out, Generation Iron Personal Training will make you actually want to get up and get moving.
We followed around Sephora, one of Generation Iron’s Personal Training trainers, as she walked us through a great shoulder workout. Neglecting to work out your shoulders can sacrifice strength, size, and that well-rounded physique you want most. With Sephora’s guidance, this shoulder workout is sure to give you the best gains around.

Let’s jump into this shoulder workout from Sephora so we see those gains we want most. With the right approach, we can better tackle any workout put in front of us. A great shoulder workout can be hard to come by but thankfully Sephora offers up this 5-exercise workout for ease, convenience, and gains.
About Sephora
Sephora found herself in a position many of us do, being tired of excuses and a lifestyle we want to change. Through hard work and dedication, Sephora has committed herself to building her body and shaping the necessary areas to see results she has great confidence in. She received her NASM certification and is on a mission to not only help change your body, but also your mindset on health and fitness.

Sephora’s Shoulder Workout
This shoulder workout from Sephora is a great way to build shoulder strength and size, while also aiding in stability and an overall well-rounded physique. A mix of machine and free weights exercises, you target each muscle of your shoulder differently to not neglect or miss out on any gains.

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Machine Shoulder Press
4
12

DB Lateral Raise
4
12

DB Front Raise
4
12

Alternating One Arm Arnold Press
4
12

Cable Upright Row
4
12

Exercise Breakdown
Machine Shoulder Press
The machine shoulder press is a great exercise for hypertrophy as it will offer healthy stress and nice resistance on your shoulders. Using the machine allows you to add more weight than a free weight shoulder press as well as work to improve form and learn to feel out this exercise. While the machine provides safety, it is important to focus on your technique to not build bad habits.
DB Lateral Raise
The dumbbell lateral raise is a nice shoulder exercise to strengthen those stabilizer muscles and improve shoulder stability. Building strength is obvious but working to tackle those muscle imbalances is also a great benefit to this exercise. It also has plenty of room for variations.

DB Front Raise
Dumbbell front raises are great for building sport specific strength but also functional movements. Another great way to improve any muscle imbalances, the options for you to succeed in terms of building a well-rounded physique are nowhere near impossible. Plenty of variations exist for this exercise as well.
Alternating One Arm Arnold Press
This exercise will build serious strength and size as a result of the complexity with the press and twist aspects. Alternating arms allows you to focus on form even more and stay dialed in as this exercise can be a killer. It can be taxing on your shoulders so working with the appropriate amount of weight will ensure less chance of injury.
Cable Upright Row
Cable upright rows are effective for building bigger traps and ensuring more width in your shoulders. A nice isolation exercise, there are plenty of variations to try but the benefit of the cable machine is more weight can be added, ensuring better form and increased mind-muscle connection.
Benefits Of Strong Shoulders
Having strong shoulders should not be overstated. The benefit to stronger, more stable shoulders can not only enhance sport specific movements, but also those more functional ones. Increasing strength, boosting stability, and adding to a well-rounded physique can be a game changer as you seek the best for your shredded aesthetic. This workout from Sephora will truly enhance your shoulder development with just 5 simple exercises. And with a great gym like Generation Iron Personal Training, you just can’t go wrong.

About Generation Iron Personal Training
This state-of-the-art training facility is 7,000 square feet, jam packed with elite equipment and uniquely designed to provide for a great workout and awesome atmosphere to motivate yourself to see massive gains. Everything you know about gym memberships and their shady hidden fees with additional costs are a thing of the past as you can book directly with registered trainers for one-on-one personal sessions. With the motto “Sweat Today, Shine Tomorrow”, you will become a new person, one with the confidence and physique to be proud of.
With plenty of room to work out and have your own space to get after it, Generation Iron Personal Training gym can be just what you need to succeed. Plus, parking is easy and convenient for a nice bonus.
Location & Address: 730 NY-304 in New City, New York
Phone Number: 845-664-8589
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: Follow us on Instagram for the best content and important updates to always be in the loop on Generation Iron Personal Training.

Check out the website for Generation Iron Personal Training here!

Wrap Up
This shoulder workout from Sephora at Generation Iron’s Personal Training gym is a great workout to boost strength and size, while also building stability and a well-rounded physique. The right approach under the guidance of a knowledgeable trainer can make or break your gains and give you the best for your desired goals. Generation Iron Personal Training is a fantastic way to see your goals become reality so don’t hesitate to reach out and see how this is a great fit for you.

Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
*Images courtesy of Sephora Instagram and Generation Iron

By Presser
6 min read

The 6 Best Strength Building Exercises You’re Not Doing

6 Greatest Exercises To Build Strength
With the advancement and mainstreaming of machines in the gyms around the world, people tend to stick to exercises they’re comfortable doing. The sad news is, strength gains lie outside your comfort zone.
If you want to improve on your strength, you’ll have to give up the isolation exercises for compound (multi-joint) lifts. Performing the exercises mentioned in the article will take your strength gains to a whole new level.

Clean and Press
When was the last time you performed the clean and presses or saw someone perform then in your gym? Lifting weights off the floor and over your head is a badass way of putting your brute strength at the display.

The clean and press consist of two main movements. The first part entails lifting the barbell off the floor and to your shoulder level. In the second movement, you need to push the weight overhead. Return to the starting position with a slow and controlled movement, and repeat for the recommended reps.
Deadlifts
Many people prefer using machines or doing rowing exercises in place of the deadlifts for convenience. The deadlifts should be a staple in your back workouts. An effective back workout should be as brutal (if not more) as an annihilating leg workout.
The deadlifts are a full-body exercise and are fantastic for building overall strength. Keep your chest up, back arched, and drive through the heels, knees, and hips to move the weight upward.

