Tag: nEWS
Dexter Jackson is Still Training Hard in Retirement at 210 Lbs, Hints at Big News
Dexter Jackson is hints at big news as he trains hard in the gym.
The legend Dexter Jackson may be retired from competition but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still pushing hard in the gym. Jackson is definitely downsized since we last saw him, but he definitely has plenty of muscle on his frame. The 2008 Olympia champion is looking strong and is even hinting at big news to come.
Jackson has always been sharp as a blade. Whether in season or off season, Jackson has always been in great shape. The one-time Olympia champion is looking incredible even in retirement. Jackson is the winningest bodybuilder of all-time. With every triumphant victory Jackson further cemented his legacy as an all-time great bodybuilder.
After retiring from competition, the bodybuilding community saw firsthand how Dexter Jackson downsized. Jackson was once over 220lbs. Now the bodybuilding legend has downsized to 210lbs. But that by no means suggests he’s lost a step. On the contrary. Jackson is still training hard and looking strong in the gym.
Still in Top Form
Recently Dexter Jackson posted a video of himself training chest with some hefty dumbbells. In the video Jackson looked as strong as ever as he pushed the weight with ease.
Jackson also made another post recently. In this post of Jackson performing bicep training he hinted at big news coming.
Oh yeah we working!! Still sitting at 210 baby!!! Got something big coming up so follow my journey!! ???????
With “something big” on the horizon it’s clear that Dexter Jackson is still a man to watch in the bodybuilding community.
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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.
Natural Bodybuilding Pro Classic Physique Competitor Describes How to Build Monstrous Legs
PNBA Pro Classic Physique contender Kevin Hack describes how to build monstrous legs.
Training your legs may not be the most fun muscle group to train, especially if you’re a typical gym-bro that loves the barbell bench press – which guy doesn’t! Although training your legs is imperative for a well-proportioned physique, especially for competitive bodybuilders who need their legs to pop out when they’re posing on stage. INBA PNBA Pro Classic Physique competitor describes the essential things you need to do to build monstrous legs. On Instagram, Kevin Hack stated:
“The best way to grow some JOOCY Legs is to pick 4-5 exercises, get REALLY strong in the 5-20 rep ranges, add weight over time, eat in a CALORIE SURPLUS, and be VERY patient. That’s it.”
You can see Kevin Hack performing Romanian deadlifts, leg extension, and seated hamstring curls below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYDIBg2Dm9T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Kevin Hack earned his pro card in the INBA PNBA league in September of 2021 after receiving first place in the Classic Physique division at an INBA PNBA pro qualifier competition held at Steel Beach Gym. He also earned a silver medal in the Bodybuilding class. Interestingly, Hack is also an NYC actor/singer.
How to Build Muscle Mass in Your Legs
As Kevin Hack said, you’ll want to focus on 4-5 exercises. Instead of mixing up your routine too often or performing too many different movements. Because you’ll want to stick with the same few movements for long enough to build adequate strength on each exercise. If you switch up your workouts too often, you’ll never maximize muscle mass.
Secondly, Hack recommends getting as strong as possible in the 5-20 rep range and adding weight over time. Adding weight to your workouts as often as possible is a cornerstone to building muscle mass and is known as the progressive overload principle. To continue to make progress with your physique, placing your muscle under a stimulus it hasn’t experienced before is critical.
Additionally, Hack says you should be in a caloric surplus. You need to eat more calories than your body is burning to maximize muscle growth, especially if you’re not a beginner anymore – which is why bodybuilders go through a long bulk season!
Finally, Kevin Hack says you need to be patient. Everyone who’s been lifting for years, especially bodybuilders, knows that consistency and time are imperative to build a compelling body.
Natural Bodybuilding
In the sport of natural bodybuilding, it’s extra essential to build your physique with the correct strategies since natural athletes can’t rely on steroids and other PEDs to enhance their physique. Innovative training is especially critical in the INBA PNBA league. That’s because they vet their athletes through the most intensive drug testing laboratories – World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) compliant. As a result, going undetected is less likely to happen through WADA drug-testing standards. Likewise, the Olympics use WADA, and it’s regarded as the most elite drug testing standard for professional athletes.
