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2021 AGP Korea Classic & Men’s Physique Scorecards

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Best CLA Supplements For Weight Loss & Lean Muscle (Updated 2021)

Finding the best CLA for weight loss and muscle is important for your desired physique goals can become reality.
When looking for those supplements to aid in weight loss and muscle growth, CLA is one to absolutely check out. While it may not be as popular as some of the staple supplements we all know and love like pre-workout, fat burners, or protein powders, CLA has the potential to work for you in a safe and natural way as you seek those desired body composition changes. Weight loss can be hard and when mixed with a great training and nutrition routine, the right supplement can work wonders for you. Don’t neglect the potential power of CLA for men and consider this supplement for your weight loss and muscle retention needs.
We’ve put together a list of the Best CLA Supplements for 2021 so you can aid in those weight loss goals. A desired physique requires a good training routine and proper nutrition but solid supplementation can only add to the benefits so that shredded aesthetic becomes reality.
Best CLA Supplements For 2021

Best Fat Reduction
When looking to reduce fat to see those desired body composition changes, it’s important to have the right supplement working for you. With the right ingredients packed into a great formula, it is absolutely achievable to see those fat reduction goals.
 Burn Lab Pro

Number Of Servings
30

Serving Size
3 NutriCaps

Best Way To Take
Take 3 capsules with water.

Burn Lab Pro is an all-around great fat burner with an innovative design and research-backed benefits to really enhance your results as you seek to burn belly fat. Instead of an unhealthy, stim-driven formula, Burn Lab Pro is 100% natural, safe, and caffeine free to give you an effective supplement without any fear of jitters or crashing. Burn Lab Pro allows you to shed more body fat from every workout, gain more lean muscle, see better results from diet and exercise, and give you a safe and natural fat burner supplement to tackle any issues, like muscle maintenance and lack of an energy boost. With 5 powerful and research-backed ingredients, this is the ultimate fat burner for whatever your needs may be.

Burn Lab Pro is a great all-around fat burner with an innovative design and research-backed benefits. It is 100% natural, safe, and caffeine free giving you the best option on the market.

Pros

Great ingredients designed to tackle weight and fat loss goals
No stimulating ingredients with an advanced formula
Safe and natural supplement for your overall health and wellness
From a reputable and high quality company

Cons

Premium priced option
3 capsules is a lot for serving size

Price: $59.00
Check out our individual review for Burn Lab Pro here!

Best Clean Ingredients
The ingredients in these supplements should be clean to only work for your benefit as you seek the best out of these supplements. Clean ingredients ensure that your overall health is the number one priority.
Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Number Of Servings
60

Serving Size
2 Capsules

Best Way To Take
Take 2 capsules with 8-10 ounces of water, twice daily, 30-60 minutes before meals.

Transparent Labs Fat Burner is a great supplement to expedite weight loss by allowing you to shed fat, maintain muscle, and build that ideal physique for whatever comes your way. Working with 3 ways to expedite fat loss, this works to increase loss by determining how many calories you should burn, prevent hunger to eliminate snacking and unwanted calories, and offer an enjoyable weight loss experience so you actually work for your fat loss goal more effectively. With just 9 ingredients, this formula works to give you everything you need to succeed in your weight loss journey while boosting your metabolism.

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs Fat Burner is a great burner to expedite weight loss in 3 ways. A 100% honest label ensures quality ingredients and optimal effectiveness.

Pros

Researched-backed doses and an honest label
Safe and effective to help you lose weight while burning belly fat
No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives

Cons

A premium priced option
Only available through their website
The amount of caffeine may be slightly high

Price: $49.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Also, check out our individual review for Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner here!

Best For Muscle Retention
While losing weight, it’s important to consider your muscles because you don’t want to lose those hard earned gains. By targeting fat loss the right way, you put muscle retention at the top of the priority list in order to see that desired physique unfold.
Enhanced All Day Shred

Number Of Servings
30

Serving Size
1 scoop

Best Way To Take
Take 1 scoop anytime of day.

Enhanced All Day Shred is a great fat burner with a formula of 15 clinically dosed ingredients with amazing results packed in four blends. These blends include a fat releasing, fat oxidation blend, thyroid support, and a supportive vitamin and mineral blend. Each works together with one another to offer increase metabolism for more calorie burn, the movement of fatty acids into cells for energy, the maintenance of healthy levels of essential nutrients to avoid deficiency, and the promotion of fat loss and lean muscle growth by boosting your metabolism and boosting thermogenesis while limiting your intake. With 15 ingredients, this powerful formula is great for evening fat loss.

Enhanced All Day Shred has a powerful formula with 15 clinically-dosed ingredients. Four awesome blends allow for the best fat burning and support benefits possible.

Pros

No stimulants
15 ingredients offer amazing benefits
Verified by active buyers with a money back guarantee

Cons

The price is okay for the number of servings
Some have complaints about the taste

Price: $39.99
Check out our individual review for Enhanced All Day Shred here!

