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Nadia Stowers Sets World Record In Log Press And Axle Deadlift

Strongwoman Nadia Stowers recently set two world records.
It was a day to remember on Saturday for Nadia Stowers. The strongwoman set two world records during the 2021 Static Monsters Worldwide Competition. The BIG Speed and Strength gym in Fontana, CA was the site to see an incredible feat of strength from Stowers in the 82-kg weight class.
Stowers set a new mark in both the axle deadlift and log press. First, the axle deadlift was a whopping 299.4kg (660lb) followed by a log press of 130.6kg (288lb). Stowers took to Instagram to share the lifts and provide some thanks for her world-record performance.
“They say shoot for the moon and if you miss, you’ll land amongst the stars. I didn’t get my moon today but man these stars are pretty!! Think these are both the highest recorded log press and axle deadlift in a competition so far!-correct me if I’m wrong- now THAT’S exciting!
288 log-24lbs up from last year660 axle-10lbs up from last year303 log attempt!! – I’ll GET my moon!
Coached by @jacobfinertyB.I.G Online coaching available”

The log press record was previously held by Stowers but she exceeded it by 13kg. In 2019, Rebecca Cumpsty logged the world record of 115kg (253.5lb) before Stowers was able to break it at the 2021 Clash on the Coast. This is where she lifted 117.9kg (260lb). She made the lift look easy on Saturday where she was able to demolish her previous record.

Coming into the weekend, Stowers already matched the previous world record in axle deadlift but did not pass it. This was held by Kim Derks at 295kg (650.4lb). This was achieved at the 2019 SMWW competition. Now, Stowers can have the record all to herself. She previously matched the record during the 2020 SMWW competition.
Nadia Stowers recently finished eighth in the 2021 World’s Ultimate Strongwoman competition. She won the 2020 SMWW competition with a total of 408.5kg (900.6lb). That same year, Stowers became the winner at the 2020 Strongman Corporation National Championship. This is now Stowers’ third world record. The first came during the 2021 Clash on the Coast where she achieved a 97.5 (215lb) block press.
Nadia Stowers certainly put on a show over the weekend and it will be interesting to see if she can build on this performance moving forward.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

By Presser
3 min read

Dr. Testosterone Warns: You Must Not Smoke Or Drink While On A Steroid Cycle

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Dr. Testosterone discusses the strict realities of combining steroids with other recreational drugs such as cigarettes, alcohol, cocaine, and more.
There’s no question that steroids are a major health risk when used recreationally for athletic enhancement. Whether an athlete wants to take that risk is up to the individual. But having as much information and education before making that decision is crucial for the athlete to make the right choice. That’s why Dr. Testosterone is crystal clear in his messaging regarding steroids and bodybuilding. He’s not against using the drug – but he’s not ignorant to the real and dangerous risks involved. This is especially true when considering the rest of your habits in relation to steroid use. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Dr. Testosterone explains why athletes must not smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or use party drugs while on a steroid cycle.
When discussing any sort of drug use, the most challenging aspect for doctors and scientists is that these things do not happen in a vacuum. Asking if steroids are safe, for example, is more complicated than it seems. There are the inherent dangers of using such a powerful drug. But there are also dangers when considering other human habits that can go along with it. A doctor cannot control what we do outside of their office – they can only warn and suggest the right strategies for a healthy life.

Most bodybuilders understand the pros and cons of using steroids for athletic enhancement. What might be less known are the bad habits that can actually increase risk alongside the drug. Other things that we put in our body including the type of food we eat, other drugs we take, and also social drugs such as alcohol or cigarettes can all have a huge impact on the effect steroids put on our bodies.
During our conversation with Dr. Testosterone, we asked him how serious it is for a bodybuilder to continue other vices such as drinking or smoking while on steroids. Dr. T makes it very clear. He tells all of his patients that they much choose between steroids and. other drugs. He warns that a bodybuilder or athlete must not smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or use other drugs such as cocaine while on a cycle.

Dr. Testosterone warns that continuing to use these drugs alongside steroids, at best, will lead to worse results. At worst, it can amplify health dangers caused by both the other drugs and also the steroids. It’s the kind of cocktail that is not worth it. It’s these kinds of habits that can lead to bodybuilders becoming frustrated with results of steroids, for example, and then start taking higher doses in hopes of seeing results. This can be a slippery slope towards serious health issues.
Additionally, alcohol and cigarettes are already bad vices to have as an athlete. They make fitness simply harder, and can lead to degradation of your body that pulls away from your athletic ability. Add steroids into the mix and you are simply getting more negative effects than positive. No serious athlete should ever consider these things in combination.
You can watch Dr. Testosterone go into full medical detail by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
*DISCLAIMER: Generation Iron does not recommend or condone the use of steroids or other PEDs. The views and opinions expressed in this video are not that of Generation Iron.