Generation Iron wishes Kevin Hack good luck in his 2022 professional INBA PNBA season!
Check out the athlete profile of the first woman (Alondra Chatman) to sign a first multi-media contract with Generation Iron, Iron Man Magazine, and the INBA PNBA here.
P.S. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more INBA PNBA pro hacks on building your best physique!
PFL Announces Multi-Year Deal With RedCon1 As Nutrition And Supplement Partner
RedCon1 will sponsor all PFL season events in this new deal.
The Professional Fighters League has announced a multi-year deal with REDCON1 as the Official Performance, Active Nutrition, and Supplement Partner.
In this deal, REDCON1 will sponsor all PFL regular season events on ESPN and PFL Challenger Series events on Fubo TV. REDCON1 will also now be able to provide PFL athletes with supplements.
“The Professional Fighters League is excited to partner with REDCON1 beginning with the upcoming Season and PFL Challenger Series,” said PFL CRO Jon Tuck in a recent press release. “REDCON1 and the PFL are two energetic brands which share a passion for the health and wellness of world-class athletes.”
“REDCON1 is the fastest growing sports nutrition brand, and through this multi-year partnership, we’re focused on extending our brand’s message and reach to new consumers looking to get the most out of their workout and workday,” said Eric Hart, President and co-owner of REDCON1.
The PFL is one of the fastest growing sports’ leagues. This gives fighters a chance to compete in a regular season format, along with playoffs and a championship. It was streamed live to 160 countries around the world last year. This is only going to continue to grow and that is the plan as this agreement is made.
REDCON1 continues to be a mission-based brand founded to create high quality supplements for people that need to get the most out of their day, whether it be in the gym or daily life. REDCON1 supplements are available at many stores in 80 countries around the world.
“As a tech-enabled active nutrition company, we’re excited to create interactive, immersive experiences in collaboration with the PFL’s technology-enhanced SMARTCAGE backed by notable investors Kevin Hart, Tony Robbins, and Wiz Khalifa,” said Ryan Monahan, Chief Marketing Officer of REDCON1.
The terms of the deal between REDCON1 and the PFL were not disclosed in the press release but it will be a multi-year agreement. This will allow both companies to help the other when it comes to promotion and exposure.
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Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Frank Zane Shows Mike O’Hearn Great Exercise That Is Not Done Much Today
Mike O’Hearn joined Frank Zane for a workout including movements that are not done as frequently.
Frank Zane is one of the all-time great bodybuilders. At 79 years old, he has not stopped training in the gym and continues to share some of his knowledge with others. Recently, Zane was joined by Mike O’Hearn where the two went through some exercises that you might not see much today.
O’Hearn continues to show off a strong physique at 52 years old. He is a former Mr. Universe champion who has built an incredible following. O’Hearn has appeared on many magazine covers because of his natural physique.
Zane is known for being one of the pioneers of bodybuilding. He had battles with Arnold Schwarzenegger and even defeated the best to ever do it back in 1968. Zane went onto win the Mr. America and Mr. Universe title that same year. Over 50 years later, Zane still trains in his home gym and is not shy about helping others.
Mike O’Hearn has taken the same path as Frank Zane in recent years and shared a recent video to his YouTube page showing the encounter.
In the video, Zane is seen coaching O’Hearn during a set of dumbbell pullovers. Zane explains that this is a great exercise that is not performed much anymore. O’Hearn continues with a question to Zane asking what he would say if someone said that the lift causes injury.
“Maybe they would (get hurt), but that’s not me. So who cares anyway you know? I never was concerned with what people say. When I was in the gym, I never even talked to people. I just go in there and train,” Frank zane responded.
“Why don’t you go on social media and show them how to do it the right way? We don’t even have to mention them. Instead of going after people’s natives and criticizing, that’s just giving them attention. Just go out with something positive and say ‘ this is the way you do it.”
Mike O’Hearn went through movements and techniques of Frank Zane and likes hi mentality. He has been training for over 60 years and this mindset has not wavered one bit.
