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2021 Olympia: Classic Physique Preview & Predictions
Here is a breakdown and predictions in the Classic Physique division at the 2021 Olympia.
The 2021 Olympia will take place this weekend in Orlando. This is the biggest competition of the year and many of the top bodybuilders in the world will be on stage competing. This includes the Classic Physique division.
Chris Bumstead highlights the group as the winner of the previous two Olympia competitions. He has taken over the division from Breon Ansley, who will also be on stage this weekend. Terrence Ruffin is coming off a victory at the Arnold Classic and could be one of the top contenders to take down Bumstead.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has said that he believes Classic Physique is the future of bodybuilding. There is certainly enough star power and talent for it to take over. This will be a must-watch competition this weekend. Below, you can find a full list of competitors along with predictions for the top six.
2021 Classic Physique List of Competitors
Zeek Andrews (USA)
Breon Ansley (USA)
Jose Maria Mete Bueriberi (Spain)
Chris Bumstead (Canada)
Alex Cambronero (Costa Rica)
Tommy Clark (USA)
German Pastor Cueto (Spain)
Neil Currey (UK)
Sabur Favors (USA)
Bryan Jones (USA)
Urs Kalecinski (Germany)
George Kawalawu (USA)
Seonghwan Kim (South Korea)
Brady King (USA)
Laszlo Kiraly (Hungary)
Gabriel Zancanelli Machado (Brazil)
Fabian Mayr (Austria)
Peter Molnar (Hungary)
Courage Opara (USA)
Ramon Rocha Querioz (Brazil)
Terrence Ruffin (USA)
Abtin Shekarabi (IRAN)
Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
Tony Taveras (USA)
Robert Timms (USA)
Darwin Andres Uribe (Colombia)
Wesley Vissers (Netherlands)
Divine Wilson (USA)
In Seong You (South Korea)
Dani Younan (USA)
Classic Physique Top 6
6. Bryan Jones
It was a fifth place finish at the Arnold Classic for Bryan Jones this year. This was the same place he finished at last year’s Olympia. Jones has an intriguing physique because of his size and height. He has a strong presence on stage and is one of the up-and-coming stars in the sport. He has a chance to be a first callout competitor and it would build some consistency in Classic Physique until he is able to take that next step toward victory.
5. Courage Opara
Courage Opara is one of the dark-horse athletes in this competition. He put on a strong showing at the Arnold Classic with a fourth-place finish and is looking to keep up the momentum heading into the biggest event of the year. He is not one of the tallest competitors but the judges seem to like his physique. This has made him a name to watch from this point on.
4. Breon Ansley
Breon Ansley was the name to beat for years in Classic Physique. He won back-to-back Olympia titles in 2017 and 2018. Since then, he has fallen one spot over the last two years. Ansley finished third in last year’s Olympia and might continue this trend in 2021. Ansley is 41 years old. He still shows an incredible physique but might be getting passed by some of the younger competitors. With that being said, Ansley can still put on a show and has a chance to potentially finish in the top three or four.
3. Alex Cambronero
Over the last five years, Alex Cambronero has been a model of consistency in this division. Cambronero finished second in this year’s Arnold Classic after winning it in 2020. He also finished fourth at the Olympia last year. Now, he could climb into the top three and continue to impress. Cambronero has been competing consistently since 2016 and has failed to make the top six just twice.
2. Terrence Ruffin
Terrence Ruffin had a year full of second-place finishes in 2020. He finished as the runner-up in both the Arnold Classic and Olympia. This time around, he is looking to change his fortune. Ruffin bested Cambronero in this year’s Arnold Classic and now has his eyes on the prize on the biggest stage. Ruffin showed up in incredible shape at the Arnold Classic and his posing routine was top notch. He is a true contender for the title at this year’s event.
1. Chris Bumstead
Chris Bumstead is the reigning two-time champion at the Olympia and is the favorite to make it three in a row. There is not much. to dislike about the Canadian bodybuilder — and he has been showing it in his physique updates. Bumstead is massive with great conditioning. He has been the name to beat over the last two years and that might not change in this year’s competition.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
George Peterson’s Honest Thoughts About His Olympia Men’s 212 Debut
George Peterson opens up about his first ever Men’s 212 showing.
