Tag: Bodybuilding
Try This Big Neechi Biceps & Triceps Workout For Greater Growth
Pump those bis and tris with this awesome workout from Big Neechi.
Neechi Sosa, better known as Big Neechi, is a celebrity bodybuilder known for his lifestyle, content, and massive physique. He has been featured in many GI exclusive interviews and was also featured in Strength Wars: The Movie. He understands fitness and seeks to use social media as a tool to promote himself and inspire others.
For those of us looking to really capitalize on gains, it can be a waste of time to just flounder through and not see results. So, why waste our time doing that? Taking notes and seeking the best advice from professionals is exactly what we need to only see the best growth possible. With our bodybuilding goals in mind, it only makes sense to look to other bodybuilders to find and seek out the best possible tips so we can look like them. Plus, they are living proof of what those workouts can do.
As a popular figure in the online bodybuilding world, Big Neechi knows just what it takes to push himself and capitalize on many great exercises with the best gains possible. On top of training, nutrition and supplementation are important, but nothing beats having a well-rounded workout in your training plan. Especially one designed to boost all areas of your growth and give your arms that bulging look you need most.
Full Name: Neechi “Big Neechi” Sosa
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
215-225 lbs.
5’10”
10/31/1991
Profession
Era
Nationality
Trainer, Fitness Influencer
2010
American
Let’s get into this Big Neechi workout and see just how he pumps those bis and tris to see the best results possible. With the right approach and the best exercises, plus a mindset that only fuels gains, this workout is sure to give you results like Big Neechi himself so you look and feel your best.
Photo via @bigneechi Instagram
About Big Neechi
Big Neechi started working out at a young age and quickly fell in love with it. While in junior high school, he broke the high school bench press record and with his sheer strength and winning mindset, football teams and scholarship opportunities came knocking. However, his potential football career ended abruptly and he was left to seek out something else.
He fell back into what he loved, being lifting, and his passion only grew more and more. With his workouts increasing in weight and intensity, he started crafting and sculpting a physique that others started to envy. His social media was also on the rise as someone who partied, and knew how to throw wild parties, plus with more attention on him, he saw the chance to capitalize.
He ended up getting a degree in Exercise and Sports Science and used his knowledge and experience to only further his academic credit. Having been featured in a number of publications, and also some TV appearances, Big Neechi has set himself as someone who people gravitate towards for both content and advice.
Photo via @bigneechi Instagram
Big Neechi Biceps & Triceps Workout
In a recent YouTube video, Big Neechi shows off his impressive biceps and triceps workout so everyone can get a glimpse into how he grows his arms. A great mix of amazing exercises, these combine machines and free weight so you can tackle all of those lifting wants and needs with no problem. Exercises include:
Let’s get into this workout from Big Neechi so you can place this into your routine and see how you like it. Once you perform this once, you will love what this can do for you on those arm-focused days.
The Workout
Warm-Up
Big Neechi starts this workout with triceps pushdowns. His note is to keep these controlled and not to jerk the cable down with excessive movement. Also, keeping your elbows tight with no movement allows for total activation of the muscle.
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Seated DB Overhead Triceps Extension
2-3
12
EZ Bar Skullcrushers
2-3
12
Single Arm DB Preacher Curl
2-3
12
Machine Preacher Curls
2-3
12
Weight Dips
2-3
12
Big Neechi finishes this workout with a round of battle ropes to fire up those muscles and add some intensity to end the session. Battle ropes are great ways to build strength and conditioning and provide that added challenge once fatigue starts to settle in.
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Big Neechi Nutrition & Supplementation For Continued Gains
On top of a great workout, Big Neechi puts a real emphasis on nutrition to make sure his macros are all in line and that he eats incredibly clean. Foods like chicken and rice, vegetables, and other healthy options are the right approach for pumping him with the necessary nutrients to fuel any workout. Of course, protein is essential as this will give those muscles the proper fuel to grow, especially after a grueling workout like this biceps and triceps one above.
When it comes to supplementation, Big Neechi is also in tune with what works for him. Great supplements like protein powder ensure growth and recovery by pumping you with adequate amounts of protein and a pre-workout is always great for those looking toward muscle pumps and increased energy. If you are someone who enjoys a supplement mid-workout, BCAAs are perfect for fighting through fatigue and kickstarting growth before the workout is even complete.
