Tag: Bodybuilding
First INBA Australia Pro Natural Bodybuilder Kristy Graham-Kumabe Signs Multi-media Contract
Image via Instagram @kristygrahamkumabe
The first pro INBA Australia natural bodybuilder, Kristy Graham-Kumabe, signs a multi-media contract with Generation Iron, Iron Man Magazine, and the INBA PNBA.
International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) Australia athlete Kristy Graham-Kumabe signs a multi-media contract with Generation Iron, INBA/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Associaton (PNBA), and Iron Man Magazine. She’s the first INBA Australia athlete to join the other multi-media natural bodybuilders who have signed.
Kristy Graham-Kumabe is a 4x pro natural physique Australian champion. In the year she’s been competing in natural bodybuilding, she’s had great success. In addition to the multi-media contract, Graham-Kumabe was the PNBA Australian national Pro Figure champion and PNBA Australian national Pro Physique champion in 2021.
Kristy Graham-Kumabe published a post on Instagram expressing her gratitude for signing the contract. Graham-Kumabe stated:
“I’m overwhelmingly excited, proud, honoured and grateful to be able to announce I have been selected, offered and have signed a multi media contract with
@inbapnbaglobal_official @generationiron and @ironmanmagazine
To represent the biggest and most prestigious natural bodybuilding federation in the world is a dream come true.
A huge huge thank you to @inba_australia@inbapnbaglobal_official @ironmanmagazine @generationironfor this huge opportunity.
I would not be here doing what I do at the level I am without the day in day out support, guidance and next level coaching from my coach @s.hipwell and the gym community @muscle_hut_sc
Love and endless appreciation to my husband and 3 boys, my family and friends who support, encourage and allow me to go next level!
I will be hitting the international stage this year flying our Australian flag with pride.
Look forward to meeting the @inbapnbaglobal_official family and fellow athletes.
Thank you”
Below you can see Kristy-Graham-Kumabe’s complete statement regarding the multi-media contract.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ccm4xg_AEvM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Multi-media Contract Details
INBA PNBA athletes who sign this multi-media contract will have many benefits. First, these athletes will get more exposure and promotion, including branding building – social media posts, write-ups, photoshoots -, special guest appearances, and posing and seminar sessions. For example, multi-media athletes Derek Joe and Peter Cichonski gave posing tips to Bunthoeun Ham before the 2022 INBA Capital City Championships. As a result, Ham went on to win the Classic Physique Open, won the Best Poser Award, and earned his PNBA pro card.
Furthermore, athletes will get Iron Man Magazine nutrition ads and endorsements. Every INBA PNBA competitor that signs a contract has a good standing with the league and agrees to follow the World Anti-Doping Agency guideline – the best drug testing standards in professional sports.
The INBA PNBA said the following statement concerning the multi-media contract:
“An opportunity for a natural bodybuilding athlete to acquire renown and recognition in the sport of natural bodybuilding, exploiting association’s promotional campaign via the iron man magazine, news and events, and the generation iron platform.”
Natural Bodybuilding’s Expansion
The INBA PNBA is the largest federation in natural bodybuilding, and it’s aiding in expanding the sport. The INBA PNBA gives out the most considerable cash and prizes to their athletes, hosts the most significant natural bodybuilding show – Natural Olympia – and has represented athletes in 60 countries. In addition, the INBA PNBA is now giving natural bodybuilders more publicity through the most prominent bodybuilding outlets – Generation Iron and Iron Man Magazine.
Generation Iron will be tuning in to every INBA PNBA show throughout the year. Click here to see INBA PNBA’s upcoming competition dates!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up with the latest INBA PNBA competition results!
Philip Ricardo Jr: How To Become A Successful Pro Natural Bodybuilder
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Philip Ricardo Jr. discusses the INBA/PNBA and how bodybuilding lovers who do not want to use drugs can become successful as a pro natural bodybuilder.
Philip Ricardo Jr. has his own promoted INBA/PNBA natural bodybuilding competition coming up this month. The Pro/Am Philip Ricardo Legends International is set for April 30, 2022 and will be the first major event in the INBA/PNBA 2022 season. That’s why we decided to reconnect with Ricardo Jr. and discuss his upcoming show and other trending topic sin both natural and untested bodybuilding. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Philip Ricardo Jr. goes into detail on how become a successful pro natural bodybuilder.