George Peterson has been on quite the rollercoaster ride of a bodybuilding career. He started as a Men’s Open amateur bodybuilding, stepped away from the sport for five years, returned into the Classic Physique division – and then ultimately ended up moving to Men’s 212. 2020 was his Olympia Men’s 212 debut. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, George Peterson ranks his own performance in his first ever Olympia Men’s 212 show.
George Peterson is a dangerous competitor. His physique holds plenty of potential and the makings of a champion. While he has placed well throughout his career, he has yet to earn an Olympia title. This might be in part due to his frequent movement between divisions. Throughout his career – he has battled on stage in three different divisions.
But it seems now that the Men’s 212 division is where George Peterson is going to settle. In a sense, he has used the other divisions as an opportunity to understand his body and see where he fits best. He’s now confident that the Men’s 212 division is where he can perfect his body to his best strengths.
2020 was his Men’s 212 debut at the Olympia. Many fans were hyped to see how he would compare to other long running competitors in that division. Ultimately, George Peterson did not win the title. That honor went to Shaun Clarida in a shocking turn displaying the best physique of his career.
We asked George Peterson how he felt about his contest prep and about his performance at the Olympia 2020. Peterson knows that he still has some work to do in order to win the title – but he’s not discouraged. In fact, he sees his debut as a victory in and of itself.
“Since this was my debut in this division at the Olympia, and boom I’m top 3 in the world already, that there kinda feels like a win in itself.” George Peterson states in our interview. “And now we have something to build on. So now that I’m third in the world the goal for this year is to be number one in the world.”
George Peterson’s confidence and optimism immediately feels like that of a future champion. And rightfully so. Even though Peterson didn’t win the Olympia this year – he placed third. That’s a great achievement for a division Olympia debut. The competition is close and fierce. Peterson is ready for that fight.
We also asked him if he was worried about having to try and take down Shaun Clarida after his impressive win in 2020. Is Clarida beatable in his current state? George Peterson is also not worried about that. In fact, he welcomes the challenge. “No one is unbeatable” he states calmly but confidently. He’s simply going to focus on improving himself and bringing his best package.
You can watch George Peterson’s full comments on his Olympia Men’s 212 debut in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
George Peterson Shares His Secrets For A Wide Back
George Peterson breaks down the key tactics that he uses to build his massive and wide back.
George Peterson is a massive bodybuilder and one of the best in the industry. But what he might be best known for is his extremely wide and massive back. Many have said that competitions are won from the back. While the entire aesthetic and physique of the body must be presentable – may fans (and some say judges) can be most swayed by a powerhouse back. In our latest GI Exclusive, George Peterson shares the specific tactics he’s developed to build a massive back.
Many of you have probably seen or felt a moment like this. The competitors are battling on stage and you’re not quite sure who has the upper hand. They all look fantastic. It’s going to be a close battle. Then suddenly, the mandatory back poses are performed. You’re floored. One bodybuilder stands out with a mammoth batwing back. It envelops all others. You now clearly have a favorite to win the night.
This situation is not uncommon. A well built back is one of the most eye catching muscle groups in a bodybuilding competition. Some even believe that the back is the linch pin to victory. You can be lacking in some small areas so long as your back is supreme.
Some judges, coaches, and gurus have warned against this. That a true champion is a master of their body from head to toe. While this is likely true as a whole – culturally it’s clear that bodybuilding fans love to see a massive and wide back.
That’s why during our conversation with George Peterson, we asked him to share his tips for how to take your back to the next level. Peterson is well known for having one of the most impressive backs in the sport. So what kind of unique insights can he provide to help others chase the glory he’s obtained?
George Peterson was more than happy to share his tactic. He, in fact, shared it with a grin. He explains the key tactics that he has always done whenever working out on back day. It sounds simple – but it’s a focus on muscle movement and mind-muscle connection. It’s that special extra awareness with every rep that can make or break your progress from good back to supreme back.
