Tag: Bodybuilding
Aaron Singerman Reveals The Future Supplement Trends That Will Take Over Bodybuilding
Aaron Singerman discusses what changes appear to be trending in big ways in the supplement industry.
Supplementation is a big industry even outside of bodybuilding proper. As society has become more educated and focused on health, supplements have become common in nearly every household. But much like any industry, the technology, culture, and trends change from decade to decade. What does the future have in store for supplements? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Aaron Singerman shares insight into what future trends will take over the supplement industry and how it will affect bodybuilding.
Aaron Singerman has been in charge of RedCon1 for quite a long time. It’s become a heavy hitter in the bodybuilding and supplement industry. So during our video conversation, we wanted to see what the future holds for supplements. What changes are on the way and what trends will become the norm? Most importantly, how will it affect bodybuilding and the future of the sport?
Aaron Singerman sees the biggest trend growing right now is consuming supplements on the go. Making supplements more mobile is booming right now in the industry. Singerman can see it become the main way that we all relate to and consume supplements. Does this mean no more giant tubs of protein powder? Probably not – but it might mean that they become less common as we see easy to care single use products.
On top of that, Aaron Singerman believes that the recent pandemic has accelerated another big change happening in the supplement world. The direct-to-consumer market was already growing slowly due to the rise of the internet. Now with the pandemic causing superstores to be held closed or vacant, direct to consumer is more important than ever.
The pandemic has forced companies to adapt to that model faster than they otherwise would have. This could have a huge impact on the future of supplements. It can cause a sea change in what brands or distributors are the most common and popular.
Ultimately, this would be a win-win. Consumers can get more direct access to the brands they love without a middleman. Brands can get direct sales without big superstores taking a cut.
Of course, there will always be big online marketplaces like Amazon to fill in the gap. But with the model changing, if a brand is powerful enough, they won’t have to rely majority on distributors like Amazon. Instead their own website would be a central hub.
Vlad Yudin and Aaron Singerman also touch upon some other smaller trends that have popped up in supplements such as protein ice cream and the further rise of supplement bars and meal replacements. While popular – the cost for these kinds of items is enormous and thus prevents them from ever becoming truly mainstream.
You can watch Aaron Singerman break it all down in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Hardcore Truth: How Johnnie O. Jackson Developed His Hardcore Training Style
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Johnnie O. Jackson breaks down his insanely hardcore training style.
Welcome to the Hardcore Truth – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. This week, Johnnie O. Jackson goes in-depth about his notoriously known hardcore training style, how he developed it, and how it defined his career.
Johnnie O. Jackson is known as one of the strongest bodybuilders in the world. This comes from his history as a powerlifter before becoming a bodybuilder. But it also all ties into Johnnie’s well known training style. Compared to most pro bodybuilders, Johnnie always maintained an intensity in the gym hardly matched by others. Similar to intensity as his training partner Branch Warren and also the legendary Ronnie Coleman.
This kind of hardcore training style has also been criticized over the years. Frankly, it’s dangerous. It can lead to much more serious injuries – the exact kind of injuries that pro bodybuilders want to avoid in order to prevent derailing their career.
While there is truth in the dangers of more hardcore “balls to the wall” training – perhaps bodybuilders like Johnnie O. Jackson and Branch Warren are simply a different sort of genetic breed. Ultimately, their careers were not derailed, they maintained impressive physiques, and held successful careers in the sport.
That’s why Johnnie O. Jackson wanted to look back into the origins of his bodybuilding career and how his training style came to define his brand in bodybuilding. The origins of his training mentality surprisingly spread way back into his childhood. His upbringing, his environment, and the people he met along the way all influenced the kind of mindset he had upon entering the gym.
The Origins and Method Behind The Madness Of Johnnie O. Jackson’s Training
Growing up as a black teen in America, Johnnie O. Jackson always felt like he needed to work harder and push harder in order to prove himself and succeed. So when he eventually discovered weightlifting – he pushed his hardest to be the biggest and best. Genetics helped as well. Johnnie acknowledges that he was a naturally strong man and build muscle somewhat easily.
Then Johnnie O. Jackson partnered up with a lifter in the gym – and was put through one of the most intense leg day workouts of his entire life. He was unprepared for how hard he would be pushed and felt like he was on the verge of breaking. When the workout was other – where others might have wanted to tone it down – Johnnie wanted to make it his goal to feel that way after every single workout.