Wrap Up
This biceps and triceps from Big Neechi is exactly what you need to see in order for the most effective gains. Well-built arms are key in any well-rounded physique and will make others envy the work you put in. A great mix of free weights and machines, Big Neechi takes full advantage of the gym and the equipment afforded to him in efforts to see the best growth possible. Place this workout into your arm day routine and see what this can do for all your gains today.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
Natural Bodybuilder Gomori Andras Mate Claims Exercising Outside Cures Anxiety
Image via Instagram @gomoriandrasmate
INBA PNBA athlete Gomori Andras Mate says exercise outdoors is anxiety’s antidote.
Mental health is essential. And a big part of good mental health is good physical health, of course. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, you know how better you feel after exercise. And combining exercise with the great outdoors does wonders for your mental health, according to International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) natural bodybuilder Gomori Andras Mate.
Gomori Andras Mate won the amateur Classic Physique Overall championship title and his pro card at Natural Olympia 2021. On social media, he claimed:
“The best antidote to anxiety is exercise outdoors, direct sunlight… A good hike [sic} A coffee in the woods [sic]”
Below is Gomori Andras Mate’s full Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CaoovwTo4Ke/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
According to Mate, combining exercise with the outdoors will do wonders for your health. Mate isn’t the only natural bodybuilder that praises spending time in sunlight for its health benefits, though. INBA PNBA competitor Peter Cichonski claims the rays from the sun reduce aging. Natural bodybuilder Erika Sweeney uses vitamin D as a staple supplement.
Sunlight and Nature’s Anxiety Reducing Benefits
A big reason exercising outdoors is beneficial for your mental health is vitamin D. You can get vitamin D naturally from the sunlight. However, many people are deficient in vitamin D since they aren’t spending enough time outside. If that’s the case, it’s strongly recommended that you take a vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D gives you energy, improves your immune system, and strengthens your bones. Research shows vitamin D can also increase your testosterone levels and sexual health. (1) A vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, fatigue, and illness.
Other than the benefits sunlight provides you, being in nature gives you benefits. Spending some time outside lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of diabetes (2)
Outdoor Workout
Exercise releases a plethora of feel-good chemicals, so a potent combination to reduce anxiety is to combine the great outdoors with exercise. Below is a full body outdoor workout to try next time you workout.
Decline Push-up 3 x max reps
Lunge 3 x 20 reps
Pike push-up 3 sets x max reps
Bench Dip 2 sets x max reps
Plank 2 sets x max time
Finish your workout off with Tabata burpees for a cardio blaster.
Natural Bodybuilding Ensures Safety of Athletes
Natural bodybuilding is bodybuilding where drugs are prohibited. Most bodybuilding leagues don’t condone drugs. However, they don’t have any system in place to prevent them. Natural bodybuilding leagues such as the INBA PNBA follow a strict protocol to ensure an even playing field and the health and safety of their athletes.
Many natural bodybuilders prioritize their health, so they opt for natural supplements and innovative training to improve their health instead of engaging in doping, which can be detrimental to your health.
Recap
Add outdoor workouts as part of your training regimen to reduce your anxiety. The sunlight is imperative for your health. Spending time outside boosts energy levels, strengthens your immune system, and alleviates stress.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more health tips from natural bodybuilders!
References
Pilz, S., Frisch, S., Koertke, H., Kuhn, J., Dreier, J., Obermayer-Pietsch, B., Wehr, E., & Zittermann, A. (2011). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme, 43(3), 223–225. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1269854
University of East Anglia. (2018, July 6). It’s official — spending time outside is good for you. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 6, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180706102842.htm
Jim Stoppani: Pros & Cons Of Coffee and Alcohol
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Jim Stoppani answers: How does coffee and alcohol affect your general fitness and health? And should pro bodybuilders keep them in their diets?
Alcohol and coffee can be considered two of the biggest vices in the modern world. They are so embedded into culture that no one bats an eye to the affects of both when taken to extremes. For those that are health conscious and especially those who want to be elite bodybuilders – can these two products say in a healthy diet? We turned to exercise physiologist Jim Stoppani for a full explainer guide on the pros and cons of keeping coffee and alcohol in your diet.
