Tag: nEWS
Luke Stoltman Speaks On Leaked Call Regarding World’s Strongest Man And Giants Live
Luke Stoltman had a private conversation leaked and it has caused some controversy.
Luke Stoltman is one of the top competitors in Sacramento vying for the title of World’s Strongest Man this week. Unfortunately, the strongman is dealing with another issue that he recently decided to address.
This week, a conversation as leaked by Mark Boyd, who is a member of the World’s Ultimate Strongman organization. Stoltman was on the call speaking on some details about the World’s Strongest Man and Giants Live. In the conversation, it appears as though the group of three are discussing how groups are adjusted in a certain way for the World’s Strongest Man competition.
Stoltman recently shared a video on YouTube to speak on the action by Boyd, who seems to be interested in discrediting the competition. Just a small portion of this conversation was recorded and it did not tell the entire story.
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“At no point did I think my friends were recording the private conversation. And this conversation, by the way, it wasn’t just a minute conversation. It was about 30 minutes.”
READ MORE: 2022 World’s Strongest Man: Day One Results & Recap
Luke Stoltman on World’s Strongest Man
Luke Stoltman wanted to set the record straight about this conversation. He explains that the conversation took place in April 21. It might not be a coincidence that it was released the same week of the World’s Strongest Man.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get a very good seeding at World’s Strongest Man, was a little annoyed at that. And just to prove a point. Last year, I won Europe’s Strongest Man and the World Tour Finals and surprise, surprise, I get great seedings at the World’s Strongest Man. It proves that the system does work in place,” Stoltman explained.
Stoltman continues to explain that he has received his seeding in the past based on his performances in Giants Live. He explained that he is under a retainer, like many athletes, and there is no corrupt business. This is a way for the company to protect itself, its athletes, and retain some of the best. Stoltman has competed in Giants Live to qualify for the World’s Strongest Man.
Giants Live has promoted the Stoltman brand, which is extremely popular led by Luke and his brother Tom Stoltman, who is the reigning champion at the World’s Strongest Man. Luke Stoltman finished his video by saying he as wrongly recorded and that his full focus is on the competition this week.
“The things I said were recorded wrongly. It was a private conversation. It was basically because I didn’t want to do World’s Ultimate Strongman.”
“That’s the bottom line. I’ve had a conversation with two friends that had wrongly recorded that conversation. I said things privately to them and they recorded that conversation…I will have nothing else to say in the matter. I have World’s Strongest Man to win. That is my main priority. That is my only priority this week.”
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PNBA Figure Bodybuilder Beccy Pateman’s Outdoor HIIT Workout for Fat Loss
Image via Instagram @beccypateman
PNBA Figure bodybuilder Beccy Pateman shared an outdoor HIIT workout that will help you burn stubborn body fat.
Strength training via lifting heavy weights is imperative for bodybuilders to build muscle and lose body fat. However, bodybuilders have low body fat levels when they compete, so many utilize high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts to aid with fat loss. Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) Figure competitor Beccy Pateman shared an outdoor high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout on social media on May 15, 2022.
Beccy Pateman’s HIIT Workout
Below is Beccy Pateman’s outdoor HIIT workout.
3 Rounds
Burpees x 15
Stair Run x 3
Skipping x 60
Plank x 60
Split squats x 20
Stair Run x 3
Clap push-ups x
Squat Jumps x 15
Bicycle Crunches x 20.
*Rest 60 seconds between rounds.
Below you can see Beccy Pateman’s full post and workout on Instagram.
Benefits of Outdoor Workouts
Working out outside gives you the benefit the sun’s rays provide you. According to Men’s Bodybuilding Grand Masters 2021 Natural Olympia bronze medalist Peter Cichonski, the red light from the sun increases your lifespan. Your mitochondria (cells power) use red light to maximize cellular energy, which is why Cichonski likes to train outside.
As an added bonus, being in nature also improves your mental health, according to INBA PNBA natural bodybuilder Gomori Andras Mate.
Benefits of HIIT Workouts
Lifting heavy weights build strength and muscle to improve your body composition and speed up your metabolism. But HIIT workouts have their benefits as well. HIIT workouts don’t increase your strength as much as standard strength training with long rest periods.
