Tag: GI News
Natural Bodybuilding Leagues INBA/PNBA Name Generation Iron Official Media Partner
Generation Iron is now the official media partner of the INBA/PNBA.
Generation Iron Brands, the Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA), and the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) have agreed to a long-term partnership in which the Generation Iron Network will be the official media outlet for all INBA/PNBA natural bodybuilding events including the Pinnacle of Natural Sports The Natural Olympia competition. Over 60 countries are affiliated and represent the INBA/PNBA.
The Generation Iron Network first launched in 2013 alongside the release of the feature film – Generation Iron. It has since grown and expanded to be the number one media outlet for all things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports. Providing not only news coverage but also informative training/nutrition guides and exclusive video interviews with top fitness athletes.
Under this new partnership, Generation Iron Network will be the official news hub for all officially sanctioned INBA/PNBA pro natural bodybuilding events as well as featured athlete profiles, exclusive interviews, and qualification standings. This also includes the Pinnacle of Natural Sports The Natural Olympia competition – the biggest natural bodybuilding event of the year.
Athletes represent at least 30 different countries at the Natural Olympia with the winner’s natural anthem played during the gold medal ceremony. The Natural Olympia awards payouts of up to $100,000 in cash and prizes. Over the course of the decade, the INBA/PNBA has awarded five new cars (2011-2015) and Gains In Bulk has sponsored six Harley Davidson prizes (2016-2021). You can visit the official Natural Bodybuilding website for more information.
Generation Iron Network will build strategic media campaigns to bring pro natural bodybuilding event coverage directly to viewers across the world. The company will utilize its expansive media presence and its global digital subscriber base to introduce a deeper understanding of pro natural bodybuilding events and athletes directly to viewers.
Generation Iron Network previously explored the world of pro natural bodybuilding and the INBA/PNBA in the feature film documentary Generation Iron: Natty 4 Life. The film highlighted star athletes such as Rob Terry, Philip Ricardo Jr., and Adrian Pietrariu.
Generation Iron Network continues to expand and grow its coverage for bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports. This partnership will be a great addition for both the pro natural bodybuilding and general fitness community as both will work together to bring pro natural bodybuilding coverage to the mainstream.
“Generation Iron is thrilled to join forces with the INBA/PNBA organization,” stated Generation Iron partner Edwin Mejia Jr. He continued:
“The INBA/PNBA has been the world’s leading Natural Bodybuilding organization. The Natural Olympia has continued to evolve under Denny Kakos and now reaches over 60 countries. We look forward to covering the Natural Olympia and develop engaging programming their athletes.”
Generation Iron Network will remain editorially independent and will not have any restrictions on news or reports related to the INBA/PNBA.
Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 19: Remembering Shawn Rhoden
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Craig Golias and Vlad Yudin spend the entire episode this week reflecting on Shawn Rhoden’s life and his tragic passing.
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 reacts to the passing of former Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden, reflects on his legacy, and speculates if the bodybuilding industry could have done more for Rhoden.
2021 has been a very tragic year for the bodybuilding industry. There have been numerous reports of too-soon deaths ranging from active competitors and retired athletes – most under the age of 60. Sadly some far younger. Most recently, Shawn Rhoden passed away at 46 years old. It was gut punch in the sport after an already very challenging year.
This week, we dedicated our entire episode of Talking Huge to the memory of Shawn Rhoden. We discuss the reporting of his passing, look back on his illustrious career and eventual Mr. Olympia victory, and talk about the allegations that came shortly afterwards. Many in the bodybuilding community have been quick to point fingers at AMI and the IFBB/NPC for abandoning Rhoden. Some even believe that Rhoden died of a “broken heart.” Craig Golias is one such bodybuilder.
Craig Golias believes that the stress of the allegations alongside losing his entire career and nearly all sponsorships contributed to so much stress that Shawn Rhoden suffered a heart attack and died. While it’s easy to look back in hindsight and wonder “what if” – what is most important is respecting the legacy of the man who we have lost. While Craig is certainly frustrated – he is also respectful and somber in a way we rarely see Craig on Talking Huge.