For the average adult, coffee and alcohol consumption is a casual and regular occurrence. Of course, so long as it is in moderation. Chronic diseases such as alcoholism are a consistent problem in many countries – certainly in the United States. But beyond the extreme side of substance abuse, are there long term dangers from casual alcohol and coffee consumption? Jim Stoppani believes that these substances are not as taboo as some alarmists would have you believe.
Pros & Cons of Coffee
During our video interview, Vlad Yudin mentions how there are those who warn of coffee addiction and the negative effects this can have on a person. Yet many athletes and bodybuilders will use coffee as a form of natural pre-workout. A way to boost energy for that next training session. Should coffee be cut from a health conscious person’s diet? Is coffee and caffeine bad for your health?
“I say good,” Jim Stoppani comments during the conversation. Of course, he mentions, it will always depend on the individual person and their personal goal. Overall, there are proven health benefits to drinking coffee (and consuming caffeine in general). Coffee itself can be an antioxidant. And caffeine has been proven to help lessen cognitive decline throughout the day.
Studies also show that smaller doses more frequently throughout the day fairs better than big doses once or twice a day. So for those who pound down morning coffee – perhaps an alternate habit could be more optimal.
Jim Stoppani doesn’t like to demonize caffeine. It won’t kill you and it wont kill your gains. However, drinking coffee at too young an age can be more dangerous. Stoppani explains that consuming regular amounts of caffeine under the age of 18 has a direct effect on the development of the brain. It can change your brain connections.
Another reason you might not want to have coffee or caffeine in your diet is down to personal situations. If you have cardiovascular or heart health issues – avoiding caffeine is a better choice. And those who suffer chronic anxiety might find that caffeine only raises their anxiety throughout the day.
Pros & Cons of Alcohol
The obvious big danger about alcohol is abuse. It can be addictive and also cause serious damage to your liver and heart with long term abuse. Also binge drinking can lead to dangerous situations when your cognitive abilities start to blur.
However, beyond those very real and serious risks with long term abuse – Jim Stoppani sees no issue with alcohol in a fit person’s diet. It’s completely possible to remain health and fit while also enjoying the occasional drink.
Jim Stoppani explains that at the end of the day it’s all about your macros. If you are a elite bodybuilder looking to have 3% body fat and dominate on stage – then maybe it’s best to avoid alcohol for the majority of your career. But for the larger fitness community at large – it all depends on your personal goals. Alcohol calories certainly add up if you’re not careful.
Ultimately, Jim Stoppani wants to remind those watching that you only live once. “What’s the point of being fit?” Stoppani rhetorically asks. “So we can live longer and enjoy life!”
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, Jim Stoppani explains that neither coffee or alcohol are inherently unhealthy for you. Unlike, let’s say, smoking a cigarette, one drink will not damage your body. It’s all about moderation and considering your personal goals. Know your own health records. Know your own habits. Keep them under control.
Stoppani believes you can be not only health but very physically fit while also enjoying coffee and alcohol. You can watch Jim Stoppani explain in full detail by watching our latest GI Exclusive video segment above.
Carbs: Your Best Friends Or Worst Enemies As A Bodybuilder?
You need them, you love them, but you need to use carbs right.
Bodybuilders and most other competitive athletes are always trying to get to the next level. Whether that be increased muscle mass, boosting athletic performance, or seeking a toned physique, faster gains are the common denominator. While pumping yourself full of protein is universally touted as the best way to get this done, another macronutrient is equally as important when used right.
Carbs can make or break your quest for fat burning and muscle growth depending on how you use them. That love-hate relationship that comes with carbs is always the battle when deciding on the best route for your diet.
The issues many people face is the amount of carbs and the type of good carbs to incorporate in their diet mixed with any great source of protein. Carbs are the body’s primary source of fuel and spare protein from being used up for energy (1).
As the most efficient energy source for intense workouts, carbs are a necessity for those looking to get to the next level. Simply put, protein needs carbs to work as efficiently as possible. But too many carbs, or too many of the wrong carbs, can really hurt your chances to get that fit, athletic physique we all strive for.
Since every day for us differs, it is important to understand how many carbs you need on a given day. Depending on the intensity of your workout or the physical stress of your daily life, carbs play an important role in providing you with energy needed to work at maximum capacity. To little, and you will feel sluggish and drained.
