Tag: GI News
CT Fletcher Shares Side Effects From Anti-Rejection Medication Following Heart Surgery
CT Fletcher recently opened up about some reactions he had from medication following a 2018 heart-transplant surgery.
CT Fletcher quickly turned into a huge name in powerlifting using social media over the last decade. He built a huge following, especially on his YouTube page, where he would share workouts and inspiration to others. During his career, Fletcher has dealt with heart issues that caused him to have multiple surgeries. He recently shared the side effects he had from is anti-rejection medication after surgery in 2018.
In 2001, Fletcher suffered heart damage that eventually led to surgery in 2005. This was the first of two open-heart surgeries for the powerlifter. The second came in 2018 after a major heart attack the previous year. Despite the surgery being over three years ago, Fletcher is still dealing with some complications of his anti-rejection medication.
CT Fletcher posted a video on Instagram on Sunday of his swollen foot. He revealed that this is a common side effect of the medication that is being used to preserve his new heart.
“SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIKE FEET ?
I’M NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE,
EVEN WHEN MY FEET AREN’T SWOLLEN, I DON’T LIIKE LOOKING AT THEM
BUT A YOUNG MAN ASKED IF I UNDERSTOOD HOW EDEMA OR SWELLING CAN HAMPER HIS WORKOUT,
I SAID YES SON, I UNDERSTAND VERY WELL.”
Despite the side effects, Fletcher has continued to inspire others, in and out of the gym. He has continued to show a great passion for the fitness industry and has claimed that he cannot stay away from the gym. In 2019, Fletcher was able to do 25 push-ups, just one year after heart surgery.
Powerlifting is a sport where athletes must rely on others to spot them during a huge lift. CT Fletcher knows a lot about this and it is one of the reasons he vows to help aspiring lifters to this day.
“ITS A COMMON SIDE EFFECT OF ONE OF MY ANTI-REJECTION MEDS,
BUT IT MAKES WEARIN SHOES ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE
MY FEET ARE GROSS, AND I APOLOGIZE FOR POSTING THIS,
BUT ITS FOR THE FOLKS WHO MIGHT BE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING,
JUST TO LET’EM KNOW, THEY ARE NOT ALONE
AND….ITS STILL THEIR MUTHA FUCKIN SET!”
This is just one instance where CT Fletcher continues to inspire and share his knowledge with others. He is lucky to have been able to get a new heart but the medication has not agreed with him. This will not stop Fletcher from getting in the gym and continuing his passion and love for fitness.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Pratik Mohite Finding Success As World’ Smallest Bodybuilder At Just Over 3 Feet Tall
Pratik Mohite has been recognized by Guinness as the shortest bodybuilder in the world.
Bodybuilding is not an easy sport to get into and not an easy lifestyle to uphold. It can be even more challenging when there are other physical setbacks. Pratik Mohite has not let this hold him back and is finding success as the World’s Smallest Bodybuilder, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Mohite has entered over 40 bodybuilding competitions throughout his career and has won several. It took some time for the 26-year-old bodybuilder to get on stage after years of training in the gym and following a specific vegetarian diet.
“I do not have a coach but I do take advice and tips from experienced bodybuilders.”
“The equipment at the gym is manufactured for common people. Since my palms are small, I found it difficult to have a tight grip on things like dumbbells. I had to modify the equipment to suit my needs,” Pratik mohite told guinness.
Pratik Mohite begins his day with a 30-minute run before breakfast. This is followed by a two-hour gym session where he is able to sculp his physique. He also provides numerous updates for his social media accounts, which have grown significantly over time. Mohite has been able to compete many times and hopes to one day claim the titles of Mr. Asia and Mr. World. Outside of bodybuilding, he hopes to one day own his own gym.
It was not easy for Mohite growing up with his disability. With the support of his family and friends, Mohite was able to find a career path and become successful.
“My family are very happy and proud of me and my friends are very supportive and helpful.”
It took some time for Pratik Mohite to be recognized by Guinness for being the world’s shortest bodybuilder because of the pandemic. In February 2021, this dream was released.
