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Chef Rush On Schwarzenegger’s Remarks: It’s Not Just About Freedom, It’s About Doing The Right Thing
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Chef Rush believes in defending people’s freedom but also feels that people have become complacent and entitled.
Chef Rush may be best known as the “jacked White House Chef” but he also spent a great deal of time in the military as a Master Sergeant. He’s fought for America and he understands the freedom and rights that he was fighting for. That’s why we felt it would be great to catch up and get his thoughts on the recent comments made by Arnold Schwarzenegger regarding mask mandates and freedom. In our latest GI Exclusive, Chef Rush breaks down the line between freedom, safety, and responsibility as members of the community.
When Arnold Schwarzenegger did a brief interview on CNN last month, he made a statement that reverberated across the bodybuilding world – “Screw your freedom.” In context, he was speaking about the greater responsibility that comes with freedom and urged those to wear a mask to help others during a time of need. But some saw this as another attempt to muzzle American citizens (somewhat literally) and take their rights away.
The fallout was swift and bold. Many bodybuilders made public statements condemning Arnold Schwarzenegger. Some even took down his posters from their wall. In the biggest move, RedCon1 pulled sponsorship from the upcoming Arnold Classic 2021.
We previously spoke with Victor Martinez on his thoughts about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments where he defended Arnold’s statements. Now we’ve reconnected with Chef Rush to get his reaction on not only Arnold’s comments but also the fitness world’s reaction to them. Rush has spent a good portion of his life defending America in the military – so he can bring in a unique viewpoint as both a defender of this country and as a bodybuilder.
Chef Rush overall seems to defend Arnold Schwarzenegger’s statement but he also defends those who chose to get angry about it. That’s what freedom of speech is all about. Arnold can say what he wants and those who react can do so in turn. But when it comes to the concept of freedom beyond speech – the freedom to wear or not wear a mask – Rush draws a much more nuanced line.
Chef Rush will not dismiss anyone for their comments – we all can have different ideals. But he does believe that it’s important to do the right thing beyond freedom.
“I can’t tell him [Arnold Schwarzenegger] how to say it. He can only say what he can say the same way you can or the way they handle their situation,” Chef Rush says in our interview. He goes on:
“It’s not about that. It’s about doing the right thing because if I went around kids, if I went around older people, even my own kids and things like that – it would be the wrong thing to do. Even no matter what I believed in.”
Chef Rush also points out how easy it is to feel one way about something until it affects a person directly:
“It will be different if it was your family. If it was somebody you love. We are so complacent and entitled now. Freedom of speech is what it is. But if you go into an airport and they tell you put that mask on, guess what you are going to do? You’re going to put that mask on or you’re not going to fly. You’re freedom is taken away. If you run that light and a cop sees you, it’s taken away. That’s just a simple matter of fact of it. So don’t get mad that I’m saying this. And if you do get mad of me saying it – then that’s your freedom to do so. And that’s my freedom to not care.”
Ultimately, Chef Rush admits that he has heard far more offensive and anti-freedom statements made to him throughout his lifetime. As a black man, he’s had numerous situations where he faced racism and was told he deserved less because of the color of his skin. He understands they have the freedom to say those things – but that doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do.
Overall – it seems Chef Rush’s sentiments are that this whole situation has been blown out of proportion. He wants to focus on respecting each other and doing what’s right – not always what is easy.
You can watch Chef Rush share his full thoughts on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Gym Crush: Alice Matos
Gym Crush: Alice Matos
Alice Matos is a 32-year old Brazilian bombshell. Alice is a complete package with a shredded physique, a beautiful face, and brains to go with them. Matos started taking working out seriously when she was 25 and has come a long way since then.
Alice’s washboard abs can put many gym regulars to shame. Matos is much more than an eye candy and has shown her entrepreneurial side by building her own fitness fashion brand, Labellamafia from the ground up.
Alice is not one of the internet fitness chicks. Matos has competed in Mr. Olympia Bikini division twice and placed sixth in her second attempt. Alice Matos shows no signs of slowing down and is working on improving her physique and business and is having fun while she is at it.
Get Crushing
Alice is frequently traveling to exotic places and is the perfect person to follow for people who have a thing for beautiful scenery and mesmerizing women. Matos is also not afraid to experiment with her looks.
The world is your gym and Alice Matos is the perfect example. You don’t need a treadmill or dumbbells to workout, determination and discipline are all you need. Commit to working out and you will surely have a physique like this Brazilian beauty.
Matos isn’t the serious type. She is willing to do silly things to get a laugh. Alice is comfortable in her skin and has no problem showing it off. God bless Instagram.
When was the last time you saw someone this hot walking down the road? We’re sure many guys stopped and appreciated what they saw on this day. Alice Matos has a symmetrical physique with virtually no weaknesses.
Alice Matos is a diva and knows her fashion. Matos can pull off wearing anything with ease. She has transformed her fashion label Labellamafia from a small business to a growing brand in the fashion industry.
Alice Matos could easily be in the next Baywatch movie. We wish the Baywatch team lays an eye on this Brazilian beauty. Let Matos grace the beaches of California running in her red swimsuit.
Building a butt like Alice’s takes time, hard work and there are no shortcuts. You need to be willing to step out of your comfort zone to transform your body. Every workout, set and rep counts in this long journey.
Your workouts don’t have to be boring. If you think cardio and ab workouts are long and boring, take a friend along and do something fun. Keeping it interesting will help you stick to your goals.
When was the last time you had such an intense workout? Alice has a low body fat percentage, all thanks to high-intensity workouts like these. Switch up your training regularly to see results.
