Tag: Motivation
Ethan Suplee Revisits Insane 200-lb Weight Loss Transformation
Hollywood sensation Ethan Suplee made a name for himself with roles in some of the biggest blockbuster films. Being known for his chunky physique, he tipped the scales at 530 pounds at one point. In a recent post made on Instagram, Suplee revisited the insane 200-pound weight loss transformation with a before and after snap. […]
The post Ethan Suplee Revisits Insane 200-lb Weight Loss Transformation appeared first on Fitness Volt.
The Story Behind Jay Cutler’s Iconic Quad Stomp
Four-time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler is one of the most decorated bodybuilders of all time. His quad stomp pose at the 2009 Olympia is among the most iconic in the sport’s history. Gyms around the world have murals dedicated to the quad stomp.
Competitive bodybuilding is all about physique aesthetics. Judges reward athletes with the best shape, size, conditioning, symmetry, and balance. However, a critical aspect is often overlooked — posing. You could have the best size, separation, and lines, but the chances of winning the gold medal are bleak if you lack the skills to present your physique.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s three-quartern turn and double straight arm pose, Sergio Oliva’s victory pose, Bob Pari’s kneeling pose, Flex Wheeler’s full splits, and Frank Zane’s vacuum pose are some of the most iconic poses. However, none of these poses are as dominating as the quad stomp.
Cutler’s quad stomp at the 2009 Olympia was much more than a bodybuilding pose; it was a statement from the two-time O champ that he had returned to reclaim what was rightfully his. His message was heard — loud and clear.
Interestingly, the quad stomp was not a planned pose. Plus, it was not as innovative as the other iconic poses mentioned above. Technically, the quad stomp is a variation of the abs and thigh pose. But it isn’t the pose itself that made it so special. The moment, the context, the intensity, and Cutler himself made it one of the most special poses ever.
Jay Cutler’s Success Story
Jay Cutler / Facebook
The quad stomp is not just another pose — it is an emotion and a declaration. To understand the quad stomp, you must know Cutler’s story.
Cutler earned his IFBB Pro card by winning the Heavyweight Division at the National Physique Committee (NPC) Nationals in 1996 at the age of 23. The Massachusetts native entered his first pro show in 1997 — Night of Champions. Cutler had placed 12th at his debut pro show, while his future arch-rival Ronnie Coleman claimed the gold medal.
Coleman would place ninth at the 1997 Olympia, a three-place drop from his 1996 performance. However, the upper echelons of pro bodybuilding were up for a major rejig that year as Dorian Yates retired after winning his sixth-consecutive Sandow trophy.
Although most bodybuilding stakeholders expected Flex Wheeler to take the reigns at the 1998 Olympia, Coleman pulled off one of the biggest upsets in bodybuilding history to claim his maiden Sandow trophy. “The King” had placed ninth at the 1997 Olympia.
Cutler qualified for his first Olympia in 1999 and placed 14th out of the 16 contestants, whereas Coleman successfully defended his Olympia throne.
The lackluster performance at the 1999 Olympia didn’t dissuade Cutler. He claimed his maiden pro show win in 2000 — the Night of Champions. Many thought life had come full circle for Cutler, who won the Night of Champions four years after making his pro debut at the same show. However, no one could have imagined it was just the beginning and that the blonde-haired bodybuilder would win the coveted Sandow trophy four times. With the momentum behind him, Cutler entered the 2000 Olympia and jumped to the eighth spot.
First of Many
Cutler’s career took an upward trajectory after 2000. His physique had improved leaps and bounds after the Olympia, and bodybuilding fans expected him to break into the top five at the 2001 Olympia. However, Cutler almost pulled a Coleman on Coleman himself and took home a silver medal, beating bodybuilding veterans like Kevin Levrone and Shawn Ray. Ray would retire after the 2001 O.
Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman at Mr. Olympia 2001
Cutler holds an undesirable record. He has the most second-place finishes in Olympia history — six. Levrone comes in second with his four silver medals.
Although Cutler secured a second-place finish in his third Olympia outing, everything didn’t go in his favor. He was disqualified because of a failed diuretics test. The IFBB later dropped the charges after Cutler threatened to sue the organization for tampered results.
Cutler skipped the 2002 Olympia to add size to his frame and upend Coleman’s reign. Most bodybuilding pundits believe sitting out the 2002 O was a mistake on Cutler’s end, as this was the year Coleman was at his most vulnerable and had left the door open for Cutler to walk away with his maiden Sandow trophy.
As promised, Cutler showed up bigger and better at the 2003 Olympia looking to unseat the five-time O champ, Coleman. However, “Big Ron” had done his homework and had fixed all his weaknesses.
