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Angelo Mastrangelo Returned to 2021 Natural Olympia to Win Men’s Sport Model

Angelo Mastrangelo turned dreams into reality at 2021 Natural Olympia. 
Angelo Mastrangelo is an Italian International Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA/PNBA) bodybuilder. At the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, he won the Men’s Sport Model at 2021 Natural Olympia on Saturday, November 13. He was also the INBA Sports Model +35 champion and crowned Athlete of The Year. 
In an Instagram post on November 22, 2021, Mastrangelo quoted one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous quotes:
“Dreams are not what you see in your sleep; the real dreams are things which do not let you sleep.” 

You can see Angelo Mastrangelo’s depiction below. 
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWl7zQZh0G2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In the previous years, at 2019 and 2020 Natural Olympia, Angelo Mastrangelo competed in the Men’s Physique class before deciding to shift gears and eye the Men’s Sports Model class. 
His earliest date to compete as a natural bodybuilder began in 2015 at NPC California State Championships Men’s Physique Open Class C, where he received 11th place. He never placed higher than second-place through his early years in bodybuilding, but 2020 was his turning point. At 2020 INBA Team USA, Mastrangelo was the winner of Men’s Physique Overall, Men’s Physique Open Tall, and Men’s Physique Junior Master. He also earned pro status. 
Natural Bodybuilding and Men’s Sport Model 
Natural bodybuilding requires all contenders to undergo drug tests through top drug testing equipment via World Ani-Doping Agency (WADA). Other bodybuilding leagues don’t endorse drug use, but they don’t test for it. Therefore, natural bodybuilders have smaller frames. 
In the Men’s Sport Model division, the judges look for athletes with the best combination of sophisticated and athletically conditioned bodies. Compared to other divisions like Men’s Physique and Men’s Bodybuilding, it’s not as much about your muscularity and definition and more about the competitor’s presentation. 
Transformation Coach

Angelo Mastrangelo is based in Los Angeles as a transformational coach outside of competing in INBA/PNBA. He’s an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and nutritionist. He helps people improve their bodies and lives with fitness. Also, he helps professional natural bodybuilders compete. As of 2020, Angelo Mastrangelo also participates as an INBA/PNBA judge – he was the international judge at Natural Universe Mexico 2021. 
Mastrangelo dived into sports at an early age and started playing soccer at age 8. From there, he went into swimming, which led him down the path of coaching. Competing and coaching in swimming kept his competitive nature alive to compete in bodybuilding and coach others through the life-changing transformation fitness gave him. 
In an Instagram post praising his client’s transformation, Mastrangelo stated:
“Some people chase Medals, some people chase a better shape, some other people chase a new Lifestyle.” 
Below, you can see a transformation of one of his clients’ accomplishments. 
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU5y2FSBRcG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Angelo Mastrangelo leads by example and demonstrates the transformative effects fitness has on your life. Mastrangelo’s mission statement is to transform lives, not just bodies. 
Generation Iron would like to congratulate Angelo Mastrangelo for his win at the 2021 Natural Olympia and the positive impact on others’ health and fitness! Also, we’d like to extend our congrats to Mr. Olympia 2021 – Paul Krueger and Mr. Olympia Masters 2021 Philip Ricardo Jr.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more coverage on natural bodybuilders!

By Presser
3 min read

Hafthor Bjornsson Shares Video Detailing Trip To Grocery Store

Hafthor Bjornsson took viewers on a trip to the store with him.
There are few transformations that have been as impressive as that of Hafthor Bjornsson over the years. The nearly 400-pound powerlifter has dropped over 100 pounds and built a shredded physique as he transitions to boxing. During his strongman career, Bjornsson was consuming around 8,000 calories per day. Since then, there has been a different tune being played and it begins with a leaner diet.
Bjornsson is going to take on fellow strongman turned boxer Eddie Hall at some point in early 2022. This comes after Hall was forced to pull out of their originally scheduled fight in September due to an injury. This is a much-anticipated bout and Bjornsson has been doing the necessary training. This includes putting together a diet full of chicken, rice, veggies, and fish.

In a recent YouTube video, Bjornsson and coach Billy Nelson went on a trip to the grocery store in Glasgow, Scotland. In case anyone was wondering what Bjornsson shops for, he laid it all out in the video.
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Hafthor Bjornsson arrived at Costco and went right for the rice, potatoes, and oats. For breakfast, Bjornsson likes to pair oats with 100 grams of blueberries and 50 grams of strawberries. From there, the duo focused on protein, which included fish, steak, and skyr.