“It was my dream to achieve a Guinness World Records title and it’s such an honor to achieve it. I’m very happy and till now, this will be my biggest achievement in my career…Getting a recognition by Guinness World Records is a great step up for me.”
Pratik Mohite continues to train and will only improve from here. He has goals, both on and off the stage, that he wants to achieve. This will be used as motivation moving forward. For now, the achievement of being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records will be enough.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Tony Pearson: “I Spent My Whole Career Trying To Prove Something” To Joe Weider
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Tony Pearson opens up about his relationship with Joe Weider, being banned from the IFBB Pro League, and later getting reinstated.
Tony Pearson is a pro bodybuilder known for his impressive physique in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and even some Masters competitions to this day. He also went viral (pre-internet version of viral, anyway) for being the bodybuilder that looked like Michael Jackson. But what some may not know is the rollercoaster history and relationship Pearson had with Joe Weider. In our latest GI Exclusive, Tony Pearson speaks openly about his complicated relationship with Joe Weider and how he was banned (and later reinstated) from the IFBB Pro league.
In our previous interview segment with Tony Pearson, we discussed his traumatic upbringing and how he discovered bodybuilding as an escape from poverty and abuse. After confirming his passion and making some progress as an amateur bodybuilder – he decided to move to Los Angeles to take the next step towards pro status. When Pearson landed in LA, he barely had any money to his name. He made his way to Gold’s Gym and simply sat there watching legends train. He couldn’t even afford a pass to actually train there.
What Tony Pearson could afford was a weekly pass to the Venice Beach outdoor training pen. This was his outlet for improving and making gains towards becoming pro. Eventually, he earned his first major victory at the Mr. Venice Beach. Shortly after, Arnold Schwarzenegger approached Pearson while he was training. Schwarzenegger acknowledged his accomplishments and was impressed by Pearson’s work ethic. He claimed that Pearson had what it took to become a true champion.
How Tony Pearson Met Joe Weider
Tony Pearson was only 19 years old at this point. This was a dream come true. The biggest legend in bodybuilding just gave Pearson a critique – and it was one that offered a glimpse to a future as a champion. Not only that, but Arnold Schwarzenegger wanted to connect Pearson with Joe Weider for a meeting. As any bodybuilder knows, Joe Weider at that time was the king of the sport. He could provide a “Weider Contract” – essentially providing a yearly salary as a career bodybuilder.
While nearly all bodybuilders knew of Joe Weider’s reputation, Tony Pearson didn’t know who he was at the time. But he met with Weider anyways – knowing that if it was set up by Schwarzenegger, it must be important. But upon arriving at the meeting, Joe Weider was unimpressed. He gave Pearson a quick look, was seemingly surprised that Schwarzenegger suggested Pearson, and then walked away asking one of his employees to write a short article on Pearson.
“It didn’t go very well with Joe. First thing he said was, ‘Arnold sent you here’ in that voice,” Tony Pearson stated in our interview. He impersonated a sarcastic or skeptical look when impersonating Joe Weider. He then continued:
“And he turned away and said Jack… write an article on this kid, Arnold sent him. And then he just walked away. So from that day forward, Joe and I never got along. He never accepted me. I spent my whole career trying to prove something.”
Vlad Yudin follows up by asking if he was specifically trying to prove something to Joe Weider. Tony Pearson confirms that yes – that moment hang onto his consciousness and motivated him to improve every step of the way.
Tony Pearson’s Ban From The IFBB Pro League
Later down the road, Tony Pearson was finding himself continuing to improve in the sport – but he was still unable to earn enough money to survive. He was offered a guest posing routine abroad – but the event was not sanctioned by the IFBB. Pearson found himself torn between loyalty and earning a living financially. He made the decision to guest pose. Shortly after that he was banned for life by the IFBB.
Perhaps somewhat ironically, this ultimately led to a successful path for Tony Pearson. He continued to compete in other leagues and also had free rein to guest pose in any league that wanted him – without worry of sanctions. He gained popularity and became a pro bodybuilder.