This was the main moment that solidified his hardcore training style. He then developed it over the years as he became a successful powerlifter and then bodybuilder. He found new and varied aways to push himself in just the right aways to improve his physique and strength. He then later met Branch Warren, who had a similar training style, and the rest was history. They still train together to this day.
But Johnnie O. Jackson also understands that your training style and mentality is a big factor in how you will advance as a bodybuilder. So throughout this entire breakdown of his bodybuilding and powerlifting career, Johnnie also shares tips and guidance on how you can develop your own training method. Johnnie understands that not all lifters need to train like him. It’s important that they develop a method that not only works for your lifestyle and genetics – but also one that motivates you to reach new levels.
Wrap Up
You can watch or listen to Johnnie’s full breakdown of his training style in the latest episode of Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson above. And make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the series either on YouTube or your preferred podcasting platform. We’ll be back with new episodes every Thursday. See you in the gym.
Lou Ferrigno Takes Tour Of Fitness Icon Jack LaLanne’s Home Gym
Lou Ferrigno was shown around by LaLanne’s wife, Elaine LaLanne.
Lou Ferrigno is known for his massive physique and is considered one of the pioneers of the sport of bodybuilding. Recently, Ferrigno took some time and shared his experience touring the gym of another fitness legend — Jack LaLanne.
The bodybuilder joined LaLanne’s wife, Elaine, for a special look at his home gym that is equipped with machines from the 1930’s. LaLanne was a fitness and nutrition guru and also worked as a motivational speaker. LaLanne began inspiring others to invest in their own health before it was mainstream. After his death in 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger credited LaLanne for his work. This is something Ferrigno hit on early as well.
“Jack was way ahead of his time. Way ahead. In the late 1930s, people condoned weight training, they said you workout with weights, you get stiff and muscle unbalance,” Lou Ferrigno said.
“They didn’t understand what nutrition was. Back in World War II, a lot of people were smoking. People were going home having a drink and smoking but Jack was a pioneer. He knew about this.”
Lou Ferrigno began his tour by showing off some machines that Jack LaLanne innovated himself. This is before the new gym technology was founded. The machine that is showed off is an earlier version of machines used today where the pin can be inserted into the person’s desired weight.
This is just one example of how bodybuilding and weight training have come a long way. In the early 1900s, the methods were much different and LaLanne is credited with helping take some big steps forward.
“This one is an old-fashioned. This is before Smith invented a Smith machine. Jack’s idea, with two pipes and two simple leg presses, with these weights. Amazing, and she said these were from back in the 30s.”
Lou Ferrigno is one bodybuilder that has reaped the benefits of weight training over the years. He built a physique that is still iconic today on the bodybuilding stage and the big screen.
Ferrigno developed a rivalry with Schwarzenegger during the crux of their careers. This includes some battles during Mr. Olympia competitions. Ferrigno won Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles during his career before moving to acting. He is best known for his role as The Incredible Hulk. Ferrigno quickly became one of the biggest names in bodybuilding and was known for his incredible strength.
“What an incredible woman, inspiration and legend @jackandelaine_lalanne is.
I’m honored to have been able to call her my friend for decades now.
It’s amazing how positive and energetic Elaine is. Though Jack has been gone from us for a while now I know he’s smiling down watching us in his home gym.
Miss you Jack,” Ferrigno wrote on Instagram.
Lou Ferrigno is an important member of the history of bodybuilding. Jack LaLanne is another influential figure in fitness and has been for many years. It is amazing to see some of the early equipment that was used while weight training and how it has enhanced over the years. LaLanne certainly helped pave the way for today’s generation.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Terrence Ruffin Shows Off Massive Back And Biceps Workout
Terrence Ruffin is primed and ready for a big 2022 season.
There has been a clear top tier in Classic Physique bodybuilding and Terrence Ruffin is right near the top of the list. The reigning Arnold Classic champion looks as determined as ever to take the next step toward winning his first Olympia title. That is the ultimate goal for Ruffin and he recently shared a huge back and bicep workout during a recent training session.
Ruffin shared the video on his YouTube page for viewers to check out. He began by eating oats and peanut butter for breakfast before heading to the gym. Ruffin was training was Westside Barbell gym in Columbus, OH.
