Tag: Bodybuilding
Breon Ansley Full Interview | Classic Physique vs Men’s 212 & Chris Bumstead Rivalry
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Watch the full uncut GI Exclusive interview with Breon Ansley
Breon Ansley is one of the most iconic Classic Physique competitors since the division’s inception. He’s a two time Olympia champion and helped set the standard for what Classic Physique should look like. But over the past two years, Ansley has been challenged by his rival Chris Bumstead – who has now won the Olympia two years in a row.
That’s why last year we connected with Breon Ansley over a video call to talk about his future plans, his rivalry with Chris Bumstead and many other topics. This interview took place right before the Olympia 2020.
Over the past year we’ve released multiple GI Exclusive segments from our interview with Breon Ansley. This uncut full length interview includes topics such as his training tactics for Olympia, whether or not he will one day transition to Men’s 212, and his mindset about his rivalry with Chris Bumstead.
Listen To Our Breon Ansley Interview On The Generation Iron Podcast
Our full length interviews are now also in podcast form! Subscribe to the Generation Iron Podcast for candid, full length interviews with the biggest names in bodybuilding, fitness, combat, and strength sports.
Listen to the full Breon Ansley interview here:
Breon Ansley clarifies his past comments and about Chris Bumstead and his thoughts on their rivalry
Breon Ansley is and always has been a respectful and confident pro bodybuilder in the Classic Physique division. So it came as a shock to some when he seemingly agreed with Bradley Martyn – who claimed that Chris Bumstead was lacking in certain areas of his physique despite winning the Olympia 2019.
The video clip went viral and made headlines across many bodybuilding media outlets including Generation Iron. After this – it seemed that Breon Ansley was unhappy on how he was presented in the news stories, making comments on social media that the headlines were misleading.
To clarify the entire situation, we connected with Breon Ansley via video chat to discuss not only his past comments but the upcoming Olympia 2020 and the future of Classic Physique as a whole. Of course, ultimately Breon Ansley lost again to Bumstead at the 2020 Olympia – but it’s interesting to see Ansley’s mindset about his strongest rival.
Breon Ansley Answers: Will He Transition To The Men’s 212 Division?
Wrap Up
We discuss many more topics with Breon Ansley than what can be fully covered in this article. That’s why you should check out the full GI Exclusive interview above! We discuss far many more topics including his training tactics, the future of Classic Physique as a whole, and more!
Read This To Make Continuous Progress in The Gym
Make Constant Progress With These Tips
If you have been working out for some time, chances are you know what it feels like to hit a plateau. Hitting a plateau is the feeling you get when you’re hurdling but in place of a hurdle, there’s a wall, and no matter how fast you run, you can’t pass through it.
Making constant progress year-on-year is something everyone wants but only a few get. In this article, we’ll be sharing the tricks the pros use to make continuous improvements and avoid hitting roadblocks.
Keep Challenging Your Body
You aren’t going to keep improving until you keep challenging your muscles. Every time you’re in the gym, do something to shock your body. Lift heavier weights than you did the last time, try a new training technique or triple the number of reps you usually perform.
Once your muscles get used to your way of training, it’s game over for you. A good rule of thumb should be, if you’re comfortable in the gym, you’re doing it wrong. If you follow some of the pros on social media, you’ll see them taking their bodies through grueling workouts, and that is the secret to their success.
Keep Your Recovery On Point
Most people make the mistake of underplaying the importance of recovery in their transformation. They think the only thing that matters for muscle building is how hard they train.
It may come as a surprise to some people, but the role of the right diet and recovery combined form a bigger part in a body transformation as compared to training alone. Make sure your nutrition plan and recovery schedule is in line with your goals.
Shake Up Your Routine
Following the same routine day in and day out can become monotonous. Nothing exciting comes your way if you’re leading a boring life. You need to shake things up constantly to see constant progress.
If you have been following the same diet for a long time, it might be time to try something new. Switching to a new gym or finding yourself a new training partner or a coach can be enough to spark new growth.
Expand Your Knowledge
With the advancement in research in fitness, new things are being discovered constantly. Keeping yourself updated with the developments in the sport can help keep your progress graph pointing upwards.
The more you learn, the better understanding you’ll have of things you’re doing, and ways to make them more effective. Also, knowledge is what separates the pros from the gym bros.
Take A Break
Sometimes when people are stuck in a plateau, they try to push themselves harder in the gym which can do more harm than good. Overtraining is one of the most talked-about and yet misunderstood concepts in fitness.
Overtraining can take a toll on your central nervous system (CNS) and impair your body’s ability to make progress. If you’re not successful in breaking through the overhead ceiling, it might be better to take a break and give your body time to recover.
Have you ever been injured in the gym? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements
Vitaliy “Good Vito” Ugolnikov Looks Massive In Recent Physique Update
Bodybuilder known as Good Vito shows off incredible physique in recent update.
Vitaliy Ugolnikov, better known as “Good Vito,” is an IFBB Elite Pro who has made some noise recently. In a recent Instagram post, the 24-year-old bodybuilder looks enormous pulling off a double-bicep pose.
