Tag: nEWS
XFL Co-Owners The Rock And Dany Garcia Agree To Five-Year Deal With ESPN, Disney
ESPN and Disney will have the broadcasting rights to the XFL from 2023-2027.
It has been almost two years since Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson partnered with Dany Garcia and RedBird Capotal to purchase the XFL. Now, the group has reached an incredible mark less than one year before the league is set to take off. The XFL has reached a multi-year agreement with ESPN and The Walt Disney Company that will give the network broadcasting rights for gameday content.
The XFL is set to kickoff on Feb. 18, 2023. There will be 40 games in total during the regular season followed by two postseason games and a championship. Games will now premiere on ESPN, ABC, and FX. This is a five-year agreement that will give ESPN and Disney these rights from 2023 through the 2027 season.
“This is a definitive moment for the XFL and the beginning of an incredible, long-term partnership for the league, building on my longstanding, very successful legacy relationship I’ve had with Disney throughout my career. We’re excited to be working with global visionaries that are aligned with the XFL’s values, are true team players and share our ambitious goals to grow the XFL as a global sports and entertainment business. Through the combined power of Disney, ESPN and the XFL, together we will create a new powerhouse on the sports calendar and bring a dynamic game of football to fans everywhere. Time to ball out,” The Rock said in a recent statement.
READ MORE: The Rock’s Trusted Transformation Diet & Workout Program Will Get You Shredded
History of the XFL
The Rock is the second WWE figure to take on the challenge of the XFL. Of course, Vince McMahon formed a partnership with Dick Ebersol and NBC in 2001 to acquire the league. It ended up folding after just one season.
McMahon attempted to bring the league back for the 2020 season but this lasted just five weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic forced to shut it down prematurely. There was some internal hope that the league could return once again in 2021 and keep its full-time employees on payroll. During this time, the pandemic continued to impact the economy and sports as a whole so it was forced to cancel once again.
The Rock and Garcia purchased the league for $15 million hours before the league was set to be auctioned off. The XFL filed for bankruptcy in April 2020. This transaction was closed in August of the same year after being sent to bankruptcy court approval.
Now, as the league prepares for yet another revival, the owners have struck a deal that will impact it for the next five years.
“Without question, we have long admired Disney’s distinct ability to engage an expansive consumer fanbase across verticals, while also maintaining a deeply authentic, nuanced and heartfelt approach to storytelling much like our own. To find a partner that honors our foundation and to be able to root our vision of unwavering passion, accessibility and the future of football with Disney as our home, is a dream come true. We are extraordinarily excited to explore the endless possibilities of this partnership – today is surely just the beginning,” Dany Garcia said.
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Hardcore Truth: Johnnie O. Jackson Reviews The 2022 Indy Pro Top 5 Physiques
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Johnnie O. Jackson shares his analysis of the top five placing pro bodybuilders at the 2022 Indy Pro.
This past weekend held the 2022 Indy Pro – one of the bigger and more exciting IFBB Pro competitions in the spring. For fans of Blessing Awodibu, stakes were high. Would he improve after some lackluster showings and reclaim the hype as threat to the Mr. Olympia? Johnnie O. Jackson watched the entire show and has put together his official review of Blessing and the other top five athletes from this weekend. In our latest episode of Hardcore Truth, Johnnie O. Jackson gives a complete analysis and recap of the 2022 Indy Pro.
The 2022 Indy Pro was a powerhouse of a show featuring some much hyped pro bodybuilders facing off on stage. Ultimately, the top five placings in the Men’s Open division came down to – Brent Swansen, Justin Rodriguez, Maxx Charles, Charles Griffen, and Blessing Awodibu. In our latest Straight Facts episode, Johnnie O. Jackson breaks down the physiques of these five competitors and recaps the event. Let’s jump into it.
5. Brent Swansen
Johnnie O. Jackson admits that he has heard and seen very little of Brent Swansen. So he was extremely surprised and impressed by the package he brought to the stage. Jackson wouldn’t be surprised if Swansen starts becoming more of a household name as he continues to compete and improve.
Jackson agreed with the five place victory for Brent Swansen. He believed that his conditioning and aesthetic is on point – but he needs to work more on bringing up his overall size and maintaining that level of conditioning while heavier.