Best CLA For Athletes
Athletes need the right supplements to continue pushing through any and all workouts. The best products for athletes will address their needs and only aid in your overall health and performance as you look for the best inside and out of the gym.
Sports Research CLA 1250

Number Of Servings
180

Serving Size
1 Liquid Softgel

Best Way To Take
Take 1 softgel 3 times daily, 30 minutes before a meal.

Sports Research CLA 1250 is a great CLA supplement designed for weight management support for men and women. Standardized to 95% CLA and sourced from non-GMO safflowers, this supplement is perfect for those athletes always active and on the go. Gluten and soy free, while also having no artificial colors or flavors, this product is third party tested to ensure the utmost accuracy and quality of a top tier CLA for men.

Sports Research CLA 1250 is perfect for weight management with 95% CLA per liquid softgel. Derived from non-GMO safflower oil, this is third party tested to ensure the utmost quality.

Pros

Helps curb appetite and aid in weight loss
Softgels make these easy to swallow
Gluten and soy free

Cons

Pill size is large
Some unpleasant side effects were reported

Price: $22.95

Best CLA For Weight Loss
CLA and its mission for weight loss is important and the right product will do just that. With an emphasis on losing weight, paired with a great training routine and nutrition plan, your goals can be met.
Bulk Supplements CLA Softgels

Number Of Servings
300

Serving Size
1 Softgel

Best Way To Take
Take 1 softgel up to 3 times daily with meals.

Bulk Supplements CLA Softgels are a natural weight loss supplement that can increase fat metabolism and naturally boost your metabolism. Used as a fat burner of sorts, this supplement will also work to suppress hunger and build lean muscle mass while working to reduce body fat for a leaner body. Soured from safflower oil, this product is non-GMO and manufactured in an FDA registered facility for accuracy and quality. For your weight loss or maintaining needs, try Bulk Supplements CLA.

Bulk Supplements CLA Softgels are a natural weight loss supplement used to increase fat metabolism and boost your metabolism naturally. Sourced from high quality safflower oil, this is 100% pure and safe.

Pros

Can help with weight loss and management
Price is good for number of servings
Easy to swallow with no aftertaste

Cons

Amount of CLA in each softgel is slightly less than advertised
Not the best smell

Price: $18.96

Best CLA For Weight Management
For those looing to simply manage their weight, CLA can also work for your benefit. While weight loss isn’t always the goal, sometimes sitting at the right weight keeps you healthy and moving well for both training and performance.
RSP Nutrition CLA

Number Of Servings
180

Serving Size
1 Softgel

Best Way To Take
Take 1 softgel three times daily with meals.

RSP Nutrition CLA is a natural and healthy weight loss supplement shown to help reduce body fat, support lean muscle mass, and improve exercise performance. As a low risk metabolism booster, this safe and jitter-free supplement can enhance your metabolism and is great when paired with a healthy diet and exercise routine. Made from safflower oil, this safe and comprehensive formula is perfect for maximum effectiveness when it comes to your weight management goals out of a CLA supplement for men.

RSP Nutrition CLA is proven to support fat breakdown and help maintain lean body mass. A safe and comprehensive formula ensures optimal quality and effectiveness.

Pros

Great for weight management and metabolic assistance
No jitters or digestive issues
Safe and comprehensive formula

Cons

Pill size is a bit large

Price: $18.97

Best CLA For Lean Muscle Support
Lean muscle support is vital as you look to continue to grow those muscles. A CLA supplement for men that will work for you is a great start as you seek that shredded aesthetic.
Evlution Nutrition CLA 1000

Number Of Servings
90

Serving Size
1 Softgel

Best Way To Take
Take 1 softgel with morning, afternoon, and evening meals.

Evlution Nutrition CLA 1000 is a great stimulant free supplement to support your muscles and metabolism. When combined with exercise and a healthy diet, this can enhance your metabolism, reduce body fat, and amplify lean muscle development to improve performance. This scientifically-formulated blend will reinforce these benefits without any jitters and is held to the highest standard in terms of purity and quality. You work hard for your lean muscle and this product can ensure you keep that on.

Evlution Nutrition CLA 1000 is great for supporting your muscles and metabolism. Formulated for you, this contains no unnecessary ingredients for the best quality around.

Pros

Great for stim-free fat loss and lean muscle development
Sourced from pure, natural safflower oil
Works really well when paired with a solid diet and training routine

Cons

Pill size may be large and tough to swallow

Price: $12.99

Best CLA For Metabolic Support
Your metabolic health is important and as supplements work to kickstart your metabolism, you want to make sure this is done in the right way. Supporting you metabolism is the first step in keeping your health in check while also keeping it moving effortlessly.
Muscle Pharm Essentials CLA Softgels

Number Of Servings
180

Serving Size
1 Softgel

Best Way To Take
Consume 1 softgel with morning, noon, and evening meals.