Matos is the brand ambassador for her company and features in sassy commercials like these. The Labellamafia merchandise has a new take on the gym apparel and is certainly creating waves of excitement amongst girls.
Who is your gym crush?
Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header and images courtesy of Instagram
The Ultimate Guide to the Sumo and Conventional Deadlift
The Importance of the Deadlift
Very few exercises can compare to the deadlift in terms of its ability to simultaneously develop strength, muscle size, power, and athleticism.
It is clear that the deadlift should be a staple exercise for every athlete and avid gym-goers. However, which type of deadlift should you be performing?
There are many arguments that can be made in favor of both the conventional and sumo deadlift, however, the purpose of this article is not to discuss conventional vs sumo, rather it will provide a guide to both.
It will investigate the kinematics of both movements, help you to understand when to use each stance and provide tips to allow you to establish which stance suits you best.
Kinematic Differences Between the Conventional and Sumo Deadlift
There are a number of apparent visual differences that can be seen between both the conventional and sumo deadlift.
With that being said, both movements have a large number of form similarities including a neutrally aligned spine and head, activated lats and hips, strong grips and engaged core musculature.
The more advanced lifter may be able to pinpoint specific differences between both stances and have a greater understanding of force transfer and muscle activation.
In terms of muscles activated, the sumo places a great demand on the glutes, hips and legs whereas the conventional stance recruits the low back and hamstrings more heavily.
While both lifts activate the same muscle groups, certain muscle groups are activated at different rates.
A recent study found that the rate of activation of the vastus medialis and lateralis (quadricep) were greater during a sumo deadlift.
Similarly, the rate of medial gastrocnemius and tibial anterior activation were significantly different between both deadlift styles (1).
This highlights that both upper and lower muscle groups of the leg are activated in different fashions.
The sumo involves a much wider stance than the conventional which significantly changes the biomechanics of the exercise.
The sumo stance places the trunk in a much more upright position and also alters the position of the thighs (2).
In addition to this, the feet are more significantly turned out and the grip on the bar tends to be narrower in the sumo in comparison to the conventional.
All of these slight technique adjustments contribute toward altering the kinematics of the sumo when compared to the conventional deadlift.
How To Perform the Sumo and Conventional Deadlift
This section will explain how to effectively setup and execute both the sumo and conventional deadlift.
As you will see, once the set-up has been completed, the execution of both exercises are the same.
The Conventional Deadlift:
– Start with feet hip-width apart– Place the feet directly underneath the bar with toes slightly pointed out– Drop down to the bar by pushing the hips back and hinging the knees– Ensure that the hips are higher than the knees– Grip the bar tightly with hands approximately shoulder-width apart– Lift the head, drive the chest up, squeeze between the shoulder blades and brace the core– Drive powerfully through the heels and keep the bar tight to the body– Drive the hips into the bar by squeezing the glutes at the top of the rep– Reverse the movement and drop the bar back to the floor
The Sumo Deadlift:
– Start with feet wider than hip-width– Place the feet directly underneath the bar and turn the toes out (approximately 40 – 45 degrees)– Drop down to the bar by pushing the hips back and hinging the knees– Ensure that the hips are higher than the knees– Grip the bar tightly with hands slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart– Lift the head, drive the chest up, squeeze between the shoulder blades and brace the core– Drive powerfully through the heels and keep the bar tight to the body– Drive the hips into the bar by squeezing the glutes at the top of the rep– Reverse the movement to drop the bar back to the floor
Determining Your Deadlift Stance
For those athletes or highly conditioned individuals, it would be wise to use both deadlift styles in training.
There is a lot to be gained by performing both styles – especially if you have only ever performed one style.
To determine which deadlift stance you should focus on, you can ask yourself a couple of questions that will help to guide you.
Firstly, which style looks and feels most athletic and most natural? Secondly, with which method can you lift the most weight?
If the answer to both questions is the same, it would be wise to stick with that stance.
If you have never performed the deadlift, it is recommended to start with the conventional deadlift first and then move onto the sumo at a later date, if necessary.
Don’t be under any illusions, the sumo stance is equally as challenging as the conventional deadlift, so be prepared to spend time working on it.
If you are beginning to deadlift using a new stance, it is recommended to use a lighter weight and start from the blocks rather than the floor. Over time, gradually work down to the floor.
Doing this will facilitate the process of learning the new technique while simultaneously allowing you to build strength.
Having attempted both the conventional and sumo deadlift for an extended period, it should eventually become clear which stance allows you to lift the most efficiently lift heavy weight.
Be aware that it can take time to understand which stance suits you best.
Even if you feel like you have great technique, it may be the case that there are stabilizing and supporting muscle groups that are not quite strong enough yet to facilitate a powerful deadlift.
Given time and patience, these muscles will strengthen and you may then find that the stance you believed to be best is actually inferior to the other.
Conventional and Sumo Deadlift Considerations
It is true that the stance that allows you to lift the heaviest load should be prioritized as lifting the heaviest loads possible, in a safe manner, will certainly have the greatest impact on your strength levels (2).
However, it is also useful to look at the mechanics of the movement as this can often be the key to unlocking pure strength.
With both stances, the bar should move in as straight a line as possible from the floor directly up to the hips. Any deviation from this path will impede performance.
Allowing the bar to drift away from the body will cause the body to expend and waste energy as it fights to maintain control.
However, moving the bar in a smooth, vertical path will preserve energy and therefore has the potential to facilitate performance.
Keeping this in mind, it is important to select the stance that facilitates this most efficient bar path.
