Tag: GI News
Did Mohamed El Emam Compete In Too Many Bodybuilding Shows In 2021?
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Mohamed El Emam reflects back on his 2021 season and examines how doing six shows in a year hurt his chances more than helped.
Mohamed El Emam had quite the active bodybuilding season in 2021. He competed in six shows over the course of the year. This included some major shows such as the New York Pro and the Arnold Classic. He did consistently well, often placing in the top five for each competition. Yet he was never able to land that first place victory. In our latest GI Exclusive, Mohamed El Emam looks back on how competing in six shows might have hurt his chances for victory more than helped him.
Mohamed El Emam had an incredible drive to qualify and compete in the Mr. Olympia 2021. his drive was so fierce that he ended up coming in six competitions throughout the year. Ultimately, he did not compete at the Olympia competition. What was most frustrating is that El Emam’s physique is extremely promising and earned him a top five spot in nearly every competition of 2021. Still, the Mr. Olympia alluded him.
Looking back, Mohamed El Emam believes that he ultimately competed in too many shows. This left him less time for recovery and growth. It also gave him less time to reflect and adjust his methods properly for real change. The end result was a powerful physique but not necessarily the best one on stage. He stayed in the top five just enough times to keep hype and attention on him – but could not rise up for a victory.
This vicious cycle not only kept the fans hyped for each next competition – it kept Mohamed El Emam hyped as well. He was so close to earning the victory each time that he continued to jump back into the fray – believing that the very next one would be his shot.
In pro bodybuilding, competing in this many competitions is rare. While it does sometimes happen, there’s a reason why the top bodybuilding pros only compete twice – and often times only once – per year. Consider Big Ramy, the current Mr. Olympia champion. He has the ability to focus all year on one goal. One competition. Whereas someone like Mohamed El Emam has shorter term goals for each new competition he competed in. This splits up his focus.
Of course, the Mr. Olympia champion has the luxury of only competing once a year. He does not need to qualify, nor does he need to worry about prize money due to the heavy pay out of winning the previous year. Not to mention sponsorship opportunities that open up when you are the best in the world. Other rising bodybuilders don’t have that same luxury.
Looking back, Mohamed El Emam states that he probably should have started slowing down after the New York Pro. Given himself more time to adjust, grow, recover, and focus on something like the Arnold Classic. Ultimately, El Emam placed seventh at the Arnold Classic 2021. This was one of the few times he landed outside of the top five. This might be due to burnout from the previous five competitions. Although, it could also be due to a higher caliber lineup at the second biggest show of the year.
In either case, Mohamed El Emam has now learned his lesson and intends to slow things down. Sadly, he was also forced into slowing things down after a car accident in November put him into the hospital. While he is alive and well – he had stated he would be unable to compete for at least six months. An unexpected turn for sure and one that will certainly set him back.
But perhaps after recovery and a new found outlook on his bodybuilding plans and prep – he will return a new version of the Mohamed El Emam fans grew to love. It may not be in 2022 (we’ll see), but perhaps in 2023 El Emam will rise up with a new physique that places him as a threat in the Arnold Classic or Mr. Olympia. Only time will tell.
You can watch Mohamed El Emam’s full comments about his jam-packed year of competing by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Jake Paul Named 2021 Breakout Boxer Of The Year By Sports Illustrated
Jake Paul has taken over the world of boxing over the last year.
Jake Paul has been one of the biggest attractions in boxing since making the transition. Is he a “real boxer”? Can Paul compete with actual fighters? Will he ever win a championship? At this point, it does not matter. Jake Paul has become a big figure in the sport and has been named Sports’ Illustrated’s Breakout Boxer of the Year.
Paul burst onto the scene as a YouTube sensation and has built an incredible following on social media. He has continued these antics since making his transition to boxing and it has only helped his intrigue. In 2021, Paul picked up three victories, two via knockout, in three bouts.
“To think about how all the things that happened in the fashion that it all happened. It’s just sort of mind-blowing,” Jake Paul told SI.