When deciding on potatoes, Bjornsson admitted that they are interchangeable. Regular potatoes are his favorite but sometimes defers to sweet potatoes in his diet. He continued bi throwing a large container of eggs into the cart, along with almond butter. This is a popular snack before bed. Even for an athlete like Bjornsson, it is hard to ignore pizza. He made sure to comment on his cheat days, which are Sundays, as he walked past the stand.
After finishing up a Costco, Hafthor Bjornsson decided to continue his shopping at Tesco Extra. This is where he picked up some more berries, sauces, and chicken. He continued to discuss how he cooks his rice in a chicken or beef stock to add flavor. 
Bjornsson has taken his diet seriously and that is the only way to make the transformation that he has in recent months. He prepares all of his meals to save some time and make it easier as he trains multiple times a day. Bjornsson admitted that after a long day of work, cooking does not sound like the preferred activity.
Hafthor Bjornsson has been waiting to take on Hall for a long time now. As each day passes, this is a bout that is gaining traction and is becoming more and more anticipated. When the two step in the ring, there will be two transformed physiques who have successfully transitioned to boxing. There are plenty of reasons to look forward to this fight and both athletes are doing the necessary work to be ready.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

By Presser
3 min read

Will Pre-Workouts Or Coffee Give You A Better Workout?

Both offer energy, but don’t you want more?
Your life is busy. We get it. Your life can be draining. We also get that. But think about all of those bodybuilders and strength athletes who grind and grind and grind in the gym while still functioning outside of it with family, friends, work, and just plain old downtime. Sure, they have a work ethic, dedication, a real passion for their respective sports. But physically, what allows them to power through the day? The idea around pre-workouts or coffee is interesting, for both contain caffeine, so where does this debate lie?

We’ve all most likely had coffee before (or if you are sensitive to it, maybe not). But on the whole, its safe to say many of us love caffeine. It keeps us going, gives us energy, focus, and alertness. And for most of us it tastes good. But pre-workouts contain plenty of caffeine too, as well as added ingredients to power your workouts and keep you grinding hard to only see continued gains.
So, why are we talking about pre-workout or coffee if pre-workout does contain caffeine? Let’s take a look into this conversation a little more and find out why. Both will give you energy, but ultimately you want more than that. Real results. That’s why you grind in the gym anyway, right?

Benefits Of Pre-Workouts
Pre-workouts are incredibly popular supplements and athletes of all kinds have flocked to these products to give them real boosts of energy, as well as muscle pumps. The benefits of pre-workouts are hard to ignore and can really work to improve all your gains. Benefits of pre-workouts include:

More focus and energy to give you intensity and a drive to power through workouts (1).
Less fatigue so you don’t feel as drained while pushing through that soreness that comes on during those grueling workouts.
Better muscle pumps for increased size as a result of better blood flow through those muscles (2).
Worthwhile recovery by promoting efficient growth and faster turnaround time.

Benefits Of Coffee
Let’s jump into coffee and see what makes this different. As said before, pre-workouts do contain caffeine, which is what you’ll get out of coffee, but as a clean source of caffeine, you obviously won’t have the added ingredients associated with your workouts. Benefits of coffee include:

Improved energy levels for that nice boost to power you through workouts and your day (3).
Helps your metabolism by kicking it into gear to burn some of those unwanted calories.
Has nutrients like vitamin B2 and B5, as well as others like magnesium and potassium, to give you those vitamins and minerals.

Major Differences
When you look at both pre-workouts and coffee, what you will find at the core is improved energy and focus. This results from caffeine in both. But the major difference is that with pre-workouts, you get those added ingredients to boost performance, provide for muscle pumps, as well as many others. Such ingredients include things like creatine, beta-alanine, L-citrulline, and BCAAs, among others. So while drinking coffee before a workout is helpful, for those looking for real gains, a pre-workout is something you will get the most out of (4).