Good Vito, which is his Instagram handle, captioned this photo saying “3 weeks before the start.” This hints that he could be planning to get back on stage soon and is beginning to prep for competition. In this update, he shows off his massive arms and legs before it all begins.
To this point, Good Vito is not an IFBB Pro. He competes in the IFBB Elite Pro circuit but there is a chance that he could work his way up. As of now, there is no plan for Ugolnikov to appear in an NPC Show. This is where he would be able to earn his pro card and have the chance to compete against some of the best in the sport.
This is not the first time this month that Good Vito has shared a picture of his insane arms. On Aug. 2, he took to Instagram once again to remind everyone that he is a force.
Just five days ago, Good Vito posted an update of himself last year compared to 2018. He has clearly been training for years but it takes some time to build the physique that Ugolnikov has currently.
“July 2018-2020. My first outing to the big land (mainland). In 2018, I got 4th place in junior category and 5th place in men’s category. At the extreme tournament of 2020, I won the title of absolute champion f Russia. This year I will fight for the title of Absolute World Champion,” Good Vito wrote.
As we move along in 2021, Good Vito is continuing to get bigger and shape his physique for competition. This is going to help moving forward as he works toward a pro card. once this opportunity comes about, Ugolnikov will be able to put his full ability on display at some of the biggest competitions of the year.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Bodybuilding & Powerlifts (Updated 2021)
These weightlifting shoes are great for weight training and bodybuilding to capitalize on all your gains.
For those who lift big, you know how much support you need to continue to thrive inside and out of the gym. What a good pair of weightlifting shoes can do is provide you with something that is comfortable and versatile that also offers great stability and support, especially when you’re under so much weight.
You want to give yourself the best chance at success when you’re at the gym and a solid pair of weightlifting shoes can do just that. Weightlifting shoes are generally hard and flat soled shoes with an elevated heel and straps to allow for adjustability as you seek your desired fit. These bodybuilding shoes are designed to assist in your heavy powerlifts and other forms of training to ensure you remain stable and balanced in efforts to enhance safety and effectiveness of your lifts (1). Once you find a pair that works great for you, there’s no turning back and the gains you seek most will only start to increase.
Here is our list of the Best Weightlifting Shoes for 2021 as we seek to bring you the best when it comes to workout equipment. Don’t settle for anything less than great and this list will provide you with some stellar options from great brands as you look to enhance your training and performance with a great pair of bodybuilding shoes.
Best Weightlifting Shoes For 2021
Best Weightlifting Shoes Overall
The best weightlifting shoes overall will give you the best when it comes to comfort and versatility while still providing great support. A reputable company will produce only top tier products in terms of durability and quality to withstand any workouts.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer is a great overall weightlifting shoe for whatever workout comes your way. The bold new design includes a textile upper for consistent and comfortable air flow to avoid overheating and provide the best feel. The lockdown straps provide for a good all-around fit to match your desired adjustability and the raised heel offers maximum stability. With natural contours, this shoes fits you just right for support and max power with the best position.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer is a great lifting shoe to provide support for your ankles and low back. Good sizing and a snug fit ensures comfort and versatility.
Pros
Comfortable with natural contours to fit your shape as athletes and lifters
Lockdown straps are sturdy and the raised heel is great for stability
This shoes works especially great with deadlifts
Cons
A bit tight around the toe area for bodybuilding shoes
Not the best for squatting
Price: $131.18 – $340.42
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Men
For those men looking for a quality lifting shoe, looking to those options may seem challenging. The best weightlifting shoes for men will provide the utmost support to protect any weightlifter from potential injuries when under so much weight.
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes are designed specifically for weightlifting and strenuous exercise in the gym. Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable, the innovative design allows for serious ankle support while also being comfortable and versatile. The flat, solid, flexible rubber outsoles are perfect for supporting immense pressure and the quality ensures these will last you a long time no matter the workout you endure.
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes are designed specifically for weightlifting and are versatile for year round wear. Comfortable and lightweight, these are thick and offer great ankle support.
Pros
Designed specifically for weightlifting and hard exercise
Great ankle support while still being comfortable and versatile
Lightweight and breathable only enhances the effectiveness of these shoes
Cons
Sole is flimsy and the shoe may not be wide enough for some lifters
Price: $84.99
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Squats
The squat exercise requires stellar form to avoid injury and with so much weight on the bar, it is important to have a quality shoe working on your behalf. The best shoes for squats as a weightlifter will allow you stay firm and stable in order to knock out any PRs with ease.
Adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes
Adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes are 100% synthetic and the canvas upper increases durability and stability. A reinforced heel locks the heel in for greater support and lace enclosure allows the locked-in fit to be secured with one strap coming across the top. With a strong, stable base and a sockliner for increased comfort, these lifting shoes from Adidas are the best for squatting as you work towards that new personal squat record.
adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes are lightweight and stable for a great fit. The air mesh collar, tongue, and lining are great for ventilation.