4. Justin Rodriguez
Justin Rodriguez is an extremely promising bodybuilder with an incredible physique and incredible genetics. However, Johnnie O. Jackson was a bit disappointed in his physique and showing at the Indy Pro. After seeing what he can accomplish during his last competition at the Arnold Classic – his physique on the stage this weekend looked like a step back.
Johnnie O. Jackson isn’t sure what might have caused this backtracking. Perhaps he did not have enough time between the Arnold Classic and the Indy Pro to best be on point. Different pros have different rev up windows – and maybe this was just slightly too close for Rodriguez.
3. Maxx Charles
Johnnie O. Jackson looks at Maxx Charles’ physique at the Indy Pro as part of a comeback for him. Jackson has previously competed with Charles and knows just how much effort he can put into his contest prep and physique come showtime. After some rocky years – Jackson is seeing real improvement in Charles’ physique and the Indy Pro furthered that improvement.
If he remains consistent, Jackson believes that Maxx Charles can place even higher in future shows and become even more competitive with athletes such as Blessing and Charles Griffen. But that being said…
2. Charles Griffen
Charles Griffen and Blessing Awodibu were incredibly close in competition at the 2022 Indy Pro. Johnnie O. Jackson honestly saw very little difference between these two competitors. But he does understand how Awodibu got the edge with some small details.
In either case, Griffen showcased an incredible physique and is excited to see what he brings at his next show. To nitpick, Jackson thinks that Griffen could have increased his upper body size to match his massive legs for a more fully even aesthetic.
1. Blessing Awodibu
Blessing Awodibu, to Johnnie O. Jackson, had the slightly prettier physique that ultimately gave him the edge – particular his muscle bellies. On top of this, Awodibu made quite the improvement since his last competition – which is always a plus in how the judges evaluate your performance.
Jackson was particularly and personally shocked and impressed with just how much Blessing Awodibu improved over the past year. If he can keep that kind of focus – he will be a true threat for the remainder of this season and beyond.
Wrap Up
Johnie O. Jackson goes into great detail on all five of these stellar bodybuilders. You can watch his full recap and analysis of the 2022 Indy Pro by watching our latest episode of Hardcore Truth above. Make sure to stick around each Thursday for new episodes every week!
Hany Rambod On Derek Lunsford’s Future: ‘He’s Going To Be In Open, It’s Just A Matter Of When’
Hany Rambod believes that Derek Lunsford will eventually make the move to Open Bodybuilding.
Reigning 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford recently appeared as a guest poser during the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. After originally not be scheduled to appear, Lunsford stepped on stage and turned heads immediately. So much so that coach Hany Rambod discussed a potential move to Open Bodybuilding, which he described as “inevitable.”
Lunsford has been one of the top 212 competitors for years now. He has built a reputation as a hard worker in the gym and was able to reach the pinnacle of the sport in 2021. Lunsford upset Shaun Clarida at the Olympia and will now look to defend his title.
The Pittsburgh Pro saw the likes of Nick Walker, Brandon Curry, and Hunter Labrada. Lunsford was not on the regional list but decided to step in once Big Ramy was taken off. Next to some of the other mass monsters in Open, Lunsford stood out and sparked the conversation on his potential move.
“There’s a lot of things that we have to do to try to work around the fact that his body does want to get bigger. That’s why it’s inevitable that’s he’ going to be in Open, it’s just a matter of when and we have to sit down and figure that out and have those conversations now after he guest posed,” Rambod said.
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What is Derek Lunsford’s Potential in Open?
Derek Lunsford has put on some incredible size and this is the reason he looks like he can stack up against some of the best in the world in another division. Rambod discussed how others have seen Lunsford since his guest posing appearance in Pittsburgh.
“I looked over at Jay Cutler and asked ‘what do you think’ and he said ‘ridiculous’. He looks good right, and he said, ‘no, he looks amazing’. The judges were offering feedback, hitting me up, they’re like wow. All of a sudden my phone started blowing up because the pictures hit the internet.”
Since this appearance, Lunsford has been given even more hype. This began in October when he took down Clarida in 212 and will be taken up a notch heading into the Olympia this year.
Lunsford finished as the runner-up during the Olympia in 2018 and 2019. He saw his production drop in 2020 by finishing fourth. From this moment on, Lunsford began working on improvements and it paid dividends. He was able to jump all the way to champion last year. Despite his success in 212, Rambod believes that there is still some thinking to do on a potential switch.
