Tag: nEWS
Sean Hayes Sets New Silver Dollar Deadlift World Record with 1,235-Pound Lift
Sean Hayes made this lift official during his last outing.
Sean Hayes continues to impress in the sport of powerlifting. On April 2, he took a new step forward setting the Silver Dollar deadlift world record at the 2022 Strongman Corporation Canada King & Queen Of The Throne event. Hayes loaded up 560.2kg (1,235lb) on the bar and completed the lift during his second attempt.
The Silver Dollar deadlift gets its name because of the setup. This is a partial deadlift (18 inches) that has the stacks of plates on a plate tree and enclosed in boxes attacked to the barbell. Hayes took to Instagram to shared his record-setting lift.
“soooo I did a thing
All time WORLD RECORD in the silver dollar deadlift & heaviest deadlift of any kind in any competition ever.
1235lbs
This was my 2nd attempt, I attempted closer to 1300lbs on my 3rd but she wasn’t there today.”
Sean Hayes attacked the weight without shoes wearing a lifting belt and straps. Hayes weighed 330 pounds at the time of this lift meaning he moved nearly four times his own body weight — and he still had some left to attempt a heavier lift.
Hayes decided to load up 589.7kg (1,300lb) on the barbell but failed his final attempt. This is a number that we will likely see Hayes attempt in the future.
Anthony Pernice held the previous record of 550kg (1,212lb), which he set at the United States Strongman Farm Strong Record Breaker event in July 2020. Hayes was able to break this record at just his third professional strongman contest.
In 2021, Hayes made appearances at the 2021 Official Strongman Games (7th place) and 2021 Canada’s Strongest Man (3rd place). Since making this list official, Hayes contracted COVID-19 and was forced to take some time off from the gym. He will likely be back soon and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.
Sean Hayes competed in just the deadlift potion of his most recent competition. It was a show that featured five events but he decided to put all of his energy into setting this deadlift record. It is likely that he tries to set a higher mark next time out, even if it is the 1,300-pound mark that eluded him just two weeks ago.
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Derek Lunsford Takes Down 100-Rep Challenge Using 315-Pound Barbell Squats
212 Olympia champ Derek Lunsford took on a new challenge during his leg day workout.
Derek Lunsford got over the hump during the 2021 Olympia and is now looking to remain at the top. The current 212 champion took on the 100-rep challenge during his most recent leg day sing 315-pound barbell squats. This came after some sets on other machines to get the maximum pump in his legs.
The 28-year-old bodybuilder has been consistent in the 212 division over the years but has been unable to reach the pinnacle. That changed in October when he beat Shaun Clarida, who was the favorite entering the weekend. Lunsford has a chance to make it two in a row this year and he is gearing up his prep toward that goal.
Lunsford went through a huge leg day workout and added a twist in the middle. It began with seated leg extensions and lying leg curls. He completed 15-20 reps during sets to get the necessary warmup before moving on in the workout. Lunsford spoke on leg days and how they are important to bodybuilding, despite not being a favorite.
“As much as it sucks in the moment, these are the days I live for. This is why I do what I do and I love it,” Derek Lunsford said.
Derek Lunsford began his quest for 100 reps in the middle of the workout. He loaded 315 on the squat rack and took down the first two sets of 20 reps with ease. Wearing a lifting belt, Lunsford attacked the third and fourth set, where he added an extra rep to make it 21. This is where it began to look a bit challenging.
This is no easy feat but Lunsford was dedicated to setting the goal that he set for that day. The fifth set was grueling but Lunsford tackled all 100 reps and was able to move on in the workout.
“I think if you look at yourself and say what is my best and can I beat it, you keep that as your focus, that’s a champion mentality man!”
Derek Lunsford finished the workout with two sets of leg press and standing single-leg curls. At this point, he had plenty of pump in his legs following his 100 reps on the squat rack.
There is no doubt that Lunsford is going to enter the Olympia this year looking his absolute best. With workouts and goals like this, Lunsford is building a championship physique and it will be exciting to see how it progresses over the summer.
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Phil Heath Pays Tribute to the Late Cedric McMillan
Phil Heath pays tribute to Cedric McMillan.
Phil Heath recently paid tribute to the late Cedric McMillan. The bodybuilding world is still reeling from the passing of the popular bodybuilder and Heath is no exception.
The passing of Cedric McMillan shocked the bodybuilding world and rocked it to its core. No one could have guessed that McMillan would pass away at such a young age. Everyone in the bodybuilding community has been deeply effected by the passing of the standout bodybuilder. One individual in particular who was crushed by his passing is seven-time Olympia champion Phil Heath.
