Tag: Bodybuilding
Fans Are Demanding Healthier Bodybuilding But Shaming Natural Bodybuilders, Why?
It seems bodybuilding fans online are worried about the health and safety of bodybuilding athletes yet often criticize or overlook natural bodybuilding.
Nowadays, bodybuilding fans online want to have their cake and eat it too. They want to watch the biggest and most ripped bodybuilders on stage. But, simultaneously, fans want their favorite bodybuilders to remain safe and healthy. This creates a dilemma for competitors. Should they risk their health to give bodybuilding fans the image they want? Or forego drugs to calm fans’ concerns about their health? Either way, bodybuilder fans quickly hash out criticism on the web.
As bodybuilding has evolved, drug use has become prevalent to push athletes’ physique to its limits. Drugs can undoubtedly accelerate your body to Greek God-status, but it does take a toll on your body. And many fans voice their concern after the strings of recent deaths that took place in 2021. Yet, ironically, these same fans are bashing natural bodybuilding.
As the name suggests, natural bodybuilding is bodybuilding without steroids and PEDs. Natural bodybuilding is a safer alternative to untested bodybuilding leagues since it requires each competitor to stay on top of drug tests. Other bodybuilding leagues such as the IFBB Pro don’t condone the use of drugs, but they don’t have any preventative measures in place either. Therefore, doping is widespread.
Fans and contenders alike believe drug abuse may be to blame for the recent surge in deaths this past year. And question the state of heath in untested leagues. But, unfortunately, bodybuilding fans online are quick to bash natural bodybuilding on that same notion.
The question is: Why do bodybuilding fans online keep bashing natural bodybuilding while complaining/worrying about the state of health in untested bodybuilding leagues?
Bodybuilding Fans Online Want Bigger and Better
Fans argue that the physiques of untested league competitors are much more impressive. And if they run into a natural body that meets their criteria, they blame drug use or claim the athlete has beaten drug tests.
Fans want their athletes to have the physiques only obtainable from doping. On the contrary, they complain about the lack of health protocols in untested leagues.
So why do fans of untested leagues not engage and support more natural bodybuilding leagues like the INBA PNBA?
Natural Bodybuilding
The IFBB Pro doesn’t wish harm to their athletes, and great athletes have competed in this league. However, it does leave a gray area open for the health issues of competitors. And in natural bodybuilding leagues, especially the INBA PNBA, that’s not the case.
The INBA PNBA takes great lengths to protect its athletes and offer a level playing field. Each contender is subject to a drug test and aligns with the most elite drug testing standards – World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Or they end up on the notorious Hall of Shame.
The INBA PNBA has also gained prominence with its recent wave of multi-media contracts between athletes and trio behemoth companies – Generation Iron, Iron Man Magazine, and INBA PNBA.
Tell Us What You Think
Hopefully, fans of untested leagues will start to appreciate the sport of natural bodybuilding and not see it as an enemy or inferior. Instead, see it as a platform to protect your favorite bodybuilders.
What do you think bodybuilding fans would like to see change? Leave your thoughts on our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter – let us know!
P.S. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter if you haven’t already. We release bodybuilding content daily!
How Whey Protein & Oats Work To Build Serious Muscle
This combo is perfect for muscle building.
As you look to build muscle, knowing the right foods to eat can be of great assistance and a fantastic duo like whey protein and oats may just be on top of the list. We know what to eat, for so many meals exist that can give us the right nutrients to build muscle, but that one key meal is important, especially as we look to kickstart the day. Whey protein and oats is that protein packed meal to enjoy for breakfast that will give you all the necessary nutrients to see that growth you want most.
Being in the gym is one thing and we all know you need the right exercises and training to see serious gains. But what you eat matters and should not be overlooked for the wrong foods can stunt all your gains and limit your ability to build muscle. You need to stay the course and eat only those whole foods, especially those that are high sources of protein. The right amount of protein daily is exactly what you need to see the most amount growth.
Let’s take a look at whey protein and oats and see what makes this meal so great. The benefits of both alone are enough to convince us of what this can do, so together, it is a superhero meal. Plus, having it for breakfast is a great way to kickstart your day.
Benefits Of Whey Protein
Since protein is the building block of all muscle, having a great supplement like protein powder can greatly assist with all our gains. The benefits of whey protein are hard to ignore and can launch your muscle growth and recovery goals to the next level. To start, whey protein is a great source of protein and contains plenty of nutrients and other nutritional benefits. It will help with muscle growth and recovery (1,2), while also working to keep you full (3). By keeping you full, this reduces cravings and works for better weight loss.