However, HIIT workouts increase your strength and endurance simultaneously. Your muscular and cardiovascular endurance will improve dramatically because HIIT workouts are highly intense and involve little rest. And HIIT workouts involve a mix of cardio movements and resistance training, so you’ll get stronger too.
Moreover, if you’re short on time, HIIT workouts can be a quick and effective way to complete a workout still. Also, HIIT workouts can help you burn stubborn body fat.
HIIT Workout Benefits
Improve strength and endurance
Quick and efficient
Burns stubborn body fat
Figure Division
Beccy Pateman is a Figure professional bodybuilder. The International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/PNBA Figure category is a women’s bodybuilding division consisting of Figure and Figure Classic. They also have a Figure Masters division with women 40+. Figure women display a strong V-taper from the shoulders to the hips and thighs. Women in the Figure’s division are shapely and symmetrical but have less muscularity than the Women’s Physique class.
At 2021 Natural Olympia, Alondra Chatman won Figure Open, and Hilary Grant won Figure Masters and Figure Classic. The Figure is a competitive division with other top contenders like Veronica Malloy and Erika Sweeney.
Recap
Overall, it’s more important to perform strength workouts with heavy weights and more extended rest periods to build a bodybuilder physique. However, HIIT workouts are an efficient way to work out in less time, improve your cardio and strength simultaneously, and help you lose fat.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more workouts from professional natural bodybuilders!
2022 World’s Strongest Man: Day One Results & Recap
2022 World’s Strongest Man results are in for Day 1 with complete breakdown of qualifiers.
The 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition is underway. The scene is set in Sacramento where 30 of the world’s best strongmen will compete from May 24-29 to see who will be crowned this year’s champion.
The qualifiers began on Tuesday and will run through Thursday. There are a total of six events that will be spread out over all three days. The competitors will have a chance to rest on Friday before the finals begin on Saturday. The final day of the event will take place on Sunday.
Today marked the beginning of the competition. All groups competed in the loading race and deadlift ladder. Below, you can find the results as they continue to come in from Sacramento!
2022 World’s Strongest Man: Day One Events
Loading Race – All Groups
Deadlift Ladder – All Groups
The first day of action is completed in Sacramento. Checkout the full results and current standings from the World’s Strongest Man competition.
2022 World’s Strongest Man Leaderboard
Rank
Name
Points
Group 1
1
Tom Stoltman
6
2
Kevin Faires
5
3
Aivars Smaukstelis
4
4
Andy Black
3
5
Gabriel Rheaume
2
6
Manuel Angulo
1
Group 2
1
Mitchell Hooper
6
2
Brian Shaw
5
3
Gabriel Pena
4
4
Konstantine Janashia
3
5
Bobby Thompson
2
6
Mark Felix
1
Group 3
1
Oleksii Novikov
6
2
Adam Bishop
5
3
Mika Torro
4
4
Trey Mitchell
3
5
Rob Kearney
2
6
Grzegorz Szymanski
1
Group 4
1
Martins Licis
6
2
Maxime Boudreault
5
3
Pavlo Kordiyaka
4
4
Gavin Bilton
3
5
Shane Flowers
2
6
Nedzmin Ambeskovic
1
Group 5
1
Luke Stoltman
6
2
Kelvin De Ruiter
5
3
Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted
4
4
Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf
3
5
Evan Singleton
2
6
Kim Ujarak
1
2022 World’s Strongest Man: Day One Qualifier Results
The first day of qualifiers featured two events — the loading race and deadlift ladder. This is the first day of three qualifiers where competitors will earn points in hopes of making it through to the finals over the weekend.
Through the first event, there were many familiar names at the top of the standings. Below, you can find a breakdown of each event for all five groups.
Loading Race
The Loading Race was the first event to kickoff the competition. Athletes had to load five objects of different weights onto a platform. Over the years, this has been a grueling event but the strongmen seemed up for the task. Many were able to get through all objects, making it about speed.
Notably, Tom Stoltman sits at the top of Group 1. The 2021 winner looks ready to defend his title. Oleksii Novikov and Martins Licis are also on top of their group after one event.
