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How Kettlebell Rows Work To Optimize Pulling Movements
Give your lats a great workout with kettlebell rows.
Working our back muscles can be hard, but absolutely possible with great exercises like kettlebell rows. While it can be easy to want to perform a haphazard back day routine, the benefits to having a strong back can prove to be unmatched. Working for better posture, increasing strength and size, and optimizing any pulling movements, a strong back is essential for those functional and sport specific movements. Plus, you will only add to your physique as your lats will certainly pop.
Kettlebells are effective pieces of workout equipment and can provide for compound movements to work many muscles, as well as offer the ability to perform isolation exercises as you seek to build up one specific muscle. Convenient and versatile, kettlebells are definitely something to have in your home gym or gym routine and kettlebell rows are the perfect exercise to see gains.
Let’s take a look at kettlebell rows and see what makes this workout so great for increasing strength and size while also optimizing those pulling movements. From what it is, to muscles worked, the many benefits of doing it, and how to perform it, you will have a solid foundation for seeing gains and taking advantage of kettlebell rows.
What Are Kettlebell Rows?
Kettlebell rows are a compound pulling movement designed to increase strength in your back while also building muscle in other areas as well. A test of balance, coordination, strength, and pulling ability, the benefits of what this exercise can do are unmatched. Perfect for athletes who require pulling movements for their sport, or for those who want to better their functional pulling strength, this exercise is not hard to perform once you nail down the proper form (1).
Check out our list of the Best Kettlebells for some amazing lifting products!
Muscles Worked
Kettlebell rows work many muscles as this exercise will prove to be a great workout. This exercise focuses mainly on your lats, but what you will find is that your delts, traps, and biceps all play a major role in the actual engagement of the entire movement, thus assisting with either stabilizing or pulling. For balance and stabilization of your entire body, your hips, core, glutes, and hamstrings will work to keep you grounded so you can efficiently complete the exercise without a risk of injury or an imbalance.
Benefits Of Kettlebell Rows
The benefits of kettlebell rows are hard to ignore and can greatly affect all your gains. For those looking to give themselves the best chance at success, definitely consider what this exercise can do.
Benefits of kettlebell rows include:
Increase lat strength: As an effective pulling movement, this will work to build strength and size in your lats so you see only the best gains (2).
Full body exercise: This exercise is one of those compound exercises that will work many muscle groups and can be a full body strengthener.
Core and stability: By relying on your core to stay stable, this will work to build better balance and stability as you enhance mind-muscle connection and overall technique (3).
Reduce injury: With your muscles all working together, this exercise can build better connection throughout your body allowing it to work in unison and reduce the overall risk of injury.
Just a kettlebell: The nice part about this exercise is that you only need a kettlebell for equipment, thus allowing this to be a fairly versatile exercise.
Many variations: Other alternative exercises work to mimic what kettlebell rows can do so you have the opportunity to shake things up and add variety to your workouts.
How To Perform It
Here are the steps for performing kettlebell rows:
Choose your desired kettlebell and place it on the floor in front of you.
Step one leg back and bend over at your hips so your torso is parallel to the ground. From here, reach down and grab the kettlebell with the hand of the leg that is stepped backwards. A neutral grip is fine.
To start the movement, engage you core and lift through your elbow in a pulling motion until the kettlebell reaches your body.
Once at the top, give a good squeeze before lowering back to the ground in a controlled motion.
Repeat for your desired number of reps and sets.
Kettlebell Row Variations
This exercise is great for it has many variations that can greatly affect your workouts and gains for the better. With so many alternative exercises to try, what you really get with this is the ability to try your hand at different exercises while also working to confuse your muscles so they have no choice but to grow.
Alternative exercises for kettlebell rows include:
Staggered Stance Row
Lateral Row
Clean Row
Bent Over Row
Half-Kneeling Row
Kettlebell Plank Row On Bench
Kettlebell Renegade Row
Best Supplements To Take With Kettlebell Rows
With an exercise like kettlebell rows, having the right supplements can work to give your body those nutrients it needs to see gains. Taking a pre-workout supplement will give you energy and allow for better blood flow, allowing you to better perform the exercise. For those post-workout gains, a protein powder will prove to be imperative as this will pump you with that vital protein for increased muscle growth, enhanced recovery, and overall better weight loss or management (4). Also, taking something like creatine or a mass gainer can really give you a boost to increased strength, size, and overall mass.
