Tag: nEWS
Looking Back at John Claassen’s 235-Pound Raw Deadlift at 92 Years Old
It’s no secret that resistance training has positive impacts on longevity. A 2019 meta-analysis in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that “Resistance training is associated with lower mortality and appears to have an additive effect when combined with aerobic exercise.” (1) John Claassen is representative of these results.
The then 89-year-old Claassen found he moved less efficiently, and his posture was worsening with age; he sought to make a change. Now, the 96-year-old Claassen is a powerlifter training at Greysteel Strength and Conditioning in Farmington, MI. He celebrated his 90th birthday with a 100-pound deadlift and has only improved since.
In the documentary-style video below, the then 92-year-old Claassen trains for a deadlift contest at CrossFit Illumine in Niles, IL, where he competed raw. He went three for three — 97.5 kilograms (215 pounds) on his first attempt, 102 kilograms (225 pounds) on his second attempt, and 106.5 kilograms (235 pounds) on his third attempt. Check it out below:
[Related: Eleuterio Montalvo (125KG) Lifts Third-Heaviest All-Time Raw Total of 868.5 Kilograms in the Teen 18-19 Division]
During his training for his deadlift competition, Claassen performed barbell curls, deadlifts, safety-bar squats, prowler pushes, and incline bench presses. On contest day, he was filmed warming up with 90, 135, and 180 pounds on the barbell. He wore knee sleeves and a lifting belt.
The only competition I have is with myself.
Training at an older age has a plethora of health benefits. According to PLoS One, “Older athletes are capable of rigorous training programs and top performances while adjusting to changes due to biological aging.” Additionally, Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting are less likely to lead to injury than participation in contact sports. (2)(3)
A 2021 meta-analysis in the European Review of Aging and Physical Activity found that after analyzing 561 healthy older adults aged 65.8 to 82.8 with sarcopenia (loss of muscle tissue due to aging), resistance training “improves body fat mass, muscle strength, and muscle performance.” (4) Specifically, they found positive effects on body fat mass, handgrip strength, knee extension strength, and gait speed.
Train for Life
Claassen didn’t begin his weight training journey until he was 89 years old. He decided to make a change because he noticed his physicality deteriorating as his posture worsened. The change involved walking into the gym, finding a coach in a supportive environment, and some weight plates on a barbell. He’s representative that it’s never too late for fitness.
More Training Content
References
Saeidifard, F., Medina-Inojosa, J. R., West, C. P., Olson, T. P., Somers, V. K., Bonikowske, A. R., Prokop, L. J., Vinciguerra, M., & Lopez-Jimenez, F. (2019). The association of resistance training with mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European journal of preventive cardiology, 26(15), 1647–1665. https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487319850718
Huebner, M., Meltzer, D., Ma, W., & Arrow, H. (2020). The Masters athlete in Olympic weightlifting: Training, lifestyle, health challenges, and gender differences. PloS one, 15(12), e0243652. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243652
Aasa, Ulrika et al. “Injuries Among Weightlifters And Powerlifters: A Systematic Review”. British Journal Of Sports Medicine, vol 51, no. 4, 2016, pp. 211-219. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096037. Accessed 11 Apr 2023.
Chen, N., He, X., Feng, Y. et al. Effects of resistance training in healthy older people with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act 18, 23 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-021-00277-7
Featured image courtesy of Greysteel: Fitness After Fifty’s YouTube channel.
‘It’s a 3-Headed Monster’: Phil Heath Reveals His Top Picks for 2023 Mr. Olympia
Bodybuilding legend Phil Heath has developed a sharp eye for spotting talent based on years of competition. In a recent interview with Bob Cicherillo, Heath shared his thoughts on the frontrunners for the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Phil Heath cemented his place in the record books with his cartoonish muscle mass, shape, and 3D delts. After taking runner-up at the 2010 Mr. Olympia, Heath took home his maiden Sandow trophy in 2011. He went on a dominant run at the top and racked up six consecutive title defenses till 2017. Besides his freakish physique, Heath developed an intense rivalry with perennial top contender Kai Greene, which is widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the history of the sport.