For many fans in the bodybuilding world, it’s seen that an actual bodybuilding career or success can only happen in the IFBB Pro league. That in order to become a successful bodybuilder, one will have to use PEDs such as steroids to become a bodybuilding superstar. But Philip Ricardo Jr. wants bodybuilding lovers to know that this isn’t true. The leading league in natural bodybuilding, INBA/PNBA, is taking strides to make pro natural bodybuilders super stars in their own right.
That’s why we reconnected with Philip Ricardo Jr. – to discuss the tactics and paths that aspiring natural bodybuilders can take to find success and a career in bodybuilding without having to resort to PEDs. With Ricardo’s very own Pro/Am show around the corner kicking off the INBA/PNBA season – there was no better time to inform those on the fence how they can go from aspiring bodybuilder to natural bodybuilding champion.
The INBA/PNBA Pro/Am Philip Ricardo Legends International is set to be the first major show of the INBA/PNBA season. Not only is this the first pro/am show of 2022 for the league, Philip Ricardo Jr. has personally worked to ensure that some of the biggest names in the INBA/PNBA will be competing. Former Mr. America and Natural Olympia champions will be in attendance to make for a superstar weekend (that Generation Iron will cover and provide a full recap later this month).
But how does one become an INBA/PNBA superstar? Is it possible to make a full time career out of being a pro natural bodybuilder? Philip Ricardo Jr. took some time with us to detail how the INBA/PNBA qualification system works and how the major pro shows handle prize money and promotion.
The INBA/PNBA is not unlike the IFBB/NPC. The INBA league (International Natural Bodybuilding Association) is the amateur division of the league. The PNBA (Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) is the pro division of the league. Amateurs compete in INBA shows to eventually earn their pro card.
But unlike the IFBB Pro league, once a natural bodybuilder receives a pro card – they can continue to compete in the INBA amateur league as long as they want. This allows for flexibility in the bodybuilder’s career – they can continue to compete until they feel their physique is prepared for the pro level. Yet, while they prepare they can still gain experience (and cash prizes) by competing in the amateur league as they transition into pro.
The Pro/Am Philip Ricardo Legends International is the first pro/am of the season and a perfect showcase for what kind of success a pro natural bodybuilder can really achieve. In addition to this – you can witness the INBA amateur league strive for the next round of pro card qualifications.
Check out Philip Ricardo Jr.’s full tips and info on how to become a successful pro natural bodybuilder by watching our GI Exclusive interview segment above! And for more information on the Pro/Am Philip Ricardo Legends International – visit the official INBA/PNBA website right here.
Nick Walker Continues Moving Big Weight With 185-Pound Incline Dumbbell Press For 10 Reps
Nick Walker is showing off incredible strength with recent lift and sharing a physique update.
Nick Walker made it clear that he is going for the 2022 Olympia title and nothing else. During his offseason, Walker continues to put up big weight in the gym and shows why he will show up in better shape this time around. In a recent workout, Walker was able to lock out 185-pound dumbbells on incline press for 10 reps.
Walker has turned into one of the biggest competitors in bodybuilding. The mass monster finished fifth at the Olympia in October and was not satisfied with his performance. Now Walker, who chose not to defend his Arnold Classic title, has put all of his focus into the Olympia prep.
This particular workout featured a combination of chest and biceps. Walker performed incline bench presses with dumbbells along with low cable curls. When hitting incline bench presses, Walker was able to get the weight up.
This is not the first time that Nick Walker has put up big weight in recent weeks. He recently went through a shoulder day where he put up 165-pound dumbbell shoulder presses. Walker has been able to put on some size and does not look like he is going to slow down.
Nick Walker turned in one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory. He was able to earn qualification to the Olympia last year with a victory during the New York Pro. Walker followed this up with a victory during the Arnold Classic before heading to the Olympia two weeks later.
After his fifth-place finish, Walker expressed how he felt like it was a loss rather than a strong performance in his first Olympia. Walker made sure that he would place all of his attention into the 2022 show and not compete during the season.
This recent training session proves that Nick Walker has the strength and determination to get where he wants to be. It will be interesting to see how he will stack up this time around against the likes of Big Ramy and Brandon Curry, who won the Arnold Classic this year without Walker in the lineup.