Now, what if you are sensitive to caffeine? You can always drink decaffeinated coffee, but that won’t do as much for your workouts. On the other hand, supplements companies have transitioned to create stimulant-free pre-workouts so you can get all those other ingredients to benefit your workouts. With options, you are able to find success with a pre-workout at the end of the day over a cup of coffee.
To put one more potential wrench into this plan, coffee may be cheaper. Buying in bulk may save money over pre-workout supplements which tend to get expensive. Plus, those premium pre-workouts will cost more than some bottom tier products that may contain ingredients you don’t want or need. So, depending on what you want to spend and how you want to allocate funds, this is something to absolutely consider.

Which One Is Better?
When all is said and done, a pre-workout will give you more benefits ultimately when it comes down to it. Of course, depending on price and what you’re looking for, coffee will give you great benefits to your workouts, but when looking to really maximize gains, with the caffeine and other ingredients included, you will get more bang for your buck with pre-workout supplements.
Best Pre-Workout Supplements
Finding the right pre-workout supplements can be challenging, and with so many on the market, the choices can seem daunting. We’ve put together a top list of the Best Pre-Workouts to make this decision easier for you. Our top choice was Cellucor C4 Ultimate for its ability to deliver serious energy, powerful pumps, and better muscular endurance, all while offering the best in terms of focus.

Check out our list of the Best Pre-Workouts for more great products!

Best Supplements To Pair With Pre-Workouts
Along with the best pre-workouts, pairing these with other supplements can be of great assistance to you. A protein powder will cap either end of your workouts and as a great post-workout supplement, this will work to optimize growth and recovery for all your gains (5). While some pre-workouts do contain creatine, if it does not, finding a premium creatine product can really enhance your gains for the better as well. Plus, putting a multivitamin in the mix will keep you healthy overall so you only see those gains you want most.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, pre-workouts or coffee will give you energy and allow you to thrive with your workouts. But pre-workout supplements will prove to be more effective given they have great ingredients, along with caffeine, to maximize your gains. The right supplements can have great effects for you so definitely check out the right pre-workout products, for you won’t be disappointed with the results.

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

Ellerbroek, Anya C.; Antonio, Jose (2019). “Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on Strength, Endurance, and Mood”. (source)
Kedia, A.; Hofheins, J.; Habowski, S.; Ferrando, Arny; et al. (2014). “Effects of a Pre workout Supplement on Lean Mass, Muscular Performance, Subjective Workout Experience and Biomarkers of Safety”. (source)
Cappelletti, S.; et al. (2015). “Caffeine: Cognitive and Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug?”. (source)
Martinez, N.; et al. (2016). “The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance”. (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)

By Presser
6 min read

Nick Walker Shares Most Recent Back And Bicep Workout

Nick Walker shared another workout video on his YouTube page.
It is hard to find young bodybuilders with as much potential as Nick Walker. He has already reached great heights within the first year of earning his pro card. This includes a victory at the New York Pro and Arnold Classic. Walker has also been active on YouTube where he posts workout videos for fans to follow.
Most recently, Walker shared a video where he was training back and biceps. He made it clear that the workout would be with free weights and less emphasis would be put on machines. The day began with lat pulldowns, where Walker completed three sets of 10. Walker gave some insight on how to perform the lift. Some tips included staying upright and not leaning back. Also, focus on controlling the weight rather than overloading.

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Walker finished fifth at the Olympia this year. He is building a physique that could one day win the biggest competition of the year. Walker is one of the biggest mass monsters in the sport today and it is because of workouts such as this one.

Nick Walker continued to perform three sets of 10 dual bent dumbbell rows followed by smith machine deadlifts. Walker finished with humblers before moving onto biceps. He did not overload the machine with a ton of weight as this was his fourth workout of the day.
After training back, Walker moved onto biceps. It began with standing bicep curls and 21’s curls. He finished with three sets of 12-15 hammer curls. Walker finished off a strenuous workout by going through a posing routine. This is part of his daily workout in order to remain in competition shape. When he filmed the video, Walker weighed 278 pounds and will continue to put on some more weight slowly.
“I don’t plan on getting drastically heavier. I mean if I do, as long as training’s not suffering, I have good condition and I feel okay, f* it. But it’s not the goal so I definitely like where I am now, how I look being almost 280lbs. Last time I was 280, I feel a lot leaner now.”
Nick Walker has looked as dedicated as ever after his finish at the Olympia. He made it clear that fifth place was not good enough and he will do what it takes to improve. During the offseason, Walker is focusing on those improvements and this means there will be plenty to watch in 2022.
Walker is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the sport and has become a fan favorite. This will continue as he racks up more victories over the next few years and attempts to climb up the leaderboard at the Olympia.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