Is Craig Golias Concerned For His Personal Health?
Craig Golias also discusses how Shawn Rhoden’s passing alongside many other recent deaths might be changing his perspective. Craig Golias is a very large bodybuilder, even by bodybuilding standards. That’s been his entire brand. So is he worried for his health and possible future heart complications?
The answer, somewhat surprisingly, is yes. Craig Golias states that he is starting to slow down for the time being due to thinking harder about his health. He’s thinking – what kind of repercussions might he face for his current lifestyle? Since Craig is currently suffering from nerve damage anyways, he figures now is the right time to overall reconsider his tactics.
Will Shawn Rhoden’s Death Change The Bodybuilding Industry?
Towards the end of our conversation, Vlad Yudin asks Craig Golias if he thinks Rhoden’s death alongside George Peterson’s will change the industry moving forward. Craig plainly and somewhat nihilistically says no. He thinks nothing will change. Instead, small actions will be taken for publicity – but no real meaningful change will occur.
Craig Golias believes that bodybuilders will always do whatever it takes to be the best and biggest in the world. And he doesn’t believe the pro leagues will start doing mandatory drug testing before every major competition. Unless something that drastic happens – nothing will deep change about the sport or the community.
Wrap Up
To wrap it all up, we asked Craig Golias how he believes Shawn Rhoden will be remembered. Craig thinks he will be remembered first and foremost as a Mr. Olympia champion. And second, he will be remembered as a gentle giant. A man who hardly anyone can say a bad word about and was a kind father, friend, and man – more than just a bodybuilder.
You can check out the full conversation in the latest episode of Talking Huge above. Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
Hafthor Bjornsson Shares Cheat Day Meal That Includes Pizza, Burritos, and Ice Cream
Hafthor Bjornsson goes all out during his cheat days.
Hafthor Bjornsson is a strongman turned boxer who knows a thing or two about weight lifting and training. While a potential bout with Eddie Hall is still in the works, Bjornsson took a day off from his intense training and decided to share what a cheat day looks like.
Bjornsson posted a full video on his YouTube page going through a day where he is able to eat the foods of his choices. This increases his leptin levels and boosts his mindset to continue to work hard.
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Hafthor Bjornsson recently accepted the offer sent over by Hall stating that the loser of the fight will donate $200,000 to the charity of the winner’s choice. Once he heard the news, Hall continued to up the wager. Hall has now said that the loser should pay $1 million to charity. Bjornsson has not responded to this offer just yet but he is still focused on preparing for the fight.
An exact date has not been confirmed just yet but it could take place in March of 2022. Hall was forced to withdraw from their originally scheduled fight due to an injury. This bout was set for September and Devon Larratt stepped in as a substitution. Now, there is even more hype around this potential meeting.
Bjornsson has clearly been dedicated to his diet since he has lost over 100 pounds since moving to boxing from strongman. It began with a massive breakfast at Grai Kotturinn, which is a restaurant close to Bjornsson’s gym. He ordered eggs, pancakes, bacon, toast, potatoes, and orange juice. This was the first of three meals for Bjornsson that day.
After a nap, the strongman turned boxer decided to go for a burrito and loaded it with all of the fixings. This includes double chicken, rice, beans, vegetables, and a flour tortilla. On the side, Bjornsson adds some chips and salsa.
The final meal is a big sandwich with beef, bacon, ham, cheese and fried onions. This was his final meal of the day but Bjornsson did indulge in a meat lovers pizza at the end of the day.
“Can’t do a cheat day without pizza.”
“You have to balance your life. You can’t just be a f***ing maniac every single day.”
Once he was ready to end his day, Bjornsson took down a pint of ice cream. This was the perfect way to finish a cheat day.
Throughout the video, Bjornsson was answering questions being offered by fans. He admitted that eating the same meals each day could get boring. This is imperative for Bjornsson while training. He figured out his diet and it has worked as he has made the transition into boxing.