Carb cycling is a great way to stay on track and is used by athletes looking to change their body composition or overall performance. It is not for everyone so knowing your body and how it reacts to changes in your diet is key, but carb cycling allows your body to adapt to metabolic changes and helps manage fat more effectively.
For bodybuilders looking to bulk up and lean out, carbs are a necessity. Using them to your advantage is key for working hard in the gym and living a healthy life. Knowing when to trust them as your best friend or loathe them as your worst enemy is vital for growth and understanding just how to properly use carbs to your advantage.
What Are Carbs?
Carbs, along with protein and fats, are one of the three main macronutrients that your body uses for energy and are the main source of energy. Macronutrients are important because they allow for your body to properly function and must be obtained through your diet. Carbs specifically provide fuel for your central nervous system and offer working energy for your muscles, as well as saving protein from being used as energy and assisting fat metabolism. Vital for cognitive function, they help your brain with memory, mood, and a host of other things (2).
Simple carbs are found mainly in candy, soda, and the other sweet treats we all love. They are basically empty calories and don’t provide much help for your growth. Complex carbs are what you find in starchy food and are absorbed much slower and provide for sustained energy, making complex carbs the go to choice for your overall health and performance.
Pros: Your Best Friend
We all love to train hard and watch our bodybuilding transformation unfold. Intense training is key for quick gains and carbs provide for that much needed fuel to keep us going strong and for longer. Protein builds muscle and having enough carbs in your diet is huge for the preservation of that muscle so it doesn’t break down and get used for fuel instead (3).
Keep that muscle mass by saving your protein from being stolen away from your muscles. Since your body prefers carbs for fuel, give it what it wants and help light the metabolic fuse to keep your body burning fat and not muscle. Studies have been conducted around the idea that carbs help with the production of serotonin in the brain keeping you mentally healthy and away from anger and depression, thus improving cognitive health (4).
Cons: Your Worst Enemy
Eating the wrong types of carbs, or too any carbs, can actually prove to be a detriment in the long run. Carbs stimulate insulin secretion and while this may not be a bad thing for some people, for those struggling with metabolic competence, insulin levels may be elevated making it difficult for weight loss to occur (5).
Processed carbs will really be your enemy as they could contain fillers and chemicals that will make you gain weight as well as lead to potential problems in the future. Containing “anti-nutrients”, like phytic acid, it could lead to poor absorption of certain vitamins and minerals you need only hurting your progress (6). Carbs are easy to abuse, and while the benefits are more than important for your overall performance, knowing how to handle them in moderation is key for getting you to where you need to be.
Wrap Up
We all need carbs. Yet, they can come around and turn on us if we don’t manage them properly. Choosing slow-digesting carbs for most meals will help keep your insulin levels in check and will keep you full longer with less fatigue, leading to weight loss. Obtaining fast carbs, like a whey protein concentrate supplement, can help you recover faster during your post-workout regimen.
If you plan on cardio, skip the carbs and go for whey protein or amino acids to really kick start fat loss and consider carb cycling as an alternative method if fat loss is something you are considering. Carbs are delicious and great for you when used right, so have confidence in your discipline and use this macronutrient to your advantage as your best friend.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Jequier, E. (1994). “Carbohydrates as a source of energy”. (source)
Hawkins, Misty A. W.; Keirns, Natalie G.; Helms, Zachary (2018). “Carbohydrates and cognitive function”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Brinkworth, Grant D.; Buckley, Jonathan D.; Noakes, Manny, et al. (2009). “Long-term Effects of a Very Low-Carbohydrate Diet and a Low-Fat Diet on Mood and Cognitive Function”. (source)
Ludwig, David S.; Ebbeling, Cara B. (2018). “The Carbohydrate-Insulin Model of Obesity”. (source)
Hurrell, R. F.; Juillerat, M. A.; Reddy, M. B.; Lynch, S. R.; Dassenko, S. A.; Cook, J. D. (1992). “Soy protein, phytate, and iron absorption in humans”. (source)
One Trick To Take Your Gains To The Next Level
Use this trick to boost your gains.
Of all the people who join a gym, only a few reach their goals. Not achieving the desired results even after working hard can be frustrating. Most people quit working out because they can see no changes in their bodies.
Crafting a Greek god-like physique isn’t easy, but you could eliminate a lot of the pain and trouble with a single trick. Sticking to this trick separates the gym novices from the pros.
