Tag: nEWS
Hunter Labrada & Andrew Jacked Share Ripped Updates Weeks Before 2023 Texas Pro Showdown
The pressure is on Men’s Open Pros Hunter Labrada and Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea as they aim to secure their passage to this year’s Olympia competition. In a pair of Instagram posts, Labrada and Jacked teased their physiques weeks before stepping back on stage.
Hunter is the son of bodybuilding veteran and perennial Olympia contender Lee Labrada. Having followed in his father’s footsteps, it didn’t take long for Labrada to find his calling inside the gym and on stage. Fans took notice of Labrada’s potential in 2021 when he won the Chicago Pro title and placed fourth at the annual Olympia.
Labrada was considered a frontrunner heading into 2022 Olympia in light of his impressive showing. Instead of laboring through a busy season, Labrada had the luxury of time, which allowed him to cultivate mass and build extra muscle. However, when it was time to perform on the sport’s biggest stage, Labrada encountered problems with the prep/peak. He finished seventh, though he promised to return better than ever.
Hunter Labrada plans to test himself at two shows: the 2023 Tampa Pro and the Texas Pro. In May, Labrada reiterated his commitment to the sport and underlined that he’s still ‘one of the best’ with plans to ‘prove it’ later this year.
Andrew Jacked meanwhile, jumped into the upper echelon of the division last year with a historic rookie season. With symmetry, proportions, and flexibility like his former mentor Flex Wheeler, Andrew’s stage presentation and aesthetics made him a dangerous opponent for anyone.
In 2022, he secured his IFBB Pro card at the 2022 Arnold Classic Amateur before winning the Texas Pro and Arnold Classic UK consecutively. In his debut on the Olympia stage, Jacked trailed one spot behind Hunter in eighth place. Both men are on the hunt for Olympia invites and are likely to face each other at the upcoming 2023 Texas Pro.
Hunter Labrada Checks In w/ Physique Update: “Best I’ve Ever Been With 16 Days to Go”
Labrada looked huge in his latest physique update under three weeks from performing at the 2023 Tampa Pro.
“Best I’ve ever been with 16 days to go?? One last push and then it’s time to freshen up and do the damn thing! Excited is an understatement??” Hunter Labrada wrote.
“The Goal Is To Beat My Previous Self” Andrew Jacked Teases Physique Weeks from 2023 Texas Pro
Jacked is also looking monstrous in his latest progress video, which you can find below:
“I’m not in Competition with Anybody but Against the Person I See in The Mirror. The Goal is to always beat my previous self!@psychofitness21 @therealtechnicianThe Hoodie is Still On. Few Weeks left to Unveil the upgraded MonaLisa.
Yesszzziirrr !!!” Andrew Jacked shared.
Aside from physique updates, Andrew has shared numerous training sessions in the lead-up to his next competition. The last time fans saw him in action, Jacked showcased a back-density workout that he’s been using to give himself the illusion of a more 3D physique on stage.
Whether it’s nutrition or coaching changes, Andrew is willing to take the necessary steps to evolve as an athlete. Last year, he forged a new partnership with trainers Chris ‘Psycho’ Lewis and Chris Aceto. With another season to build, Jacked is hopeful about his Olympia chances down the road.
As for Hunter Labrada, he’s also taken a calculated approach to his season. In addition to physique updates, Labrada has shared gut health hacks, guest posing appearances, training sessions, and started incorporating vacuum poses to help him exercise more control over his midsection.
RELATED: Hunter Labrada Shares Full Day of Eating, Physique Update & Push Day Workout for 2023 Tampa/Texas Pro
Should Labrada and Jacked succeed in their respective missions, they will have the opportunity to face off against the reigning Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan, who took the crown from the former two-time champ Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay in a shocking upset last year.
Published: 20 July, 2023 | 11:04 AM EDT
Strongwoman Lucy Underdown Pulls Three Deadlift Reps With Current World Record Weight of 300-kg (661.4-lb)
There is no greater female deadlifter currently than Lucy Underdown, since the British Strongwoman is revolutionizing the event. She is currently the only Strongwoman to have deadlifted 300 kilograms (661.3 pounds) and thus holds the current World Record. However, Lucy also seems to be the only woman who can break that record, and judging by her recent training session, she might do it very soon. On July 19th, Lucy shared a video on her Instagram displaying a deadlift equal to her World Record, but this time she performed three reps with the humongous 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds).
Lucy Underdown loaded up 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds) on the barbell and wondered just how many reps she could lock out with it. She put on her lifting belt and lifting straps before setting up her conventional stance deadlift. After everything was set, Lucy started pulling the weight and locked out three reps with relative ease, which is mind-blowing considering how no other Strongwoman has deadlifted as much for a single rep at least.
Moreover, Lucy Underdown pointed out that she is currently not peaked, meaning that she will be able to lift even more weight in the future. Regardless, it is clear that Lucy has improved a lot since setting the 300-kilogram (661.4-pound) Deadlift World Record in a guest appearance at the 2021 UK’s Strongest Man competition.
“Reps at the current Strongwoman World Record!!
Crazy! ?
300kg/661lbs for 3 reps. And I’m not even peaked yet ?”
Watch Lucy Underdown’s lift here:
Related: Strongwoman Lucy Underdown Crushes 280-kg (617.3-lb) Deadlift Four-Rep PR In Training
Lucy Underdown will be very active this summer, as she is set to make two appearances in the next two months. Hopefully, we will see her break this deadlift World Record in at least one of them.
Lucy Underdown will first compete at the 2023 European Championships on August 11-13, and then focus on the 2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman competition, which is scheduled for September 30th.
