Tag: nEWS
Joe Mackey Crushes 900-Pound Raw Deadlift, Dedicates Lift To Late Cedric McMillan
Joe Mackey is a bodybuilder that has shown off extremely brute strength during his career.
Joe Mackey is an IFBB professional bodybuilder with the strength of a powerlifter. During his career, Mackey has maintained a strong physique while trying to accomplish goals in the gym. Recently, he reached one of his goals deadlifting 900 pounds.
Mackey stepped up to the bar with wrist wraps and a lifting belt. This is considered a raw lift because of the equipment used and this was a long journey for Mackey in the gym. Mackey shared the lift to Instagram and dedicated it to Cedric McMillan.
“This one was for you too @cedricmcmillan Rest in paradise big bro”
Joe Mackey has been chasing this personal record for quite some time now. He made it clear that he wanted to get to the 900-pound mark and was able to do it on Saturday. Even after completing the feat of strength, Mackey had to acknowledge that it was no easy task.
“It was not the prettiest but told you and myself I was going to do it and I did just that!
I know I don’t say this often, but Holy shit, that was heavy!
If you look midway thru the lift you’ll see I shake my head no because doubt kicked in and said drop it, but that wasn’t going to happen without a fight.”
To build physiques like those in bodybuilding, there has to be some massive weight being moved in the gym. When looking at the sport as a whole, Joe Mackey continues to be one of the strongest competitors in the world. Along with Kyle Kirvay, the term powerbuilding has been used to describe those who excel in both bodybuilding and powerlifting.
Mackey earned his Pro Card in 2016 when he finished second in the super-heavyweight division at the 2016 NPC Nationals. He has not won a competition yet but has been featured in five since 2016. His best finish came during the 2020 Tampa Pro when he placed eighth.
After reaching his 900-pound deadlift goal, Mackey will now look to check off his next venture — winning a professional bodybuilding show. It has been a record-setting year for Mackey and it could lead to a victory on stage. If this happens, he will officially take the next step in many avenues in his career.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Big Ramy Shares Physique Update, Announces Guest Posing Appearance At Pittsburgh Pro
Big Ramy vows to bring the best version of himself to this year’s Olympia.
The race for No. 3 is on for Big Ramy and he believes he will bring the best version of himself to the 2022 Olympia. The reigning two-time Olympia champion is not one for social media but recently shared a physique update to show off his progress to this point. Big Ramy also announced that he will be at the Pittsburgh Pro as a guest poser.
Big Ramy took to Instagram to share this update and speak to his fans. He outlined how it is difficult to keep up some of this progress during Ramadan but that is something he has dealt with for years now. He has done it successfully winning back-to-back Olympia titles in 2020 and 2021. The show will return to Las Vegas in December and this is where Big Ramy will go for the three-peat.
The Pittsburgh Pro will take place on May 7 this year. Big Ramy also explained how he is excited to return to the United States and appear on stage during the show as a guest.
“New Update from April 17th! I know I haven’t been very active on social media lately and I apologize to all of you for that. From now on you’ll see more of me I promise you guys. This update is from yesterday and I want to post them to let you all know I’m training and putting in the work,” big ramy wrote in his caption.
“It’s not easy during Ramadan but I know my job is to get it done regardless of not eating and drinking as much as usual. My goal for this years Olympia is to present the best Big Ramy ever and that is why I’m working very hard. I’m looking forward to coming to the USA to guest pose at the Pittsburg Pro May 7th 2022. Thank you all for your continued support I really appreciate it so much. Now let’s go for No 3.”
The Men’s Open division has been dominated by the likes of Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, and Hadi Choopan. This was the top three in last year’s competition. Up-and-comers like Nick Walker and Hunter Labrada also have their eyes on making a jump and taking down Big Ramy.
Entering the 2021 show, Big Ramy was seen as unbeatable because of his pure size and conditioning. Now, he continues to be a mass monster and believes that he can show up to Vegas even better than he looked in Orlando. If this happens, it will be tough once again for competitors to top his physique.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Jeremy Buendia Physique Update: Will There Be A Return To Classic Physique?
Jeremy Buendia hinted at a possible return during his latest physique update.
Jeremy Buendia knows a thing or two about competing at the Olympia. From 2014-2017, Buendia reigned as the Men’s Physique champion. He has taken some time off during retirement but is back to training hard in the gym. During a recent physique update, Buendia might have hinted as a return to Classic Physique.
Buendia finished fourth during the 2018 Olympia before announcing his retirement. He announced a return in 2020 but was unable to make it back to the stage. Now, while this is not an official announcement, he seems to be discussing the possibilities on social media.