Knowing Cedric McMillan for quite some time, Phil Heath was directly effected by the passing of his fellow bodybuilding competitor. The two shared the stage on multiple occasions and also trained together many times in the past. Heath like the rest of the community is still reeling from the passing of McMillan.
Tribute to a Fallen Comrade
In a recent post to Instagram Phil Heath paid tribute to Cedric McMillan with a heartfelt message.
I’m still in shock over the passing of Cedric McMillan yesterday. My heart definitely hurts, but I find it important that I celebrate him for the awesome Man he was to me and others.
Meeting Ced back in the day was so cool because I found it so great to see a physique which I felt was worthy of amassing many top championships.
Traveling around the world was always special as Ced would typically be the one who would have no qualms at cracking jokes, making us all lighten up a bit. Seeing him compete and share also the stage together was cool no doubt, but I will remember his positive energy, no matter what adversity he was dealing with.
Ced, my heart aches but I know that God makes no mistakes and although I am upset that you’re not with us, I know you’ve imprinted some positive WITHIN US!!!!
Thank you for your friendship and of course bodybuilding brotherhood.
My condolences out to your family and friends. May we joke, lift and laugh again someday.
????
Always positive and willing to bring levity with his own brand of humor, Cedric McMillan was truly a joy to be around. His warmth and positive attitude brought joy to those around him. McMillan will be deeply missed.
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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.
Martyn Ford Down 58 Pounds Since Boxing Training Began: ‘Getting Back To Feeling 21 Again’
Martyn Ford has seen significant changes in his physique since he began boxing prep.
Martyn Ford might not be fighting the Iranian Hulk anymore but this does not mean that he will stop training the way he has been, especially when he is seeing incredible results. Ford has admitted that he has lost 58 pounds since he began training like a boxer.
Ford took to social media to express how he is feeling the best he has in years. Ford was training with heavy weights and this is how he has built incredible mass. Once he made the transition to boxing, Ford was able to cut weight but maintained his shredded physique.
“Lifting big ass weights VS Boxing …… 360lbs vs 302 lb ….. October I started this journey, and like anything I’ve done in life that I’ve really wanted to do, I’ve given absolutely EVERYTHING and more. This is by far the best and healthiest I’ve felt in years, getting back to feeling 21 again is insane …. if you have a serious goal to achieve get in touch today …. link in BIO … www.martynfordcoaching.com”
It was announced two weeks ago that Martyn Ford would no longer be taking with the Iranian Hulk. Ford made the announcement via Instagram explaining that the event is still on but he would not be featured. There will now be a new main event for the night of boxing on April 30 at the O2 Arena in London.
The Iranian Hulk did not take well to this announcement responding that the cancellation came from Ford’s side and he was going to sue. Ford made a statement once again explaining that the fight was canceled for health and safety reasons along with concerns about mental well-being following a television interview by Sajad Gharibi.
Before the fight was canceled, Ford was sharing videos of his training. He was focusing on speed and agility rather than strength like he has in the past. Clearly, this led to a major physique change and this is something that Ford is interested in maintaining.
Martyn Ford has been linked to other opponents but it is unknown who he will take on in the ring. It seems like Ford still has a chance to step in the ring in the coming months.
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Chris Bumstead And Brett Wilkin Put Together Back Workout To Build Size And Width
Chris Bumstead joined Brett Wilkin in the gym to put together a massive back workout.
Chris Bumstead is at the top of Classic Physique and has been for years. The reigning three-time Olympia champion has been putting in massive work in the gym looking for his fourth consecutive title in December. Recently, he joined Brett Wilkin down in Florida for a back workout that will build incredible size.
Wilkin is one of the up-and-coming talents in bodybuilding. He is coming off an Arnold Classic performance that saw him place sixth. He began as a 212 competitor but was able to put on the necessary size to make the switch to Men’s Open. As for Bumstead, he is back in the gym and looking as strong as ever.
Chris Bumstead spent some time out of the gym early in the year because of complications with COVID-19. Now, he is back to training for the Olympia and looking like the champion that he has been for years now. Down in Stuart, FL, Bumstead and Wilkin were led by coach Matt Jansen at the Revive Gym.
Back Workout
Chris Bumstead and Brett Wilkin took on the same workout but hit the exercises for different amounts of sets and reps. This depends on what the lifter was trying to accomplish with this particular workout.
