Tag: nEWS
INBA Gene Bann’s Eye-catching Natural Bodybuilding Transformation
Image via Instagram @genebann
INBA athlete Gene Bann shares a staggering natural bodybuilding transformation.
Natural bodybuilding has been a haven for many people looking to better their health and fitness. For instance, International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) athlete Gene Bann shared his natural bodybuilding transformation on Instagram. Bann stated:
“”What I tell people is that specific goals require specific results, so when things get hard, ask yourself… “what will i say to myself in 3/6/9 months if i quit now…” Will it be worth it then? So, when things get tough, ask yourself if that cookie is worth another delay of your results.” @bgf_lirio
Through a slow targeted goal this is where we are. Patience, persistence, dedication and a ton of sacrifices will all be displayed tomorrow!
Thank you Coach!
Thank you Sparkle!
Thank you Karter!
Thank you Geams!
Thank you to everyone that has helped and/or encouraged along the way! If I didn’t name/tag you please don’t take it personally! There are sooooo many of you that did and I for sure would forget someone!”
You can see Bann’s complete transformation below.
Gene Bann recently competed in his first natural bodybuilding competition at INBA PNBA Pro/Am Nationals in Oakville, CT, on August 20th, where he placed very well. Bann won 1st place in his division and earned a pro card. He also received 3rd place novice and 5th place in the open. Bann credits his coach, 3x Natural Olympia Classic Physique champ Brandon Lirio for helping him through his natural bodybuilding journey.
Natural Bodybuilding Training and Diet
Of course, each natural bodybuilder follows separate training and diet regimens. There’s no cookie-cutter approach, or everyone would look the same. Although, specific training and nutrition protocols are across the board. Each competitive INBA PNBA athlete trains rigorously and follows strict nutrition guidelines, especially during contest prep.
We don’t have insight into how Gene Bann trained and dieted to undergo his transformation and earn his PNBA pro card. However, we know he was prepared by the elite natural bodybuilding champion, Brandon Lirio. So if Bann followed anything similar to Brandon Lirio, we could see how he completely transformed his physique.
Brandon Lirio’s Training
Brandon Lirio is strong for his size and might be the lightest man to lift the Húsafell Stone. He’s a strongman and runs the venture World’s Strongest (Every) Man, a spinoff of the World’s Strongest Man (WSM) except for the ordinary man. You know, the men that aren’t built like titans, such as 2022 WSM champion Tom Stoltman, who’s 6’8”, weighing nearly 400 pounds.
To build this solid aesthetic physique that’s made Liro a multi-Natural Olympia champ, Lirio trains six days a week on a typical bro split routine during the season. He puts more attention to strongman lifts and powerlifting during the offseason. He’ll include movements like incline cable flyers, cross chest press, belt squat, and leg press.
Check out this article to see how natural bodybuilders train and diet!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more natural bodybuilding transformations!
Arnold Schwarzenegger Looks Like A Tiny Child Next To André The Giant & Wilt Chamberlain In Throwback Photo
Image via Instagram @schwarzenegger
How do you make 7x Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger look small? Put him next to Andre The Giant and Wilt Chamberlain.
A throwback photo of Arnold Schwarzenegger has gone viral due to the extreme height difference of Arnold compared to Andre The Giant and Wilt Chamberlain. The photo was taken on the set of Conan The Destroyer – but has been resurfaced online and spreading like wildfire on Twitter. At 6′ 2″ tall and over 200 pounds of muscle during his prime – it’s hard to make Arnold look small. Leave it to Andre and Wilt to bring in a true change of perspective.
During his prime, Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the most accomplished bodybuilders in the sport. With seven Mr. Olympia titles under his belt – he became an instant legend. His physique set the standard for an entire generation of bodybuilders. To this day he is still considered one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. This is a long way of saying that Arnold was a massive man that would dwarf nearly anyone he stood next to.
Unless, of course, he was standing next to Andre The Giant or Wilt Chamberlain. Both of these titans stood over seven feet tall. With Arnold Schwarzenegger at just over six feet – they both had a good foot over the bodybuilding legend. This becomes most clear in a behind the scenes photo from the set of Conan The Destroyer – where all three men stood together for a photo. You can check it out below:
At 6′ 2″, Arnold Schwarzenegger was tall for the sport. Most bodybuilders ran under six feet. So it becomes even more impressive just how tiny Arnold looks next to Andre and Wilt in this photo. Over the years, some have pointed out that by today’s standards, Arnold’s overall muscle mass and size might not stand up to today’s mass monsters. While true, there is no denying that compared to the average person, even today, Arnold in his prime was a massive force.