The year began for Paul in April when he took on Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter who was critical of Paul’s ability as a boxer. This was a knockout victory for Paul. He then defeated Tyron Woodley twice before the year ended. In August, it was a victory by split decision for Paul before the two met again in December.
Tommy Fury was scheduled to be Paul’s next opponent before he was forced to back out due to an injury. Paul was looking for an opponent and Woodley decided to step in and Woodley did not hesitate. Despite having little time to prepare, Woodley would accept the rematch and was quickly knocked out.
Since December, there has been plenty of speculation on who will be Jake Paul’s next opponent. Anderson Silva opened as the favorite and this would take the competition level up a notch for Paul. This has been a point of emphasis from critics since he began boxing. At this point, it is unknown when Paul will step in the ring again or who it will be against.
At this point, there are not many boxers who have taken over the sport like Paul. The list of opponents is not impressive but that is the norm for athletes beginning their careers. Paul comes with a high price tag and this makes him a marketable figure. Not to mention his overall presence on social media. His promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, will run his fights and he has even signed other fighters. This includes Amanda Serrano.
Recently, Jake Paul has been feuding with Dana White, who called out Paul to take on one of his fighters if drug tested. Paul responded by saying he would quit boxing if White followed some stipulations including higher pay for fighters and long-term healthcare. Nothing has come from this just yet.
What we do know is that Jake Paul has taken over the world of boxing and there is no end in sight. Whether you like him or not, it cannot be denied that Paul has value and a huge audience. This is something Paul, along with his brother Logan Paul, understand and know how to work. For his overall presence in the sport, Paul has earned an honor from Sports Illustrated.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Nick Walker Explains Why He Will Not Defend Title During 2022 Arnold Classic
Nick Walker will sit out during the Arnold Classic this year to prepare for the Olympia.
The lineup for the 2022 Arnold Classic was announced in December. There were some big names on the list but also one glaring absence — 2021 champion Nick Walker.
‘The Mutant’ put together an incredible season in 2021. He won the New York Pro, which earned qualification to the Olympia, and added a title at the Arnold Classic. In 2022, Walker revealed he will skip the second-biggest bodybuilding show of the year to prepare for the ultimate weekend. Walker took to Instagram to share his insights.
“Everyone keeps asking “why aren’t you doing the Arnold?”
I remember when I did the Chicago pro 6 weeks after I just turned pro. I took 4 place, 3 top guys in the sport beat me. Was I mad I didn’t win? I mean I think that should be anyones initial reaction when the goal is always to win. But I also knew I just got 4th behind some of the best.
I remember the next morning I looked myself in the mirror and I said “they will never beat me again.”
After earning his Pro Card in 2020, Nick Walker began competing at the 2020 Chicago Pro. He finished fourth in the event and wanted to make sure that he did not lose to the top three again — Maxx Charles, Justin Rodriguez, and Akim Williams. Walker mentions that he was not defeated by those competitors in 2021.
Remember, this is the same athlete that was not happy with his fifth-place finish at the Olympia. Most would be pleased with this finish in their first appearance at the Olympia but Walker considered it a loss and nothing more.
“Fast forward some, I won New York, I won the Arnold, I got 5th place at my first olympia. Those guys have not beaten me again.
With the guys that beat me at the olympia, it just doesn’t make sense to continue to compete without making the improvements needed to beat those guys at the olympia. I need the off-season to make big improvements for the olympia 2022.
Speak it into existence- olympia 2022, im coming for it all.”
This year, Nick Walker has his eyes on the bigger picture rather than defending his title. It is clear that his goal is to be named Mr. Olympia after a top-five finish. Walker references the four competitors that beat him in October. They are Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, and Hunter Labrada. With the four likely holding out for the Olympia, Walker does not feel the need to step on stage beforehand.
The 2022 Olympia will return to Las Vegas from Dec. 15-18. Despite the Arnold Classic taking place in March, Nick Walker will not compete. Instead, all of his eggs will be put into winning gold during the Olympia at the end of the year.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Chris Bumstead Down 28 Pounds This Offseason, Returns To Training After COVID-19
Chris Bumstead returns to training to build another championship physique.