Terrence Ruffin began the workout with single-arm lat pulldowns before moving to chest-supported rows and T-bar rows. During a back day, rows are clearly highlighted and Ruffin explained the importance of maximizing each lift.
Ruffin’s next exercise featured resistance bands in order to utilize shoulder mobility. After this movement, Ruffin began hitting arms. He began with preacher curls followed by rope hammer curls. Ruffin then complete bicep curls while leaning to stretch out the muscle before ending his workout with a posing routine.
Terrence Ruffin implements a high-volume style when working out. He likes to complete a high number of reps in order to build up the muscles. This, combined with focusing on form, has helped Ruffin build a championship physique.
Ruffin is coming off an Arnold Classic title in 2021. He was the runner-up in this event to Alex Cambronero in 2020. Now that he has climbed one mountain, it is time to conquer another.
Terrence Ruffin is coming off two consecutive second-place finishes at the Olympia. Chris Bumstead has three-seated at the Olympia with Breon Ansley finishing third in the previous two years. Ruffin has trained legs with Bumstead before as the two have built a relationship while competing.
There is no doubt that Ruffin is one of the best competitors in Classic Physique. The 2022 Olympia will take place from Dec. 16-18 in Las Vegas. Before aiming for this event, Ruffin will defend his title at the Arnold Classic.
Arnold Classic – Classic Physique Roster
Below, you can find the full list of competitors that will be looking to take home the Arnold Classic title. The event will take place from March 3-6 in Columbus, OH.
Breon Ansley
Michael Daboul
Urs Kalecinski
Peter Molnar
Terrence Ruffin
Ramon Rocha Quieroz
Darwin Uribe
Lenny Wicks
Divine Wilson
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Why The Tire Flip Should Be In Your Training Program For The Ultimate Conditioning
Not for the faint of heart
Cardio, a dreaded word for many a’ bodybuilder. While the rest of the gym would rather be biking, on the treadmill, or rowing, we’d rather be lifting some heavy ass weights. The meat and potatoes baby, that’s for me. Well lament no more; there’s a way to develop your cardiovascular system while still giving you that muscle tingling action you crave, it’s called the tire flip, and its been waiting for you your whole life.
What’s great about the tire flip, is that it not only gets you more shredded than the statue of David but it also builds fast twitch muscles which is great for competition.
When you train with tires you want to do this in intervals. High intensity should be done in rounds with time periods of rest interspersed between high-intensity activity. While measuring your heart rate is a great way to keep track of how the exercise is effecting your body, you also want to keep into account your age and general health.
Now that you have the basics, without further ado we present to you 3 exercises that look way cooler than anything you can do on a treadmill.
Sledge Hammer Smash
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The sledgehammer smash is a fun exercise. Not only do you get to act beastly but sculpt a beastly form in the process. You can do a straight up and down movement, like displayed in the video above, or you can swing it overhead each time for a more powerful and home run hitting strength. Start at 30 seconds with 10 seconds rest, then increase in 15 second intervals.
The Flip
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While it may not seem like rocket science this exercise is more involved than you think. We’ve attached some tips with the correct way to do this exercise without sustaining an injury. While you don’t have to do 950lbs like Mr. Poundstone here, you definitely want to challenge yourself on this one.
Begin by gripping the bottom of the tire on the tread, and position your feet back a bit. Your chest should be driving into the tire.
To lift the tire, extend through the hips, knees, and ankles, driving into the tire and up.
As the tire reaches a 45 degree angle, step forward and drive a knee into the tire. As you do so adjust your grip to the upper portion of the tire and push it forward as hard as possible to complete the turn. Repeat as necessary.
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The third exercise comes from you. We want you to use the tire for your next cardio workout and discover an exercise that works for you. Creativity is LYFE, and we encourage you to flex that muscle religiously.
Try the above exercise and hit us up in the comment section with a cool circuit you’ve discovered or your mysterious 3rd exercise.
Have you ever done the tire flip?
Let us know by hitting up our comments below or head on over to our official Facebook and Twitter.
Top Benefits Of Kettlebell Training & Why You Should Use Them
Kettlebells are great exercise tools to enhance strength and really see those gains come to life.