Let’s say that you can lift heavier with the conventional deadlift but your technique for the sumo is much cleaner and the bar move more efficiently, it may be worthwhile shifting focus for a time.
A more efficient lift will allow you to train with greater intensity, frequency, and volume – all which have a direct impact on strength gains and muscle growth.
There is no denying that limb and trunk lengths have an impact on deadlift performance.
Research has indicated that those with long limbs may be at a mechanical advantage when it comes to performing the deadlift (3).
Furthermore, another study has found that the conventional style may be more suitable for those with longer torso whereas those with shorter torsos may be better at sumo. (4)
However, there’s nothing that can be done to change your body type.
Instead, your focus should be placed on the things that can be controlled – factors such as attitude, technique, strength levels and muscle size.
The final consideration that must be made is the training goal that you have set for yourself.
For example, if you are a competitive powerlifter, then it would make sense to predominantly focus on the stance that will allow you to lift the heaviest in a competition.
A useful rule of thumb when deadlifting for powerlifting is to use your competition stance 80% of the time and use other variations for the other 20%.
If your goal is to generally improve strength levels then a mixture of both the conventional and sumo deadlift will lead to efficient strength improvements.
3-Day Deadlift Sample Program
The following 3-day program has been designed with the conventional deadlift being the preferred stance. If you perform the sumo, simply swap around the conventional and sumo exercises.
Day
Exercises
Sets x Reps
1
1) Conventional Deadlift2) Front Squat3) Good Mornings4) Leg Extensions
5 x 53 x 53 x 12-153 x 12-15
2
1) Sumo Deadlift2) Back Squat3) Hyperextensions4) Leg Curls
5 x 53 x 53 x 12-153 x 12-15
3
1) Conventional Deadlift2) Barbell Lunges3) Glute Bridge4) Calf Raises
5 x 53 x 63 x 12-153 x 12-15
Final Word
Both deadlift stances will effectively train muscle groups the length and breadth of the body while accelerating strength and power improvements.
While it is true that there are differences between the two deadlift variations, both have their place within a strength program.
If you are unsure which stance suits you, try them both and employ a number of the above tips to help make things more clear.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References:
1-Escamilla, Rafael F.; Francisco, Anthony C.; Kayes, Andrew V.; Speer, Kevin P.; Moorman, Claude T. (2002-4). “An electromyographic analysis of sumo and conventional style deadlifts”. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 34 (4): 682–688. doi:10.1097/00005768-200204000-00019. ISSN 0195-9131. PMID 11932579.
2-Schoenfeld, Brad J.; Contreras, Bret; Vigotsky, Andrew D.; Peterson, Mark (December 1, 2016). “Differential Effects of Heavy Versus Moderate Loads on Measures of Strength and Hypertrophy in Resistance-Trained Men”. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. 15 (4): 715–722. ISSN 1303-2968. PMC 5131226. PMID 27928218.
3-Lockie, Robert G.; Moreno, Matthew R.; Orjalo, Ashley J.; Lazar, Adrina; Liu, Tricia M.; Stage, Alyssa A.; Birmingham-Babauta, Samantha A.; Stokes, John J.; Giuliano, Dominic V.; Risso, Fabrice G.; Davis, DeShaun L. (2018-11). “Relationships Between Height, Arm Length, and Leg Length on the Mechanics of the Conventional and High-Handle Hexagonal Bar Deadlift”. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 32 (11): 3011–3019. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002256. ISSN 1533-4287. PMID 29045317.
4-Cholewa, Jason M.; Atalag, Ozan; Zinchenko, Anastasia; Johnson, Kelly; Henselmans, Menno (August 1, 2019). “Anthropometrical Determinants of Deadlift Variant Performance”. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. 18 (3): 448–453. ISSN 1303-2968. PMC 6683626. PMID 31427866.
NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men Review
This fat burner will boost metabolism, burn calories, and increase energy for that shredded physique.
Product Overview
Losing fat is hard. A good training routine and proper diet are sure fire ways to shed calories and see a desired physique unfold, but even then, you may not see the exact results you want most. This is where supplements come into play and a fat burner is that supplement to help. Able to kickstart your metabolism and curb your appetite, a good fat burner will work wonders in addition to that great training plan and strict diet. NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men is a powerful and well-designed fat burner to help boost your fat loss goals so you see the desired results you want most.
A high-quality fat burner will provide for a host of benefits including increasing your metabolism and supporting thermogenesis, curbing your appetite, maintaining lean muscle, and increasing energy. Those fat burners with stimulants can also enhance focus and lead to sharper mental function as well. Non-stim fat burners do exist and can work well for your goals, but a fat burner like NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men is that stimulant-driven, result-orientated fat burner you need most.
NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men is a great fat burner designed to boost metabolism, burn calories, and increase energy. With 9 clean ingredients, this supplement is perfect for those fat burning needs.
NutraBio is a high-quality sports supplement company designing and producing top tier products for athletes everywhere. Their mission is to maximize the quality of life for all consumers by providing advanced nutrition products with science-backed research to enhance training and performance. NutraBio is a standout when it comes to clean and effective products and sought to revolutionize the industry by using zero fillers, additives, or excipients of any kind and working to ensure accurate dosages for all active ingredients. With the utmost quality in mind, NutraBio is a transparent and honest company working for your benefit only.
NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men Highlights
NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men is a powerful fat burning supplement designed to help you see those fat loss goals become reality. This fat burner will work to support fat metabolism, improve thermogenesis, increase energy, and support appetite reduction. The added caffeine will improve mental focus and alertness, so you stay on top of your workouts and your goals. With 9 clean and effective ingredients, NutraBio works with the best to produce an all-star formula capable of helping you see your fat loss needs happen.