“Feeling more motivated than ever to get to work and keep making more improvements. I know I’m still capable of being a lot better than this. Im going to anchor down on my diet and really focus on making this comeback happen. Appreciate all the support & encouragement today. Feels good to be back you guys. I’ve learned from my past, and I’m looking forward to doing it the right this time around. ???”
This post, along with others, have gained the attention of athletes in the world of bodybuilding.
When asking if he will appear in Classic Physique in the comments, Jeremy Buendia kept the door open.
“We’ll see in the future. I’ve always been a bodybuilder at heart & I love to pose. So let’s see if I can pack on the mass needed without going over my weight limit. I think my weight cut off is 180, & i competed in 2017 at 184, & I’m bigger now,” Buendia commented.
Jeremy Buendia is a decorated competitor in bodybuilding but might not be done yet. He explained how he was bigger than he used to be and could make the switch to Classic Physique.
If this happens, there will be plenty of eyes on his performance. What we know is that he has the experience and drive needed to make a successful return.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Victor Martinez Pays Tribute To Cedric McMillan & Shares Favorite Memory
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Victor Martinez shares some memories with Cedric McMillan highlighting his intense focus and playful sense of humor
On April 12, 2022 the bodybuilding world lost another fantastic and vibrant bodybuilder – Cedric McMillan. He passed away at 44 years old, far too young and one of many over the past year that have left too soon. Many in the bodybuilding community have been paying tribute and sending condolences since the news was announced. After a training session at the Generation Iron Personal Training Facility, Victor Martinez recorded a video paying tribute and sharing some stories about the late Cedric McMillan.
While Victor Martinez was not extremely close with the bodybuilder, he had spent time with him a small handful of times. Two moments in particular took place at the Arnold Classic. Once in 2019 and a second time in 2021.
Many knew Cedric McMillan from his on stage persona – a very focused and thoughtful bodybuilder that aimed to make big changes to the sport with his more classic style physique. Despite the new Classic Physique division, McMillan remained in the Men’s Open category – seemingly looking to prove a classic style physique can stand tall as champion. He proved just that in 2017 when he won the Arnold Classic.
But despite this introspection and focus – Cedric McMillan was also a playful and funny man. This was seen in his interactions with Arnold Schwarzenegger after winning the 2017 Arnold Classic. It’s that side of McMillan that Victor Martinez focused on in his memories of the late bodybuilder.
Victor Martinez admitted that before meeting Cedric McMillan, he “never knew how to read him.” So his sudden witty bouts of humor surprised him on numerous occasions. One came in 2019 at the Arnold Classic. McMillan looked focus about to step on stage. As a sort of courtesy/small talk, Martinez asked him, “Are you alright?” Without a beat, McMillan responded with a grin, “You expect me to be Poppy Joe and laughing?” Victor Martinez appreciated both his humor and focus in the moment. Two qualities that would come to define the champion bodybuilder (alongside his fantastic physique).
Victor Martinez then shares a second story from last year’s 2021 Arnold Classic. Though neither were competing, they had an opportunity to speak and catch up backstage. Martinez had noticed that Cedric McMillan was working on building some sort of project on social media. Martinez asked him about it and McMillan responded, “Well, Vic, if you build something you probably have less kids.” Another funny quip without a beat.
While McMillan’s humor was evident on stage – his more focused and serious side normally took the lead. Which is why in his final words during his tribute message, Victor Martinez wanted to remember the light and humor behind Cedric McMillan’s personality:
“If you took him serious, you probably took him too serious. But he was a standup guy… and every word that came out of his mouth was nothing but truth. I wish everybody was like that. Cedric, miss you bro.”
– Victor Martinez
Cedric McMillan’s loss is yet another tragic moment in a rough to years for the sport of bodybuilding. Generation Iron would like to once again send condolences to the friends and family of McMillan at this time. As Victor Martinez said – he was a stand up guy and will truly be missed.
Grzegorz Szymanski To Compete At 2022 World’s Strongest Man Competition
Grzegorz Szymański will replace Mateusz Kieliszkowski during the event.
The 2022 World’s Strongest Man Competition will take place from May 24-29 in Sacramento. Now, there is a full lineup once again as Grzegorz Szymanski will step in and replace an injured Mateusz Kieliszkowski during the event.
Kieliszkowski recently made an announcement that he will be forced to miss the WSM competition with the same injury that held Jim out of the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic. This is now the third time that Kieliszkowski was forced to withdraw from this event. He finished as the runner-up in 2018 and 2019.