With so many exercises and machines to try, our potential for growth is very much doable. Often times knowing the right workouts to do can be overwhelming, but taking a step back and prioritizing just what our goals are is important to understand what we need out of our own training. For some of us, the best training comes from simple and convenient pieces of exercise equipment. This is where a kettlebell can greatly enhance our gains and kettlebell training is a perfect way to enhance our health and fitness.
Working many muscle groups in a highly effective way, kettlebells are sure to offer a variety of exercises to enhance growth in multiple areas. With an increased effort to provide workouts and classes, kettlebells have become the focus of many trainers as they seek the best for their clients to improve all aspects of their training.
Let’s take a closer look at what kettlebells are, the benefits surrounding them, and great workouts to enhance all aspects of your training and performance. You won’t be disappointed by what you find from kettlebell training.
What Is A Kettlebell?
A kettlebell is a round free weight with a flat bottom and rounded handle for enhanced grip which is beneficial for a number of exercises. Similar to a dumbbell, it can used in a variety of ways for great variations to your workouts. The center of mass extends from the handle which gives kettlebells the opportunity to be swung, pressed, curled, held, and moved in a number of ways.
Many kettlebell companies will advertise their products as perfectly balanced, which is important for these movements to offer you better balance and grip for safety and a more advanced and effective workout.
Benefits Of Kettlebell Training
Full Body Workout
Kettlebells offer the chance to get a full body workout for strength, endurance, and flexibility by being versatile for a number of workouts. Anything from deadlifts, lunges, and swings can work multiple muscles and greatly improve muscle growth and weight loss (1).
Promote Strength & Power
With kettlebell training, your chances at lean muscle mass and power greatly increase by performing higher reps at a more intense pace. Instead of seriously bulking up by doing big lifts, kettlebell training can really grow that lean muscle mass to give you that shredded physique to make your muscles pop. With this more intense style of training, your power output will increase as well to give you better effectiveness for those power driven sports (2).
Improved Balance, Stability, and Coordination
By working your core and forcing you to stay engaged and upright, kettlebell training can improve balance, stability, and coordination. These workouts force you to stay grounded in a solid, athletic position which makes you focus on form and enhance mind-muscle connection to work those deeper muscles and smaller stabilizer muscles that are great for enhancing strength and balance (3).
Simple & Convenient
Kettlebells are simple and convenient exercise tools to use, requiring no change in weights and less time sifting through to find the appropriate weight to use. As you increase muscle mass, you can work your way up to heavier kettlebells and more advanced workouts, only enhancing the above benefits even more.
Great Kettlebell Workouts
Deadlift
Kettlebell deadlifts are great variations of a traditional barbell deadlift and allows you to build strength and muscular endurance without the hassle of a barbell. Great for targeting the hamstrings, glutes, calves, and quads, this will also strengthen your core to help your lower back for support. These allow you to use heavier weight and can help with form for other lifts. By keeping your back in an isometric position, it will improve posture by not changing the length of the muscle after contraction.
Lunges
Using kettlebells along with your lunge exercise will offer the same benefits of a lunge while also allowing you to comfortably add weight for increased growth. These will work your core and back muscles, as well as many lower body groups like your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Building not only size and strength, kettlebell lunges can work for weight loss and balance as well.
Swings
Kettlebell swings are a solid way to boost cardio while aiding in strength, weight loss, and better posture. A total full body workout, kettlebell swings work your lower body muscles (quads, hamstrings, and glutes), upper body muscles (lats, shoulders, and arms), and your core. This exercise will give you a great boost and as you grow stronger, you will notice a serious change in weight used for your desired kettlebell.
Featured Kettlebells
Onnit Kettlebells
Onnit Kettlebells are high quality and versatile fitness tools from a reputable and great company in Onnit. Designed with a gravity cast for consistency and durability, it is accompanied by a powder finish grip for decreased slippage and more efficient workouts. Color coded by weight, these kettlebells provide for easy accessibility and are great for increasing explosive power, strength, and endurance.
Prices vary depending on the weight of kettlebell but there 8 options to choose from ranging from 13 lbs. ($22.95) to 70 lbs. ($114.95).
Check out our individual review for Onnit Kettlebells here. Also, check out Onnit Primal Kettlebells here!
Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells
Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells are perfect for enhancing grip and working with versatility as well for your desired strength and conditioning goals. Made from cast iron and covered with a powder coating, these offer overall protection and durability to enhance longevity. The structural integrity of these kettlebells will support your own growth and keep you operating at a high level.
Prices vary depending on weight but there are 21 options to choose from ranging from 9 lbs. ($69.99) to 203 lbs. ($424.99).
Check out our individual review for Kettlebell Kings Kettlebell here!
Wrap Up
Kettlebell training is a great way to change up your routine to see desired growth and everything you want out of your training. By increasing strength and size, promoting weight loss, working on balance and stability, and aiding in better posture, kettlebells have grown in popularity and for good reason. A great addition to your home gym, kettlebells will surely fire you up on all cylinders and work to benefit your health and fitness greatly.
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 Onnit, Kettlebell Kings, & Envato
References
Kravitz, Len. “Kettlebell Research Update”. (source)
Beardsley, Chris; Contreras, Bret (2014). “The Role of Kettlebell in Strength and Conditioning: A Review of the Literature”. (source)
Jay, Kenneth; Jakobsen, Markus D.; Sundstrup, Emil; Skotte, Jorgen H.; et al. (2013). “Effects of Kettlebell Training on Postural Coordination and Jump Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. (source)
INBA PNBA Releases New Natural Bodybuilding Category for the 2022 Season
The INBA PNBA added a new natural bodybuilding category to the women’s amateur division for the 2022 season.
You may be eager to know what the new category is, especially if you’re a raving natural bodybuilding fan. So what is it? Drumroll… it’s Wellness! Wellness is an exclusive female category available for INBA PNBA amateur athletes. It’s an Open division – no age limit – and will be at all 2022 INBA events, including Natural Olympia.
New Natural Bodybuilding Category
Below is an overview of the outfit and scoring in the Wellness division.
Required Suit
Competitors will dress in a two-piece decorative competition suit with a traditional suit bottom that’s V-shaped in the front, all one material without connectors, and sits high on the hips. No thongs or T-backs are allowed, and the bottom cut from the back is standard to the Bikini Divas division. Although, competition Bikini Divas style suit bottoms with connectors is an alternative option. Each athlete will also be wearing acrylic heels and complimentary jewelry.
Judging Criteria
As most bodybuilding categories are judged, athletes will need muscularity, definition (conditioning), and a good stage presence to be competitive in this division. Judges scoring the Wellness division will focus more on women with more muscle development in the hips, glutes, and thighs than the upper body. Although, some degree of upper body muscularity is important. It’s also good for the contestants to be developed and lean, but the judges will be looking for less developed physiques – some muscle separation but no striation – in this category compared to Women’s Figure or Women’s Physique.
INBA PNBA Provides a Safe and Just League for Aspiring Natural Bodybuilders
Natural bodybuilding displays the boundaries the human body can break mentally and physically. As the famous Greek philosopher, Socrates once said, “No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Since the dawn of time, we’ve witnessed the power and beauty our body is capable of naturally.
Fast forward millennia later, drug use is prevalent to push your physique to peak performance. Not so fast, though. Drug use is prohibited in natural bodybuilding leagues. And if you do get caught at any time failing a drug test in the INBA PNBA league, you’ll be stripped of your title and publicly ridiculed on the Hall of Shame.
After the recent surge of 2021 bodybuilding deaths, bodybuilding fans are worried about bodybuilding’s health and safety measures. Conversely, they shame natural bodybuilding. But hopefully, with the rise of multi-media contracts with Generation Iron, Iron Man Magazine, and INBA PNBA, we can see more expansion and support of natural bodybuilding.
What Will the Next Category Be?
The next category remains a mystery, but contemplating the thought is exciting. The INBA PNBA league is progressively growing so seeing new classes pop up wouldn’t be surprising. The Bikini Angels is a fun division, and we’re sure fans and competitors alike would love to see more creative divisions. For example, after William Long went Super Saiyan at L.A.’s Comic-Con, he expressed interest in a cosplay natural bodybuilding category in an Instagram post.
Not going to lie; a cosplay category does sound amusing!
Let us know a category idea you think would be suitable for the INBA PNBA to implement. Leave us a comment on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
P.S. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest INBA PNBA news!
Straight Facts: Are Bodybuilders Really Dying More Than The Average Person?
