Tag: GI News
Arnold Schwarzenegger Teases New Project Featuring Himself As Zeus
Could Arnold Schwarzenegger be working on a new project as Zeus?
Arnold Schwarzenegger is back in an acting role but to what extent? On Thursday, the legendary bodybuilder shared a post on social media of a poster where he is dressed as Zeus.
Schwarzenegger took to Twitter to share the picture and it stated that this is coming in February 2022. There have been no details revealed about the project but it is assumed that Schwarzenegger will be featured as Zeus in a Super Bowl commercial.
Coming February 2022. pic.twitter.com/ey0w4HZXnb
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 27, 2022
This would not be the first time that an actor has played a role in a Super Bowl ad to gain attention. In 2018, Danny McBride and Chris Hemsworth teamed up to create a “Crocodile Dundee” campaign that ended up increasing tourism in Australia. Schwarzenegger could make the same impact.
Of course, this is not the first time that Arnold Schwarzenegger would take on acting. After putting together a career that has dubbed him the greatest bodybuilder of all-time, Schwarzenegger was extremely successful on the big screen. He was known for his role in The Terminator series and has appeared in other films such as The Expendables and Kindergarten Cop.
The Super Bowl will take place on Sunday, Feb. 13 in Los Angeles. This will be less than a month since Schwarzenegger was involved in a multi-car accident. It was reported that there were four vehicles involved in the crash. Schwarzenegger was not injured and was concerned for others involved. He quickly issued a statement following the incident where he provided an update.
Arnold Schwarzenegger gained plenty of notice from other big names with this post. His son, Joseph Baena, commented jokingly asking for help during his workout.
“Oh god of the sky, please bless my pump today.”
When Arnold Schwarzenegger makes different appearances, it is bound to gain attention and be entertaining. The poster that he shared on social media is one that could become huge. Even if it is just a Super Bowl ad, it will reach many around the world and accomplish the goals that it has in mind.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Talking Huge: Craig Golias Reacts To Hulk Hogan’s Physique At 68 Years Old
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Craig Golias talks Hulk Hogan’s recent physique update, Flex Lewis’ Olympia qualification status, and leg training in modern bodybuilding.
Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias decides whether or not Hulk Hogan is still jacked or not and weighs in on the Flex Lewis Olympia qualification controversy.
This week, we dive head first into three of the most engaging stories published on Generation Iron over the past week. The three topics discussed are Flex Lewis’ qualification status for Olympia 2022, Milos Sarcev’s recent comments on leg training in modern bodybuilding, and Hulk Hogan’s latest physique update at 68 years old and the comments that followed. Let’s jump into it!
Hulk Hogan’s Physique at 68 Years Old – Is He Jacked Or Not?
Hulk Hogan posted recently on Instagram showcasing a front double bicep pose at 68 years old. The image caught attention across the mainstream web for his impressive physique at an older age. When shared via Generation Iron and other bodybuilding news outlets – the bodybuilding community criticized his physique. Claiming that he was not really very jacked at all.
Craig Golias looks over the image and weighs in with his thoughts. He’s shocked how harsh the bodybuilding fans were – claiming that holding that level of muscle at 68 years old is extremely impressive. In fact, Golias believes that the internet will always find ways to criticize and spread negativity. In fact, odds are it’s a small but loud minority that pushes the narrative.
Hulk Hogan may not look like a Men’s Open bodybuilder that the fans are used to seeing – but even many former bodybuilding legends are smaller than Hogan appears in his recent post. Craig Golias is willing to call a spade a spade. And in his mind, Hulk Hogan looks impressive for his age.
Should Flex Lewis Get Automatic Qualification To Mr. Olympia 2022?
Dan Soloman made headlines this week by posting an Instagram story that seemed to claim Flex Lewis is only qualified for Men’s 212 Olympia this year. This seemed to imply that Flex would have to qualify this year to get into the Men’s Open competition. The internet went into a frenzy – claiming that he deserved a special invite. Soloman back tracked the next day – stating that it is only January and that special invites have not been decided yet.
Craig Golias believes the entire situation is a mess. To Craig, it’s clear that a legend like Flex Lewis should have automatic Olympia qualification for any division he wants to compete in. If in fact he will receive a special invite – the misleading statement made as of now drummed up controversy for no reason.
Do Bodybuilders Today Not Train Legs Hard Enough?