“It’s still a tough decision as much as everyone wants me to sit there, and tell you he’s going one way or another. It’s definitely something we are sitting down and having to consider. There’s ramifications beyond him just competing that people don’t realize.”
Will Derek Lunsford Make Weight In 212?
The work ethic of Derek Lunsford makes it difficult to believe that he will be unable to do anything. Hany Rambod did express some concern on the bodybuilder being able to make weight for 212.
“It’s going to be difficult, it’s super difficult. He was already flat last year. He’s put on a lot of good muscle and he’s keeping the calories and the food really low. Everyone is like, oh man he must be blowing up because he wants to do the Open, Hany has him doing the open.”
These speculations have come after Lunsford showcased incredible size in Pittsburgh. To this point, there is no plan of a switch and Rambod wanted to clarify that this has not been the plan.
“This is not something we were planning to do whatsoever. It was not something, like this was a prelude or a sneak-peek of him doing the Open, not at all. This was literally trying to be the best version of him, so he can be in striking distance of doing the 212 to hold on to his crown and that’s what this is about.”
At the end of the day, it is about how Lunsford might be able to stack up against other mass monsters in Men’s Open. Thanks to a surprise and unplanned guest posing appearance, the conversation has begun and Rambod believes a switch will come at some point.
“All of a sudden, you see them start posing next to each other and that’s when you can see it. Wait a minute, this guy that’s supposed to be a lot smaller than everyone else, looks just as big because again, bodybuilding is an illusion.”
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Jay Cutler Discusses Steroid Use During Bodybuilding Career With Milos Sarcev: ‘I Think I Abused Drugs’
Jay Cutler had a discussion about steroids with Milos Sarcev during an episode of his podcast.
Jay Cutler remains one of the most popular figures in bodybuilding, even following his retirement. Cutler remains an influential voice because of his willingness to discuss the ins and outs of the sport. This includes the use of steroids, which has become a huge problem following a recent string of deaths that has impacted the sport. During a recent episode of his podcast, Cutler was joined by coach Milos Sarcev to discuss drug use in bodybuilding.
Sarcev is one of the most well-known bodybuilding coaches and has worked with some huge names over the years. He is a former bodybuilder with seven Olympia appearances under his belt. Sarcev remains busy coaching the likes of Regan Grimes. As for Cutler, he built a bodybuilding career that will dub him one of the best to ever do it.
Cutler won the Olympia four times. Most notably, he ended the eight-year streak of Ronnie Coleman in 2006. To get to this point, Cutler had to use everything he could during his career to build a championship physique. Cutler has been open about his steroid use since retiring and continues to reflect on it.
“I think I abused drugs,” Jay Cutler said.
“Of course, listen there’s always someone speeding faster than you on the road, but we did a protocol but remember we are in something that wasn’t drug tested. It was kind of like a kamikaze, trial and error.”
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The two continue to discuss what the word “abuse” actually means. During his career, Cutler was taking 1000 migs of testosterone. This was part of one of his protocols.
“When you say okay, you admittedly abused. Al of us abuse in the medical terminology,” Sarcev explained.
“I have taken 1000 but it was a short period of time. I didn’t feel right on it,” Cutler said.
“I did 750. I’ve seen people take between two and five thousand milligrams in a week of testosterone alone,” Sarcev responded.
Jay Cutler And Milos Sarcev On Drug Testing
No matter the sport, athletes have become knowledgable on how to pass drug tests when they should not. As time has gone on, it has become more difficult but it is still possible to this day. It was a bit easier during the time of Cutler and Sarcev on stage.
The two continued to explain that athletes can pass drug tests if they understand the window in which a drug will surface. That is difficult to accomplish today.
“There’s certain steroids that are in and out of the system with the best effect. Which ones should you stay away from?” Cutler asks.
“There is a plasma hals-life right but then there’s a clearance time…I remember, 49 days is the longest, it’s just too, too long. Nandrolone can stay a year and a half,” Sarcev responded.
Sarcev admits to being part of the craze of cheating drug tests during his time on stage and this is why he believes it would not happen today.
“Now, I don’t think it’s even possible. Back in the day, I was a part of it.”