The 2022 season wrapped up with an exciting Mr. Olympia contest last December. Former two-time champ Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay got knocked off the throne by Hadi Choopan. Ramy came in looking visibly off and left the door open for the title to change hands. Former 212 Olympia champ Derek Lunsford shocked the world with a runner-up finish whereas rising sensation Nick Walker took bronze. Samson Dauda proved his potential with a sixth-place finish in his debut.
Following the Olympia, Walker, Dauda, Ramy, and Andrew Jacked battled again in Ohio for the 2023 Arnold Classic. While Walker was the betting favorite going into the event, Dauda turned in a fantastic performance to edge him out for the title. His win put him in a prime position to claim victory at the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Given the change in the hierarchy of the Men’s Open division, there is a ton of excitement for the biggest fitness showcase in the world.
Coach Milos Sarcev believes Dauda has what it takes to become the next Mr. Olympia despite the competition he’ll face from Choopan and Lunsford. He said Dauda should add thickness to his back. Bob Cicherillo expressed a similar sentiment when he backed ‘The Nigerian Lion’ to win it all if he came at his best.
Phil Heath backs Hadi Choopan to defend the crown at the 2023 Mr. Olympia
In a recent YouTube video, Phil Heath shared his thoughts on the competition for the 2023 Mr. Olympia. He backed reigning champ Choopan to successfully defend the title.
“I think Hadi’s a repeat champion,” said Heath. “I do and here’s why. You got to look at someone’s origin, champions have a specific origin of how they got here in the first place. You think of someone that has grown up in that environment in Iran. Everything matters. This thing means everything to him and his country. There’s a lot of expectations but he’s met those expectations in a very quick period of time. He’s never really been off.”
“It’s going to be Hadi all day because he’s got the maturity. We don’t know what this dude looks like right now. He’s in the freaking gym. He would’ve did the Arnold if he was able to. That’s freaking scary. He doesn’t give a sh*t about what anyone has to say. He is in that gym more passionately present than anyone right now.”
Derek vs Hadi
Heath reveals his top contenders & defends Big Ramy
Phil Heath believes Walker, Lunsford, and Dauda are also in the mix of title contention.
“It’s a three-headed monster at this point. It’s either Derek, I can make a case for Nick, Nick is an anomaly, he’s very different. If there was a way for Nick to do what Branch did in 09, then it’s a clear cut. It’s him and Hadi going at it. It’s going to cancel out a lot of guys because of the density and muscle maturity because those two won’t be out-conditioned. The cool thing about Derek is now he’s comfortable in that Open body. He’s a hard worker, got a good support system, a good coach”
“If Samson Dauda actually gets a little bit more density in the back, he’s extremely dangerous. He’s got the legs, hamstrings, if he can get more 3D in that back it is a problem because he’s taller and bigger. I do think Olympia this year is very competitive and I hope all of them stay healthy.”
‘The Gift’ came to the defense of Big Ramy and pushed back on some of the criticism thrown his way.
“What we need to learn is stop hype focusing on the bullsh*t because you’re actually tarnishing an incredible legacy. If a Ferrari has a scratch on the hood it’s still freaking jumping. Quit making it seem like it’s ruined. That’s what’s happening with critics on Ramy and other people. I’m just saying we should still appreciate the physique that we’re seeing. Thee judges are going to do what they’re doing so I’m not bent about it.”
Earlier this month, Samson Dauda left fans stunned with his impressive package in a guest-posing appearance at 10x Ben Weider 2023, teasing what is to come on the horizon.
You can watch the full video below.
RELATED: ‘I’m Not Retired’: Kai Greene Fails to Shut Door on Comeback & Lauds Rival Phil Heath for Success
Based on the latest developments, this year is shaping up to be another exciting season in bodybuilding with an impeccably diverse lineup, featuring the best of both freaks and aesthetics.