Wrap Up
Kettlebell rows have the ability to give us great gains when it comes to strength, size, power, pulling, and stabilization. A well-rounded exercise working many muscles, this is what you need to thrive both with sport specific movements and those more functional ones. Give kettlebell rows a try and work to optimize those pulling motions for whatever your sport specific or functional needs may be.
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
Manocchia, P.; et al. (2013). “Transference of Kettlebell Training to Strength, Power, and Endurance”. (source)
Beardsley, C.; et al. (2014). “The Role of Kettlebells in Strength and Conditioning”. (source)
Meigh, N.; et al. (2019). “Kettlebell training in clinical practice: a scoping review”. (source)
Pasiakos, S.; et al. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Logan Paul Answers: Does Boxing Need “Super Exhibition” Fights To Stay Relevant? | GI Vault
Logan Paul comments on the rise of “super exhibition” boxing matches and if they are necessary for boxing to succeed for a new generation.
GI VAULT – is an extension of our GI Exclusive interviews. The difference? These interviews come straight out of the Generation Iron vault from the cutting room floor of our feature film documentaries. With over hours of interview footage that doesn’t make it into our final films, we’re now releasing them out into the world.
Last year, Logan Paul faced fellow YouTube superstar KSI in what was called a “super exhibition” boxing match. The event was a massive hit and reminiscent of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s spectacle fight against UFC superstar Conor McGregor. This was another massive boxing match unprecedented for the sport. Now in 2021, Mayweather will face off against Paul in another “super exhibition” match. In our latest GI Exclusive Vault interview, Logan Paul discusses his place in boxing’s future and whether or not these super fights hurt or help the sport.
When Logan Paul faced off in a sanctioned boxing match against KSI, we had the opportunity to speak with him in a sit down interview. During that interview, we talked about the future of boxing and if these super fights would become more and more common.
Now just about two years later, Logan Paul is entering back into the ring. This time to face off against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. Dubbed another “super exhibition” fight, we thought now would be an appropriate time to dive back into our GI Vault and pull out the extended interview we had with Logan Paul.
In the boxing fanbase, some have criticized the decision for sanctioned spectacle fights. While they bring in large numbers, there is a worry that the credibility of the sport is on the line. When Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Conor McGregor – he was fighting an non-boxer. This wasn’t a traditional boxing match. It was a one-off super show. Does this devalue boxing as a legitimate sport and turn it more into stunt entertainment?
Logan Paul doesn’t think so. In fact, he thinks these kinds of super fights are necessary to breathe new life into boxing for a younger generation. He points out that while Conor McGregor is not a boxer, he is a top tier combat athlete. His skills might particularly lie in MMA, but that doesn’t disqualify him from being able to adjust to a new mode of combat.
Celebrity boxing is something that has existed for a while. These kinds of fights aren’t quite the same thing. Unlike celebrities who have never fought learning to box for a stunt show, these combatants are skilled athletes.
The same can be said for Logan Paul. While he’s primarily known as a viral YouTube sensation, he has been training in boxing for years at this point. While speaking in our interview, he comments that this kind of legitimate super event might not ever occur in the same way again. He has the YouTube millennial celebrity status – but he also has taken boxing seriously.
This time however, he’s not facing off against another YouTuber who knows how to fight. He’s fighting one of the most legendary boxers in the world. It will be interesting to see how he holds up in the ring.
One thing is for certain, his comments about entertainment being important to boxing’s survival seem to remain intact. His decision to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. is in line with his comments in our GI Vault interview from over a year ago. His hopes are not to devalue boxing but to take it seriously. By taking his training seriously, he hopes to bring more excitement and credibility to the sport.
Perhaps super exhibition fights are truly the way of the future – but only if the individuals involved take it seriously. So far, that seems to be the case.
You can watch Logan Paul’s full comments on his boxing training, the concept of super fights, and entertainment vs athleticism in our GI Exclusive Vault interview above.
2021 Vancouver Pro Qualifier
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5 Stretches For Bodybuilders To Optimize Growth & Size
Don’t skip out on stretching and lose muscle growth.
Stretching is one part of a workout that is easy to ignore. For whatever reason, many bodybuilders jump into the workout, get it done, and leave without a second thought as to offering our bodies some relief. Or worse, we know we should stretch but find some excuse to leave the gym before our guilt takes over.