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Jerry Brainum returns to break down the statistics of bodybuilder deaths in recent years. Do the initial stats showcase a worrying trend?
STRAIGHT FACTS WITH JERRY BRAINUM – is an in depth exploration of the more complicated elements behind bodybuilding training, nutrition, and supplements. Hosted by legendary and longtime industry expert, Jerry Brainum, Straight Facts answers user questions so no one is left in the dark.
Jerry Brainum has long been an extremely knowledgable man working in the bodybuilding industry. His research has been published in bodybuilding publications for decades – and he has held positions of editor-in-chief for such outlets as Muscle And Fitness and Flex Magazine.
Jerry also ran a digital series, Straight Facts, on our network way back in 2016. Now he’s back with more episodes and, in addition, available in podcast! This week, Jerry Brainum breaks down the statistics behind the tragic trend of too-soon bodybuilding deaths that have hit the sport over the past year. Is there a growing health concern in bodybuilding? Or was 2021 simply one full of tragic bad luck? Let’s break it down.
2021 was an extremely tragic year in bodybuilding. There was a large number of bodybuilding deaths that all seemed to come much too soon. Most notable was the passing of Olympia champion Shawn Rhoden at 46 years old and George Peterson dying just days before being set to compete at the Mr. Olympia. He was 37 years old.
There were, sadly, far many more deaths that we would rather not fully recount here. But the string of lost lives in bodybuilding led to many fans and high profile members of the industry to speak out about the state of health in bodybuilding. While health of an organization in sports should always be a major priority – what remains to be seen is if there really is a connection between these recent deaths and something happening directly in bodybuilding.
Jerry Brainum sets to bring some more clarity to the situation. Using some research of the (admittedly limited) data available, Jerry breaks down the actual statistics behind bodybuilding deaths in comparison to the average person in the world at large. He also tries to use the cause of death, where revealed, to speculate what was likely the cause and if it can be drawn to bodybuilding and PED use.
Jerry Brainum Compares Bodybuilding Mortality Rates To The Average Male Mortality Rate
One of the most interesting pieces of information Jerry Brainum reveals – according to one study. Pro bodybuilders actually have a lower mortality rate than the average person by about one percent. On paper, this would seem to indicate that pro bodybuilders actually have a higher chance to live longer than the average man. While this was admittedly one study in a very niche sport – the initial findings seem to indicate that there is not a major health crisis rocking the sport. But that also doesn’t mean that drugs are not a factor to mortality for bodybuilders. Far from it.
In the video, Jerry Brainum breaks down the data and his speculations in great detail. But his ultimate conclusion is that bodybuilders actually have a healthier lifestyle due to their diet, nutrition, and focus on exercise. That being said, those benefits are largely cut short by abuse of PEDs such as steroids, diuretics, and insulin. This ultimately leads, statistically, to an evening out. Which is why bodybuilders might have a slightly lower mortality rate than the average person – but not by much.
Jerry Brainum also draws another conclusion. He believes that modern coaches and trainers are the cause for many of these premature deaths. While he is basing his opinion based on anacdotale evidence. He’s heard that most coaches provide drug protocols for their athletes. The problem with this is that these coaches are not doctors. Just because a drug protocol has worked for one athlete does not mean it will work for another.
Without constant medical monitoring, these very powerful drugs can lead to long term health risks. Some of those risks can lead to an earlier grave. This is why Jerry Brainum urges any competing bodybuilders to have their bloodwork done every four weeks and ensure that as much detailed information can be analyzed as possible. Preventative actions are most important to extend life – and when athletes have a higher chance of using dangerous drugs, this becomes even more necessary.
Have questions you want Jerry Brainum to answer? Send them on over to [email protected] for your chance to have Jerry go into detail about anything in the fitness world that needs clarification.
And if you want even more detailed information every month, be sure to check out Jerry’s very own monthly newsletter – Applied Metabolics. Giving you over 40 pages of expert information in all things bodybuilding.
You can watch the full episode of Straight Facts above and make sure to stick around every Wednesday for new episodes!
Milos Sarcev Shares Rare Footage of 1997 Night of Champions
Milos Sarcev has released rare footage of the 1997 Night of Champions.
It appears that bodybuilding legend Milos Sarcev has released rare footage of the 1997 Night of Champions. The video features some classic bodybuilding battles at one of bodybuildings most prestigious shows that ran from 1978 to 2004.