By Presser
3 min read

Patrick Moore On Trash Talk: “It’s Hard For Me To Take It Seriously”

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Patrick Moore: “Fans need to keep in mind that we are not literally trying to kill each other.”
The spectacle of bodybuilding has been a point of conversation for many years now. Since the beginning of bodybuilding’s entrance into a more mainstream culture – rivalries have peppered each era. Some find it to be a vital way to build interest and grow the sport. Others see it as a distraction that degrades the integrity of competitive bodybuilding. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Patrick Moore shares his opinions on trash talk and rivalries – when it’s helpful and when it goes too far.
As a former boxer, Patrick Moore has a different viewpoint on trash talk and rivalries. In the boxing ring, the trash talk all adds up to an actual physical battle. One person walks away a clear victor (mostly) due to a literal fight. In bodybuilding, judges decide who wins and the competitors cannot affect the other athletes’ outcomes. They can only focus on themselves. It’s this vital difference that makes Moore find trash talk in bodybuilding a joke.

“When I see it [trash talk] I just really can shake my head because being a fighter, a former boxer. Even when we talk trash we can go in and – well we were fighting,” Patrick Moore states in our interview. He continues: ”
We were literally trying to knock each other out. And when it was over we would shake hands, we’d go grab a bite to eat… bodybuilding we are on stage in underwear. And if you really break it down we are being judged by strangers… it’s a subjective sport… So the trash talking where we can’t ultimately do anything to the other person. Because of where I come from I can’t really draw a parallel.”
Patrick Moore admits that trash talk can help build excitement – but he believes that both fans and some athletes end up taking it too seriously. We all need to be aware of the social contract we sign with bodybuilding personas. What is said between athletes on social media should not be considered gospel. Most of the time, the athlete are perfectly friendly in real life.
“I mean I think it has its place. As long as the fans understand when we see each other, we’re cool… if you understand how sports work sometimes. Words can get heated but that’s all it is.”

Ultimately, Patrick Moore would rather focusing on confidence rather than trash talk. He has no qualms stating when he thinks he is better than other competitors. He doesn’t see that as trash talk – just confidence in the work he’s put into himself. While some might take it personally – Moore would rather not take too much energy commenting back and forth. He sees that energy best placed into his training and diet and focus to win the show.
That being said, he has been pulled into a few trading of barbs in the past. We’re all human – but he almost always walks away from it with nothing personal held against the other person. It’s all part of the heated energy leading up to the show. It’s not real life. The real work happens in the gym, the kitchen, and on the stage.
You can watch Patrick Moore’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!

By Presser
3 min read

Phil Heath Reveals He Had Covid, Lost Muscle Mass

Phil Heath talks about his recent battle with Covid.
Phil Heath reveals that he contracted Covid and that he lost a considerable amount of mass in the process. In a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, Heath explained that he dropped a massive amount of weight and his journey to getting back into the gym.
The global health crisis seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. Just when you think it’s subsiding, becoming a thing of the past, it rears it’s ugly head once more. The virus continues to plague communities across the globe. It has even caused certain countries to once again issue lockdowns in order to combat the sickness. Despite that fact it still came as a shock when seven-time Olympia champion Phil Heath revealed that he contracted the virus.

Once the king of the bodybuilding world, Phil Heath has been known as the epitome strength. Yet it appears that Heath was deeply effected by his recent bout with Covid. It appears that not only did the bodybuilding great contract the virus, but that he also lost a considerable amount of mass in the process.
In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel Phil Heath described his experience contracting the virus. Contracting the sickness laid him up for quite some time and resulted in the bodybuilder losing muscle. The sickness kept him out of the gym for quite some time which is why he ended up downsizing.

“I haven’t been 225 pounds…I wanna say 2007, 2008. So it was definitely something different to deal with.”

It appears that Phil Heath is in good spirits however. He appears to have made a full recovery and is ready to get back into fighting shape.

“Now I’m just essentially going to the gym to get my weight up.”

Good to see that Phil Heath is healthy and ready to hit the gym hard once again. From the looks of things, his training has been going well.

Still wondering if I should get them to 23″ shredded or not ??