George Peterson explains that with every single rep of every single back workout you perform. It’s important to stretch wide your chest as full as possible. That’s what George Peterson does. He makes sure that he widens his chest at the peak of each exercises movement. He wants to feel every single back muscle working to achieve each rep.
It doesn’t sound like much – but what is important is to be vigilant throughout the entire workout. It’s easy to go into auto pilot after months of training. Or perhaps, towards the end of your workout you are so exhausted that your mind wanders. George Peterson ensures that he takes his time to stretch full with every rep. It can’t be ignored. It has to be included through to the very end for every workout. Period.
Also in this video, George Peterson details how he does seven back exercises in his workout. “The back is a big set of muscles,” Peterson states in our interview. It requires a lot of attention. He also breaks down his full routine when in competition prep mode. You can follow his full routine from morning to night.
You can watch George Peterson’s full breakdown of his competition prep routine and his secrets to build a wide back in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Pro Bodybuilder George Peterson Has Reportedly Died At 37
Early reports indicate that pro bodybuilder George Peterson has passed away.
Just days before being set to compete at the Mr. Olympia 2021, outlets and sources close to Generation Iron have reported that pro bodybuilder George Peterson has died. He was only 37 years old. Peterson was currently stationed in Orlando, Florida to compete in the Men’s 212 Olympia.
At the time of this writing, no official announcement or statement has been made. Nor has there been a confirmed cause of death. Many have begun posting on social media of the news as well as other sports outlets. Generation Iron has reached out to George Peterson’s coach Justin Miller – but have not yet received any official confirmation at this time.
George Peterson is a bodybuilder with an incredible physique and an equally incredible journey throughout his bodybuilding career. Peterson started bodybuilding over 10 years ago, took a 5 year break, and then returned in the newly made Classic Physique division. Ultimately, he changed things up yet again and bumped up to the Men’s 212 division. His debut was in 2020.
Beyond his physique, George Peterson was also known for his humble attitude and positive demeanor. He was not only a beloved bodybuilder – but a beloved man to friends, family, and those in the bodybuilding community lucky enough to have met him.
Generation Iron was lucky enough to connect and recently conduct a full length video interview with George Peterson. We covered his entire career in bodybuilding, his journey through multiple divisions, his thoughts on the current state of bodybuilding and more.
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George Peterson’s death comes after a string of other passings that have tragically hit the bodybuilding industry. While no cause of death has been confirmed, Peterson is the second bodybuilder to pass away just before being set to compete in a competition.
Generation Iron send condolences to the friends and family of George Peterson at this time. He was an uplifting, intelligent, and passionate individual – and an extremely talented bodybuilder. The bodybuilding world mourns his passing.
Generation Iron will continue to update this story as more information becomes available – such as official confirmation of Peterson’s passing. Stay tuned to Generation Iron for more updates.
Ryan Crowley On His Injury & Larry Wheels: “I’d Be Dead If He Wasn’t There”
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Ryan Crowley props up Larry Wheels’ actions immediately after the viral pec tear injury.
Ryan Crowley’s pec tear was the injury heard around the bodybuilding world. In an attempt to lift a bit higher than usual alongside Larry Wheels for a viral video – the worst happened. Crowley’s pec teared right off. He has since been in and out of the hospital slowly recovering. There are those who have commented that Larry Wheels pushed Crowley too far. But Crowley finds that to be furthers from the truth. In fact, he thinks Wheels being there prevented the injury from being worse. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Ryan Crowley details how Larry Wheels’ actions helped prevent further injury.
Ryan Crowley’s pec tear injury was a major talking point of bodybuilding in 2021. Bodybuilding fans around the world sent well wishes, contributed to a GoFundMe to help pay hospital fees… and couldn’t stop watching the viral video of the moment the injury occurred. Despite the massive setback – Crowley is confident that he will be back in full form by next year and ready to start making a dent in competitive bodybuilding.
The injury itself was due to a social media video involving both Crowley and the massively popular Larry Wheels. Known for his heavy lifts – the video collab was meant to be a motivational video showcasing the two lifting together. Ultimately, things went south under the serious heavy weight. A pop and a snap later – and Ryan Crowley found himself in a world of pain.