Coleman weighed a monstrous 287 pounds at the 2003 Olympia. He didn’t let his size ruin his conditioning and had striated glutes and feathered quads when he stepped on stage. Coleman’s competitors lived in his shadow at the 2003 O while he hoisted his sixth O title. Cutler reclaimed his second-place spot at the show.
Read also: History of Mr. Olympia
Turn of the Tide — Cutler’s First Olympia Victory
Jay Cutler / Instagram
Cutler finished second for two more years — 2004 and 2005. However, The King’s quest for size had thrown his proportions and symmetry for a toss, and many bodybuilding gurus had started critiquing his extended gut.
Things weren’t looking great for Cutler either. He was getting older, and it was assumed that he would go down the Levrone, Wheeler, and Ray route and join the ranks of the greatest bodybuilders to never win the Olympia title.
However, Cutler was hell-bent on dethroning Coleman, who was eyeing his ninth Olympia win at the 2006 Olympia. A win at the 2006 O would make him the winningest Olympia champ, beating Lee Haney’s record of eight O victories.
Known for his extravagant hairstyles, Cutler announced he would shave his head if he didn’t dethrone Coleman at the 2006 Olympia. The Massachusetts native turned heads the moment he stepped on stage at the 2006 O and comfortably beat Coleman to claim his first Sandow trophy.
Cutler did a repeat at the 2007 Olympia. However, it is one of the most controversial Olympias of all time. Many bodybuilding fans believe that the runner-up at the show, Victor Martinez, was robbed of the Sandow trophy, as he had a much better shape and conditioning than Cutler.
Veteran bodybuilding journalist Peter McGough later cleared the air about the contest. He opined that although Martinez was tied with Cutler on the first day, the reigning champ beat the challenger with his fuller and more crisp physique on the second day.
That said, Cutler’s physique had started showing the battle scars he endured while catching up to Coleman. His midsection had ballooned considerably, earning him the moniker “The Refridgerator.”
Must Read: 13 Best Bodybuilders Who Didn’t Win the Mr. Olympia Title
Losing the Olympia Title
The 2008 competitive season caught the bodybuilding community off guard. Coleman retired after placing fourth at the 2007 Olympia. Plus, the 2007 runner-up, Martinez, sat out the Olympia due to an injury.
With the main challenger out of the equation, Cutler was expected to win his third-consecutive Sandow trophy. However, Dexter “The Blade” Jackson had plans of his own. Although most pro bodybuilders were playing the mass game, Jackson stuck to his guns and capitalized on his conditioning. He had finished fourth at the 2006 Olympia and third in 2007.
Jackson’s razor-sharp conditioning on the 2008 Olympia stage made Cutler look like he was two weeks out of the show and needed more time to get in shape. Although Jackson was much smaller than the reigning O champ, the judges ruled in his favor, ending Cutler’s two-year reign.
Making History with the Quad Stomp
Jay Cutlers / Instagram
After the 2008 Olympia, most bodybuilding fans believed Cutler should hang his posing trunks while still at the top. The reason for this? No bodybuilder in the 44-year history of the competition had reclaimed the Sandow trophy after losing it. Legends like Oliva, Zane, and Coleman failed to do it; there was no chance that Cutler would become the first bodybuilder to achieve this feat.
Furthermore, no one believed that one year was enough time to fix all the issues that cost Cutler the title. No one except Cutler that is.
With the odds stacked against him, Cutler knew that sitting out for a year would make reclaiming his Olympia title impossible. He began his Olympia campaign right after finishing second at the 2008 Olympia. A young bodybuilder, Phil Heath, had placed third in his freshman year at the Super Bowl of Bodybuilding.
Cutler surprised everyone with the package he brought to the 2009 Olympia. He had improved his conditioning and midline and somehow managed to maintain his overall size. Furthermore, Cutler knew he was in total control of the competition from the moment he set foot on stage.
Besides his leaner, meaner, and bigger physique, Cutler had done his homework on his presentation and was keen on showing off his improvements. The two-time Olympia champ’s legs were one of his biggest assets, and Jackson’s size was no match for Cutler’s.
Moment of the Iconic Quad Stomp
The judges put Cutler and Jackson center stage in the final callout, making them the favorites to win the show. Cutler’s chiseled physique and 40-pound advantage over Jackson puts him in the driver’s seat during the confirmation round.
Cutler had the crowd cheering for him with each pose, and he was visibly more confident during the later half of the final comparison round. The second-to-last mandatory pose is the abdominal and thighs, which was Jackson’s strong suit. However, Cutler knew he had to do something extraordinary to draw attention toward him. What happened next went down in history as the most iconic bodybuilding pose of all time.
