Tag: nEWS
Natural Bodybuilder Brandon Lirio Says “Goodbye to Abs” to Improve Physique and Balance Hormones
INBA PNBA natural bodybuilder Brandon Lirio says if you don’t want to have the same physique each year, you shouldn’t always focus on cutting.
Cutting weight is popular in bodybuilding and fighting. In boxing/MMA, fighters need to cut to make weight, of course. But in bodybuilding, athletes need to look as big and shredded as possible when they pose on stage. Many people and bodybuilders are cutting too often, though, which won’t build your most extraordinary body. INBA PNBA natural bodybuilder Brandon Lirio says you shouldn’t always focus on cutting and that you should put your body through a bulking period to improve your physique each year. On Instagram (IG), Brandon Lirio said:
“if you want your year to year physique to be different on stage… DONR JUSY [sic] BE ON PLAN FOR THE CUT!! You need to be able to say goodbye to the abs and let your hormones rebalance and GAIN”
You can see Brandon Lirio’s complete statement and progress pictures below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CY6rRU5LDa0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Brandon Lirio recently signed a multi-media contract with Generation Iron, INBA PNBA, and Iron Man Magazine, joining Marc Cheatham, Tamer Barakat, and other top INBA PNBA athletes. Signing this contract comes with a plethora of benefits for each athlete, but each athlete has to earn their contract. Brandon Lirio has! He’s a PNBA Hall of Famer, 3x Natural Olympia champ, and 2x Mr. Universe champ. In 2021 Natural Olympia, he was the runner-up in the Men’s Classic Physique, behind other recent multi-media deal athlete and Men’s Classic Physique champion, Derek Joe.
Bulking and Cutting
Bulking and cutting are standard parts of the process of improving your body composition. However, often, people tend to focus more on cutting than bulking. Although cutting’s essential to get your body fat to low levels for chiseled abs, there’s a time and place for both. Because bulking also has ample benefits for your body.
Putting your body through a bulking period will build muscle, rebalance your hormones, give your metabolism a break from low calories, and increase your basal metabolic rate (BMR). The more muscle you have, the more calories you’ll burn at rest. Also, it’s vital to be in a caloric surplus for maximal muscle growth. And if you want to improve your physique each year, it’s imperative to build more muscle. This natural bodybuilder had transformative results after doubling her calorie intake!
Natural Bodybuilding
Natural bodybuilders especially have to be on the most efficient training and nutrition plan possible since they are prohibited from doping. The INBA PNBA tests their athletes through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) compliant laboratories. WADA is the strictest set of drug testing standards – the Olympics use these standards.
Ironically, many bodybuilding fans online are worried about bodybuilding’s health after the recent deaths that happened in 2021, yet they still shame natural bodybuilders.
Generation Iron wishes Brandon Liro much success in the 2022 INBA PNBA season! Congratulations on signing your multi-media contract with us!
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Mike Tyson Shuts Down Jake Paul Rumors: ‘I Don’t Think I’ll Do Stuff Like That Anymore’
Mike Tyson recently spoke on the recent rumors about returning to fight Jake Paul.
Jake Paul might be one of boxing’s biggest sensations right now but Mike Tyson is still one of the best to ever step in the ring. There have been recent reports about the two getting together for a fight but Tyson recently shut down those rumors.
After seeing a report that there were official terms on a fight, Tyson quickly took to Twitter to respond. Following his tweet, Tyson appeared on the Full Send Podcast where he was asked about these rumors.
This is new to me. I saw Jake in St. Barths and he never mentioned it. https://t.co/eL01HDMdmr
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) January 17, 2022
Mike Tyson sat alongside Dana White when he was asked about an alleged fight with Jake Paul. This was not the first time Tyson was linked to a Paul brother. There were also talks of Tyson stepping in the ring against Logan Paul but nothing has come to fruition. According to Tyson, this might never happen again.
“Guys want to fight me for $100 million bucks. I don’t think I’ll ever do stuff like that anymore. I wanted to do it the first time, just for fun, to have fun. Some people took it to another level and made it financial and the fun went out of it,” Mike Tyson explained.