How Does Tony Pearson See Joe Weider’s Legacy?
After his success, it was suggested to him that he write a letter to Jim Manion and the IFBB Pro league – asking to be reinstated. He took the advice and the letter worked. Pearson found himself back in the IFBB and able to compete in the biggest league in the sport. Despite this, throughout his entire career, Tony Pearson never got on 100% good terms with Joe Weider up until his passing.
Looking back, Tony Pearson regrets nothing and holds nothing personal against Joe Weider. He is aware that beyond his personal relationship with him, Weider transformed bodybuilding into what it is today. Without him – there would be no size and scope behind the sport as there is now.
You can watch Tony Pearson’s full comments on Joe Weider and his rollercoaster ride through the IFBB Pro league in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Martyn Ford Reveals His Dream Fight Would Be Taking On The Rock
Martyn Ford recently explained why fighting The Rock would be a dream come true.
Martyn Ford is currently preparing to step in the ring against the Iranian Hulk. This is a fight that has been much anticipated and it will take place on April 2 at the O2 Arena in London. When preparing for a match, it sparks some thought on other opponents for certain fighters. For Ford, his dream match would take place against Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
After rumors came out that Ford wanted to fight The Rock, they were blown a bit out of proportion. In a recent Instagram post, The World’s Scariest Man cleared up his comments and explained what he meant when he said he would fight Johnson.
“?? you say one thing , and it kind of explodes ??.
I was asked, who would be your dream fight … there is only 1 for me, @therock for me he is an idol, a legend and what’s he has and is achieving inspires me daily.
Why fight him? Because it would be UNREAL to share a ring, and the hype would be insane … he’s an incredible athlete, a winner, a grinder … it would be one hell of a showcase.
Do I dislike him ??? HELL NO. Would I want to win …. HELL YES ??”
Martyn Ford made it clear that he does not have any disdain for The Rock. It is quite the opposite as Ford referred to the superstar as an idol. There are many times where two fighters step in the ring with great respect for one another and that would be the case here.
The Rock has experience and a background in many martial arts. He has been an incredible athlete since a very young age during his football days. After making a huge name for himself as one of the best WWE superstars of all-time, The Rock moved to the big screen. He is one of the top actors in Hollywood and continues to be a fitness icon.
It is extremely unlikely that this is a fight that would ever happen but all athletes have different dreams. For now, Ford will have to focus on fighting the Iranian Hulk in what is bound to be an exciting night of boxing.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Nick Walker Signs To Hostile Nutrition
Nick Walker has decided to join forces with Hostile Nutrition.
Nick Walker is quickly becoming one of the top bodybuilders in the sport. Recently, he decided to put his name next to a nutrition company that he believes in right now and for the future. Walker has announced that he is signed to Hostile Nutrition.
Walker took to Instagram to make the big announcement. He revealed his reasoning behind the decision and took the time to make a video involving some different aspects of his life in the gym.
“I am happy to announce that I have officially joined @hosstilesupps
A company that puts out great quality supplements, all about putting in the hard work and never settling.”
Nick Walker absolutely burst onto the scene last year by winning the New York Pro and Arnold Classic. The Arnold Classic is the second biggest bodybuilding show of the year and many would consider the New York Pro to be the third, behind the Olympia of course. Walker then finished fifth in his first Olympia competition.
Despite the top-five finish, Walker was unhappy with his performance and vowed to be better. He will not defend his title at the 2022 Arnold Classic and will focus on building a championship physique for the Olympia, which will take place in December in Las Vegas.
Hostile Nutrition is a company founded by former bodybuilder Fouad Abiad. He enjoyed a 16-year bodybuilding career before announcing his retirement in December. Abiad revealed that he decided to step away from the stage because of the recent string of deaths that has hit the bodybuilding world. Despite retiring from competition, Abiad will continue to be a voice in the sport and will work to build Hostile Nutrition.