Cutler drew everyone’s attention to Jackson’s quads by gently patting them. He immediately started rattling his quads to reveal his insane quad striations. But Cutler didn’t leave it at that. He lifted his left leg off the floor and stomped it down while tensing all his muscles. Cutler finished the pose by pointing toward his quad with both hands while contracting his upper body, almost as if hitting a most-muscular pose.
Muscular Development magazine’s on-site photographer, Per Bernal, took the iconic photo of Cutler’s quad stomp. MD used the photo for its January 2010 cover.
“It wasn’t a planned pose, and now, of course, we kind of have this ‘quad stomp,’ and it sits as probably one of the greatest bodybuilding poses ever,” said Cutler reminiscing the iconic moment at the 2009 Olympia.
Must Read: 8 Bodybuilding Poses Every Pro Bodybuilder Needs To Master
2011 Olympia and Beyond
Not only did Cutler reclaim the Olympia title in 2010, but he also defended it in 2011, taking up his Sandow trophy tally to four, making him the fourth-winningest Mr. Olympia champion of all time. Cutler surrendered his O throne to Health in 2011, who would hold the title for another six-consecutive years, matching Schwarzenegger’s record.
Cutler couldn’t compete at the 2012 Olympia due to a biceps injury and drew the curtains on his glorious bodybuilding career after placing sixth at the 2013 O.
Wrapping Up
Jay Cutler’s quad stomp is much more than a pose — it’s an emotion, a war cry, a kick in the butt of the naysayers. The quad stomp announced Cutler’s return to the top of the roster and helped him reclaim his Olympia throne.
The quad stomp helped Cutler create history by becoming the only bodybuilder to reclaim the Sandow trophy after losing it. Many bodybuilders have copied the quad stomp on the Olympia stage since, but no one can ever replicate the emotions, intent, and chutzpah conveyed by Cutler.
Jay Cutler Competition History
1993 NPC Iron Bodies Invitational, Teenage & Men’s Heavyweight, 1st
1993 NPC Teen Nationals, 1st
1995 NPC U.S. Tournament of Champions, Men’s Heavyweight, 1st and Overall title
1996 NPC Nationals, Heavyweight, 1st (Pro Card)
1998 IFBB Night of Champions, 12th
1999 IFBB Arnold Classic 4th
1999 IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational, 3rd
2000 IFBB Night of Champions, 1st
2000 Grand Prix England, 2nd
2000 Joe Weider’s World Pro Cup, 2nd
2000 Mr. Olympia 8th
2001 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
2002 Arnold Classic, 1st
2003 Arnold Classic, 1st
2003 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
2003 Ironman Pro Invitational, 1st
2003 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 1st
2003 Russian Grand Prix, 2nd
2003 GNC Show of Strength, 2nd
2003 Dutch Grand Prix, 1st
2003 British Grand Prix, 1st
2004 Arnold Classic, 1st
2004 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
2005 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
2006 Austrian Grand Prix, 1st
2006 Romanian Grand Prix, 1st
2006 Dutch Grand Prix, 1st
2006 Mr. Olympia, 1st
2007 Mr. Olympia, 1st
2008 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
2009 Mr. Olympia, 1st
2010 Mr. Olympia, 1st
2011 Mr. Olympia, 2nd
2011 Sheru Classic, 2nd
2013 Mr. Olympia, 6th
‘Bionic Body’ Edgard Augustin Talks Life as Amputee Athlete and His Impact in Classic Physique
Edgard John Augustin, a contender in the Classic Physique division, continues to prove himself after a lengthy hiatus. In a recent Muscular Development interview, the ‘Bionic Body’ shared his inspiring story with Ron Harris, revealing how he overcame the loss of his legs, how he motivates others, and how he adapts to challenges.
Having kicked off his IFBB Pro League tenure in 2017, Augustin started as a Men’s Open athlete. However, that quickly changed. The following year he made the change to Classic Physique, and held his own against tough lineups at the 2018 Toronto Pro (9th) and Veronica Gallego Classic (10th). In 2019, Augustin entered the New York Pro but wasn’t able to finish in the top 15. Then, he took 12th at the Toronto Pro Supershow.
And despite losing his legs in a car accident at four years old, Edgard hasn’t lost sight of his athletic goals and competitive spirit. He was out of action for three years (2020-2022) but made a statement in his return this year. Thus far, Augustin has finished 14th at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro, then put on an impressive show at the New York Pro even though he didn’t place. His most recent contest came at the Toronto Pro Supershow in a career-best performance that saw him take fourth.
In his latest undertaking, Edgard Augustin recapped his busy season but also laid out some of the struggles he’s faced while navigating his career as an amputee athlete. In addition, he talked about his future in the sport and training without legs.