Mike Tyson is referring to his return fight against Roy Jones Jr. that took place on Nov. 28, 2020. The fight ended in a controversial draw. This was Tyson’s first fight in 15 years and might be his last one ever. Jake Paul also appeared on the card as he faced former NBA player Nate Robinson.
Tyson spoke on his feelings about how fighting has turned financial. This takes away a lot for an old-school fighter and could be one of the reasons he is staying away.
“If it was back when it first started and we were both fighting on the same card and both active, yeah I would do it but it just turned bad. It didn’t turn out right.”
Dana White chimed in and gave his opinion on Tyson’s future. The two have a mutual respect and it made for an entertaining interview.
“I don’t want to see you fight anymore, man. I know you get mad at me when I say that but I do. I don’t want to see you fight anymore,” Dana White said.
“I don’t think I will either but you never know,” Tyson replied.
It is clear that the original reports were not true. There are no terms on a fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. While Tyson did not completely shut down the idea of a return, saying “you never know,” it seems like his mind is made up and it could take a lot for him to return to the ring.
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Larry Wheels Spots, Powerlifter Mike Edwards Not Injured After Failed Bench Press
Larry Wheels helped Mike Edwards escape injury during bench press accident.
The importance of a spotter while attempting a heavy lift cannot be overlooked. There have been countless times where a lifter has escaped injury because of the help of a spotter. Recently, there was another incident when powerlifter Mike Edwards had a barbell slip out of his hands while attempting a bench press. Larry Wheels was there for the spot.
During a heavy training session, both Wheels and Edwards were seen hitting some big lifts. Edwards set a new PR with a 530-pound bench press before the incident occurred. Edwards racked up four plates on each side and had the barbell slip out of his hand. On the way up, the bar slipped and slammed into the chest of Edwards. Wheels was there for a quick save and there was no injury.
Larry Wheels shared the video on his Instagram page.
“Can you believe he escaped from this injury free?@edwards_strong@teampersonalrecord“
Right after the incident, both lifters took to social media to confirm that there was no injury. Mike Edwards even commented on Wheels’ post.
“IM OKAY EVERYONE?,” Edwards wrote.
During this bench press session, both lifters accomplished goals. Edwards hit a new PR while Wheels took on another challenge that was offered.
Hafthor Bjornsson commented on a recent video of Larry Wheels and offered a challenge. This was for Wheels to complete 20 reps on bench of 440 pounds. Wheels wasted no time attempting the challenge and completed a total of 23 reps. This beat Bjornsson’s PR with this weight by 13 reps. This is just another feat for Wheels to add to his personal achievement list, which has grown significantly in recent months.
When these powerlifters hit the gym, there is a massive amount of weight being moved and there is always the danger of an injury. This was seen back in April when Ryan Crowley joined Wheels for a session. He was attempting a heavy incline bench press and suffered an injury to his pec. It was seen tearing in the video and this is a career-threatening injury for a powerlifter.
Mike Edwards and Larry Wheels accomplished many feats during this session and that includes escaping injury. This just solidifies that spotters should be present when attempting a heavy lift or one that you have never done before.
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Tom Stoltman, Martins Licis and More Train Intensely for Arnold Strongman Classic
Tom Stoltman, Martins Licis, and more look strong in their prep for the Arnold Strongman Classic.
Tom Stoltman, Luke Stoltman, Martins Licis, and Rob Kearney are all looking strong ahead of the Arnold Strongman Classic. Each of these competitors are pushing themselves hard to take top honors at the ASC in March.
Strongman competitors are truly the strongest beings on the planet. The feats they’re able to accomplish are nothing short of extraordinary. They are able to show their strength and their might in a host of different tests of superhuman ability. The ability of these athletes to do the nigh impossible is truly something to behold.
The best strongman competitors in the world are set to prove their strength at the Arnold Strongman Classic. The list of competitors include the 2021 World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman, his brother Luke Stoltman, and 2019 World’s Strongest Man Martins Licis just to name a few. Each man is prepping their hardest to bring their best to the ASC.
Luke and Tom Stoltman
The brothers Luke and Tom Stoltman are revving up their training and are lifting some serious numbers. The two recently did some impressive deadlift training.
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Martins Licis
2019 World’s Strongest Man is also pushing himself harder than ever. Licis hasn’t competed for some time now, but if his training is any indication he hasn’t lost one step. We’ll now get to see Licis face off against fellow World’s Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman. In preparation for the clash Licis is pull out all the stops, squatting a massive 836lbs.