Craig Golias also weighed in on Milos Sarcev’s recent statements in our GI Exclusive interview. Sarcev stated that today’s bodybuilders have weak legs – and there is no excuse for it. In fact, Sarcev believes training legs is easy but modern bodybuilders simply don’t want to train them as hard.
Craig isn’t quite sure about this statement. He thinks this all comes down to genetics. Sarcev’s belief that training legs is easy probably comes from the luck he had with genetics. For others on the Olympia stage – they most likely train just as hard but their genetics make it harder to build those muscle groups up.
Wrap Up
You can check out the full conversation in the latest episode of Talking Huge above. Watch Craig go into full detail about Hulk Hogan, Flex Lewis, Milos Sarcev and also watch Craig answer some fan questions. Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
BREAKING: Aaron Singerman Sentenced To 4.5 Years In Prison
Reports indicated that Aaron Singerman and PJ Braun had pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. Singerman and Braun pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute substances and to selling unapproved new drugs. Blackstone Labs LLC had also pleaded guilty to these same charge as well as one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to committing mail and wire fraud.
In more direct terms, this indicated that in pleading guilty, Aaron Singerman and PJ Braun have admitted to misleading customers through Blackstone Labs by marketing and selling controlled substances that were not approved by the FDA as dietary supplements. Blackstone Labs has also made these admissions while also pleading guilty to additional charges as mentioned above.
Not only were the substances marketed and sold as dietary supplements. According to the DOJ report, the substances were falsely represented as made in “FDA approved” facilities when that was not the case. FDA approved facilities are regulated to standards set by the FDA. Controlled substances, of course, would not be produced from such facilities.
Aaron Singerman’s DUI’s before sentencing
In the weeks leading up to Aaron Singerman’s sentencing, the supplement co-founder found himself running into more legal trouble while on probation. In November 2021, Singerman was arrested for boating under the influence. This resulted in the suspension of his driver’s license and a new bond condition consistent with the latter restriction.
On January 13, 2022, Aaron Singerman made headlines again, he was arrested for driving a car under the influence and causing an accident. According to the court filing, Singerman was “in flagrant violation of this court’s order and Florida law, and with total disregard for public safety, the defendant illegally drove a car, while admittedly under the influence of sleeping medication, and had a car accident.”
Federal prosecutors requested a judge revoke Aaron Singerman’s bond conditions. This came just weeks before today’s sentencing for his role in the sale of illegal products marketed as dietary supplements.
The government also requested an order that he be held without bond, pending sentencing. Singerman’s lawyer, James Durham, opposed the motion, according to prosecutors’ court filing.
Aaron Singerman and PJ Braun’s past statements on the Blackstone Labs LLC raid
Generation Iron has been following the story and interviewed PJ Braun multiple times. Generation Iron produced an original series on the life of the bodybuilding business entrepreneur. In one episode of the series, Braun detailed the experience of being raided by the federal government in 2017. You can watch that episode below:
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Aaron Singerman has also spoken with Generation Iron in previous GI Exclusive interviews. In one segment, he details his past relationship with PJ Braun and explains their fall out after the Blackstone Labs LLC raid in 2017. You can also watch that video below right here:
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This story is still developing. Generation Iron will continue to update as more information becomes available. For the latest news and updates please follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
2022 Arnold Sports Festival Europe and Africa Dates Have Been Announced
The 2022 Arnold Sports Festival will continue its journey beginning in just a few weeks.
The Arnold Sports Festival is an event that gains much attention around the world. In 2022, there are many shows scheduled and there are now official dates for the 2022 Arnold Sports Festival Europe and Africa.
The Arnold Classic will take place from March 3-6 in Columbus. It has been moved back to the beginning of the year and will mark the start of bodybuilding season. This is one of the biggest events of the year and is only topped by the Olympia. Once the Arnold Sports Festival is done in Ohio, it will hit the road to be featured in other parts of the world.
2022 Arnold Sports Festival Europe
The 2022 Arnold Sports Festival Europe is set to take place from September 16-18 in Seville, Spain. This will be the 12th rendition of the event and will be highlighted once again by the pro bodybuilding shows.
This event will also be the host of the second IFBB Fitness Sports games. The Arnold Sports Festival Europe was held from Sept. 16-20 last year due to the pandemic.
Tomasz Kornalewski took home the overall prize in Men’s Bodybuilding while Jakub Kolinek won gold in Classic Physique. Vladimir Koltsov won Men’s Physique and Tatiana Mandolina was victorious in Bikini. These were just some of the winners who were honored for their hard work in building a championship physique.