“There’s always some people who are going to find a way to outsmart them. I didn’t believe it so I would like to say it’s a clean sport. When I heard from Charles Francis that nine out of ten Olympic medalists used, I’m like ‘come on. I wouldn’t want to accept it.’ You want to believe the integrity of all athletes and ethics for us. It’s not the drug test contest that I tried to enter and beat the test.”
Jay Cutler reached the pinnacle of bodybuilding during his career. Now, he is extremely open to discussing how he reached the top and what steps were taken. Whether they are positive or negative, they can be used as learning tools for the next generation.
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Diabetic INBA Bodybuilder Explains the Strategies of the Progressive Overload Principle
Image via Instagram @diabetes.n.dumbbells
Diabetic INBA bodybuilder who goes by the username @diabetes.n.dumbbells shared the different ways to make progress with your lifts.
Many lifters, especially beginners, go into the gym doing different exercises every workout. However, mixing up your movements too often hurt your gains. Therefore, it’s essential to stick with the same exercises for long enough before switching your workouts to improve your physique. Keeping your training routine constant is the only way to practice the progressive overload principle. An International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) diabetic athlete with the Instagram (IG) username @diabetes.n.dumbbells uploaded an IG post explaining how to make progress with your workouts via the progressive overload principle.
Training with diabetes has some unique challenges diabetic bodybuilders must overcome. Matt Morton, wheelchair Natural Olympia champion, is another diabetic bodybuilder who details bodybuilding training with type-2 diabetes. @diabetes.n.dumbbells also has diabetes, and it doesn’t stop her from competing with the world’s best physiques in the INBA/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) league – the most significant natural bodybuilding organization.
On IG, diabetes.n.dumbbells explained how to make progress on your workouts by following the progressive overload principle. She stated:
“Progressive overload, in reference to exercise, is a technique that gradually increases workload demands from your muscles. When combined with proper nutrition, our muscles grow in order to acclimate to set challenges.
There are different ways of increasing the workload:
Increasing weight being lifted, Increasing number of reps, Increasing tempo, Decreasing rest time between sets, Increase training frequency, Increase number of exercises per group.”
@diabetes.n.dumbbells says that slowing down the lift’s tempo (speed) will help you progress if you can’t increase the weight. That’s because slowing down the rate of an exercise will help you progress by increasing your muscle’s time under tension. She noted that you might not be able to add weight to your lifts each training session, but you can still make progress in other ways.
Her full IG post below explains how to make progress with your lifts and a clip of her performing various leg exercises.
Progressive Overload Principle
The progressive overload principle is one of the most important laws to follow in the gym. Frequently, inexperienced lifters think that changing their movements will often enhance their physique. Unfortunately, while changing your workouts is vital to target different muscle groups and help you break past plateaus, switching your exercises too often will hold you back from reaching your full bodybuilding potential.
It’s essential to stick with the same exercises to allow your body to adapt to the movements to make progress with your workouts week after week by increasing the weight, reps, or volume. We recommend sticking with the same exercises for 4-12 weeks; changing your workouts will vary for each individual. But typically, you want to stay with the same movements until you start to plateau or need to help a lagging muscle grow.
Recap
@diabetes.n.dumbbells leads by example to show that you can make significant progress with your physique as a person with diabetes. And she goes into full detail on how you can improve your body by following the progressive overload principle. She says to make progress on your workouts by increasing the weight and reps. Or slowing down the tempo of your exercise.
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Nick Walker, Kamal Elgargni, and Samson Dauda Team Up For Back Training
Nick Walker, Kamal Elgargni, and Samson Dauda team up.
Nick Walker, Kamal Elgargni, and Samson Dauda all joined forces for an intense back day training. The three standout bodybuilders look to motivate each other to become the best versions of themselves for the 2022 season.
Team Up
Everyone loves a good team up. It’s why so many go in droves to the movie theaters to watch The Avengers to see superheroes clash and collaborate in exciting adventures. The same kind of magic occurs when bodybuilders join forces. So when 212 Olympia champion Kamal Elgargni teamed up with Men’s Open bodybuilders Nick Walker and Samson Dauda, you know something special was about to happen.
Looking to once again conquer the Olympia stage Kamal Elgargni is looking to push himself. Nick Walker is also looking to improve as well and invited both Elgargni and Samson Dauda to Tampa, Florida to get in some epic back day training.