For those who want those big muscles and toned aesthetic but hold out on stretching and don’t bother, you’re missing out on the opportunity for big gains with your muscles in and out of the gym to aid in your overall bodybuilding and flexibility goals.
What stretching actually does is stretch a connective tissue, known as fascia, that surrounds your muscles and expands the space around them allowing for more room for your muscles to grow. So without doing a simple routine before and after a workout, you are only limiting the gains you worked so hard the last hour for. Forget muscle size for a second.
Stretching primarily aids in recovery and can help avoid injury while also aiding in range of motion, keeping you in the gym and not stuck on the couch. What starts as pain and tightness can lead to a host of unfortunate possibilities resulting in injury or worse for bodybuilders from a lack of range of motion.
With the ability to increase flexibility, range of motion and muscular strength, and avoid injury, stretching should be at the center of your pre- and post-workout even before touching a weight. That tightness and pain can be uncomfortable in the gym, limiting your body’s ability to work at maximum capacity, and can bleed over into your everyday life. Don’t let careless procrastination or a stigma stop you from achieving those gains. A simple static stretching routine can lead to you looking and feeling great proving to the naysayers who is in charge.
The Role Of Fascia
Fascia is a tough connective tissue that encloses the muscles keeping them in place in your body. Fascia hugs the muscle tight and can restrict muscle growth, hence why stretching is important. The best time to stretch is right after working a muscle group because the muscles are full of blood, pushing on the fascia and creating pressure. That tight, swollen feeling after a good set of bicep curls or a mean bench press is an example of this.
By stretching this muscle group right after training them, you add more pressure to the fascia, leading to expansion and ultimately big gains. Stretching is great for a pre-workout warm up, a post-workout recovery session, or mid-workout expansion to ensure you stay on top of your game and looking bigger than ever, either with static stretching or dynamic stretching, to help with posture as well.
Shoulder Stretch
Shoulder stretches are great for relieving muscle tension, pain, or tightness in both your shoulders and neck. As an important point of connection between your arms and upper body, your shoulders should be a focal point of stretching to keep you nimble and loose to really enhance your training routine.
This basic shoulder stretch starts with your right arm across your chest. With your left hand, pull gently toward your body and hold for a brief pause. Repeat by following the same idea for your left arm and this stretching exercise will work wonders for your training routine.
Another great shoulder stretch requires a towel or a band but can be really beneficial. Using a band, place your left arm above your head and grasp the band, letting it hang down your back. Grab the lower end with your right hand and slowly raise your left hand. Start slow with this and as you develop more flexibility, feel free to push it a little more. Repeat the same steps and switch arms with a comfortable position.
Biceps/Chest/Shoulder Stretch
This stretch is great to target your chest, shoulders, and biceps. As a focal point for many bodybuilders, these three muscle groups tend to take a beating in the gym and a good, solid stretch can alleviate much of the discomfort and tension that comes with working so hard and stretching for flexibility to promote better exercise.
A stationary object is required for this workout to enhance your training. Holding onto whatever object you are using, extend your arm. Rotate your body gently away from the object while keeping a solid posture. You will feel the stretch and it is important to not push it too hard. Only do what your body allows. Hold for however long you desire, but ideally around 30-60 seconds. Repeat the same process with the other arm muscles.
Triceps/Lats Stretch
Two commonly overlooked muscle groups for stretching are your triceps and lats. Triceps stretching can prevent tightness, increase circulation, and aid in flexibility. Your lats are the largest muscle in the upper body and stretching is crucial for injury prevention and increasing your range of motion for your muscles and exercise.
This simple stretching technique is great for both groups. Start with both arms extended overhead. Bend one arm down behind your head and with the opposite hand, grab your elbow. Gently pull on the elbow until you feel the stretch in your triceps and lats. Hold for however long you desire and repeat with the other side to really stretch your muscles.
Upper Body Stretch
This upper body stretch may seem silly at first, but it is great for giving that all around stretch. With nothing truly required except a chin-up bar, this stretch is more than easy and can give your upper body everything it needs for your muscles, like your back, to succeed.
Grab the chin-up bar with both hands and hang for as long as you desire. Try different grips and relax with your breathing. You should feel this stretch in the entire upper torso.