A versatile and convenient supplement, protein powder can be taken post-workout to maximize your gains or during the day as a snack to keep you full. Low in calories and high in protein, this is exactly what you need to see all the necessary changes to your physique you need most.
Benefits Of Oats
Oats have incredible nutritional value and are a good source of carbs and fiber. Rich in antioxidants, oats will help keep those free radicals at bay while also lowering cholesterol levels and protecting your LDL levels from damage (4,5). As a filling food, it will also assist with weight loss as you look to limit the amount of snacking.
The benefit to oats is that you can add anything to them. Some people like peanut butter, others like fruit, but here is where whey protein can really make a difference.
Whey Protein & Oats: The Perfect Muscle Building Combo
When put together, what you get from this great meal is a great balance of carbs and protein, with fiber to keep you full and moving regularly. As athletes looking to maximize our muscle building and growth potential, it is important for us to find those muscle building foods that will work for our overall benefit. By combining whey protein and oats, you have just created that top tier muscle building food. Plus, you can add fruit to it for added sweetness and depending on your flavor of whey protein, blueberries, strawberries, or bananas are great options.
Recommended Whey Protein: Transparent Labs ProteinSeries 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
While finding the right protein powder can be a challenge, we wanted to share a great protein with you so you can see huge gains. Transparent Labs is a great company creating premium supplements and this protein powder is one of, if not the, best on the market.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, boasting a great formula for a top protein powder. With nothing artificial added, this is a clean protein that is easier on your stomach.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate boasts an impressive array of eco-friendly accomplishments. It’s organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There are no artificial sweeteners — a rarity in a world full of whey protein powder, which are almost always filled with chemical flavorings to disguise the chalkiness of protein. There are also no artificial colorings or preservatives added. If you have a sensitive stomach, allergies, or just care about the environment, this is an excellent whey isolate for you and your body weight goals and is easy to digest compared to a whey concentrate.
Great Muscle Building Stack
Along with this great protein powder from Transparent Labs, looking to a great muscle building stack can help those gains immensely. The supplements you are looking at in a muscle building stack are creatine, protein, pre-workout, and BCAAs. Transparent Labs is an honest company and one that is fully transparent with their labels, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
With this stack, protein will help with growth and recovery while pre-workout will work to provide for energy and muscle pumps before your workout. Creatine gives you a nice recovery boost while increasing strength and size and those BCAAs will help push through fatigue and aid in muscle growth. All in all, this muscle building stack is the perfect supplement to see amazing gains.
Wrap Up
When it comes to finding those top muscle building foods for you to see effective gains, looking to those foods like whey protein and oats can make all the difference. Packed with protein, carbs, and fiber, you give yourself a well-rounded meal with the right nutrients to see only the most effective gains. Having this as part of your breakfast routine can be a game changer and will only benefit you in the long run as you start to build a better routine for yourself. Give whey protein and oats a try, find the best whey protein for you, and watch your gains take off today.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
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)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; Lieberman, Harris R.; McLellan, Tom M. (2014). “Effects of protein supplements on muscle damage, soreness and recovery of muscle function and physical performance: a systematic review”. (source)
Leidy, Heather J.; Clifton, Peter M.; Astrup, Arne; Wycherley, Thomas P.; et al. (2015). “The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance”. (source)
Peterson, D. (2001). “Oat Antioxidants”. (source)
Harvard Medical School (2015). “Whole-grain oat: Best bet for lowering cholesterol”. (source)
Huck Finn Reflects On His 40 Beers Deep Workout With Mike O’Hearn & Shares Hangover Cure
Huck Finn looks back at the most beers he ever drank in a single day before his workout (with Mike O’Hearn).
You may have heard of the viral stunt bodybuilder Huck Finn. And if you haven’t, you’re missing out on some hilarious and shocking entertainment. Reminiscent of the show Jackass but with a bodybuilding twist – Finn performs insane and dangerous stunts revolved around feats of strength. We spoke with him previously – but decided to catch up to learn about his latest antics. In our latest GI Exclusive, Huck Finn shares the most beers he ever drank before a workout… which happened to be with Mike O’Hearn.
Viral bodybuilder Huck Finn is all about two things – beer and hardcore weightlifting stunts. In fact, he somewhat recently injured himself in his attempt of a recent stunt involving fire and a human ramp. You can check it out below:
While this particular stunt didn’t involve heavy lifting, a quick glance through Huck Finn’s Instagram page will show a man who very often drinks heavy amounts of alcohol before or even while lifting massive weight. It’ dangerous. It shouldn’t be done at home. But it’s damn fun to watch.