On Wednesday, Grzegorz Szymanski announced that he will now participate in the biggest event of the year.
Of course, this is not the first time that Grzegorz Szymanski will compete in the WSM competition. He has appeared in the show three times, finishing as high as eighth place in 2016. He has not appeared in a competition since 2017, when he was diagnosed with cancer.
In the late 2000s, the Polish strongman burst onto the scene. In 2007, Szymanski appeared in his first major competition during Poland’s Strongest Man. He finished third in a show that was won by Mariusz Pudzianowski. That event put Szymanski on the map and he was able to build off it and finish second during the 2008 Europe’s Strongest Man competition.
In 2014, Grzegorz Szymanski took home the title of Poland’s Strongest Man and appeared in his first WSM event. This is where he finished fourth in group three and was eliminated early. As good as he was in 2014, Szymanski was even better in 2016. He made it to the finals of the WSM competition and finished eighth before winning the Zydrunas Savickas Classic. In 2017, he was diagnosed with cancer and began treatments before undergoing surgery. This will be his return to competition.
2022 World’s Strongest Man Lineup
Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
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)
Peiman Maheripourehir (Iran)
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 Szymański (Poland)
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ben Chow Confirms Retirement, Takes New Path: ‘My Time On Stage Is Done’
Ben Chow discussed health issues that led to retirement decision.
Ben Chow did not spend much time in bodybuilding but he made an immediate impact that will be remembered by those who watched him. After coming into light during the 2020 season, Chow competed in a few shows before calling it a career. Now, he reiterated his decision and spoke on health concerns around the sport.
In a recent Instagram post, Chow explained how he is still retired and taking a new path in life. He also explained some personal health issues that would not benefit from carrying extra weight and taking steroids.
“My time on stage is done.–Something I have spent the last 6-8 months deliberating hard and something that I’ve battled back and forth with. My love for Bodybuilding and challenging myself burns brighter than ever, but I have to be realistic and honest. I have to recognise where I am at in live, what is important in the long run and where I can add value to those around me.As many of you know I had a Kidney infection in 2017/18 which progressed to sepsis, this caused a lot of stress and some damage to my Kidney function, which I have spent the last 4 years being very cautious to my approach in Bodybuilding to allow me to continue to push without regressing further. The reality is, being 290Lbs+, taking PEDs and redlining my body is just not a sensible strategy or something I NEED to do. I am in an incredibly fortunate position in both Life and Business and I am now able to accept this and embrace this new path in my life.”
Ben Chow earned his first victory during the 2021 Lee Labrada Classic. This was his fourth competition of his career. In 2020, Chow finished as the runner-up during his debut at the Texas State Championships. He retired following a third-place finish at the 2021 Texas Classic.
Chow outlined his battle with a kidney infection that turned into sepsis. This was a long road to recovery and Chow even spent time mulling over his decision of retirement. He also acknowledged the recent string of deaths around the sport when discussing his decision.
“This is of course very bitter sweet for me, but I am excited to redirect my time and passion to my Family and clients and be the best man, Husband, Father and coach I possibly can.”
Ben Chow will likely not return to competition but his impact on the sport will be remembered, despite its short tenure. Now, Chow will enjoy retirement by spending more time with his family.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hunter Labrada Continues Training With Heavy Squats, Hits 17 Reps Of 495 Pounds
Hunter Labrada feels good in the gym and this means he will continue training with big weight.
Hunter Labrada is working his way back up to moving huge weight in the gym and this will continue as long as he feels good. After a recent leg day, it seems as though Labrada feels just fine after completing 17 reps of 495-pound barbell squats.
Labrada took to Instagram to show off a set during a training session. He took on the squats using a lifting belt, knee wraps, and lifting shoes while resistance bands were wrapped around the barbell rack and looped around the bar.
“Mentioned this the last time I posted a leg day, but 3 leg sessions ago I strained my quad on the 11th rep with 585 on this setup. The next session I did very light loading that didn’t hurt it at all. The session before todays I got back under the bar and did a very cautious/gunshy 10 reps with 495.–Today I was still a little gunshy, not going to lie, but there wasn’t any pain like last session, just a little awareness in the previously injured area. From here I will start to progress the load again as long as everything feels good to go next session!”
Hunter Labrada has built incredible size and is one of the mass monsters in Men’s Open. It is because of workouts like this one. Labrada mentioned that he is working his way back up in weight after straining his quad during a 585-pound squat session. This is why he has been taking it easy for a few days but seems to have full strength back.