Quads/Hips Stretch
While the upper body usually gets most of the attention, you should never neglect your legs. Those two limbs that keep you grounded are vital and should never be taken for granted. For tight quads and hip flexors, this exercise is a great two-in-one stretch to really work your hips, lower body, and aid in better workouts.
Start in a kneeling lunge position. Your front knee should be bent at 90 degrees and your back leg should be extended behind you. With a tight core and glutes, gently reach back and grab your back foot, pulling it toward your hip. You will be able to go deeper into the stretch by relaxing and breathing into it. Repeat the same process for the other side and feel the great effects stretching has to offer for your muscles.
Wrap Up
While stretching may seem boring and potentially useless, it is quite the contrary. Stretching provides a host of benefits to your daily workout routine and will make you feel great. Whether it be injury prevention, increased flexibility, mobility, and circulation, or muscle expansion, stretching will allow those gains to be made with no extra work. Try these simple stretches pre- and post-workout for a warm-up and recovery, or mid-workout for that serious muscle size expansion we all work hard for. Start stretching and see those gains in action.
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
How The Dumbbell Squeeze Press Can Pump Your Pecs
This exercise is something to really pump your pecs.
For those of us looking to boost our pushing power and chest strength, there are a multitude of exercises we can try in order to achieve this. Whether it be staple chest exercises, or those that are not as well known, the possibility for growth is amplified with the dumbbell squeeze press. Putting this exercise into your routine will allow you maximize muscle growth and see those pecs really pop, something all of us bodybuilders shoot for. Its important to incorporate new exercises into your routine to constantly keep your muscles working. The squeeze press is a great exercise to work on confusion and really start to target those pecs to unbelievable growth.
What makes this exercise unique is the squeeze portion of the lift that works to create high amounts of tension in the chest, in particularly the inner fibers. Unlike the traditional dumbbell press, the squeeze press will see your hands closer together, so while range of motion may be slightly more limited, you compensate with enhanced hypertrophy for optimal benefits. A great exercise to target the inner and outer regions of your pecs, transitioning from the traditional dumbbell press to the squeeze press will be worth it.
Let’s take a look at the dumbbell squeeze press and see how this exercise can really pump up those pecs. From what it is, to muscles worked, and the great benefits surrounding this exercise, we’ll also show you how to perform this as effectively as possible so you see serious growth and a chest you can be confident in.
About The Dumbbell Squeeze Press
The dumbbell squeeze press is an effective chest pressing exercise that will work to seriously enhance strength and size in your pecs, as well as other upper body muscles. Since this exercise requires no real extra mobility in the shoulder joint, athletes love this exercise for it allows great growth with minimum pain.
While we all can bench and perform those traditional chest exercises, it is worth noting that performing the dumbbell squeeze press can reinforce proper horizontal movements, especially when it comes to pressing. The squeeze press is ultimately great at forcing you to train the muscle you want to stimulate by working on isolating it more than others to really push for strength and size.
Muscles Worked
What you get out of the squeeze press is a seriously targeted chest as your pecs will be the main muscle group targeted. With a focus on your pecs, you will start to see that strength and size appear in no time. Other muscles worked from the squeeze press are your triceps, serratus anterior, and deltoids.
Benefits Of The Dumbbell Squeeze Press
Increased Chest Strength & Size
The squeeze press will work to increase hypertrophy in your chest so you see that desired strength and size really come to fruition. Through increasing resistance and working to target your chest more than other muscles, ultimately, your pecs will have no choice but to grow. As you get stronger, you will see an increase in weight, leading to more confidence and that extra level of muscle building power (1). Pushing capabilities are more than important when looking to advance our training and performance and this will start to show you just how important it is for your bodybuilding progress or other sport specific movements.
Decreased Shoulder Pain
Given the movement and slightly less range of motion as compared to the more traditional chest exercises, you will see less shoulder pain with the squeeze press. As more fragile joints in our bodies, our shoulders sometimes need that little extra love in order to fully work to our benefit without feeling pain and growing weak, thus leading down the road to injury. Take advantage of the squeeze press and see the growth you want without the shoulder pain (2).