Follow a Schedule
Sticking to a schedule can help you take your gains to the next level. A schedule is a much broader concept as opposed to how some people think about it. Following a schedule is easier said than done.
Most people don’t have the discipline of sticking to a routine. Bodybuilding is a sport which requires dedication, consistency, and discipline. Lacking on a single one of these attributes can cause failure to achieve your desired results.
Workout
You should follow a schedule when it comes to working out. You should reach and leave the gym at the same time every day. Doing this helps with building muscles as your muscles subconsciously get ready for your workouts.
You also need to time your workouts. Your workouts should be short and intense. You need to get the most bang for your buck. If you follow a HIIT workout, you should be spending around 45-60 minutes in the gym, not more than this.
Eat
You can’t transform your body without adjusting your diet. If your goal is to build muscle mass, you need to amp up your protein intake. Design a nutrition plan with the amount of macro and micronutrients required every day.
The time of your meals also makes a big difference. Instead of eating three big meals, you should eat 6-8 small meals. Eating at regular intervals keeps your metabolism rate high and will help you in burning fat to produce energy.
Sleep
No matter how hard you workout in the gym or how good your diet is, you won’t see the results until your body is properly rested. You break muscle while you’re working out. These muscles repair, get bigger and stronger while you’re not in the gym.
You need at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night to build muscle mass. You should also go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Following a sleeping routine will help you fall asleep faster and will reduce the chances of insomnia.
Cheat
This might sound counterintuitive since we’re talking about following a schedule, but you’re allowed to cheat once a week. Unfortunately, the cheating is limited to a single cheat meal. A cheat meal is important as it provides your body with an influx of carbs and fats which your body needs to process.
Your body has to work harder than usual to digest these cheat meals. Although, if you’re getting ready for a competition or a special day, you would want to avoid the cheat meals. Make sure you cheat on a schedule.
What is your favorite cheat meal? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
William Bonac Reflects On Second Place Finish At Arnold Classic: ‘What In Gods Name Do I Have To Do More?’
William Bonac finished second to Brandon Curry during the 2022 Arnold Classic.
The 2022 Arnold Classic is officially in the books and it is now time for athletes to reflect on their performance from the event. This is exactly what William Bonac is doing and he shared a post on social media Sunday to speak on his showing.
Bonac took to Instagram early Sunday to make a statement. It was a bit of a controversial result as many believed the 39-year-old was good enough to win the competition. In the end, Bonac finished as the runner-up to Brandon Curry. In his caption, Bonac took the time to thank his supporters and say he will return better than ever.
“MY FATHER!What in Gods name do I have to do more??
One thing I can look myself in the mirror knowing me and my coach @thedietdoc and trainings partner @candrick29 and my wife @sueyenne7did everything we possible could do to get this win. Unfortunately I wasn’t good enough, and came short in the eyes of the judges.
We will get back to the drawing board and come back, and keep coming back until I can’t be denied! ?
Huge thank you to everyone who supported me from day one, who never doubted me even when I was on my low.
May God blessed those who threw me in under the bus and put dirt on my name.
NEVER GIVE UP NOMATTER WHAT!!”
William Bonac has had great success at the Arnold Classic. He won the competition in 2020 and was unable to defend his title last season due to travel restrictions. During prejudging on Friday night, Bonac looked to gain a bit of an advantage over the competition but that changed during the finals. It was a close contest but Curry was given the advantage in the end.
In a backstage interview, Bonac said that he believed this was the best he has looked at the Arnold Classic. There was not much more he believed he needed to do to win the competition. Before the final results were announced, Bonac was handed the most muscular award as well.
Curry has been a monster in the sport in recent years winning the Olympia in 2019 before finishing as the runner-up in each of the previous two years. Bonac will look to improve his showing come December. Steve Kuclo finished third in Columbus as Samson Dauda and Justin Rodriguez rounded out the top five.
The Arnold Classic being back in March after a delay last year to the pandemic marks the beginning of the bodybuilding season. The Men’s Open division is going to be an exciting one once again and William Bonac is believed to be in the mix. It is clear that he is happy with what he brought to the stage but will continue to work to make improvements.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2022 Arnold Classic: The 4 Biggest Takeaways
Our biggest takeaways from the 2022 Arnold Classic.