Farmer’s Walk
There’s a reason why the farmer’s walk (or a similar exercise) is a part of almost every strongman meet. Walking around while holding onto heavyweights will not only improve your strength but will also help in putting on muscle mass.
Set a one-minute timer and grab the heaviest pair of dumbbells you can find. You can add variations to the farmer’s walk by using a barbell or weight plates in place of the dumbbells.
Bench Press
The bench press is one of the best exercises to improve your pushing strength. The exercise can also help in developing your pectoral muscle size. With all the exercises listed in the article, your priority should be to learn the correct form of doing them rather than going after the heavier weights.
Keep your elbows pointing inwards while performing the bench press to reduce the chances of an injury. Most people expose themselves to a pec or shoulder blade tear by flaring out their elbows too wide.

Rack Pulls
The rack pulls are an incredibly effective but underutilized lift. The rack pulls are a modified version of the deadlifts where the bottom half of the movement is omitted. Lifting the barbell with a limited range of motion will put all the tension on your lats and will help in building strength.
While performing the exercise, most people make the mistake of bouncing the barbell off the rack. By using the momentum you’re leaving gains on the table by reducing the already limited range of motion of the lift.
Squats
Squats shouldn’t come as a surprise on this list. The big 3’s – deadlifts, bench press, and squats – are the compound exercises you shouldn’t skip at any cost if your goal is to build strength and muscle mass.
If you’re a beginner, start by performing easier versions of the exercises like the smith machine squats or dumbbell deadlifts and gradually progress onto the advanced versions with heavier weights.

Who is your favorite exercise? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements.

By Presser
4 min read

Build a Golden Era V-Taper with this Workout

Back Workout for Building a V-Taper
Aesthetics were the main focus of bodybuilding in the golden era. The advent of science and enhancement drugs took the battle from aesthetics to muscle mass and size. While the fads come and go, the golden era aesthetics will stay forever.
The love for the golden era V-taper and natural aesthetics has brought about starting the Classic Physique division in the Mr. Olympia competition. Nothing appeals more in a well-crafted physique than the good old V-taper and we’re here to help you build one.

Exercise 1 – Pull-ups – 50 Reps
We’ll be focusing on the old school exercises in this workout. We will start the workout with 50 pull-ups. Take as many sets as you need to complete the 50 pull-ups but try to hit failure with every set.
Exercise 2 – Superset
– Bent Over Barbell Rows – 3 Sets 20, 15, 10 Reps
– Seated Pulley Rows – 3 Sets 10, 15, 20 Reps

The rows build the thickness in the back while the pull-ups and pull-downs help in building wide lats. Use lifting accessories to eliminate the grip strength while performing the exercises as your grip is prone to give up before your back.
Focus on building a mind-muscle connection and contract your back with every single rep. While performing the seated rows, lean forward to give your lats a stretch, but don’t lean back and maintain an arched back while rowing towards your body.
Exercise 3 – T-Bar Rows – 4 Sets 15, 12, 10, 8 Reps
The T-bar rows are where it gets down and dirty. Go heavy on the rows while maintaining a strict form. If you don’t have a T-bar row machine at your gym, put a barbell in the landmine rows position and use a v-handlebar to row the barbell.
A good back workout should be as taxing as a brutal leg workout. Your back is the second biggest muscle group after your legs and building a v-taper will require you to put all you’ve got into every exercise.
Exercise 4 – Giant Set
– Pullovers – 3 Sets 15, 12, 10 Reps
– Front Facing Lat Pulldowns – 3 Sets 15, 12, 10 Reps
– Behind the Neck Lat Pulldowns – 3 Sets 15, 12, 10 Reps
The giant set will be focused on building the broad wings. In the first set, lie down across a flat bench and perform the first set with 15 reps. Don’t bend your elbows throughout the movement as doing so will recruit your pectoral muscles.
After the pullovers, we switch over to the front facing lat pulldowns and then move onto performing the behind the neck lat pulldowns. These three are the most effective exercises when it comes to building wings you could fly with.
Exercise 5 – Barbell Shrugs – 3 Sets 30, 20, 10 Reps
Trapezius muscles (or traps) are one of the most abused muscles when it comes to training them in the gym. Performing shrugs is fairly easy, all you need to do is stand with your feet shoulder width apart, grab a barbell, maintain a slight bend in your elbows and lift your shoulders to your ears.
Many people mess up by letting their egos get in the way and go too heavy on this exercise. Pause at the top of the movement and squeeze the living hell out of your traps with every rep.
Exercise 6 – Behind the Back Machine Shrugs – 3 Sets 10, 20, 30 Reps
We’re not leaving any stones unturned with this workout and will not settle for anything less than a golden era v-taper. The trapezius muscle is majorly on our backs and behind the back shrugs can help us train it efficiently.
Using a machine for this exercise puts constant tension on the muscle which a vanilla barbell can’t do. If you’ve put everything into this workout, by the end of the 30 reps, your back should be on fire.

Who do you think has the best V-taper? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements.

By Presser
4 min read

Congratulations!

The IFBB Professional League takes this opportunity to congratulate all 2021 PRO contest winners.  We wish you and yours all the best over the Holiday Season and look forward to a successful year in 2022. CONTEST WINNER COUNTRY DIVISION       Australia Pro Melissa Carver Australia BIK       Houston Tournament of Champions…