Pros
Great support and reinforcement in the heel for the squat exercise
The lace enclosure offers a snug fit on the top of the foot
Great for squats with the stability support for lifters
Cons
Not much support in the arch and feels to be a tight fit
Price: $129.31
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Powerlifting
Powerlifters need the best in terms of quality for each lift requires the utmost care and attention. Those big powerlifts can seem intimidating, but with the right equipment, like a great pair of shoes, you can get that weight up and see huge gains with your Olympic lifting.
Nordic Lifting Shoes
Nordic Lifting Shoes are great for improving powerlifting performance and heavy workouts. This premium shoe offers good foot support to ensure a powerful workout and greater gains and are built to last under any stress. For those powerlifters or athletes who regularly lift heavy, these can improve posture to promote longevity and keep you physically healthy overall. The smooth, anti-slip sole is designed for maximum stability during all movements to promote the best workout possible.
Nordic Weightlifting Shoes are great for powerlifters to maintain optimal lifting performance. Good foot support ensures a powerful workout and improved posture.
Pros
Perfect for powerlifters and other lifters
Great for working on posture and supporting gains by offering top notch stability
Cons
Heel fit is rather loose and heel height is a bit awkward
The single strap doesn’t provide the best fit across the top of the foot
Price: $89.95
Best Weightlifting Shoes For The Money
Fitness equipment and apparel can get expensive and it can be hard to find good products at affordable prices. The right weightlifting shoes for the money will not break the bank and still give you a quality pair for all your needs.
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer are great for lifting and exercise needs offering a stable feel and great support. A regular fit with a synthetic sole, a strong canvas upper is reinforced with a heel counter. A good base allows for more stable lifts and a nice, flat bottom offers a stiff feel with versatility and comfort. For those looking for a quality shoe with nice support and a good price, this shoe from Adidas may certainly be the way to go for all you lifters.
adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer is great for lifting support no matter the workout. A synthetic sole and slightly raised platform allow for the best out of your lifts.
Pros
Good stable feel for support and enhanced lifts, like the squat
A stiff feel, it still offers comfort and versatility
Good style and design for performance and aesthetic for lifters
Cons
Won’t work well for running or higher intensity work
Price: $59.99 – $124.99
Best Weightlifting Shoes For CrossFit
Those CrossFit athletes require certain needs given the strain of each exercise. It’s important to know just what you need as a CrossFit athlete because that will determine the type of shoe you buy to increase performance.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer
For those looking for a great CrossFit shoe, Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer combines quality construction with a firm foundation with a level of comfort that is hard to find. Overlapping straps offer a great fit along with the lockdown strap and the shoe’s breathability allows for comfort and less moisture build-up. With a versatility to move but also the comfort of a normal shoe, this weightlifting shoe from Reebok is a great one to get you competition ready.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer can improve your lifts by increasing range of motion. For those serious about lifting, these are great for support and performance.
Pros
Firm foundation but provides great comfort and versatility for lifts, like the squat
Breathability allows for comfort as well
Cons
Tight in the toes and where the laces start to thread, it can dig into the foot
Price: $122.66 – $234.00
Benefits Of Weightlifting Shoes For Bodybuilding & Olympic Lifting
The benefits of weightlifting shoes will make you consider investing in a pair, or even upgrading your current pair, so you get the most out of your workouts.
Increased support: These can increase support by providing better traction for your grip to the floor, as well as supporting the foot and the ankle during those big lifts and Olympic lifting (2).
Ankle support: Provide a secure, snug fit around your ankle so you can develop mobility and power without putting it in a vulnerable position.
Ensure safety of lifts: Work to protect against injury that can keep you out of the gym and hitting PRs during your Olympic lifting and barbell training.
Raised heel: Helps with things like flexibility and mobility while also giving you a more comfortable posture with some of these lifts.
Boost confidence & style: Looking good is half the battle and a great pair of lifting shoes can increase your confidence as you look like a pro with a stylish pair.
What Else To Know About Weightlifting Shoes
Ideal Heel Height
The standard heel height for a lifting shoe is about .75” but many shoes also go up to an inch (ideal for Olympia lifting) and even down to .6”-.65”, which are more beneficial for deadlifts. But .75” is a good height for weightlifting in general (especially squat type movements) and is versatile for most lifting activities. So, you could say it’s like a hybrid since the heel isn’t low or particularly high either. Now, certain physical attributes, goals, movement, and lifting technique will ultimately determine which height you decide to go with. So, there’s no perfect one-size-fits-all shoe option for every individual. But, chances are, most people would benefit from using a standard weightlifting shoe with a .75” lift.
Different Heel Types
There are weightlifting shoes with wooden, stacked leather, plastic, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). These materials are very durable and provide a very stable and solid base which you need in a weightlifting shoe which athletic shoes do not provide.
Strap System
Most weightlifting shoes have laces by default but straps (one or two) are often included for additional security. When lifting heavy, you want your ankles and feet to be as secure and stable as possible since they are the base. The choice to have one or two straps really comes down to how secure you prefer your lifting footwear to be. Two will result in maximum secureness but it’s not always necessary. And some shoes have a BOA tightening system which allow you to turn a dial to get a tighter fit.
