Tag: GI News
Victor Martinez Pays Tribute To Cedric McMillan & Shares Favorite Memory
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Victor Martinez shares some memories with Cedric McMillan highlighting his intense focus and playful sense of humor
On April 12, 2022 the bodybuilding world lost another fantastic and vibrant bodybuilder – Cedric McMillan. He passed away at 44 years old, far too young and one of many over the past year that have left too soon. Many in the bodybuilding community have been paying tribute and sending condolences since the news was announced. After a training session at the Generation Iron Personal Training Facility, Victor Martinez recorded a video paying tribute and sharing some stories about the late Cedric McMillan.
While Victor Martinez was not extremely close with the bodybuilder, he had spent time with him a small handful of times. Two moments in particular took place at the Arnold Classic. Once in 2019 and a second time in 2021.
Many knew Cedric McMillan from his on stage persona – a very focused and thoughtful bodybuilder that aimed to make big changes to the sport with his more classic style physique. Despite the new Classic Physique division, McMillan remained in the Men’s Open category – seemingly looking to prove a classic style physique can stand tall as champion. He proved just that in 2017 when he won the Arnold Classic.
But despite this introspection and focus – Cedric McMillan was also a playful and funny man. This was seen in his interactions with Arnold Schwarzenegger after winning the 2017 Arnold Classic. It’s that side of McMillan that Victor Martinez focused on in his memories of the late bodybuilder.
Victor Martinez admitted that before meeting Cedric McMillan, he “never knew how to read him.” So his sudden witty bouts of humor surprised him on numerous occasions. One came in 2019 at the Arnold Classic. McMillan looked focus about to step on stage. As a sort of courtesy/small talk, Martinez asked him, “Are you alright?” Without a beat, McMillan responded with a grin, “You expect me to be Poppy Joe and laughing?” Victor Martinez appreciated both his humor and focus in the moment. Two qualities that would come to define the champion bodybuilder (alongside his fantastic physique).
Victor Martinez then shares a second story from last year’s 2021 Arnold Classic. Though neither were competing, they had an opportunity to speak and catch up backstage. Martinez had noticed that Cedric McMillan was working on building some sort of project on social media. Martinez asked him about it and McMillan responded, “Well, Vic, if you build something you probably have less kids.” Another funny quip without a beat.
While McMillan’s humor was evident on stage – his more focused and serious side normally took the lead. Which is why in his final words during his tribute message, Victor Martinez wanted to remember the light and humor behind Cedric McMillan’s personality:
“If you took him serious, you probably took him too serious. But he was a standup guy… and every word that came out of his mouth was nothing but truth. I wish everybody was like that. Cedric, miss you bro.”
– Victor Martinez
Cedric McMillan’s loss is yet another tragic moment in a rough to years for the sport of bodybuilding. Generation Iron would like to once again send condolences to the friends and family of McMillan at this time. As Victor Martinez said – he was a stand up guy and will truly be missed.
Grzegorz Szymanski To Compete At 2022 World’s Strongest Man Competition
Grzegorz Szymański will replace Mateusz Kieliszkowski during the event.
The 2022 World’s Strongest Man Competition will take place from May 24-29 in Sacramento. Now, there is a full lineup once again as Grzegorz Szymanski will step in and replace an injured Mateusz Kieliszkowski during the event.
Kieliszkowski recently made an announcement that he will be forced to miss the WSM competition with the same injury that held Jim out of the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic. This is now the third time that Kieliszkowski was forced to withdraw from this event. He finished as the runner-up in 2018 and 2019.
On Wednesday, Grzegorz Szymanski announced that he will now participate in the biggest event of the year.
Of course, this is not the first time that Grzegorz Szymanski will compete in the WSM competition. He has appeared in the show three times, finishing as high as eighth place in 2016. He has not appeared in a competition since 2017, when he was diagnosed with cancer.
In the late 2000s, the Polish strongman burst onto the scene. In 2007, Szymanski appeared in his first major competition during Poland’s Strongest Man. He finished third in a show that was won by Mariusz Pudzianowski. That event put Szymanski on the map and he was able to build off it and finish second during the 2008 Europe’s Strongest Man competition.
In 2014, Grzegorz Szymanski took home the title of Poland’s Strongest Man and appeared in his first WSM event. This is where he finished fourth in group three and was eliminated early. As good as he was in 2014, Szymanski was even better in 2016. He made it to the finals of the WSM competition and finished eighth before winning the Zydrunas Savickas Classic. In 2017, he was diagnosed with cancer and began treatments before undergoing surgery. This will be his return to competition.