Ingredients
Acetyl L-Carnitine: Can move fat stores which will increase energy expenditure and push your metabolism to burn more fat (1).
Green Tea Leaf Extract: Enhances your body’s thermogenic process and provides powerful antioxidants (2).
L-Tyrosine: Can help curb your appetite for less snacking and increase your metabolism leading to weight loss.
Epigallocatechin Gallate (ECGC): May increase thermogenesis leading to weight loss and can also reduce inflammation (3).
Caffeine: Increases thermogenesis for more fat burn and better energy. Caffeine can also enhance focus and your level of alertness. This can be in something like coffee bean extract or green tea for example (4).
Synephrine: Can boost your metabolic rate for faster weight loss, as well as work on suppressing appetite (5).
Banaba Leaf Extract: Can delay the absorption of carbohydrates and work for weight loss or weight management.
Cayenne Pepper: Works to increase your metabolism to burn more calories and aid in weight loss.
Theobromine: May improve lipid metabolism and is considered to be a good ingredient for weight loss while also supplying energy.
Other Ingredients
Vegetable Capsule
Number Of Servings
60
Serving Size
3 Vegetable Capsules
Stim Or Non-Stim
Stim
Best Way To Take
Take 2 capsules with 8 oz. of water once per day to assess tolerance. Once assessed, take 3 capsules two time daily 30-60 minutes between meals.
Price & Effectiveness
NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men is a great fat burning supplement designed to boost your metabolism, burn more calories, and increase energy so you shed that unwanted fat and see that desired physique you want most. With 60 servings per container, 3 vegetable capsules will give you all these clean ingredients efficiently.
Pros
Great fat burner with benefits like faster metabolism, more calorie burn, and more energy to burn fat
Clean and effective ingredients to work for you overall health and results
Easy to take capsules for better absorption and digestion
From a reputable company in NutraBio
Cons
3 capsules two times daily may be a lot for some who want results
For professional, collegiate, or amateur, synephrine can lead to a positive drug test
Price: $41.99
Featured Athlete
Jon Linden
Jon Linden is an IFBB Classic Physique Pro bodybuilder and NutraBio Athlete using their high-quality supplements to boost his training and performance, as well as his overall health and wellness. As someone who knows what it takes to constantly fuel his body and his workouts, Linden relies on the best supplements when looking to see the results he wants most. Working with NutraBio allows Linden to push himself and use only the best for growth and recovery as he seeks to walk amongst the best in the world under the bright lights of the stage.
Overall Value
NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men is a great fat burning supplement designed to increase your metabolism, improve thermogenesis, and burn more calories so you see great fat loss results. Losing fat can be a hard, but with the right supplement it doesn’t have to be. NutraBio works with clean and effective ingredients to work for your benefit and ThermoFuel is no different. What you are really getting is a high-quality fat burner with great ingredients, a powerful formula, and an honest company behind the product. Try NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men today and shed that unwanted fat you want gone.
Try NutraBio ThermoFuel V.9 For Men Today
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 NutraBio
References
Pooyandjoo, M.; Nouhi, M.; Shab-Bidar, S.; Djafarian, K.; et al. (2016). “The effect of (L-)carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”. (source)
Hursel, R.; Viechtbauer, W.; Westerterp-Plantega, M. S. (2009). “The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis”. (source)
Chen, I.; Liu, C.; Chiu, J.; Hsu, C. (2016). “Therapeutic effect of high-dose green tea extract on weight reduction: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial”. (source)
Tabrizi, Reza; Saneei, Parvane; Lankarani, Kamran B.; Akbari, Maryam; et al. (2019). “The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”. (source)
Gutierrez-Hellin, J.; Del Coso, J. (2018). “Effects of p-Synephrine and Caffeine Ingestion on Substrate Oxidation during Exercise”. (source)
Iconic Event ‘Mr. America’ Names Generation Iron Network Official Media Partner
Generation Iron Network to collaborate with Mr. America and CBS Sports Network for coverage, previews, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Mr. America 2021.
Generation Iron Network has announced that it will be the official media partner for the Mr. America 2021 contest and expo taking place in Atlantic City at the Showboat Hotel on October 9-10, 2021. Under this new partnership, Generation Iron Network will become the official news hub for all previews, updates, and coverage of the Mr. America 2021 event. The full contest will also be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network at a later date.
The Mr. America competition is a legendary event and one of the oldest major bodybuilding competitions in the history of the sport. Before the Mr. Olympia or the Mr. Universe – there was the Mr. America. First held on July 4, 1939 as “America’s Best Built Man,” the event quickly changed to what is now known as the Mr. America contest the following year. The event was first sanctioned by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) but has since changed many hands over its near century long run.
After the AAU ceased holding contests in 1999, the Mr. America contest fell from the mainstream bodybuilding consciousness. The contest disappeared for many years only to change hands multiple times and return sporadically and inconsistently.
As of 2020, the Mr. America contest resumed as a non-sanctioned event promoted by Marc Tauriello of East Coast Fitness Concepts. Tauriello’s goal is to return the Mr. America to its former glory as the biggest bodybuilding event of the year.
“With the return of the Iconic Mr America in 2020 there has never been a more exciting time in drug free bodybuilding,” stated Marc Tauriello. He continued:
“Having Generation Iron as our official media partner for this iconic event in 2021 as well as being televised truly represents the significance of the Mr America, if it wasn’t for the Mr America, bodybuilding as a hole wouldn’t be what it is today.”