How We Choose
Our list is comprised of weightlifting shoes we believe will give you the best when it comes to quality, support, longevity, and price. These brands are great and take pride in their products and care of the consumer. While some of these brands are more expensive than others, we believe the quality and longevity of these shoes are matched by comfort and versatility they provide to your lifts. The support these shoes have will enhance your comfort in the gym and allow you to focus on other things aside from your safety.
FAQ Section
What is the best weightlifting shoe?
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer. This shoe is a bold new design that is comfortable to provide for the best feel. The straps ensure a good fit and the natural contours will match your foot perfectly. These are designed for and will improve support and maximum power.
What are the benefits if I use a weightlifting shoe versus a normal shoe?
What you’ll get out of a weightlifting shoe is something designed for and geared towards weightlifting. When it comes to support, comfort, durability, and use, these shoes are created to help with those big lifts from an elevated heel to provide better traction on the sole. You are working to give yourself better support when under the bar.
How do I decide which shoe is right for me?
This may take some trial and error because each fit is unique to the individual but look for a shoe that fits nicely without being too tight. It is possible to have a snug fit that still allows for movement. Also, look for what you want to use it for. If you’re into CrossFit, look into something geared towards that. Same with powerlifting and bodybuilding. With so many options, it is possible to match one that will work for you perfectly.
Wrap Up
Weightlifting shoes are great to use in the gym to ensure comfort, versatility, support, and longevity as you seek to pack on muscle and work towards that shredded aesthetic. Looking into a pair of lifting shoes will only improve your training and performance and is a great idea if you don’t own a pair. This list contains high-quality and amazing weightlifting shoes to help you towards your goals so check it out today and see which one’s will work best for you.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References
Legg, Hayley S.; Glaister, Mark; Cleather, Daniel J.; Goodwin, Jon E. (2017). “The effect of weightlifting shoes on the kinetics and kinematics of the back squat”. (source)
Sato, Kimitake; Fortenbaugh, Dave; Hydock, David S. (2012). “Kinematic changes using weightlifting shoes on barbell back squat”. (source)
American Gladiators’ William ‘Billy’ Smith Has Died at 56
Billy Smith spent time as a bodybuilder before his role on ‘American Gladiators.’
William ‘Billy’ Smith, known as Thunder, has passed away at the age of 56. Smith is best known for his role on ‘American Gladiators’ but spent time as a bodybuilder at a young age. His death was confirmed by the American Gladiators’ Instagram account. the cause of death is unknown at this time.
“It is with great sadness we report the loss of an American Gladiators legend and bodybuilding superstar William ‘Billy’ Smith aka Thunder. Our sincere condolences are with his family & friends #RIP.”
Billy Smith began competing in the sport of bodybuilding at 17 years old. During his 15-year career, Smith totaled 24 victories and was an immediate force in competition. Some of his most notable performances include a victory at the 1984 Gold’s Classic, placing sixth in the 1984 Nationals Heavyweight Class, and was third at Nationals.
Smith enjoyed studying sports nutrition and conditioning. At a young age, he found a passion for bodybuilding and earned many opportunities because of his incredible physique. Aside from his success on stage, Smith earned a role on American Gladiators from 1990-1992. He became a beloved figure from his role on the show. He returned to bodybuilding in 1995 and finished fifth at the USA’s among the heavyweights.
Billy Smith made an impact on many lives throughout his career as a bodybuilder and on television. Dave Palumbo, owner of RxMuscle, shared a post following this announcement.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of American Gladiators star and top NPC bodybuilder Billy Thunder Smith I competed with him back in the 90s .. nice guy @official_rxmuscleofficial_rxmuscle”
Generation Iron sends condolences out to Billy Smith’s family and friends during this time. This article will be updated as more information is confirmed and becomes available. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Melvin Anthony’s Behind The Scenes Account Of Jay Cutler Defeating Ronnie Coleman At Olympia 2006
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Melvin Anthony shares his first hand story of seeing Jay Cutler defeat Ronnie Coleman for the first time.
Ronnie Coleman is a bodybuilder of legends. He’s arguably the greatest bodybuilder to ever live. So of course, the moment when he was finally defeated from his Mr. Olympia reign was a noteworthy one. The man to take down Coleman was Jay Cutler – who went on to win four Mr. Olympia titles. Many bodybuilding fans have seen the footage – but only a small number of people were there in person for this historic moment. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Melvin Anthony shares his behind the scenes first hand account of Jay Cutler’s victory over Ronnie Coleman at Olympia 2006.
Melvin Anthony was competing at the Mr. Olympia in 2006. So not only was he in person to witness Ronnie Coleman’s defeat after eight Mr. Olympia wins, he was also behind the scenes in the events leading up to it. That’s why in our video interview, we asked Anthony to break down what that experience was like. Was it clear from the beginning that Jay Cutler would take down The King? Or was it a surprise for even the competitors?