And just as fast as it started, the 2022 Arnold Classic has come to a close. After a bit of a rescheduling last year due to the global pandemic, the Arnold Classic returned to its usual early March slate – unofficially kicking off the 2022 bodybuilding season. As expected, the highlight of the event came down to Brandon Curry vs William Bonac in a heated showdown during last night’s finals. You can check out our full results report for all divisions of the 2022 Arnold Classic right here.
Technically, it’s been less than a year since we last saw the Arnold Classic competition. Last year, the event took place just two weeks before the Mr. Olympia. It also only had four divisions in competition and took place over one night. This weekend, things were back to what we are used to seeing. The event was back to two days and held eight divisions all fighting for the what is considered to be the second biggest award in bodybuilding.
Also interesting to note, the Arnold Classic’s two day schedule shifted to something closer to the Mr. Olympia. Typically, the Men’s Open divisions – both pre-judging and finals – happen on Saturday. This year, the Men’s Open pre-judging was held on Friday night and finals on Saturday. This small, but significant, shift changes how the competitors can prepare and improve between the two rounds.
Now that event has finished and the dust has settled – here are our three biggest takeaways from the 2022 Arnold Classic.
Brandon Curry vs William Bonac ends in a controversial finish
Going into the 2022 Arnold Classic, many believed it would be a battle between Brandon Curry and William Bonac. This ended up being true. But most analysis considered this to be Curry’s show to lose. Bonac came into the Mr. Olympia at sixth place just a few months ago at the Mr. Olympia, whereas Curry landed second. Bonac had some significant improvements to make in a relatively short amount of time if he wanted to take down Curry.
When the two competitors stepped onto the stage at the pre-judging Friday night, fans and analysis were delighted to see William Bonac succeeded at improving his physique. We saw a very different Bonac this weekend than what was put on display at the Mr. Olympia. Many quickly noted that Bonac just might be overtaking Curry.
The pre-judging was a very close call, and many pointed out that Curry had a slight edge over Bonac. Fast forward to 24 hours later at the finals – and a lot of small but important things changed. William Bonac took the pre-judging battle to heart. He used the time leading into the finals to truly tighten up any loose ends. When he stepped on stage for his individual posing routine on Saturday, the first place spot for Brandon Curry started coming into doubt.
During a backstage interview while waiting for the results of the finals, William Bonac noted that he’s not only looking like the “William Bonac of old,” he’s looking like the best version of himself that he’s ever showcased in his career. While there might be some who nitpick this statement – the heart behind it was true. Bonac felt confident because he knew that he had a very strong chance to defeat his longtime rival Curry.
But when the final results were announced, Brandon Curry maintained his original perceived lead and won the show. Immediately, the fan and even athletes started to share their critiques. Many believed that William Bonac was robbed.
The key evidence they point to in this, is the fact the William Bonac won the Most Muscular Award just moments before the finals. While conditioning is also an important factor, many thought Bonac’s size was the biggest thing that could hold him back – as he had very strong conditioning. In particular, many thought his legs were more defined than Curry’s. So it felt like a shocking blow to see Bonac win the Most Muscular Award only to fall to second overall.
It’s not shocking for a judges’ decision to be controversial. This happens at almost every big and emotionally invested competition. But the reaction here was so swift and so loud – that it’s of note just how many people were confused about the final outcome.
Arnold Schwarzenegger maintains his love of Classic Physique – believing it to be the future of bodybuilding
Over the past year or so, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been very open about his opinions for each division in bodybuilding. While doing commentary at last year’s Arnold Classic, Schwarzenegger was very blunt about his distaste for modern Men’s Open physiques, calling them bloated and even claiming that they “take too much stuff.”
This year at the 2022 Arnold Classic, he had very little negative statements about Men’s Open. In fact, he had many positive things to say about Brandon Curry when he was doing his finals posing routine. But even if his comments about Men’s Open were less aggressive – it was clear how much he was praising Classic Physique during the Friday night finals.
After Terrence Ruffin won the Classic Physique division, Arnold Schwarzenegger came onto the stage to congratulate Ruffin as well as the other top six competitors. He also gushed about how much he was proud of the physiques he was seeing on stage in that moment. He then firmly stated that he felt that Classic Physique was the true future of pro bodybuilding.