What do you think of this revelation by Phil Heath?
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
2 min read

Bodybuilder Rhonda Lee Quaresma Has Passed Away At 52 Years Old

Rhonda Lee Quaresma has died after a three-year battle with colon cancer.
Former IFBB professional bodybuilder Rhonda Lee Quaresma has passed away at the age of 52. The Women’s Physique competitor was battling colon cancer for three years.
The news was announced on Saturday as a close friend shared a post on Quaresma’s personal Instagram page.
“My dearest friend of 30 years died last evening after a 3 year battle with colon cancer.She spent the last few years living in California and simply loved it, but she was as Canadian as theycome. Her father was Native Canadian and her mother’s side lived in Canada for generations.She was half Ojibway and half English. The exterior of Rhonda was always shiny and I don’t think she would object to the word flamboyant, but the inside was soft, gentle, kind and intuitive. She touched so many people with her kindness and she had this intrinsic ability to see people, really see them and she took the time to understand them. It made for a great friend.
One that I am blessed to have had for somany years.
RIP my sweet [email protected]

Rhonda Lee Quaresma began her bodybuilding career back in 1989. She won first place in her first competition during the 1989 Kingston Open in the lightweight division. She earned her pro card after winning the 1995 Miss Canada competition in the Canadian Nationals at Level 4. This allowed Quaresma to make her IFBB debut, which came in 1998.

Quaresma finished 13th in her IFBB debut during the 1998 Jan Tana Classic. She would go onto compete in four other shows throughout her career. Her final appearance cane during the 2016 Ferrigno Legacy. Following this competition, Quaresma announced her retirement from bodybuilding but did not leave the lifestyle.
After her retirement, Quaresma continued to work as a personal trainer. She gained a passion for fitness and bodybuilding early in life and it is something she continued following her retirement. Quaresma lived in Los Angeles where she was certified by the Professional Personal Trainer’s Association.
Rhonda Lee Quaresma retired from bodybuilding to focus on her health. She opened up publicly about her battle with colon cancer in 2020 on her YouTube page.
Quaresma continued to be an inspiration in bodybuilding following her retirement. The entire Generation Iron staff sends condolences to friends and family of Rhonda Lee Quaresma during this tragic time.

By Presser
2 min read

10 Best Bodyweight Exercises For Building Muscle

The 10 Best Bodyweight Exercises
Contrary to the popular belief, you don’t always need added resistance for building muscle mass. If you’re just starting to workout, you’d be better off starting with bodyweight exercises. Your own bodyweight is enough to shape your muscles.
With the growing popularity of calisthenics, bodyweight exercises have become even more popular. Performing bodyweight exercises are way more convenient than using dumbbells and barbells. You can do the bodyweight workouts in the convenience of your homes.
1. Pushups

Pushups are one of the first exercises people learn to perform for building muscle mass. This exercise helps with building size, strength, and definition in your chest. You can perform different variations like diamond, close-grip, wide-grip pushups to target your chest from different angles.
2. Pull-Ups
Pull-ups are the ultimate test of your upper body strength. If you are a beginner, it might be hard for you to perform bodyweight pull-ups. Ask someone for a spot or use an assisted pull-up machine until you build strength in your arms.
3. Squats

Squats are one of the most important exercises. It is a compound (multi-joint) exercise which targets multiple muscles. Squats help in building overall strength and will make you stronger at other exercises as well.
4. Dips
You can perform the dips on parallel bars if you have an access to them at the park near your home or at your gym. You could also use a chair at your home or a bench in a gym to perform the dips. Dips target your chest and triceps.
5. Walking Lunges
If you like going for walks, you might want to add walking lunges to your routine. Lunges target your lower body and will help in getting your legs in shape. You could also perform standing lunges if you plan on performing them indoors.
6. Step-Ups
We are not limiting ourselves to upper body exercises and are taking an overall approach to bodyweight exercises. Your legs are the foundation of your body. Step-ups help in developing your quads, hamstrings, and glutes.

7. Donkey Kicks
Donkey kicks are the ultimate glute exercise. This exercise isn’t only for women, men can use some booty gains as well. Assume the starting position on all fours. Begin to lift your right leg, knee staying bent, foot staying flat, and hinging at the hip. Use your glute to press your foot directly toward the ceiling and squeeze at the top. Ensure your pelvis and working hip stay pointed toward the ground.
8. Calf Raises
Calves are one of the most stubborn muscle groups. You don’t need to use added resistance for developing your calves. Mimic the motion of a ballerina, stand on your toes, hold and squeeze your calves at the top of the movement for the best results.
9. Handstand Pushups
Broad shoulders are the epitome of a chiseled physique. Only a few other exercises target the shoulders like the handstand pushups. If you can’t perform a handstand pushup, use a wall for support or ask someone for a spot.
10. Planks
No physique can be deemed complete without a ripped midriff. Planks are the perfect exercise to target your core. A strong core can help you lift heavier weights as it stabilizes your body. Make sure you don’t let your crotch hang lower than your body or form a bridge while performing planks.