By Presser
3 min read

Big Ramy Starts Mr. Olympia 2022 Training Early

Big Ramy has already started training for next year’s Olympia.
Big Ramy has taken over bodybuilding and done so by winning the last two Olympia competitions. The Egyptian bodybuilder has a legitimate chance to make it three in a row and the process has already started.
Dennis James shared a video on his Instagram page confirming that Olympia prep has begun. In the video, James is seen spotting Big Ramy with other trainers present as well. The two-time champion has started his process in Dubai.

This is noteworthy following a recent story about Big Ramy’s training leading up to the 2021 Olympia. Chad Nicholls shared photos of the bodybuilder leading up to the competition. He was 327 pounds of pure muscle but did not begin training until three months before he was set to take the stage. Big Ramy won the 2020 Olympia in December 2020 and did not begin training until July 2021.

This could be the reason that Big Ramy’s victory was a bit controversial this year. Despite being the overwhelming favorite coming in, many believe that Hadi Choopan showed better conditioning and deserved better than his third-place finish. Even Brandon Curry and his team were a bit critical of the judging and overall outcome. Quickly following the win, Big Ramy stated that he will continue to defend his title for years to come.

Dennis James has been working with Big Ramy over the years. Dennis James is a former IFBB professional bodybuilder. He competed in eight Olympia competitions, finishing as high as 4th in 2003. His last Olympia appearance came in 2010 and his final competition was the 2012 Masters Mr. Olympia in 2012. James put together a string of two victories in 2009 at the Tampa Pro and the Europa Super Show.
The fact that Big Ramy is back in the gym already might not be good news for the competition. This means he will have over a year to training leading into the 2022 show in December. He was able to conquer the Olympia with just three months of preparation and it is likely that he enters the 2022 show with an even better physique.
The competition is only going to get stronger and this means Big Ramy will have to continue to improve. He already has a leg up on the others after two victories and is taking ample time to prepare for the next time he steps on stage. This makes for what will be another entertaining show when the time comes.
Big Ramy has a great team to work with and knows how to get the most out of his workouts. Fans can wait and see when physique updates are posted. What we do know now is that the champ is back in the gym.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

By Presser
3 min read

James Hollingshead to Move to the US to Take Training to the Next Level

James Hollingshead is set to move to the United States.
It appears that too UK bodybuilder James Hollingshead is setting up a move to the United States. This news comes hot off the heels of Hollingshead’s performance at the 2021 Olympia. He would take 13th place at the show.
Some times you need to switch things up in order to bring about the best version of yourself. No doubt this is likely the mindset James Hollingshead has adopted after his showing at the 2021 Olympia. While he may have acquitted himself well at his first Olympia, Hollingshead taking 13th place was a bit of a wake up call for the UK bodybuilder.

It appears that rather than return to the drawing board and just train harder for an Olympia qualifier, James Hollingshead has decided to take different measures. Hollingshead has decided to make some major changes and move to the United States.
In a recent video posted on the REDCON1 YouTube channel, James Hollingshead talks about his decision to make the move to America. Hollingshead speaks on the fact that he needed to make a change in order to get himself to the next level. He believes the move to the US will put him in an environment that will allow him to push harder in his training and thus be more effective and much improved the next time he steps on stage.

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Solid Training
This is certainly a massive shake up for James Hollingshead. The UK bodybuilder certainly has the kind of incredible potential that could take him far. He has a balanced and well muscled physique.