Bodybuilder Edgard Augustin Reflects on Becoming Amputee at 4 Years Old, Shares Inspiring Journey
Augustin revealed that he lost most of his legs as a result of a car accident in South America. He said his brother also lost one leg following the misfortune.
“With my family, we had a car accident when I was four years old in South America – my country. And yeah. In the car accident… you know, my legs were cut. My brother’s leg, also just one was cut also. We were so lucky to get someone to bring us to the nearest hospitals.
Then, we – I’m still here today thanks to these guys. So, now I’m 38 years old. All my life [my legs have been amputated]. Especially in America, they used to say thank you for your services because people see that I’m – yeah, like a military guy. Compared to Europe for example,” said Edward Augustin.
Training with partially amputated legs poses a unique set of challenges, especially for those who aim to develop their quads and hamstrings, like Edgard.
“It took me like one year to really practice well [with amputated legs]. You know, I used to say at four years old, it’s hard because you’re still very young but at the same time, you have so much to learn and to discover, compared to someone in my age now, losing his legs… it’s like lost. Because you already lived your life with your legs or your hands or whatever and then today, you need to learn how to [do] life again to live again without.
At four years old, you don’t really care about it. You just want to do what other kids are doing. I learned to walk quickly. I can run today. I can do bicycle, I can do whatever I want, even leg days. It took me one year in France without my family just my brother and thank God he was with me because it was very hard.”
Edgard wants to inspire his followers and fans by showing that ‘everything is possible.’ He shared how he went viral on social media and how he came up with his nickname, ‘Bionic Body.’
“He posted [a photographer] it on my Facebook page. People who didn’t know that were surprised. It’s crazy. They said you should show people that everything is possible. This is how I create my Instagram page. I remember, I was in my office with my colleague and I said okay, now we need to find a nickname. A very strong nickname. I said body… for the body, discipline, and then we said bionic because the legs look like a robot.”
“Everything started from there. And then, when I start to publish my page, it goes viral. People told me there is a disability class in bodybuilding. You should. This is how I said okay, let’s try.”
When he first began in the sport, Augustin said bodybuilding wasn’t on his radar.
“Bodybuilding was no option for me and it wasn’t in my mind. I just saw some guys, some friends of mine, since they are young, they wanted to be professional bodybuilders. It was not my case. My goal was to be fit because at the end I was not happy with my physique. This is what I always thought.”
At 38 years old, Augustin seeks longevity and wants to live a happy life after his bodybuilding career.
“I’m 38 years old. I have three kids. I really don’t care about the Mr. Olympia stage. I just don’t – I want to see my kids grow, you understand? I want to play with them. There is a life after bodybuilding. I don’t want to [build] my physique just for the Olympia stage, then what happens after? He told me we are going to do a very light prep and it was my best prep ever and my best physique ever, more is not always better.”
Even though he’s dealt with surgeries and adversity, Augustin is aiming to be the best amputee bodybuilding athlete of all time.
“My last show in 2019, in my mind, I wanted to be the best amputee athlete bodybuilder biggest everything [ever]. With my coach before, we push. We pushed the physique. Maybe that’s why I had the surgeries and stuff like that.”
In the face of adversity, athletes like Edgard Augustin continue to inspire those around him. Having gathered momentum this year, fans look forward to seeing him back on a bodybuilding stage soon.
You can watch the full video from the Muscular Development YouTube channel below:
Published: 21 June, 2023 | 6:02 PM EDT
High School Principal Shocks Students with Insane 585-lb Deadlift
The Internet has provided a launching pad for many people for both good and bad reasons. While some find fame through prank videos, others gain attention for their incredible feats of strength. In a recent video posted on Instagram, a high school principal left his students in shock by lifting a huge 585-pound deadlift in the gym.
Deadlifts are one of the most productive exercises one can perform in the training room. The compound movement takes advantage of multiple muscle groups and contributes toward increasing strength in a functional manner. For powerlifters, it’s an essential exercise that they test themselves on along with bench presses and squats. It’s also a staple for strongman athletes.
While professional contenders are expected to inspire others with their heavy lifts, there have been several instances where the inspiration came from unexpected places. In Jul. 2022, a female TikToker influencer named Alice Elizabeth left her fellow gym-goers stunned with her strength after performing a huge 264.5-lb (120-kg) deadlift for six reps. The other male members had a hard time believing how easily she could lift the heavyweight.
Rapper Blueface teamed up with social media fitness influencer Bradley Martyn for a collaborative training session earlier this year. He impressed Martyn in a major way by lifting over 300 pounds on the deadlift.
86-year-old powerlifter Brian Winslow defied his age and crushed the National and World records on the deadlift three months ago. He set the new British and world record by lifting a 171-pound deadlift in the 132 pounds category for ages 85-89 at the 2023 British Drug-Free Powerlifting Championships.