Lat Pulldown – Bumstead 2 sets of 10, Wilkin 7 reps
Iso Row Machine – Bumstead 3 sets, 10, 7, and 3 reps, Wilkin 2 sets, 10 and 3 reps
Chest Supported T-Bar Row – Bumstead and Wilkin, 1 set, 4 reps
Cable Triceps Pushdown – Bumstead 3 sets, 8, 10, and 14 reps, Wilkin 2 sets, 5 and 15 reps
Seated Cable Low Row – Bumstead, 1 set, 11 reps
Over the course of the workout, both Chris Bumstead and Brett Wilkin were sharing their technique performing the exercises. Bumstead explains how he squeezes each rep at the top to maximize results and stretch. This also helps posing as he is comfortable with flexing and squeezing muscles.
“I really focus now on my back through at least three of the exercises. I actually hold each rep in the contraction. So I squeeze my back like I’m hitting a pose on stage and then I let it go. It really helps me build my mind muscle connection, not as it can go heavy but it helps,” Bumstead said.
You may have noticed that there were not many sets performed in each exercise. This is something that Bumstead explained in the video. He likes to keep volume low but gives great attention to detail during each rep. He practices slow contractions to build tension and this maximizes results despite the small number of sets.
Chris Bumstead is used to training with the mass monsters in Men’s Open, including his brother-in-law Iain Valliere. This time, he was able to join another young prospect in the sport and crush a back workout.
“Alright so that’s a wrap on today’s back workout. Did a pretty successful training session as always, we keep the volume decently low, and do 1 or 2 working sets but it’s all you need for gas, by the end you can’t even pull anymore because we’re actually putting the work in on each set. So it’s good training with Mr. Brett over here,” Bumstead said.
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Shaun Clarida Hits Offseason Arm Workout That Will Split Your Sleeves
Shaun Clarida continues to build incredible size during his offseason training.
Shaun Clarida is a former Olympia champion in the 212 division. He won this honor in 2020 before being upset by Derek Lunsford in 2021. Clarida might be looking to step it up in divisions and an arm workout like this can help build necessary size.
Clarida made his Men’s Open debut during the 2021 Legion Sports Fest. He won the competition and earned qualification to the Olympia in the Men’s Open division. To this point, it is unknown if he will compete and if he does, which division it will be. Clarida has expressed interest in competing in both 212 and Men’s Open.
If he is to make his Olympia debut in Men’s Open, Shaun Clarida will certainly have some competition. The caliber of talent is high and this is why Clarida will have to continue to build size. This arm workout is one that can help accomplish this goal if Clarida has his eye on Las Vegas in December.
Shaun Clarida Full Arm Workout
Tricep Rope Pushdown
The tricep rope pushdown began the arm workout for Clarida. He explained that he likes to begin his workouts with isolation arm workouts to warm up the biceps and triceps. This allows Clarida to get comfortable before performing more complex movements. He began with two warmups before two to three working sets.
Cable Curl
After warming up the triceps, Clarida begins to work the biceps a bit. He uses a D-Handle during this workout because of the benefits of the grip. Clarida performed two warmup sets before two to three working sets. The final set was a unilateral variation where he performed a umber of sets with one arm before moving to the other.
Single-Arm Overhead Tricep Extension
This is another isolated motion from Shaun Clarida during this workout. He explains that this is one of his favorite movements in the gym because of the pump that it gives his triceps. This is the first exercise that begins a normalized three set, 10-rep plan.
EZ Bar Curl x Underhand D-Handle Tricep Pressdown
Clarida performs this exercise with an EZ Bar because it removes wrist mobility during the lift. This barbell also helps build muscle-fiber recruitment. Clarida takes on this workout with a 30-pound barbell before working it up to 100 pounds. Following the EZ Bar curls, Clarida supersets them with an underhand D-Handle pressdown. This is a movement that isolates the long head of the triceps.
Cross-Body Dumbbell Hammer Curl
One of the final exercises of the day are cross-body dumbbell hammer curls. This is a neutral-grip curl that works the brachialis in the bicep. Clarida has been a mass monster on stage and this is necessary as he begins to transition to Men’s Open. This is a workout to build that size and thickness for the stage.
Overhead Cable Extension
The final workout of the day came while seated on a military bench. Clarida set the machine at shoulder height to perform the overhead cable extension. This is a variation of a skull crusher, which is another big-time workout to build size in the triceps.
Shaun Clarida Arm Workout Breakdown
Tricep Rope Pushdown: 6-7 sets of 10, double drop set on the final set
Cable Curl: 6-7 sets of 10
Single-Arm Overhead Tricep Extension: 3 sets of 10
EZ-Bar Curl: 3 sets of 10
Underhand D-handle Tricep Pressdown: 3 sets of 10
Cross-Body Dumbbell Hammer Curl: 3 sets of 10
Overhead Cable Extension: 3 sets of 10
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Natural Bodybuilder Jordon James Shares the Secret to Losing Weight and Getting Ripped
Image via Instagram @jordonjames_
INBA PNBA Natural Olympia competitor Jordon James says early morning fasted cardio is the secret to losing weight.