The Olympia is set for December and will return to Las Vegas. This will be the site for the biggest competition of the year in bodybuilding with the elite talent in all of the sport.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Breon Ansley Shares Massive Leg Workout, Plans To Compete At 2022 Tampa Pro
Breon Ansley shared a workout that he is using ahead of the 2022 Tampa Pro.
Breon Ansley has been one of the top competitors in Classic Physique for years now and continues to compete at a high level. The former Olympia champ recently went thought a massive leg day and shared his plan to compete at the 2022 Tampa Pro.
Ansley won back-to-back Olympia titles in 2017 and 2018. The next year, he was defeated by Chris Bumstead and this is when he began his reign. In October, Ansley finished third at the Olympia, behind both Bumstead and Terrence Ruffin. Classic Physique is continuing to improve and that was on full display during the 2022 Arnold Classic.
In Columbus, Urs Kalecinski and Ramon Rocha Queiroz burst onto the scene even further. Ruffin won his second consecutive Arnold Classic but it was Queiroz who finished as the runner-up while Kalecinski finished third. Ansley was unhappy with his finish during this show and will undoubtedly work to improve his physique even further.
Breon Ansley Leg Day Routine
During a YouTube video Ansley shared, he showed off a mass-building leg workout but also revealed his plan to compete at the Tampa Pro this year. This is something that he did not share until this video was made.
“We are 16 weeks out from the Tampa. I was never really putting the show out there but you heard it here first, here now. You guys are definitely worthy of knowing the information first. My family. So that’s what it’s going to be guys. The Tampa Pro, 16-weeks out, I’m 197 lbs right now so I’m ahead of the game. I’m going to be at 180 at the weight cap in about another 10 weeks. So I want to be right at the weight cap 6 or 7 weeks out.”
Breon Ansley’s preparation continued in the gym with a massive leg workout featuring a “new master plan.” Ansley will focus on high-volume during this workout to remain leaner for a longer period of time.
Leg Extensions: 2 sets of 6, 1 set of 10
Lying Hamstring Curl: 1 set of 6, 1 set of 7, 1 set of 8
Smith Machine Squats: 1 set of 5, 1 set of 9, 1 set of 5
Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squats: 1 set of 9, 1 set of 11, 1 set of 15
Sissy Squat Machine: 1 set of 5
Barbell Walking Lunges
Standing Calf Machine: 1 set of 5, 1 set of 8
Sitting Calf Machine: 1 set of 5
“This new master plan that we’re putting together this time, that’s going to be the difference. So if I’m leaner over a longer period of time, you guys know usually I’m at 180 like the last two days before weigh ins or the last day before weigh in.”
Breon Ansley has decided to step on stage prior to the Olympia to see the progress he has made. This is a measuring stick to how he will look come December. After the Arnold Classic, it is clear that Ansley decided to shake things up and will feature a new plan.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
PNBA Natural Bodybuilding Hall of Famer Chad Martin’s Blueprint to Boost Your Testosterone Naturally
Having healthy testosterone production is essential for optimal health. Testosterone boosts your libido, increases muscle mass, and gives you energy. Conversely, low testosterone levels cause erectile dysfunction, inability to gain muscle, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, many men suffer from low testosterone, and it’s been declining over the past couple of decades. In this article, Professional Natual Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) Hall of Famer Chad Martin dives in on critical components to naturally increase testosterone.
Chad Martin is a PNBA Hall of Fame Inductee and placed in the top four at 2021 Natural Olympia in the Men’s Bodybuilding Grand Masters division. Chad Marin also writes health and fitness content and recently released a post on how to increase T levels naturally.
Martin noted that he’d often have teenagers and young adults come up to him and ask him what he uses as a testosterone booster. Martin replies, “I live heavy.” Before going into a lecture on the importance of diet, training, and rest.
He highlights that steroids boost your testosterone initially. But he also recognizes taking steroids will cause you to stop producing them naturally. He also mentions it comes with many side effects, including cardiovascular, liver, and kidney issues. Hence, it’s crucial to boost your testosterone naturally.
According to Chad Martin,
“You have to make your body strain so the brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary gland that control testosterone production will kick into gear and aid you.”
He believes that you have complete control over increasing your T levels through your diet, training regimen, and proper rest.
Chad Martin’s Diet, Training, and Rest Tips to Boost Testosterone
Image via Instagram @chadmartinhof
Diet
Martin says that vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are essential for T production. Martin stated:
“For most of the year I try to eat a lot of fish, bison and chicken to maintain necessary animal fats and sustain high levels of protein and amino acids.”