It will be interesting to see what the final wager is for the bout between Bjornsson and Hall. There will have to be a date nailed down for the much-anticipated fight but it is likely to happen some time next year.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Alexis Maher Sets New IPF World Record In 74kg Division With 329kg Deadlift
Alexis Maher set a new world record by less than a kilogram.
The 2021 International Powerlifting Federation World Open Championships have just one day left of competition. An event that began on Nov. 8 will wrap up on Saturday after what was a week of exciting events and big-time performances. Alexis Maher was one of the highlights of the show by setting a new IPF equipped world record with a 329kg (729.3lb) deadlift.
Maher stepped up to the barbell wearing a single-ply suit and a lifting belt. He locked in his grip and slowly lifted the weight in the air until he was able to clinch the record. Maher performed the lift with perfect form. The full video can be seen on the IPF Powerlifting Instagram page.
“World Record Deadlift with 329 kg by Alexis Maher ISV in 74 kg class
#ipf #world #deadlift #record#ipfopenworlds@ipfopenworlds2021“
Alexis Maher was able to top a world record that stood for three years. Kjell Egil Bakkelund set the previous mark of 328.5kg (724.2lb) during the 2018 IPF World Open Championships. Maher was able to set a new record by half a kilogram. Maher might have set a new record in IPF but this was not his heaviest deadlift to date.
During the 2021 USA Powerlifting Equipped Nationals, Maher completed a 331kg (729.1lb) deadlift, which was the third-heaviest lift in the division. Maher finished with a gold medal during the event and is continuing to improve from here.
In the 74kg division, Darimin Sahroni holds the all-time world record of 333.5kg (735.2lb). Sergei Gaishinetc is second at 332.5kg (733lb).
Alexis Maher also holds the second heaviest raw deadlift of 347.5kg (766.1lb). This was accomplished during the 2021 United States Powerlifting Association Top of Texas Trifecta. This lift was completed in January and it began quite a year for Maher. It is not over yet as there is still some time left at the World Open Championships.
Maher has become a force in powerlifting and it is because of his big numbers seen performing deadlifts. Heading into 2022, Maher could have a chance to set some new world records and continue to improve his skills. This year has been a breakout for Maher and it will be exciting to see where he goes from here.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Nick Best Crushes A 500-Pound Deadlift For 50 Total Reps At 53 Years Old
Strongman Nick Best completed five sets of 10 reps and made it look easy.
Age, injuries, heavy deadlifts — nothing matters for Nick Best and he showed that in a recent social media post.
The 53-year-old strongman shared a video on Monday to Instagram to display five different videos. In each one, Best stands over 500 pounds and completes a deadlift set of 10 reps. In total, Best completed 50 reps while barefoot and wearing a lifting belt and straps. Not only did Best complete the reps all together, but he made it look easy each time.
“500lb Deadlifts for 50 reps! 5 set of 10 reps at 53! Age is just a number!”
Nick Best is coming off an injury he suffered during the 2021 Kern Open. Best attempted what would have been a world record deadlift of 370kg (815.7lb) and suffered a torn tendon in his left lat. Best was competing in the Masters Over 50 division at the event and ended up placing third. It is not surprising to see Best recover as quickly as he did and get back to lifting heavy weight.
Since making his debut in 1991, Best has been a big name in powerlifting. He earned a gold medal during his first competition at the 1991 United States Powerlifting Federation. He has appeared in a total of 27 sanctioned meets and has 17 victories. This includes a win at the 1996 World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation World Championships. In over three decades, Best has only missed the podium five times.
Best has competed at the World’s Strongest Man competition 10 times. His highest finish came in 2010 when he placed sixth overall. He also has two second-place finishes at the Giants Live Australia and a bronze medal at the 2007 America’ Strongest Man competition.
This incredible set of deadlifts is not the first time Best has used social media to update on his strength.
“425lb Bench Press and 25 Dips were 2 of the highlights from today’s Chest and Triceps workout! The triceps are really starting to fire again. Next goal is 450lbs by the end of December! Keep working back methodically! Patients is the key!”