Exercise is essential to losing weight and getting ripped, but everyone in the fitness game long enough knows that it’s what you eat that gives you a chiseled physique. Although, there is one secret morning exercise James claims has been a game-changer for getting shredded. International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) Natural Olympia competitor Jordon James recently revealed his diet and secret to losing weight on a podcast.
Jordon James competes in the Men’s Physique category. James made his natural bodybuilding debut in 2021 at INBA PNBA Iron Gladiator, where he received gold medals across the board and won all classes. Soon after, he received 1st place in his pro debut and second bodybuilding show at the INBA PNBA Clash of the Titans on Saturday, August 28, 2021, in Hermosa, California.
Jordon James was interviewed by The Prodcast With Prodigy podcast, where he spoke openly about his diet. James stated:
“It’s so fulfilling when you put the work in and you train hard, and you do what you’re supposed to do with your diet, and you look at your body in 6 weeks or however long you’re prepping and your body like looks good.”
Diet and Secret to Losing Weight
James went on to detail his diet, which consists of egg whites and oatmeal for breakfast and two lunches – ground turkey or chicken breasts with spinach and rice. Before a workout, he’ll have a protein shake, and his post-workout meal is more chicken, rice, and spinach. Lastly, before bed, he’ll have a protein shake.
Jordon James revealed the secret to losing weight and getting ripped is fasted cardio. Although, admittedly, he says it’s no secret. James claimed:
“Every morning, the secret. No, it’s not a secret. A lot of people know. But the secret is fasted cardio. Which is doing cardio when you have an empty stomach which helps you lose weight. And usually, the best time to do that is as soon as you get up early in the morning.”
Of course, James does have a pretty rigid diet, which is a vital part of losing weight and getting ripped. But James says early morning fasted cardio does wonders for weight loss.
James says he prefers to do his fasted cardio on the StairMaster. He says it’s perfect for sweating a lot and preserving muscle mass. And he does it every morning at 5:30 for 45 minutes – 1 hour when he’s prepping for shows (an hour as he gets closer to the show). And he dials back a bit on the StairMaster during the offseason to 30 minutes.
Jordon James uploaded a clip from the podcast below where he goes into detail about his diet.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcJUMJmoqyK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Recap
According to professional natural bodybuilder Jordon James, if you want to lose weight and get ripped fast, you’ll want to focus on your diet and eat ample protein. But also include fasted cardio into your plan, preferably in the morning.
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Cedric McMillan Has Passed Away At 44 Years Old
Beloved pro bodybuilder Cedric McMillan has reportedly passed away
Arnold Classic champion pro bodybuilder Cedric McMillan has passed away at 44 years old – close sources to Generation Iron and family members have confirmed. The tragic news comes shortly after McMillan was very open about his past heart issues and near death experience in 2021.
Though the details have not been confirmed, sources state that Cedric McMillan suffered a heart attack while on the treadmill. The pro bodybuilder had been delaying his return to competitive bodybuilding due to his health issues – but was very optimistic about being able to return to the stage at some point in 2022.
To many, Cedric McMillan was the return of the “classic” look that so many fans wanted to see in Men’s Open bodybuilding. His presence, and his eventual win at the Arnold Classic 2017, may have helped in part bring the Classic Physique division into fruition. Though McMillan remained in the Men’s Open division himself.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was very optimistic about Cedric McMillan’s physique – and held it up as the pinnacle of what modern bodybuilders should look like in the sport. McMillan was never able to regain another Arnold Classic trophy, nor win a Mr. Olympia event.
In December 2021, Cedric McMillan spoke openly about a near-death experience he suffered due to heart issues. This ultimately kept him out of his planned competitions such as the Legion Sports Fest Pro and the Arnold Classic. McMillan was focusing on recovery but also saw the event as a wake up call for his health and future tactics in the sport.
This story is still developing and Generation Iron will update with further information as it becomes available. The entire staff at Generation Iron sends condolences to friends and family of Cedric McMillan at this time.
Jacob Ladon is a staff writer and former amateur bodybuilder. He has been passionate about bodybuilding since he was 15 years old and discovered the joys of training in the gym. He reports and comments on all bodybuilding related matters.
Joe Rogan Believes Liver King Is On Steroids: ‘That’s Not A Natural Body’
Joe Rogan recently spoke out against Liver King’s natural status.
Joe Rogan covers many areas on his podcast with many different guests. This ranges from politics to life hacks to different topics in the world of fitness. Recently, the conversation between Rogan and a guest got on the topic of Brian Johnson, better known as Liver King.