Melvin Anthony admits that his perception on the moment is slightly skewed. He was competing himself – and so he had tunnel vision due to the hunger for victory. He wasn’t worrying whether or not Jay Cutler could beat Coleman. He instead was focused on being the one to beat Coleman himself.
Despite this, Melvin Anthony had some interesting stories to tell about the Olympia 2016. Once Anthony saw Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman pose – he knew that he wouldn’t be able to take the first place spot. It’s at this moment he was able to focus on the battle between Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman with more focus.
Was he surprised that Ronnie Coleman lost? No, not really. This isn’t because it was obvious he would lose. It was because in a sport like bodybuilding – anything can happen between competitors at this top tier level. In fact, Melvin Anthony believes that Jay Cutler had a better physique in previous years. Cutler only lost because he lost the mental game.
Melvin Anthony describes a moment from a previous Olympia, when Ronnie Coleman came out to warm up backastage and, according to Anthony, you could see Coleman’s size grow as he got pumped up. It was in that moment that Jay Cutler go psyched out. By having his mental game thrown off – his physique diminished and he lost to Coleman.
Anthony believes that Jay Cutler’s physique was slightly less on point in 2006 – but his mental game was completely on point. It helped take down Ronnie Coleman. The moment was a big one. It was the passing of the torch and the end of an era for one of the longest running Mr. Olympia champions. Everyone knew that day that there would never be another like Ronnie Coleman.
You can watch Melvin Anthony go into full detail about his behind the scenes experience of Ronnie Coleman vs Jay Cutler in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Aaron Singerman: Objectively Arnold Schwarzenegger Would Not Be In The Top 5 Bodybuilders Of All Time
Removing personal taste, Aaron Singerman picks the top 5 bodybuilders of all time.
There are a few ways you can make a top 5 list for sports. One would be to focus on what they accomplished in context of their era. The other is to put all athletes on the same playing field and judge them on pure skill and talent. So putting context and history aside – who would be the top 5 bodybuilders in terms of pure physique? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Aaron Singerman explains why Arnold Schwarzenegger would not be in the top 5 bodybuilders of all time.
Whenever we sit down for an interview with someone from the industry, we always take a moment to ask who are the top 5 greatest bodybuilders of all time? The variety of answers we get is truly insightful and showcases the different perspectives that exist in the sport.
When we spoke with Aaron Singerman, we asked him the same question. Specifically, we didn’t ask him for his personal favorites but instead who he thinks objectively has the best physiques of all time.
Right off the bat Aaron Singerman was able to pick his number one – Ronnie Coleman. Without hesitation he believes that he would win any contest against any era of physiques. But after that first pick – Singerman begins to struggle. He tries to be as analytical as possible. If he were a judge – who else he rank next?
Aaron Singerman ultimately lands on Flex Wheeler at number two followed by Phil Heath, Dorian Yates, and Kevin Levrone. For a moment, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name comes up. But Singerman quickly dismisses it. While he finds Schwarzenegger to be one of his personal favorite bodybuilders of all time – he thinks there are too many athletes with physique far superior to his.
“If someone was thinking Arnold Schwarzenegger, he’s getting smoked by all these guys,” Aaron Singerman states in our interview. He continues:
“So he’s not… I mean he’d be one of my favorites. Who I would like to look like personally, he’d be up there. But in terms of would Arnold at a stage now compete with Flex Wheeler? No, I mean he’d be demolished.”
Of course, there’s a reason why many would place Arnold Schwarzenegger on the top of their list. It’s due to his contributions to the sport, his presence in pop culture, and his accomplishments for the time. But in the full spectrum of physiques across the years – by today’s standards he would potentially fall short.
Of course, it would be fun to imagine what Arnold Schwarzenegger would look like today had he grown up in this era. With the kind of knowledge, technology, and supplementation of today – would we see some sort of uber Schwarzenegger? Sadly, that’s an idea that can only exist in the imagination.
You can watch Aaron Singerman break down his reasoning for the top 5 bodybuilders of all time in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
6 Key Things Experienced Lifters Do Every Day
Learn from the best
Show me a man’s habits and I’ll show you who he is. A common theory that few people put into practice. Anyone who has ever gone for a goal in life knows that goal setting is an important step in achieving what you want. The part that’s not as glamorous is the daily trudge. It’s the monotonous steps builders take day in and day out to make them just a little bit better than the day before. It’s a game of inches and we’re going to show you how to play.
While everybody has their routines we’re interested in what works and the types of things that champions do. We’ve comprised a list of 6 habits you should engrave into your brain and physiology in order to achieve with the champions, to eat with the Gods. Pay attention and take notes.
Consistency
Any amateur can start a gym membership, workout routine, or sleep and eat right for a week or two. The thing that separates the lifters that really want it from the herd is the focus to do these things on a regular basis until they become HABIT! The number one way to make something into a habit is to be consistent. It’s easy to get your ass into the gym… what’s harder is to do it every day, workout just as hard (or harder) every day, and never lose steam.