During our recent video conversation with Huck Finn, we asked him to detail the most he ever drank in a single day before a workout or stunt. To no surprise, his answer would be shocking to most casual drinkers and lifters.
Huck Finn reflected back to a day where he went to an event at a Dallas gym and drank over forty beers. After the event, he decided he was still in good enough shape to train in the gym. It turned out this training session involved natural bodybuilder Mike O’Hearn. While many of the bodybuilders and lifters at the event thought it would be impossible for Finn to start training – he went ahead with it anyway.
Ultimately, Huck Finn managed to bench 500 pounds that training session. And in some predictable outcome for Finn – he also ended up having a chair crushed over his head by Mike O’Hearn (all in good fun of course). This is the kind of mentality and lifestyle that Huck Finn leads in the bodybuilding industry.
Huck Finn also discusses with us how he manages to stay somewhat lean despite consuming so much alcohol. He also shares his hangover cure for the day after heavy drinking. He can’t let a hangover prevent him from hitting the gym and keeping his strength and physique up.
You can watch Huck Finn talk about his recent injury, his heavy drinking stunt with Mike O’Hearn, and his hangover cure in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Chris Bumstead Shares Bulking Diet To Prepare For 2022 Olympia
Chris Bumstead has his plan set for the offseason preparing for the 2022 Olympia.
Chris Bumstead is back in the gym and that means his preparation for the 2022 Olympia is in full swing. Bumstead missed some time in the gym after battling COVID-19 and lost a significant amount of weight. He revealed that he was 28 pounds lighter than his normal offseason weight to this point. Now that he is back in the gym, Bumstead took viewers through his diet plan to bulk up.
Bumstead is preparing for the 2022 Olympia, which is scheduled to take place from Dec. 16-18 in Las Vegas. Bumstead is the reigning three-time Classic Physique champion and could make it four in a row this year. Bumstead is organized when putting together his plan and he does this using the CBum Fitness app. He begins by calculating his calorie intake. He will be eating 4,161 calories, 139 grams of fat, 488 grams of carbs, and 240 grams of protein.
Chris Bumstead took to YouTube to show off his meal plan. He explains how he prefers to eat two larger meals with pre- and post-workout meals in between. His final meal comes before going to sleep.
Breakfast
Bumstead begins his meal with a smoothie before making his breakfast. This meal will consist of 1,037 calories. The smoothie consists of the following ingredients:
Blueberries
Raspberries
Half banana
Glutamine
Greens
Fiber
One scoop Whey protein
70 grams oatmeal
This is the first of five meals that Bumstead will eat throughout the day. This number might rise up to six if he wants to add a smaller meal to improve digestion. In his smoothie, Bumstead decides to use water rather than milk. He then moves onto making breakfast.
Three eggs
Three slices of toast
Half avocado
Ketchup
Pre- and Post-Workout
Bumstead cooks his pre-workout meal with coconut aminos. It is a total of 623 calories. Now that his taste has recovered, Bumstead can enjoy spices once again rather than just feeling the heat.
280 grams white rice
175 grams ground turkey
Shredded lettuce
Broccoli sprouts
After his workout, Bumstead eats 510 calories. This is a meal consisting of 100 grams of white rice and MegaFit Keto sesame chicken.
Dinner
Chris Bumstead added revised glucose to his higher-carb meals. This contains berberine and chromium. This dinner is a total of 1,177 calories and is a simple meal. Bumstead prefers pasta and sweet potatoes when trying to add carbs.
160 grams brown rice
225 grams ground beer
Pasta sauce
Final Meal
The final meal of the day for Chris Bumstead is chocolate chip protein pancakes. He uses Birch Benders pancake mix because it has more protein than regular mix. Alongside the pancakes, Bumstead makes a protein shake with one and a half scoops of Whey protein and glutamine in water.
This completes a full day of eating for Chris Bumstead as he prepares for the 2022 Olympia at the end of the year. If he keeps up his routine with his normal dedication, Bumstead could be looking at his fourth title in a row.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Best on the Planet! Physiques with Picture Perfect 6-Pack Abs
Best on the Planet – Physiques with Picture Perfect 6-Pack Abs
Nothing else portrays the fitness level of a person more than a set of six-pack abs. A chiseled midriff isn’t easy to get. A six-pack can take months of strict diet, training, and discipline to achieve and maintain. The constant work is why they’re easy to lose, so people like showing them off while they still have them.
Six-pack abs come in all shapes and sizes and we did some digging to bring you some of the best set of abs on the planet. The athletes of the list have such defined and conditioned abs, Greek gods would be proud of them.