The Classic Physique division continues to gain popularity year after year. It is now near the top of the sport and Chris Bumstead if a huge reason. Bumstead earned his Pro Card back in 2016 and immediately became an elite competitor. The reigning three-time Classic Physique Olympia champ recently got back in the gym after a battle with COVID-19 caused him to lose a significant amount of weight.
Bumstead took to his YouTube channel to explain his lifestyle since winning his third consecutive Olympia title. He revealed that he felt it was a good period to take some time off and let his body recover. During that time, Bumstead contracted COVID and had to take even more time away from the gym. At this time, Bumstead revealed he is about 28 pounds lighter than he was at this point last year.
“I had decided to take a bunch of time off. Give my body a rest. Go natty C Bum. Give my internals a rest, my muscles a rest. I was barely training. You guys saw my last few videos. My training intensity was pretty shit. I don’t know why I filmed them. I was training a few times a week, losing weight drastically. I was focusing on my health.”
Since becoming an IFBB professional, Chris Bumstead has had great determination, both in the gym and in his diet plan. This is a process that can become grueling, especially when perfection is expected.
This is where Bumstead admitted he could use a break.
“When I compete now, I put extreme pressure on myself. I become obsessive with my goal with training, diet, rest, nutrition, recovery. Just what can be best for the Olympia because I have to be the best because I have to win. Balancing that enjoyment that I still love bodybuilding and that pressure of me having to be three-time, four-time Mr. Olympia is a juggle that I have to work on.”
Chris Bumstead contracted COVID-19 around Christmas. After recovering, he came down with another unknown illness that kept him out of action for a bit longer. Bumstead has since returned to training and is still in great shape. He revealed that he has lost weight but his body fat percentage is around the same. This means that h will focus on building back the necessary muscle.
In his recent video, Bumstead showcased his fourth day back in the gym. It was a massive back workout which he completed five exercises. These were lat pulldowns, smith machine bent-over rows, T-bar rows, close-grip lat pulldowns, and cable standing lat push downs.
There is no doubt that Chris Bumstead will get back to championship shape and compete for another Olympia title when the time comes. It is important for all athletes to take a step back and regain that passion when it might be difficult. For Bumstead, this time off could help him come back better than ever.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hard Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson | EP 1: What Is The Best Age To Start Lifting Weight?
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Pro bodybuilder and powerlifter Johnnie O. Jackson shares the hard truth on the right age to start lifting weights.
Welcome to the Hard Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. For our premiere episode, Johnnie O. Jackson goes in depth on the right time in life to start training. How young is too young? Is there too old an age to keep lifting? And the surprising benefits of weightlifting at a young age.
There’s no denying that lifting weights contains a basic level of danger to it. Even with the correct form, a spotter, and safety equipment – you are still lifting heavy weights around your body. Due to this – some parents have been nervous regarding how young a kid should start lifting. This nervousness can occasionally turn into hysteria whenever a young child goes viral for lifting weights under 10 years old and showcasing a shredded physique.
There is a well circulated myth that lifting too young can stunt your growth but no study has ever been able to effectively proof that. In fact, instilling weightlifting habits into a child can be beneficial. It can lead to better long term health and also teach kids at a very malleable age better health habits that will stick with them in the long run. Many adults hate to exercise – perhaps this is because it wasn’t instilled in them at a young age.
That’s why Johnnie O. Jackson is dedicating today’s episode to breaking down weightlifting and age. He uses his own experience along with the knowledge he’s built in his bodybuilding and powerlifting career to help inform a new generation. Let’s jump into it.
What is the best age to start lifting weights?
The exact age you start lifting weights will depend on genuine interest of the individual. But if a child is interested in fitness, bodybuilding, or sports – Johnnie O. Jackson believes that 10 years old is a great place to start with simple gym weightlifting. This is the perfect age due to two major factors.