2022 World’s Strongest Man Lineup
Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
Rob Kearney (USA)
Gabriel Peña (Mexico)
Kelvin de Ruiter (Netherlands)
Kim Ujarak (Greenland)
Maxime Boudreault (Canada)
Mark Felix (UK)
Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
Shane Flowers (UK)
Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (Australia)
Bobby Thompson (USA)
Aivars Smaukstelis (Latvia)
Adam Bishop (UK)
Evan Singleton (USA)
Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted (Iceland)
Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
Trey Mitchell (USA)
Mika Törrö (Finland)
Peiman Maheripourehir (Iran)
Luke Stoltman (UK)
Brian Shaw (USA)
Tom Stoltman (UK) — Reigning WSM Champion
Gabriel Rheaume (Canada)
Martins Licis (USA)
Gavin Bilton (UK)
Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
Kevin Faires (USA)
Nedžmin Ambešković (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Grzegorz Szymański (Poland)
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ben Chow Confirms Retirement, Takes New Path: ‘My Time On Stage Is Done’
Ben Chow discussed health issues that led to retirement decision.
Ben Chow did not spend much time in bodybuilding but he made an immediate impact that will be remembered by those who watched him. After coming into light during the 2020 season, Chow competed in a few shows before calling it a career. Now, he reiterated his decision and spoke on health concerns around the sport.
In a recent Instagram post, Chow explained how he is still retired and taking a new path in life. He also explained some personal health issues that would not benefit from carrying extra weight and taking steroids.
“My time on stage is done.–Something I have spent the last 6-8 months deliberating hard and something that I’ve battled back and forth with. My love for Bodybuilding and challenging myself burns brighter than ever, but I have to be realistic and honest. I have to recognise where I am at in live, what is important in the long run and where I can add value to those around me.As many of you know I had a Kidney infection in 2017/18 which progressed to sepsis, this caused a lot of stress and some damage to my Kidney function, which I have spent the last 4 years being very cautious to my approach in Bodybuilding to allow me to continue to push without regressing further. The reality is, being 290Lbs+, taking PEDs and redlining my body is just not a sensible strategy or something I NEED to do. I am in an incredibly fortunate position in both Life and Business and I am now able to accept this and embrace this new path in my life.”
Ben Chow earned his first victory during the 2021 Lee Labrada Classic. This was his fourth competition of his career. In 2020, Chow finished as the runner-up during his debut at the Texas State Championships. He retired following a third-place finish at the 2021 Texas Classic.
Chow outlined his battle with a kidney infection that turned into sepsis. This was a long road to recovery and Chow even spent time mulling over his decision of retirement. He also acknowledged the recent string of deaths around the sport when discussing his decision.
“This is of course very bitter sweet for me, but I am excited to redirect my time and passion to my Family and clients and be the best man, Husband, Father and coach I possibly can.”
Ben Chow will likely not return to competition but his impact on the sport will be remembered, despite its short tenure. Now, Chow will enjoy retirement by spending more time with his family.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hunter Labrada Continues Training With Heavy Squats, Hits 17 Reps Of 495 Pounds
Hunter Labrada feels good in the gym and this means he will continue training with big weight.
Hunter Labrada is working his way back up to moving huge weight in the gym and this will continue as long as he feels good. After a recent leg day, it seems as though Labrada feels just fine after completing 17 reps of 495-pound barbell squats.
Labrada took to Instagram to show off a set during a training session. He took on the squats using a lifting belt, knee wraps, and lifting shoes while resistance bands were wrapped around the barbell rack and looped around the bar.
“Mentioned this the last time I posted a leg day, but 3 leg sessions ago I strained my quad on the 11th rep with 585 on this setup. The next session I did very light loading that didn’t hurt it at all. The session before todays I got back under the bar and did a very cautious/gunshy 10 reps with 495.–Today I was still a little gunshy, not going to lie, but there wasn’t any pain like last session, just a little awareness in the previously injured area. From here I will start to progress the load again as long as everything feels good to go next session!”
Hunter Labrada has built incredible size and is one of the mass monsters in Men’s Open. It is because of workouts like this one. Labrada mentioned that he is working his way back up in weight after straining his quad during a 585-pound squat session. This is why he has been taking it easy for a few days but seems to have full strength back.
Labrada finished fourth during the 2021 Olympia. He entered the competition earning qualification from his victory during the Chicago Pro. Now, he is fully focused on the Olympia in December. This is where he will try to build off a finish where he was defeated by just three competitors — Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, and Hadi Choopan.
While Labrada has not competed officially, he has appeared on stage as a guest poser showing off some gains acquired this offseason. Labrada has focused on his legs along with adding thickness and width to his back.