Journal
That’s right, real lifters men (or champions in this case) use a journal. By journaling you can see what you did right, what you did wrong, and how you can improve on it tomorrow. It’s a systematic way to track your progress and assess where you’re at. When you have a correct view of where you are then you can take correct steps to where you want to go. Of course, in these modern times there are also tons of apps you can download to help use as a sort of journal to manage your goals. For example – you can keep track of your macros with something out like My Fitness Pal.
Put The Big Rocks in First
Are you doing a whole bunch of machines or bicep work when you know that you need to max out clean and jerk in order to improve your strength and movement? Then you’re putting in the sand before the big rocks. The big rocks are the things that make us scared and anxious. They’re usually the hardest and stressful things that will push us to our limit but will also give us the biggest push in the direct we want to be. Time is our most precious commodity, put the big rocks first and then the small rocks (i.e. making phone calls to sponsors, running errands, etc.) will slip in around them. If you do it the other way around you’ll find you spent the whole day doing busy work while nothing actually got done.
Work on your rest
In such a busy day and age this component of bodybuilding often gets overlooked the most. While the lifting is taken seriously by most builders the self care component is often seen as optional, not taking into account this is like the negative side of rep for your whole body. Things like getting massages, hanging with family and friends, meditating, or just watching TV is JUST as important as lifting weights if you want to reach your full potential.
Synergize
Successful lifters are always looking for new and innovative ways to build on their routines. They try alternate exercises such as yoga, or resistance circuits to hybrid there workouts – whatever it takes to give them the edge. This is especially relevant when you’re stuck in a rut or have reached a plateau. So go ahead, take that MMA class.
(ABL) Always be learning
Tying in with “synergizing” is the habit of always looking to learn something new. Successful lifters always seek to understand before being understood. They take new information, weigh it, and think about how they could incorporate this into their current program. It’s not good enough to know – information is always changing – you have to expand and evolve with the changing times. If you don’t evolve then your physique won’t either.
What do you think of our 6 things successful bodybuilders do every day? Have you found these have worked in the pass or have we touch on something new? Hit us up with your opinions below in the comment section.
Best Gym Bags For Powerlifting & Bodybuilding (Updated 2021)
The best weightlifting gym bag can prove most effective for your bodybuilding and powerlifting goals for space and convenience.
Finding a great weightlifting gym bag can be difficult but those looking to boost their bodybuilding and powerlifting goals need one to boost all gains. While there are many different fitness aids, including weightlifting shoes, lifting belts, wrist wraps, and more, having a convenient way to transport these to and from the gym is a necessity. A gym bag worth your while will take care of all your transport needs to and from the gym, while also being suitable for other environments and travel, making this product your new gym partner.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Gym Bags for 2021 to offer great products to maximize your space and convenience so you can tackle any workout. High-quality for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and weightlifting, these are the best gym bags for men to boost gains.
Best Gyms Bags For 2021
Best Gym Bag Overall
The best gym bag overall will be one of the highest quality and made from durable and long lasting material. Able to hold all of your equipment, many compartments and other features will make your life easier as you travel to and from the gym.
King Kong Apparel CORE35
King Kong Apparel CORE35 is a high-quality duffel bag made to support all your gym needs. The outer material is tough, durable, and lightweight while also being water resistant and easy to clean. Multiple external and internal compartments are perfect for storing gear, including an internal shoe compartment and a 13’’ internal laptop sleeve. The best part about this bag is that your weightlifting belt can be strapped around it to maintain proper shape and save space.
King Kong Apparel CORE35 is a high-quality gym duffel bag designed to support all your needs. Durable and lightweight, while also providing space and comfort, this bag is perfect for any gym day.
Pros
Stores belt on the outside
Huge internal capacity from a weightlifting gym bag
Multiple compartments for all your gear
Great quality and durability to ensure longevity
Cons
If your shoes are larger than US size 13 Mens, then the CORE51 with its larger shoe compartment is a better match for you
Price: $129.95
Check out our individual review for King Kong Apparel CORE35 here!
Best Gym Bag For Space
You want a bag that offers space and works to fit everything you need inside. This can be either with one large compartment to fit everything you need, or many separate ones to keep your whole bag organized.
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag is a lightweight and well-built bag made with incredible materials to boost everyday performance. The UA Storm technology offers a highly water-resistance finish with an abrasion resistant bottom. Two large front zippered pockets allow for convenient storage and a removable and padded shoulder strap offers the best for comfort. A one size fits all bag, this offers great space for all your equipment needs.
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag is a water-resistant and highly durable bag for any conditions. Large vented and zippered pockets are great for organizing and ventilation.
Pros
Lightweight and well-built with great material
Water and abrasion resistant to withstand repeated abuse
Great for space with convenient pockets and storage compartments
Cons
Zippers may be poor quality for a weightlifting gym bag
May have too much space depending on your needs
Price: $27.99-$72.65
Best Lightweight Gym Bag For Durability
With so much inside, your gym bag can heavy and you really don’t need to lug it around before your workout. One that is lightweight, but also durable, is exactly what you need to see those gains you want most.