Group 1
Tom Stoltman – 5 in 0:38.39s
Kevin Faires – 5 in 0:43.36s
Aivars Smaukstelis – 5 in 0:44.37s
Andy Black – 5 in 0:50.81s
Gabriel Rheaume – 5 in 0:53.39s
Manuel Angulo – 4 in 1:10.64s
Group 2
Mitchell Hooper – 5 in 0:38.31s
Brian Shaw – 5 in 0:45.00s
Gabriel Pena – 5 in 0:45.88s
Konstantine Janashia – 5 in 0:49.47s
Bobby Thompson – 5 in 0:49.70s
Mark Felix – 5 in -0:54.96s
Group 3
Oleksii Novikov – 5 in 0:37.25s
Adam Bishop – 5 in 0:45.85s
Mika Torro – 5 in 0:47.84s
Trey Mitchell – 5 in 0:48.78s
Rob Kearney – 5 in 0:54.62s
Grzegorz Szymański – 4 in 0:29.85s
Group 4
Martins Licis – 5 in 0:37.37
Maxime Boudreault – 5 in 0:40.68s
Pavlo Kordiyaka – 5 in 0:43.70s
Gavin Bilton – 5 in 0:45.76s
Shane Flowers – 5 in 0:48.70s
Nedzmin Ambeskovic – 1 in 0:10.20s
Group 5
Luke Stoltman – 5 in 0:37.95s
Kelvin De Ruiter – 5 in 0:39.18s
Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted – 5 in 0:49.69s
Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf – 5 in 0:52.70s
Evan Singleton – 5 in 1:08.38s
Kim Ujarak – 4 in 0:34.79s
Deadlift Ladder
Results coming soon!
2022 World’s Strongest Man: Event Schedule
Day Two Qualifiers: Wednesday
Car Walk
Log Lift
Day Three Qualifiers: Thursday
Wrecking Ball Hold
Stone Off
Day One Finals: Saturday
Giant’s Medley
Deadlift
Flintstone Barbell
Day Two Finals: Sunday
Bus Pull
Power Stairs
Atlas Stones
Continue to tune in to our coverage of the 2022 World’s Strongest Man event for more updates. For more news, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Canelo Alvarez Targeting Trilogy Fight With Gennady Golovkin in September
Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin 3 incoming?
It appears that we could see the trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin in September. According to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn Canelo is considering battling his long time rival before a rematch with Dmitry Bivol.
Canelo Alvarez was recently upset by Dmitry Bivol and a contest that took place over Cinco de Mayo weekend. The match would be the second time that Canelo tasted defeat, the first being to Floyd Mayweather. Now it appears that the Mexican boxing star will settle the score with two-time opponent Gennady Golovkin who many argue deserved to get the nod over Canelo in their bouts.
Eddie Hearn recently shared a statement on what he believes Canelo’s next move will be.
“If he fights GGG, he’ll rematch Bivol straight after,” Hearn said. “I think a GGG fight is much bigger now than it was pre-Bivol because everyone just thought (Alvarez) was unbeatable. It’s a great fight. I’d love to do one more.”
But why now of all times? Let’s investigate.
Why Golovkin Over Bivol?
Choosing Gennady Golovkin as his next dance partner isn’t merely happenstance. At this point in his career Canelo Alvarez is choosing his opponents wisely. Golovkin while still a massive threat is a bit passed his prime. He’s forty years old and while he isn’t shopworn, he isn’t quite the unstoppable beast that he once was. Facing an aging fighter that you’ve beat once already is certainly a strong option for Canelo especially coming off a loss.
Compare that to the idea of an immediate rematch with Dmitry Bivol. The WBA light heavyweight champion proved to be too big, too slick, and too active for Canelo Alvarez to overcome. Bivol is young and in his prime. He’s the bigger man and already has a win over Canelo, that last bit giving him a psychological edge. He’s a much more dangerous fight for Canelo at this stage to have an immediate rematch. Instead Canelo should go back to the drawing board and take some time before leaping into another contest with Bivol so soon.