Muscle Pharm Essentials CLA is the right CLA supplement to assist with your metabolic support. A natural weight loss exercise enhancer, this helps increase your metabolic rate in an efficient way to promote weight loss while increasing lean muscle mass. This formula is designed to fit the needs of active individuals and is of the highest quality, purity, and potency with no banned substances to ruin this great CLA supplement for men.

Muscle Pharm Essentials CLA is perfect for aiding in weight loss and increasing your metabolic rate. With no banned substances and a clean formula, this is a high quality CLA.

Pros

Great for metabolic support and increasing lean muscle mass
No banned substances ensures a clean product
Formula designed for needs of athletes

Cons

Some stomach discomfort was reported

Price: $22.52

Best CLA For Women
Women may need certain ingredients or dosages that are different than men. While the supplement doesn’t vary too much, having one geared towards women can work wonders for your gains inside and out of the gym.
GNC Total Lean CLA

Number Of Servings
45

Serving Size
2 Softgels

Best Way To Take
Take two Softgels twice daily.

GNC Total Lean CLA is perfect for improving body composition, toning lean muscle, and fueling fat metabolism. Sourced from safflower oil, this gluten-free and fat metabolizing supplement is great for women and those active female athletes seeking the best out of their weight loss supplements. Clean and effective, GNC has created a great product to enhance all your goals with this CLA supplement.

GNC Total Lean CLA is scientifically formulated to help improve body composition. This fat metabolizing supplement is sourced from safflower oil and will work to keep on that lean muscle.

Pros

Great for improving body composition and toning lean muscle
Gluten-free and quality fat metabolizing supplement
Stimulant-free

Cons

Number of servings are low for the price compared to others on the market

Price: $29.99

What Is CLA?
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a heavily promoted fat burning supplement that can aid in weight loss, increased fat burning, and appetite suppression. It is the most common omega-6 fatty acid and is found in large amounts of vegetable oil predominantly, but also meat and dairy. A common misconception is that this is lumped in with other trans fats. While this is a trans fat, it differs greatly from the other trans fats known to cause harm to your health. It is natural and is often touted as a great weight loss aid and performance enhancing supplement great for boosting your overall health and performance (1).

Benefits Of CLA Supplements
CLA has great benefits to training and performance, as well as health and wellness and is considered to be a very helpful supplement by many. Knowing the benefits surrounding this supplement can prove most effective as you seek the best for your overall health and wellness.
Benefits of CLA include:

Aid in weight loss and fat burn: CLA works to suppress your appetite and increase energy expenditure, using stored fat for energy, thus aiding in fat loss (2,3). It can also increase fat burning for that vital boost and inhibit fat production to keep that lean physique.
Helps keep lean muscle: By working to shed fat and not use that lean muscle for fuel, you can keep that hard earned muscle for a desired aesthetic (4).
Pure and bioavailable: Made with pure ingredients, your body reacts positively to CLA and it can be absorbed quickly and effectively into your body for optimal benefits.
Natural supplement: Made with natural ingredients, these supplements typically do not contain natural or artificial stimulants to ruin a great product.

Safety & Effectiveness
On the whole, CLA is a safe supplement to take. Some side effects of taking too much include digestive problems, nausea, constipation, stomach pain, and indigestion, but to avoid these, it is best to always read the label and talk with a medical expert if you have questions or concerns. While CLA tends to be very effective in terms of its benefits, some have found that it didn’t change their body fat mass or physical performance all that much. On the other hand, some have said it supports fat loss and the fat burning effects of exercise. Looking at each respective supplement and choosing the best option will ensure the most success (5).
How We Choose
When it comes to choosing the best CLA for men we first look at the brand and the company representing each product. You deserve to have the best looking out for your health and your supplement should absolutely reflect that. We look at the ingredients and where they are sourced because the label should be honest and transparent with all of the ingredients. It is important for you to have the best ingredients put into your body because your health is number one. Lastly, we look at price because we know these supplements can get expensive. It is possible to have a great supplement and have it still be at an affordable price.

FAQ Section
What should I look for in a CLA supplement?
You should look for the ingredients to see if they are natural along with the formula because a company should be transparent. Be sure to look for any added ingredients that may be unnecessary and unwanted out of your CLA product for men.
Are CLA supplements safe to take?
CLA supplements for men on the whole are safe to take but it is always best to consult a medical expert with further questions. Some side effects do exist and it is important to know what they are and how you can handle them if they do come on.
Should I use a CLA supplement or a fat burner?
This is really a preference. While fat burners are a mix of ingredients designed for fat loss, look into both supplements and see if one or the other sticks out to you more.
Wrap Up
CLA is an interesting supplement that many use to promote weight loss as they look to burn fat while also retaining some of that lean muscle. What it comes down to is what you want out of your supplement. These CLA supplements have the potential to work wonders for you and your weight loss goals but it is important to look at the ingredients and formula to make sure it will benefit you. Check out our list above and see if these CLA supplements can give you all the gains you want and then some.
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. 
References