2022 Arnold Sports Festival Africa
The 2022 Arnold Sports Festival Africa will be returning in 2022 from June 3-5. The dates have been confirmed by the IFBB and IFBB affiliate in Africa.
This event will return from a short hiatus after the pandemic. Competitors will have a chance to get back on stage and compete in a great even hosted by the best bodybuilder of all-time, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It is great to see some elite competitions nail down their dates and get the action going once again. Not only is this entertainment for the fans watching but it is a chance for competitors to get back to doing what they love. The spectacles will begin in March when the Arnold Classic comes to the United States and it will continue around the world.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2022 World’s Strongest Man Officially Scheduled For May 24-29 In Sacramento
Strongmen will gather to Sacramento in May to attempt to be crowned the new World’s Strongest Man.
The 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition officially has dates and a location. The event will take place from May 24-29 in Sacramento, CA. This will be the 45th edition of the competition.
On Thursday, the announcement was made on the SBD World’s Strongest Man Instagram Page. A video was posted that shared some of the best strongmen in the world.
“????????: When the world needed the strongest man most… ⚡?♂️”
There will be a total of 30 athletes taking part in the competition. There has not been an official roster or event list released just yet. There were a total of five strongmen featured in the video posted and it was highlighted by 2021 World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman.
Martins Licis, who won the 2019 WSM competition, and two-time bronze medalist Terry Hollands were also featured. The video continued with Maxime Boudreault and 2021 Arnold Strongman Classic UK champ Evan Singleton.
This is the second year of a three-year deal that the WSM competition has with the Visit Sacramento Sports Commission. In 2021, the show was held at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. This was an outdoor event where competitors had to perform in incredible heat.
While we do not know who will appear at the competition, we do know that former champions have a lifetime invitation. In 2021, there were five champions who were active and are likely to be on the official list. Stoltman will likely defend his title. Oleksii Novikov won the competition in 2020 and was a force after returning from injury. Brian Shaw and Zydrunas Savickas have four titles each and remain active in powerlifting.
Before the strongmen flock to Sacramento, there will be two significant contests that take place. It begins with the 2022 Britain’s Strongest Man contest. This will take place on Feb. 26 in Sheffield, UK. Stoltman is the reigning champion looking to make it two in a row. The 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic is shortly after from March 4-5 in Columbus.
Now that there is an official time set for the 2022 WSM competition, lifters can begin to train accordingly and prepare for the show. The official roster and event list will be released at a later date.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Bill Gillespie Officially Sets Equipped Bench Press World Record of 1,129.9 Pounds
Bill Gillespie decided to retire from powerlifting after completing this lift.
Bill Gillespie has been vying for the all-time world record bench press for quite some time now. On Friday, the 62-year-old powerlifter finally reached the pinnacle. Gillespie completed a massive 512.5kg (1,129.9lb) equipped bench press during the 2022 365Strong New Year Power Bash.
Many powerlifters flocked to Charlotte to compete and show what they can do. Gillespie stole the show by taking down the bench press world record. Following the accomplishment, Gillespie shared a video to Instagram and announced his retirement from powerlifting.
“1129 All Time World Record! Praise God for an incredible 50 year journey and all of the great lessons I have learned about life and my relationship with God. Today is my last competition and on my last attempt I have been blessed with the honor to stand on top of the mountain.
I want to thank so many people for their support and help because I know that things like this doesn’t happen on your own. I am done competing now at 62 years old and I’m going to lose weight and use the journey that I have been through to help enrich other peoples lives.#sorinex#legendarystrengthgym“
Over the last year, this record has changed hands many times. In June 2021, Jimmy Kolb set the mark at 508kg (1,120lb). Kolb was able to complete this lift in the 140kg weight class. Just five months later, Tiny Meeker took the record with a 510.2kg (1,125lb) lift at the 2021 International Powerlifting Association Nationals. Now, Gillespie has taken over the title.
Bill Gillespie has announced his retirement but his career spanned over four decades. He made his powerlifting debut in 1981 when he finished fourth during the USPF Virginia Open. Over the early portion of his career, Gillespie was a complete powerlifter but beginning in 1997, he began strictly performing the bench press during competitions.
Since 1997, Gillespie competed in 75 competitions performing bench press only and placed top three in 47 of them. It took some time for Gillespie to reach the 500kg mark but he was able to get there and then some. On the third and final attempt in Charlotte, Gillespie was able to set a new record.