However, Giants Live organization has made an interesting remark on Instagram following Lucy Underdown’s 300-kilogram (661.4-pound) deadlift for three reps. They shared her video and hinted that they might invite her to the World Deadlift Championships. This competition will take place on September 2nd, so it remains to be seen if Lucy will be added to the 15-man roster.
“Should @lucyunders_strongwoman be invited to the World Deadlift Champs?” wrote Giants Live.
Lucy Underdown hasn’t spent much time in Strongwoman sport yet, but she is definitely already one of the greatest athletes ever. She has already won two major competitions in the form of 2022 Arnold’s UK Strongwoman Pro and 2022 England’s Strongest Woman, while also finishing on the podium at some other events.
Just a few weeks ago, Lucy deadlifted 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds) on a Kratos Barbell, which is longer and more flexible than the standard one. So, this lift was also a World Record on that variation of the deadlift.
Related: Lucy Underdown Pulls a 302.5-kg (667-lb) Unofficial Strongwoman Deadlift World Record in Training
Not too long ago, many people thought that a 300-kilogram (661.4-pound) deadlift could not be performed by a woman, but then came Lucy Underdown. She did what seemed humanly impossible and is now continuing to raise the bar with her mind-blowing lifts. Her recent three rep deadlift with the current World Record weight might be one of the greatest feats of strength in the history of Strongwoman, but there is certainly more to come from Lucy.
Published: 20 July, 2023 | 9:14 AM EDT
Rich Gaspari Shares Tips for Developing Back Thickness with Incline Dumbbell One-Arm Row
Bodybuilding veteran Rich Gaspari has developed a unique eye for the sport since stepping away from the bright lights. He’s known for providing valuable tips based on his years of competing against the best. In a recent Instagram post, Gaspari shared his technique for building the back using the incline dumbbell one-arm row.
Rich Gaspari led a decorated career in the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division with his insane muscle mass, definition, and conditioning. He started his career in the mid-80s and is widely credited for being the first athlete to display glute striations. He proved to be one of the most consistent competitors, racking up three silver medals in a row at Mr. Olympia contests from 1986 to 1988. Although he did not win the Sandow trophy, Gaspari created history by becoming the inaugural winner of the Arnold Classic. His final outing happened at the 1996 San Jose Pro Invitational.
Despite moving on from competition, Gaspari has kept his finger on the pulse of bodybuilding. He took issue with the rampant use of PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) in female divisions such as Wellness and Bikini earlier this year. He suspected that coaches are to blame as they push clients to take steroids unnecessarily and as a result, risk their health.
Gaspari provided fans with some of his best tips for growing muscle in the lower body three months ago. He encouraged going to failure between 20 and 50 reps and offered techniques for training as hard as possible.
The bodybuilding veteran wants to see changes. Rich Gaspari fired shots at modern competitors for not paying attention to their calf muscle development weeks ago. He gave fans a look into the calf training he did in his days of competing on stage and admitted it was hard to grow the muscle group.
Gaspari has also shed light on the health risks of bodybuilding. He voiced his disapproval of the rise in Trenbolone use and laid out some of the adverse effects of taking the compound which included damage to the liver and the cardiovascular system.
Rich Gaspari Shares Tips for Developing Back Thickness with Incline One Arm Row
In a recent Instagram post, Rich Gaspari shared tips for developing back thickness with incline one-arm rows. He stressed using an incline bench and minimizing any swing in the movement.
“Here is a great way to do your one arm rows and do them strict with no swing,” said Gaspari. “Doing on the incline bench takes out the momentum of doing a DB row and makes them really work middle back thickness.”
Gaspari offered a brutal variation of the sumo squats for building strength in the lower body two months ago. He suggested using an elevated platform to extend the range of motion so as to feel the burn in the glutes.
Rich Gaspari opened up on the techniques he would use to carve out his abs during his prime a few weeks back. Whether it’s hypertrophy or slow-mo reps for muscle growth, Gaspari has a unique understanding of training mechanics following several wars on stage.
If you’re aiming to build a strong and muscular back while minimizing the risk of injury, the single-arm incline dumbbell row is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a beginner focusing on getting the form right or an experienced gym-goer seeking a fresh challenge, this exercise has got you covered.
RELATED: Rich Gaspari, Milos Sarcev Shed Light on Harsh Diuretics and the ‘Cost’ of Dangerous Dehydration
Gaspari is a living legend, who continues to contribute to the sport and its competitors with intense workouts. At 60 years old, he doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 10:10 PM EDT
Chris Bumstead Talks ‘Full Morning Routine’ in Off-Season vs Contest Prep & Breathwork
Chris Bumstead‘s focus is shifting to the next stage of preparations for the upcoming 2023 Olympia contest. In a recent interview with Chris Williamson, Bumstead detailed his typical morning routine, which included cardio, a cold plunge, a sauna visit, and breakfast.
In 2019, Chris Bumstead succeeded in dethroning the two-time Classic Physique Olympia Breon Ansley. On stage, Bumstead’s frame, conditioning, and muscle hardness have continued to guide him to success. He’s yet to lose since capturing the prestigious title and will aim for a fifth Classic Physique Olympia crown this November.
Bumstead entered last year’s 2022 Olympia show as a huge favorite. What made his performance even more special was the fact that he won with a torn bicep. He also accomplished the feat under the guidance of his new coach, Hany Rambod. They teamed up after Bumstead stopped working with top Men’s Open talent Iain Valliere.
Aiming to leave the sport on top, Bumstead has taken to various interviews to discuss his approach to the sport. One of the last times he spoke with Chris Williamson, Bumstead laid out his recovery routine for those curious about how he refuels following workouts. In their latest meeting, Bumstead walked fans through some of the tasks he typically completes in the morning.
Chris Bumstead on ‘Fluid’ Morning Routine in Off-Season/Contest Preps: ‘I Just Flow Into That State & Thrive’
Given that Bumstead is constantly traveling, his morning routines vary, but for the most part, he’s waking up before 8 A.M. Bumstead prefers to start the day with fasted cardio before using the sauna and cold plunging.