It’s an extremely strong endorsement. And while he did not necessarily say anything negative about Men’s Open, he also didn’t endorse it anywhere near as hard as he did for Classic Physique on Friday night.
These comments also come alongside the fact that Classic Physique has consistently been an exciting battle at nearly every major show over the past few years. During our past two years of the Generation Iron Bodybuilding Awards, a fan voted competition, Chris Bumstead won best athlete of the year over the current Mr. Olympia champion Big Ramy. While this isn’t necessarily a reflection of the entire bodybuilding industry – it showcases just how loved the relatively new Classic Physique division has become.
The Arnold Classic brought a vastly improved broadcast and stage production
Typically, the Arnold Classic event is broadcast as a free live stream. Presumably earning revenue via advertisers and sponsors. This year, they made a transition into a PPV event. While it wasn’t particularly expensive (just $24.99 early bird special and $34.99 the weekend of), you can tell the paywall allowed for some improved broadcast production values.
Broadcasting via Fanmio, the PPV package not only let you stream the pro bodybuilding event but also Strongman, the new Slap Fighting Championship event, and nearly all of the 60+ sporting events that were held at the Sports Festival. These events are usually streamed in some form or another – but usually scattered across different platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and the typical main stream for pro bodybuilding.
Instead, this year the entire package was contained within Fanmio. It allowed for picture-in-picture if you wanted to watch multiple events as well. On top of this, the overall production value presenting on screen was improved. The commentator booth was improved, there were barely any gaffs (whereas past years would have stream quality troubles, audio getting cut off, hot mics at the wrong time etc).
Long story short, it felt like coverage of a real sporting event, rather than an afterthought. For the first time since perhaps Generation Iron ourselves produced the broadcast – the event felt to truly be in step with the streaming era of TV.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Logan Paul brought Slap Fighting to the festival to seeming great success
Another big talking point that popped up just weeks before the 2022 Arnold Classic was the announcement that Slap Fighting would be a sport broadcast during the weekend. Slap Fighting is a sport that has gone viral over the past few years – gaining most attention when Logan Paul decided to join and then bail on fighting in a match.
Even though Logan Paul wasn’t fighting this weekend, he was in attendance as a sort of color commentator and MC of the event. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself sat by to watch the event unfold as well – though he admitted that he hand never seen the sport before and had no clue what was really going on.
The 2022 Arnold Classic Slap Fighting Championship held five matches with the headliner being a super heavyweight event and the hardest slaps. The mere fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed the sport at his festival, helped promoted it directly using his image, and was also present for the matches – brings huge legitimacy to the fledgling sport.
Multiple times throughout the matches, Arnold Schwarzenegger was asked if the event would come back for a second year based on the excitement he saw during the championship. While he didn’t commit to anything in the moment – he noted that the fans seemed to go wild for the matches and a rather large crowd was drawn to the event. Especially if Logan Paul remains part of the proceedings, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this reappear next year and perhaps slowly take on a bigger role at the festival.
Wrap Up
The Arnold Classic is a standout competition that is rivaled only by the Mr. Olympia. It’s a watershed moment each year that helps us determine the current quality and standing of pro bodybuilding. There’s no doubt that the 2022 Arnold Classic was electrifying and, finally, returning back to not only normal – but perhaps the best version of the show we all hold in such high regard.
You can recap our entire coverage of the 2022 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging analysis, color commentary, and result reports, by heading over to our official Arnold Classic coverage page right here.
Arnold Classic 2022 Wellness International Results
Isabelle Nunes wins Wellness International at the Arnold Classic 2022.
The Wellness International division has officially made its way to the biggest bodybuilding shows of the season. After makings its debut at the Olympia in October, Wellness appeared at the Arnold Classic for the first time over the weekend. In the end, it was Isabelle Nunes who took home the inaugural title at the event.
Nunes stood out immediately in prejudging from a group that appeared on the Olympia stage months ago. Angela Borges and Sunny Andrews also made an impression and this was a difficult division to judge. Heading into the final portion of the night, it seemed to come down to Borges or Nunes and that is how it played out.
It came down to the final on Saturday night for a decision to be made on the winner. When looking at the talent in Wellness, there is no doubt that it is going to continue to grow and gain exposure moving forward.
The full results have been announced. Check out our full breakdown of the Wellness International division of the Arnold Classic 2022 results below.