Andre The Giant was a professional wrestler in the WWE and known for his abnormally massive height at 7′ 4″ tall. He became a sensation and an icon for fans of wrestling and beyond. Wilt Chamberlain was a pro basketball player standing tall at 7″ 1′ tall. He is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players in the history of the sport.
Three legends from three different sports came together for the Conan The Destroyer film. To see these three athletes together at the time was truly exciting for fans of any three of the sports. Now with both Andre and Wilt both having passed away – this photo takes on an even more powerful nostalgic energy. Aided by the humorous effect of Arnold Schwarzenegger looking like a child in comparison.
There are very few people in this world who can make Arnold Schwarzenegger seem small. So it is a gift that this photo exists bringing together three legends. Maybe it’s about time to bring out Conan The Destroyer for another rewatch.
Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more news on all things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports.
‘Kai’ Exclusive Clip – How Kai Greene Was ‘Born’ In Juvy: “I Wanted To Kill Every Living Thing”
[embedded content]
Kai Greene holds nothing back reflecting on the violence, anger, and rage of prison that was channeled into the KAI persona.
Watch the new exclusive clip from Kai – available August 26 on digital! You can pre-order KAI today right here. In this clip, Kai Greene reflects back on his time in prison and how a lifetime full of rage was channeled into a passion for bodybuilding. It was here that he adopted the first name of Kai. Leslie Greene was dead – Kai Greene the bodybuilder was born. You can watch the exclusive clip above.
Kai Greene’s physique is more than enough to warrant the fame and legendary status he achieved during his bodybuilding career. But Kai’s past and journey into bodybuilding is nearly as fascinating as his elite physique itself. His past was one full of trauma, abuse, and struggle. And like any champion stories – he overcame many hurdles to grow only stronger. To grow into the champion bodybuilder we know and admire today.
One segment of Kai Greene’s past was a period of time behind bars in juvenile detention. After Kai became an orphan and ward of the state – a few violent encounters at school landed him in prison. The lifestyle Kai led up to this point combined with the dangerous and violent lifestyle in juvenile detention turned him into a ball of pure rage. If something didn’t change soon – he would possibly fall into a deep spiral of violence, pain, and despair.
Instead, Kai Greene challenged all of that rage and energy into becoming stronger. He wasn’t sure what bodybuilding was as a sport quite yet. But he knew he wanted somewhere to place the extreme rage that consumed his very soul. If it wasn’t into becoming stronger – it would have gone into potentially more dangerous and less healthy endeavors.
So Kai Greene did pushups. Over and over again. He ate only bread and water – believing that was the best food he can eat in prison to bulk up and become stronger. He repeated the pushups, bread, and water over and and over ad nauseam. It was at this moment that Kai was no longer a boy. He dropped the use of his real first name (Leslie) and transformed into Kai Greene. The man. The bodybuilder.
During this period of time, a man working at the juvenile detention facility would notice Kai Greene’s strength and determination. So he showed Kai a bodybuilding magazine. He introduced him to a world where his hard work and desire to be stronger could be an actual athletic career.
With an origin story in place, so to speak, Kai Greene had a new goal upon returning to the world outside of prison. He would become a bodybuilder. While his journey to the IFBB Pro league would still be filled with hurdles including a stint as a male stripper and a video involving a grapefruit – the stage was set. Nothing would stop Kai Greene from becoming the legend we now all know today.
You can watch the exclusive Kai clip, in which Kai Greene becomes extremely emotional reflecting back on some of the angriest years of his life, above.
Kai will be available on all major digital platforms on August 26. You can pre-order today by clicking right here or on the banner below.
Can Phil Heath Win Olympia Again? Hany Rambod Believes “That’s Really Difficult To Do”
Hany Rambod believes that is very difficult, but not impossible, for Phil Heath to Win Mr. Olympia again.
Hany Rambod is a legendary bodybuilding coach – perhaps most notable for coaching Phil Heath throughout his seven Mr. Olympia victories. So perhaps there is no better person than Rambod to predict if Heath could possibly make a comeback and win the Olympia title again. During the latest episode of Dennis James’ The Menace Podcast, Hany Rambod admits that it would be very unlikely, but not impossible, for Phil Heath to win Olympia again.