The Best Abs on the Planet
Phil Heath
7X Mr. Olympia Phil Heath might get criticism these days for a distended stomach – but during the height of his reign he had the best sets of abs on the planet. Heath is known as the ‘Gift’ and we can vouch for the title. Maintaining the kind of conditioning Phil has for a guy of his size is truly commendable.
Michelle Lewin
If you’ve been around the fitness scene for some time, you’d be familiar with Michelle Lewin by now. The Colombian beauty has one of the best physiques on the planet and her 13.3m followers on Instagram are proof.
Lazar Angelov
Lazar is one of the biggest Instagram fitness celebrities and is acclaimed for his chiseled physique. Only a few people (if anyone at all) can beat the symmetry and definition of Angelov’s abs.
Brooke Ence
Ence is the queen of CrossFit and her washboard abs can put many men to shame. Brooke plays an Amazon Warrior in the Wonder Woman movies. The original Amazon warriors will have absolutely no problem with the casting.
Chul Soon
Man, Chul Soon is something else. The Korean athlete is climbing through the ranks quickly and we might see him on big bodybuilding stages soon. Chul has also got some dance skills which often do the rounds on social media.
Karina Elle
Elle does a great job of staying in shape throughout the year. Karina loves the beach life and her exotic bikinis give us the front row view to her perfectly crafted six-packs. Thank God for the Cali weather.
Sergi Constance
Sergi has one of the most well-defined midriffs on the planet. Constance is one step ahead of everyone in the chiseled midsection game with his eight-pack abs. There is no more real estate on his abdominal for any more abs.
Ashley Kaltwasser
Kaltwasser is the 3X Ms. Bikini Olympia. Ashley is also one of the most fun people to follow on Instagram. If you’re not already following Ashley on Instagram, you’re missing out on a lot. You’ll be surprised at all the things she can do.
Jeff Seid
Jeff is an internet fitness celebrity and has a giant following. Jeff has been training for 13 years and focuses on building aesthetics. Seid has an elaborate Youtube channel and you can check out his vlogs and workouts there.
Paige Hathaway
Hathaway is arguably one of the prettiest Instagram fitness celebrities. Paige Hathaway (along with her abs) can keep you glued to your phones for hours. Hathaway shares her workouts on Instagram for you to follow.
Ulisses Jr.
The best abs list can never be complete without mentioning the king of washboard abs, Ulisses Jr. Ulisses’ abs are in such great shape, they leave us with no words, literally.
Who do you think has the best abs? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Instagram
Making New Year’s Resolutions That Stick So You See Gains
Make sure those New Year’s resolutions stick!
As we dive further into this new year, it is important to search for ways to make those resolutions stick. Making your New Year’s resolutions stick is always the challenge, right? We start out moving great, really start to find our groove, only to realize one setback can totally destroy the resolution. Or worse, all of our resolutions.
But don’t be discouraged, for there are ways to make those resolutions stick if you keep your mind to it and don’t let the negative voices interfere. It’s all about the process. How many times have you heard that before?
Having a goal in mind is what drives us. For us bodybuilders and athletes, our whole routine seems to be goal oriented. Bench press a certain amount of weight, place here in this show, finish here in this competition. But what gets us to these goals we desperately work for and seek is the process. And too often do we gloss over it because we have so much going on. But its true. We are nothing without the process.
Let’s take a look at the best ways to make those New Year’s resolutions stick. While it can be challenging, it is absolutely possible to see amazing gains with the right process. Plus, if you power through those setbacks, you will be better off in the long run.
Best Tips To Make Sure Those New Year’s Goals Stick
Helping to make those New Year’s goals stick are these tips that will give you better insight and the chance to really dive in and make a change. As serious athletes, we are not necessarily used to failing, but when it happens, it doesn’t have to derail all of our gains.
Track Progress
Tracking your progress is important and gives you a way to look back and see where something may have gone right or wrong. Plus, you can look back and see how far you have come. Essentially this is just a way to give you increased confidence as you get farther and farther into the process. For those who train, keeping a training journal and tracking your progress as you increase weight will give you a better understanding of how to increase and when to rest. A food journal will work for the same when it comes to your diet.
Try To Replace Habits, Not Drop Them Completely
Many of us look to drop a bad habit, but it might be easier to replace it with something else. You only have so many hours in the day. So, that bad habit that takes us time, just replace it with something new and constructive, instead of dropping it and leaving an empty void in your schedule.
Think Big, But Make Attainable Goals Along The Way
We all want to dream and think as big as we can. But making attainable goals along the way is what will get us to the finish line in one piece. If your resolution is too out of reach, then you won’t reach it, and thus give it up. Whereas if you make the goals smaller along the way to get to that end goal, you will better set yourself up for success.