Which other bodyweight exercises should be on the list? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

By Presser
3 min read

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Photos Which Will Motivate You to Hit the Gym

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Photos Which Will Motivate You to Hit the Gym
The Rock is one of the most inspirational peoples of our time. If you ever find yourself dragging your feet, a scroll through Dwayne Johnson’s Instagram feed should be enough to pump you up.
The Rock started out as a football player and then made his way into the WWE (then WWF), before making it big in Hollywood. Johnson is amongst the most widely recognized and humble celebrities.
Photos of The Rock to Motivate You

The Rock travels with his own gym. The Iron paradise has all the equipment you would ever need to train any muscle group. The picture above is from his ‘portable’ gym which travels with him.

The physique Dwayne Johnson has is the result of intense workouts. The Rock has had multiple injuries and surgeries, but they couldn’t stop him from improving his physique with every passing year.

Clanging and Banging

Johnson has a partnership with Under Armour. His Project Rock brand has become Under Armour’s number one seller worldwide. These numbers say something about The Rock’s popularity.

If you’ve ever wanted to try Johnson’s workout, he lays it out for you in this video. The Rock is solid as a rock and strong as a bull. He can move serious weights with a perfect form.

The Rock takes no off days. Even while he is traveling around the world, he hits the gym first thing after landing to kick jet lag. Dwayne is a fan of bodybuilding and is seen at big shows like Mr. Olympia.
The Hardest Worker in the Room

When was the last time you saw such jacked forearms on a movie star? The Rock isn’t just another celebrity, he’s the ‘people’s champ’. Johnson has a heart of gold and you’ll often see him go out of the way for his fans.

Some people might think it’s easier for The Rock because he’s such a big star. It is actually the other way around. The more successful The Rock gets, the harder it is for him as he’s setting higher standards for himself to beat.

It was time for a transformation picture. The Rock has been successful in transforming his physique for his movie roles. The picture in the right is from the sets of the movie Pain & Gain.

The Rock’s quads can put a pro bodybuilder to shame. The legs are the foundation of your body. You can’t have a strong upper body without strong legs. Follow Johnson’s lead and start to love training your legs.

Johnson’s Instagram feed is a paradise for bodybuilding lovers. It’s great to see one of the biggest Hollywood stars is into the fit lifestyle. We believe The Rock will inspire many people to transform their physiques and their lives.

View this post on Instagram

Finish your week strong. It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. And after the man leaves the arena, he will then pour fine tequila ? on his oatmeal and brown sugar because he’s also kinda f*cking crazy and finds that concoction delicious. Excerpt from one of my favorite speeches from one of my favorite Presidents. I may or may not have made up the last sentence.. ??? it’s conjecture at this point. #ManInTheArena #Roosevelt26 #DareGreatly #AndGetToWork
A post shared by therock (@therock) on Nov 2, 2018 at 3:49pm PDT

We think it’s enough motivation for now. It’s time to get off of your butt and as The Rock likes to say ‘Get to work.’ Head to the gym and make it the best workout of your life.

Which is your favorite The Rock movie? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Instagram.

By Presser
4 min read

9 Prisons with Impressive Workout Yards in the US and Europe

               Prison is not a nice place to be but there are people serving years in there. Those who have never been there have varying perceptions about prison life. However, nothing is further from the truth; prison limits a person’s freedom a lot. Even so, there is plenty of free time in and out of the cell to do a couple of activities. Some inmates prefer reading while others just chat the day away. However, there is a group that is more concerned with their physical wellbeing. They spend most of their time working out in the prison’s gym facility. Unfortunately for some, not all prisons have a fitness center where inmates can work out. There are also luxurious prisons with better facilities than that are outside. Here are 9 Prisons with Impressive Workout Yards in the US and Europe.
Related Article:: Universities with Best Gyms In the U.S
Bastoy Prison, Norway 
              The Norwegian prison is considered to be one of the most luxurious in the world. Inmates in this prison live better lives than many people outside prison. However, the prison’s workout facilities are the ones that steal the show.