First, the child will start to develop good health and focus habits on his own. By learning the process of lifting weights at such a young age, it helps prepare them for a dedicated routine in teen years and adult hood. This is a time when the brain is absorbing everything – and the more good habits the more likely they are to stick. It’s the same way that learning a second language is easier when you are younger.
The second factor is that this provides parents a perfect opportunity to teach proper lifting techniques. A 10 year old kid should not be training alone. Instead, this can be a family group activity and teachable sessions. If the parent or family member helps teach proper form and safety measures – these habits will also stick long term. Johnnie O. Jackson has seen far too many adult bodybuilders who have terrible form and deem it unimportant. Johnnie believes that instilling these proper habits early through teaching will go a long way for young boys and girls who have an interest in sports or weighlifting.
Can you be too old to lift weights?
Johnnie O. Jackson also spends a brief portion of the episode talking about the other end of the lifespan. Are you ever too old to start lifting? The answer is no. Johnnie has worked with many 50 and 60 year old individuals who pick up weightlifting later in life. The results are spectacular. You might not be able to become a Mr. Oylmpia champion bodybuilder – but you will feel healthier and younger. Both cardio and weightlifting are key to feeling more energized, younger, and healthier.
Of course, you must also know your limits. This goes for both very young and very old lifters. Injuries can always occur and it’s important to start slow and learn what your body can and cannot take.
Nutrition Alongside Weightlifting
Johnnie O. Jackson also takes some time to share advice on proper nutrition as you build strength and muscle. As we stated earlier, training at a young age can help develop good habits that subconsciously stick in the long run. So it would also be important to learn proper diet and nutrition during this time of exploration into strength and muscle building.
Hard work in the gym accomplishes nothing without the right fuel in your system. This affects everything from energy, to strength, to conditioning. A young individual’s goals may change a lot over the course of aging – but teaching the fundamentals of a proper diet will do wonders.
Wrap Up
We can break down all of Johnnie O. Jackson’s advice here in a more in-depth article – but why not just learn it from the man himself? Learn about weightlifting young, old, and everything in between in the premiere episode of Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson above. And make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the series either on YouTube or your preferred podcasting platform. We’ll be back with new episodes every Thursday. See you in the gym.
Kiersten Scurlock Completes Huge 584-Pound Squat During Training Session
Kiersten Scurlock continues to shine and is primed for a big year.
Kiersten Scurlock is one of the up-and-coming talents in the powerlifting game. She has been hard at work in the gym and is not shy about showing some recent accomplishments. On Tuesday, Scurlock took to Instagram to share a huge 584-pound squat in training.
For Scurlock, this is in preparation for the Hybrid Showdown 4. This will take place on January 16. It is clear that Scurlock is in training, with the competition being less than two weeks away, and she hit a new personal record in squats. Her previous record came during the 2021 WRPF Showdown in September. Scurlock squatted 578 pounds, which is over five pounds less than this lift.
“584lbs! ?
Man I am so fucking happy with how this prep went and incredibly lucky to have the best people in my corner!
Coach @mjgreeno
@livelargefitness Scurko10
@gorilla_piss_ammonia
#powerlifting #squat #bench #deadlift #strongman #livelarge #lvlg”
During the WRPF Showdown, Kiersten Scurlock set three personal marks. Along with her squat, Scurlock added a 347-pound bench press and 567-pound deadlift. This was a total of 1,492 pounds, which exceeded her best by 104 pounds.
When looking at the path take by Scurlock, it has improved significantly overtime. This is a chance for her to continue to grow in competition and there will be no time wasted. Scurlock has the raw strength but also uses some help when needed. This is a time for the powerlifter to show progress and that is what she has been doing.
Scurlock has been putting up impressive numbers in training recently. This includes 347-pound bench press and 556-pound raw deadlift. It will be a busy start to the new year for Scurlock as she prepares for competition. Following the Hybrid Showdown 4, she will compete at The Ghost Clash on February 12-13.
Kiersten Scurlock will be one of many big names at the Hybrid Showdown 4. She will have a chance to post some new personal bests in lifts and total weight. This will continue her rise in powerlifting early in the year.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Jeff Bezos Shows Fit Physique At 57 Years Old
Jeff Bezos continues to show a dedication to fitness with his physique.