Rely On Others For Accountability
Many of us love to do things on our own and too often is our fatal flaw struggling to ask for help. Relying on others for accountability is not a bad thing. It doesn’t make us weak. If anything, it opens us up to support and support we need to make our resolution stick. By letting others in, you allow yourself to be vulnerable thus exposing your process. If there are cracks in the process, someone can point them out and steer you in the right direction. If there aren’t, then you made a new friend.
Commit To Yourself
Above all else, you need to commit to yourself. Being accountable to others is great, and necessary, but being accountable to yourself is above all else. The worst person you can let down is yourself, for we are often the most hard on ourselves, but in order to make that resolution stick, commit to yourself and you will see great success.
It’s All About The Process
Throughout this year, and into years to come, remember that it is all about the process. Change takes time and while you want to accomplish those goals quickly, just remember that it won’t happen overnight. Having the ability to hang on and give yourself the best chance at success relies on your ability to see the process for what it is and take everything a day at a time. While it is a great trait to be goal oriented, it is also important to remember the process and enjoy the process.
How E-Books Can Help Those Goals Stick
E-books are great tools to help us learn and stay engaged with many topics. Written by those who fully understand how to make things happen, those of us seeking the best advice for health and fitness can find success with a great e-book.
Enhanced Labs has an awesome selection of e-books to choose from and whether you are looking for the right carb cycling protocol, an in depth look at the ketogenic diet, or the best ways to gain strength and size, Enhanced has you covered with the best selection around for all of those massive gains.
You can check out Enhanced Labs great selection of e-books here!
Wrap Up
Making sure those New Year’s resolutions stick can be hard but not impossible. With the right approach, you can better tackle all of those gains for the better and you won’t feel let down if it slips. The process can be challenging and you will experience those days where you feel like giving up, but stay accountable to yourself and don’t be afraid to fail. It doesn’t mean it’s over, it just means you need a new approach.
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 Lists 3 Reasons to Never Do an Exercise
One of 2021 Natural Olympia’s top competitors gives 3 reasons to never do an exercise.
There are specific exercises that are staples to any good bodybuilding program. And there are also exercises you should never touch. Picking the ones to do and the ones you shouldn’t is a dilemma for many motivated lifters. According to a Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA)/International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) top competitor, there are three reasons to never do an exercise.
Natural bodybuilding pro Sepehr Bahadori placed in the top five of the world at 2021 Natural Olympia, finishing 4th in the Men’s Bodybuilding division. And he lists three reasons you should never perform an exercise. On Instagram (IG), Bahadori stated:
“Here is a small checklist of exercises that you should NOT include in your training plan:
1.Exercises that require more flexibility than you currently have to offer. Until you can not do this halfway correctly, you should first work on your mobility & in the meantime switch to other exercises.
2. Exercises that cause you pain again and again despite the right technique, adequate training volume and sensible intensity. In this case, your genetics are probably just not made for that particular exercise or exercise type & so it would make more sense not to do them permanently.
3. Exercises that you don’t enjoy at all. Because in the long run you may lose motivation and not train at all.”
Reasons to Never Do an Exercise
In summary, Bahadori says you should avoid exercises you don’t have the mobility for, movements that cause you pain, and ones you don’t enjoy. He says there isn’t any bad exercise; merely how you perform them is what makes them bad. For example, you should never perform a set of three repetitions with heavy weight on leg extensions since that will lead to knee pain.
You can see Sepehr Bahadori’s full IG post on the matter below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYHnzMyoWPv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
WADA Certified Drug Tests
Natural bodybuilding is a growing sport that’s led to a wave of athletes beginning to sign multi-media contracts with the utmost respected strength sports digital media companies – Generation Iron and Iron Man Magazine. And with the most prominent natural bodybuilding federation globally – INBA PNBA. Each natural bodybuilder has to earn their contract, though, and it starts by passing drug tests.
As a natural bodybuilder, drugs are prohibited, and dopers will have a tough time going under the radar through INBA PNBA’s drug-testing standards – World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which is the drug-testing standards the Olympics hold their athletes to. The INBA PNBA league only uses drug tests that are WADA certified, which checks for a laundry list of banned substances by the government for recreational/athletic use.
Other natural bodybuilding leagues may be looking for the same banned substances. However, they aren’t WADA compliant, which leaves room for drug testing errors since WADA is the strictest anti-doping agency globally. Therefore, other natural bodybuilding drug testing services may fail to detect banned substances. For instance, the 2021 Women’s Bodybuilding champ was stripped of her title after failing a WADA certified drug test administered by the INBA PNBA at Natural Olympia. However, she passed the drug test in a different natural bodybuilding league.