Allow Triceps To Work
Like many pushing exercises, the triceps do get work so you feel a bit of an arm burn as well. You most likely have paired your days up by pushing and pulling movements, so why not give those other pushing muscles some love when doing a great pec exercise. That horseshoe-shaped arm is just around the corner, but you need those well-balanced triceps to make it happen and through incorporating this exercise into your routine, you work the triceps as a result of the need to get that weight not only up, but as you work hard to squeeze the dumbbells together.
How To Perform This Exercise
Here are the steps for performing the dumbbell squeeze press:
To start, set yourself up like you are about to perform a traditional dumbbell press. This would be laying on a bench, feet around shoulder width apart and firmly planted. Your core will be engaged and the dumbbells will be in each hand extended over your head. For this exercise, place the dumbbells flat together. As you lower, keep the dumbbells squeezed together as tight as you can, as if something was between them and it cannot fall. As you drive through your feet, work to push that weight up as effectively as possible. Return to the starting position and repeat for your desired number of reps.
Wrap Up
The dumbbell squeeze press is a great exercise designed to really target your pecs and work to see that much needed hypertrophy we all seek. For those of us looking to enhance our chest day routine, the squeeze press is something that can be incredibly beneficial and work on not only growth, but also muscle confusion and challenge our range of motion, as opposed to the traditional dumbbell press. Look into placing the dumbbell squeeze press into your routine today and really start to see the desired growth you seek most. You won’t be disappointed by the results as you start to see that physique of yours shine.
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
Uribe, Brandon P.; Coburn, Jared W.; Brown, Lee E.; Judelson, Daniel A.; et al. (2010). “Muscle Activation When Performing the Chest Press and Shoulder Press on a Stable Bench vs. a Swiss Ball”. (source)
Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Women’s Health Watch (2019). “Ouch! Shoulder pain and how to treat it”. (source)
2021 NPC National Championships Results
Here are the full results from the 2021 NPC National Championships!
The 2021 NPC National Championships took place over the weekend in Orlando. This is the biggest NPC event of the year where many athletes hope to earn their pro card by winning their division. This is a chance for competitors to take the next step in their careers but also for fans to check out who has a chance to become the next big name in bodybuilding.
The full results from the show have been announced and pro cards have been handed out. There was a total of eight divisions with different breakdowns fighting for victories. Check out the results from the show along with the official score cards!
Men’s Bodybuilding
Overall
Champion – Carlos Thomas Jr.
Bantamweight
First Place – Raymond Holguin
Second Place – Greg Yoshida
Third Place – Robert Longenecker
Fourth Place.- John McDonald
Fifth Place – Matthew Marcinczyk
Lightweight
First Place – Will Perrelli
Second Place – Ahmad Matour
Third Place – Carlos Ferreira-Poudevida
Fourth Place – Omar Colon
Fifth Place – John Andrews
Welterweight
First Place – Jordan Wise
Second Place – Travis Charles
Third Place – Farris Brown
Fourth Place – John McGovern
Fifth Place – Stuart Reed
Middleweight
First Place – Justin Jacoby
Second Place – Michael Ferris
Third Place – Erik Bachrach
Fourth Place – Michael Potts
Fifth Place – David Litsinger
Light-Heavyweight
First Place – Michael Connell
Second Place – Chanusi Heatley
Third Place – Anthony Ciacci
Fourth Place – Luis Garcia
Fifth Place – Scott Fogelsonger
Heavyweight
First Place – Justin Shier
Second Place – Jordan Janowitz
Third Place – Walter Debbs
Fourth Place – Brandon Bell
Fifth Place – Timothy Cline
Super-Heavyweight
First Place – Carlos Thomas Jr.
Second Place – Nathan Spear
Third Place – Matt Burzacott
Fourth Place – Chris Fine
Fifth Place – Justin Abbott
Men’s Physique
Overall
Champion – Tom Cox
Class A
First Place – Donmarc Allen
Second Place – Jemiase Riggins
Third Place – Jeremy Marcotte
Fourth Place – Erik Nava
Fifth Place – Hakeem Benjamin
Class B
First Place – Christopher Casner
Second Place – Braden Wuerch
Third Place – Jonathan Smith
Fourth Place – Alton Craig
Fifth Place – Kian Kassraei
Class C
First Place – Howhyne Boreland
Second Place – Kenyon Leno
Third Place – Tuigamala Losefo
Fourth Place – Joseph Halabi
Fifth Place – Jems Melidor
Class D
First Place – Jibrael Hindi
Second Place – Derrick Odoms Jr.