The Mr. America 2021 will be held in Atlantic City at the Showboat Hotel on October 9-10. It is a non-sanctioned event, meaning that a bodybuilder from any league or federation may compete – allowing for a truly open playing field of the best competitors in the world. The contest will also be drug tested under strict WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) guidelines. The Mr. America contest and expo will hold competitions for bodybuilding, powerlifting, Clash of the Tridents, Olympic Weightlifting, and MAS Wrestling.
CBS Sports Network will also be providing fully televised coverage of the Mr. America competition. The television coverage will not be live but broadcast at a later date. Generation Iron Network will provide full updates and announcements of the schedule, how to watch, and when to tune in.
Generation Iron Network first launched in 2013 alongside the release of the feature film – Generation Iron. It has since grown and expanded to be the leading media outlet for all things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports. Providing not only news coverage, Generation Iron publishes informative training/nutrition guides, original programming, reviews on top brands, distributes chart topping sports documentaries worldwide and covers exclusive video interviews with top fitness athletes.
Generation Iron will build strategic media campaigns focused on bringing the most engaging and up to date information and coverage of the 2021 Mr. America. The company will utilize its expansive media presence and its global digital subscriber base to re-introduce Mr. America events and athletes to viewers worldwide. The full contest will be a fully drug tested event and will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network at a later date.
“We are thrilled to team up with Marc Tauriello and the Mr. America team,” stated Executive Producer Edwin Mejia Jr. “Generation Iron is proud to cover the longest running bodybuilding contest in the country. and offer a whole new immersive experience for viewers worldwide.”
For the entire month of September leading up to the event, Generation Iron will provide a unique inside look into the Mr. America competition, its athletes, and the history of this prestigious event. Expect featured interviews with athletes set to compete, vital live event updates including:
Athlete previews,
Live updates
Event coverage of the Mr. America 2021
Discussion of past and present Mr America Greats
Event previews
Athlete arrivals
Interviews with Mr America competitors and Mr America Legends in attendance
Daily recaps of results and standings
Post-event interviews
Without the Mr. America, bodybuilding and fitness as we know it wouldn’t exist today. It set the standard for prestige bodybuilding contests, influenced the Mr. Universe and later the Mr. Olympia, and helped raise the bar for professionalism and exceptionalism in the sport of bodybuilding.
Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for incoming news, previews, and athlete profiles during our lead up coverage to the Mr. America 2021.
History of Mr. America Champions
Year
Overall Winner (AAU)
1939
Bert Goodrich (First Mr. America, but not AAU sanctioned)
Roland Essmaker
1940
John Grimek
1941
John Grimek
1942
Frank Leight
1943
Jules Bacon
1944
Steve Stanko
1945
Clarence Ross
1946
Alan Stephan
1947
Steve Reeves
1948
George Eiferman
1949
Jack Delinger
1950
John Farbotnik
1951
Roy Hilligenn
1952
Jim Park
1953
Bill Pearl
1954
Dick DuBois
1955
Steve Klisanin
1956
Ray Schaefer
1957
Ron Lacy
1958
Tom Sansone
1959
Harry Johnson
1960
Lloyd Lerille
1961
Raymond Routledge
1962
Joe Abbenda
1963
Vern Weaver
1964
Val Vasilieff
1965
Jerry Daniels
1966
Bob Gajda
1967
Dennis Tinerino
1968
Jim Haislop
1969
Boyer Coe
1970
Chris Dickerson
1971
Casey Viator
1972
Steve Michalik
1973
Jim Morris
1974
Ron Thompson
1975
Dale Adrian
1976
Kalman Szkalak
1977
Dave Johns
1978
Tony Pearson
1979
Ray Mentzer
1980
Gary Leonard
1981
Tim Belknap
1982
Rufus Howard
1983
Jeff King
1984
Joe Meeko
1985
Michael Antorino
1986
Glenn Knerr
1987
Richard Barretta
1988
William Norberg
1989
Matt DuFresne
1990
Peter Miller
1991
Joe DeAngelis
1992
Mike Scarcella
1993
Billy Nothaft
1994
Andrew Sivert
1995
Terence Hairston
1996
Doug Rieser
1997
Bill Davey
1998
Harvey H. Campbell
1999
Tracey Dorsey
2011
Rawle Greene
2012
Daniel White
2013
John Heart
2014
(No show held)
2015
Cleveland Thomas
2016
Shevon Cunningham
2017–
2019
(No contests)
2020
Jay Brew
WATCH: Larry Wheels Crushes 827lb Triple Squat
Larry Wheels has been putting up crazy numbers in recent training sessions.
Larry Wheels is known for pulling off eye-popping lifts and he is back at it again. In a recent training session, Wheels destroyed an 827lb squat for a triple — and did it with relative ease.
Wheels is back to training with monstrous weight and has been posting some recent work on social media. For this incredible lift, Wheels took to Instagram to show his recent progress.
“827×3Wait for it… then wait for it again. Then wait for it one more time!@teampersonalrecord“
Larry Wheels spent some time arm wrestling and took on some of the best competitors in the world. This includes Aleksandr “Schoolboy” Toproll, who is one of the best in the world today. The two linked up twice for some memorable events. Now, Wheels seems to have his focus back on powerlifting and is back to moving some unimaginable weight.
An 827lb squat is no joke. Wheels makes this lift look effortless for a triple and there are many aspects at work here. The patience that the 26-year-old has is incredible and he maintains the same form, even with a full-grown grizzly bear on his back.