Final Word
Next time you workout, make sure you avoid exercises that you don’t have the flexibility for. Also, the ones that cause you pain, and the ones you don’t like. Some movements are better suited for each individual based on their anatomy.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more workout tips from the top natural bodybuilders in the world!
Multivitamins For Working Out- What Should You Buy?
For those who work out, what is the best multi to buy?
When you train hard to gain muscle, you also need to pay attention to muscle recovery, which means providing your body with what it needs to keep improving, being multivitamins. Not only will this help you to keep seeing new gains in the gym, but it will also contribute to your overall health and well-being.
Regardless of whether you’re an advanced bodybuilder or new to the game, nutrition is the most important thing. Bodybuilding happens at the gym, in the kitchen, and in the supplements you consume.
Ideally, you would like to get all of the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but unfortunately, that just isn’t possible. As someone who spends a lot of time working out, your body requires a large amount of both macronutrients and micronutrients to reach its peak performance.
The Role Of Bodybuilding Vitamins
Bodybuilders spend hours in the gym training and are required to follow strict diets. A high amount of protein boosts your amino acid levels, which is necessary to put on muscle. However, it is not sufficient to consume a lot of protein if you fail to get all the micronutrients you need. Deficiency can impact your body in many ways, which will hinder your performance, slow your recovery, and limit your body’s ability to build muscle.
Vitamins fight inflammation, promote a healthy immune system (1), increase mental clarity and focus, and aid your body in the growth and repair of muscles. What a good multivitamin will do is offer the best chance at receiving all of those vitamins and minerals you may miss from whole foods. What you get is the ability to maximize training, performance, and your overall health.
When Is The Best Time To Take Multivitamins?
There isn’t necessarily one best time to take multivitamins but most people take them in them morning with breakfast. Taking with food will not upset your stomach and taking it in the morning allows you to stay on a decent routine. For those who may struggle with pills, consider a chewable or gummy vitamin, as well as a powder, so you can get all these nutrients no problem.
What Multivitamin Should You Buy?
Not all multivitamins are created equally. And too much of a vitamin can be just as harmful as a deficiency. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are consuming a quality product when you supplement with a multivitamin.
That is why we recommend National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilders Multivitamin, which has been specifically designed for people who spend hours training and want to reach their peak performance.
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilders Multivitamin
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin is great for those bodybuilders looking to optimize performance. With 20 essential vitamins and minerals, this is a safe and natural multivitamin for all of your needs.
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilders Multivitamin is made from natural ingredients and is safe for daily consumption. Designed specifically for bodybuilders, this will work to quicken muscle recovery, support the anabolic process and recovery, boost your immune system, and provide for balanced hormones. With professionally researched dosages, no harmful fillers or additives, and a fully transparent ingredients list, you know exactly what you’re getting with this amazing multivitamin.
Benefits Of National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilders Multivitamin
As a bodybuilder, you need to consume nutrients that will enable you to perform your best and continue to build muscle. To make sure that you are giving your body what it needs, you should be taking a multivitamin that has been designed specifically for bodybuilders.
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilders Multivitamin has been scientifically researched and clinically dosed to provide bodybuilders with exactly what they need. It contains 13 vitamins and minerals and 3 herb blends designed to improve your immune system, balance your anabolic hormones, and enable your body to recover faster.
But remember a multivitamin cannot make up for a poor diet. As a bodybuilder, you need to make sure you are eating right as well as supplementing. Knowing which foods can better prepare you for all those gains will prove to be worthwhile as you seek to improve your diet.
How National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilders Multivitamin Can Benefit You
We like National Bodybuilding Co. because the ingredients are not trademarked, which means that they are fully transparent. This allows us to see exactly what goes into it and what benefits you should expect to see with daily use.
Faster Muscle Growth
National Bodybuilding Multivitamin is jam-packed with ingredients that aid muscle growth.
Firstly, your body requires Vitamin A to grow and repair bodily tissues, including muscle tissue.
Your body also needs Zinc to make proteins and DNA.
Vitamin D has also been proven to increase muscle strength and reduce injury (2).
Molybdenum aids enzymes that are the building blocks of muscle.
Manganese further promotes muscle growth.
Quicker Recovery
Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium, and Manganese are powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation (3).
At the same time, B vitamins transport oxygen to your muscles, increasing hypertrophy.
All of this works to recover your muscles quickly and efficiently.
More Energy and Better Wellbeing
B vitamins are a well-known mood enhancer that brings increased focus and mental clarity (4).
Vitamin C is also a mood booster that provides you with more energy.