“HOSSTILE is 100% committed to bringing you the highest-quality products through stringent quality control. We have strict quality control procedures in place, not only for our ingredients, but also for our manufacturing facilities. All products are thoroughly tested throughout development, ensuring that every product meets our standards. Additionally, our facilities comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to minimize the risk involved in production,” Said on Hostile nutrition’s website.
Nick Walker will be one of the faces of Hostile Nutrition moving forward. This is a partnership that could bring both the brand and Walker’s physique to another level moving forward. The 2022 season could be a special one for many reasons.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2022 Arnold Classic: Men’s Open Preview & Predictions
Here is a breakdown and predictions in the Men’s Open division at the 2021 Olympia.
The 2022 Arnold Classic is just two weeks away. It is scheduled to take place on March 3-6 in Columbus, OH. This competition will once again mark the beginning of the bodybuilding season after one year in September due to the pandemic.
The show will be headlined by the big boys competing for the Men’s Open title. There has been some overhaul in the Men’s Open lineup in recent weeks with competitors pulling out due to different reasons. It began when Rafael Brandão pulled his name out of the competition in January. Nathan De Asha and Mohamed Shaaban also withdrew with different injuries.
Most recently, it was Akim Williams who reportedly took his name out of the competition. Williams had a chance to finish as a top five competitor but will have to wait to take the stage.
The competition lineup is down to 10 athletes but it is still a stacked group that will put on quite a show. Below, you can find a complete and current list of competitors along with some of the tp to watch during the first weekend in March.
2022 Arnold Classic List Of Competitors
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Maxx Charles (USA)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Steve Kuclo (USA)
Cedric McMillan (USA)
Fabio Giga Rezende (Brasil)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Brett Wilkin (USA)
Honorable Mentions
Cedric McMillan
Cedric McMillan enters the 2022 Arnold Classic as one of three former champions in the lineup. After not competing at the KO Egypt Pro and missing the finals of the Legion Sports Fest, McMillan could be primed and ready for a big event in Columbus. At 44 years old, McMillan still is a threat because of the pure size of his upper body.
With the recent drop outs, McMillan has a chance to creep into the top four or five of this contest. It would be a bit surprising to see him in the top three but anything is possible. By the looks of his physique updates, McMillan is ready to make a splash on stage.
Justin Rodriguez
Justin Rodriguez has a chance to make that jump into the top three. He finished eighth during the 2021 Olympia and has been impressive over the last year. During his physique updates, Rodriguez has been able to keep weight on but remains shredded with a ton of muscle mass.
The overall conditioning of Rodriguez will keep him in contention and could shot him into the top three. This is still an impressive list despite some recent names dropping out so it will not be an easy task. With that being said, do not be surprised to see Rodriguez up there competing for a high finish when it is all said and done.
Men’s Open Top 3
3. Steve Kuclo
Steve Kuclo went head-to-head with Nick Walker in the first callouts during the Arnold Classic last year. In the finals, he was jumped by Iain Valliere and finished in third place. This year, he has a chance to be in the top three once again.
Kuclo has not won a professional show since 2019 but he continues to show major improvements upon his physique. He has posted updates and features incredible size and vascularity. Recently, Kuclo shared an update performing dumbbell curls and his arms look ready for the stage. He has finished in the top five at the Arnold Classic three times and could be in for his second consecutive top three.
2. William Bonac
William Bonac is another previous winner of the Arnold Classic and it was as recently as 2020. In September, Bonac was unable to defend his title because he could not make it to the event. Bonac had a chance to defeat Walker and make it back-to-back titles. In 2022, he will have a chance to bring it back.
Bonac saw his Olympia finish slip to sixth in October. This has raised some eyebrows and brought his status at the Arnold Classic into question. Bonac remains an elite bodybuilder who shows it all on stage. In this field and on stage at an event he is comfortable in, Bonac could finish as the runner-up.
1. Brandon Curry
Not only is Brandon Curry the third and final Arnold Classic champion, he is the only Olympia champion in the lineup. Curry was Mr. Olympia back in 2019 and has finished as the runner-up in each of the previous two competitions. At the second biggest event of the year, Curry has to be considered the favorite heading into Columbus.