Hany Rambod is a legendary coach for a reason. He has worked with elite bodybuilders such as Hadi Choopan, Jay Cutler, and new rising star Derek Lunsford. Most notably, he also coached 7x Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath. So it goes without saying that Rambod has some valuable insight into whether or not Heath will make a comeback… and if he could actually succeed in reclaiming his title.
In the short term, it appears clear that Phil Heath will not be competing this year. He’s set to be commentator for the Mr. Olympia broadcast – dashing any rumors that he would surprise return to compete. Of course, Heath is still notably in extremely good shape. So 2023 and beyond shouldn’t be crossed out for a return just yet.
While nothing is set in stone, Hany Rambod did cast some light on whether or not Phil Heat could return to the stage in the future. During his guest spot on The Menace Podcast, Rambod stated about Heath, “Could he come back? Absolutely.”
The bigger question – is does he want to come back? And if he did – could he ever possibly win?
Hany Rambod evaluates the reality of a Phil Heath comeback to Mr. Olympia
When the topic of Phil Heath came up during The Menace Podcast, Hany Rambod was extremely honest and open. It’s clear that Rambod has already given this much thought – but he also doesn’t sugar coat the reality of where Heath is in his career currently.
“Could he win? I think the hardest thing is that he would never, I don’t think he would end up looking at it like… can Phil beat this guy or this guy, it’s can he beat his best. Because when you do this and you come back like with Jay Cutler in 09, you have to come back and be your best ever to be able to win again after losing. There’s only one bodybuilder who has ever done it so far and that’s Jay in 09.”
Hany Rambod brings up two really good points here. The first is about the mindset of why Phil Heath would return. If he returns simply to win and beat other physiques – that is a recipe for disaster. What Heath needs to believe deep down in his core – is whether or not he can beat his best self. If he does not believe that, a comeback becomes a much harder road.
Rambod also brings up a second point – which is statistically, it is extremely unlikely for a former Mr. Olympia champion to come back and win after losing. This has only been accomplished once by Jay Cutler in 2009. While there have been other champions who came back to win (such as Arnold Schwarzenegger) – they never lost. They simply retired and then came back to win again. That seemingly small difference has a big impact.
That being said, the beauty of sports is that nothing is impossible. Hany Rambod knows this and follows up his statement with further clarification:
“I think Phil obviously is a phenomenal athlete, but do I think he can be as good as he ever was? That’s really difficult to do. I mean I never say anything is impossible, but I think it’s very very difficult. I’m just speaking being honest here because you know… look at how many years he went on that run.”
Time is another important factor that Hany Rambod alludes to here. Phil Heath’s seven Mr. Olympia wins was a long run. Period. That’s seven years of competing at the very best of the best quality. On top of this, it’s been five years since he last won. Phenomenal athlete or not – it is simply more challenging for Heath to bring his best in 2022 (or beyond) than it was when he was 10 years younger.
That being said, no matter how difficult it would be for Phil Heath to win another Olympia title – Hany Rambod would still support and coach him for a comeback. Why? Because if there was anyone who can redo what Jay Cutler accomplished in 2009, Phil Heath would be the one to do it.
Does Phil Heath actually want to return to competing? It’s complicated.
Hany Rambod’s analysis is extremely insightful. But it falls short in one aspect – he can’t read Phil Heath’s mind. At this moment, there has been no definitive yes or no to retirement rumors for Heath. Nor has he stated anything definitively about coming back to the Mr. Olympia.
All we know is that he is 100% out of this year’s competition due to his commentator commitments at the Mr. Olympia. However, Phil Heath teased that his competitive life may not be over just yet. In a recent Instagram post, Heath showcased an incredible physique alongside a statement: “I ain’t done yet, I’m only getting started.”
That comment is just vague enough to keep us guessing. He is referring specifically to competing? Is he simply hyping up fans for fun? Or is he referring to he bigger picture of his business ventures? We don’t know. And that’s the way Phil Heath likes it. Only time will tell if we see him on the Olympia stage again.
Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for future updates on this story and general updates on all things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports.
Liver King Fires Back At Joe Rogan’s Steroid Claims With Blood Test (Sort Of)
The Liver King takes a “blood test” to prove he is natural to Joe Rogan.