Rogan has been involved in fitness and fighting for years now. He is not a competitor himself but carries a lot of knowledge on the subject. This includes being a big-time carnivore himself, which we have seen as he has tackled the carnivore diet on two separate occasions.
On a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan weighed in on Liver King’s physique and believes that he is not natural despite his claims.
“No that’s a gimmick, that guy. He’s got an ass filled with steroids is what he gots. That’s not a natural body. That guy is shooting all kinds of shit into his system to achieve that kind of physique,” Joe Rogan said.
Liver King is known for his unorthodox diet plan eating raw meats. He has taken on a lifestyle of living off the land and believes that he gains nutrients in many different ways of raw meat and living off the land.
This is another topic that Rogan has disagreed with. He has discussed the topic with many experts that have appeared on his show and they do not believe there is any benefit to raw meat.
“Look, I don’t even know if there’s a benefit in eating raw meat. From what I’ve understood, talking to experts, there’s actually a lot gained from cooking because there’s more, because the protein becomes more bioavailable.
Eating raw meat like that, you’re not getting as much of the actual nutrients from it. Maybe you’re getting some additional factors from the fact that you’re getting like a rare piece of meat with blood and stuff like that. Maybe there’s other things. Maybe you’re getting too much protein if you’re eating a giant steak and it’s cooked well.”
Joe Rogan specifically referenced Derek from More Plates More Dates. He is a YouTube sensation who has studied this exact diet plan. Rogan claims that Derek did not find a benefit from Liver King eating “liver and testicles and drinking blood.”
The physique of Liver King is undeniable and remains fully intact. This is the reason that it has been brought into question and there are many that do not believe he could have built that physique naturally. Joe Rogan seems to be on that list.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares Advice From Reg Park That Changed His Life
Arnold Schwarzenegger shares career changing advice from Reg Park.
Arnold Schwarzenegger shares the advice given to him by Reg Park that really changed his life and career. The legendary bodybuilder shared what his idol had to tell him in his most recent newsletter.
It’s great that we still have legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger around to talk about the good old days of the sport. There’s nothing quite like getting quality advice from a legend from a different era of the game. Schwarzenegger provides that and more as he is able to pass on teaching from those even older than him who showed him the ropes. Now the legend of the Golden Era is passing on the lessons his idol Reg Park gave him that helped shape his career.
Sage Advice
In a recent newsletter Arnold Schwarzenegger shared the piece of advice given to him by Reg Park that changed his life. Schwarzenegger spoke on the reality that he needed to put his pride to one side and allow Park’s criticisms to sink in.
“I actually love hearing criticism, because that’s how we improve. I told one of the redditors this story, and I thought it might be a good lesson for all of you.
“When I went to train with my hero, Reg Park, he pulled out a tape measure and measured my calves and my biceps.
“He said, “Arnold, your calves are 19 inches and your biceps are 21 inches. You might win Mr. Universe like this, but you’ll never go all the way. You need to build up your calves. Every step you take is a 250 pound calf raise. So to grow, you are going to have to go as heavy as possible, and you’re going to need to do 10-15 sets every single day.”
Putting Aside Ego
Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed how putting his ego aside and listening to Park pushed him to another level. By mastering his ego Schwarzenegger was able to take his physique to new heights.
“It rattled my cage so much because I was young and at first I thought, “I’m a Mr. Universe, why is he giving me a beating?” But I put aside my pride and I listened to him. I trained the hell out of my calves. I was loading the calf raise machine up to 700 pounds, doing 15 sets every day. I was hitting them with donkey raises with half the bodybuilders in the gym on my back. I left no stone unturned. I was relentless.
“I trained like Reg Park told me to, and the results were exactly what he said they would be: My calves were 21 inches and because of that, my body was much more symmetrical. Naturally, I thanked Reg for his advice. Even though it was painful to hear at first, it made me better, and I learned to turn off my ego and be grateful for criticism.”
Always Seeking to Improve
Arnold Schwarzenegger continued to discuss how he always looked for criticism to self improve.
“After every competition, I went to the judges and asked them to point out my flaws. Even when I won. I never wanted to hear about my strengths. I wanted to hear everything they thought was wrong so that I could continue to improve. I needed to hear my weak spots.
“Bodybuilders (hell, everyone) love to focus on their strong points, when we grow the most by doing the opposite. So when I criticize stomachs or calves, I’m hoping to be what Reg Park was for me. Honest criticism is how I grew.”
What do you think about Arnold Schwarzenegger and his advice to put the ego aside to achieve the best version of yourself?
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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.