Nick Best has been determined through his rehab process from injury and now is on to moving some big weight again. It is only a matter of time before he takes home another victory in competition.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2021 Natural Olympia Preview: Competitors To Watch
Here is a preview of the upcoming 2021 Natural Olympia.
The 2021 Natural Olympia has arrived. The competition will take place from Nov. 11-14 at the Golden Nuggets Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Competitors will be battling for up to $100,000 in cash and prizes.
This is a natural show which means that there are some differences from the IFBB shows. The biggest distinction when it comes to judging is the size of the athletes. There is not as much muscle mass for natural athletes as opposed to IFBB competitors, specifically Men’s Open. Despite the difference in size, athletes compete in similar categories.
In the Men’s Physique division, competitors perform bodybuilding poses and a T-walk. The judges have to adjust because the muscle mass is smaller despite the level of conditioning remaining high. Athletes can qualify for the Natural Olympia by competing in one PNBA competition. This has to be a professional show and they do not need to win a specific placing.
The Men’s Open division is the highlight of the show and Philip Ricardo Jr. is one of the competitors to watch heading into the competition. He won the 2019 Natural Olympia title and will look to bring his title back this year. Ricardo Jr. recently finished fourth at the Mr. America 2021 competition and he believes this will help him during the Natural Olympia.
Ricardo Jr. recently took part in an exclusive interview with Generation Iron. He plained that it was a last-minute decision to enter Mr. America. Despite his fourth-place finish, Ricardo Jr. believes this was an effective strategy in preparing for the Natural Olympia. Ricardo Jr. will be one of the favorites to win the competition, especially with defending champion Meshack Ochieng not taking place during the event.
The Men’s Physique division will have no shortage of champions. The gold medal winners from the previous four years will be back on stage competing against each other. Jon Tsui is the defending champion and will have a chance to make it two in a row. Back in July, Tsui was named as an INBA PNBA Natural Bodybuilding Hall of Fame inductee.
Joseph Ortiz will also return to the stage, along with the 2018 champion Colin Congo. William Long won Men’s Physique at the Natural Olympia in 2017 and he is the fourth gold-medal winner that will be present. This makes for an exciting competition in this division.
The intrigue of a natural bodybuilding show is to see the physique of athletes in a different way than the IFBB. With the athletes set to make an appearance, the show in Las Vegas should be another great one as natural bodybuilding continues to grow.
This is a sport that has been growing in recent years and it is because of competitions such as this one. It began with the Mr. America show and will continue at the Natural Olympia.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Derek Lunsford: “Phil Heath Is The Greatest Bodybuilder Of All Time”
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Derek Lunsford opens up about who inspired him in bodybuilding and why he thinks Phil Heath is the number one greatest of all time.
Derek Lunsford skyrocketed into the spotlight this year with an epic victory at the Men’s 212 Olympia. The division was one of the most competitive categories of the event – making his victory that much more exciting. We had an opportunity to speak with Lunsford following his big win and asked him about his biggest influences that inspired his physique. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Derek Lunsford explains how Phil Heath inspired his career and why he believes Heath is the greatest bodybuilder of all time.
Ronnie Coleman. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Lee Haney. These are legendary bodybuilder names that are often in contention for the greatest of all time in the sport. Phil Heath, a seven time Mr. Olympia champion himself, is often in the mix. But perhaps due to Heath being a relatively recent athlete – many do not cement him above the these legends that came before. There is a strong argument for claiming Phil Heath is one of the best of all time but there has not yet been the time yet to let it all sink in.
However, Derek Lunsford has no qualms calling Phil Heath the greatest bodybuilder that ever lived. Even compared to the likes of legends such as Ronnie Coleman or Dorian Yates – for Lunsford it’s all about Heath. During our recent video conversation after his big Olympia win, Lunsford explains how Heath inspired his career.