“Depends on the time of year, really. Off-season, I wake up and I usually do a bit of light cardio. It’s been brutal lately, I’ve been in different time zones for the last six months so it’s just whatever timezone I’m on. But lately, I’ve just been not putting on an alarm and I’ve been waking up at 7:30 – 8:00 or so lately.
I normally wake up and I just do a little bit of cardio, just like 20 minutes just to make sure my appetite is going. Then I have a cold plunge, I usually dip my legs in there at least if not my full body or up to my waist. Then shower, eat, and go to work,” said Bumstead.
Bumstead says he switches breakfasts often and his morning routines differ depending on whether he’s in the off-season or in prep.
“Again, [breakfast] varies. Consistently, I get sick of food really quick especially breakfast foods. I usually don’t like eating eggs when I’m eating a lot of food, so I normally make a smoothie then I’ll have oatmeal blended into the smoothie, and some Ezekiel bread toast and almond butter.”
According to Bumstead, his preps ‘evolve’ and he seeks a ‘flow state’ each and every morning. He tries to tap into his mind by utilizing breathwork.
“Prep evolves. I evolve. I’m very fluid. My routines are – what time do you train – depends on the time of year. It’s wherever I feel natural, I just flow into that state and do what I can and kind of thrive in that structure rather than really regimented. But in prep, I’ll wake up in the morning and I’ll usually do a breathwork thing. I got sucked in that.
At first, I tried to do it for mental, to tap deep into my mind, now it’s just literally to oxygenate my body before doing cardio. I realized when I did a little bit of breath work, three rounds of 30 breaths hold, exhale, repeat. Three rounds in the morning, I did cardio and I didn’t need caffeine. I was wide awake and I could blast through my cardio way easier and felt way better,” said Bumstead.
After the cold plunge, Bumstead allows himself to go on his phone for the first time since waking.
“After that, sauna or cold tub combine it, I’ll always cold tub if I sauna because I always like finishing with cold. Cardio will be higher at that point, go shower, and eat. The goal that I do in the mornings. Nothing crazy, it’s as simple as that. But I usually try to put my phone on airplane mode when I go to bed and not look at it until this shit is done.”
If there’s value in adding it to his routine, Bumstead won’t hesitate. He shared that he sometimes walks backward on a treadmill when he doesn’t have access to a sled.
“I just took some things that like I found I could put into my routine super easily like walking backward with a weight. When I don’t have a sled, I’ll do it on the treadmill turned off. I’ll just turn off the treadmill and push the treat. I go down the stairs walk up the stairs backward. I train my tibia rather than just my calves too. Band stuff, pushing my knee backward. I implemented that and it seems to be helping.”
In a previous meeting with Chris Williamson, Bumstead was asked about his top 10 most essential exercises. The fitness community quickly reacted to his picks, like ATHLEAN X’s Jeff Cavaliere. He offered his ‘alterations’ to Cbum’s exercise list. Jeff agreed with 9/10 of Bumstead’s movements but not with his close-grip flat bench press choice.
Aside from exercise selection, Bumstead also opened up about Trenbolone recently. He said it’s one of the only steroids he avoids due to its toxicity. He’s not the only athlete to talk about Trenbolone as powerlifter-turned-bodybuilder Larry Wheels recapped his life on the compound as a ‘living hell.’
Bumstead’s ‘fluid’ morning routines are important to his mental outlook, especially while handling the pressures of being a dominant champion. Fans look forward to seeing Cbum back on stage in less than four months.
RELATED: Chris Bumstead Reveals How Much Attention He Gets from Women as a Bodybuilder
You can watch the full video from Chris Williamson’s YouTube channel below:
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 7:54 PM EDT
Former Mr. India Ashish Sakharkar Passes Away at 43 after Illness
Prolific Indian bodybuilder Ashish Sakharkar made waves in the country with his jacked physique and won several prestigious titles. He also gained popularity for his charismatic personality on social media. On July 19, The Siasat Daily reported Sakharkar passed away at 43 years old late Tuesday night after succumbing to a prolonged illness.
Ashish Sakharkar first made a name for himself with his monstrous physique on the regional Maharashtrian circuit. He scored his first major victory by winning Mr. Maharashtra. His popularity started growing tremendously around the country as he won the esteemed Mr. India title four times.
Sakharkar amassed a following for his insane dedication to the sport. He was regarded as one of the best contenders in the history of the Mr. India competitions. Participating in the 80-kg weight category, he led a decorated career with four Federation Cup Championships and a European Championship under his belt.
Besides his list of wins, he scored a silver in both Mr. Universe and Mr. Asia. He also won the Maharashtra government’s Shiv Chhatrapati Award, the highest prestigious sports award in India for the exemplary example he set in bodybuilding.
Former Mr. India Ashish Sakharkar Passes Away at 43 after Long Battle with Illness
According to The Siasat Daily, Indian Body Builders Federation General Secretary Hiral Sheth told IANS that Sakharkar had been hospitalized after suffering from health issues in South Mumbai. The specific details of the matter have not been disclosed up to this point.
Sakharkar is survived by his wife and son.
Ekanth Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra State, paid his tributes to the loss of Sakharkar on Twitter.
“Ashish Sakharkar, who won many prestigious titles like Mr. Maharashtra, four times Mr. India, Mr. Universe, has sadly passed away,” wrote Shinde. “Heartbroken by the death of Ashish Sakharkar, a respected figure in the bodybuilding world. His departure has caused an immeasurable loss to the bodybuilding industry. We pray that God bless his soul and give strength to the members of the Sakharkar family to recover from this grief. A heartfelt tribute.”