Published: 12 April, 2023 | 9:01 AM EDT
Jay Cutler Hints at 2023 Masters Olympia, ‘I Could Transform This Body With No Drugs’ Except TRT
Speculation surrounding a Jay Cutler comeback to the 2023 Masters Olympia is at an all-time high. In a recent JayCutlerTV appearance, Cutler detailed his gym goals and laid out how he could transform his physique using nutrition, training, and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler proved himself as one of the best Men’s Open…
Powerlifter Samantha Rice (90KG) Sets Three New All-Time World Records At 2023 Pioneer On The Beach
The powerlifting community is made up of many talented individuals across different generations, but Samantha Rice is recognized as one of the standout athletes even amongst the most successful names. If that was even questioned, Samantha’s recent performance has definitely lifted her to a status of her own. She appeared at the 2023 USA-UA Pioneer…
Jay Cutler Hints at 2023 Masters Olympia, ‘I Could Transform This Body With No Drugs’ Except TRT
Speculation surrounding a Jay Cutler comeback to the 2023 Masters Olympia is at an all-time high. In a recent JayCutlerTV appearance, Cutler detailed his gym goals and laid out how he could transform his physique using nutrition, training, and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler proved himself as one of the best Men’s Open talents throughout the 2000s, having faced several high-caliber opponents. Perhaps his biggest accomplishment was dethroning the eight-time Mr. Olympia titleholder Ronnie Coleman in 2006. During his reign, Cutler lost to Dexter Jackson in 2008 and returned a year later to avenge the defeat, cementing himself as the only Men’s Open bodybuilder to ever win back a Mr. Olympia title.
Cutler’s last competition came at the 2013 Mr. Olympia, where he finished sixth. While he stepped away from competing, Cutler’s notoriety in bodybuilding hasn’t diminished. Last year, suspicions about a potential return swirled when Cutler’s physique went viral posing and training alongside fitness influencer Lexx Little.
However, Cutler shot down any chance of returning to a ‘competitive stage.’ Instead, he declared his recent gains in the gym were part of a ‘Fit for 50’ physique transformation. He planned to facilitate the transformation using TRT while avoiding substances like Trenbolone.
The Masters Olympia announced its return after an 11-year absence. While Cutler has yet to mention whether he will be in attendance or compete, speculation continues to mount especially considering the latest improvements to his physique.
Jay Cutler Measuring Food Again, Says ‘Training Doesn’t Have to Be ‘Balls to the Walls’ for Transformation
During the video appearance, Cutler mentioned that he was measuring his food again and shared his recent breakfast.
“So I measured my food this morning. A cup and a half of egg whites, I had some pineapple, 50 carbs of rice and grinds, which is cream of rice, two Ezekiel slices of bread, a little bit of low-fat cottage cheese, and I had what else — two whole eggs.”
“I need to change the pace a little bit especially if I’m going to go into this thing in May and start really – you know, I really want to dedicate myself and really transform my physique. To be honest, when I took my shirt off last time on video, it really gave me a lot more motivation because you see what you look like on video – obviously, the feedback, people have been, ‘Oh, Jay looks great.’ But to me, honestly, I thought I looked like crap. I was disappointed. There’s a physique I want and that physique I want isn’t anything like the Olympia physique.”
According to Cutler, he could transform his physique with proper nutrition, training, and TRT.
“I saw comparisons where they put me next to ’09 and you know, people are like, ‘Whoa, you’re that many years retired. No man, this is my life. This is what I do. Granted, you know my meal schedule and that’s really – I’m going to stress it over and over, if I actually ate my six meals a day, which I believe is really necessary for anyone preparing for a contest – some will say five meals, some can do three, Andrew Jacked does it with three or four meals,” says Cutler.
If he consumed six meals daily and trained with ‘enough’ intensity, Cutler reiterated that he could dramatically transform his physique. He implored his audience to listen to their body and to make training adjustments accordingly.
“I think honestly, I literally could transform this body, no drugs, nothing. I mean, obviously, I’m going to use my TRT. It’s all food. It’s all dedication to the training and training with enough intensity. That training doesn’t have to be balls to the wall. You’re going to have days where you train really hard, and anyone training right now – speaking to my whole audience, whether it’s male, female, age brackets from young to older, you should have days where it’s turned up and have days where it’s turned down. You make adjustments based on how you feel.”
“I don’t know if they’ve drawn the names yet [for Masters Olympia],” added Cutler.