Dollars and Sense
Another point to mull over is the fact that a Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin trilogy fight will make more money. While Dmitry Bivol has seen his star rise after defeating Canelo, he’s not a bigger name than Golovkin. “GGG” has more brand recognition and more casual fans than Bivol at this point. That means a third meeting between Canelo and Golovkin is likely to generate more ticket sales and pay-per-view purchases. That means big money for everyone involved.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Bodybuilder Joe Mackey Deadlifts 850 Pounds At Iron Wars IV, Still Hopes To Qualify For Olympia
Joe Mackey is a professional bodybuilder who is able to reach massive numbers with his deadlift.
Joe Mackey is a professional bodybuilder but he has been putting up numbers in the gym looking like a powerlifter. He continued to show off his impressive deadlifts during CT Fletcher’s Iron abs IV on Friday. Mackey stepped up to 850 pounds on the bar and was able to make it look light in front of the cord gathered at Fletcher’s Iron Addicts Gym in Signal Hill, CA.
Mackey stepped up to the weight using a double overhand grip while wearing lifting straps and a lifting belt. He was able to lock out the bar with little struggle. In his Instagram captions, Mackey revealed that he is preparing for a bodybuilding competition and was lighter than usual during this lift.
“850 lbs tonight at Iron wars with @c.t.ali.fletcher!
Let me remind you, I’m in prep for my next bodybuilding show and I’ve lost 15 lbs since I’ve pulled 900 lbs a month ago.
I’m happy to see that 850 lbs still feels very smooth!! “
Joe Mackey did not reveal what bodybuilding show he is preparing for but it is clear that his goal is to earn qualification to the Olympia in December. Mackey will have to pickup a victory at a show to punch his ticket.
This 850-pound lift is not the heaviest that Mackey has attempted. He was able to reach the 900-pound mark in training but admitted that he was lighter during this lift.
Joe Mackey began competing in the IFBB in 2017. He placed eighth during the 2020 Tampa Pro, which was the best of his career. Mackey competed just once in 2021 during the Chicago Pro. He has yet to make his debut in 2022 but is clear that he is preparing for a return to the bodybuilding world.
“I made it up in my mind that I’d do 850 lbs prior to the event regardless of how lean I am for prep.
I knew that my weight had dropped 20 lbs since last time I did 900 lbs, however that didn’t stop me from knowing what I could still do to show up and show out.”
It is extremely impressive to see the eight that is being moved by Joe Mackey recently. It is even more impressive when learning that he preparing to make a return to bodybuilding.
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Pa O’Dwyer Out Of 2022 World’s Strongest Man, Andy Black To Step In
Pa O’Dwyer is a late scratch in the event due to an injury.
The lineup for the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition has seen plenty of overhaul since it was originally announced. With the event set to kick off today, there is still some turnover. Pa O’Dwyer announced on Monday night that he will not compete due to an injury. Andy Black is prepared to step in and act as his replacement.
O’Dwyer shared the information on social media in the form of an Instagram post. He did not speak on his injury but expressed that he would not be competing and thanked his supporters for the messages.
READ MORE: 2022 World’s Strongest Man Qualifier Groups Announced
“Unfortunately had to withdraw from this years @theworldsstrongestman due to an injury which il address at a later time.Absolutely gutted is an understatement..
Thanks everyone for the messages and support?Il be back for that top 10 spot again.”
Andy Black To Replace Pa O’Dwyer
Andy Black is set to make his debut in the World’s Strongest Man. The Scottish strongman is a two-time Scotland’s Strongest Man winner so he will bring plenty of strength to the competition.
Black will enter the event at 6-foot-7 and 430 pounds. He is extremely athletic and can move well despite his size. We have seen this over the course of his career competing in six major competitions. Black finished third at the 2021 UK’s Strongest Man competition. Black has competed once this year placing sixth at the Britain’s Strongest Man.
READ MORE: How To Watch The 2022 World’s Strongest Man: Full Preview, Coverage, & Results
Over the course of his career, Black has excelled at the Atlas Stones. He has raw strength and this allows him to handle the stones in an impressive manner.
Pa O’Dwyer becomes the latest strongman to pull out of the show. Mateusz Kieliszkowski was one of the favorites to win the entire thing before pulling his name out. Grzegorz Szymanski was named his replacement. Rauna Heinla was another name that will not compete while Mitchell Hooper steps in. Most recently, Peiman Maheripourhir had to bow out with visa issues.