The Liver King has finally decided to clear the air about Joe Rogan’s steroid comments by taking a blood test to clear his name… in a satirical online sketch video. Podcast titan Joe Rogan and bodybuilding influencer Liver King have been beefing for most of 2022. The reason? Joe Rogan believes that there is no way that Liver King can be all natural. For his part, Liver King has held strong denying all steroid use allegations – usually with funny videos.
The Liver King natty or not question has long been in debate for the past few years as he gained prominence on social media. But things really turned to a head when Joe Rogan mentioned Liver King on his podcast. Rogan is a vastly influential podcaster who is often criticized for his off-handed comments that have either offended individuals, minority groups, or been accused of spreading misinformation.
So when the Liver King was mentioned on Joe Rogan’s podcast – it took the natty or not argument to a whole new level of public discourse. Rogan, for his part, believes that there is no way his physique can be achieved all-natural. Liver King has refused to admit he is anything but all-natural. He believes in the “ancestral approach to living” based on nine tenets that he applies to his daily life. Essentially, he believes in living off the land to achieve true physical and psychological mastery. His approach and personality has garnered him 1.6 million Instagram followers.
While Joe Rogan does not know Liver King personally, he is well versed in MMA, bodybuilding, and fitness. So he is pretty confident when he clearly claimed that Liver King “got an ass filled with steroids.”
Liver King had already responded by simply stating the was a freak of nature. A unique individual capable of more naturally than many can do even on steroids. But it seems that his original comment was not enough. Which is why he filmed a video after he took a blood test to prove his natural status.
Of course, this being the Liver King, the blood test was fake and the video was simply a joke to gain more attention off of the entire controversy. In either case, it’s an entertaining video that might give you a chuckle. You can watch it below:
Natural Olympia Champ Paul Krueger Lists the 5 Pillars of Bodybuilding
Natural Olympia champ Paul Kruegers names the 5 pillars of bodybuilding to conquer any fitness goal.
To be an elite professional bodybuilder, nonetheless a champion, there are certain principles every bodybuilder must adhere to. These strategies you must follow are even more critical as a natural bodybuilder since physique enhancement from drugs is banned. The 2021 Natural Olympia Professional Natural Bodybuilding (PNBA) Men’s Bodybuilding champ, Paul Krueger, names the 5 pillars of bodybuilding if you want to be successful in the sport. Krueger stated:
“Focus on the five pillars of bodybuilding day in and day out and you can achieve whatever goal you set for yourself.
What are the 5 pillars?
In no specific order because they are all equally important:
1) training
2) nutrition
3) supplementation
4) recovery
5) mindset
Think of these things in a circular pattern rather than a list. Each one is connected to (and overlap’s) the others and influences the outcome.”
You can see Paul Krueger’s full post on Instagram below.
Krueger won Natural Olympia weeks after earning his pro card, joining the lists of other Natural Olympia champions, such as Kiyoshi Moody and Meshack Ochieng. And he plans to retain his Natural Olympia title this year.
5 Pillars of Bodybuilding
According to Paul Krueger, the five pillars of bodybuilding are training, nutrition, supplementation, recovery, and mindset.
Training
Training as a natural bodybuilder is similar to bodybuilders using steroids, except there’s a vital difference. The volume and recovery time is less. Natural athletes can’t train with as much volume and must allow more time for recovery.
Depending on the athlete determines how much volume and recovery time each athlete has. For example, Philip Ricardo Jr. trains hard 6-7 days a week. Although, he structures his split routine in a way to allow recovery. But other natural athletes may only train 3-4 days a week to allow more time for recovery.
Nutrition
Although every natural bodybuilder’s nutrition varies, one thing’s certain: they follow a strict diet to hit their nutrition targets. And are even more stringent during contest prep. However, some natural athletes are vegans, and others do keto or fasting. Moreover, some athletes are pretty flexible during the off-season and enjoy more of what they want to eat.
Supplementation
The supplements part of natural athlete’s nutrition varies. But natural bodybuilders in the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/PNBA league must vet their supplements for any ingredient that may be banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited drug guidelines. Natural bodybuilders use popular supplements are creatine, whey protein, fat burners, BCAAs, vitamin D, fish oil, and ashwagandha.
Recovery
Recovery is paramount for natural bodybuilders since they can’t exploit anabolic steroids, which can speed up recovery time between workouts. Therefore, natural athletes take more time off from movements, do less volume, and structure their plan to allow their muscles to recover before targeting them again entirely.