Jeff Bezos has all of the money in the world and has managed to keep himself in incredible shape. While building up a net worth of $202 billion, Bezos has also built a fit physique at 57 years old.
Some recent pictures took the world by storm when Bezos was seen on a vacation with his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez. The two were seen on Bezos’ yacht in St. Barts. This is where Bezos was able to show off his ripped frame. Many celebrities in the limelight struggle with paparazzi but in this case, Bezos was done some favors.
Jeff Bezos, who recently bought a $78 million mansion in Hawaii, spent the holidays in paradise along with his current girlfriend. The two were seen floating in the ocean and hosing each other off on the yacht. This is not the first time that Bezos has gained attention for his physique.
In many pictures, the ripped arms and shoulders of Bezos can be seen. Because of his look, the Amazon founder has drawn comparisons to Vin Diesel.
Wesley Okerson is a famous fitness guru who has many big-name clients. Bezos is at the top of the list, along with Tom Cruise and Gerard Butler. Okerson began working with Cruise full-time in 2007. Since then, he has taken on many clients. Okerson has also appeared on Netflix reality competition “Strong.” This was a competition that teams through different fitness challenges.
Jeff Bezos has built his physique thanks to a healthy regiment of training, diet, and rest. This includes the proper rest at night, not just relaxation on vacations. Bezos has been hard at work in the gym and is committed in his diet plan as well.
It is nothing new to see big names take an interest in fitness. Professional athletes spend money on themselves year after year to remain in great shape. This includes LeBron James, who spends $1.5 million on his body each year and recently partnered with Tonal home gym. Hollywood stars are also seen ripped heading into certain movie roles.
Jeff Bezos seems to be enjoying and reaching his fitness goals while being tied to one of the most successful companies in the world. His physique continues to gain attention and impress those when he is able to show it off.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2022 Arnold Strongman Classic: Full List Of Events
There will be a total of five events taking place in Columbus to determine a winner.
The 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic is upon us.
Hafthor Bjornsson won the 2020 competition before the 2021 show was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Arnold Schwarzenegger will bring back his full sports festival, which will take place on March 3-6 in Columbus, OH. This weekend will be highlighted by the 2022 Arnold Classic. Also, some of the top strongmen in the world will gather to compete for the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic title.
The full list of competitors for the event was released back in December. Below, you can find the full roster that includes 10 of the best powerlifters in the sport.
Maxime Boudreault
JF Caron
Rob Kearney
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Martins Licis
Evgeny Markov
Trey Mitchell
Oleksii Novikov
Luke Stoltman
Tom Stoltman
Shortly after the roster was released, sponsors announced the five events that athletes will compete in. The Arnold Sports Instagram page shared a post listing the events.
Friday, March 4 Events
Max Barbell Squat
This is a new event for the Arnold Strongman Classic where athletes will be judged on their depth and form. They will get three attempts each where the weight will increase during each try. For reference, J.F. Caron won this event during the 2021 World’s Strongest Man competition. He squatted 700 pounds 11 times to finish at the top of the event. This is another deep group that could see anyone come out on top.
275-Pound Monster Dumbbell Press
This is an event where the winner will be the athlete who performs the most reps. Competitors will have 90 seconds to move the 275-pound dumbbell from the floor to their shoulder and pressed overhead. Once the arm is locked out, the dumbbell will return to the floor for the next rep. Oleksii Novikov currently holds the world record with 11 reps of 220-pounds in 75 seconds. This will be a heavier dumbbell but Novikov will be one of the favorites to win this event.
Saturday, March 5 Events
Australian Oak Log Press For Max
This event will kick off day two of the competition. This will follow the form of the squat where the weight will increase after each attempt. Athletes will perform a log press to see who could finish with the highest number. There are two record holders tied to this event. Bobby Thompson, the American record holder in the log press, is an alternate and could pose a threat if he is needed to compete. Luke Stoltman currently holds the British record of 487 pounds.