There were a handful of athletes decline to compete in this competition including Iron Biby, J.F. Caron, and Zydrunas Savickas. This will still be an exciting event with some of the world’s best prepared to make an appearance.
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Indian Strongman & Wrestler Gama Pehlwan Honored Using Google Doodle
Google featured Gama Pehlwan celebrating his 144th birthday.
On Sunday, the Google Doodle depicted a man with a massive upper body holding a steel club over his shoulder. That man is former strongman and wrestler Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt, better known as Gama Pehlwan.
Google decided to honor Pehlwan using this picture created by artist Vrinda Zaveri. Pehlwan’s 144th birthday was on Sunday and the website put his image in the middle of the word “Google.”
Who is Gama Pehlwan?
Gama Pehlwan was born on May 22, 1878 in the Amritsar District of British India. He developed a passion for fitness at a very young ago. At 10 years old, Pehlwan was already competing in strongman competitions. He won his first show in 1888 and went on to have a successful career in powerlifting and wrestling.
It is no surprise that Pehlwan developed incredible strength at a young age.He performed different workout routines featuring 500 push-ups and 500 longest. He was able to build up his physique and add even more strength. Pehlwan eventually performed 5,000 squats and 3,000 push-ups on a daily basis.
According to ESPN, Gama Pehlwan lifted a 1,200kg stone when he was in his 20’s.
“Gama Pehelawan lifted a stone that weighed 1,200 kgs in 1902 when he was in his 20s. The stone is now on display at the Baroda museum and it took 25 people and a machine to move it.”
Gama Pehlwan became famous for his work as a wrestler. He became such a dominant force in the sport quickly. Pehlwan enjoyed an undefeated career that ended in 1952 when he officially retired at 74 years old.
Pehlwan was a prominent figure in sports but also made a name for himself thanks to a heroic gesture in 1947. British India was divided into Pakistan and India after the 1947 Partition of India. Pehlwan moved to Pakistan and saved hundreds of Hindus during the Hindu-Muslim riots.
Gama Pehlwan passed away on May 23, 1960 at 82 years old in Lahore, Pakistan. He is remembered as a legendary strongman and wrestler who was way before his time. Because of his incredible career, Pehlwan continues to gain recognition and honor to this day.
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Blessing Awodibu Sparks Rivalry With Nick Walker Heading Into Olympia: ‘I’m Going To Whoop Your Ass’
The rivalry between Nick Walker and Blessing Awodibu is back and going to come to a head during the Olympia.
Blessing Awodibu is back and competing at a high level in 2022. After winning the New York Pro on Saturday, Awodibu sparked his rivalry with Nick Walker claiming that he is going to “whoop his ass” during the 2022 Olympia.
In 2021, Awodibu finished sixth at the New York Pro while Walker was crowned champion. This was one of two victories for Walker as he went onto win the Arnold Classic before a top-five finish at the Olympia. This is when Awodibu and Walker began a bit of a rivalry and it could come to a head once again at the Olympia.
Walker took the stage in street clothes on Saturday after Awodibu won the NY Pro title. The two exchanged some words and put on a show for the crowd in attendance.
“I messed up right. You said I was going to be back there watching your glutes. You know what I did, I was back there watching your glutes. Watching you take home that trophy and I promised myself, I would come down here and whoop some ass.”
“You did win New York last year but that was not in New York. That was in Tampa. That’s fair, right? that’s fact. I can gladly say now that the Boogeyman is the new king of New York. Hey, we’re going to the Olympia, right? You know what’s going to happen? I’m going to whoop your ass, Nick.”
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The History of Blessing Awodibu and Nick Walker
Blessing Awodibu and Nick Walker are two great examples of the mass monsters that are now present in Men’s Open. Walker put together an extremely impressive rookie season and is now considered one of the best in the world. Awodibu is looking to get to that level and is off to a great start in 2022.
Awodibu has plenty of momentum after winning the Indy Pro and New York Pro in back-to-back weekends. This brings extra energy heading into the biggest competition of the year.