महाराष्ट्र श्री, चार वेळा मिस्टर इंडिया, मिस्टर युनिव्हर्स अशा अनेक नामांकित किताबांवर आपली मोहोर उमटवणारे आशिष साखरकर यांचे दुःखद निधन झाले आहे. बॉडीबिल्डिंग विश्वातील मान्यवर असलेल्या आशिष साखरकर यांच्या निधनाने मन हेलावून गेले आहे. त्यांच्या जाण्याने बॉडी बिल्डिंग क्षेत्राचे… pic.twitter.com/ux8bNdpmjC
— Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) July 19, 2023
Following the news of the death of Ashish Sakharkar, his latest post on Instagram made headlines. Sakharkar was an active user on his social media channels, posting content from his bodybuilding contests and regularly engaging with his fans. His last post was a snap of him from Mr. Universe 2011.
“Mr Universe mumbai 2011 the most memorable day of my Life,bronze medal,” wrote Sakharkar.
RELATED: 30-Year-Old Bodybuilder Catalin Stefanescu Dies Mysteriously After Drowning In Shallow Lake
Ashish Sakharkar will be deeply missed in the bodybuilding community for his many contributions, and his legacy will continue to live on. The team of Fitness Volt sends its condolences to the friends and family of Sakharkar during this time.
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 4:41 PM EDT
Jeremy Buendia on 2023 Olympia: “My Goal Is To Be Competitive W/ Brandon Hendrickson & Erin Banks”
Fan-favorite Jeremy Buendia is inching closer to his comeback at the 2023 Mr. Olympia show taking place this November. As the most successful Men’s Physique Olympia on the planet, Buendia will aim to collect a fifth title upon his return. In a recent YouTube video, Buendia shared why he’s coming back now and laid out his primary goal for the season, which is to be competitive against Erin Banks and Brandon Hendrickson.
From 2014-2017, Buendia, equipped with a brash attitude, dominated the annual Mr. Olympia competition. He showcased an impressive v-taper, along with symmetrically balanced arms, and a huge chest. The 32-year-old attempted to capture another title back in 2018 but was denied by the former three-time Men’s Physique Olympia Brandon Hendrickson.
Buendia remains one of the most popular athletes in the category despite not competing in years. He teased a return back in 2020, though it never came to fruition. Last September, Buendia announced that he would again make a play for Olympia’s Men’s Physique title, currently held by Erin Banks. He revealed that his plan was to bulk up to 220 pounds before plotting his next move.
In addition to sharing intense training sessions, Buendia has invited fans on his journey back to the stage with a handful of YouTube videos. In one of his latest ventures, Buendia shared the 4,000-calorie bulking diet he’s implemented in the off-season to hold his own against the best of his category.
Jeremy Buendia Talks Comeback, Motivations, and Competing Against Top Names in Men’s Physique
Buendia admits he had a lot of growing up to do before committing to his latest comeback.
“Man, why now, it’s been five years since my last Olympia, since I competed. I had to go through a lot of growing pains the past five years to get back to this point where I’m at right now where mentally and physically, I had a lot of growing up to do in order to get back in the right mindset to be able to compete again.”
“Now, at this point in time in my life, I think I’m going to be able to bring my best and have a more mature physique and a more mature mindset. I’m excited to get back up there and show the world I still have it. I’ll be 33 coming up in October, so I’ll be 33 stepping on stage this year,” said Jeremy Buendia.
Reflecting on his career, Buendia believes he let others influence the way he conducted himself back when he was an Olympia champion.
“At a certain point in time, you have to grow up, you have to make changes and recognize the things you did in the past weren’t the way you want to portray yourself in the future. I have a family and a daughter I represent now. My daughter, I want her to be able to look back and be proud of the man her dad was.”
“That is the real me, but like I said, towards the end of my reign as an Olympia champion a lot of things got to my head. I started doing really well financially, I had a lot of people coming in and out of my life and feeding ideas into my head. I was trying to fast-track my success do certain things and live a lifestyle that wasn’t really who I am. And people can see through that real easily.”
With 2023 Olympia approaching, Jeremy made it clear his chief goal was to be competitive on stage against Brandon Hendrickson and the reigning champion, Erin Banks.
“The sport has changed a lot, it’s evolved a lot. So, the past few years I’ve been hearing – I fell out of shape, I stopped training for a while, I dealt with a lot of injuries and I fell behind big time. The last couple of years I heard the sport has passed me up. It evolved too much, you won’t be able to hang with these guys in the size. That’s kind of what kept me away from the stage until recently.”
“The past year I’ve been back on my training packing on the size again and catching back up to where these guys are to a point where I can be competitive again. Ultimately, my goal is to be competitive with Erin and Brandon this year. We’ve done a good job of getting myself back to where I am now. Now we’re here 16 weeks out from the 2023 Olympia.”
According to Buendia, Erin Banks might be at a disadvantage in the final call-out this year if most of the men standing next to him are significantly shorter.
“They’re tall dudes, Erin is like 6’2″ and a half, then again, you got Brandon about 5″9′, you got Diogo the same height as me. It’s going to very interesting to see how things shake out this year. I see what’s happening is a median of the class in that top call out. If we have five out of the six guys in that top call out that are 5″10′ Erin is going to stick out like a sore thumb and maybe get pushed out, maybe he won’t, we’ll see.”
Buendia believes the new Men’s Physique height/weight rules set to take effect after 2023 Olympia will delay his Classic Physique ambitions for the future. He shared that in order to make weight for Men’s Physique, he may have to cut back on leg training.
“I got to make sure I bring my weight down [for next year]. One way I do that is to limit my leg training. If I do that, that’s obviously going to push Classic out for a few years if that’s something I decide to do,” added Buendia.