Hunter Labrada continues to be one of the best in Men’s Open this year and that will be on full display during the Olympia. With the package that Labrada is building, it could be a special show once again.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Rudy Kadlub Sets Unofficial World Record With 523-Pound Deadlift On 73rd Birthday
Rudy Kadlub continues to be an elite powerlifter even at age 73.
Another year, another birthday that saw a huge lift for Rudy Kadlub. This time, the powerlifter decided to take on a huge 523-pound deadlift on his 73rd birthday. After pulling the weight, Kadlub set an unofficial deadlift world record, which he already holds in the Masters 70-74 division.
Kadlub positioned himself in a sumo stance before gabbing the bar with a mixed grip. He only used a lifting belt during the lift, which went up with ease. On his 72nd birthday last year, Kadlub completed a 520-pound deadlift. He decided to take it up a notch this time around.
“?? A great birthday session in the @kabukistrength Lab yesterday with a 523 pound heavy single in celebration of turning 73. Coach @brandon_senn was there to oversee this heavier session, and I’d say we chose a good number–anyone catch the significance of the number 5️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ and this particular birthday?”
Rudy Kadlub already holds the world record of 518 pounds in the U110 Masters 70-74 division. This lift is considered to be an unofficial world record and Kadlub could look to make it official during his next competition. As of now, Kadlub is planning to compete at the USPA Drug Tested National Championships on May 27-31 in Atlanta.
Kadlub has not been powerlifting his entire life. He began competing at 57 years old but found success quickly. Kadlub’s first competition came in 2006 and he has been featured in 37 since. Of those 37 competitions, Kadlub has 31 victories and is currently on a 22-event win streak.
Rudy Kadlub is scheduled to appear at the Drug Tested National Championships in May and this is an event where he has three victories. Following his birthday lift, Kadlub went in to celebrate.
“This lift was executed using the PR Deadlift Bar and a little liquid courage ?, birthday-style. Here’s to another year of great lifts and great friends in training and competing!”
Rudy Kadlub has a passion for fitness and he shows this in and out of the gym. He is the Co-Owner of Kabuki Strength, one of the world’s leading production companies of powerlifting equipment.
It would not be a surprise to see Kadlub take on a record-setting deadlift during his next competition. From the looks of this birthday lift, he has plenty in the tank to set some new marks in May.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
GI’s Ehsan Farahi & Edwin Mejia Jr. Face Off In Weightlifting Grip Challenge
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Ehsan Farahi and Edwin Mejia Jr. hit the Generation Iron Personal Training facility for a Generation Iron grip challenge
The Generation Iron Personal Training Facility in New York is only a short trip away from the GI headquarters. So some key members of our team decided to take a trip up for a workout just north of NYC. However, before the team jumped into a workout proper – GI Persia’s Ehsan Farahi and GI co-founder Edwin Mejia Jr. decided to face off in a friendly challenge. With a camera ready to go – Ehsan and Edwin decided to face off in a grip challenge to see who could grip the largest weight (and most likely determine who had the bigger hands).
You can watch the full grip challenge video above. The challenge itself consisted of a full row of dumbbell weights in line from lightest to heaviest. Each challenger started with the lowest weight and took turns gripping and lifting the dumbbell. As the weight increased, the challenge expanded – and their fingers needed to stretch a little bit more. But at what weight was their limit? And who ultimately stood tall as the victor? You’ll have to check the quick video in full to find out.
Looking to try the grip challenge yourself? Feel free to share your recorded grip challenge face offs and tag Generation Iron on social media. Maybe your video will get highlighted and featured on our channel.
Generation Iron Personal Training is also expanding – with franchise opportunities for both aspiring and current gym owners. Looking to start a gym using the Generation Iron brand? Or do already have a gym and want to convert towards becoming a part of the GI movement?
Visit our official gym franchise page right here for more information and sign up for an opportunity to franchise with Generation Iron today!
Here are some benefits of joining our Generation Iron Personal Training franchise:
Global Brand
Generation Iron is a global brand known first and foremost for our bodybuilding feature film documentaries. Over the course of the past ten years, Generation Iron has grown into a multimedia entity known globally. Becoming a franchise member provides you access to the Generation Iron brand name, marketing support, and assets known by the world over. You won’t be just any training facility, you will be a part of the GI movement.
A System That Works
Generation Iron has developed a unique system that puts both the trainer and the gym member experience first. We support local business leaders with certified training licenses and provide the facilities and support to help fitness trainers and entrepreneurs. As a franchise owner, you will own the facilities and the equipment – and then rent out those facilities in up to 5 hour increments to personal trainers local to your area.