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag is a great bag for those looking for durability and extra storage while still being lightweight. A spacious main compartment is accompanied by shoes compartments, multipurpose pockets, and ventilated pockets to only give you the best in terms of carrying your equipment. Heavy duty strap buckles and durable smooth zippers make this bag easy to use as well. Carrying all your equipment can get heavy but a lightweight and durable bag is exactly what you need.
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag is made from heavy-duty fabric to last you years. Spacious compartments allow for all your equipment like belts, wraps, straps, and more.
Pros
Lightweight and durable for long term use out of this powerlifting gym bag
Many spacious compartments to be used for carrying all your equipment
From a reputable company in Serious Steel
Cons
Shoe compartment does take up a lot of the main compartment
Smaller than expected for a weightlifting gym bag
Price: $99.90
Best Gym Bag For Style & Design
While you want a functional bag, you also want one that will make you look good. When you walk into the gym, others should envy your bag as you will definitely look the part.
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag is the perfect duffel to flaunt your stuff in the gym. A wide U-shaped opening makes it easy to find what’s inside and with two outer zipper pockets, you can keep everything you want separated away from each other. Made from 100% polyester, the wipeable material is easy to clean and this weightlifting bag is also comfortable. With an adjustable shoulder strap, dual carry handles, and plenty of space, this bag will make you look good and feel better as others will certainly envy you.
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag is a sport-inspired style bag that is sturdy and durable. A lifetime warranty ensures you always have a quality bag in the gym.
Pros
Wide U-shape for easy access
Durable and comfortable for everyday use from a bodybuilding gym bag
Looks great and is perfect in terms of style and design
Cons
No reinforcement on the bottom
Shoulder strap is not removable
Price: $46.59
Benefits Of A Quality Gym Bag
Having a gym bag that you can trust can prove to be highly effective when it comes to boosting all of your gains inside and out of the gym. The best gym bags for men will be from a company you can trust and can greatly influence space and convenience so you never have the hassle of packing and hustling to the gym again. Benefits of a quality gym bag include:
Ensure you have everything packed: Never have to leave anything at home and allow yourself to pack your equipment, clothes, and supplements effortlessly.
Save space: A good bodybuilding gym bag will keep things tidy and save you space as opposed to just throwing it into any old bag.
Utmost convenience: Packing and unloading your bag has never been easier with compartments and space to be sure you get the most out of your gym bags.
Last a long time: Made from durable material, the right powerlifting gym bag can last you a long time and provide everything you need to thrive.
What You Can Include In Your Gym Bag
While this may seem obvious, the right gym can allow you to include a host of things to better prepare you for your workout. Your fitness clothes and weightlifting shoes will fit effortlessly in your gym bag, as well as any supplements you choose to take, whether that be a protein powder, pre-workout, or intra-workout BCAA. Don’t forget room for your shaker bottle as well.
But the best part about a spacious powerlifting gym bag is that it can fit all of that equipment like lifting straps, weightlifting gloves, resistance bands, and of course, your weightlifting belt. The best gym bags for men allow you to wrap your belt around the bag so it keeps its shape and won’t clutter the inside of your bag. Finding the right gym bag to include all of this may seem dauting but the best bodybuilding bags allow for this and much more.
Gym Bags Vs. Drawstrings & Backpacks
A good, functional gym bag is great for people who prefer to take their things with them into a fitness center or who need to have convenient access to their belongings. But why not just use a backpack or drawstring bag? It’s the same thing, right? Well, there are several reasons why a dedicated gym bag would be preferred and superior to a backpack or drawstring bag for gym use.
Gym Bag vs. Drawstring
First off, we already know that most drawstring bags will bunch up everything together (although some have compartments and more features than the standard drawstring bag), with items stacked on top of the other. And oftentimes, they aren’t as durable for heavier items. Not to mention, your stuff can be more difficult to sort through depending on how big the bag is. And that’s another negative of the drawstring. They can only be so big.
And in most cases, you can store quite a bit more in a decent-sized gym bag and most of these great options on our list will allow you to do so. Many of the quality gym bags are longer and higher from base to top which means there’s room for more options overall. Plus, you have more compartments and features for ease of storage.
Gym Bag vs. Backpack
Backpacks are great because they’re pretty durable with a decent amount of room to store your belongings. And like the drawstring bag, most backpacks are designed to where your items will all be piled on top of the other and it can get pretty deep in there making digging through to find your stuff a challenge sometimes. Now, there are some more high tech backpacks out there which are better designed for convenience and ease of use but they are mostly made to be carried on your back in the same manner a drawstring bag is.
A good gym bag is more elongated so that you can carry it by the handles. Gym bags are generally higher from base to top to where you can separate your belongings in sections.
So, you can carry your gym bag around with you while you train and everything will be so much easier to navigate through. And it’s much easier to carry around by the top handles since the bag is designed for it. But another advantage (purely aesthetic) a gym bag has over a backpack is that if you want to look the part, the former will be more fitting for the environment than the latter, which is an added bonus!