This isn’t the first time the Men’s Physique height/weight cap has reached the headlines. Athletes rep Bob Cicherillo discussed the matter recently. When Dave Palumbo mentioned athletes would start neglecting their legs due to the new rules, Cicherillo disagreed. Cicherillo argued that if competitors ignore their leg training, they would present imbalanced physiques on stage.
The 2023 Mr. Olympia show takes place Nov. 2-5 in Orlando Florida. As one of the most exciting divisions in the IFBB Pro League, fans can’t wait to see the rivalry settled between the reigning Men’s Physique Olympia Erin Banks, and the former four-time champion, Jeremy Buendia.
Watch the full video from the NPCNewsOnline YouTube channel below:
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 4:11 PM EDT
Powerlifter Andrew Hause Squats 362.8-kg (800-lb) For Raw Six-Rep PR
Andrew Hause quickly rose to fame during the past few years since everyone noticed the mind-blowing feats of strength that he has been putting out. However, for some personal reasons, Andrew has not been as active this year, not even making an appearance in any competitions. However, he is now coming back to his best shape, which is evident by the lifts he performs in training sessions. Most notably, Hause recently crushed a 362.8-kilogram (800-pound) squat for eight repetitions, which marked a new PR for him. Thus, Andrew was happy to share the achievement with his fans on Instagram.
Although it may have come as a surprise to many, Andrew Hause’s squats are stronger than ever. Furthermore, Andrew’s endurance levels have also improved, making him a brilliant athlete overall. His new 362.8-kilogram (800-pound) six-rep squat PR was raw, as he only used a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps to aid him in the lift.
Andrew Hause’s new six-rep squat PR impressed many people, but one man that stood out was Eric Lilliebridge. Eric is one of the greatest powerlifters ever, having broken numerous All-Time World Records.
“Crazy man ?? probably could’ve done 10 reps if you went straight to it” wrote Lilliebridge.
Watch the lift here:
Related: Powerlifter Andrew Hause Obliterates an 807-lb (366-kg) Raw Squat For Five Rep PR
Andrew Hause was supposed to compete twice this year already, but he ended up not doing so. He only gave the reasoning for the first competition withdrawal. The competition in which he wanted to take part was the 2023 Ghost Clash 2, which took place on February 18-19. However, Andrew’s life was affected by some personal problems, which were more important to him than powerlifting.
“Been on the fence lately about committing to a meet prep, had to pull out of ghost clash 2 earlier this year because powerlifting couldn’t be my priority with everything i had going on in my personal adult life” wrote Hause in February of 2023.
Later on, he announced that he would compete around May, but that did not happen, nor did he state the reasons for it.
However, Andrew Hause is now looking to better himself in every way. So, he also revealed a few months ago that he is training BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) alongside powerlifting. This caused him to lose a lot of bodyweight, but he recently got back up to 303 pounds (137.4 kilograms).
Andrew Hause has taken part in seven sanctioned competitions during his powerlifting career and has won all of them. He has also set All-Time World Records in both the Junior and Open age classes. So, he will be looking to add a few more records to his collection in the future.
Andrew Hause’s Competition PRs
Squat (Wraps): 460 kilograms (1,014.1 pounds) — (2022 WRPF American Pro)
Bench Press (Raw): 252.2 kilograms (556 pounds) — (2021 RPS The Showcase Super Classic)
Deadlift (Raw): 410 kilograms (90T.9 pounds) — (2022 WRPF American Pro)
Total (Raw W/Wraps): 1,117.5 kilograms (2,463.6 pounds) — (2022 WRPF American Pro)
Related: Powerlifter Andrew Hause Demolishes Two Junior World Records, Proposes To His Girlfriend
Andrew Hause’s Competition History
Personal Bests
Equip
Squat
Bench
Deadlift
Total
Dots
Wraps
1014.1
556
1014.1
2463.7
624.3
Raw
744.1
200.68
Competition Results
Place
Fed
Date
Competition
Division
Total
Dots
1
WRPF
2022-07-29
American Pro
Open
2463.7
624.3
Location
USA-VA
Competition
American Pro
Division
Open
Age
24
Equipment
Wraps
Class
308.6
Weight
288.8
Squat
953.5
-1014.1
1014.1
1014.1
Bench
512.6
545.6
-562.2
545.6
Deadlift
826.7
903.9
-925.9
903.9
1
RPS
2021-06-26
The Showcase Super Classic
Pro Juniors 20-23
2438
616.4
Location
USA-FL
Competition
The Showcase Super Classic
Division
Pro Juniors 20-23
Age
23
Equipment
Wraps
Class
308.6
Weight
291
Squat
1006
Bench
556
Deadlift
876
1
RPS
2018-11-03
Braggin Rights
Pro Juniors 20-23
2210.1
578.21
Location
USA-NC
Competition
Braggin Rights
Division
Pro Juniors 20-23
Age
20
Equipment
Wraps
Class
275.6
Weight
261.2
Squat
898.4
Bench
496
Deadlift
832.2
1
SPF
2017-11-04
Record Breakers
Teenage 18-19
2050.3
551.24
Location
USA
Competition
Record Breakers
Division
Teenage 18-19
Age
19
Equipment
Wraps
Class
242.5
Weight
242
Squat
837.8
Bench
451.9
Deadlift
760.6
1
365Strong
2017-08-12
Eastern Regional Championship
T3
744.1
200.68
Location
USA-NC
Competition
Eastern Regional Championship
Division
T3
Age
19
Equipment
Raw
Class
242.5
Weight
240
Deadlift
700
744.1
-782.6
744.1
1
RPS
2017-03-25
Rumble in the Smokeys
Pro Teen 18-19
1962.1
532.82
Location
USA-NC
Competition
Rumble in the Smokeys
Division
Pro Teen 18-19
Age
19
Equipment
Wraps
Class
242.5
Weight
235.8
Squat
799.2
Bench
424.4
Deadlift
738.5
1
365Strong
2016-04-10
Eastern USA Challenge
T3
1735
474.86
Location
USA-SC
Competition
Eastern USA Challenge
Division
T3
Age
18
Equipment
Wraps
Class
242.5
Weight
231.2
Squat
700
Bench
385
Deadlift
650
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: April 12, 2023
Analyze Lifts
Andrew Hause is easily one of the strongest powerlifters in history, but as he stated in the past, “powerlifting is so one dimensional and honestly, personally, it’s so easy to get bored of it”. However, he always comes back to it after a short rest, and often in a better shape than when he left. This seems to be the case now, as Andrew is setting new PRs and chasing his future goals.