Curry defeated many in this lineup in October at the Olympia. He has continued to progress and make improvements upon a physique that is already championship caliber. Based on his recent success over the last three years, Curry could be ready to make another splash. The Arnold Classic is back in March and there will be one champion who sets the tone for the rest of the season.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Announces Retirement, Reveals Final Movie Role
Jean-Claude Van Damme will retire after his final movie role.
All good things must come to an end. Action superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme has decided to call it a career and will be retiring. He will appear on the big screen one more time before ending a career that has spanned over the course of four decades.
Van Damme’s final moment role in a movie will be playing none other than himself. In the movie entitled What’s My Name?, Van Damme will portray himself waking up from a coma after a car accident. This will cause amnesia leaving everyone unrecognizable. This is where he will begin to find a new identity.
Van Damme discussed this role and his decision to retire with Deadline and believes he has done all that he has wanted in movies.
“I wanted to leave the stage but with a revisit of my career, starting with Bloodsport, the one where I started to become famous. I want this to be a new Bloodsport but on a higher level. In the film, I am on my way down in terms of career, and as I come out of a premiere of another action movie, I am not happy because I’ve been living in hotels the past 30 years, which is actually true. We’re going to bring real elements from my real life and what happened to me.”
Jean-Claude Van Damme quickly became known for his acting skills and good looks on the big screen. He was often seen in action movies, playing some sort of skilled fighter, and was not shy about showing off his chiseled physique. He was one of the pioneers in this genre that paved the way for other fighters and fitness enthusiasts to show themselves off.
Van Damme continued his conversation by discussing his path to Hollywood. Also, he takes the time to go into a bit of detail about his character in the movie. Even though he will portray himself, the role will have plenty of distinct characteristics.
“I came from Belgium, all the way to Hollywood. I succeeded, I failed, I came back. So I’m walking out on the street after the premiere, and boom! — a car hits me because I’m drunk. When I wake up from the impact, I don’t know what’s my name, and no one recognizes me.
I’m canceling everything to get in shape, and after this movie, I’ve bought a small boat. Not a big boat — that’s not for me — but I want to go around the world, and relax. I work all my life, I live all my life in hotels for 30 years.”
The end of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s career marks the end of a legendary one that has made many classic movies. Whether on the big screen or not, the actor will remain an influential voice but there are many that will be upset to see his time as an actor come to an end.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
PJ Braun Sentenced To 4.5 Years In Prison, Guy Cisternino Steps Up At Blackstone Labs
Image via Instagram @pjbraunfitness
After a slight delay, PJ Braun has been sentenced to 54 months in prison and announces increased role of Guy Cisternino at Blackstone Labs during his absence.
On Thursday, February 17, 2022, Blackstone Labs president PJ Braun was officially sentenced to 54 months in prison after a slight delay in the courts. A day after the sentencing, Braun made his last official announcement as president announcing that Guy Cisternino will step up in an increased role at Blackstone Labs. This news comes just under one month after Aaron Singerman’s sentencing.
Both PJ Braun and Aaron Singerman were convicted of selling illegal anabolic steroids and other unlawful controlled substances marketed as dietary supplements. During the case, both defendants pleaded guilty.
In addition to the 54 months in prison, PJ Braun also had to forfeit $3 million alongside Blackstone Labs forfeiting $1.2 million. Despite these events, Braun seems to remain confident that Blackstone Labs will continue to not only stay stable but grow during his absence.
In his last official statement as president posted to Instagram, PJ Braun also announced that Guy Cisternino will be “taking over” during his time in prison. While this does not go into exact detail of what this means – it is clear that Cisternino will take on an increased responsibility within the company. Cisternino is already a sponsored athlete of Blackstone Labs.
PJ Braun also took some time to explain his actions and the court sentencing in the video. He claimed that the two illegal substance Blackstone Labs sold were a pro hormone and SARMs. He also claims that neither he nor Aaron Singerman were aware that they should not be selling them. Despite this, he takes full responsibility for his actions and accepts the time he will serve in prison.