Rogue Vs. Bags On This List
Many people gravitate towards Rogue gym bags but we felt other bags offer better features than many of the bags Rogue does. Don’t get us wrong, Rogue offers a good bag with quality and convenience, but the bags on this list from King Kong Apparel and Gymreapers are great for they contain the best in terms of space with compartments, nice features like wrapping the belt, and the utmost organization to keep your gym experience running smoothly. It’s nothing personal to Rogue, but we just feel some of these brands offer a bit more for the dollar.
How We Choose
When it comes to choosing the best gym bags for men and all your bodybuilding and powerlifting needs, we focus first on the company and the brand. You deserve to have a great brand that is highly reputable working on your behalf to produce only the best bodybuilding bags around. Looking next at quality and what the bags offer is important. The material should be durable and able to last you a long time while withstanding abuse from the constant wear and tear. Each bag should offer compartments and plenty of space for all your gym needs. Lastly, we look at price because we know these products can get expensive but it is possible to find a great gym bag at an affordable price.
FAQ Section
What is the best gym bag?
King Kong Apparel CORE35. This gym is a high-quality duffel bag made to support all your gym needs and is one of the best gym bags for men. Made from great material with tons of storage, this bag offers great features to make your life as easy as possible.
Why can’t I just use a backpack?
You absolutely can use a backpack but know the organization of a backpack just doesn’t compare to that of a gym bag. Gyms bags allow you to capitalize on space for the utmost convenience to make the experience even easier.
Aren’t all gym bags the same?
While gym bags tend to have similar qualities, top tier gym bags will offer the best in terms of amenities and other features. Things like the ability to wrap your belt around the bag is a nice touch that some bags offer. So while gym bags tend to be similar, they are quite different in many ways.
Wrap Up
The best gyms bags for men and those looking to boost their bodybuilding and powerlifting goals have great affects on your overall training and performance. The right bag will allow you to fit everything you need for your workout inside so you never have to leave any equipment behind. A great weightlifting bag will save you time and be of the utmost convenience so no gains are ever sacrificed. Check out these great gym bags and work to improve your training and performance inside and out of the gym today.
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INTERVIEW: How A $100 Bet Transformed Dennis James Into A Bodybuilder
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Dennis James reflects on his time in Thailand and how a simple $100 bet changed the entire course of his life into bodybuilding.
Dennis James is well known today as a bodybuilding guru of sorts. He helps coach and train some of the biggest bodybuilders in the sport. He’s also a sort of unofficial color commentator for bodybuilding. He’s a co-host of the Olympia press conference and provides analysis for the various top-level physiques we see on stage. He was also one hell of a bodybuilder in his prime.
So it may come as a shock that his entire life as an iconic bodybuilder, commentator, and coach all stemmed from a simple $100 bet. Not only that – it was a $100 bet that was agreed upon while James was drunk. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Dennis James explains how a $100 bet changed his life and transformed him into a bodybuilder.
Dennis James is an extremely knowledgable bodybuilder in the sport. That’s why during our video conversation with him, we asked how a beginner bodybuilder can get credible information for research into training and dieting and supplementation. Like any sport – there is no one right answer. The fundamentals are all easily available for anyone to learn – but the pro level tactics come from experience. And everyone’s individual journey is often different.
So instead of giving generalized advice, Dennis James shares his story of how he became a bodybuilder and learned how to perfect his diet, training, and supplementation. The story is quite a rollercoaster and shows that even an icon like James required years of trial and error before become the pro we all remember. The best part about the whole story? It started off with a drunk $100 bet.
Dennis James took a two week trip to Thailand in the early 1990s. He loved it so much there that he never left. He ultimately stayed there for many years – far past the two week vacation plan. While living there, he spent a lot of time enjoying life and hanging out at the local bars. One such bar often had bodybuilders come in as patrons. After some time of becoming friendly, a fun and drunken wager was made.
Dennis James bet a bodybuilder that he could become just as muscular in three months. He was drunk and overly confident. He had little to no knowledge on how to achieve this goal. Regardless, he shook on the bet. $100 if he could build up mass monster muscle in 3 months.
Dennis James dove head first into training. He knew nothing about diet. He actually changed nothing about his diet. Instead he just rained hardcore non-stop. According to him, his body reacted so well and so fast that he received the $100 from the bet in just six months.
Shortly after the bet, Dennis James continued to train and eventually caught the eye of the Mr. Universe promoters. In 1992 Dennis James was drunkenly taking a random $100 bet. In 1993, he was on stage at the Mr. Universe in England.
The rest, as the say, is history. He continued to make bodybuilding his passion. In having to finally compete on a stage – he asked for advice on how to diet. His initial advice received was to simply eat chicken, rise, and pineapple for every meal. That’s why he did and it helped. Of course, we know that the bodybuilding diet is far more complicated than that.
And that’s the point. Dennis James went from a bet, to competing, to making mistakes, and eventually went pro. He used that passion and pro status to eventually become the man we know today. There is no one single correct way to learn about bodybuilding. Everyone’s journey is different. You will make mistakes – but just make sure to do as much research as possible so you don’t make dangerous mistakes. If the passion is there – the rest will come to you.
You can watch Dennis James go into complete detail about his bodybuilding origins in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!