Jay Cutler’s Latest ‘Fit for 50’ Workout List
Before calling it a day, Jay Cutler practiced posing and admitted to looking leaner. It should be noted that bodybuilding guru Chris Aceto doesn’t believe Cutler is on the verge of a competitive return. In a recent RxMuscle interview, Aceto said Cutler would ‘never’ make a comeback to Masters Olympia but added that he looked incredible ahead of turning 50.
Even though the Masters Olympia roster has not been announced, there are athletes who have expressed interest. Former 212 Olympia Kamal Elgargni says he’s considering the event if the ‘prize is right.’ Last month, the 2000s 212 and Open standout Hidetada ‘Hide’ Yamagish laid out his plan to come out of retirement at 50 for one final competition.
RELATED: Kai Greene Talks TRT, Steroids, and Competing Natural for 15+ Yrs: “Very Proud of That”
With seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath teasing a return to the sport as well, fans are excited to see who shows up to the 2023 Masters Olympia contest, scheduled for August 25-27 in Cluj Napoca, Romania.
You can watch the full video below:
Published: 11 April, 2023 | 11:24 AM EDT
Powerlifter Samantha Rice (90KG) Sets Three New All-Time World Records At 2023 Pioneer On The Beach
The powerlifting community is made up of many talented individuals across different generations, but Samantha Rice is recognized as one of the standout athletes even amongst the most successful names. If that was even questioned, Samantha’s recent performance has definitely lifted her to a status of her own. She appeared at the 2023 USA-UA Pioneer on the Beach, which took place on April 8th in Texas. Samantha competed in the raw 90-kilogram weight class, winning everything and setting three new All-Time World Records in the process.
Squat
Samantha Rice’s massive legs are not just for show, instead she is capable of squatting mind-blowing amounts of weight. So, at her recent appearance, Samantha Rice successfully completed all three of her attempts, with the heaviest one being 267.5 kilograms (589.7 pounds).
Just a few weeks ago we saw Sherine Marcelle set a new U90KG All-Time World Record Squat of 263.5 kilograms (580.9 pounds) at the 2023 WRPF Femme Fatale III. However, Samantha Rice has now reclaimed that World Record, outperforming Sherine by 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds)
250 kilograms (551.1 pounds)
260 kilograms (573.2 pounds)
267.5 kilograms (589.7 pounds) — All-Time World Record
Bench Press
As Samantha Rice moved on to the bench press, everything seemed to fall in place. However, upon trying to lift 160 kilograms (352.7 pounds) for a new Competition PR, Samantha came out unsuccessful. So, she ended up with a bench press of 155 kilograms (341.7 pounds).
150 kilograms (330.7 pounds)
155 kilograms (341.7 pounds)
Unsuccessful — 160 kilograms (352.7 pounds)
Deadlift
The final event of the day was the deadlift, one of Samantha Rice’s greatest strengths. She started off with a 250-kilogram (551.1 pounds) pull, which is significantly lighter than her opener in the past three competitions. However, she quickly added on weight, finishing with a successful 280-kilogram (617.3 pounds) deadlift.
Samantha Rice previously held the raw deadlift World Record, having locked out 275 kilograms (606.2 pounds) at the 2022 USPA Pro Raw. So, she has now managed to further improve it and make the task of breaking her record almost impossible for anyone else.
250 kilograms (551.1 pounds)
270 kilograms (595.2 pounds)
280 kilograms (617.3 pounds) — All-Time World Record
Total — 702.5 kilograms (1,548.7 pounds) — All-Time World Record
Samantha Rice also set the 687.5-kilogram (1,515.6 pounds) Total World Record at the 2022 USPA Pro Raw and now further improved. However, this time she became the first woman in the 90-kilogram weight class to Total over 700 kilograms (1,543.2 pounds).
Watch Samantha Rice’s lifts here:
Related: Powerlifter Samantha Rice Breaks Two All-Time Raw World Records At USPA Hybrid Showdown 4
Samantha Rice has been competing professionally in powerlifting for nine years now. Consequently, she appeared in 19 sanctioned competitions and won every one of those.