Third Place – Flavian Villalobos
Fourth Place – Kyle Pebbles
Fifth Place – Kenneth Whiting
Class E
First Place – Hunter Axton
Second Place – Larry Johnson
Third Place – John Murphy
Fourth Place – Austin Witty
Fifth Place – Tyler Fluitt
Class F
First Place – Tom Cox
Second Place – Raphael Souza
Third Place – Ahmed Saleh
Fourth Place – Sheriff Taiwo
Fifth Place – Edward James
Class G
First Place – Raaziq Jones
Second Place – Natanael Voltaire
Third Place – Martin Todd
Fourth Place – Darnell Thompson
Fifth Place – Tremaine Speller
Class H
First Place – Joshua Boles
Second Place – Donald Brumfield
Third Place – Samuel Soto
Fourth Place – Melvin Keihn
Fifth Place – Jon Pennington
Classic Physique
Overall
Champion – Eric Abelon
Class A
First Place – Josbua Langbein
Second Place – Farris Brown
Third Place – Vincent Grant
Fourth Place – Hamzah Alkordy
Fifth Place – Andy Lagunas
Class B
First Place – Eric Abelon
Second Place – Fernando Inocencio
Third Place – Joseph Rose
Fourth Place – Kyle Pebbles
Fifth Place – Adely Annorat
Class C
First Place – Cody Acree
Second Place – Mitchell Tubbs
Third Place – Jonathan Allen
Fourth Place – Brad Pfeifer
Fifth Place – Daniil Famponte
Class D
First Place – Jordan Carroll
Second Place – Chris Ferman
Third Place – Tyler Mcclarren
Fourth Place – Austin Espy
Fifth Place – James Smith
Women’s Bodybuilding
Overall
Champion – Chelsea Dion
Lightweight
First Place – Barbi Harris
Second Place – Pam Hess
Middleweight
First Place – Amanda Purcell
Second Place – Amy Powers
Third Place – Leann George
Light-Heavyweight
First Place – Alexia Castro
Second Place – Mariah Passalacqua
Third Place – Hannah Hussein
Fourth Place – Camille Robbins
Fifth Place – Chereise Williams Hays
Heavyweight
First Place – Chelsea Dion
Second Place – Marika Jones
Third Place – Selyka Givan
Fourth Place – Stephanie Biernacki
Fifth Place – Ursula Morrow
Figure
Overall
Champion – Amanda Kohatsu
Class A
First Place – Sierra Jones
Second Place – Myia Lynn
Third Place – Stephanie Herreira
Fourth Place – Myel Alfred
Fifth Place – Denitra Bruer
Class B
First Place – Amanda Kohatsu
Second Place – Brooke Foley
Third Place – Danielle Daley
Fourth Place – Julia Bickford
Fifth Place – Jenobia Chamberlain
Class C
First Place – Nathalie Nichols
Second Place – Liliana Garza
Third Place – Jessica Hamilton
Fourth Place – Kiera Gray
Fifth Place – Carly Craig
Class D
First Place – Ashleigh Cogan
Second Place – Amanda Penco
Third Place – Sheridan Johnson
Fourth Place – Destiny Butcher
Fifth Place – Jessica Cropper
Class E
First Place – Julia Monroe
Second Place – Meagan Beck
Third Place – Allie Combs
Fourth Place – Carolyn Dillon
Fifth Place – Megan Juedes
Class F
First Place – Nicole King
Second Place – Mallory Rosado
Third Place – Tausha Baker
Fourth Place – Yolanda Anderson
Fifth Place – Wendy Price
Class G
First Place – Laura Ehlen
Second Place – Candace Richardson
Third Place – Mary Dix
Fourth Place – Kiira Poux
Fifth Place – Carla Peltzer
Class H
First Place – Dominique Berridge
Second Place – Clarissa Fortune
Third Place – Victoria Howard
Fourth Place – Christina Nalley
Fifth Place – Tamera Malone Barrett
Bikini
Overall
Champion – Brittany Gillespie
Class A
First Place – Jeralyn Mesa
Second Place – Sarah Burkett
Third Place – Noel Zayour
Fourth Place – Katerina Roisenvit
Fifth Place – Katina Villa
Class B
First Place – Elizabeth Cunningham
Second Place – Huyen Nguyen Winzler
Third Place – Mayra Oberti
Fourth Place – Deviana Fagan
Fifth Place – Karen Farias
Class C
First Place – Vesna Morales
Second Place – Marisol Sosa
Third Place – Flor Marin-Bukonja
Fourth Place – Sierra Rochelle
Fifth Place – Sarah Qamber
Class D
First Place – Brittany Gillespie
Second Place – Ashley Smith
Third Place – Danielle Kusenberger
Fourth Place – Kaylin Long
Fifth Place – Michelle Billett
Class E
First Place – Jordan Fisher
Second Place – Tamekia Carter
Third Place – Ukachi Onyeijaka
Fourth Place – Cara Hellevang