74-year-old Rudy Kadlub celebrated his latest birthday in style by scoring a new PR that would leave even the younger gym-goers envious two months ago. He recorded a massive 524 pounds (237 kilograms) raw deadlift for two reps using the sumo stance.
High School principal shocks students with an insane 585-pound deadlift
In a recent Instagram post, a high school principal left the students in shock after crushing a massive 585-pound deadlift in the school gym. The students applauded after the lift.
The man in the video from last year is Alexander Mercieca of Grissom High School in Huntsville, Alabama. He is an avid fitness enthusiast who is also a certified CrossFit trainer. He continues to train hard and lifted an impressive 550-pound deadlift for three reps with ease five weeks ago.
Reactions from the fitness community came pouring in on the clip. While many praised the man for his feat of strength, some found areas to criticize regardless.
“Teaching the students a thing about lifting,” the post captioned.
“No belt straps or even right clothes,” noted a user.
“W teacher,” wrote one.
“Only belt is to hold his pants up,” commented a user.
“No belt, no wraps, jeans and a tie….. BEAST!!!” wrote another.
“Maybe he could teach them to set the bar back down instead of dropping it,” criticized one.
“Impressive, but can he teach,” criticized another.
“He can absolutely do more,” wrote a user.
One responded, “If you can pick this up, you get an ‘A.’”
“The dad strength displayed is unreal,” commented a poster.
Read also World’s Heaviest Deadlift Performances of All Time
Legendary rapper Method Man, real name Clifford Smith Jr., of the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, encouraged his massive fanbase with a workout update by performing heavy deadlifts at the age of 52 last month.
Fitness fans took motivation from 73-year-old powerlifter Mary Duffy who managed to smash a 310-pound deadlift, over 2.5x her body weight, with chains in a training session weeks ago.
Speaking of deadlifts, Inderraj Singh Dhillon set a new IPF deadlift World Record of 851 pounds (386-kg) in the. 120-kg weight class at the 2023 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships a few days ago. Farhanna Farid achieved a similar feat after pulling a 447.5-pound (203-kg) raw deadlift in the 52-kg category to set a new all-time World Record at the same event.
The school principal’s resurfaced clip would surely give a dose of motivation to many considering the weight he lifted at an old age.
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Published: 21 June, 2023 | 3:42 PM EDT
Mark Wahlberg Shows Off Jacked Physique While Training Behind-The-Neck Presses
Boston, Massachusetts native Mark Wahlberg is an entertainment icon with a passion for fitness. In a pair of Instagram posts, Wahlberg showed off some of his training, which included behind-the-neck presses.
Wahlberg is a versatile actor and performer, who first made a name for himself as a rapper in the 1990s as the leader of the Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, the same group who went number one with “Good Vibrations” in 1991. In addition, he became a popular Calvin Klein model with many taking notice of his muscular physique.
The 52-year-old has taken part in numerous blockbuster hits as an actor. He’s participated in The Transformers franchise and has worked with esteemed directors in film such as Martin Scorsese in The Departed. One film, in particular, required Wahlberg to gain a dramatic amount of weight. He played a boxer-turned-priest in Father Stu. Looking back, Wahlberg revealed that he had to eat an 11,000-calorie diet for rapid weight gain.
After putting on the weight, Wahlberg faced a tough journey as he took part in a reverse body transformation. Wahlberg said the transformation took 14 weeks and eventually, his abs started showing again. The outcome, while shocking to many, showcased Wahlberg’s dedication and discipline to healthy living.
And while he still operates under a tight schedule, Wahlberg never misses a training session. He’s become famous for his middle-of-the-night and 4 A.M. workout routines, where he takes great pride in starting his days earlier than most.
Mark Wahlberg Smashes Behind-The-Neck Presses and Shows Off Shredded Physique
Check out Wahlberg’s lift below:
“Stay lean off the Lino” Mark Wahlberg shared.
Regardless of the body part, Wahlberg doesn’t hold back in training sessions. He recently tested his lower body strength with a set of Bulgarian split squats where he held a dumbbell in each hand for added resistance. In addition, he fired off machine leg extension reps to maintain his quad definition.
Wahlberg will take part in a bodybuilding film about ‘The Godfather of Fitness’ Jack LaLanne. Production for the movie is expected to begin in 2024 and Wahlberg will serve as a producer. Fans are looking forward to seeing Wahlberg take on this role considering he’s a passionate bodybuilding fan who will surely do the project justice.