Bill Gillespie will now be remembered for his massive bench press during the 365Strong New Year Power Bash. This will be a mark that is difficult to beat but there are always lifters that try to get there. For Gillespie, the final lift of his career resulted in a world record and this is how you go out on top.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
NPC Bodybuilder Sergio Fernandez Has Died At 41 Years Old
Sergio Fernandez was an up-and-coming bodybuilder in the NPC.
NPC bodybuilder Sergio Fernandez has passed away at the age of 41. Fernandez was a strong competitor on stage and made an impact in the fitness industry off stage. On Monday, Fernandez was assaulted and killed in a robbery attempt after leaving a gym in Mexico City. There have been no further details released about the incident.
A post was shared to Fernandez’s Instagram page as a memorial. This was a repost from the account of his wife, Alessa de Leon. Fernandez is survived by his wife and four-month old son, David.
“Who would have thought what would be our last picture together. What would be our final date, the last dessert. Our last family day, the last time you saw David’s face and how each time he moved and grew. Who would say it but I know that God has a purpose for our lives.
Thank you for giving me that last family outing, for always being on the lookout for us. Know that Nick is restless at home and wants to take a walk with us in the park, know when he’s hungry, sleepy, uncomfortable from the diaper. For that and more, I will always love you my darling, my life, my love.”
Sergio Fernandez began training to become a bodybuilder at a young age when he gained a passion for fitness. He began competing in the NPC in 2014 and finished first in the Men’s Heavyweight division at the NPC Europa Show of Champions. He continued to compete in this division until 2018, where he won gold at the NPC Gainesville Classic and silver during the Florida State Championships.
During those two shows in 2018, Fernandez also won gold in the Men’s Masters Over 40 division. He had experience competing against some IFBB pros during their time in NPC, including Rafael Brandão. Fernandez had a dream of moving up to the next level but also providing for his family.
Sergio Fernandez did some incredible work off the stage. He was a key figure for Muscular Development Latino magazine and website. Fernandez often worked as a contributing editor and motivational speaker. He was a great public speaker and liked to inspire others. He also worked as a trainer for many bodybuilders.
There has been a GoFundMe page setup where donations can be made to the family of Sergio Fernandez. This will also go toward funeral costs. Fernandez always put his family first and was working hard to provide for them and relocate to Spain.
The sport of bodybuilding has lost a true inspiration on and off the stage. Generation Iron would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Sergio Fernandez.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Cedric McMillan Provides Physique Update 5.5 Weeks Out Of 2022 Arnold Classic
Cedric McMillan looks ready for his appearance in Columbus during the 2022 Arnold Classic.
Cedric McMillan has been active on social media since the start of 2022. He has been working hard to get back on stage and is set to appear at the 2022 Arnold Classic in Columbus. The event is scheduled to take place from March 3-6 and will feature some of the top names in bodybuilding. McMillan is on that list and has provided another physique update just over five weeks out from the show.
The update was shared to the Black Skull Instagram page. McMillan is seen going through poses and showing off the progress he has made to this point. In the caption of the video, it is confirmed that McMillan currently weighs 282 pounds.
“Exclusive Cedric progress!
282 lbs”
It has been a busy offseason for McMillan. It began when he contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized. He lost nearly 30 pounds from the virus but has made significant strides in putting that weight and muscle back on. He defeated the virus and returned to the stage during the Legion Sports Pro. McMillan was not part of the first callout and did not return for the finals.
Cedric McMillan was also scheduled to appear during the Egypt’s KO Pro show but did not make it. He is now expected to take the stage at the Arnold Classic and will do what it takes to be there. McMillan missed the 2021 show in September with an injury. He was present in Columbus but was part of the broadcast team instead of competing on stage. Now, he will have a chance to return to competing against some of the best in the world.
2022 Arnold Classic Lineup
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Maxx Charles (USA)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Steve Kuclo (USA)
Cedric McMillan (USA)
Fabio Giga Rezende (Brasil)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt)
Brett Wilkin (USA)
Akim Williams (USA)
Rafael Brandão was scheduled to appear but recently withdrew from the competition. Fans were excited to see him take part in one of the biggest shows of the year. The same can be said about McMillan. He is always a fan favorite and will have a chance to show what he can do.
If his physique updates are any indication, it looks as though Cedric McMillan will be ready for the first week of March.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Chad Nicholls Believes Big Ramy Will Be Even Bigger At 2022 Olympia
Chad Nicholls does not believe there is a threat to Big Ramy come the Olympia.