Samantha Rice’s Competition History
Personal Bests
Equip
Squat
Bench
Deadlift
Total
Dots
Raw
567.7
347.2
567.7
1515.7
626.68
Wraps
573.2
319.7
573.2
1471.6
608.12
Competition Results
Place
Fed
Date
Competition
Division
Total
Dots
1
USPA
2022-09-24
Pro Raw Championships
Open
1515.7
626.68
Location
USA-MO
Competition
Pro Raw Championships
Division
Open
Age
32
Equipment
Raw
Class
198.4
Weight
188.9
Squat
529.1
556.7
567.7
567.7
Bench
325.2
341.7
-353.8
341.7
Deadlift
578.7
606.3
-622.8
606.3
GLP
128.84
1
USPA
2022-01-15
Hybrid Showdown 4
Open
1501.3
616.78
Location
USA-FL
Competition
Hybrid Showdown 4
Division
Open
Age
31
Equipment
Raw
Class
198.4
Weight
191.6
Squat
496
529.1
551.2
551.2
Bench
319.7
336.2
347.2
347.2
Deadlift
573.2
603
-617.3
603
GLP
126.97
1
RPS
2021-10-30
2nd Annual Dawn of the Deadlift
Pro Open
573.2
233.3
Location
USA-VA
Competition
2nd Annual Dawn of the Deadlift
Division
Pro Open
Age
31
Equipment
Raw
Class
198.4
Weight
195.5
Deadlift
573.2
1
USPA
2021-09-11
Pioneer Open
Open
1422
591.5
Location
USA-TX
Competition
Pioneer Open
Division
Open
Age
31
Equipment
Raw
Class
198.4
Weight
186.5
Squat
485
512.6
-529.1
512.6
Bench
308.6
319.7
325.2
325.2
Deadlift
-540.1
584.2
-603
584.2
GLP
121.47
1
WRPF
2021-04-24
Kern US Open
Open
1471.6
608.12
Location
USA-CA
Competition
Kern US Open
Division
Open
Age
30
Equipment
Wraps
Class
198.4
Weight
189.2
Squat
529.1
556.7
573.2
573.2
Bench
297.6
308.6
319.7
319.7
Deadlift
529.1
556.7
578.7
578.7
1
USPA
2020-12-19
Depth Before Dishonor Open II
Open
1383.4
565.95
Location
USA-OK
Competition
Depth Before Dishonor Open II
Division
Open
Age
30
Equipment
Wraps
Class
198.4
Weight
193.3
Squat
501.6
529.1
-551.2
529.1
Bench
286.6
297.6
303.1
303.1
Deadlift
523.6
551.2
-567.7
551.2
1
USPA
2020-07-11
Pioneer Open
Open
1306.2
549.27
Location
USA-TX
Competition
Pioneer Open
Division
Open
Age
30
Equipment
Raw
Class
198.4
Weight
182.3
Squat
440.9
463
485
485
Bench
259
275.6
-286.6
275.6
Deadlift
518.1
545.6
-556.7
545.6
GLP
112.59
1
XPC
2020-03-07
Arnold
Pro
1300
549.17
Location
USA-OH
Competition
Arnold
Division
Pro
Age
29
Equipment
Wraps
Class
181.9
Weight
180.6
Squat
475
500
-525
500
Bench
245
255
265
265
Deadlift
485
510
535
535
1
USPA
2019-12-14
Depth Before Dishonor Open
Open
1201.5
500.08
Location
USA-OK
Competition
Depth Before Dishonor Open
Division
Open
Age
29
Equipment
Raw
Class
198.4
Weight
186.3
Squat
413.4
435.4
446.4
446.4
Bench
231.5
248
-259
248
Deadlift
485
507.1
-518.1
507.1
GLP
102.69
1
USPA
2019-08-03
The Tribute
Open
1174
497.17
Location
USA-TX
Competition
The Tribute
Division
Open
Age
29
Equipment
Raw
Class
181.9
Weight
179.7
Squat
429.9
Bench
242.5
Deadlift
501.6
GLP
101.79
1
USPA
2019-03-23
Clash of the Barbarians
Open
1085.8
459
Location
USA-TX
Competition
Clash of the Barbarians
Division
Open
Age
28
Equipment
Raw
Class
181.9
Weight
180.3
Squat
407.9
Bench
226
Deadlift
451.9
GLP
94
1
IPL
2018-09-14
Olympia Pro Powerlifting
Open
446.4
197.37
Location
USA-NV
Competition
Olympia Pro Powerlifting
Division
Open
Age
28
Equipment
Raw
Class
165.3
Weight
165.1
Deadlift
446.4
1
USPA
2018-03-24
Clash of the Barbarians
Open
986.6
436.16
Location
USA-TX
Competition
Clash of the Barbarians
Division
Open
Age
27
Equipment
Raw
Class