Fifth Place – Aubri Goudy
Class F
First Place – Eleona McCabe
Second Place – Jennifer Spreadbury
Third Place – Kaley Boaz
Fourth Place – Christina Friscia
Fifth Place – Rachel Mcintire
Class G
First Place – Adriana Izaguirre
Second Place – Haley Nugent
Third Place – Katherine Ziglar
Fourth Place – Carolina Tabai Pinese
Fifth Place – Tayler Lustig
Class H
First Place – Micaela Cristofaro
Second Place – Gyana Mella
Third Place – Tata Pavlovska
Fourth Place – Alissa Tonelli
Fifth Place – Violetta Queen
Women’s Physique
Overall
Champion – Julia Monroe
Class A
First Place – Amanda Kohatsu
Second Place – Amanda Purnell
Third Place – Amy Powers
Fourth Place – Ursula Morrow
Class B
First Place – Kim Klafczynski
Second Place – Bianca Villoch
Third Place – Olivia Luper
Fourth Place – Megan Beck
Fifth Place – Emilie Schmitt
Class C
First Place – Julia Monroe
Second Place – Lindsay Dias
Third Place – Melinda Kelley
Fourth Place – Marika Jones
Fifth Place – Chereise Williams Hays
Class D
First Place – Christina Reed
Second Place – Victoria Sargent
Third Place – Diamond Radivoyevich
Fourth Place – Kerlyne Alexis-Pinkins
Wellness
Overall
Champion – Erewa Uku
Class A
First Place – Rayanne Collins
Second Place – Lili Dong
Third Place – Sheryl Rodriguez
Fourth Place – Shavonne Tedstone
Fifth Place – Anita Timofeyev
Class B
First Place – Victoria Puentes
Second Place – Jossiemar Rosado
Third Place – Amanda Burnett
Fourth Place – Diana Mazahreh
Fifth Place – Destiny Butcher
Class C
First Place – Lori Slayer
Second Place – Cristina Tate
Third Place – Karina Nicoldine
Fourth Place – Benji Lazzeretti
Fifth Place – Adriana Claro
Class D
First Place – Erewa Uku
Second Place – Carolina Garcia
Third Place – Samantha Baker
Fourth Place – Keana Burr
Fifth Place – Kara Mitchell
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the 2021 NPC National Championships. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley 2 Results
Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley went to war once again.
It was the fight no one saw coming the first time around much less the second. After he was scheduled to face Tommy Fury in his next match, Jake Paul now finds himself facing a familiar face. After Fury suffered an injury, Tyron Woodley is now stepping in to face off once again with Paul.
The first fight was close, but Jake Paul was able to use his size and jab to his advantage. Tyron Woodley now seeks revenge for the loss. The former UFC welterweight champion has been poised and no nonsense ahead of this rematch. Woodley hopes to serve up a big knockout this time around. But can he get it done?
Fight Results
Jake Paul defeats Tyron Woodley by knockout.
Did you tune into the Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley rematch?
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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.
Managing editor of Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. He has been writing about bodybuilding, combat sports, and strength sports for over 8 years. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
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Best Ways To Track Macros Entering The Holiday Season
When looking to enjoy the holidays while still keeping an eye on what you eat, here are some ways to track your macros in order to not let your gains slip.
With the holiday season fast approaching, it is important for us to take a look back at the year we had and see all of that hard work and progress paid off. Sure you may have hit some bumps along the way, overindulged here and there, but you made the conscious effort to keep plugging away at your bodybuilding goals in order to see those gains you desire most come to fruition. Now with family events and reconnecting with old friends, some of those old habits you thought you kicked may creep back in. But don’t fear, there is a way to still keep your progress without sacrificing any of your gains.