Labrada finished fourth during the 2021 Olympia. He entered the competition earning qualification from his victory during the Chicago Pro. Now, he is fully focused on the Olympia in December. This is where he will try to build off a finish where he was defeated by just three competitors — Big Ramy, Brandon Curry, and Hadi Choopan.
While Labrada has not competed officially, he has appeared on stage as a guest poser showing off some gains acquired this offseason. Labrada has focused on his legs along with adding thickness and width to his back.
Hunter Labrada continues to be one of the best in Men’s Open this year and that will be on full display during the Olympia. With the package that Labrada is building, it could be a special show once again.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Rudy Kadlub Sets Unofficial World Record With 523-Pound Deadlift On 73rd Birthday
Rudy Kadlub continues to be an elite powerlifter even at age 73.
Another year, another birthday that saw a huge lift for Rudy Kadlub. This time, the powerlifter decided to take on a huge 523-pound deadlift on his 73rd birthday. After pulling the weight, Kadlub set an unofficial deadlift world record, which he already holds in the Masters 70-74 division.
Kadlub positioned himself in a sumo stance before gabbing the bar with a mixed grip. He only used a lifting belt during the lift, which went up with ease. On his 72nd birthday last year, Kadlub completed a 520-pound deadlift. He decided to take it up a notch this time around.
“?? A great birthday session in the @kabukistrength Lab yesterday with a 523 pound heavy single in celebration of turning 73. Coach @brandon_senn was there to oversee this heavier session, and I’d say we chose a good number–anyone catch the significance of the number 5️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ and this particular birthday?”
Rudy Kadlub already holds the world record of 518 pounds in the U110 Masters 70-74 division. This lift is considered to be an unofficial world record and Kadlub could look to make it official during his next competition. As of now, Kadlub is planning to compete at the USPA Drug Tested National Championships on May 27-31 in Atlanta.
Kadlub has not been powerlifting his entire life. He began competing at 57 years old but found success quickly. Kadlub’s first competition came in 2006 and he has been featured in 37 since. Of those 37 competitions, Kadlub has 31 victories and is currently on a 22-event win streak.
Rudy Kadlub is scheduled to appear at the Drug Tested National Championships in May and this is an event where he has three victories. Following his birthday lift, Kadlub went in to celebrate.
“This lift was executed using the PR Deadlift Bar and a little liquid courage ?, birthday-style. Here’s to another year of great lifts and great friends in training and competing!”
Rudy Kadlub has a passion for fitness and he shows this in and out of the gym. He is the Co-Owner of Kabuki Strength, one of the world’s leading production companies of powerlifting equipment.
It would not be a surprise to see Kadlub take on a record-setting deadlift during his next competition. From the looks of this birthday lift, he has plenty in the tank to set some new marks in May.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Hulk Inspired Kid Natural INBA Bodybuilder Sojah Jackson to Become Natural Olympia Champion
Image via Instagram @sojahjackson
INBA kid athlete Sojah Jackson discusses superstar vision in a Generation Iron interview.
The Generation Iron team had a phone interview with International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) kid athlete Sojah Jackson’s father, Diontay Jackson. We discussed Sojah Jackson’s rise to 2021 Natural Olympia champion and the big aspirations Sojah Jackson plans to achieve.
Sojah Jackson is an INBA Kids and Teens Fitness competitor. He’s 12 years old and was the gold medal winner in the kid’s class at 2021 Natural Olympia in his second year competing. Sojah comes from a sports background and engaged in various sports before adding natural bodybuilding to his arsenal. He plays football and many combat sports, including boxing, muy Thai, and wrestling.
Sojah Jackson’s father, Diontay Jackson, says he structures Sojah’s training regimen based on the sports season. However, Diontay admits that it can be challenging to structure his bodybuilding training around his sports. For example, he has to be careful with leg hypertrophy during certain parts of the year depending on the sport Sojah is playing because it can affect his performance.
“If I loaded his legs, then it’s going to take away from his speed and agility training. I had to find a way to manipulate his training program with this.”
Segue to Natural Bodybuilding
Sojah’s favorite superhero is the Hulk, which first piqued his interest in bodybuilding. According to Diontay Jackson, Sojah aspired to look like his favorite superhero and was constantly flexing his muscles from a young age.
“Since he was little, his favorite character was Hulk. Ever since he was little we call him baby Hulk.”
Sojah asked his dad, “how can I look like superheroes?” Diontay encouraged his son that he could build the physique of a superhero, although he must do so naturally. That’s when Diontay did extensive research and knew that the INBA PNBA was the right move for his son.