Timber Frame Carry
The timber frame in this event weighs 880 pounds. Athletes will have 30 seconds to move this behemoth up a 35-foot ramp without lifting straps. This means that grip strength and form will be the focus as the athletes want to move with speed. Kieliszkowski won this event in 2020 with a time of seven seconds. This was a world record at the time using a slightly lighter frame.
Stone To Shoulder For Reps
The final event is a familiar one but it will not be the traditional Atlas Stone that is used. Instead, the athletes will have to move Odd Haugen’s Tombstone, which weights 410 pounds. Competitors must lift the stone from the ground to their shoulder. Once the judge gives the okay, athletes can return the stone to the ground. The winner will be the athlete who completes the most reps in two and a half minutes. Martins Licis can be considered one of the favorites in this event. He won the 2019 World’s Strongest Man competition and Arnold Santa Monica contest. He performed five reps in this event, using the Atlas Stone.
As you can see, this is a competition with some classic events to test strength in many ways. There are different favorites in each event but ultimately, any competitor can win at any time. This is what can be expected when some of the best in the world get together on one stage.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Andrea Shaw On Women’s Bodybuilding Criticism: “Without It There Are No Other Female Divisions”
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Andrea Shaw discusses her rise to Ms. Olympia and the ups and downs of the Women’s Bodybuilding division.
For the past two years, Andrea Shaw has proven herself to be the new standout and reigning Ms. Olympia champion in Women’s Bodybuilding. After a five year gap of the division no longer appearing at the Olympia weekend – Shaw exploded onto the scene with Ms. Olympia’s return in 2020. Since then she has been the star to beat in the prestigious but often criticized division. In our latest GI Exclusive, Andrea Shaw discusses her rise in Women’s Bodybuilding and responds to the criticism and struggles of the division.
Before Andrea Shaw, Iris Kyle was the unstoppable Women’s Bodybuilding competitor. She earned 10 Ms. Olympia victories during her career – before the division itself was dropped from the Olympia weekend. There was a five year gap where Women’s Bodybuilding was no longer supported by the Arnold Classic or the Olympia weekend. During this time – competitors in the division had little to work towards. With one exception – the Wings of Strength Women’s Bodybuilding competition.
It was during this strange time in Women’s Bodybuilding that Andrea Shaw rose up through the ranks and became an all-star competitor. Starting out in Women’s Physique, she eventually moved up to Women’s Bodybuilding. Of course, there was no Ms. Olympia to work towards. Thankfully – she found support at Wings of Strength. This allowed her to continue to find motivation and improve into a challenging competitor in the league.
Fast forward to 2020, Jake Wood now owns the Olympia event (he is also the man who ran the Wings of Strength competitions) and brought Women’s Bodybuilding and Ms. Olympia back into the fold. Andrea Shaw now had a new goal to work towards – which she earned both in 2020 and 2021 with two Ms. Olympia victories.
We connected with Andrea Shaw for a video interview to recap her rise through the years from Women’s Physique, into Women’s Bodybuilding, and through to the champion she is today. As mentioned above, her career grew during one of the most tumultuous times for Women’s Bodybuilding. We asked Shaw for her thoughts on the lack of support over the years at major shows such as the Olympia weekend and Arnold Classic.
The common reasoning behind dropping Women’s Bodybuilding from competition was simply that there was not enough popularity to keep it running. We asked for Andrea Shaw’s reaction to that kind of mentality. Did that excuse ever make sense to her?
“No. Only because it’s always been popular. Because without Women’s Bodybuilding there are no other female divisions. None,” Andrea Shaw stated in our interview. She continued:
“So it doesn’t matter if you’re in Figure, whether you’re in Fitness – it all started with Women’s Bodybuilding. I firmly believe that was just a call AMI made. Because Jim Manion, the NPC, the IFBB, they kept the contests going. There were so many contests that still had Women’s Bodybuilding. But that was a direct call from Arnold’s staff. You know, and I’m speculating because I wasn’t competing at that time but again Arnold pulled it first and then AMI followed suit. Whether it was unpopular – I think it was unpopular to them.”