There have been some comments online blaming Larry Wheels for the injury. That he pushed Ryan Crowley too far. During our conversation with Crowley – we asked if he had seen those comments and what his thoughts were. Crowley dismissed the comments – claiming they are simply individuals looking for attention (or perhaps bored looking to instigate arguments online).
In fact, Ryan Crowley believes that Larry Wheels was the sole reason he didn’t get injured further. During the lift, when his pec tore – Larry Wheels held the bar completely stable preventing it from falling onto Crowley. If he was not prepared or strong enough to hold up the bar – it would have hit Crowley with a thud – and possible led to more injury.
“I don’t blame him at all. You know, if anything he saved my life,” Ryan Crowley states in our interview. He goes on:
“I’d be dead if he wasn’t there. If Larry Wheels wasn’t there I would have died for sure… I slid under and he held that bar solid still… that bar doesn’t even move for two seconds. He’s got that 220 kilos in one hand. If I was spotting someone, I would be scared by grabbing that bar that I would tear something. I’m just so lucky he was there. Even if I didn’t die, I’d at least have cracked ribs or worse.”
Ryan Crowley goes on to say that Larry Wheels was also kind enough to also promote and share the GoFundMe campaign raising funds for hospital fees. They ended up reaching past their goal – all thanks to the further exposure made possible by Wheels and his massive following.
You can watch Ryan Crowley’s full comments about Larry Wheels in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Chris Bumstead Gives Physique Update 3 Days Out Of Olympia
Chris Bumstead provided a physique update just three days out of the 2021 Olympia competition.
There is no doubt that Chris Bumstead is the class of the Classic Physique division in bodybuilding. The reigning two-time Olympia champion, Bumstead will enter the 2021 competition looking to make it three in a row. The Canadian bodybuilder has not been shy about providing updates on social media.
Bumstead is active on both Instagram and YouTube. Just three days away from the biggest event of the year, Bumstead has provided a physique update on both platforms. He released a YouTube video showing progress. This is nothing new for the competitor as he has given some workout and meal-plan advice on his page before. On Instagram, Bumstead showed off a picture, alongside personal trainer Axel Lopez.
“Peak week for me, show day for @axcellent_fitness ?? We been killing ourselves for this now it’s time to show it off. Kill it today brother??P.S. New peak week YouTube video is live click the link in my bio or head to my channel?”
This will be Chris Bumstead’s fourth appearance in the Olympia. He began in 2017 and finished second twice before earning back-to-back victories in 2019 and 2020. Heading into this year’s event, Bumstead is once again the favorite in the Classic Physique division.
As of now, Bumstead seems content about remaining in the Classic Physique division. He has referenced his health in the past and the fact that this division allows him to remain healthy and within his limits. Health has been a main concern surrounding Men’s Open bodybuilding over the last year and this led to some comments by Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was quoted during the Arnold Classic saying that Classic Physique if the future of bodybuilding.
For now, Men’s Open remains in the family as Iain Valliere is the brother-in-law of Bumstead. It has been a successful year for Valliere, finishing with two victories and a second-place finish at the Arnold Classic, heading into the Olympia.
Chris Bumstead remains an elite competitor in Classic Physique and has a chance to win his third-straight Olympia. There are some elite competitors vying for that top spot but Bumstead has been showing that he is in a league of his own. Will that continue this year? If social media is any indication, it very well could continue for Bumstead.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Why CBD Oil Is Great For Athletes Looking For Gains & Recovery
What are the benefits to supplementing with CBD for athletes?
By now everyone knows that CBD is one of the best supplements on the market to heal the body from a multitude of different ailments, right?
Unfortunately that statement isn’t completely on the money. Many individuals have no idea about the myriad benefits CBD oil has to offer. While more and more people are getting hip to the idea of using CBD oil, many are either unaware or have lingering questions about the product.
Benefits of CBD can greatly influence your gains and work for you both physically and mentally. Benefits of CBD include:
Relieve muscle pain: Reacts with receptors to reduce inflammation and chronic pain leading to better relief and recovery (1).
Promote better sleep: Improves your overall quality of sleep and helps with overnight recovery (2).