Lehnen, Tatiana E.; da Silva, Marcondes R.; Camacho, Augusto; Marcadenti, Aline; et al. (2015). “A review on effects of conjugated linoleic fatty acid (CLA) upon body composition and energetic metabolism”. (source)
Gaullier, Jean-Michel; Halse, Johan; Hooye, Kjetil; Kristiansen, Knut; et al. (2004). “Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation for 1 y reduces body fat mass in healthy overweight humans”. (source)
Thom, E.; Wadstein, J.; Gudmundsen, O. (2001). “Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat in healthy exercising humans”. (source)
Kim, Yoo; Kim, Jonggun; Whang, Kwang-Youn; Park, Yeonhwa (2016). “Impact of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) on Skeletal Muscle Metabolism”. (source)
Benjamin, Sailas; Prakasan, Priji; Sreedharan, Sajith; Wright, Andre-Denis G.; et al. (2015). “Pros and cons of CLA consumption: an insight from clinical evidences”. (source)

By Presser
16 min read

Tasty Way to Fight Post-Workout Soreness: 5 Foods to Speed Up Muscle Recovery

Tasty Way to Fight Post-Workout Soreness: 5 Foods to Speed Up Muscle Recovery
Eating the right foods after a workout can help you not only recover faster and reduce some muscle soreness. This can help you bulk up or lose weight or both. Nutrition is key to successfully changing your body into the shape you want. And the best post-workout allies on your road to that change will be fish, berries, greens, and eggs.
5 Best Post-Workout Foods for Speedy Muscle Recovery

Tart cherries

All berries are exceptionally good for you and can help muscle recovery due to their antioxidant power. They are also low in calories but high in fiber, which makes them a perfect energizing snack. Tart cherries, in particular, are efficient in reducing muscle soreness, according to a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Eat tart cherries after your evening workout and you’ll be able to cash in on the other benefit they offer. This fruit stimulates the synthesis of melatonin. This means that you’ll be able to sleep and rest better after this treat.
But don’t mix berries with dairy products as the latter might reduce the absorption of antioxidants.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the best protein foods for building muscle. Therefore, eating them after a workout will speed up tissue recovery. This will not only reduce soreness but also help you beef up much faster.
When working out to beef up you’ll need to not only eat protein to grow muscle but also to burn body fat more effectively. Without this, your body won’t become toned and impressive, it’ll just get very big. Eggs, due to their easily digestible proteins, are perfect for both muscle growth and weight loss. To achieve the best results, you’ll need to burn fat and grow muscle fast. This means you should consider switching to an intensive diet plan to lose 10kg in a month because you need to aim for maximum fat loss in minimum time. Your diet will need to include eggs for breakfast and the post-workout meal. The serving for breakfast will enhance weight loss and help control your appetite.

Yogurt

Yogurt can be one of the best great post-workout foods because it will give you protein and probiotics. The latter will improve digestion and your immunity. This means they will help reduce inflammation, which is a major cause of muscle aches.
However, you need to know that yogurt is also on the list of foods that don’t deserve their reputation. That’s because the majority of yogurts you see in stores are flavored and contain lots of sugar. Simply put, those add nothing good to your daily nutrition profile.
For a yogurt to benefit your diet, you should eat plain Greek yogurt, which is naturally lower in fat. Note that any kind of yogurt has some sugar. That’s why it’s essential to avoid anything that has more of it added.

Fish

Salmon is your best friend for a truly health-boosting post-workout meal. Not only is it one of the top protein-rich foods. It also gives you a boost of essential omega 3 fatty acids. Those are effective anti-inflammatory agents that speed up recovery and boost your wellbeing in general.
Other types of fish that will be just as good are tuna, cod, and mackerel. You can also consider taking fish oil supplements if eating fish regularly isn’t an option for you.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are among the healthiest foods on the planet. They improve cognitive abilities, heart health, and help you lose weight. They also speed up recovery by helping your body fight inflammation. This results in less soreness and more benefits from your workout overall.
Leafy greens also have the amazing property of reducing the levels of stress hormone cortisol. This is a huge boost to your health on many levels and reduces the strain that an intense workout can have on the body.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I’m Agatha Singer, a work-from-home mom of two little nuggets. My interests range from the latest business management trends to healthy living and adventurous traveling. I always stay open to new ideas and expertise to make my writings handy and captivating for you. I’ll be happy to see you on my blog: http://www.agsinger.com!

By Presser
4 min read

The Only 3 Supplements You Should Be Using

The Only 3 Supplements You Should Be Using
The fitness industry is full of fads. The supplement companies have gotten better at marketing their products. Most of these companies invest more in marketing their products as compared to R&D.
As any marketing professional would confirm, the best way for a company to make more money is to get their customers to buy more products from them. The phenomena of selling a new product to an existing customer are known as cross-selling.
The idea of making more money can be tempting for anyone and we can’t blame the supplement companies for it. If a customer already has bought a whey protein powder, selling him another tub of the same product won’t be effective in moving the supplement company’s balance sheet.