Squatting three times a week is fun ? 836lbs (380kg). Felt light. Moved slow.
Rob Kearney
Not to be outdone Rob Kearney is also pushing himself hard in prep for the Arnold Strongman Classic. Kearney like Martins Licis squatted over 800lbs and looked impressive in doing so.
Squats are still feeling great!! 810lbs (368kg) for a solid 3 reps. Using the Duffalo Bar to save the elbows a little bit as we ramp things up and start lifting heavy!!!
Each of these competitors are looking strong ahead of the Arnold Strongman Classic. Who will be victorious? We’ll just have to wait for March to see.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.
Larry Wheels Accepts And Completes Hafthor Bjornsson’s Bench Press Challenge
Larry Wheels wasted no time completing a recent bench press challenge.
When a challenge is offered, Larry Wheels is going to give it a shot — and more often than not, take it down. That is exactly what happened when he attempted the bench press challenge offered by Hafthor Bjornsson.
On Monday, Wheels shared a post on Instagram that saw him crush a bench press session. He completed six reps of 529 pounds and 21 reps of 396.8 pounds. Bjornsson decided to comment on the video and offer his own challenge. This was for Wheels to complete 20 reps of 200kg.
Wheels wasted no time taking on this challenge. On Thursday morning, the powerlifter returned to the bench and loaded up 440 pounds. He powered through the first 20 reps and added three more to exceed the total asked for from Bjornsson.
“440lbs/ 200kg x23@thorbjornsson challenged me to 20 reps.@edwards_strong@teampersonalrecord“
Hafthor Bjornsson returned to the comments’ section to acknowledge the feat done by Larry Wheels.
“??? that’s insane brother!! My record is 10 reps with 200kg. You moved that like nothing!”
It is no surprise to see Wheels take on a challenge when one is offered. He has been taking on many personal challenges and crushing his own records in recent months. This time, he took down a PR of one of the top strongmen of all-time.
Bjornsson explained in his comment that he had one completed 10 reps of 200kg. Outlifting Bjornsson in any aspect is impressive given his history. He currently holds the world deadlift record at 501kg (1,104.5lb). Bjornsson took over the title in May 2020 from Eddie Hall by a single kilogram. Hall became the first person to ever deadlift 500kg at the time.
This is not the first bench press challenge the Larry Wheels has taken on recently. He set a PR bench press with 308 pounds for 44 reps last week. His strength is unquestioned and he continues to be a big name in powerlifting.
Larry Wheels and Hafthor Bjornsson have trained together in the past and remain close. Even with Bjornsson’s transition to boxing, he has remained active in the powerlifting community and is still a huge figure. Let’s see if there are anymore challenges made to Wheels moving forward for him to attempt.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Tamer Barakat Is the First Vegan Natural Bodybuilder to Sign Multi-media Contract
Tamer Barakat becomes the first vegan pro natural bodybuilder to sign a multi-media contract.
Tamer “IronBulk” Barakat has become the first vegan professional natural bodybuilder to sign a multi-media contract with Generation Iron, INBA PNBA, and Iron Man Magazine. You may remember Barakat from 2021 Natural Olympia as one of the smaller bodybuilders to place in the top five of the world in the Men’s Bodybuilding division. He stood under the bright lights next to Paul Krueger (Natural Olympia champion), Philip Ricardo Jr. (Men’s Grand Masters champion), and Derek Joe (Men’s Classic Physique Open champion and fellow multi-media contract brother). And he’s the 2x reigning champion of the Classic Physique Masters class at Natural Olympia.
Going into 2021 Natural Olympia, Tamer Barakat weighed 40-60 pounds less than the other top natural bodybuilders globally standing next to him. Yet, despite the size disadvantage, Barakat placed well in multiple Natural Olympia categories, including 4th in Classic Physique Open and 2nd in Bodybuilding Grand Masters.
Clearly, size or age doesn’t define this motivated natural bodybuilder. At the Wolfpack Classic 2021, he joined the stage with other top contenders age 50 and up, won Iron Man World Cup 2021, and was featured in Iron Man Magazine multiple times.