RELATED: Mark Wahlberg Looks Ripped at 51 In Recent Physique Update
Given Wahlberg’s consistency and willingness to train, he remains one of the fittest actors in Hollywood today. Even though he faces obligation after obligation, Mark understands the importance of fitness and regular exercise.
Published: 17 June, 2023 | 2:32 AM EDT
69-yo Hulk Hogan Shares Incredible Body Transformation & Fitness Tips
American wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and iconic wrestlers to ever exist. Having started his pro career in 1977, he was a mainstay of elite promotions for decades before retirement. In a recent Men’s Health interview, Hogan shared crucial health tips that helped him achieve an incredible body transformation at 69 years old.
Hulk Hogan rose to prominence after joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF/WWE) in 1983. He instantly became a fan favorite due to his giant frame, patriotic character, and brash personality. His athletic talents inside the wrestling ring earned him several honors, including eight headlining spots for the annual WrestleMania event. He holds the record for the most American television viewers in pro wrestling with over 33 million people, a feat he accomplished in a special 1988 fight against Andre the Giant.
Hogan briefly stepped away from wrestling to test out the waters in other entertainment fields. He joined the cult classic boxing film franchise Rocky for the third installment. His role saw him play an antagonist named Thunderlips and used this endeavor to make an even bigger splash in the acting world. He made his way back to the WWE after getting reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2018 and made his last appearance at WWE Raw is XXX show earlier this year.
The famous wrestler picked up many injuries during his time in the ring. Hogan underwent multiple back surgeries along with hip and knee replacements. In 2020, Hogan took inspiration from Ronnie Coleman who faced similar health issues. He called on the bodybuilding legend for a charity tag team wrestling match. The eight-time Mr. Olympia was so thrilled by the idea that he issued a response video urging Hogan to make it happen.
Chris Hemsworth played the role of Hulk Hogan in a biopic based on the wrestling hero, which is currently in development. In 2020, the Marvel superstar revealed he would need to add more muscle to his lean frame. Hogan took notice of Hemsworth’s dedication and expressed admiration for the actor’s jacked arms with a favorable comment in 2021.
Hogan left fans in awe of his leaner physique in an impressive update in Nov. 2021. He opened up on dropping over 25 pounds to get down to 275 pounds after suffering a string of health issues. While the change was quite drastic, he appeared to be in good spirits.
Hulk Hogan shares incredible body transformation & tips
During the interview, Hulk Hogan showed off his incredible body transformation at the age of 69 and shared tips for health maintenance.
Hulk Hogan had been taking drugs to compensate for the pain stemming from an estimated 25 surgeries in the past decade. He revealed his health began to improve significantly after he cut down on alcohol and started using CBD products instead, which enabled him to train regularly.
For Hogan, consistency is important to maintaining a high level of personal fitness. Besides alcohol, Hogan also stopped consuming dairy and no longer eats after sunset. Additionally, he follows a clean diet and doesn’t eat eggs every day. He now lives up to one of his most popular catchphrases: “Say your prayers, eat your vitamins.”
“I initially started dropping weight because I didn’t have the extra calories from drinking, and I had taken dairy out of my diet,” Hogan told Men’s Health. “These days, I try to eat really clean. I’ve kind of gotten away from the typical “eggs every day” diet—I only hit the egg whites every three or four days. In the mornings I’ll hit the yogurt and fruit, drink a couple cups of organic coffee, and get a workout in. Then I’ll eat a small amount of protein at lunch time. I try to eat every three or four hours, then have a slightly larger meal at four or five o’clock in the afternoon.
“But I have to be careful at night, because I turn into this monster…I just want to feed the beast! So I tend not to eat after the sun goes down.”
The 69-year-old is feeling three decades younger and says he has enjoyed a considerable energy increase along with a mindset shift after transforming his body. In Jan. 2022, Hogan made headlines for offering his four essential rules of life while boasting jacked biceps.
As far as inspiration is concerned, Hogan isn’t short on that in the slightest. The professional wrestling superstar still lives by a mantra and long-standing philosophy: “If you slow down, you go down.” Therefore, the 69-year-old doesn’t miss an opportunity to test himself in the gym despite his age and nagging injuries.
In the end, Hogan encourages those who follow him to remain regimented and strict with workout frequency. As a former professional wrestling legend, he is uniquely qualified to speak on the matter given the body he’s sporting at almost 70.
Four months ago, pro wrestling veteran Kurt Angle disclosed that Hulk Hogan lost sensation in his lower body after undergoing numerous back surgeries. Angle further shared that Hogan used a cane to walk and endorsed him to kick off the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of WWE’s Raw.
RELATED: WWE Hall of Famer ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham Dies at 79, Wrestling Legends Pay Emotional Tribute
Hogan’s latest offering will certainly motivate the older and younger generation alike with some crucial tips from the legend that help shape a healthy lifestyle.