On the other hand, the supplement company could bundle up the whey protein supplement with another supplement like a BCAA powder and a guarantee that it will give the consumer better results. Most of the people buying supplements to improve their bodies won’t mind spending a few more bucks every month in hope for better results.
Hardly do these buyers know, these additional supplements will minutely budge the needle. There is no doubt technology is getting better with time and so are the supplements. But the question is, do you need all the supplements a supplement company has in its catalog?
The simple answer is a no. Bodybuilding has been around for a long time and many bodybuilders made it big with the help of few supplements and so can you. Most of the athletes endorsing new supplements don’t use the products themselves. If they can do without it, so can you.
Whey Protein
If you’ve been around the fitness scene for some time, you would know the importance of whey protein by now. Most bodybuilders and fitness athletes swear by whey protein. Many of these athletes consume the protein powder multiple times in a day.
Whey protein powder contains essential amino acids which are absorbed quickly by the body. Studies show whey protein can help you increase strength, gain muscle and lose significant amounts of body fat.
You can also check out our official buyers guide for the best protein powders of the year right here. Take the guesswork out of perfecting your supplementation with our helpful guide.
Pre-Workout Supplements
Even the best of bodybuilders have days when they don’t feel like training. Pre-workout supplements can be the push you need on these days. Some pre-workout supplements can take your workouts to the next level by supplying you with energy, mental focus, and muscle pumps.
Some pre-workouts supplements contain stimulants. After some time your body can get accustomed to these stimulants and might stop responding to them. It is recommended that you cycle using the pre-workout supplements.
Find the perfect pre-workout to fit your lifestyle with our buyers guide of the best pre-workouts of the year right here.
Creatine
Creatine is a controversial supplement, and a lot has been said about it. Many people think using creatine can harm your kidneys, liver, and heart. Many studies have proved creatine is a completely safe supplement and has no side effects when used in moderation.
Creatine is a chemical which is naturally formed in the human body and is also found in red meat and seafood. Creatine can improve exercise performance and can help you complete more sets and reps which can, in turn, lead to gaining muscle mass.
Check out our official buyers guide for the best creatine on the market this year right here. We break down the pros and cons of the top creatine supplements for bodybuilders.

What supplements do you use?
Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

By Presser
4 min read

Janet Layug Will Not Defend Bikini Title At 2021 Olympia

Reigning Olympia Bikini champion Janet Layug will not compete during this year’s competition.
Janet Layug has been a force in the Bikini Division since 2013. She has totaled 12 victories since becoming a professional and her biggest came at the 2020 Olympia. Layug finished at the top of the division during the biggest competition of the year but she will not be defending her title this time around.
Layug put together an IFBB Pro show that was Bikini only on Saturday, July 31 called Battle of the Bodies. During the competition, Layug announced that she will not be apart of this year’s Olympia. Mr. Olympia LLC shared the video on their Instagram page.
“I’ve been competing since 2013, a very long time, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. We have the Mr. Olympia show coming up again, here in about 10 weeks. I feel as though, with the journey and the path that I’m taking, I’m announcing that I will not be competing in this year’s Olympia.”

This means that there will be a new champion in the Bikini Division and it could be Maureen Blanquisco, who took home the prize during Janet Layug’s Battle of the Bodies. Elisa Pecini will also be in line to take back her title this year.
Layug saw great success during the Olympia with three-straight top three finishes. In 2019, she was beat out by Pecini but was able to get her revenge during the 2020 competition. In 2018, Layug finished third behind Angelica Teixeira and Lauralie Chapados.
Janey Layug did not close the door on future competitions but there is no plan of when she will return to the stage. Also, there were no reasons disclosed as to why she will not compete at this year’s Olympia.
“It is a bittersweet moment for me, but I think it’s the best choice. As we all know, when one door closes, a new one opens. So I’m beyond honored to present the award to the Bikini champion tonight, at my show, whoever that might be, and send then off to compete at the Olympia this year.”
The presence of Janet Layug will be missed at this year’s event but there is a chance she will be able to pick up another title in the future. As disappointing as it is to see Layug not compete, it is nice to see one of the best in the sport take a break when it is needed. And we know one thing for sure — there will be a new champion in the Bikini Division.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

By Presser
3 min read

How Andrei Deiu Works Out For A Camera Ready Body

This workout from Andrei Deiu will get you shredded so you see those desired gains unfold for others to envy.
Andrei Deiu is a Romanian bodybuilder and model who has transformed his life and body into something he is proud of. By breaking old habits and having to adjust to new ones, he is a prime example of what resilience and hard work can do for your goals.
Too often do we spend too much time online trying our hardest to put together a solid workout plan. With so many influencers claiming they have the secret weapon, it can be challenging to weed through all the nonsense to find the truth. But we are missing one critical piece to make our lives so much easier. Looking at bodybuilders and other athletes who we know and love can give us great inspiration as their workouts are proven to work with that respective athlete as the end result. It isn’t magic, just hard work and a will to want to change.
Andrei Deiu knows just what it takes to work from nothing and create a toned and sculpted aesthetic that others will envy.