“You’ve got an old-school mentality that I just love. Because I feel like that it’s around the ones I came up with and everything. It’s like ‘yeah, great response it’ll hurt you it won’t hurt me’ it’ll enhance me. It was a minor change but I loved it better than what I do. It was more of a stretch than an over-exaggeration of technique.” Mike O’Hearn said.
Both Mike O’Hearn and Frank Zane have remained in great shape over the years. Contrary to belief, just because a motion is unorthodox or awkward, it does not mean that it will cause injury. This is exactly what Zane was showing here. In fact, it might be the most effective.
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Graham Hicks Will Miss 2022 Britain’s Strongest Man Due To Groin Injury
Graham Hicks will be forced to miss some time after suffering a groin injury.
Graham Hicks is no stranger to the Britain’s Strongest Man competition. He was victorious in 2019 but has been dealing with injuries since. The strongman will be forced to miss the 2022 Britain’s Strongest Man with a groin injury.
Hicks suffered the same injury prior to the 2021 World’s Strongest Man contest and was sidelined. He shared an explanation on his YouTube page. This is the reason Hicks will miss the show and you can even see when the discomfort began.
Graham Hicks explained that it was difficult to go through any of the movements necessary to a strongman. He quickly went to a doctor to check out the injury and figure out just how serious it was.
“At the moment, I’m not able to train in any of the events without significant discomfort.
I’m going to do everything that Stuart [the doctor] said, I’m going to really try to train smart and be patient, and hopefully it will pay off.”
This is a nagging injury that Hicks has been dealing with for over a year now. He has discovered different ways to train around the injury and has competed through it. Because the injury has not completely healed, Hicks will be forced to miss time while the groin strengthens.
After being victorious at the 2019 Britain’s Strongest Man event, Hicks missed the 2020 show with an undisclosed injury. In 2021, he won bronze and finished behind Tom Stoltman and Adam Bishop. Stoltman is the reigning champion while Bishop won the event in 2020. Both competitors will be present at the 2022 show and will highlight a group of 10 competitors.
2022 Britain’s Strongest Man Roster
Gavin Bilton
Adam Bishop
Andy Black
Mark Felix
Shane Flowers
Desmond Gahan
Pa O’Dwyer
Paul Smith
Luke Stoltman
Tom Stoltman
Graham Hicks was one of the contenders to win this event heading in. With his name out of the lineup, there will be another spot open for someone to slide into.
There is no timetable on Hicks’ return or when he will be able to compete again. It is likely that he will do what it takes to return quickly, especially since he has been training with the injury for a year now. The 2022 Britain’s Strongest Man competition is set to take place on Feb. 26 at the Utility Arena in Sheffield, England.
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Pillow Fighting Becomes A Professional Sport… And It’s Hilarious
Pillow fighting has become a professional sport?!
Pillow fighting has now become a professional combat sport with the Pillow Fighting Championship (PFC). An event was recently held with 16 man and 8 woman tournament style battle took place held in Florida.
That first paragraph is certainly a bit hard to believe. Professional pillow fighting has become a legitimate sport. Yes, somehow we’re living in a reality where this is a thing. But when you consider that YouTube stars are battling combat sports legends, really, anything is possible.
Recently an event was held featuring 16 men and 8 women. The 16 men battled each other while the 8 women respectively did the same. The prize money for the event was a $5000 payout to the winners.
Pillow Action
At the end of the tournament style competition the male and female winners were given championship belts.
The organization even has a children’s division as well.
This hilarious sport has gone viral for a reason. PFC is quite an interesting case as a start up combat sports company.
The unusual format will certainly draw eyes to it…for a time.
After the initial viral shock of the first few events, it’s hard to imagine the sport going very far. After all, it’s not like the PFC is attracting the pinnacle of high level athletes. In this current moment in time, when things seem so uncertain, a quick $5000 payday isn’t the worst of prospects. Factor that in with the unlikelihood of injury and it’s certainly viable option for some who are down are their luck.
Would you tune in to watch the PFC?
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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.
Luke Stoltman Sets New PR Squat Double With 738-Pound Lift
Luke Stoltman continues to impress and put up huge numbers in the gym preparing for competition.