Chromium improves mental clarity and limits brain fog.
Magnesium calms anxiety.
The Antioxidant Fruit & Energy Blend is designed to boost energy, wellness, and focus further.
Balanced Hormones
Vitamin D increases testosterone levels in your body (5).
Vitamin C helps to keep your hormones balanced.
The Male Support Blend also contains ingredients designed to increase testosterone, boost male vitality, and protect cells in your testes from damage.
Improved Mind-Body Connection
Strong Bones
Vitamin D and Calcium work together to keep your bones strong and healthy, which is essential to support your muscles.
Improved Immune System
National Bodybuilding Co. Multivitamin includes an Immune Blend, designed to keep your immune system healthy, even when you are training hard.
Zinc also helps to fight off foreign invaders to your immune system.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Copper is integral for your red blood cells to function correctly, which improves cardiovascular health (6).
While Chromium helps to balance your blood sugar levels, which promotes healthy fat loss when you are trying to cut down.
For more great multivitamins, check out our list of the Best Multivitamin Supplements!
Wrap Up
As a bodybuilder, you need to ensure that your body has all the nutrients it requires to function properly. Otherwise, you will always be restricted by deficiencies. However, not all multivitamins are created equal, and you need to make sure that you are taking a quality supplement that has been well researched and clinically dosed. That is what you get with National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin. The benefits you should expect to see are quicker recovery periods, a more robust immune system, improved focus, balanced hormones, and even faster muscle building for only the best gains.
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Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Oregon State University (2020). “Multivitamin, mineral supplement linked to less-severe, shorter-lasting illness symptoms”. (source)
Chiang, C.; et al. (2017). “Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Muscle Strength in Athletes: A Systematic Review”. (source)
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Antioxidants: In Depth”. (source)
Kennedy, D. (2016). “B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy- A Review”. (source)
Pilz, S.; et al. (2011). “Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men”. (source)
Rock, E.; et al. (2000). “The effect of copper supplementation on red blood cell oxidizability and plasma antioxidants in middle-aged healthy volunteers”. (source)
Whitney Jones On How She Won Olympia 2021 With A Broken Leg
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Whitney Jones reveals the severity of competing in (and winning) the Fitness Olympia 2021 with a broken leg.
Whitney Jones is a 3x Fitness Olympia champion – solidifying her third win at the Olympia 2021 this past year. It was a triumphant moment after falling to third place in 2020. She proved that her reign as an Olympia champion was not over. But her victory in 2021 is even more astounding upon the reveal that she competed with a broken leg. This information was not revealed until after she had already won the show. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Whitney Jones goes into detail about her broken leg, the severity of the injury, and how she was able to still win the Fitness Olympia 2021.
As anyone who follows competitive bodybuilding knows, the Fitness division is quite different than any other bodybuilding category. This is because it includes a Fitness performance routine. This routine, unlike usual bodybuilding posing, involves gymnastic movements and feats of strength – mixed with a sort of dance energy. It’s impressive to watch on display – and requires serious commitment, planning, and practice to achieve standout success.
As any Fitness competitor or gymnast will also know, these movements can be complicated and dangerous. It opens up the door to a wider array of injuries. Unfortunately for Whitney Jones, she faced once such injury during practice just three days before the Olympia 2021. Training in a new space on her final days of prep, Jones was unfamiliar with the space of her new practice space. This caused her to second guess a movement and land on her knee incorrectly. Instantly she felt searing pain and her knew swelled up. Something was seriously wrong.
With the Olympia competition just three days away, she didn’t immediately go to a doctor. Instead she tried to downplay the injury and focus on bringing the swelling and pain down. She mostly succeeded with the swelling – but the pain was no resolving. She feared that perhaps she had torn her ACL. But she refused to lose her chance to win the Fitness Olympia so close to the show.
Yet despite whether or not she wanted to stand down to prevent further injury – she also faced another problem. The pain would make it near impossible for her to complete her Fitness routine. She needed to find a way to bring down the pain. Painkiller pills wouldn’t due. They would make her drowsy and less alert – affecting her routine.
Ultimately, she was lucky enough to know someone who could provide her some sort of injection that temporarily numbed her knee. The risk? That she goes so numb that she can’t feel her leg and it throws off her routine. But it was a risk she was willing to take. She took the stage and put forth her best effort on the routine she spent a full year preparing.
We all know the end to this story. Whitney Jones ended up winning the Fitness Olympia. She later went to the doctor and found out that she had not torn her ACL nor broke her knee – but broke her tibia towards the top right under her knee. Now many months later, she is mostly healed – she didn’t suffer any known additional damage from competing while injured. The risk was worth it.