Andrea Shaw goes on to also comment on the concept of “femininity” in Women’s Bodybuilding vs the pure athleticism of the sport. She’s well aware of the history behind the division. With athletes like Bev Francis being pulled back in forth for either being too masculine or not muscular enough.
“A lot of it are usually men. They are usually men. When you break most of it down, some of these men are insecure because they don’t have muscle and they wish they could. So then the target becomes the woman… but it’s bodybuilding. What difference does it make if it’s a man or a woman?”
You can watch Andrea Shaw’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Milos Sarcev On His Plan To Transform Regan Grimes Into Mr. Olympia
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How Milos Sarcev completely overhauled Regan Grimes’ prep to transform him into a real threat to the Mr. Olympia throne.
Over the past month or so, Regan Grimes has been making headlines for his impressive physique updates. These came shortly after it was announced he would be working with Milos Sarcev as his coach. The plan? To upgrade Grimes’ physique into the next Mr. Olympia champion. The early results certainly look promising. In our latest GI Exclusive, Milos Sarcev explains his plan step-by-step on how he’s radically transforming Regan Grimes into a more powerful Mr. Olympia contender.
Milos Sarcev is a legendary bodybuilder in his own right and in his later years has become known as a legendary trainer and coach. It was announced in 2021 that he would be taking on Regan Grimes as one of his athletes. This caused quite some buzz as Grimes is already considered a promising athlete in the sport. The buzz only intensified after physique update videos and images started popping up at the end of the year. Regan Grimes appeared to improve his mass drastically.
We had an opportunity to reconnect with Milos Sarcev via video chat recently – and we dove in deep about his decision to start training Regan Grimes. As previously mentioned, Grimes has had much hype behind him over the past few years. He was also earlier featured in our feature film Generation Iron 3. Yet despite this hype, he found himself placing 15th at the Mr. Olympia in 2021 and 2020. What happened? And what needs to change?
A major shake up in coaches seems to signal Regan Grimes is ready to overhaul his tactics. And Milos Sarcev seems to agree that a lot needs to change. Not because Grimes is disappointing in his current state. On the contrary, he shows so much promise – it simply needs new direction towards success.
“Many coaches, many bodybuilders, accept mediocrity or just doing what is expected of what they [judges] think,” Milos Sarcev states in our interview regarding bodybuilding prep and coaches. He continues, “They never really give a thought how to maximize every aspect. Every aspect.”
Milos Sarcev then reveals that upon starting to coach Regan Grimes, he asked what his posing routine plan was. Grimes admitted he had no prepared posing routine. He just did the mandatories. This both shocked and did not shock Milos. He believes that majority of Men’s Open bodybuilders simply do the mandatories. Which means Grimes certainly needs to take advantage of that and wow the judges with a pre-planned posing routine.
This is the kind of “maximize everything” mentality that Milos Sarcev plans to bring to Regan Grimes’ bodybuilding career. Sarcev gets even more granular – asking Grimes to explain how much he knows how to properly hit an ab pose and how to showcase legs properly. Not just the general mandatories – but the technical skill down to the very last detail.
Milos Sarcev provides another example of how he’s overhauling Regan Grimes’ bodybuilding prep. Sarcev deeply questioned Grimes about his diet and explains that most bodybuilders follow the same basic philosophy behind dieting. But bodybuilders can get tested to know much more specific detail about their body and their metabolic rate. It’s that kind of maximized detail that Sarcev will ensure Grimes focuses on under his training.
It’s often said that a successful bodybuilder runs their body like a high end powerful car or machine. Milos Sarcev seems to take this nearly literally. Every aspect of Regan Grimes’ training, dieting, and posing are being examined under a microscope. No stone is being left unturned. And Sarcev believes this tactic will turn Regan Grimes into a true Mr. Olympia champion within the upcoming years.
You can watch Milos Sarcev go into in-depth detail about his plans for Regan Grimes in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!