Reduce anxiety and depression: Acts on the brain’s receptors to transmit the feel good hormone, serotonin.
Immune system support: Alerts your body to fight infection and effectively helps antibodies (3).
Who Are The People Endorsing The Benefits Of CBD Oil?
It’s become clear that many athletes in the mixed martial arts community have been singing the praises of CBD for a number of different reasons, as well as athletes from all sports. The wear and tear of athletics and the constant grind inside and out of the gym has brought athletes to more natural approaches to optimize their health while still tackling these issues.
CBD oil has been said to improve brain health as well as aid in recovery. We’ve already seen fighters like Nate Diaz and Sean O’Malley utilize CBD in both plant and oil-based forms. For the MMA fighter who goes through hours of rigorous training from wrestling, to grappling, to striking, CBD can help with recovery after putting the body through such extreme stress. The same goes for athletes of other sports as well, depending on their physical and mental needs.
Joe Rogan has also gone on record about how CBD oil is an effective supplement for athletes and the average Joe looking to stay in optimal health while maintaining or even increasing performance. With his platform, Rogan has the ability to reach many and enlighten those who are unfamiliar with CBD supplementation.
What About For Bodybuilders?
One thing that many novice lifters may be unaware of is the taxing of the central nervous system through consistent heavy lifting. When bodybuilders and weightlifters lift, they do so with a particular motive in mind. Whether it’s for building more muscle or improving strength, the only way to see greater and greater gains is to lift heavy. Want bigger legs? Then you need heavy squats. Want to add size to your chest? You better make sure your adding sufficient weight to your bench press.
All those heavy compound movements require a ton of work from your central nervous system, meaning recovery is absolutely paramount in order to see the results of all that hard work.
Affect On Rest & Recovery
Rest is a major factor in the ability to recover. CBD oil allows for recovery in a number of ways, one of them being improved deep sleep. Deep sleep patterns allow for greater recovery on a number of the body’s systems including the central nervous system. The greater recovery to your central nervous system, the more you’re able to rebound in order to do intense work in the gym.
Recovery is also an important way for us to build muscle. Our workouts can be grueling and often times we find ourselves sore and feeling drained. The right supplements like protein powders or BCAAs can aid in recovery, but CBD allows for many forms to be used for your rehab. Either as tinctures, topicals, or pills, you have the choice for how you want to supplement with CBD.
Check out our list of the Best CBD Supplements for more great CBD products!
Featured CBD Supplement For Athletes
For the bodybuilder who is constantly taxing their central nervous system you’re in luck. CBD not only aids in general recovery and pain relief, but it also helps with repairing the central nervous system as well. That means greater gains, greater recovery, and more muscle. With great companies now producing reliable and quality CBD products, it is easier now to find the right ones for you. But certain companies do stand out amongst the pack and cbdMD is certainly one of them.
One great product from cbdMD is the CBD Oil Tinture. This is a simple, pure, and versatile way to get your daily dose of CBD and is a great formula of Superior Broad Spectrum CBD infused with MCT oil. A fast way to take in all these amazing benefits, it comes in great flavors from Orange, Mint, Natural, and a great tasting Berry flavor.
cbdMD 750mg CBD Oil Tincture is a simple, pure, and versatile way to get fast acting relief for all your CBD needs.
For quality CBD products to help improve your performance, head over to cbdMD now!
Wrap Up
CBD is definitely one of the best supplements on the market to ensure greater health and recovery. Do yourself a favor and get a natural CBD supplement in order to give yourself the best chance at improving your wellness, both physically and mentally. Our bodies work hard to perform and treating it right only leads to greater gains, more PRs, and the best results.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Boyaji, Shafik; Merkow, Justin; Elman, R. N.; Kaye, Alan D.; et al. (2020). “The Role of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Chronic Pain Management: An Assessment of Current Evidence”. (source)
Shannon, Scott; Lewis, Nicole; Lee, Heather; Hughes, Shannon (2019). “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series”. (source)
Nichols, James M.; Kaplan, Barbara L. F. (2020). “Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol”. (source)
Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Phil Heath Gives 2021 Olympia Predictions In Recent Podcast Interview
Phil Heath gives his predictions on who he believes will have great showings at the 2021 Olympia.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath has given his predictions on the 2021 Olympia. Who he thinks may topple Big Ramy may come as a bit of shock to, well, absolutely no one who’s in the know.