Sojah Jackon’s Training and Nutrition
Below is a training clip of Sojah Jackson.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYFi2z0K3cC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Sojah’s workouts don’t include any weight training and instead have various other resistance training, such as calithenics, tire flips, waterbags, and sandbags. Jackson loads his muscle by increasing his muscle’s time under tension via prolonged reps – one rep will go through a 30-second eccentric (muscles lengthen) and 30-second concentric phase (muscles contract). He keeps in the 6-8 rep range and performs three sets.
Sojah trains about four days a week, but on his off days, he still puts in work in other ways, e.g., meditation and education. And on the seventh day, Sojah and his father have fun. They like to say the catchphrase “load and grow.”
Sojah Jackson limits processed foods and eats a high protein diet of 1.5g/lbs of bodyweight. As a result, he’s more flexible with carbs and fat, but his sugar intake is limited.
Sojah Jackson’s Aspirations and Personal LIfe
Sojah Jackson plans to be a superstar. He wants to be a WWE champion and bodybuilder. And his father told him one way to be a WWE superstar is through bodybuilding.
Sojah already chants the slogan, “Sojah Up.” Sojah’s name is an acronym for Showing Others Joy And Happiness. Diontay’s Jackson hopes his son can inspire other kids to enter the sport of natural bodybuilding.
Sojah Jackson spends his time outside of training and competing, learning about NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and cryptocurrencies. Jackson also likes riding scooters and being in nature. Sojah’s favorite bodybuilders include Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Ronnie Coleman, and Mike O’Hearn.
Sojah Jackson is currently prepping for the INBA PNBA’s upcoming show in May, Pikes Peak Classic, in Sojah’s Colorado home state.
Share this on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to inspire kids and teens who yearn to be the next bodybuilding champion!
GI’s Ehsan Farahi & Edwin Mejia Jr. Face Off In Weightlifting Grip Challenge
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Ehsan Farahi and Edwin Mejia Jr. hit the Generation Iron Personal Training facility for a Generation Iron grip challenge
The Generation Iron Personal Training Facility in New York is only a short trip away from the GI headquarters. So some key members of our team decided to take a trip up for a workout just north of NYC. However, before the team jumped into a workout proper – GI Persia’s Ehsan Farahi and GI co-founder Edwin Mejia Jr. decided to face off in a friendly challenge. With a camera ready to go – Ehsan and Edwin decided to face off in a grip challenge to see who could grip the largest weight (and most likely determine who had the bigger hands).
You can watch the full grip challenge video above. The challenge itself consisted of a full row of dumbbell weights in line from lightest to heaviest. Each challenger started with the lowest weight and took turns gripping and lifting the dumbbell. As the weight increased, the challenge expanded – and their fingers needed to stretch a little bit more. But at what weight was their limit? And who ultimately stood tall as the victor? You’ll have to check the quick video in full to find out.
Looking to try the grip challenge yourself? Feel free to share your recorded grip challenge face offs and tag Generation Iron on social media. Maybe your video will get highlighted and featured on our channel.
Generation Iron Personal Training is also expanding – with franchise opportunities for both aspiring and current gym owners. Looking to start a gym using the Generation Iron brand? Or do already have a gym and want to convert towards becoming a part of the GI movement?
Visit our official gym franchise page right here for more information and sign up for an opportunity to franchise with Generation Iron today!
Here are some benefits of joining our Generation Iron Personal Training franchise:
Global Brand
Generation Iron is a global brand known first and foremost for our bodybuilding feature film documentaries. Over the course of the past ten years, Generation Iron has grown into a multimedia entity known globally. Becoming a franchise member provides you access to the Generation Iron brand name, marketing support, and assets known by the world over. You won’t be just any training facility, you will be a part of the GI movement.
A System That Works
Generation Iron has developed a unique system that puts both the trainer and the gym member experience first. We support local business leaders with certified training licenses and provide the facilities and support to help fitness trainers and entrepreneurs. As a franchise owner, you will own the facilities and the equipment – and then rent out those facilities in up to 5 hour increments to personal trainers local to your area.
Build A Legacy
As a Generation Iron PT franchise owner, you will have the opportunity to become the pillar of the bodybuilding community in your region. Bodybuilding and fitness is more popular than ever before. As a franchise owner, you can have a direct impact in helping further that growth and support. You’ll also be an entrepreneur. As your own business owner – you will build a legacy not only for yourself but for future generations to come.