You can watch Whitney Jones go into full detail about the injury, competing, and winning the Fitness Olympia 2021 in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
How To Spot, Stop & Avoid Invisible Lat Syndrome
Let’s get rid of this ridiculous syndrome.
You have seen invisible lat syndrome before. Those wannabe Olympia bodybuilders and meatheads “unable” to put their arms down by their sides because their lats are so “big”. Sound familiar? It’s awkward, annoying, and just flat out embarrassing, for the wannabe that is.
Invisible lat syndrome has unfortunately plagued gyms everywhere with those seeking to look bigger than they actually are. And the worst part is, it doesn’t even make you look bigger.
So, what causes this and why do people have it? How can we spot it and hopefully try to stop it? Let’s jump right into this and answer all of these questions for you. Next time you are in the gym, keep an eye out for those meatheads that just can’t seem to make their arms go down. Trust us, you can’t miss them.
What Is Invisible Lat Syndrome?
Invisible lat syndrome (ILS), also referred to as imaginary lat syndrome, is the idea that your pump was so big, and that your lats are so wide, that you can’t return your arms to your side like normal. This typically happens after a someone lifts massive weights and has that inflated feeling in their muscles. Their armpits will be open wide and their arms will awkwardly look as though they don’t know where to go. Think about if you had basketballs or volleyballs under your arms. That’s what it would feel like.
The ironic thing is, we have most likely all felt this feeling. It is normal to have that inflated feeling after a massive lift. But the difference is we tend to recognize we are not Ronnie Coleman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, or Dorian Yates and quickly return our arms to their respective resting positions; down by their sides, where they should be.
Why Do People Have It?
Why people have invisible lat syndrome is a mystery and all that we could truly gather are a few superficial reasons for potentially why someone would subject everyone else in the gym to look at that foolishness. While we can do our best to spread awareness about this issue, unfortunately we leave it in the hands of those individuals who suffer from it to make the choice to stop. Some possible reasons people have ILS are:
A genuinely massive pump where they physically can’t put their arms down by their sides- this is highly unlikely, but to be fair, it needed to be on the list.
Idolizing their favorite bodybuilder and seek to mimic how they look. Typically, professional bodybuilders will pose with this look to impress the judges. But look at those same bodybuilders in the gym on a normal day and they wouldn’t dare walk around with watermelons under their arms.
Want attention and need people to know they are working out. How annoying is that? You are at a gym, of course we know you are working out. Unless they are looking to find their soul mate and feel this is how to portray dominance or a sense of control over the gym. Try throwing a punch in the invisible lat syndrome position. Trust us, it won’t go well.
How To Stop Invisible Lat Syndrome Of Others
It is up to us humble gym goers and athletes to try and put an end to invisible lat syndrome as best we can. Even if we don’t fully understand what causes it, we need to stay focused in our mission to end this ridiculousness. If you see someone suffering from invisible lat syndrome, avoid eye contact. Don’t give them the attention they so desperately seek and let them waddle around alone, admiring themselves in the mirror until it’s time to go home. The more you look and draw attention to this, the more they will do it and it will never end.
Another way that may work well is to lift equal amounts of weight or perform the same exercises and when finished, don’t look like that. This will show them that there is absolutely no reason to look like that and if you can lift that weight and perform that exercise without it, then people know it is all for attention’s sake.
How To Avoid It For Yourself
To avoid invisible lat syndrome on your own is not that difficult. Just lift, enjoy your workout, and don’t try to be someone you are not. By allowing yourself the freedom to lift big, look great, and see that shredded and massive physique unfold, you will be well on your way to seeing huge gains and won’t look like a fool whose head is too big for their body.
Actually Building Your Lats
Your lats do matter and having strong lats work to assist with a larger physique, that V-shape look, and any pulling motion that comes your way. As one of the largest muscles we have, maintaining good form and giving your body the best chance at success requires knowing what to do to really build strength and size.
Knowing which exercises can increase lat development is important and looking to the right exercises will get you seriously wide lats. The barbell pullover is a great exercise for massive growth while the underhand lat pulldown will build those wing-like lats. Looking to the idea of the lat pulldown vs. pull-up, both are great for offering functional and sport specific gains all while building that stronger, more defined back. Whatever your intended exercise is, place these into your routine and see what they can do for you. You absolutely won’t be disappointed by the results.
Wrap Up
Invisible lat syndrome is that unfortunate thing we see in the gym all too much. As upstanding members of the gym going community, it is our place to take a stand and stop it. Do your part, don’t pay attention to these wannabe’s, and hopefully we can eradicate invisible lat syndrome for good. Although this uphill battle is going to take all of us.
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