The 2021 Olympia is upon us and as such everyone is giving their insights as to who will claim victory at the big show. While many have been focused on Nick Walker after his impressive Arnold Classic victory, there are those giving other competitors more of a chance at victory.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath won’t be stepping on stage at the 2021 show. While he hasn’t confirmed his retirement it’s certainly possible that the 2020 Olympia was Heath’s final show. That said you can never be too sure as many didn’t expect him to come back at last year’s show.
But while he may not be competing at the Olympia, Phil Heath has quite a few things to say about the upcoming 2021 event.
With Big Ramy coming in as a favorite and Nick Walker growing in popularity, a great deal of the conversation has been focused on the two mass monsters. But Phil Heath apparently has it on good authority that Hadi Choopan is looking incredible heading into the show. In fact, Heath stated on Paul Bet-David’s recent podcast that he sees Choopan as the top threat to Big Ramy’s crown.
“I’ve been able to see some pics, he’s looking really dangerous right now,” said Phil Heath of Choopan.
When pressed further as to if he thinks Hadi Choopan would win the whole show Phil Heath answered carefully.
“I think it’s all about who peaks not just on Friday but who slams the door on Saturday.”
That is certainly a measured answer, but it’s true. There is quite the field of competitors at this year’s Olympia and all of them a threat to Big Ramy’s reign. With names like 2019 champion Brandon Curry, William Bonac, and now Nick Walker, Big Ramy has his work cut out for him.
But if Phil Heath is to be believed, it’ll all come down to Big Ramy and Hadi Choopan.
“My money would be a 1a/1b with Hadi and Ramy,” said Heath.
See the video segment from the podcast here. Who do you think wins at the 2021 Olympia?
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.
Mr. America 2021 Event Preview: How To Watch & Key Details
Everything you need to know about Mr. America 2021!
Mr. America has such a rich history, and while it has also had a bit of tumultuous ride, it is once again in the public eye as determined and incredible athletes compete for the coveted title. It began in 1939 and while much of its history is unknown, new promoters and those who care about the sport of bodybuilding are working tirelessly to get this event back on top. A successful event last year lends itself to an even better one this year as athletes prepare to take home the top prize and be crowned Mr. America.
Let’s take a look at all the important information you need to know as this historical event sets to kick off in a just few days. When it is, where it is, and how to watch are all included below, plus some key athletes to keep an eye on as they look to repeat and take the title two years in a row.
History Of Mr. America
Mr. America began in 1939 and was started by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). What Mr. America did was champion the idea of the Greek ideal, that perfectly sculpted physique dating back centuries, but a challenger to the AAU came and the newly founded IFBB led to a competition for the public’s support. What would happen is a slow decline that those ideals of Mr. America were replaced with money and massive physiques. The attention shifted from Mr. America to events like Mr. Olympia and soon enough, Mr. America would be passed around as the rights were sold several times.
Eventually, the AAU stopped holding the contest and this event would fall out of the public’s eye. But after a few revival attempts, a determined and hard working group at East Coast Fitness Concepts took the reigns and sought to bring back this historical and storied event. A successful year last year has brought hope that this year would be even better as athletes look to participate in the most incredible history of this contest and be crowned Mr. America.
Important Information To Know
With Mr. America fast approaching, here is some important information you should know with just a few days left until start time.
When: October 8-10, 2021
Where: The SHOWBOAT Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Tickets: For those interested in purchasing tickets, you can check out ticket prices here on the Mr. America website.
How To Watch
Mr. America will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network this year, bringing this sport and historical event to the public in a great way. Generation Iron will also be covering this event and will provide updates on the CBS Sports Broadcast as they become available.
With this event being broadcast on CBS Sports Network, it allows those who may be unfamiliar with bodybuilding the chance to learn and see just what makes this sport so great. Having the history and rich story tied to Mr. America, this event may make for great TV in that it has all the components you want. It has action, it has competition, it has love of the sport, and it has a winner who will be crowned Mr. America 2021.