Current training objective stands
Log and lift
Increase load at a moderate frequency on the basics
Eat plenty and warrant the need for adaptive response
Still using my time to find my specific movements that I’ll run into this phase of my training
Great thing is at @redcon1gym I have a lot of great choices
Keeping training pretty basic, for example training for say delts would look like so
PRESS X 2
LATERAL X 2
UPRIGHT X 2
REVERSE X 2
ALL SETS AIM FOR 8-10 WITH A FORCED REPETITION OR TWO
I’ll log everything and aim to progress lifts all round
The good thing is of volume and exercise numbers are not excessive you can pretty much improve ALL lifts from that session
Once the exercises start to stack up it becomes difficult to do so..not that that’s a bad thing at all because effort and intention go a very long way
However right now every calorie has a purpose and that is to provide an upward progression on a performance specific task being purely strength
I obviously keep cardio in place at 30 minutes a day for many many reasons. Most notable reason is for aiding my appetite a d allowing digestion to remain in a good spot
My calories at current are on average around the 5k mark (that’s on a day without a treat) so on a day with say a meal off they can ve close to 6500
Rest days are lower and probably closer to the 3500 – 4000 mark
I log my nutrition also in a journal
Weight is currently stable at 274-275

If he joins a promising camp with a coach that can really scrutinize physique, training, and presentation, Hollingshead could likely be a future top 5 Olympia contender.
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
4 min read

Gym Crush: Ana Cheri

Presenting Ana Cheri
You have to be living under a rock if you don’t know about Ana Cheri. For all the turtles, Ana Cheri is a social media sensation with over 10 million Instagram followers. Ana arguably has one of the hottest bodies on the internet.
If you’re into women with hourglass figures, you’re in for a treat. Cheri was Playboy’s Playmate of the Month for October 2015. Before you google her Playmate adventures, read on to know more about her.

Ana Cheri proves the people wrong who think muscular girls look manly. Cheri has a perfectly crafted physique which can put many to shame. Ana has proportionate muscles which add to the aesthetics.

Ana can rock any outfit and this picture is the proof. Cheri keeps her fans entertained with her Instagram posts and stories. She even lets her fans into her life by sharing behind the scenes videos and photos.

Cheri has to be one of the most beautiful women you will ever see. Her thoughtful captions will give you a little something to ponder over. You can expect a few nuggets of knowledge every now and then from her.
Ana is much more than a pretty face. She is an entrepreneur and has her own line of swimwear called Cheri Swim. These adjustable bottoms are a new approach to the otherwise boring swimwear.

Ana owns a gym with her husband (sorry boys) called Be More Athletics. Cheri is always pushing people to be their best selves. She holds transformation challenges to give people a kick start on their fitness journies.

Cheri has a heart of gold and goes out of her way to help the people in need. Be More Athletics was one of the few gyms which came together to donate to the families affected by Hurrican Harvey.
This is what a day at the office looks like for Ana Cheri. If you think building a physique like Ana’s is easy, this video will give you an idea of what it takes. Ana follows a high-intensity workout which can be incredibly effective at melting the fat away.
Cheri has one of the best rears and her Instagram is full of training and nutrition tips for how you can achieve the same results. We would watch every single baseball match if Ana Cheri was playing.

Ana has the travel bug. If you have the wanderlust but can’t make the time to satisfy it, following Cheri on Instagram is the next best option. Ana Cheri and beautiful landscape are a deadly combination.

Ana has a picture for every possible scenario. We couldn’t find a better picture to wrap up this article. On second thoughts, we could find a better picture but we love Cheri’s quirkiness.

Do you follow Ana Cheri on Instagram? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Ana Cheri’s Instagram.

By Presser
3 min read

How To Perform The Landmine Press

The Landmine Press: A Unique Unilateral Exercise For Building Shoulder Strength
While the landmine press is not your conventional type of resistance exercise, it has the potential to develop serious shoulder strength.Considering that the exercise is a unilateral exercise, it may also allow you to eliminate any asymmetries that exist and generally promote shoulder health and function.This article will demonstrate how to perform the landmine press as well as providing detail on the benefits of incorporating the exercise into your training program.
Landmine Press Technique & Muscles Worked
While you may be aware of common shoulder strengthening exercises such as the overhead press, shrugs, and rows, the landmine press is not so well known.The exercise involves the use of a barbell and a landmine holder. The landmine holder is a device that holds one end of the barbell and allows for 360-degree movement.If you do not have access to a landmine holder, find a stable base to place the barbell against (such as the corner of a room).

With one end of the barbell in the holder, the other end of the barbell should be held in one hand. The bar is then pressed through the engagement of the shoulder and arm muscles. 