Counting your macros and keeping track of what you eat can really help you keep off some unwanted weight this holiday season. You don’t have to be super strict with this and count every single detail, although you can if you want to, but it is a good idea to at least have a gauge of where you’re at, especially after all of that progress you worked for. Setting certain calorie or macros goals for yourself is one sure way to make sure you hit your goals.
The benefits of tracking your macros are great and will of course help physically, but also mentally, giving you confidence to know your routine is starting to work for you. By promoting weight loss and improving your diet quality, you are setting yourself up for whatever comes next by choosing more healthy, more sustainable foods to increase exercise performance and those big lifts. Helping you stay organized and on track is just one way to offer structure to our otherwise busy lives, but structure that can transfer over to other aspects of our lives since our diet encourages a better lifestyle overall.
What Are Macros?
Macros, short for macronutrients, are three basic aspects of every diet and include the “big three” groups of foods being protein, carbs, and fat. These are considered macronutrients because they are needed in large quantities, as opposed to micronutrients which our bodies can run on little of them. The highest percentage of each is how the food is classified (1). For example, if chicken has roughly 20g of protein, 1-2 grams of fat, and 0g carbs, then it is classified as a protein source. Each has their own unique role and function in our bodies and should be taken seriously when we consume them.
Quick Breakdown Of Macros
Protein
The building blocks of the cell, protein is pivotal in the role of muscle building and maintenance, recovery, and appetite control. A necessary component of muscle growth (2), protein must be present to see those big gains come to fruition. Consisting of 20 amino acids, there are nine that are essential meaning they have to be consumed by food, so getting adequate amounts of protein for your body is key.
Carbs
Carbs are the body’s main source of energy and are necessary for your brain to fire on all cylinders. Carbs are made from starch, fiber, and sugar which your body breaks down into glucose which can then be used as energy to power any grueling workouts or just get you through the day (3).
Fat
Fats are vital for brain development and assist in hormone production as well as the bioavailability of fat soluble vitamins (4). Requiring more energy to burn, fats aid in body temperature control but also can increase the feeling of fullness to keep you from snacking on unwanted calories.
Best Ways To Track
Figure Out Macro Ratio And Calorie Count
To figure out the amount of calories you need to consume, it is vital to determine your resting energy expenditure and your non-resting energy expenditure. It is also important for you to accurately gauge your output level when it comes to exercise so you know how many calories are leaving your body by working out, on top of what you burn naturally. Depending on your diet, when you go to break down your macro ratio, figure out what works best for you. If you are seeking to build muscle, you will definitely want more protein. For someone on a ketogenic diet, more fat and fewer carbs will be sought after.
Start Tracking
With so many apps out there to help you track, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that works great for you. If going the hand-written route is more your speed, then grab a journal and start writing. It is really all a personal preference, as long as it is accessible to you, then you will be well on your way to successfully tracking your macros.
Look Into A Food Scale
A food scale can be a great tool to help you determine the weight of foods that don’t have a nutrition label or some identifying feature so you can accurately continue to track them. Inexpensive, small, and convenient, these are great to keep in your kitchen drawer.
Keep Yourself Accountable
It can be so challenging to want to snack and drink and munch away on that great holiday food, but keep yourself accountable and don’t let any distraction ruin your goals. Remember what got you to where you are and keep that hard work and determination in mind when you look at the dessert table. You can enjoy those sweet treats, but only in moderation, in order to keep your bodybuilding goals alive and well.
Wrap Up
The holiday season can be a blast, reuniting with family and friends, especially after this roller coaster of a year we’ve had. With so many temptations creeping up on us, it is important we hold onto our goals as best we can so as to not ruin all that hard work we’ve done throughout the year. Counting our macros can be helpful in keeping us on track while still enjoying this much valued time with those we love.
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
Vergnaud, Anne-Claire; Norat, Teresa; Mouw, Traci; Romaguera, Dora, et al. (2013). “Macronutrient Composition of the Diet and Prospective Weight Change in Participants of the EPIC-PANACEA Study”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Jequier, E. (1994). “Carbohydrates as a source of energy”. (source)
Milner, John A.; Allison, Richard G. (1999). “The Role of Dietary Fat in Child Nutrition and Development: Summary of an ASNS Workshop”. (source)