The Stoltman Brothers have made a huge impact as strongmen in their career and have only improved over the last year or two. Luke Stoltman is the reigning Europe’s Strongest Man champion and could have his eyes on some more prizes in 2022. In a recent training session, Stoltman set a new PR squat double by dominating 355kg (738lbs) for two reps.
Stoltman was joined by his brother Tom, reigning World’s Strongest Man, and Dr. Dan Managi of The Strength Game. He is joining the Stoltman brothers to help them during training. Both Luke and Tom have been announced as competitors in multiple competitions already. It begins with the 2022 Britain’s Strongest Man competition, which will take place on Feb. 26 in Sheffield, England.
Just a week after, both brothers will appear at the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic. The max squat will be the first lift and it looks like Luke Stoltman is doing all he can to get his numbers up.
The Stoltman brothers went through a squat workout that was meant to feature working sets and heavy doubles. It began when they added 75kg (165lb) pounds on the bar and increased by 50kg each set. Both Luke and Tom added knee straps before attempting the 225kg (496lb) lift. From then on, the weight just kept increasing.
Luke Stoltman began his heavy squat doubles with a 315kg (694lb) attempt. These two reps were effortless, just like the two with 325kg (716lb) on the bar. This is when he decided to try and hit a new PR.
“It felt good, it was the same weight as last week, but for a double… We’ve ordered a couple of single ply suits… We’ll see if that adds an extra bit.
“We’re trying to get everything working properly, and these are a safe way of really f***ing yourself up.”
The massive leg day ended with hamstring curls and a variety of calf exercises. The max squat is an event that is important during events and Luke Stoltman is preparing to take down some of the competition. Both Stoltman brothers continue to be a force and will be top competitors at each event they take place in. This could be a special year if all goes right.
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Brett Wilkin Shares Physique Update 4 Weeks Out Of Arnold Classic
Brett Wilkin could be in for a big year on the bodybuilding stage.
Each year, there are different bodybuilders that step up and make a name for themselves. This season, it could be Brett Wilkin that is emerging as a threat. As the 2022 Arnold Classic quickly approaches, Wilkin shared a physique update where he is looking massive preparing for the competition.
Wilkin has a chance to compete for gold at this year’s Arnold Classic. It is a stacked field but he will be one of the athletes to watch. He remains a dark-horse in the competition but has a chance to make some big strides at the second biggest show of the year.
“Man in the mirror.
Focused on whooping this ass day in and day out.
4 weeks to go until the @arnoldsports, and I’m making sure to bring a show!”
Brett Wilkin earned his Pro Card in 2018 as a Classic Physique competitor. He did not compete in an IFBB show until 2019 after he made a move to 212. Wilkin would not last in 212 either and eventually landed in Men’s Open. When Wilkin made the move to Open bodybuilding, it was unknown how he would compete but he quickly showed his potential.
During the 2021 Chicago Pro, Wilkin went toe-to-toe with some of the top competitors in the world. He finished second at the competition and officially burst onto the scene. Now, he will continue to make improvements in order to take another step forward.
2022 Arnold Classic Lineup
William Bonac (Netherlands)
Maxx Charles (USA)
Brandon Curry (USA)
Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
Regan Grimes (Canada)
Steve Kuclo (USA)
Cedric McMillan (USA)
Fabio Giga Rezende (Brasil)
Justin Rodriguez (USA)
Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt)
Brett Wilkin (USA)
Akim Williams (USA)
Rafael Brandão has withdrew his name from the event but there will be a stacked lineup appearing on stage. Brandon Curry has been highlighted as the favorite to win the event but Wilkin could be in line for a top-three finish. After looking at his recent physique update, it would not be surprising to see.
This could be the start of a successful year for Brett Wilkin. There is no doubt that eyes will be on the young bodybuilder when the Arnold Classic comes around in March.
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New USPA Rules Ban Trans Athletes And Competitors Taking “Any Hormone” From Tested Meets
This new set of rules began on Jan. 1 and will not allowed hormones, even prescribed, in tested divisions.