The muscles that are primarily involved in the press are the deltoids and triceps.The deltoids in the shoulder must concentrically contract to bring about extension at the arm whereas the triceps powerfully contract to extend the elbow joint. Due to the fact that the exercise is unilateral, there are a number of scapular stabilizing muscles that are heavily involved in controlling the movement (1).Furthermore, the oblique muscles must also contract to hold the spine in a neutrally aligned position and also prevent any rotation through the trunk.To perform the landmine press, work through the following five steps:Step One: Place the barbell into the landmine and add weight to the other end of the bar (if required).Step Two: With the barbell in contact with the floor, set-up directly behind it. Kneel down and place on the right foot out in front of the body and keep the left knee in contact with the floor. Step Three: Lift the barbell from the floor and place it in the left hand, holding it just in front of the shoulder.Step Four: Before pressing, lift the chest and brace the core tight. Press the bar up and out until you have fully extended at the elbows before returning to the starting position.Step Five: Upon completion of the reps on the left, swap sides and repeat.

Three Benefits of the Landmine Press
While there are a large number of benefits associated with the landmine press, this section will highlight three of the biggest benefits that you should be aware of.
1) Improved Core Stability
While improving pressing strength may be a fairly obvious benefit, improved core stability may not be the first benefit that comes to mind. As a result of the kneeling position and the angle of the press, the core has to work incredibly hard to stabilize the body as the bar is pressed.Therefore, by performing the landmine press frequently you can expect to see an increase in core stability and anti-rotational strength.Having a strong and stable core is highly important for all athletes and lifters who are lifting heavy weights or move weight overhead regularly as it can significantly reduce injury risk and facilitate performance (2).
2) Enhanced Scapular Control
For those who perform overhead movements (like snatches, jerks, & overhead squats), it is imperative that you have efficient scapular control. Having poor scapular control will not only hinder performance but may increase the risk of sustaining a serious shoulder injury. The landmine press is a superb resistance exercise that can significantly improve scapular control.This is primarily due to the angle of the press which highly activates shoulder stabilizers and is quite unlike the majority of other pressing exercises.
3) Increased Pressing Strength
Building strength in the deltoids and triceps will vastly improve the amount of weight that you can press. Therefore, the landmine press can be effectively programmed to improve pressing strength.
It’s also a highly functional exercise as, not only can it increase pressing strength, it can allow us to address any strength imbalances that exist between the shoulders.Furthermore, the combination of improved core stability and scapular control will lead to a more efficient pressing motion.By enhancing movement efficiency, you will also see a substantial improvement in your pressing abilities (3).

Who Should Perform the Landmine Press?
The following section provides detail on the benefits of the landmine press for specific goals and abilities.
1) Strength & Power Athletes
For those who perform overhead exercises, the landmine is an excellent accessory exercise that may help to improve overhead strength, stability, and rectify any existing imbalances.Weightlifters may find the landmine press to be particularly useful for improving snatch and jerk performance whereas powerlifters may experience improvement with their bench press.It may also be useful for those who have limitations when performing an overhead press or for those who are recovering from a shoulder injury.The angle involved in the landmine press may reduce the stress placed on the shoulder joint and consequently allow the lifter to continue to develop their pressing abilities without any issues.
2) Functional Athletes
Those who participate in sports like CrossFit may also find the landmine press to be beneficial to their performance.As highlighted in the earlier section, the landmine press develops many components of fitness – strength, stability, and movement.Therefore, incorporating the landmine press into your training is highly recommended as it will bring about a range of functional adaptations.
3) General Fitness
For general shoulder health and function, the landmine press is one of the best exercises that you can do.It may be particularly beneficial for beginner lifts as not only will it build shoulder strength and stability, it may also help to reinforce good pressing mechanics.As touched on briefly, the landmine press may also be useful for those who are suffering with limitations as the bar is press in front of the body rather than directly overhead.
Landmine Press Variations and Alternatives
There are a number of landmine press variations and alternatives that can be used to alter the demand of the exercise. This section will outline five excellent variations and three alternatives that you can consider using in your training.

Landmine Press Variations
1) Banded Landmine Press
For the banded variation, simply place one end of a resistance band around the front foot and the other around the barbell. The band will increase the amount of resistance that is experienced during the press thus applying additional stress to the working muscles and causing strength adaptations.
2) Standing Landmine Press
Very simply move from the kneeling position to a standing position for this variation. Although the change is simple, the dynamic of the movement changes slightly.By standing during the press, there is a greater need for total body control as the muscles of the legs become more heavily involved in stabilizing the movement.3) Tempo Landmine PressThe tempo variation is the same as the conventional landmine press with the only difference relating to the speed of each press. Manipulating the tempo in this way can significantly increase positional strength, muscle activation, core stability, and coordination.
4) Single Arm Landmine Thruster
This variation is an excellent full-body strengthening exercise that incorporates two exercises – the landmine squat and the landmine press. To perform a single arm landmine thruster, start in a standing position with the weight in hand. Perform a squat and as you rise out of it, press the bar.
5) Single Arm Landmine Push Press
The difference between the landmine press and push press is that the push press requires movement through the hips and knees to assist in the press.For the push press variation, start by standing and hold the bar in hand. Very rapidly dip and drive at the knees and hips and immediately press the bar out.