Mindset
It takes tremendous discipline and hard work to build the physique of bodybuilders. These athletes train hard and follow a rigid diet every day. Skipping the gym because you’re tired of caving in to indulge in a cheat meal is not an option for professional bodybuilders. Of course, your mental fortitude must be incredible to live this lifestyle.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for bodybuilding tips from Natural Olympia champs!
Pro Bodybuilder Patrick Moore Breaks Silence On Ruptured Achilles Tendon Injury & The Future
Patrick Moore finally opens up about his achilles tendon injury and how it nearly ended his bodybuilding career.
Amidst swirling rumors, pro bodybuilder Patrick Moore has officially provided an update and confirmed he has suffered a ruptured achilles tendon. While Moore admits that the injury threatened to completely end his career, he happily shares that he is “almost back to 100%” and is looking optimistically towards his competition future.
It was initially posted in April that Patrick Moore suffered an achilles tendon injury. This kind of rupture is a serious injury in bodybuilding. With Moore remaining silent on the matter and slowing down his social media updates – many believed that news of early retirement was on the horizon.
Patrick Moore’s last major placing was at the 2021 Mr. Olympia where he received 14th place. His very last competition was the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro – where he finished in 10th. Despite these hurdles, many hyped Moore due to his incredible aesthetics valued over mass monster size. If he could tighten the screws – he would be a true threat to be reckoned with.
After the Legion Sports Fest Pro, Patrick Moore officially announced that he would take 2022 as an off year to focus on recovery and improving his physique. He wanted to return in the 2023 season new and improved and ready to live up to the long chanted hype.
However, news of his achilles tendon injury in April, followed by his relative silence online, sparked worry and rumor that he would not return in 2023. Perhaps, in fact, he would not return at all and announce his retirement.
Now it seems Patrick Moore is ready to squash the retirement rumors once and for all – and finally speak openly about his achilles tendon injury. Moore directly commented on the situation in an Instagram post published on August 17, 2022. You can see it below:
A full break down of Patrick Moore’s injury
Patrick Moore starts his official statement directly addressing the injury and the overall timeline of events. It appears that much of the rumors were true – but it’s still good to have an official confirmation from the athlete himself.
“4/28/22 I Completely ruptured my Achilles. I’ll never forget the exact feeling I had when I was told it was ruptured. I can remember struggling to hold back tears as it was the first time I’ve ever suffered an injury….a severe one at that.”
Patrick Moore directly comments and confirms that he had ruptured his achilles tendon in April. He then received surgery for the injury on May 10th, 2022. It seems that upon getting first diagnosed with the injury – he immediately went into crisis. Moore truly believed the news would end his bodybuilding career.
“My first thought “My career is over and I hadn’t even reached my peak!”
It took a few days to even get past the initial shock of what had happened. I was so used to being the guy who could do any and everything I wanted, and now I couldn’t even walk. Mentally was one of the hardest few weeks I’ve ever had….the feeling of never being able to do what I loved again.”
Patrick Moore also acknowledged his silence after the initial injury. His explaination was an extreme focus on getting better – using his actions and not words – to fully understand what his future will actually hold. Now with things more clear, Moore was ready to explain the injury and his future plans.
“I didn’t talk or post about it because I didn’t need or want the attention or anything to distract me from getting back healthy. On 5/10/22 I had surgery by Dr. Michael Greaser. Now 14 weeks post op, it is such an amazing feeling to be almost back to 100%. The fact is unexpected storms will always come, but eventually they’ll pass and you just have to make sure that you’re ready! You owe it to yourself to get back on track if you get knocked off!”
While some fans may be frustrated for the lack of transparency, it’s now clear that Patrick Moore was going through both a physical and psychological internal struggle. Rather than speak out immediately and regret his words, Moore waited for a more logical and clearer response.
Patrick Moore was truly worried about the future of his career. Now 14 weeks after the injury, he feels much more optimistic and believes that he can continue to compete. Whether or not that actually comes to pass remains to be seen. While all of us here at Generation Iron wish Moore the healthiest and speediest or recoveries, an achilles tendon injury of this magnitude can have long lasting impacts.
Hopefully, Patrick Moores update and optimism about recovery is a good sign. However, until we see him again on stage – we won’t know what kind of physique Patrick Moore will bring back to the stage. We’re wishing for the best after a very tough year.
Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for future updates on Patrick Moore’s injury and general updates on all things bodybuilding, strength sports, and fitness!
Larry Wheels Gives Up Steroids, Goes On Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Larry Wheels announces that he has stopped using steroids after his recent back injury.
Larry Wheels has released a new YouTube video announcing that he has decided to stop using steroids. The announcement comes after news of Wheels suffering a back injury. Wheels is known by many to be one of the strongest men in the world with epic lifting videos never fail to motivate. He has also been very open about his steroid use in the past. Which is why he decided to be transparent about his decision to give up on steroids.
Earlier this summer, Larry Wheels set a goal to be the lightest person to deadlift 1,000 pounds. In his training towards that goal, he recent suffered a back injury. He admits that this injury was due to rushing the training process towards his goal. The injury has also led to Wheels withdrawing from the 2022 Middle East Strongest Man competition. The injury was an eye opener for Wheels about his personal health. The fallout from the injury and path to recovery became the biggest factor in Wheels deciding to quit steroid use.
You can watch Larry Wheel’s video where he makes the announcement below:
[embedded content]
In the announcement video, Larry Wheels reflects on having used steroids for over a decade. And how his consistent use of PEDs has made it impossible for him to know what kind of lifting he is capable of off-cycle.
“Much like you don’t know, I don’t know what I am capable of off-cycle. Now, going completely off isn’t an option for me. I cannot produce testosterone naturally. So, I am going to be on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I tried pull cycle therapy several times when I began cycling and I was unable to recover.”
Larry Wheels mentions a big caveat here. He cannot completely go off of steroid use – because his body is no longer capable of producing testosterone naturally. This is a well known side effect from prolonged steroid use. So when Larry Wheels says he is quitting steroids – he is still going to be implementing testosterone into his system via TRT.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a very different “cycle” compared to traditional steroid use as we know it in bodybuilding. TRT is a medical approach to simply bringing testosterone levels to normal – since the body cannot do this on its own anymore. So while Larry Wheels will be using testosterone drugs – it will only be to bring him to a “natural” state.
Larry Wheels continues to explain the process:
“TRT for me would be anywhere from as low as 70 milligrams per week, as high as 175… I think 175 is a good place for me to start. If I speak with my doctor and we get my bloods done and we see that it’s more than what’s necessary then I will decrease it, but I certainly won’t increase it.”
That last comment in the quote above is a key statement. Larry Wheels wants to keep his testosterone levels as minimal as possible while still staying in normal levels. He does not want to abuse TRT to bring his testosterone to more enhanced levels. After some initial bloodwork – Larry Wheels will lower his t-levels as far as he can while staying healthy.
So what does this mean for Larry Wheels’ 1,000 pound deadlift?
Now that Larry Wheels has realigned how he wants to handle his health – will he still be aiming for a 1,000 pound deadlift? The short answer is yes but not anytime soon. Wheels comments that the deadlift goal will always be a passion of his. But he also knows that there is no way he would be able to accomplish the feat without using steroids in his current transition.
It was seem, in fact, that Larry Wheels isn’t planning to stay steroid free forever. He hints at the notion of returning to steroid use after stabilizing his body, learning his off-cycle limits, and solidifying his overall health.
“I am not calling quits on it, but I am putting the brakes on attempting PRs like that at the moment”
Despite this hint, Larry Wheels seems to have no plans to switch back to steroid use anytime in the near future. After rushing over the past year and leading into injury, Wheels is ready to take it slow. He wants to focus on training, diet, and recovery off-cycle. Learn his new limits, learn where he can push the. And improve his overall health before taking any unnecessary risks.
Larry Wheels promises that his new regimen will also be the subject to new videos and updates on social media. So that his fans can get an insider look into transitioning away from steroids and onto TRT. Wheels expects to take on new training regimens to best align with his new lifestyle. It will be interesting to follow along as he remains transparent with his life both on and off steroids.
Only time will tell if he maintains this longterm goal. But much like many of his impressive lifts over the years, there’s no challenge that Larry Wheels gives up on. This new challenge may be different from his past endeavors – but it will be exciting and motivating to watch him face a new kind of challenge.
Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for updates on this story and more news on all things bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports.
INBA PNBA Will Be Offering First Ever Vegan Division at Natural Universe
The INBA PNBA will offer an exclusive category for vegans at 2022 Natural Universe.
The International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) will offer an exclusive category for vegans at Natural Universe in Tampa, FL, on September 3, 2022.