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 2:35 PM EDT
Breon Ansley Annihilates Pull day Workout With Tristyn Lee
Bodybuilder Breon Ansley recently teamed up with fitness influencer Tristyn Lee for an intense back and biceps workout. Ansley is readying himself to venture into the new division in 2023 and this workout was a step in the direction to get the right body composition.
Breon Ansley is an American professional bodybuilder that has competed in the IFBB Pro League’s Classic Physique division for the majority of his career. He is a former Classic Physique Olympia champion and won the title at the 2017 and 2018 Olympia. After getting dethroned by Chris Bumstead at the 2019 Olympia, the 43-year-old continued to hover around the title picture and finished in the top five at the 2020 and 2021 Olympia. However, the 4th place finish in 2022 prompted Ansley to bury the hatchet and pass on the torch to Chris Bumstead. As decided earlier, the 2022 Olympia proved to be Ansley’s final Classic Physique appearance and he made the decision to move on from the weight class.
Although he has competed in the 212 division during the early stage of his career, Ansley is once again working hard to get the necessary body composition to make a move to 212 division in 2023. Unlike the Classic Physique division, the 43-year-old would not have to sacrifice any muscle mass to compete in the new weight class. As a result, Breon Ansley is confident that he will win the 2023 Olympia.
As a part of this effort, Ansley teamed up with fitness influencer Tristyn Lee for a back and biceps workout. Lee became notorious in the YouTube fitness community for carrying minimal body fat. He is known for his ripped physique and maintains the stance that he has been natural his whole life. In recent months, Lee has teased a venture into competitive bodybuilding.
Breon Ansley and Tristyn Lee tackled a high-intensity back and biceps workout in the Dragon’s Lair gym. The video of this session was posted on Lee’s personal YouTube channel. So without further delay, let’s see how the duo survived this intense training session.
Breon Ansley and Tristyn Lee go through a back and biceps workout
Ansley and Lee utilized the rest pause training method for all the exercises in this training session. The duo performed only one working set per exercise but focused more on adding mass, width and depth to the back and biceps muscles.
Pull-ups
Being the more experienced of the two, Breon Ansley led the workout as Tristyn Lee followed in his footsteps. They started the training session with four sets of pull-ups to warm up the back and biceps.
“Pull-ups and dips always kick that a**. But it’s always a good measuring stick too as I am going up in body weight… To keep that strength up… Keep that strength up, keep those numbers up and keep those reps up,” Breon Ansley said about pull-ups.
After finishing all the sets of pull-ups, the duo took to the first heavy compound movement of the day.
Hammer Strength Low Rows
Ansley and Lee performed hammer strength low rows next to work the back muscles. This compound movement primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, middle and upper trapezius muscles in the back. Apart from muscle building, it is an essential movement to improve the upper body posture.
“Don’t need to keep count as long as you’re confident you know you went till that very last drop. Just ensure that and you’re good,” Breon Ansley said about rep range.
The training partners cranked out solid sets of low rows next and took to another rowing movement next.
Cable High Rows
This cable machine rowing movement followed next as Ansley and Lee added more stimulus to the back muscles. Horizontal pulling movements/rows are effective in building a thick back and hence it is of utmost importance to include them in the training routine for complete back development.
In particular, cable high rows also work the latissimus dorsi, rhomboid as well as trapezius muscles in the back and they protect the shoulders while reducing the risk of injury during upper body exercises.
Ansley cranked out solid sets of cable high rows next as Lee followed the suit. The duo then took to a traps-focused exercise next.
Dumbbell Shrugs
This simple but effective exercise is an excellent mass and strength builder for the trapezius muscles. Apart from the bigger and stronger look, well-developed traps aid in scapular functions and help protect against neck injuries.
Ansley and Lee pushed through heavy sets of dumbbell shrugs next and shifted their focus to working the biceps.
EZ Bar Curls
EZ bar curl offers distinct advantages over standard barbell due to its curved shape as it enables a more natural and neutral wrist position. This exercise primarily targets the biceps brachii muscles and helps build strength and muscle mass. But it also activates the brachialis and brachioradialis muscles as well.
Ansley and Lee performed a few sets of EZ bar curls next and took to the final exercise of the day.
Dumbbell Preacher Curls
Dumbbell preacher curls are arguably the most effective exercise for biceps isolation. The triceps are firmly pressed against the pad during this exercise and the shoulder is neatly tucked against the edge of the pad. As a result, biceps are forced to lift the weight unassisted, increasing strength and muscle gain. The duo performed some solid sets of dumbbell preacher curls next and wrapped up the training session.
Overall, the workout included:
Breon Ansley will face a fresh set of challenges when he transitions to the 212 division this year. Reigning champion Shaun Clarida will be the main hurdle standing in Ansley’s way of winning the second division title. But if he can make the necessary adjustments, the former Classic Physique champion can definitely make history.