Full Name: Andrei Deiu

Weight
Height
Date Of Birth

175-185 lbs.
5’11’’
05/08/1996

Profession
Era
Nationality

Bodybuilder, Model
2010
Romanian

Andrei had to change his mindset before he could transform his body physically and with the right training routine and diet program, he was able to do just that. Making the change wasn’t easy but with the right guidance, it is something you can do and this workout from Andrei is perfect for getting started.

About Andrei Deiu
Andrei found himself in a quite the predicament in his younger years, playing video games and eating junk food while really letting his health slip. As his weight began to increase, this led to low confidence and the vicious cycle of bullying began. But instead of running and hiding, Andrei took the gym and built up a physique he certainly knew others would envy. Soon after, he would enter his first bodybuilding competition and soon after that, began modeling for various clothing brands and fitness apparel. With hard work and a will to be the best, Andrei turned his life around and became a real force in the fitness community.

Andrei Deiu Training Routine
With this training routine, Andrei is always looking to continue to grow in strength and size and includes exercises for every muscle group to achieve that. Working with varying weights and reps, this seven day plan is guaranteed to give you gains that you want to see most. While these exercises are meant to build strength, they are all designed to increase energy and provide for endurance to keep him powered through the entire workout and those to come. Ultimately, this workout is used to improve his weaker areas so nothing ever lags behind.
Day #1: Chest & Shoulders

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Chest Press
3
10

Incline Press Up
3
10

Cable Flys
3
12

Dumbbell Bench Press
3
10

Machine Chest Fly
3
10

Lateral Raises (Seated)
3
8

Day #2: Back & Abs

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Pull-Ups
3
12

Seated Cable Row
3
10

One Arm Dumbbell Row
3
10

Reverse Abs
3
15

Lat Pulldowns
3
10

Lat Pullovers
3
10

Deadlifts
3
8

Machine Crunches
3
15

Day #3: Shoulders

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Military Press
3
10

Front Raises
3
10

Side Raises
3
10

Shrugs
3
15

Rear Delt Raises
3
10

Reverse Pec Deck
3
10

Alternating One Arm Side Raises
3
8

Day #4: Cardio & Abs

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Cardio Machine (Treadmill, Bike, Etc.
1
1 Hour

Leg Raises
3
20

Sit-Ups
3
20

Windshield Wipers
3
20

Day #5: Legs

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Squats
3
8

Leg Press
3
10

Leg Extensions
3
12

Standing Calf Raises
3
15

Seated Calf Raises
3
15

Day 6: Arms & Abs

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Triceps Pushdowns
3
10

Skullcrushers
3
10

Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extensions
3
12

Barbell Curls
3
10

Concentration Curls
3
10

Hammer Curls
3
10

V-Ups
3
15

Side Plank
3
15

Day 7: Legs

Exercises
Sets
Reps

Lunges
3
10

Leg Press
3
10

Leg Curls
3
10

Romanian Deadlifts
3
8

Calf Press
3
12

Standing Calf Raises
3
15

Featured Supplement For Cutting and Toning
While Andrei uses his own supplements of choice, having a solid supplementation routine can work wonders for you as you seek the best for your goals. Some staples like a pre-workout and protein powder are great for those pre- and post-workout needs, but others like a multivitamin, testosterone booster, or intra-workout BCAA can be a game changer. But fat burners can work to shed that unwanted fat so you see that physique you want most.
Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs Fat Burner is a great burner to expedite weight loss in 3 ways. A 100% honest label ensures quality ingredients and optimal effectiveness.

Transparent Labs Fat Burner is a great supplement to expedite weight loss by allowing you to shed fat, maintain muscle, and build that ideal physique for whatever comes your way. Working with 3 ways to expedite fat loss, this works to increase loss by determining how many calories you should burn, prevent hunger to eliminate snacking and unwanted calories, and offer an enjoyable weight loss experience so you actually work for your fat loss goal more effectively. With just 9 ingredients, this formula works to give you everything you need to succeed in your weight loss journey while boosting your metabolism.
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Also, check out our individual review for Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner here!

Check out our list of the Best Fat Burners On The Market For more great fat burning supplements!

Wrap Up
This workout from Andrei Deiu is great for toning and seeing that desired physique you want most. It can be challenging to sort through all the nonsense online to find a good workout but looking to the pros and those who have gone before us can greatly influence our gains. Give this workout a try and see what it can do for your goals today. You won’t be disappointed with the results.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 
*Images courtesy of Andrei Deiu Instagram

By Presser
5 min read

Roelly Winklaar Appears To Be Out of Tampa Pro

Is Roelly Winklaar out of the 2022 Tampa Pro?
It appears that an interesting development has occurred in regards to veteran bodybuilder Roelly Winklaar. The long-time competitor had set his sights on the Tampa Pro after a disappointing showing at the Chicago Pro. That appears to have changed now as it appears that Roelly could be out of the show.