There’s nothing quite like the best facing the best. In any sporting endeavor watching a superior competitor over one inferior opposition can be exhilarating. But you know what’s even more entertaining? Watching the best athletes compete against others on the same level to determine who is number one. Many bodybuilding shows represent this very notion. Of course there’s the Olympia and the Arnold Classic. But years ago there was another event that celebrated champions facing champions.
It was dubbed the Night of Champions.
Champion Versus Champion
The Night of Champions featured some of bodybuilding’s best and brightest. The event took place from 1978 to 2004.
The event would eventually come to be known as the NY Pro. Before then however the illustrious event gave us top champions like Robby Robinson, Chris Dickerson, Lee Haney, Lee Labrada, Dorian Yates, Kevin Levrone, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and Victor Martinez just to name several. The winner of the shows gave a good indicator of how high level a competitor was. Many of those athletes would go on to win the Olympia.
The competition at the Night of Champions was fierce. It’s what made the title so meaningful in the first place. The athletes who competed at the show were some of the best of the best. One such competitor was bodybuilding legend Milos Sarcev.
Always bringing a great physique to the stage Milos Sarcev was a tough out for every bodybuilder in his day. That fact was showcased in 1997 when he went head to head with another bodybuilding great Chris Cormier. The two battled it out for top honors, but it would be Cormier who reigned supreme.
Despite coming in second in 1997, Milos Sarcev gave Chris Cormier all he could handle. In fact Sarcev recently released rare footage of the event on his YouTube channel.
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What do think of this rare footage of the Night of Champions?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Chris Bumstead Wins Gymshark’s “STRENGTH TEST” Against Other Elite Athletes
Chris Bumstead completed the heaviest shoulder press in the end.
It is no secret that Chris Bumstead has incredible strength and it is always entertaining to see it in action. The three-time Classic Physique Olympia champion recently participated in a Strength Challenge against other Gymshark athletes. In the end, it was Bumstead who was victorious.
A group of big name fitness athletes took place in the challenge. This includes bodybuilding and CrossFit competitors. Because of their different backgrounds, the athletes agreed to use the standing push press as the exercise. David Laid explained at the beginning of the video that this is an exercise that is the perfect middle ground between bodybuilding and CrossFit.
Athletes took turns completing a one-rep max lift with the weight being increased each round until there was one left standing. The lift had to be performed in a singular motion with elbows locked out at the top. The full results from the competition can be seen below and the video is posted to Gymshark’s YouTube page.
Full Results
Chris Bumstead – 120 kilograms (264.5 lbs)
Noah Ohlsen – 110 kilograms (242.5 lbs)
George Bamfo Jr – 110 kilograms (242.5 lbs)
Julian Marquez – 110 kilograms (242.5 lbs)
Ashton Hall – 110 kilograms (242.5 lbs)
Will Tennyson – 100 kilograms (220.5 lbs)
Jah’Son Patterson – 80 kilograms (176.4 lbs)
Elika Bang – 60 kilograms (132.3 lbs)
David Laid – 50 kilograms (110.2 lbs)
Chris Bumstead entered as the favorite to win this competition and even joked about his advantage in weight.
“I only have like 80 pounds on everyone so I really hope I don’t lose this.”
Bumstead recently returned to training after battling COVID-19. He is carrying less weight this offseason than he usually does because of the virus but his muscle tone and body fat percentage remain at a normal level. It is clear that his strength has not wavered either.
Other Competitors
David Laid has built site the following on social media and this has helped him grow in the fitness industry. He was battling an injured elbow during this contest that he hurt while arm wrestling. Noah Ohlsen is one of the best CrossFit competitors in the sport. He finished second to Bumstead by completing a 110kg lift.
George Bamfo Jr. and Ashton Hall are other big names that have gained recognition on social media because of their shredded physiques. Both were able to complete the 110kg lift, along with Julian Marquez, but could not reach 120kg and take down Bumstead.
Will Tennyson has made a name for himself on YouTube performing different challenges and workouts. Tennyson has a great mind for fitness and always performs lifts with great form. He bowed out after competing a 100kg lift. Trainers Jah’Son Patterson and Elika Bang round out the list of competitors who were seen in the video.
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