Published: 25 May, 2023 | 6:44 PM EDT
Method Man Crushes Dumbbell Shoulder Press, Deadlift & Sled Push
Legendary rapper Method Man, real name Clifford Smith Jr., is best known for being a member of the iconic East Coast hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Besides music, Smith Jr. found a passion for fitness in his later years. In recent posts made on Instagram, Method Man showed off his impressive strength with heavy dumbbell shoulder presses, deadlifts, and sled push.
Method Man first gained attention for his insane vocal abilities in the 1990s. He rose to unparalleled heights with Wu-Tang Clan, along with fellow rappers RZA, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah. The group quickly amassed a cult following based on its unique sounds inspired by local hip-hop music. They are widely considered to be one of the most influential groups in the industry and have inspired a new generation of artists.
Smith Jr. won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1996. He scored major hits working as a solo act as well. In 1997, Smith expanded his creative footprint to the world of acting, starring in multiple hit television shows and movies. Since slowing down on touring, he has been focused on leading a healthy lifestyle and working hard in the gym. He launched his own sportswear brand Tical Athletics, which he can be seen promoting regularly on his channels online.
Method Man / Instagram
In March 2020, Smith Jr. left the fans stunned with a massive physique update where he smashed 115-pound dumbbell incline chest presses for reps. The video served as a dose of inspiration for his over 2.3 million followers on the social media platform. Then, Smith Jr. showed off his impressive strength by lifting 435 pounds (197-kg) deadlift for four reps months later.
Method Man recorded a new PR (personal best) with a heavy 475-pound deadlift in Mar. 2021. He’s a big advocate of staying consistent and pushing yourself in the training room. He followed up by giving fans a look into his upper body workout where he performed an intense set of 100-pound incline dumbbell presses for 12 reps.
The 52-year-old boasted his strength gains by scoring a 315-pound bench preess for five reps last August. He used fellow rap standout Ice Cube’s ‘Pushin’ Weight’ to power himself through the challenging lift.
Method Man Crushes Dumbbell Shoulder Press, Deadlift & Sled Push
In a recent Instagram post, Method Man crushed a set of 90-pound dumbbell shoulder presses while seated.
“10th set of 10 reps,” he wrote.
He went through a taxing round of sled pushes.
Finally, he concluded the workout session with deadlifts using a lifting belt.
Method Man left the fans in awe of his age-defying strength with a brutal 500-lb (226.8-kg) deadlift using a lifting belt and wrist wraps last November. A month later, he smashed a big set of 120-pound incline dumbbell press for 10 reps while defending his natty status.
He has shown no signs of slowing down and will likely continue to motivate his audience for years to come.
Published: 21 May, 2023 | 12:12 PM EDT
Bodybuilding Icon Robby Robinson Defies Age: Astonishingly Shredded at 76!
Turns out that veteran bodybuilder Robby Robinson never lost the eye of the tiger and continues to train hard at 76 years of age. The Black Prince partnered with natty Greek god Mike O’Hearn for an arms workout and his incredibly shredded physique stole the show.
Mike O’Hearn posted Glimpses of the veteran bodybuilder’s training session on his YouTube channel. Robby Robinson is seen performing barbell preacher curls in the video. The 76-year-old looked incredibly shredded and rock solid during the workout. You can see the video below, courtesy of Mike O’Hearn’s YouTube channel:
Robby Robinson performed a drop set of barbell preacher curls in the session after a warm-up set. For the drop set, he started with a 70 lbs barbell and pumped out seven solid reps with a great form. Mike O’Hearn handed him a 50 lbs barbell and the former Masters Olympia champion cranked out five more reps to close the show.
“Look at this… The fibers, the striations, insertions…That is what we do this for,” Mike O’Hearn marveled as Robinson flexed to show his pecs and arms.
Robby Robinson responded:
“I’m working, working, working all the time.”
“You’ve gotta put in the work. If you’re not willing to put in the work like you see myself and Mike, seriously, just go home,” He added.
Mike O’Hearn obviously knows a thing or two about maintaining the body at an age where it is supposed to fall apart. Him being astonished by Robbinson’s physique says a lot about the latter’s commitment to maintaining a shredded physique at 76.
Robby Robinson’s bodybuilding career at a glance
Robinson proudly belongs to the golden era of bodybuilding. He took his first steps in competitive bodybuilding in the early to mid 1970s. As an African-American born in the deep south, Robinson had a tough path leading up to the stature of a legendary bodybuilder. However, he competed successfully for nearly 27 years and left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Mr. Lifestyle started out as an amateur in 1974, winning the AAU Mr. Southeastern USA and Mr. Southern States competitions. Robby won four titles in 1975, the Mr. World title being the most prominent of those.