Back Training
Each man is looking to bring something special to their respective competitions. Having other motivated athletes going for the same goal helps push a competitor to their next level. The three man team of Walker, Elgargni, and Dauda all joined forces for some intense back training.
“3 sets of underhand grip,” said Nick Walker. “We are now going to do one-arm dumbbell row. We are going to use different weight. Perform three sets of it, we’re going to go 12-15 reps. This is more of a high-volume workout. I’m going to let Kamal run the show. Only the second exercise and I’m dead.”
Full Back Training
Reverse-Grip Machine Pulldown
One-Arm Dumbbell Row
Chest-Supported Machine Row
Seated Cable Row
Hyperextensions
Cable Low Row
To see the full training session click here.
What do you think of the team up between Nick Walker, Kamal Elgargni, and Samson Dauda?
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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.
2022 World’s Strongest Man: Full Preview & How To Watch
The 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition is among us!
The 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition is right around the corner and the top athletes in the world are preparing to fight for the title. The 45th edition of the event will take place from May 24-29 at Capitol Mall in Sacramento.
There has been some changes in the lineup but there is officially a group of 30 competitors looking to earn the title of World’s Strongest Man. Matuesz Kieliszkowski is one of the big names that has pulled out of the competition. Grzegorz Szymanski has stepped in as his replacement.
The World’s Strongest Man competition usually airs later in the summer on CBS Sports Network for fans who are unable to attend. There are other alternatives if you are unable to make the trip to Sacramento.
2022 World’s Strongest Man: How To Watch
World’s Strongest Man will feature a live show this year. Former strongman Terry Hollands will host Backstage Live! Presented by The Beard Struggle, which will be aired on WSM’s Facebook and YouTube channel.
This will give fans a chance to tune in and watch a recap of the events of the day. Hollands will also be on scene speaking to competitors and providing behind-the-scene interviews and access. Fans who watch from home can hear firsthand from competitors and event organizers on the comings of the day.
For those who are present, the World’s Strongest Man will feature the first ever Fan Festival. This will be free to the public and feature food trucks, giveaways, and special events.
2022 World’s Strongest Man Roster Breakdown
Like any competition, there are some favorites to keep an eye on. This has to begin with 2019 WSM champion and reigning Arnold Strongman Classic champion Martins Licis. Since returning from injury, Licis has made great strides and seems back to full strength.
Oleksii Novikov is also at the top of his game and finished as the runner-up to Licis during the Arnold Strongman Classic. Novikov is one of four World’s Strongest Man champions to compete. He was victorious in 2020 and is looking for his second title in three years.
Tom Stoltman has a chance to become the first repeat champion since Brian Shaw, who accomplished this feat in 2016. Stoltman and his brother, Luke Stoltman, will also have a chance to take home the title.
Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
Rob Kearney (USA)
Gabriel Peña (Mexico)
Kelvin de Ruiter (Netherlands)
Kim Ujarak (Greenland)
Maxime Boudreault (Canada)
Mark Felix (UK)
Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
Shane Flowers (UK)
Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (Australia)
Bobby Thompson (USA)
Aivars Smaukstelis (Latvia)
Adam Bishop (UK)
Evan Singleton (USA)
Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted (Iceland)
Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
Trey Mitchell (USA)
Mika Törrö (Finland)
Luke Stoltman (UK)
Brian Shaw (USA)
Tom Stoltman (UK) — Reigning WSM Champion
Gabriel Rheaume (Canada)
Martins Licis (USA)
Gavin Bilton (UK)
Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
Kevin Faires (USA)
Nedžmin Ambešković (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Grzegorz Szymanski
Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
Manuel Angulo (Chile)
2022 World’s Strongest Man Event Schedule
Day One Qualifiers
Loading Race
Deadlift Ladder
Day Two Qualifiers
Car Walk
Log Lift
Day Three Qualifiers
Wrecking Ball Hold
Stone Off
Day One Finals
Giant’s Medley
Deadlift
Flintstone Barbell
Day Two Finals
Bus Pull
Power Stairs
Atlas Stones
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Bobb Matthews Sets Unofficial World Record USAPL Deadlift World Record With 845.5-Pound Lift
Powerlifter Bobb Matthews continues to make waves with huge numbers in the gym.