Recently a new competitors list went live to build some hype ahead of the Tampa Pro. With saw some familiar names on the list, namely Iain Valliere who is looking impressive heading into the show. We expected to see Vailliere face off against Roelly Winklaar at the show. The problem is Roelly’s name was nowhere to be found on the competitors list.
But with his absence from the list of competitors, many have speculated Roelly Winklaair is out of the Tampa Pro. Below is the competitors list for Men’s Open Bodybuilding.
2021 Tampa Pro Competitors List
With Roelly Winklaar potentially out, that leaves only Iain Valliere and Maxx Charles at the top of the heap. Both competitors have what it takes to earn their opportunity to compete at the 2021 Olympia. While Charles has been very impressive in recent showings he’ll have all he can handle taking on Valliere.

As for Roelly Winklaar it’s unclear where he stands. If he doesn’t compete here his chances of being able to qualify for the Olympia will grow even more slim. For now we’ll have to wait and see. Rumors have surfaced that he could compete in Spain, but that has yet to be confirmed.
What do you think of Roelly Winklaar potentially being out of the Tampa Pro?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.

By Presser
2 min read

Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals How Powerlifting Helped His Bodybuilding

Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses his powerlifting past.
Arnold Schwarzenegger recently revealed how powerlifting took his bodybuilding to the next level. The iconic bodybuilder talked about his powerlifting training in a recent monthly newsletter, giving details on how it helped his game.
The most iconic bodybuilder in the history of the game Arnold Schwarzenegger completely changed the face of the sport forever. He used every tactic at his disposal in order to achieve bodybuilding greatness. That ability to think outside the box is what took Arnold to the top of the mountain and beyond.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was the kind of competitor to use psychology to his advantage. He would use mind games in order to psyche out the opposition. That ability to push himself mentally was what enabled him to push past his physical limits. It also allowed him to train in ways that wasn’t common for bodybuilders of the era.
In fact, Arnold Schwarzenegger used powerlifting to take his game to the next level. In his monthly newsletter letter, Arnold broke down how he added powerlifting to his game to supplement his bodybuilding training.

“I loved mixing in powerlifting with bodybuilding one day a week. This was my heavy day: I warmed up with 135, then 225, then 275, then 315, 375, then 405, then 455, then 495. From that I would know the weight I could do for 3 reps, sometimes it was 455, sometimes more or less, it depended on the day.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger went on to talk about his bench press routine that he would follow.

“I would do 5-8 sets of 3 reps. It was a way to get my body used to lifting very heavy. And then I would take off the weight so it was only 315 and do as many reps as I could, and then I was finished with my bench press.”

The iconic bodybuilding champion talked candidly about how goal setting and nuanced training has helped him throughout his life. Goal setting as well as failure.

“There is a lesson in setting a goal and hitting it that has helped me all throughout my life, so if you’re young, set yourself some big goals and work on a sustainable plan to achieve them.
“What you learn is simple: failure is not losing, failure is part of growing. Before I lifted 500 pounds, do you know what I did? I failed to lift 500 pounds, not once, not twice, but tons of times.
“One of the best lessons the gym can teach you is that failure is not an end – it’s a means to an end.”

Still Going Strong
There’s a reason why Arnold Schwarzenegger is so revered. He has achieved great things but has always been candid in his pursuits. Embracing both his successes and failures which is what has taken him to truly great heights. Now that the icon has turned 74 years old, you’d think he’d be ready to slow down. On the contrary, Arnold is still going strong.

What do you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his powerlifting methods?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Managing Editor 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
3 min read

Guy Cisternino: Love For Social Media Is Replacing Love For Training In Bodybuilding

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Guy Cisternino shares one of the biggest things he hates about bodybuilding today.
Guy Cisternino is a pro bodybuilder who is not afraid to speak his mind – even if it’s not what people want to hear. That’s why we asked him to share one thing he loves about modern bodybuilding… and one thing he hates about modern bodybuilding. In our latest GI Exclusive, Guy Cisternino details how he loves the camaraderie of bodybuilding but hates how social media has changed training.
In our first GI Exclusive segment with Guy Cisternino, we discussed the viral video showcasing him confronting people at the gym. He was in the middle of a set and was angry due to younger gym patrons filming aggressively close to the current exercise machine Cisternino was using. Ultimately, he was able to explain himself and patch things up with the young gym-goers.
But the problem that started it, filming constantly in the gym during training, is the biggest thing that Guy Cisternino dislikes about modern bodybuilding. In his own words, he believes that, “the love for training is becoming more a love for social media.” What he means by this is that young bodybuilders see training more as “content” rather than a means to improving their physique.
This is, of course, a very generalized statement. But it tracks with what Guy Cisternino was telling us in a previous segment as well. Cisternino loves hardcore focused bodybuilders. Branch Warren is one of his biggest inspiration. Today, he sees less of that and more young bodybuilders constantly filming their training and filming random content in between sets. Cisternino worries that young bodybuilders are trying to skip the line and become famous before they accomplish major victories as a competitive bodybuilder.