Nick Walker and Blessing Awodibu have since trained together so there is no real bad blood between the two. The rivalry comes from performances in previous shows and the fact that they are both huge athletes. Awodibu believes that with George Farah in his corner, they can put on a show during the Olympia.
“I’m going to say to you exactly what I said to you before we did New York. Have fun watching my ass from the sidelines,” Nick Walker said.
“Don’t worry. I got the guru with me. I got George Farah now. We can’t lose and all we do is win. I see you at the 2022 Olympia,” Awodibu responded.
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INBA Athlete Ire Wardlaw Answers: Are Front Squats or Bulgarian Split Squats Better for Bodybuilding?
Image via Instagram @ire_lifestylefitness
INBA athlete Ire Wardlaw explains if it’s better to do front squats or Bulgarian split squats.
Front squats and Bulgarian splits squats are excellent lower body exercises to have in your plan. The question is, which is more effective for building muscle in your lower body? Well, International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) athlete Ire Wardlaw gave some insight on social media, explaining which is better.
Ire Wardlaw competed in her first amateur bodybuilding show recently at the 2022 INBA Iron Gladiator. She won the Women’s Physique Novice category and Most Symmetrical and Iron Gladiator Shield awards.
On Instagram (IG), she uploaded a post covering whether split squats’ front squats are better. According to Wardlaw, it depends. Wardlaw stated:
“Front squats predominately targets the quads. ( but you need mobility to keep your elbows parallel to the ground as you go into the front squat). Bulgarian split squats activates the quads and glutes simultaneously. So it depends on your goals for your legs, your body’s limitations or no limitations, mobility and experience in weight training.”
You can see her full IG post and picture of her doing front squats and split squats here.
Front Squat Vs. Bulgarian Split Squat
As Wardlaw addressed, front squats are superior to Bulgarian split squats for targeting your quads. Since the front squats rest on your upper chest/collar bone, they target your anterior chain (front side) more than traditional squats, which work the muscles in your posterior chain more (glutes, hamstring). Moreover, front squats allow you to lift heavier weights since you use both legs to complete a rep.
Bulgarian split squats targets are more effective for engaging your glutes. Also, Bulgarian split squats will engage your core more since you need good stability to perform the movement. That’s because Bulgarian split squats are a unilateral (single-limb) exercise.
Next INBA PNBA Show
The upcoming INBA PNBA Show is the Pro/Am International Battle Against Cancer on May 28, 2022. Some of the top INBA PNBA natural bodybuilders have been through a cancer battle and have prevailed and built extraordinary physiques.
For example, the 2021 Pro Women’s Physique Open Natural Olympia champion, Melanie Pfeifer, is ecstatic about training this natural bodybuilding season after a successful breast cancer surgery. And INBA PNBA Australian natural bodybuilder Kris Beretov won a bronze medal in the Men’s Physique Masters Division at Natural Olympia despite battling leukemia. Also, legend natural bodybuilder Kiyoshi Moody disclosed his battle with cancer and how it led him to drop over 60 pounds.
The INBA PNBA is filled with many inspiring and dedicated natural athletes that put fair competition and their health the cornerstone of competition. Here you can find the complete 2022 INBA PNBA schedule!
Recap
Performing front squats or Bulgarian split squats depends on your goal. We recommend the front squat if you want to focus on building strength or developing stronger quads. However, the Bulgarian split squat is the clear winner if your goal is improving your balance and having a stronger core and glutes.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more natural bodybuilding tips!
Dennis James Unfiltered: Claims Big Ramy Made A “Mistake Not To Show Up In Pittsburgh”
Dennis James states he is “disappointed” with Big Ramy and believes skipping Pittsburgh was a bad call.
Dennis James got candid in a recent roundtable interview regarding Big Ramy, his absence at the Pittsburgh Pro, and what this means for his future as the current Mr. Olympia champion. James has been working with Ramy and helped prepare him during Olympia prep alongside other coaches – which eventually earned him the Mr. Olympia title in 2020 and 2021. In this new interview, it appears that Dennis James himself has no clue what really happened, why Ramy missed the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro, and claims to be “worried” and “disappointed” in Ramy’s recent actions and lack of communication.