You can watch the full video below:
In the lead up to the sentencing, Aaron Singerman made many headlines due to some erratic actions. This included two DUIs – one in a boat and one in a car. PJ Braun’s sentencing was originally set to be the same day as Singerman’s but was postponed. Reports claim that this postponement was due to unspecified medical issues that needed to be reviewed before the final sentencing.
Both PJ Braun and Aaron Singerman had spoken with Generation Iron previously across various digital series we have produced. PJ Braun was featured in our Muscle Moguls series – which had an entire episode dedicated to the original raid of Blackstone Labs.
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Aaron Singerman also spoke with Generation Iron via our GI Exclusive interview series. In one particular segment, Singerman discussed his relationship with PJ Braun and the legal action taken against Blackstone Labs.
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At this time it is unclear if either PJ Braun or Aaron Singerman will serve the full 4.5 year sentence. It’s likely that they will be able to earn reduced sentencing for good behavior among other factors.
Regardless, at this moment PJ Braun seems optimistic that Blackstone Labs will still be flourishing upon his return. With many other employees and athletes involved in the 22 year long running business – hopefully the company will be able to survive the turmoil of the case.
For more updates on all things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports – make sure to stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
Victor Martinez: “Fans In Bodybuilding Are The Most Disloyal”
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Victor Martinez reacts to bodybuilding fandom of social media age.
Victor Martinez has always been a pro bodybuilder unafraid to speak his mind in a casual and candid way. So after the past year saw a major backlash against bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger due to his “freedom” comments, Martinez was not afraid to speak his mind on not Schwarzenegger’s comments but rather the fan reaction. In fact, Martinez knows all too well what it’s like when fans that supported you suddenly turn on you due to unforeseen circumstances. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Victor Martinez explains why he thinks bodybuilding fans might be the most disloyal compared to other sports.
Victor Martinez previously commented on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “freedom” comments back when it was making viral headlines across the internet. But in our latest interview segment he goes into an even deeper reaction beyond the Schwarzenegger situation. Martinez sees these kind of hyper-reactionary fan comments as a sign of something bigger in the bodybuilding community.
While not the exact same situation per se, Victor Martinez is familiar with bodybuilding fans suddenly turning their backs on him. Unlike Schwarzenegger, this was less due to his direct comments and more due to something outside of his control. Martinez was incarcerated for some time right when his bodybuilding career was flourishing. This put a screeching halt on his progress. He lost a massive amount of weight. Upon returning to the free world, he faced massive criticism due to the state of his physique as he tried to return to his prime shape in the sport.
It’s this kind of reactionary commenting that turns Victor Martinez off. He quickly learned to treat it as white noise and ignore the comments. It was the only way he could confidently march forward and focus on his career. He ignored most of the comments – but from what he was told by friends and fellow athletes – he was nearly betrayed by the loyal fanbase he once had.
This this kind of mob reactionary mentality that Victor Martinez sees more and more in bodybuilding fandom. It’s something that he believes has been accelerated by social media (this of course is true beyond sports and has affected culture as a whole). But it’s also something that he thinks is particularly bad in pro bodybuilding. Perhaps because of the emphasis on judging the aesthetic of physiques.
“Maybe other sports do have better fans than bodybuilding,” Victor Martinez stated in our interview. He continued to explain:
“That’s what brings me to the now of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Of how the fans in bodybuilding are the most unloyal [sic] fans, you know? They can be with you today but come war tomorrow, they’re gone. They aren’t the most stick by you die-hard fans.”
Victor Martinez goes on to say that bodybuilding fans are more focused on “how great you are now” and can quickly change “how they are going to treat you later. It’s very subjective to where you are.”
It’s this kind of reactionary in the moment thinking that taught Victor Martinez to stop caring what other people think. Instead he only focused on the comments that mattered – the comments of judges scoring his physique. It might also explain why he’s willing to be so candid during interviews. He doesn’t worry about the backlash that may come.
You can watch Victor Martinez talk in detail about the reactionary core of bodybuilding fandom in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.