Landmine Press Alternatives
1) Single Arm Kettlebell Press
Like the landmine press, the single arm kettlebell press can be effectively used to develop scapular control, movement, and unilateral strength.
2) Z-Press
The Z-Press is another pressing exercise that is most commonly used to build positional strength and core stability – this makes it an excellent alternative to the landmine press.
3) Overhead Press
In terms of developing raw shoulder strength, the overhead press is one of the best exercises that can be performed. Nothing quite compares to driving a heavy bar up and overhead.
Final Word
The landmine press is a highly functional strength training exercise that will significantly improve shoulder strength, core stability, scapular control, and movement. It is certainly an exercise that has proven to be highly beneficial for the majority of lifters and athletes.
References:1 – Schory, Abbey; Bidinger, Erik; Wolf, Joshua; Murray, Leigh (2016-6). “A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EXERCISES THAT PRODUCE OPTIMAL MUSCLE RATIOS OF THE SCAPULAR STABILIZERS IN NORMAL SHOULDERS”. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 11 (3): 321–336. ISSN 2159-2896. PMC 4886800. PMID 27274418.
2 – Radwan, Ahmed; Francis, Jennifer; Green, Andrew; Kahl, Eric; Maciurzynski, Diane; Quartulli, Ashley; Schultheiss, Julianne; Strang, Ryan; Weiss, Brett (2014-2). “IS THERE A RELATION BETWEEN SHOULDER DYSFUNCTION AND CORE INSTABILITY?”. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 9 (1): 8–13. ISSN 2159-2896. PMC 3924603. PMID 24567850.
3 – Sparrow, W. A. (1983-09). “The efficiency of skilled performance”. Journal of Motor Behavior. 15 (3): 237–261. doi:10.1080/00222895.1983.10735299. ISSN 0022-2895. PMID 15151872.

By Presser
8 min read

Creatine Capsules Vs. Powder: Which One Is Best?

Both are helpful, but which is better for your gains?
For those of us looking to build insane strength and size, either for a massive aesthetic or performance results, creatine is one of those supplements we absolutely need to have on the shelf but the choice between creatine capsules vs. powder can be hard. As a safe and effective supplement, and easy way to see gains, creatine pairs nicely with a host of other products like protein powders, pre-workouts, and many more. But how to choose the best creatine option can be challenging.

Unlike some supplements, which only come in a powder or pill form depending on the supplement, creatine is available in both options. While it may be as simple as coming down to a preference in how you want to take your supplement, it can be hard to decide, for you want to maximize all your gains without sacrificing anything. So, we get to that tough question, which one is better?
Let’s take a look at creatine and note some of the differences between taking it in either pill or powder form. The right supplement can skyrocket your gains so the pressure is on to choose the right one. Good news is, it is absolutely possible to find.

What Is Creatine?
Creatine is an amino acid found in your muscles and your brain primarily used to boost energy and performance, increase muscle strength and size, avoid muscle breakdown, and retain as much muscle mass for performance and your aesthetic. What creatine does is it takes adenosine diphosphate (ADP), energy byproduct that is useless for your body, and recycles it to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), your body’s energy source. This allows for increased energy stores for your next workout (1).
A creatine supplement gives your body a boost when looking to refuel these stores so you can tackle any workout that comes your way. As an effective tool to increase strength and size, it is no wonder why so many athletes use this supplement as a way to see gains.

Benefits Of Creatine
As mentioned above, creatine has the ability to really give you great benefits to strength and size, among other things. Benefits of creatine include:

Bigger, stronger muscles: Provide for more muscle pumps and increased blood flow through those overworked muscles for increased growth (2).
Better performance: Refuel those energy stores and enhance power output to support growth and recovery (3).
Support metabolism: Work to control insulin sensitivity and glycemic control for better fat loss.
Enhance cognitive function: Increase oxygen utilization in the brain to boost memory and processing speed (4).