             The facility’s gym is equipped with modern state-of-the-art workout equipment. Interested inmates are provided with training programs to help them keep fit. Despite the availability of these resources, the inmates at Bastoy are not violent compared to other prisons. Additionally, hardcore criminals are taken to a regular prison first so they can earn their place at Bastoy.
Bastrop Federal Correctional Institution, Texas
             It is among the most populous prisons in the state but that does not strain its gym facilities. Inmates get to wind their boredom away using a variety of workout equipment in the facility. Additionally, prisoners are first taken through a medical exam before they take part in various activities within the prison.
Champ-Dollon Prison Switzerland
            Champ-Dollon was once notorious for overcrowding and violence among inmates. However, reforms have seen the conditions in the prison improve greatly. As of now, the prison boasts of triple-occupancy and good facilities. Champ-Dollon fitness center is among the best there are with quality equipment. The gym section is also spacious to accommodate as my inmates as possible at a go.
HMP Addiewell, Scotland
             This facility is more of a learning center than a prison. That explains why it has a good gym section where inmates can work out and feel fit. With a population of approximately 700 prisoners, HMP Addiewell’s programs are geared towards giving prisoners a purposeful life. Part of that plan is to provide them with world-class gym facilities.
Mahanoy State Correctional Institution, Pennsylvania
              Sitting on a 222-acre piece of land, this luxurious facility is considered the best in the United States. The prison does not only offer mental health programs and rehabilitation but it also provides fitness programs. Its expansive workout area is the envy of other prisons. Most importantly, the facility houses many immigrants who take English classes as a second language.
Justice Center Leoben, Austria
            Justice Center Leoben is exclusively meant for non-violent offenders. The inmates are taken through rehabilitation programs that will see them become better citizens in the future. They’re also allowed to work out during their free time using its modern gym facilities. Additionally, the inmates participate in other sporting activities. It is a place inmates who find themselves in other prisons crave to go.
Sandstone Federal Correctional Institution, Minnesota
            Sandstone is one of the places in the USA where non-violent offenders are kept. The facility is everything people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law wish for. Did you know that this facility even provides inmates with dental care and prescription glasses? As if that is not enough, the prison has a well-equipped gym where inmates can work out during their leisure time. You will always find this facility among the best prisons in the world, thanks to its outstanding facilities.
Sollentuna Prison, Sweden
            Sollentuna Prison’s state-of-the-art gym and private cells make it one of the most luxurious in the world. The facility also has an open kitchen where inmates can prepare their favorite meals. Additionally, the prison has a huge recreational room with a TV and a couch.
Pensacola Federal Prison Camp, Florida
             Forbes magazine listed this prison among the best in 2009. Pensacola has earned its place at the top due to many facilities that are meant to make inmates comfortable. Its most notable facilities are a spacious workout yard, a library, and a softball field. Additionally, inmates are allowed to operate a blog and check their emails once in a while. The facility houses high-profile inmates and that explains why its facilities are unmatched.
Aranjuez Prison, Prison (Bonus)
            The Spanish correctional facility has unique rules and traditions that are enviable by other similar facilities. It is one of the few prisons where infants are allowed to stay with their incarcerated parents for the first year. Most importantly, the prison has an impressive workout yard where inmates can do fitness exercises. The prison walls are filled with drawings of Disney characters and cribs for the kids. Parents get to experience parenthood and realize the impact of separation from their loved ones when they’re incarcerated.
Overall
             Prisons are slowly turning into rehabilitation facilities rather than places of punishment. Part of that effort is equipping them with modern fitness equipment to help prisoners remain in form. Such prisons with impressive workout yards are the ideal places for bodybuilders and aspiring bodybuilders. Unfortunately, those who are incarcerated for various offenses don’t get to choose the prison they’ll be held in. However, most prisons in developed countries have such facilities and you can enjoy them for the entire time in the prison.
             Violence among prisoners is the only reason such workout facilities are cast in a bad light because some inmates see fighting as an opportunity to flex their muscles. That explains why most of the facilities with good gyms house non-violent offenders. Maximum security prisons also don’t have very impressive workout spaces. Go through our shop and find out the latest workout equipment and bodybuilding products such as steroids and supplements.