This is the most recent accomplishment for Wheels. On Aug. 1, he shared a video of a 852lb squat for a double. He has also excelled in other areas such as a 515lb shoulder press and an 875lb sumo deadlift.
The weight that Wheels has been moving recently makes one think that he has big things in mind for the near future. As of now, we know that he plans to compete on Sept. 11 at the IPS Long Island Insurrextion.
This is where Larry Wheels could continue to attempt different personal records. The arm-wrestling journey was exciting but powerlifting is better with Wheels in the game. If his social media is any indication, it is clear that Wheels is back to fully focusing on weightlifting and is doing it in a big way.
The Rock Responds To A Viral Picture Of His Doppelgänger
Lt. Eric Fields has gone viral for looking just like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, has done it all. He became the biggest star in WWE before shifting to the big screen and becoming one of the highest-grossing actors in the world. Now, he has gone viral for a recent picture of his doppelgänger.
The Rock’s lookalike is Alabama police officer — Lt. Eric Fields, who works for the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. A recent picture of the duo was tweeted out and The Rock responded for his 15.3 million followers and more.
“Oh shit! Wow. Guy on the left is way cooler. Stay safe brother and thank you for your service. One day we’ll drink @Teremana
and I need to hear all your “Rock stories” because I KNOW you got ‘em
#ericfields”
Oh shit! Wow.Guy on the left is way cooler.Stay safe brother and thank you for your service. One day we’ll drink @Teremana and I need to hear all your “Rock stories” because I KNOW you got ‘em ????? #ericfields https://t.co/G38tOr68cW
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 31, 2021
For the record, Teremana is The Rock’s tequila that is growing rapidly. There is no doubt that Fields has stories about being compared to The Rock. He has mentioned that Johnson and Vin Diesel are his two most-frequent mentions.
“It’s always been a running joke of people saying I resemble the Rock or Vin Diesel and I just go with it,” Fields told WBRC, Fox’s affiliate in Birmingham, AL.
Fields continued by saying even his wife enjoys the comparisons. Since this picture came out, both The Rock and Fields has commented. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office has even invited the movie star out to patrol with Fields.
This entire story began with a TikTok video posted by an Alabama resident and tagging The Rock. From that point on, residents began asking for pictures with Fields and it went onto the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Fields is a 37-year-old who has worked in the sheriff’s office for 17 years.
The Rock is known for his incredible physique, both from WWE and in movies. Now, the question remains — will Johnson ever find a way to connect with his doppelgänger? The world will be waiting to see.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ryan Terry Answers: Does Respect For Men’s Physique From Men’s Open Bodybuilders Matter?
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Ryan Terry weighs in: Does it matter whether or not Men’s Open bodybuilders respect Men’s Physique?
Ryan Terry is an accomplished Men’s Physique competitor from the UK. Growing up, he was always inspired by the work ethic of Men’s Open bodybuilders – but he knew genetically he could never reach that kind of mass monster size. That’s why Men’s Physique ultimately was the perfect fit for him. Suddenly he can follow in the work ethic footsteps of bodybuilders he admired – but also compete with a smaller physique that better fits his goals.
It’s no secret that some (but not all) Men’s Open bodybuilders criticize Men’s Physique. There has been a long history of Men’s Open competitors jabbing or mocking Men’s Physique. Antoine Vaillant jokingly did a guest posing in board shorts. Bodybuilding legend and mass monster Paul Dillet called Men’s Physique at the Olympia “laughable.” The list can go on. Many of these men are bodybuilders that Ryan Terry always respected and looked up to. Does this kind of lack of respect bother him? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Ryan Terry shares his thoughts on the relationship between Men’s Open and Men’s Physique.
We had a chance to connect with Ryan Terry via video chat and discuss his bodybuilding origins, opinions on trending topics, and his future plans. When discussing on how Terry discovered bodybuilding – it was clear he had a deep reverence for legends in the Men’s Open division. His step father was even a super heavyweight competitor during Terry’s childhood.
Ultimately, Ryan Terry wanted to apply the bodybuilding work ethic to his life. At first not to become a competitor – but to feel better about his body. He knew he could never be a mass monster but still wanted to train and build that kind of work ethic. He eventually discovered Men’s Physique and it was a perfect fit. He quickly went pro and has found great success in his bodybuilding career.
But does it bother him that the very athletes that inspired him – occasionally disrespect Men’s Physique. It ranges from innocent jokes to straight out comments diminishing the division. How does that affect Terry’s view of Men’s Open and the legends that motivated him?
Ryan Terry doesn’t think it matters much. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and Men’s Physique will remain a popular division regardless of what Men’s Open athletes think. While Terry would love to gain more respect from mass monster competitors – his respect for them remains. Their accomplishments and how they inspired future generations (such as himself) remain in tact.
“To be honest with you I respect all athletes,” Ryan Terry states in our interview. He continues:
“I respect them. I respect what they’ve achieved and stuff. I would love for them to acknowledge and respect what we do as well but I don’t lose sleep over it. That’s up to them. That doesn’t change the way I train. It doesn’t change the way I think about my sport. I can take it or leave it.”
Ryan Terry believes that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. What Men’s Open feel and think have no bearing on Terry’s life as a Men’s Physique competitor. It also doesn’t change what Men’s Open bodybuilders have achieved. So his respect remains in tact. He knows the kind of work ethic he puts in – and if Men’s Open want to acknowledge it, that’s fantastic. But if they don’t – that’s their decision. He’ll keep going forward with respect and hunger to improve and succeed.