Creatine Capsules Vs. Powder: Which Is Better?
When choosing between creatine capsules vs. powder, it is important to first see which one you would prefer more. Some people want to take capsules in the morning with their other vitamins and supplements and others would prefer to mix some powder and drink before their workout. So preference and what is most convenient to you is the number one factor. Along with this comes price. Of course, we would all want the very best supplements but those can get expensive. Looking into both options and seeing which product you can get at the best price also plays a big role.

To get into how this reacts and acts in your body, powder will be more readily absorbed and capsules will take time to digest. But on the alternative to that, capsules may be more convenient because you don’t need a shaker, the powder, and then some water, plus the hassle of transport and clean-up. With capsules you can pop them and your good to go. But ultimately for those of us looking to get this into our bodies as efficiently as possible, taking a powder form may seem like a better bet for it can be more readily absorbed and will hit you much faster.

Best Creatine Powder
With so many powders on the market, we wanted to share a great creatine powder from Transparent Labs with added HMB for even more benefits.
Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is well worth the price and is one of the best creatine products for pure creatine. It has no added artificial flavors, fillers, preservatives, or coloring, which means the body isn’t wasting energy metabolizing useless chemicals — just pure creatine. Transparent Labs creatine is infused with HMB, or β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate, which has been proven to increase muscle strength and lean body mass while decreasing fat mass and boosting focus. At a good price, this is a one of the best creatine products on the market to buy for bulking.
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB here!

Best Creatine Capsules
If we’re going to share a powder, it would only be fair to offer up some capsules as well. These capsules from Performance Lab are great and can serve as a solid option for those looking to take something in capsule form.
Performance Lab SPORT Maintain

Performance Lab Maintain contains three great ingredients and an ultramodern design to tackle all of your bulking needs. Easy to swallow capsules allow for better digestion so these nutrients hit you much faster.

This supplement from Performance Lab can restore depleted muscles on your rest day with 12 hours of steady anabolic nourishment. It can reload your muscles with key sport nutrients, provides extended-relief muscle growth support, and promotes strength, power, focus, and endurance. With three ingredients, creatine monohydrate being the biggest, this has the power to upgrade your rest day to new heights. The ultramodern design and easy to swallow capsules are great for digestion and bulking and comes from the best in sports nutrition technology on the market.

Check out our list of the Best Creatine Supplements for more great muscle building products!

Wrap Up
When it comes down to it, the debate between creatine capsules vs. powder is ultimately your choice. Both will provide you with creatine for increased gains, and while powder is more readily absorbed, capsules will still offer great benefits. Looking into convenience and price is important, as well as exactly what you want out of your supplements. The right product can greatly enhance all of your gains.

Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
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

R.; et al. (2012). “Creatine supplementation with specific view to exercise/sports performance: an update”. (source)
Francaux, M.; Poortmans, J. R. (1999). “Effects of training and creatine supplement on muscle strength and body mass”. (source)
Kreider, Richard B. (2003). “Effects of creatine supplementation on performance and training adaptations”. (source)
Avgerinos, Konstantinos I.; Spyrou, Nikolaos; Bougioukas, Konstantinos I.; Kapogiannis, Dimitrios (2018). “Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials”. (source)

By Presser
7 min read

Gabriel Peña Becomes First Strongman To Achieve 500kg Axle Deadlift

Gabriel Peña set a new world record in the Axle deadlift at 500kg.
It is always incredible to see a powerlifter reach new heights and Gabriel Pena did that over the weekend. The strongman recently competed in the 2021 Static Monsters Worldwide competition. This took place on Oct. 23 and Pena put on a show that we have never seen before.
Pena stepped up to the 16.75-inch axle wearing wrist straps, a lifting belt, and knee wraps. He completed a 500kg deadlift, which is a new world record. Pena became the first strongman ever to reach this number and he took to Instagram to celebrate his achievement.
“?WORLD RECORD?
I FINALLY HAVE MY OWN WORLD RECORD!!!
1,100 lbs / 500 kg at Static Monsters Worldwide in Harker Heights, Texas ?(16.75” Axle)
This Deadlift was for you Ricky @rd_strongman_36 . It was a pleasure lifting along with your boy today, and all the other athletes who came out in your honor.You’d be damn proud.Rest in power brother.”