Build A Legacy
As a Generation Iron PT franchise owner, you will have the opportunity to become the pillar of the bodybuilding community in your region. Bodybuilding and fitness is more popular than ever before. As a franchise owner, you can have a direct impact in helping further that growth and support. You’ll also be an entrepreneur. As your own business owner – you will build a legacy not only for yourself but for future generations to come.
Sean Hayes Sets New Silver Dollar Deadlift World Record with 1,235-Pound Lift
Sean Hayes made this lift official during his last outing.
Sean Hayes continues to impress in the sport of powerlifting. On April 2, he took a new step forward setting the Silver Dollar deadlift world record at the 2022 Strongman Corporation Canada King & Queen Of The Throne event. Hayes loaded up 560.2kg (1,235lb) on the bar and completed the lift during his second attempt.
The Silver Dollar deadlift gets its name because of the setup. This is a partial deadlift (18 inches) that has the stacks of plates on a plate tree and enclosed in boxes attacked to the barbell. Hayes took to Instagram to shared his record-setting lift.
“soooo I did a thing
All time WORLD RECORD in the silver dollar deadlift & heaviest deadlift of any kind in any competition ever.
1235lbs
This was my 2nd attempt, I attempted closer to 1300lbs on my 3rd but she wasn’t there today.”
Sean Hayes attacked the weight without shoes wearing a lifting belt and straps. Hayes weighed 330 pounds at the time of this lift meaning he moved nearly four times his own body weight — and he still had some left to attempt a heavier lift.
Hayes decided to load up 589.7kg (1,300lb) on the barbell but failed his final attempt. This is a number that we will likely see Hayes attempt in the future.
Anthony Pernice held the previous record of 550kg (1,212lb), which he set at the United States Strongman Farm Strong Record Breaker event in July 2020. Hayes was able to break this record at just his third professional strongman contest.
In 2021, Hayes made appearances at the 2021 Official Strongman Games (7th place) and 2021 Canada’s Strongest Man (3rd place). Since making this list official, Hayes contracted COVID-19 and was forced to take some time off from the gym. He will likely be back soon and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.
Sean Hayes competed in just the deadlift potion of his most recent competition. It was a show that featured five events but he decided to put all of his energy into setting this deadlift record. It is likely that he tries to set a higher mark next time out, even if it is the 1,300-pound mark that eluded him just two weeks ago.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Derek Lunsford Takes Down 100-Rep Challenge Using 315-Pound Barbell Squats
212 Olympia champ Derek Lunsford took on a new challenge during his leg day workout.
Derek Lunsford got over the hump during the 2021 Olympia and is now looking to remain at the top. The current 212 champion took on the 100-rep challenge during his most recent leg day sing 315-pound barbell squats. This came after some sets on other machines to get the maximum pump in his legs.
The 28-year-old bodybuilder has been consistent in the 212 division over the years but has been unable to reach the pinnacle. That changed in October when he beat Shaun Clarida, who was the favorite entering the weekend. Lunsford has a chance to make it two in a row this year and he is gearing up his prep toward that goal.
Lunsford went through a huge leg day workout and added a twist in the middle. It began with seated leg extensions and lying leg curls. He completed 15-20 reps during sets to get the necessary warmup before moving on in the workout. Lunsford spoke on leg days and how they are important to bodybuilding, despite not being a favorite.
“As much as it sucks in the moment, these are the days I live for. This is why I do what I do and I love it,” Derek Lunsford said.
Derek Lunsford began his quest for 100 reps in the middle of the workout. He loaded 315 on the squat rack and took down the first two sets of 20 reps with ease. Wearing a lifting belt, Lunsford attacked the third and fourth set, where he added an extra rep to make it 21. This is where it began to look a bit challenging.
This is no easy feat but Lunsford was dedicated to setting the goal that he set for that day. The fifth set was grueling but Lunsford tackled all 100 reps and was able to move on in the workout.
“I think if you look at yourself and say what is my best and can I beat it, you keep that as your focus, that’s a champion mentality man!”
Derek Lunsford finished the workout with two sets of leg press and standing single-leg curls. At this point, he had plenty of pump in his legs following his 100 reps on the squat rack.
There is no doubt that Lunsford is going to enter the Olympia this year looking his absolute best. With workouts and goals like this, Lunsford is building a championship physique and it will be exciting to see how it progresses over the summer.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Martyn Ford Down 58 Pounds Since Boxing Training Began: ‘Getting Back To Feeling 21 Again’
Martyn Ford has seen significant changes in his physique since he began boxing prep.