You can watch Ryan Terry’s full comments about his bodybuilding origins, Men’s Open vs Men’s Physique, and more in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Best Deadlift Socks For Weightlifting & Powerlifts (Updated 2021)
These best socks for deadlifting are great for those weightlifting and powerlifting needs offering great support and compression.
When it comes to big lifts, the deadlift is a must and definite favorite of many bodybuilders, strongmen, and high-performance athletes and deadlift socks are what you need to see great gains. A beastly lift that tests strength, power, and overall body mass, this lift is not only a staple in the powerlifting world but also in many peoples’ training routines. The downside to this exercise is that proper form requires you to keep the bar as close to you as possible which can be problematic when it comes to suffering from abrasions that this can cause.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Deadlift Socks for 2021 so you can have the best support and compression for those weightlifting needs. Powerlifting socks are perfect for protecting your shins against the barbell and can greatly affect your lifting output for serious gains.
Best Deadlift Socks For 2021
Best Deadlift Socks Overall
The best deadlift socks will be of quality material and offer comfort and durability to withstand any repeated abuse from lifting. They will also offer support and protection against scraping as you lift big weight.
SBD Deadlift Socks
SBD offers these premium deadlift socks to cover the shin to assist with any pulling movements. This custom sock is designed to cover the shin without turnover and is manufactured with a tight knit from durable synthetic fiber to offer a high quality product to protect your shins from hitting the bar. Breathable, comfortable, and fitted for training and competitive use, these deadlift socks are manufactured in Great Britain and are USAPL, IPF, and USPA compliant.
SBD Deadlift Socks are premium long socks designed to protect your shins and offer support for any pulling movements.
Pros
High quality, breathable, and comfortable while being competition compliant
The tight knit and quality material provides for durability
From a reputable company in SBD
Cons
Only available directly through their website
Price: $19.50
Check out our individual review for SBD Deadlift Socks here!
Best Deadlift Socks For Compression
Deadlift socks can offer compression to help you feel more supported and provide for a snug fit. This will give you more confidence in your lower half as you look to lift that massive weight.
Hoplite Premium Lifting Compression Socks
Providing great protection are the Hoplite Lifting Compression Socks. Built to support and protect any tough workout, these socks offer graduated compression to stabilize the muscles, reduce fatigue and lessen impact. Offering breathability for coolness and knit in special areas to prevent scraping, these dense padded socks will provide that much needed protection but also plenty of comfort to really take on any big lift. Easy to take on and off, they provide great compression to increase blood flow and circulation making these a top choice for compression.
Hoplite Premium Lifting Socks are built for support and protection with gradual compression for all your lifting needs.
Pros
These provide for great compression to offer comfort and increased circulation
Still breathable and with added protection, these are nice and supportive
Cons
Protection lacks a little and the fit is slightly loose
Durability comes into question after a few uses as well
Price: $22.99-$24.99
Best Deadlift Socks For Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders should feel comfortable in knowing that good fitness equipment exists to really beef up their workouts. Deadlifting socks and those socks for weightlifting can greatly influence gains as you seek that shredded aesthetic.
MOXY Premium Deadlift Helix Fitness Knee-High Socks
MOXY brings these premium deadlift socks to the table offering great support for any impact. Premium arch support and ventilating mesh allow for comfort and breathability, while an extra cushion added from mid-calf to the knee ensures optimal protection from any bumping of the bar. The HELIX design is made from hexagons to maximize the stitching for durability and that added level of protection. High quality and guaranteed lifelong durability, these socks are truly great for impact and those tough lifts.
MOXY Premium Deadlift Helix Fitness Knee-High Socks offer premium arch-support and extra cushioning from your mid-calf to your knee for comfort and durability.
Pros
Ventilated and breathable, these still have that added cushion for comfort and protection
The HELIX design is unique in how it works for deadlifting socks
Cons
The extra padding could be better as advertised
They are slightly higher in price than the others
Price: $47.50
Best Deadlift Socks For Performance
When it comes to performance, you want the best working for you and all your goals. Achieving PRs and feeling good about your results requires the utmost care for your body and deadlift socks will provide for that comfort and support when lifting big.
TrendWell Elite Athletic Socks
TrendWell Elite Athletic Socks are designed to enhance performance in all sports or workouts. The arch and ankle support provide for comfort and the breathable mesh wicks moisture away to offer odor and blister control. Designed with durability in mind, these will hold strong through whatever sport or workout you put yourself through. Supportive and strong yet flexible, these are a great pair of socks to bring your performance to the next level.
TrendWell Elite Athletic Socks offer targeted gradual compression to reduce muscle fatigue and boost your performance for the best results.
Pros
Great for performance for being comfortable and breathable
Offer solid support while also being very flexible
Cons
The fabric is thin and durability comes into question with this pair
Price: $12.97
Benefits Of Deadlifting Socks
The best deadlifting socks will greatly affect your lifting ability and allow you to feel more comfortable especially when under so much weight. The right powerlifting socks will enhance those big three lifts and also offer support and compression for increased comfort. Benefits of deadlift socks include:
Prevent scraping and bruising: Protect your shins against the rough barbell when deadlifting close to your body. Proper form forces you to keep that barbell close to your shins which can cause bleeding.
Good arch support: Give your feet good support for better balance and overall comfort when lifting such big weight.
Absorb sweat and provide ventilation: Give yourself room to breathe during those grueling workouts with nice ventilation and good sweat absorption.
Good compression for increased lifting confidence: With a nice, snug fit, you can increase confidence and feel more comfortable lifting such big weight (1).