The main takeaway from the interview is that Dennis James has not heard from Big Ramy since the Pittsburgh Pro – and it has him worried. James has been deeply involved with Ramy’s Mr. Olympia prep over the past few years. In fact, James even let Ramy stay at his house in the United States to finish his contest prep in 2021 before the Olympia.
Dennis James is a legend both on stage in his former active competition years and as a bodybuilding coach in recent years. So for James to still have no clarity on what exactly happened after Big Ramy skipped the Pittsburgh Pro is a bit of a shock. Even more shocking is that James was at the Pittsburgh Pro ready to help with last minute prep before the guest posing. Up until the very day of the show – James expected to see Ramy. He has yet to hear or see him since.
Dennis James gets candid about Big Ramy and his absence at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro
During the roundtable interview with Muscle & Fitness, Dennis James didn’t hold back with his info and thoughts on Big Ramy and the Pittsburgh Pro. It’s clear that there are a lot of gaps to still fill in – but James was as honest as he can be with the information he currently knows:
“Everybody has some stories you know, and I’m going through the internet trying to find out what happened because I don’t even know. I seriously don’t know. I don’t know. I was there to support him because we agreed that I’d come to Pittsburgh to help him out. I was there. He was the one that didn’t show up.”
Listen, all I know is that he’s okay, supposedly. I haven’t spoken to him. I reached out a couple of times, he didn’t respond, and I didn’t hear anything back. I’m still waiting to hear from him to find out what really happened.” Dennis James says.
While Dennis James does not know why Big Ramy missed the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro guest posing – he does at the very least know that it was not a medical emergency. He has been told that Ramy is stable and fine. However, he did not receive an answer as to what really happened.
Due to having no given excuse after so many weeks, Dennis James is “worried” and considers that Big Ramy missing the guest posing was a mistake. As he goes on to explain:
“I still don’t know what happened. I still don’t know. All I know, I think that was a big mistake not to show up in Pittsburgh.”
Dennis James then goes on to state that he fully expected Big Ramy to be present at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro literally up until the day of the event. James was at the event and waiting for Ramy to appear for final prep. He never came. This is what concerns James most – the lack of communication.
Knowing now that a medical emergency is out of the cards – what possible excuse can Ramy have for not showing up and not informing Dennis James about his absence. Even further, with weeks having passed since the event – how is it that James still has received no contact or answer?
Whatever the reason is, Dennis James is currently very concerned and, frankly, confused as to how this will effect the future of Big Ramy’s career. He goes on to state:
“Man. I don’t know. I don’t think it’s… I don’t know, it’s not good. I still hope that he will contact me and fill me in on what happened… The main thing for me is, i just want to know, what is he thinking not going there without calling and excusing himself in any way shape or form? that’s the only thing that bothers me a little bit right now.”
Dennis James continued:
I don’t know. I really don’t. I’m disappointed. I’m kind of disappointed, and I’m kind of worried, to the point where I’m like ‘what’s going on’ because i talked to him, two days before he was suposed to leave. I said, ‘Listen, make sure everything is good, don’t miss your flight’ because I know he missed a couple of flights here and there by accident… like I said, I don’t have an excuse for him. I’m not going to make up any excuses. we will have to see what happens. what comes from him when he’s ready to talk I guess.”
What does Big Ramy’s absence mean for the future of the 2022 bodybuilding season?
Ultimately, Dennis James has no new information as to what happened with Big Ramy’s 2022 Pittsburgh Pro absence. But James has become one of many who are worried and concerned for what it means for Ramy’s career. However, James is open to hearing a valid excuse when Big Ramy is ready to give it. Only time will tell if we get that response or not.
Regardless of Big Ramy’s absence, the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro was an exciting event that gave us the special surprise of Derek Lunsford guest posing. Not only that – but his massive size has spurred rumors that he may go up to Men’s Open in the future. Those rumors were further stocked by Hany Rambod admitting that Men’s Open is “not if, but when…”
You can watch the full roundtable interview including Dennis James’ comments below:
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Derek Dufour has been managing all digital operations on the Generation Iron Network for over six years. He currently manages a team of editors, writers, and designers to provide up-to-date content across the GI Network.