Social media has also proved that you can be successful without ever competing. Influencers like Rich Piana, Bradley Martyn, and Craig Golias find success through social media without having to compete on the pro level. Guy Cisternino argues that those individuals are the outliers. The problem is everyone wants to be the outlier instead of doing the hard work of becoming a successful pro.
“They’re trying to be in our shoes as professionals before even stepping on stage. And it’s frustrating,” Guy Cisternino states in our interview. He continues:
“And yeah, in my eyes, and I don’t think it’s bad to say But for me to say it’s not disrespectful to think that a 20 year old kid has a camera crew filing himself working out because he thinks… he’s trying to be somebody on the same level as somebody like me? What I do? It’s crazy. It’s like, I would never act like I’m a professional football player on social media because I’m not a professional football player. But you’re going to act like you’re a professional bodybuilder or professional trainer and you’re 20 years old and have a camera crew? Like work for what you have.”
This is a divide between generations that exists beyond bodybuilding. A portion of millennials and Gen Z grew up a world where it feels like anyone can become famous because sites like YouTube and Instagram have a low bar for entry. Namely, it’s free to upload and broadcast content. Once that content became monetizable – newer generations discovered there was money to be made via influencer success.

But much like fame in any era – it can only be a small percentage who actually achieve it. Now with the bar for entry lower, it at least seems like more individuals are attempting to pursue it. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this. But when it enters tried and true traditions or public spaces – it can clash with the old way of doing things.
Is one inherently worse than the other? Time and reflection on an entire generation will be the true teacher. But for Guy Cisternino, it’s simply something he hates about the current state of bodybuilding. It’s not wrong. It’s not right. But it’s something that clashes with what he loves about bodybuilding – the passion for training above all else.
You can watch Guy Cisternino explain his full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!

By Presser
4 min read

Become Immortal: The 3 Best Exercises That Will Make You Live Longer

Live long with the power of iron.
Respect your elders. Throughout childhood most of us have heard this term in some form or another. And although we did respect grandma and grandpa we think it’s safe to say none us wanted to look like them. If your grandpa was Jack Lalanne then I’ll give you that one. Fortunately – for the rest of us –  we don’t have to. According to modern day science you can have the wisdom that comes with age and still keep the body of Conan The Barbarian. How? With some good ole’ fashion perspiration and inspiration my friend. Besides, I’m sure we would’ve respected grandpa even more if could dead 400 lbs…just sayin’.
According to one of the largest studies done on human gene expression, aging profoundly affects skeletal muscle, including loss of muscle mass and strength and increasing the levels of fat and connective tissue. This condition is known as age-related sarcopenia. However, sarcopenia can be combated with physical exercise as it is shown to counteract the effects of aging on certain genes.

“Strikingly, we find that genes that are associated with both aging and physical capacity are largely counteracting. The presented data thereby support efforts to maintain high physical fitness in an aging population to counteract negative effects on mitochondrial function.”
Even more interesting is that the body does not have an age-limit on improvement by exercise. Exercise, particularly weight lifting, have shown health improvements from people 80-90 years old. And the only reason that we can’t say even older is that is the oldest sample tested. It’s postulated that at any age exercise can have benefits when applied properly. So now that you know exercise can keep your engine burning for a long time what are the best ones to do? We’ve got a couple of suggestions.
The Sled Pull
Although recent to the fitness world in America the sled pull has been performed for decades by our Scandinavian logger friends. That’s right, the sled Pull was originally a log pull, and they didn’t tweet about it either. The sled pull is awesome because it’s a functional movement exercises which means it’s easily applicable to everyday life. Not only will it keep you out of the wheelchair but out of the physical therapist office as well. It’s lack of eccentric loading means it causes minimal wear on your body, greatly reducing the chance of injury or soreness. “I’m falling and I can’t get up”, not for you.
Squats
We know this is an obvious one but who doesn’t like hearing they’re right anyway? Simply put this is one of the best bone density, muscle building exercises out there. Why spend your golden years drinking lemonade on a porch when you can spend it hanging off the side of a cliff? This full body weight bearing exercise will help stave of things like osteoporosis and leave the doctor’s office as empty as high noon in a western.
Cardio
Whether you run a marathon, play racquetball, or swim, it really doesn’t matter. Just keep your cardio rate up for an extended period of time. The shortness of breath commonly associated with a set of stairs and old age can become a thing of the past. Pick a fun cardio workout that you enjoy doing and try to do it atleast twice a week. Better yet join a rec team and play with others! Having fun in social settings have been repeatedly proven to keep you happier and healthier in the long run.
We know you were looking forward to riding one of those stair mobile thingys pedaled on daytime t.v., but “I’m falling and I can’t get up” is no longer part of your vocabulary. Get up, get out, and train!

By Presser
4 min read