Scoring & Event Layout
The judges will score competitors on 5 criteria, each ranging on a points scale: muscular development (1-5 pts), muscular proportion (1-5 pts), conditioning (1-3 pts), posing (1-4 pts), and general appearance (1-3 pts). The judges will also score athletes and arrange them by their placing. Once this is done, the points from the 5 criteria are placed into a perfect score out of 20 points and this score, on top of the placing, will be factored into the final result. The top three athletes in each category take home their respective positions.
As a part of this contest, three categories will be required to perform an individual stage performance, including Women’s Physique, Men’s Bodybuilding, and Men’s Classic Physique. These routines will not exceed 60 seconds for amateurs and 90 seconds for professional competitors. All other categories will perform an I-walk, where they will walk to back center stage and complete a front facing pose. They then walk to front center stage and perform ¼ turns before ending in an appropriate stage stance facing the judges.
Key Bodybuilders To Watch
With this event being a real success last year, we finally have some returning winners to look forward to as they seek to hold onto their title. On the men’s side, Johnny Dotson looks to defend his title in the Pro Men’s Physique while Joe LaCerra defends the Pro Classic category. For women, Dora Avila is set to repeat in the Pro Bikini category, while Jenna Bidoglio fights to defend Pro Figure.
We talked with Joe LaCerra and Jenna Bidoglio about their beginnings, training, nutrition, and excitement for this event. A common theme was the desire to participate in a sport they love so much and an event with such a rich history. While their respective routines were of course different, both are excited to come back and defend their title, looking to start a winning streak that puts them in the history books of Mr. America.
Wrap Up
Mr. America is a long and storied event full of rich bodybuilding history and incredible highlights. Do to unforeseen circumstances and the evolution of the sport, this historic contest had fallen away, seemingly leaving the public eye as others crept in to take the top spot. But with a comeback and revival for the ages, Mr. America has returned and competitors are excited to get back out to try and win this coveted title. This preview has everything you need to know about Mr. America as this event is set to kick off in just a few days.
Check out Mr. America’s website here for more information on this historic and amazing event!
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 Mr. America Instagram and Joe LaCerra Instagram
3 Reasons Why You Should Perform Explosive Lifts
Lifting explosively can change your training for the better.
When it comes to bodybuilding there are so many different methods that can be used to build muscle and burn fat that often times it can become confusing as to what exactly you should be doing when you get into the gym. There’s a notion that lower weight and higher reps can get you shredded.
Others talk about the fact that the only way to make your muscle grow is to lift heavy, while many others point out the fact that it doesn’t matter how heavy the weight is as long as you’re getting the proper contraction. In a way all of these statements are true which can drive a bodybuilder nuts trying to figure out which method is right for them. But one ideology that isn’t discussed nearly enough is the idea of lifting explosively.
While many may equate explosive lifting to powerlifting and weightlifter principles it can be a great way for a bodybuilder to get shredded fast. Rather than just always having your muscles experiencing tension at the bottom of the lift it’s a good idea to lift explosively as well. Everyone’s body works different of course, but lifting explosively is going to enhance your training.
1. Build More Strength
When you’re at the bottom of your lift rather than hold the position, exploding up will give you enhanced explosive power. It will help your body get used to the feeling of putting every ounce of muscle to work and strengthening the whole as a result.
2. Increased Muscle Recruitment
Speaking of muscles working together, by performing an explosive lift you’re more likely to recruit even more muscle fibers while performing your average lift. Whether it’s the squat or the bench press, by lifting explosively you are engaging a wider variety of muscle than you normally would have during a slow lift.
3. Burn Fat
What better reason is there to lift explosively. Not only will you be building muscle while you’re performing your lifts but you will also be eradicating fat. The principle works similar to HIIT as your metabolic rate increases with every explosion from the bottom to the top of the lift. Taking two seconds to reach the bottom of your lift then exploding upward will raise your metabolic rate that’s sure to help burning fat even when you’ve completed your training.
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