IFBB Pro League’s Mr. Olympia contest turned out to be the real proving ground for the Georgia native bodybuilder. He took home the Heavyweight title at the 1977 and 1978 Olympia and finished third in the Lightweight division at the 1979 Olympia. Unsurprisingly, Robinson was the runner up to Mr. Olympia overall winner Frank Zane in 1977 and 1978.
The 1981 NABBA Mr. Universe Pro turned out to be his only victory in the winless stretch of nearly seven years. However, The Black Prince never stopped working and emerged victorious at the 1988 IFBB Niagara Falls Pro Invitational. In the later stages of his career, Robbie became a Masters Olympia mainstay. He has his name etched on the 1994 Masters Olympia as well as the 1997 and 2000 Masters Olympia 50+ trophies.
Robby Robinson’s contribution to the sport is undeniably important. Fitness Volt wishes him good health and a fulfilling life.
Published: 2 May, 2023 | 1:00 PM EDT
Tom Platz Shows Off Shredded Quads in Latest Update at 67
Golden Era bodybuilder Tom Platz elevated the sport during the 1970s and 80s with several Mr. Olympia appearances. In a recent Instagram post, Platz showed off his signature quad definition at 67 years old.
Platz, a Detroit native, was known for his spectacular leg strength and development as a professional. He built a successful career competing in AAU bodybuilding shows. While Platz wasn’t famous for titles or awards, he received praise for his varied and exhaustive workout routines which have influenced generations of competitors since his last competition.
Platz trained at Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach and eventually switched to the IFBB. He went on to win the Mr. Universe title in 1980. During his eight Olympia shows, Platz tested his resolve against huge names in the sport like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lee Haney.
Given his remarkable lower body strength, many consider Platz a pioneer of advanced leg training. He took part in a squat contest against Fred Hatfield in 1992 but lost. He returned at the Great American Squat Off in Germany, where he and Hatfield both enjoyed success.
His last Olympia appearance came in 1986, but Platz’s dedication to the sport persists in retirement. He continues to train his legs and is now showing off the results at 67 years old.
Tom Platz Shares Jacked Quad Update at 67 After ‘Tweaks’ to His Training/Eating Lifestyle
Platz shared a few pictures of his quads and thanked his doctor for the changes to his training and nutritional regimen. He gave fans a look at his impressive midsection as well.
“Okay, guys, never been great at selfies, but a work in progress! lol*My amazing doctor, Dr Cha @cha_dikito has placed me on another healing journey, once again! Have been under the weather the last few weeks. Her evaluation was spot on! Cha tweaked my training days and Eating Lifestyle while I recover.*In two weeks, this happened! Nearing 68 years old in June. Thank you, Cha! You did say “with Gods foods, expect great results!” Tom Platz wrote.
Having competed during a different era, Platz believes the sport has undergone some dramatic changes. Most notably, he took issue with the way in which the Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic contests operate. According to Platz, Mr. Olympia has lost its identity, and the Arnold Classic surrendered its reputation. He added that bodybuilding should encompass more than just pursuing prestigious titles.
Platz also touched on his experiences with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during his tenure. He explained that there was ‘muscle he could only acquire with anabolics’ while competing actively. The 67-year-old shared that he was able to achieve dry conditioning without steroids, but had to use a few compounds to display a ‘saran wrap’ look on stage.
Tom isn’t the only Golden Era bodybuilder sharing shredded updates. Robby Robinson continues to defy Father Time at 76 with a ripped physique. Looking back on his illustrious career, Robinson stressed that his body was built with hard work and proper dieting, not with steroids.
RELATED: Top 11 Bodybuilders to Maintain Jacked Physiques In Retirement
While Tom’s career in bodybuilding was certainly noteworthy, his lasting legacy can be attributed to his once-in-a-generation quadriceps growth that has inspired countless fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
For those aspiring to achieve similar success, Tom’s approach is simple yet profound: become a disciple of the “Quadfather” and emulate his unwavering commitment to the grind.
Reflecting on his use of PEDs, Tom Platz said he took the ‘minimum’ and that it worked for him and helped with longevity. At 67 years old, Platz continues to inspire his fanbase with hard work and dedication.
Published: 18 April, 2023 | 1:58 PM EDT
Mark Wahlberg Will Make Movie About ‘Godfather of Fitness’ Jack LaLanne
Hollywood A-lister Mark Wahlberg is one of the busiest actors in town yet he never fails to get a workout in. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Archie Gips, president of Wahlberg’s production company called Unrealistic Ideas, shared the firm’s plans to honor the legacy of the late Jack LaLanne in movie theatres. …