Chad Nicholls has been working closely with Big Ramy this offseason. If there is anyone who knows the current status of the two-time Olympia champion, it wold be Nicholls. That is why it is noteworthy when Nicholls says that he believes Big Ramy will show up to the 2022 Olympia in even better shape than he has in the past.
When Nicholls speaks, it carries a lot of weight. He is a sports nutritionist and coach who has worked with the likes of Mike Tyson and Ronnie Coleman. Recently, Nicholls joined The Menace Podcast on Muscle and Fitness’ YouTube page to discuss the current events in bodybuilding — including the 2022 Arnold Classic and Olympia competitions.
The Olympia will return to Las Vegas from Dec. 16-18 after two years in Orlando due to the pandemic. Big Ramy enjoyed the time in Orlando winning back-to-back titles in the Men’s Open division. He will be looking for the three-peat this year and Nicholls believes it is his to lose.
“If something happens and he doesn’t do what he needs to do then he opens the door for everybody to step in a little closer,” Nicholls explained.
“I don’t necessarily think that there’s a guy that’s a threat to Ramy that’s competing right now.”
Big Ramy has already started training for the 2022 competition. He was seen in the gym shortly after winning in September. This gives the bodybuilder a huge head start compared to his preparation from 2021. Big Ramy did not begin training for the Olympia until just a couple months before the show. Now, he will have plenty of time to sculpt and improve certain areas.
Big Ramy was does not share many physique updates on social media but in a recent interview, he admitted that his offseason weight is 341 pounds. This is the plan for Big Ramy this offseason. He will focus on conditioning and show up in December around the 300-pound mark.
“Our game plan is still conditioning but at the same time, you take an entire year of training, which he probably hadn’t had for numerous years, getting a whole year dedicated t bodybuilding and pushing as hard as he can with everything timed perfect,” Chad Nicholls said.
“There’s no doubt that the potential to be three. You know, 300 to 305 pounds, somewhere in that ballpark, in better shape than he’s been in the last two years.”
There was a bit of controversy following Big Ramy’s 2021 victory. There were many that believed Hadi Choopan, who finished third, showed up in the best shape and had the best conditioning. He took home the bronze medal behind Big Ramy and Brandon Curry. The fact that Nicholls is discussing how Big Ramy will be in even better shape is a scary thought to the competition.
We have seen Big Ramy’s offseason figure and he has shared his weight. As of now, it is all according to plan and he is doing what he needs to do. If this continues over the course of 2022, it might be hard to take the Olympia title away this year.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Rafael Brandão Withdraws From 2022 Arnold Classic
Rafael Brandão will not be present during the 2022 Arnold Classic.
The 2022 Arnold Classic is set for March 3-6 in Columbus. The lineup is stacked in each division with Men’s Open being the highlight once again. That lineup recently took a hit with Rafael Brandão reportedly pulling his name out of the competition.
Many news outlets have reported that representatives from the Arnold Classic have confirmed Brandão’s exit. Generation Iron has reached out directly and is still waiting for confirmation. Brandão has not made an official statement himself. It is unknown if there will be a replacement for Brandão. If not, the field will be set with 13 competitors.
2022 Arnold Classic Lineup
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Maxx Charles (United States)
Brandon Curry (United States)
Samson Dauda (United Kingdom
Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Steve Kuclo (United States)
Cedric McMillan (United States)
Fabio Giga Rezende (Brazil)
Justin Rodriguez (United States)
Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt)
Brett Wilkin (United States)
Akim Williams (United States)
Rafael Brandão has been one of the up-and-coming names in bodybuilding. He has built a massive social media following and fans were looking forward to seeing what he could do during the 2022 season.
Brandão made his debut in 2017 when he took part in the San Marino Pro in Italy. He took home eighth place during this show. This would setup what would be a successful run in 2018. Brandão finished third at the California State Championships before being a top-five finisher during the Toronto Pro Supershow.
Brandão made his Arnold Classic debut in 2019, when he finished seventh. This was when the world got to see his physique against some of the top in the world. He went onto place second at the Arnold South America that same year. Last year, Brandão took home the prize during the Romania Muscle Fest Pro.
The bodybuilding world will have to wait a bit longer to see what Rafael Brandão has to offer this year. He will now have to focus on making his way to the Olympia stage in December in Las Vegas. Either way, this is a disappointment but the Arnold Classic is still set to be an incredible show.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.