You can watch the full workout video here, courtesy of Tristyn Lee’s personal YouTube channel:
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 1:18 PM EDT
Bodybuilder Nathan De Asha Looking Huge 8 Weeks From Next Contest in Posing Update
One of the United Kingdom’s most prolific bodybuilders is set to return in just two months. In a recent Instagram post, top Men’s Open Pro Nathan De Asha shared an impressive physique update eight weeks from his next contest.
It didn’t take long for Nathan De Asha to gain traction in the IFBB Pro League. His combination of mass and conditioning proved to be a winning recipe on a number of occasions. A lot of his success has come from his ability to blend these attributes together on stage to create a symmetrical and balanced appearance.
In 2021, De Asha led a flawless season, where he nailed down three consecutive first-place performances at the Europa Pro Championships, the Arnold Classic UK, and the Yamamoto Cup Pro. During his appearance at the Arnold, De Asha defeated noteworthy opponents like Patrick Johnson and Samson Dauda.
Next, De Asha targeted the 2022 Arnold Classic. However, he was forced to pull out due to a left bicep injury. As a former top-10 Mr. Olympia finisher (seventh to be exact, in 2017), fans have long awaited De Asha’s return to action. However, his comeback was delayed further after a second bicep tear prevented him from competing at the 2022 Olympia competition.
The wait is just about over as Nathan is on the verge of competing once again. He’s targeted a show in eight weeks, where he will look to qualify for this year’s 2023 Olympia show. Should he come out on top and make it to Olympia, it will be De Asha’s first time on the sport’s biggest stage since 2018.
Nathan De Asha Shows Off Massive Physique Update 8 Weeks From Show
Check out De Asha’s update below.
“The man with no arms 8 weeks out baby.Just a little posing session.” Nathan De Asha shared.
Even though he hasn’t been competing, De Asha remains busy, especially on YouTube. He joined strongman royalty Tom and Luke Stoltman for a special ‘Bodybuilding versus Strongman’ training session months ago. Nathan also challenged Tom and Luke to a leg press challenge.
Despite its controversial nature, De Asha isn’t opposed to talking about performance-enhancing drugs. Speaking on the Bodybuilding University Podcast, De Asha detailed his experiences with Trenbolone, one of the more potent steroids on the market. While some have encountered negative side effects from using the substance such as Larry Wheels, De Asha swears by the compound. He mentioned that he uses it year-round and never encounters problems with aggression or mood instability.
De Asha, who has shown to have immense promise as an Open threat, could find himself again pushing names like Samson Dauda if he emerges with a victory in eight weeks. Given De Asha’s competition history and current physique, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him re-insert his name into Olympia discussions later this year.
RELATED: Nathan De Asha Tests Himself With A Killer Shoulder Workout
A lot has changed since De Asha’s last Olympia appearance in 2018. At that time, the late Shawn Rhoden became the newly minted Mr. Olympia winner. Since that night, the title has changed hands three times. First Brandon Curry took the honor in 2019 and then Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay captured the throne from 2020-2021. Now, Hadi Choopan reigns supreme.
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 11:18 AM EDT
2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking Full Results — Vilius Jokužys Takes Gold
In the history of Strongman, we have seen quite a few Icelandic champions, and it is just a matter of time when the next one will rise to fame. So, in order to find out who the strongest person in this country currently is, Magnús Ver Magnússon, Strongman icon and 4x WSM, organized the 2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking competition. It took place on July 13-16 and challenged nine of the greatest Icelandic Strongman athletes across nine events.
Proving the competitiveness of the roster, the 2023 WSM competitor, Kristján Jón Haraldsson, was beaten by three other athletes. So, it is clear that all of them are of world-class caliber. The greatest one came out to be Vilius Jokužys, who won the title with a very consistent performance across all events.
2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking Leaderboards
Vilius Jokužys — 62 points
Kristján Níelsson — 57.5 points
Sigfús Fossdal — 55.5 points
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 55 points
Stefán Karel Torfason — 44.5 points
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 41.5 points
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 39.5 points
Alexander Andersen — 23.5 points
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 20 points
Related: 2023 Strongest Man In Iceland Full Results — Kristján Jón Haraldsson Defend His Title
Event Results
Conan’s Wheel
The first event of the 2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking was the Conan’s Wheel, which required the athletes to pick up a 300-kilograms (661.4-pound) beam that pivots around a center point. They then carry it around in a circle for as long as possible, with their final distance being measured when they drop the beam.
Vilius Jokužys had an incredible start to the competition as his distance of 89.35 meters was convincingly the greatest result. The second-place finisher in this event was Alexander Anderson with 76.10 meters covered, while third-place went to Kristján Níelsson with 10.30 meters less.
Vilius Jokužys — 89.35 meters
Alexander Andersen — 76.10 meters
Kristján Níelsson — 65.80 meters
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 64.20 meters
Sigfús Fossdal — 55 meters
Stefán Karel Torfason — 48.8 meters
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 39.3 meters
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 35.35 meters
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 5 meters
Viking Press
The second event was basically a standing overhead press on a custom made machine which weighed exactly 150 kilograms (330.7 pounds). With everyone performing the event with the same weight, the goal was to perform as many reps as possible.
Kristján Níelsson jumped to first-place in the Viking Press event with 14 impressive repetitions. Sigfús Fossdal was also great in the second event of the competition, having reached his limit after the 11th repetition. Kristján Jón Haraldsson was the only other man to hit double digits with 10 reps on the Viking Press.
Kristján Níelsson — 14 reps
Sigfús Fossdal — 11 reps
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 10 reps
Vilius Jokužys — 7 reps
Stefán Karel Torfason — 5 reps (Tied-Fifth)
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 5 reps (Tied-Fifth)
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 2 reps
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 0 reps
Alexander Andersen — 0 reps
Bag Over Bar
The Bag Over Bar event is often seen in Strongman competitions, but the 2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking came up with an interesting concept. The athletes only had to throw one sandbag weighing 24 kilograms (52.9 pounds), but the goal was to throw it as high as possible.