Martyn Ford might not be fighting the Iranian Hulk anymore but this does not mean that he will stop training the way he has been, especially when he is seeing incredible results. Ford has admitted that he has lost 58 pounds since he began training like a boxer.
Ford took to social media to express how he is feeling the best he has in years. Ford was training with heavy weights and this is how he has built incredible mass. Once he made the transition to boxing, Ford was able to cut weight but maintained his shredded physique.
“Lifting big ass weights VS Boxing …… 360lbs vs 302 lb ….. October I started this journey, and like anything I’ve done in life that I’ve really wanted to do, I’ve given absolutely EVERYTHING and more. This is by far the best and healthiest I’ve felt in years, getting back to feeling 21 again is insane …. if you have a serious goal to achieve get in touch today …. link in BIO … www.martynfordcoaching.com”
It was announced two weeks ago that Martyn Ford would no longer be taking with the Iranian Hulk. Ford made the announcement via Instagram explaining that the event is still on but he would not be featured. There will now be a new main event for the night of boxing on April 30 at the O2 Arena in London.
The Iranian Hulk did not take well to this announcement responding that the cancellation came from Ford’s side and he was going to sue. Ford made a statement once again explaining that the fight was canceled for health and safety reasons along with concerns about mental well-being following a television interview by Sajad Gharibi.
Before the fight was canceled, Ford was sharing videos of his training. He was focusing on speed and agility rather than strength like he has in the past. Clearly, this led to a major physique change and this is something that Ford is interested in maintaining.
Martyn Ford has been linked to other opponents but it is unknown who he will take on in the ring. It seems like Ford still has a chance to step in the ring in the coming months.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Chris Bumstead And Brett Wilkin Put Together Back Workout To Build Size And Width
Chris Bumstead joined Brett Wilkin in the gym to put together a massive back workout.
Chris Bumstead is at the top of Classic Physique and has been for years. The reigning three-time Olympia champion has been putting in massive work in the gym looking for his fourth consecutive title in December. Recently, he joined Brett Wilkin down in Florida for a back workout that will build incredible size.
Wilkin is one of the up-and-coming talents in bodybuilding. He is coming off an Arnold Classic performance that saw him place sixth. He began as a 212 competitor but was able to put on the necessary size to make the switch to Men’s Open. As for Bumstead, he is back in the gym and looking as strong as ever.
Chris Bumstead spent some time out of the gym early in the year because of complications with COVID-19. Now, he is back to training for the Olympia and looking like the champion that he has been for years now. Down in Stuart, FL, Bumstead and Wilkin were led by coach Matt Jansen at the Revive Gym.
Back Workout
Chris Bumstead and Brett Wilkin took on the same workout but hit the exercises for different amounts of sets and reps. This depends on what the lifter was trying to accomplish with this particular workout.
Lat Pulldown – Bumstead 2 sets of 10, Wilkin 7 reps
Iso Row Machine – Bumstead 3 sets, 10, 7, and 3 reps, Wilkin 2 sets, 10 and 3 reps
Chest Supported T-Bar Row – Bumstead and Wilkin, 1 set, 4 reps
Cable Triceps Pushdown – Bumstead 3 sets, 8, 10, and 14 reps, Wilkin 2 sets, 5 and 15 reps
Seated Cable Low Row – Bumstead, 1 set, 11 reps
Over the course of the workout, both Chris Bumstead and Brett Wilkin were sharing their technique performing the exercises. Bumstead explains how he squeezes each rep at the top to maximize results and stretch. This also helps posing as he is comfortable with flexing and squeezing muscles.
“I really focus now on my back through at least three of the exercises. I actually hold each rep in the contraction. So I squeeze my back like I’m hitting a pose on stage and then I let it go. It really helps me build my mind muscle connection, not as it can go heavy but it helps,” Bumstead said.
You may have noticed that there were not many sets performed in each exercise. This is something that Bumstead explained in the video. He likes to keep volume low but gives great attention to detail during each rep. He practices slow contractions to build tension and this maximizes results despite the small number of sets.
Chris Bumstead is used to training with the mass monsters in Men’s Open, including his brother-in-law Iain Valliere. This time, he was able to join another young prospect in the sport and crush a back workout.
“Alright so that’s a wrap on today’s back workout. Did a pretty successful training session as always, we keep the volume decently low, and do 1 or 2 working sets but it’s all you need for gas, by the end you can’t even pull anymore because we’re actually putting the work in on each set. So it’s good training with Mr. Brett over here,” Bumstead said.
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