The United States Powerlifting Association has implemented some new rules that will impact who can compete in drug-tested divisions. The USPA will no longer allow trans athletes or competitors who are using “any hormone” to compete in tested divisions. This set of rules began on Jan. 1.
The full set of rules can be seen in the USPA’s rulebook. New rule 1.8.19 is the one with a new standard.
“Transgender athletes are not eligible to compete in the drug-tested division and must compete only in the non-tested division.
“The USPA/IPL does not allow any therapeutic use exemptions. This means no lifter using any hormone, regardless of medical necessity or choice, or other banned substance (see sec. 12), is allowed to compete in the drug-tested division.”
The USPA does not just prevent transgender competitors from competing if they are taking fender-affirming treatment, it also bans those who are taking hormonal birth control. This also includes diabetes and thyroid conditions that require hormonal treatment.
This new rule reared its head on Jan. 4 when Angel Flores shared an Instagram post about how she was not allowed to compete in a USPA event. The 22-year-old powerlifter was planning to compete at the Violet Crown Classic, which took place in her home gym in Austin, TX. Instead, Flores was unable to compete in the drug-tested competition because she is a trans athlete.
“This was going to be my very first meet alongside my cisgender peers. Since the announcement of the new 100 kilogram weight class, I was excited at the chance to maybe hit some nice records for my age group. On January 4th, the owner of LBC (my close friend @lauriebjj) received a call telling her that I would be disallowed from competing in this tested meet.
If any athlete has ever had competition taken away from them, you’ll understand how I felt that night. We’ve kept it quiet since to not only preserve my mental health, but also preserve the sanctity of training for all my wonderful friends at liberation. I would say that most of the anxiety I’ve been feeling for this meet stems from this.”
““The USPA rule book [previously] stated [that there is] ‘no distinction between transgender and cisgender lifters,’ and ‘prescribed hormones’ was understood as only those on the banned substance list. Since many of us have been on the hormones for years, and none of us were using any banned substances, several peers were able compete,” Flores said.
Many powerlifters have commented on Flores’ post. There have been instances where trans athletes have competed alongside cisgender peers. Olympian Laurel Hubbard is the most famous after her performance this year.
There have been many governing bodies that have adopted trans-inclusive policies. It will be interesting to see if the USPA becomes one eventually.
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New Hafthor Bjornsson vs Eddie Hall Fight Date Revealed
Hafthor Bjornsson vs Eddie Hall is back on and coming soon.
It appears that the fight is on! Hafthor Bjornsson and Eddie Hall will finally lock horns. After all this time and a cancelled bout, Bjornsson vs Hall is a go.
This battle between two former World’s Strongest Man champions has been long overdue. Now it appears that the ball is finally rolling again. Bjornsson and Hall are ready to lock horns. The date is right around the corner.
After Eddie Hall was forced to withdraw from their scheduled boxing match this past September, Hafthor Bjornsson was forced to fight a replacement opponent. Instead of Hall, Bjornsson fought and demolished arm wrestling champion David Laid. But the domination once again sparked interest in the Hall bout.
Since then Eddie Hall has healed up and jumped right back into training. He’s continued to to push the match on social media and even teased that fight news would be forthcoming.
Just cause you don’t see it’ doesn’t mean it isn’t happening ?
Im ready ? Fight dates being released very soon. Stay tuned?
Beast vs Mountain ? ? ?
Fight Date Set
As promised it appears that the fight news Eddie Hall teased was legit. Hafthor Bjornsson took to his social media to confirm that his bout with Hall is back on. In fact Bjornsson confirmed that the battle between the two strongman rivals would take place much sooner than anticipated. The boxing match has been scheduled for next month.
March it is. Fight is on. Let’s fucking pray Eddie doesn’t back out again!!! ??
Hafthor Bjornsson didn’t hesitate to throw a little jab at his opposition in his post. It’s clear that both men have been chomping at the bit to punch each other in the face. Now that the bout has been scheduled for March, fans won’t have to wait too long to see these two World’s Strongest Man champions go to war.
Are you ready to see Hafthor Bjornsson battle Eddie Hall?
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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.