Pálmi Gudfinnsson made the huge sandbag look like a toy, having thrown it to a height of 5.55 meters. Kristján Jón Haraldsson and Stefán Karel Torfason tied for second place as they both threw the sandbag over the 5.4-meter high bar.
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 5.55 meters
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 5.4 meters (Tied-Second)
Stefán Karel Torfason — 5.4 meters (Tied-Second)
Vilius Jokužys — 5.25 meters (Tied-Fourth)
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 5.25 meters (T-fourth)
Kristján Níelsson — 4.6 meters
Sigfús Fossdal — 3.9 meters
Alexander Andersen — No lift
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — No lift
Deadlift Ladder
The fourth event of the 2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking challenged the athletes with deadlifting progressively heavier weights, but the event was not timed.
Kristján Jón Haraldsson was the only man to reach the 360-kilogram barbell, as many others got stuck on the previous weight. Four men tied for second place by deadlifting 340 kilograms.
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 360 kilograms
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 340 kilograms (Tied-Second)
Kristján Níelsson — 340 kilograms (Tied-Second)
Sigfús Fossdal — 340 kilograms (Tied-Second)
Stefán Karel Torfason — 340 kilograms (Tied-Second)
Vilius Jokužys — 320 kilograms
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 300 kilograms
Alexander Andersen — 260 kilograms (Tied-Eighth)
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 260 kilograms (Tied-Eighth)
Mooring Bitt Carry
The Mooring Bitts are heavy metal implements used to dock ships and boats on the pier, but their purpose for the 2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking was changed. Instead, the athletes had to pick up the 140-kilogram (308.6-pound) implement and carry it for maximum distance.
This event came down to a surprisingly close finish, as less than two meters separated the top three. Theodór Már Gudmundsson was the winner with a distance of 47.15 meters, while Torfason dropped the implement just 0.40 meters before.
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 47.15 meters
Stefán Karel Torfason — 46.75 meters
Vilius Jokužys — 45.45 meters
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 37.27 meters
Alexander Andersen — 33.1 meters
Kristján Níelsson — 26.05 meters
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 19.63 meters
Sigfús Fossdal — 19.37 meters
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 0.7 meters
Hercules Hold
The Hercules Hold was a grip event and challenged the participants by holding two leaning pillars on the opposite sides of their body. The weight of the pillars is unknown, but everyone performed the event on the same implement and had to hold them for as long as possible.
Theodór Már Gudmundsson almost held the pillars for a minute which was enough for him to claim max points. However, Vilius Jokužys and Kristján Jón Haraldsson were extremely close to the winner, finishing with just around 5 seconds less than Theodór.
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 57.68 seconds
Vilius Jokužys — 52.26 seconds
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 51.59 seconds
Sigfús Fossdal — 47.36 seconds
Kristján Níelsson — 46.26 seconds
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 44.17 seconds
Alexander Andersen — 43.28 seconds
Stefán Karel Torfason — 41.16 seconds
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 17.94 seconds
Front Hold
The Front Hold was yet another endurance event at the 2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking, since the participants had to hold a 20-kilogram (44-pound) weight in front of them with straight arms.
The time of around one minute was once again enough to win the event, but this time it was Sigfús Fossdal taking max points. Kristján Níelsson was second due to dropping the weight at 54.5 seconds, while Vilius Jokužys rounded up the top three with a time of 50.39 seconds.
Sigfús Fossdal — 59.12 seconds
Kristján Níelsson — 54.5 seconds
Vilius Jokužys — 50.39 seconds
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 49.83 seconds
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 48.17 seconds
Stefán Karel Torfason — 46.92 seconds
Alexander Andersen — 46.15 seconds
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 37.19 seconds
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 34.90 seconds
Max Log Lift
The penultimate event of the 2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking was the simplest of all since the athletes performed a one-rep max on the Log Lift.
Kristján Níelsson singled out as the greatest Log Lifter in the roster with a 175-kilogram overhead press. Sigfús Fossdal was the next in line, having successfully locked out just 5 kilograms less than Nielsson.
Kristján Níelsson — 175 kilograms
Sigfús Fossdal — 170 kilograms
Vilius Jokužys — 160 kilograms (Tied-Third)
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 160 kilograms (Tied-Third)
Stefán Karel Torfason — 150 kilograms
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 140 kilograms
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 130 kilograms
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 120 kilograms
Alexander Andersen — 110 kilograms
Natural Stones
Similar to Atlas Stones, the Natural Stones are meant to be picked up and placed on the platform. Four Natural Stones were used at the 2023 Iceland’s Strongest Viking competition, and they weighed from 90 kilograms to 150 kilograms.
Coming into the final event, Vilius Jokužys was the overall leader, but just by 0.5 points. So, he needed an excellent performance in the Natural Stones to take the title. He ended up winning the final event with a time of 24.06 seconds, thus not leaving anything to chance.
Vilius Jokužys — 4 in 24.06 s
Sigfús Fossdal — 4 in 31.66 s
Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 4 in 32.35 s
Theodór Már Gudmundsson — 4 in 38.94 s
Kristján Níelsson — 4 in 39.22 s
Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 3 in 31.42 s
Stefán Karel Torfason — 3 in 31.63 s
Alexander Andersen — 3 in 68.42 s
Ólafur Haukur Tómasson — 2 in 47.69 s
Related: 2022 Iceland’s Strongest Man Results — Kristján Jón Haraldsson Wins
Vilius Jokužys took part in nine major Strongman competitions during the past two years, but this is his first victory. However, he has also taken some podium finishes, proving that he deserved to finally claim a major title.
Published: 19 July, 2023 | 10:34 AM EDT