The video shows how much effort this incredible lift actually took. Pena displayed strong technique and shaky legs until locked out and qualified the lift.
Gabriel Pena became the first strongman to accomplish this lift. The axle bar requires a higher grip because of the way the bar is shaped. This makes it a more difficult lift than that with a standard barbell.

This is not the first time that Pena has completed an enormous lift. This was his first record-breaking lift in competition but Pena has showed some impressive lifts in the gym. In June, Pena displayed a deadlift of 408.2kg (900lb) for a triple. He has completed a partial deadlift of 481kg (1,005lb) using an axle bar back in January.
This is not territory where many strongmen has gone. Anthony Pernice currently holds the world record for partial deadlift at 550kg (1,212.5lb). Eddie Hall and Mark Felix are other names that have made a living completing huge deadlifts. Pena has to be in the conversation now that he has completed a world record of his own.
Gabriel Pena was an alternate for the 2021 World’s Strongest Man competition. This year, he looks like he has a chance to compete with some of the other top competitors in the world. Confidence should be sky-high after a lift of this caliber and Pena will only continue to improve.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

By Presser
3 min read

Patrick Moore Will Not Compete During 2022 Season

Bodybuilder Patrick Moore announces he will not compete in 2022 to prepare for the following year.
Patrick Moore has competed twice in the last three weeks but this is something that we will not see again until 2023. The opportunity to qualify for the 2022 Olympia has begun and this is something that Moore will not attempt moving forward. Moore has announced that he will take the 2022 off to train and prepare for 2023. 
Moore took to Instagram to make the announcement on Monday. The Men’s Open competitor is coming off a 10th place finish at the Legion Sports Fest Pro and came in 14th at the 2021 Olympia. Following his most recent appearance, Patrick Moore has decided to take a break.
“And that is a wrap for this season! Wanted to take a day to process all the experiences over the last 4 years…..prep after prep. Not taking any time off to actually grow. A lot of you have asked why I have never taken time off. For me the time is now. I don’t have a place on stage until 2023, and that may even be in question. For now, taking a step back and evaluating everything personally and professionally, is best. All of you have been absolutely amazing and it has been an honor to perform for you guys and motivate you all! I’ll be back to pumping out plenty of off-season content for you guys next week. Thank you guys for all the support! Let’s see what #thefuture holds!????”

It is unknown when Patrick Moore plans to return to action. The schedule for 2023 has not been released but the season usually begins with the Arnold Classic in the beginning of March. If Moore returns for that show, he will have close to a year and a half away from the stage. This would allow him to do the necessary training he feels is needed to improve.

The 2022 Olympia will take place next December in Las Vegas. Patrick Moore has appeared on stage at the biggest event of the year in 2019 and 2021. He won the 2019 California Pro to gain qualification and this was his only professional victory. Moore earned his Pro Card by winning the 2017 NPC USA competition and made his debut during the 2018 New York Pro.
Moore appeared on stage three times last year without securing a victory. After his recent stretch, Moore has decided to take some time off and this will allow him to make the improvements that he needs.
It will be interesting to see how Patrick Moore looks next time he appears on stage. The class of Men’s Open has been Big Ramy and Brandon Curry over the years. That is the level that competitors are trying to reach and it is not an easy task. Moore will have time to improve and make a statement next time he steps on stage.
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By Presser
3 min read

Following Big Ramy Olympia Win, Egyptian Preacher Forbids Bodybuilding

“I am not saying no to sports, but the rules of the Sharia ought to be respected when doing so… Awrah for men includes the body parts between their navel and knees, and it’s the entire body for women, except for their face and hands,” Rushdy said.
“I advise young men not to practice bodybuilding because of this and women should not participate in any competition that requires them to show parts of their bodies.”

While Abdullah Rushdy’s statements and issued fatwa is a very big deal – it’s not representative of all of Egypt. This is clear in the celebration videos that have gone viral upon Big Ramy returning to Egypt. It is also unclear whether or not Rushdy’s statements will affect Ramy’s personal outlook on bodybuilding. But Rushdy’s statements coming so close to an Egyptian bodybuilders iconic pro bodybuilding win has created a mini storm of attention for the time being.
If anything, this just further proves that Big Ramy’s rise to prominence in pro bodybuilding has had a massive impact for the Egyptian community. While bodybuilding might not be a mainstream sport in the United States – it is a deeply passionate sport across the globe. Ramy has stated that he will continue to reign as Olympia for years to come – it will be interesting to see if this brings more controversial attention in the years ahead.

By Presser
2 min read