Why Powerlifting Socks & Lifting Socks For Weightlifting Matter
Deadlifting socks matter because they can give you support and comfort for those big lifts, especially the deadlift. With proper form, the bar tends to rub against your shins as you keep it close to your body. Unfortunately, this causes scraping and unwanted pain that you just don’t really need. Deadlifting socks can protect you so you don’t suffer from bleeding and those annoying scrapes. They also can provide good grip for your feet to provide for a more grounded, more stable lift as you will feel more balanced and supported. When lifting big weight and seeing PRs, you want the best to see those gains.
How We Choose
Choosing this list of the best deadlifting socks was important because these can greatly affect your training and overall performance. Powerlifting socks and those socks for weightlifting should be made of great material that is comfortable and versatile as you seek the best for your goals. We focus heavily on the durability as well because you want to get used to a pair that can really help. We also look at compression and support since these two factors will increase your confidence especially when you’re under so much weight. Of course, price matters and these options can get expensive. Looking at those affordable options are important and can save you stress and money.
FAQ Section
What is the best pair of deadlift socks?
SBD Deadlift Socks. These deadlifting socks offer protection to cover the shin to assist with any pulling movements. This custom sock is designed to cover the shin without turnover and is manufactured with a tight knit from durable synthetic fiber to offer a high quality product to protect your shins from hitting the bar.
What should I look for in deadlifting socks and those socks for weightlifting?
You should look for comfort, versatility, and support. You want the most comfort possible especially when under so much weight but also the versatility for these to be used for other exercises. The added support will allow you to thrive and lift that big weight for PRs.
Are deadlift socks necessary?
Deadlifting socks are not necessary but they can greatly affect how you lift. When it comes to the deadlift, the bar can cause scraping and unwanted pain on your shins so the added protection is nice. Also, having support and comfort is huge when it comes to lifting and pushing your body to the limit.
Wrap Up
When looking to enhance your goals and really elevate performance in the gym, certain equipment can really help get you there. Deadlift socks provide for protection and comfort while also allowing you to perform the deadlift to peak capacity, really reaping the benefits of that great exercise. These best deadlift socks can really help get you to where you want to be and are worth checking out. Look into a quality pair of deadlift socks today and see your performance take off.
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Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References
Armstrong, S.; Till, E.; Maloney, S.; Harris, G. (2015). “Compression Socks and Functional Recovery Following Marathon Running”. (source)
Top 5 Exercises For Bulging Biceps
Buy some tickets to this gun show.
If there’s one thing that draws people to weightlifting and maybe even bodybuilding as a whole – it’s getting bigger muscles to show off. Biceps are one of the top muscles that people want to have bulging and flexing at all times. It’s one of the main muscles that people can always see – so when you catch someone checking them out, you can wink and give a little nod of satisfaction.
To help you get those massive biceps that you crave or maybe just to help you make them a little bigger than they already are – here is our list of the top five exercises to boost bicep mass.
#5. Preacher Curls
Preacher curls are a fantastic exercise to help boost the building of muscle mass in your biceps. This exercise isolates your biceps allowing for full range of motion without the additional involvement of your shoulder muscles – thus maximizing work done to your biceps.
Simply sit on a preacher bench and rest the back of your arms on the pad. Adjust the seat so that your armpits are in line with the top of the pad. Grab onto the bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and palms facing outward – then start to curl.
#4. Reverse Grip Rows
Reverse Grip Rows will place a greater stress and pressure on the biceps as opposed to straight rows – this makes them better at targeting the bicep muscles. Once again, isolating the biceps specifically is the best way to maximize muscle growth – making this another excellent addition to your bicep workouts.
To perform Reverse Rows, stand erect while holding a barbell with the palms facing up. Bend your knees slightly and bend at the waist (make sure to keep your back straight).Lift the barbell while keeping your torso stationary and keeping your elbows close to your body. At the top contracted position, squeeze your back muscles and hold for a second – then slowly lower the weight back to starting position.
#3. Cable Bicep Curls
Cable curls are an excellent way to take care of that deep tissue muscle fiber. Because of the constant tension from the cable – hitting that area of your biceps is a perfect way to really bulk up those muscles as you train. You can also use a rope attachment to mix up the workout and really maximize how you pump your arms up.
Make sure to slightly bend your knees to take the stress off of your back. Curl and bring your hands towards your shoulders until you reach maximum contraction of the biceps. Then slowly return to the original position.
#2. Concentration Curls
If you do this exercise while sitting, you will strongly prevent the amount of moment that goes into the execution of the exercise – one again isolating and emphasizing the bicep muscle (getting the point yet?).
While holding your upper arm stationary, curl the weight forward while contracting the biceps. Make sure only the forearms move. Continue this movement until the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Then slowly return to the original position.
#1. Barbell Bicep Curls
The classic and king to bulking up your biceps. The key to this exercise is to make sure you get the full range of motion and don’t let momentum cause you to lean back as you lift. This common mistake will prevent the biceps from truly getting the workout you want them to have. Barbell curls will allow you to lift much more weight than many of the other exercises we put on the list – allowing you to really power up those biceps with this exercise.
While standing, hold the barbell at shoulder width grip. Palms facing forward and elbows close to the torso. Curl the weights up until shoulder level and then slowly lower the bar back down to original position. Easy as pie.
Between these five exercises you should already be on the path to truly mammoth biceps. Once you start to notice the difference – feel free to show them off. Find any excuse to show off those arms you worked so hard for.
What is your absolute favorite bicep workout? Sound off in the comments below and share your thoughts. You an also share with us on Facebook or Twitter as well. Stay pumped.