Derek Lunsford is a young bodybuilder and part of the new generation of athletes coming into the spotlight. So it might make you feel old to hear that Lunsford was inspired by Phil Heath and the original Generation Iron film growing up. Everything from Heath’s aesthetics, shape, size, and conditioning seemed like perfection to Lunsford. Heath was the pinnacle of what Lunsford wished his physique could look like.
Derek Lunsford ultimately hedged his bets on the smaller Men’s 212 division for success (though now he seems to plan to eventually move up to Men’s Open). During our interview, you could still hear the elation in his voice post-victory. In many ways, he still sees himself as a bodybuilding fan who was watching the films and looking up to Phil Heath on stage. Now he’s a champion himself.
Lunsford acknowledges that everyone will have their personal favorite. He knows that Ronnie Coleman and Arnold Schwarzenegger are both legends who changed the sport forever. But for Lunsford personally, Phil Heath changed his relationship to bodybuilding forever. At Lunsford’s age, Heath is from another era. He’s already a solidified legend separate from the competitive bodybuilding world Lunsford battles in today.
Derek Lunsford doesn’t need more time to evaluate how Phil Heath’s legacy will look as time recedes farther – he already knows everything he needs. Heath is an example of waht the perfect bodybuilder should look like as far as Lunsford is concerned. Without Phil Heath – we may not have Derek Lunsford he Men’s 212 Olympia champion that we do today.
You can watch Derek Lunsford talk in detail about Men’s Open and his bodybuilding inspirations by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Interview: The Reason Chef Rush Does 2,222 Push Ups A Day
Chef Rush does 2,222 push ups every day for Veteran suicide awareness.
Chef Andre Rush made headlines last year for being the most jacked White House chef ever seen. That might seem like an easy feat (there aren’t that many White House chefs in the world). But when you look at the man, you’ll quickly realize he might just be the most massive chef in the world. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Chef Rush explains why he does 2,222 push ups a day not for building muscle but for suicide awareness.
Chef Rush does 2,222 push ups every single day (except Saturday and Sunday). This takes him over an hour to complete each time. That sounds maddening, brutal and, for many, seemingly impossible. But Chef Rush isn’t doing this as a realistic way to build muscle. Actually he recommends against it. The real reason he dedicates himself to so many push ups a day is for suicide awareness.
Specifically, the number of push ups have a significance. They represent, according to statistics, 22 veteran suicides a day. Chef Rush has been in the military himself and served over seas. He also suffered from post traumatic stress and depression – something he admits he would have never been able to say on camera only three years ago. He had been in mental health facilities and struggled with trying to find a way to gain inner peace. He understands what many veterans (and even the broader scope of people who suffer mental health issues) goes through.
That’s why Chef Rush does 2,222 push ups a day and talks about it as much as he can. He wants to help change the way the world looks at mental health; the way the government supports veterans and suicide prevention; and hopefully show others who are suffering that they are not alone.
The 2,222 push ups are not Chef Rush’s workout. They don’t give him the massive size you see on his physique. But it’s a different kind of sacrifice he’s willing to make every day. Something for himself and for all others that are desperately seeking relief from their mental health issues in a world that often ignores them.
Check out the full GI Exclusive interview clip of Chef Rush above and make sure to stick around the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more bodybuilding exclusives and news updates!
Victor Richards’ Daughter: “My Father Is Alive And Well”
After initial reports within the bodybuilding industry, it appears that Victor Richards is alive and well.
On Wednesday November 10th, Generation Iron Fitness Network alongside other bodybuilding outlets reported the passing of legendary bodybuilder Victor Richards. Initial reports speculated a heart attack – but no official statement or cause of death was confirmed. Generation Iron can now confirm that earlier reports of Victor Richards’ death are false. It has been confirmed by a family member that Richards is alive and well.
Victor Richards’ daughter, who preferred to remain anonymous for her and her family’s privacy, directly reached out to Generation Iron to confirm that he was still alive and well. She had spoken with Richards today – after the initial reports of his passing. She provided an official statement to Generation Iron:
“I’m pleased to assure you that my father is in fact alive and well. An inaccurate facebook post has caused a wildfire of false information throughout social media and news outlets. Thank you all for your concern, my family appreciates all of the love the bodybuilding community has shown to my dad.”