He also consumes foods high in magnesium and zinc. Although eating the right things is vital for testosterone, avoiding certain foods and your lifestyle play a role too. For example, Martin says to stray away from sugar, sweets, alcohol, and marijuana.
Training
Chad Martin states:
“one of the most important parts of training for more testosterone is finding your body’s limit of training as heavy as you can while avoiding injury.”
He’s a firm believer big compound movements, such as squats, deadlifts, weighted dips and pull-ups, barbell and dumbbell bench press, and Martin’s personal favorite, the sled, are the movements to maximize T production.
Below is a video of Chad Martin doing cable curls.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcJYeuDP5yc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Rest
Chad Martin recognizes that rest is critical for natural bodybuilders. However, he stated:
“As a natural bodybuilder you have to pay even more attention to this due to the body has to heal itself naturally without enhancements.”
He mentioned that at least 8 hours of sleep, plus an adequate nighttime recovery formula, is recommended. Martin also emphasized that waiting 48-72 hours before training the same muscle group again to avoid overtraining (lowers testosterone levels).
Recap
Normal testosterone levels are vital for your overall health and wellbeing. It helps build muscle, increase energy levels, and avoid mental health issues. PNBA athlete Chad Martin’s diet, training, and rest tips will boost your testosterone naturally.
Share this on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to help inform the general public about the benefits of boosting testosterone production naturally!
IFBB Pro Figure and Bikini Competitor Stacey Cummings Reportedly Passes Away
Figure and former IFBB Bikini Competitor, Stacey Cummings has reportedly passed away on April 20, 2022.
Early reports indicate that IFBB Pro Women’s Figure Bodybuilder Stacey Cummings has just passed away according to friends and family close to her. The cause of her death is unknown at this time.
Her friend and former competitor Kelly Lynn made the announcement on a April 20th 2022 Facebook post. Stacey Cummings has been in the bodybuilding industry since 2013 when she competed in her first bodybuilding show. Stacey earned her IFBB Pro Card in 2016 at the NPC Nationals and most recently competed at the 2021 IFBB Texas Pro in the Bikini division. Stacy made the switch from Figure to Bikini in less than a year.
Cummings also co-owned Flex Fitness 247 in McKinney, Texas. She dedicated her time to training and as a posing coach working with athletes and wellness clients. Stacey has two children with her ex-husband Bryant Fought. Stacey professionally offered makeup services to female and male competitors at bodybuilding competitions as well as photo shoot and event makeup.
Stacey Cummings Bodybuilding History
2021 IFBB Pro League Texas State Pro Women’s Bikini – 12
2021 IFBB Pro League Texas Pro Women’s Bikini – 12
2019 IFBB Pro League Rising Phoenix Arizona Pro Women’s Figure – 7
2019 IFBB Pro League Tampa Pro Women’s Figure – 10
2019 IFBB Pro League Los Angeles Pro Women’s Figure – 9
2019 IFBB Pro League Norfolk Lenda Murray Pro Women’s Figure – 12
2018 IFBB Pro League Rising Phoenix Arizona Pro Women’s Figure – 9
2017 IFBB Pro League Europa Dallas Pro Women’s Figure – 5
2016 NPC Nationals Women’s Figure – class F 1
2016 NPC North American Championships Women’s Figure – class F 5
2016 NPC Europa Dallas Women’s Figure – class D 1
2016 NPC Europa Dallas Women’s Figure – Novice D 1
Generation Iron sends condolences to the friends and family of Stacey Cummings at this time. Generation Iron will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. Stay tuned to Generation Iron for more updates.
Jacob Ladon is a staff writer and former amateur bodybuilder. He has been passionate about bodybuilding since he was 15 years old and discovered the joys of training in the gym. He reports and comments on all bodybuilding related matters.
INBA Natural Bodybuilding Body Quest Athlete Julie Romero Shares How She Lost 61 Pounds
INBA athlete Julie Romero shares her 61 pounds weight loss transformation and inspires others to naturally live a healthy and fit lifestyle.