This is not the first time that Bobb Matthews has approached a world record. As a powerlifter, Matthews is putting up some massive numbers and continuing to add strength. In a recent training session, Matthews unofficially surpassed the USAPL deadlift world record in the U100kg division. Matthews completed a 383.5kg (845.5lb) lift in training and could add even more to that number moving forward.
The current world record is held by Ashton Rouska, who reached the mark during the 2020 USAPL Virginia Winter Wrecker. Rouska was able to complete a 383kg (844.4lb) lift. He was one of the first ones to comment on Matthews’ Instagram post of his lift saying “well on your way to becoming the best to have done it.”
“845.5LBS (383.5KG) PR. ?
“1lb/.5kg” over the WR deadlift @ 100kg in USAPL. My first time rivaling a WR lift in training.. not bad! @theswolefessor“
Bobb Matthews approached the weight with a lifting belt in order to aid in the lift. He used a sumo stance and hook grip. Matthews made the lift look easy and showed that he could have plenty left in the tank next time he steps on stage.
Matthews is set to compete in Las Vegas during the 2022 USAPL Mega Nationals from June 7-12. This is the time for Matthews to potentially set this new world record. He has just a few weeks left of preparation before competing and it will be interesting to see if he can set some new PRs and a world record.
Bobb Matthews Competition PRs
Squat: 330 kg (727.5 lbs)
Bench Press: 212.5 kg (468.5 lbs)
Deadlift: 370 kg (815.7 lbs)
Total: 912.5 (2011.7 lbs)
In June, Bobb Matthews has a chance to win his first ever National title. By the looks of his recent training, there are many goals within reach for the powerlifter. If one of these is the deadlift world record in his division, Matthews might have a chance to add some more weight over the next couple weeks. When the time comes, he can use one of his three attempts to make it happen.
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PNBA Elite Pro Cliff Higgs Shares How to Drop Belly Fat Fast
Image via Instagram @beautbodiesfitness_pro_pnba
INBA Australia pro Cliff Higgs shares how to drop belly fat.
Dropping belly fat is a struggle many faces, especially men. Women store the most fat in their hips and thighs, while men store the most fat in their abdominal region. When men lose body fat, the last place they lose it is their stomach. It’s common for men to be lean everywhere but around their waist. Professional Natural Bodybuilding (PNBA) INBA Australia athlete Cliff Higgs shared tips to reduce belly fat.
In a recent Instagram (IG) post, Higgs disclosed how to get rid of belly fat. He’s a Natural Olympia amateur winner and silver medalist Natural Olympia pro competitor. At 2019 Natural Olympia, Higgs won the amateur 40s-plus, 50s-plus categories and overall Master’s gold medals in Men’s Physique. That qualified him for a PNBA pro card, winning second place in the Masters Physique division the following day. In the IG post, he stated the following commentary below to drop belly fat:
“Probiotics
Some strains of probiotics have shown to be particularly effective at helping reduce belly fat in individuals who are already living with obesity.
Probiotic foods include fermented ingredients like Kombucha, yogurt, kefir, tempeh, kimchi, and pickles.
Fats high in monounsaturated fat
Diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids may help reduce belly fat and help with weight management.
Limit your intake of refined carbs
Limiting your total carb intake or swapping refined carbs for whole grains could help reduce belly fat and support weight loss.
In fact, several studies have shown that eating more whole grains is associated with decreased body weight and belly fat. More specifically, studies show that low carb diets may help reduce visceral fat and belly fat in some people.
Limit sugary drinks
These drinks are also generally loaded with fructose, which has been linked directly to weight gain and increased belly fat.”
More Dropping Belly Fat Tips From Higgs
Cliff Higgs said that adding eggs to your diet will help you drop belly fat because eggs are high in protein and help you feel satiated while low in calories. In addition, Higgs claims that a study of almost 24,000 people found that daily egg consumption was linked to a lower risk of abdominal obesity.
In addition, Cliff Higgs says that eating some oily fish and MCT oil is also beneficial. According to him, omega-3 fatty acids are tied to less belly fat, and MCT oil can boost energy expenditure and aid fullness. In addition, MCT oil can help reduce waist circumference and weight loss. Higgs also suggested quitting alcohol and that heavy alcohol consumption contributes to weight gain, especially in your gut.