Michael Ferencsik, a devoted vegan and animal rights activist who competes in the PNBA Men’s Bodybuilding Grand Masters category, went to Instagram to express his gratitude. Ferencsik stated:
“I honestly could not have ever imagined a day that a category would be set aside for vegan athletes in one of the preeminent natural bodybuilding competitions in the world.
The @inbapnbaglobal_official INBA / PNBA NATURAL UNIVERSE has always held a special place in my competitive career.
It is the first international title that I won and have been blessed to win several times over the years.
I wanted to thank the INBA / PNBA for once again being a leader in the natural bodybuilding and fitness industry by offering yet another exclusive, a VEGAN DIVISION.”
You can see Michael Ferencsik’s full post below.
Veganism in Natural Bodybuilding
Michael Ferencsik isn’t the only vegan INBA PNBA athlete. 2021 Natural Olympia Classic Physique Masters champ Tamer Barakat is also an avid vegan. Of course, a vegan natural bodybuilder’s diet will look much different than other natural athletes who eat meat. But Ferencsik and Barakat prove that you can still build the physique of an elite natural bodybuilder without eating animal products.
Tamer Barakat’s diet is 90% plant-based foods and includes spinach, mushrooms, quinoa, and oatmeal. And Ferencsik lost 40 pounds from his vegan diet. Ferencsik says you can get all the protein, calcium, and omega-3 you need without meat, milk, or fish.
Veganism isn’t the first new category. The INBA PNBA added a new division earlier this year for women, Wellness, and they’ve continued to innovate the world of natural bodybuilding.
INBA PNBA Pioneers in Natural Bodybuilding
The INBA PNBA has been leading the way in the sport of natural bodybuilding. They are the most prominent league in natural bodybuilding, with competitors from over 60 countries. They also payout the most considerable cash and prizes and host the most significant natural bodybuilding event, Natural Olympia.
The INBA PNBA has been growing steadily since 1990, when Kenny Kakos, the American Bodybuilding Association (ABA) co-founder, aspired to create a natural bodybuilding organization for athletes who qualified for professional status. That’s when the PNBA came to life. Four years later, Kakos wanted to merge natural bodybuilding worldwide, birthing the INBA in 1994.
The INBA PNBA has continued to do everything it can to grow and give natural bodybuilders professional growth and recognition. One thing they’ve implemented is signing athletes to multi-media contracts with Generation Iron, Iron Man Magazine, and the INBA PNBA. And recently, three INBA PNBA athletes were selected to appear in an upcoming bodybuilding movie starring Kristen Stewart, Ed Davis, and Dave Franco, Love Lies Bleeding.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest INBA PNBA news!
Sylvester Stallone Shows Off Biceps In Meaningful Post: ‘You Keep Chipping Away Until You Stand At The Top’
Sylvester Stallone sends a message to those who are struggling.
Sylvester Stallone has made a name for himself for decades because of his acting ability and shredded physique. He has been apart of some legendary movies and continues to work on projects to this day. Stallone remains active, both on the big screen and in the gym. Recently, he shared an inspiration message along with a throwback picture showing off his biceps.
Stallone burst onto the scene during the Rocky series in the 70s. He has been a superstar since then, known for his moves and build. Along with being apart of some great films, Stallone has written different projects himself. Over the course of his career, Stallone has faced many obstacles and wanted to share some wisdom with the next generation.
Stallone has a massive following for decades now and has 15 million followers on Instagram. This is where he shared the picture, along with some special words of encouragement.
Sylvester Stallone: “The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall”
Sylvester Stallone built an impressive physique over the years for certain roles, such as Rambo. After building a legendary career for himself, Stallone remains an inspiration to all.
“The bigger they are the harder they fall that’s how you face what appear to be overwhelming obstacles. You keep chipping away until you stand at the top of all that rubble and say… “I am…””
Sylvester Stallone worked to catch his big break for years out of Manhattan. To get to this level, it takes some time to fully make it in the industry and Stallone was able to do it in many ways. Arnold Schwarzenegger is another example of an actor being known for his physique as well. In the case of Schwarzenegger, he became known as the best bodybuilder of all-time before taking on acting.
Stallone continues to make an impact on the big screen, including a role in Expendables 4, where he is one of the star with strongman Eddie Hall. Stallone continues to keep himself in shape at age 76 and is as busy as ever.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.