165.3
Weight
165.1
Squat
380.3
Bench
192.9
Deadlift
413.4
GLP
88.84
1
USPA
2017-10-28
Unleash The Beast
Open
1003.1
421.32
Location
USA-TX
Competition
Unleash The Beast
Division
Open
Age
27
Equipment
Raw
Class
198.4
Weight
182.8
Squat
374.8
Bench
187.4
Deadlift
440.9
GLP
86.38
1
USPA
2017-03-25
Clash of the Barbarians
Open
920.4
388.41
Location
USA-TX
Competition
Clash of the Barbarians
Division
Open
Age
26
Equipment
Raw
Class
181.9
Weight
181
Squat
341.7
Bench
176.4
Deadlift
402.3
GLP
79.57
1
USPA
2016-03-12
The Arlington Strength Raw Classic
Open
925.9
395.25
Location
USA-TX
Competition
The Arlington Strength Raw Classic
Division
Open
Age
25
Equipment
Raw
Class
181.9
Weight
176.8
Squat
330.7
Bench
187.4
Deadlift
407.9
GLP
80.83
1
NASA
2014-08-09
World Cup
wint
870.8
369.57
Location
USA
Competition
World Cup
Division
wint
Age
24
Equipment
Wraps
Class
181.9
Weight
178.9
Squat
336.2
Bench
181.9
Deadlift
363.8
1
NASA
2014-08-09
World Cup
wint
181.9
77.19
Location
USA
Competition
World Cup
Division
wint
Age
24
Equipment
Raw
Class
181.9
Weight
178.9
Bench
181.9
GLP
62.11
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: November 9, 2022
Analyze Lifts
Samantha Rice’s day got even better after she received $20,000 for her first place finish overall. Taking everything into consideration, this was easily one of Samantha’s greatest competitions yet. However, it also indicates that she could still put up an even greater performance.
Published: 11 April, 2023 | 11:41 AM EDT
Derek Lunsford Shows Off Sculpted Physique After Killer Shoulders Workout in The 2023 Off-Season
Derek Lunsford is leaving no stone unturned to maximize his gains in this off-season and bring a complete package to the 2023 Olympia. His off-season training is picking up pace, and Lunsford recently went through a shoulder workout and included a few chest exercises in the session as well. America’s own Lunsford has cemented his position…
Phil Heath Says $1M Could Prompt Return to Mr. Olympia or Masters Olympia: ‘I Know My Worth’
Phil Heath, a Men’s Open great who attained seven Mr. Olympia titles, is fueling talks of an eventual comeback. In a recent Voice of Bodybuilding podcast, Heath revealed the conditions required to make a viable return to the sport. A few months ago, the 2023 Masters Olympia reemerged on the bodybuilding calendar following an 11-year hiatus….
Powerlifter Samantha Eugenie (69KG) Wins French Nationals With Two Unofficial IPF Junior World Records
France has a history of producing many world-class powerlifters. The 2023 FFForce French Junior Nationals, which happened from April 8th to 10th, showcased the sports upcoming talent. As multiple fierce battles raged on, a few unofficial World Records were also observed, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition. Most notably, Samantha Eugenie, from…
Nick Walker Shares 2023 Off-Season Update & Progress From New Training Split
Nick Walker is on a mission to win his first Mr. Olympia title later this year when the show returns to Orlando, Florida. In a recent HD Muscle interview, Walker disclosed a new training split, detailed his 2023 off-season progress, and touched on an old rivalry with Martin Fitzwater. Having finished fifth in his debut…