This past weekend (April 16, 2022), the INBA Capital City Championships had inspiring women competitors representing the natural bodybuilding community who have taken their health and fitness into their own hands. One of these standout athletes was Julie Romero. Julie Romero has lost a total of 61 pounds. Romero’s health and fitness journey began in October of 2020. Romero merely wanted to lose 20 lbs. However, her trainer encouraged her that more was possible. In just four weeks, she was down 17 pounds, and down 55 pounds in three months. Today, she’s lost a total of 61 pounds.
Julie Romero Lost 61 Pounds Naturally
At the INBA Capital City Championships, Romero gave a speech about her story.
Romero stated:
“Going into this, I only wanted to lose 20 pounds. I was thinking I would be comfortable with just 20 pounds, and when I started, my trainer believed in me and said that I could honestly do 30-40 pounds.
I laughed and said let’s try just do 20 lbs and thought that’s all I could do. And in 4 weeks, I lost 17 pounds. Today I’ve done a total of 61 pounds now.
My new goal is to come up here and to inspire other people to want to do it. And you can do it. And you can do it natural.”
The INBA PNBA uploaded a clip of Romero speaking on social media below.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cci9_SqpS-X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Julie Romero competed in the Body Quest category at INBA Capital City Championships. Body Quest is a weight loss transformation category. And it gives people on a health and fitness journey a platform to share their journey and inspire others. Athletes in the Body Quest class get to show off their transformation with an outfit of their choice and disclose what inspired them to seek a healthy lifestyle.
The INBA Welcomes All Levels of Competition
The INBA welcomes all levels of fitness and bodybuilding and has a multitude of categories to choose from. These include Body Quest, Bikini Diva Mama (women who have had children 1-3 years ago from the competition date), and Beach Body (entry-level category to Men’s Physique).
The INBA PNBA stated:
“The INBA encourages everyone on whatever fitness level they are on to stay healthy, positive, and most importantly drug free. There is a vulnerability to all the amazing Body Quest journeys, and we thank you for sharing them with us. Many are touched, inspired and motivated by your journey.”
In addition to Julie Romero’s inspiring story and transformation shared this past weekend, another Body Quest athlete revealed her weight loss journey, Betty Mayes, who was able to drop 41 lbs.
Upcoming INBA PNBA Competitions
INBA PNBA Pro/Am Philip Ricardo Legends International is the next INBA PNBA show held on Saturday, April 30, 2022. You can view the full INBA PNBA 2022 competition schedule here.
Generation Iron congratulates Julie Romero and Betty Mayes for their inspiring transformations!
If you’ve gone through your fitness quest and want to share your story with others, we encourage you to sign up for the INBA PNBA Mr & Ms USA Championships on July 2, 2022, in Dallas, TX. Click here to register or find out more about INBA Body Quest!
PS Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more inspiring moments from INBA PNBA athletes!
Joey Swoll Talks The Effectiveness Of Weed & Bodybuilding
Joey Swoll talks CBD, marijuana, and how it can supplement bodybuilding.
Joey Swoll’s partnership with the CBD company Ignite started with a friendship between himself and Dan Bilzerian. Dan is a millionaire playboy of sorts in the bodybuilding world, using social media to showcase his luxurious lifestyle. With the rapid change in legality for marijuana and CBD, we decided to talk with Joey about the future of bodybuilding with the potential legalization of marijuana products. In our latest GI Exclusive, Joey Swoll discusses the reality of weed and bodybuilding; how it can to help supplement training; and how popular it is in the bodybuilding community.
A Major Shift
The United States is a very different country today when it comes to marijuana. What was once seen as a dangerous drug is now legal in various states. However slowly, it seems that weed will one day be legal on a federal level in the United States future.
Of course, just because marijuana is still illegal on a federal level doesn’t mean that many people aren’t already partaking in the drug. What has changed is the use of CBD. It’s now legal to sell in many states for a number of uses. The product helps lower anxiety and reduce muscle soreness.
In our latest GI Exclusive interview segment with Joey Swoll – we breakdown his involvement with Dan Bilzarian’s Ignite brand. He also discusses the reality of weed use in bodybuilding. How often is it used? And what kind of purpose to it serve to help enhance the quality of training, pre-workout, and post-workout?
The truth is that many bodybuilders utilize marijuana as a supplement to help with a workout. Whether it be to better focus or feel better through the pain of training – it’s somewhat commonplace in the bodybuilding world.
You can watch Joey Swoll’s full assessment of weed and bodybuilding in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.