You can see Cliff Higgs’ full IG post below.
Losing Body Fat as a Natural Bodybuilder
Besides Cliff Higgs, many other natural bodybuilders have weighed in on their strategies for weight loss and body fat reduction. For example, 2021 INBA PNBA Iron Gladiator and INBA PNBA Clash of Titans champion Jordon James says that fasted cardio is the secret sauce for weight loss. Furthermore, 2021 INBA Natural Olympia Body Quest champion Laura Guzman lost 130 pounds through carb cycling. And Marc Cheatham affirms that a “calorie is a calorie,” even if it’s healthy food.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more pro natural bodybuilding fat loss tips!
Breon Ansley Deep Into Training For Tampa Pro With Huge Arm Day
Breon Ansley is looking to win the Tampa Pro and gain momentum into the Olympia.
Breon Ansley is a former two-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. He is currently preparing to compete in the Tampa Pro and put together a massive arm day during one of his training sessions.
Ansley has finished third in each of the last two Olympia competitions. In 2019, he saw his two-year win streak come to an end at the hands of Chris Bumstead. Most recently, Ansley finished fourth at the Arnold Classic and was unhappy with his performance.
Classic Physique is a division that is gaining popularity and seeing many elite athletes emerge. Ansley is still at the top of his game and wants to show it off on the biggest stage once again. Before this happens, Ansley is looking to win the Tampa Pro and is full or dedication and motivation.
“I’m trying to win this damn thing this year.”
Below, you can find a full guide through Breon Ansley’s arm workout, along with some tips from the champion himself.
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Breon Ansley Arm Day
Machine Triceps Extensions
Rope Pressdown
Overhead Rope Extension
Dip Machine
Dumbbell Kickback
Alternate Dumbbell Curl
EZ-Bar Curl
Hammer Curl
Breon Ansley took down this workout at the legendary Gold’s Gym in Venice, CA. Ansley begins the video by explaining how it is important to focus on recovery and training smart.
“Be careful, guys, with everything. Be careful but be smart. Train smart. Train hard but train that ass to be smart so you can come in here the next day and the next day and the next day and the next day. Who cares about what you’re doing for that one damn day if it puts you out?”
Triceps Training
Breon Ansley begins his workout with machine tricep extensions, the first of five consecutive triceps exercises. This is the way Ansley likes to train arms so you have a constant pump in the muscles targeted.
“I like to train triceps all in one and then start with the biceps. I don’t like to mix up, some guys like to do biceps triceps, biceps triceps and alternate like that. I don’t like to do that because you lose the blood flow, you lose the pump, in between moving one muscle group to the next.”
Ansley moves onto rope pressdowns. He reveals that he likes to use the rope because it allows for his hands to turn out for a better contraction of the muscle. Ansley continued with the rope but with a different movement during overhead tricep extensions.
The final exercise of the tricep portion of the workout was weighted dips. Ansley performed sets with a 35, 40, and 50-pound dumbbell.
“Anytime you’re doing any tricep exercise the is extended over the head, you are working on the short head of the tricep. That is the shorthand in here. Anytime you are pressing something down, doing a pressing movement like we did here, you are working on the long head.
“Remember, the tricep has three heads. The short head, long head, and medium head. That is going to make the arm look that much bigger…make sure you have great tri’s.”
Biceps Training
Breon Ansley focused on triceps over the course of this workout and believes that they are sometimes overlooked. To begin his short stint on biceps, Ansley hit alternating dumbbell curls. He began with 45-pound weights and eventually moved up to 50 pounds.
“I was twisting it at the top to get a little bit more of your inner bi here. Now, we’re going to go outer half…We’re going to hit this more with an outer grip. Obviously, we’re going to hit the brachialis here, for the thickness of the bicep, with the hammer curls, which is one of my favorite exercises.”
Ansley continued with EZ-bar curls and hammer curls to finish out the workout. He admitted to favoring hammer curls because he is strongest while performing them. Ansley began with 55-pound dumbbells before making his way up to 75 pounds.
““If you isolate it, keep the shoulders back and down, and keeping this hinge here, kind of like a drag curl…same principles.”
Breon Ansley is focused on the Tampa Pro and gaining momentum heading into December. After falling back a bit in recent competitions, Ansley looks determined to show that he is still one of the best competitors in Classic Physique.
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