Arnold Classic 2022 Wellness Results
First Place – Isabelle Nunes
Second Place – Angela Borges
Third Place – Sunny Andrews
Fourth Place – Julia Chitarra
Fifth Place – Yarishna Ayala
Sixth Place – Kassandra Gillis
Seventh Place – Barbara Cesar
Eighth Place – Lorena Ragusa
Ninth Place – Devyn Cambre
Tenth Place – Casey DeLong
Generation Iron Fitness Network will provide coverage of the full Arnold Classic 2022 event including pre-judging reports, analysis, and results updates. Stay tuned to Generation Iron and visit our official Arnold Classic 2021 coverage hub right here!
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Arnold Classic 2022 Bikini International Results
Lauralie Chapados wins Bikini International at the Arnold Classic 2022.
The Bikini International division is one that has been growing year to year. It was part of the Arnold Classic last year and has become extremely popular at the biggest events of the season. During this year’s competition, it was Lauralie Chapados who impressed during prejudging and was able to turn that into a victory during the finals.
The prejudging round saw Chapados take control, along with Maureen Blanquisco and Ashley Kaltwasser. Blanquisco was able to gain an extra advantage and finish as the runner-up. This was not an easy division to judge heading into the finals on Saturday night. It came down to the final action on stage and that is when Chapados was able to pull ahead in the standings. Former Arnold Classic champion Elisa Pecini rounded out the top four.
With Jennifer Dorie preparing for the Olympia, there was a new champion crowned and there could be some more fireworks come December. This is especially true since Chapados was the runner-up at the event in 2021.
The full results have been announced. Check out our full breakdown of the Bikini International division of the Arnold Classic 2022 results below.
Arnold Classic 2022 Bikini Results
First Place – Lauralie Chapados
Second Place – Maureen Blanquisco
Third Place – Ashley Kaltwasser
Fourth Place – Elisa Pecini
Fifth Place – Jourdanne Lee
Sixth Place – Alessia Facchin
Seventh Place – Lucia Malavaze
Eighth Place – Lauren Dannenmiller
Ninth Place – Phoebe Hagan
Tenth Place – Allison Testu
Bikini Highlights
Previous Winners
2021: Jennifer Dorie
2020: Elisa Pecini
2019: Janet Layug
2018: Angelica Teixeira
2017: Angelica Teixeira
Generation Iron Fitness Network will provide coverage of the full Arnold Classic 2022 event including pre-judging reports, analysis, and results updates. Stay tuned to Generation Iron and visit our official Arnold Classic 2021 coverage hub right here!
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Arnold Classic 2022 Men’s Physique Results
Erin Banks wins Men’s Physique at the Arnold Classic 2022.
The Arnold Sports Festival was back to normal this year with the event taking place over the course of the first weekend in March. During the bodybuilding portion, Men’s Physique turned out to be one of the top divisions. On Saturday night, Erin Banks was crowned champion at the Arnold Classic 2022 in the Men’s Physique division.
During prejudging, Banks displayed a presence on stage that was difficult to match. He showed incredible conditioning and size, especially his back and lats. Diogo Montenegro came in as a seriouscohtender while Emmanuel Hunter emerged during prejudging as well and showed enough to take over second place. Antoine Weatherspoon rounded out the top four as part of the first callout from prejudging.
The full results have been announced. Check out our full breakdown of the Men’s Physique division of the Arnold Classic 2022 results below.
Arnold Classic 2022 Men’s Physique Results
First Place – Erin Banks
Second Place – Emmanuel Hunter
Third Place – Diogo Montenegro
Fourth Place – Antoine Weatherspoon
Fifth Place – Choi Bong-Seok
Sixth Place – Terrence Teo Kok Hua
Seventh Place – Riccardo Croci
Eighth Place – Daniel Leone
Ninth Place – Drelyn Hunt
Previous Winners
2020: Andre Ferguson
2019: Andre Ferguson
2018: Andre Ferguson
2017: Ryan Terry
2016: Brandon Hendrickson
2015: Sadik Hadzovic
Generation Iron Fitness Network will provide coverage of the full Arnold Classic 2022 event including pre-judging reports, analysis, and results updates. Stay tuned to Generation Iron and visit our official Arnold Classic 2021 coverage hub right here!
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.