Original reports seem to stem from a tribute post released by notable bodybuilder Andreas Cahling alongside other industry reports seemingly confirming the news. At the time of Generation Iron’s original reporting – we were unable to receive confirmation from family or an official announcement from Victor Richards’ or a representative of Richards. Due to this new information confirmed by a family member – we would like to retract our original report.
Originally born in Nigeria, Richards gained a passion for bodybuilding early on in his life. He was a three-sport athlete in high school who excelled in football, wrestling, and track and field. This is when he began to improve his physique. Richards earned his pro card while in Nigeria.
Victor Richards’ competitive history began in 1982 when he entered The American Cup. He finished first in the teenage heavyweight division and second overall. Richards continued to work on his physique and by age 18, he grew to 240 pounds. Richards entered The Orange County Muscle Classic where he finished fourth. At 19 years old, Richards was becoming a well known name and that only continued as he progressed.
Victor Richards began appearing on the cover of fitness magazines at 21 years old. He carried a massive frame that weighed close to 300 pounds of solid muscle. In 1992, Richards entered the 1992 Nigerian Championships and finished in first place. This is where he earned his Pro card. Despite the achievement, Richards did not compete in the IFBB. There was a bit of resistance that kept Richards from entering an NPC competition and taking the next step toward the IFBB.
Victor Richards competed in just five competitors during his career and earned four victories. It remains a mystery why he was never able to compete in the IFBB despite earning his Pro card in Nigeria.
For more news and updates in bodybuilding and strength sports – stick around to Generation Iron Fitness Network.
Los Angeles Now Requires Proof Of Vaccine For Indoor Activities, Including Gyms
Los Angeles is tightening up on protocols as the winter months approach.
Los Angeles might not be requiring citizens to get vaccinated from COVID but there are certain ways to persuade them and this includes tightening up restrictions. On Monday, the city began a mandate where a proof of vaccination is needed to enter restaurants, movie theaters, malls, salons, and yes — gyms.
This expands on an original mandate where vaccination proof was only required when entering bars, lounges, nightclubs, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. This is now one of the nation’s strictest vaccine mandates. This means verification is required at more locations within the city’s limits that other areas.
Below, you can find a full list of indoor residents where it is necessary to show proof of vaccination.
Bars, lounges, nightclubs, breweries, wineries
Restaurants, coffee shops, food courts, banquet halls
Gyms and fitness venues
Entertainment and recreation venues like movie theaters, malls and concert venues, sports arenas, convention centers, museums, bowling alleys, arcades, card rooms, play areas
Spas, nail salons, hair salons, barbershops
City of L.A. facilities
If you are not vaccinated, you must provide a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of entering an indoor area. Patrons will bellowed to go inside briefly if they need to use the bathroom, place an order or pick up an item. A mask must be worn while performing these tasks.
Later in the month, venues will be able to issue citations to those who do not follow protocols. A fine can be as much as $1,000 for a second violation and far more for multiple violations.
According to county data, 72% of L.A. county residents 12 years of age or older have been fully vaccinated. There are many different forms of proof that can be shown.
White CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card
Yellow World Health Organization vaccine card
Documentation of vaccination from a health care provide
A California Immunization Registry vaccination card
A digital vaccination record issued by California Department of Public Health
A digital vaccination record from an approved company like Healthvana, Carbon Health, CommonPass, CLEAR Health Pass or VaxYes.
When the mandate was passed, it was said that this was not a way to force patrons to get vaccinated in Los Angeles. They believe that if they do not want to get the vaccine, there are certain rules that must be followed. For those who do not want to receive the shot, this seems like it is going to be difficult to enter indoor areas.
Ultimately, this is the goal and Los Angeles has been tightening up in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see if there is a change in vaccination numbers or if any further protocols are coming from L.A.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.