Tamer Barakat praises veganism for playing a massive role in his success. According to him, 90% of his nutrition comes from planted-based foods, including spinach, mushrooms, quinoa, and oatmeal.
Tamer Barakat and INBA PNBA Statements
Below is what Tamer Barakat and the INBA PNBA expressed on Instagram (IG) regarding signing the multi-media contract.
Tamer Barakat expressed:
“I am very honored and humbled to be given this great opportunity, and to be part of a new era for the sport of Natural Bodybuilding!! let’s show the world what this true and legitimate sport is all about, and what it takes to be a Natural Bodybuilder @inbapnbaglobal_official@ironmanmagazine @generationiron”
INBA PNBA stated:
“Congratulations @ironbulk15 2X PNBA Natural Olympia Classic Physique Masters Champion!
1st Professional Vegan Bodybuilder to sign the Multi-Media contract”
You can see Tamer Barakat’s complete statement below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CY5e8lku80b/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Contract Details
Signing the multi-media deal comes with perks for these INBA PNBA natural athletes. According to the INBA PNBA, it’s:
“An opportunity for a natural bodybuilding athlete to acquire renown and recognition in the sport of natural bodybuilding, exploiting association’s promotional campaign via the iron man magazine, news and events, and the generation iron platform.”
Athletes that sign will have an opportunity for more growth in their INBA PNBA careers. They’ll have access to promotion and brand building, including digital media write-ups, social media posts, and photoshoots. Moreover, they’ll get Iron Man Magazine nutrition ads and endorsements. Signed competitors will also have special guest appearances and posing and seminar sessions.
All multi-media contracted INBA PNBA athletes need to want professional growth and be in good standing with the league. Therefore, each athlete will abide by the strictest drug-testing standards – World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – and agree to in-season and out-of-season testing through WADA-compliant laboratories.
Generation Iron congratulates Tamer Barakat for signing the multi-media contract with us, the INBA PNBA, and Iron Man Magazine. We’re excited for the future of natural bodybuilding in the INBA PNBA!
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Fitness Influencer Matt Morsia Shows How Easy Gym Photos Are Manipulated With 10-Minute Transformation
Matt Morsia shared a before and after picture after a 10-minute ‘transformation.’
Social media is where people can go to show themselves at their best. This can be in their best outfit, after a haircut, or at the gym. Fitness influencer and bodybuilder Matt Morsia, also known as MattDoesFitness, recently showed just how easy it is to manipulate photos before sharing to different sites.
Morsia decided to complete a short workout over the span of 10 minutes. He took a before and after picture with different elements added in. Morsia is already in great shape with a shredded physique but the difference in the two pictures is still significant by just changing the light and using a different camera angle.
Matt Morsia begins his mini workout in his home gym. He only completes three sets of three different exercises — push-ups, arm curls, and dumbbell lateral raises. After the workout, Morsia shut the blinds in his gym, sprayed himself with water, and raised the camera angle. This will highlight his V-shape in his torso. Morsia contracts his abs before the second picture is taken and he comes out looking more shredded than before.
The purpose of this video was to show that it can be easy to manipulate a photo before posting it online and that is not how some people look all of the time. It is common for people to compare themselves to others after seeing posts on social media.
“And here you go, a before and after body transformation. It took around seven minutes. So before you judge or compare yourself to someone on social media, just bear in mind that is them in their best possible light. It’s not a reflection of how they look most of the time,” Matt Morsia said.
Matt Morsia is a fitness influencer that has been part of the industry for over a decade. He has built an huge following on social media eclipsing one million followers on Instagram. Morsia is beginning to dabble in bodybuilding after building a strong physique. He also has a fitness app that athletes can download and follow along.
Morsia continues to train and inspire others to reach their fitness goals. This “transformation” video shows that people can manipulate a photo in many ways before posting. This is why lifters and athletes should focus on their own goals and not draw comparisons to others.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ramon Rocha Queiroz Shares Physique Update Ahead Of 2022 Arnold Classic
Ramon Rocha Queiroz will look to take the next step in 2022.
The 2022 Arnold Classic is just weeks away at this point and all competitors are beginning to put the finishing touches on their plans. This includes Ramon Rocha Queiroz, also known as Ramon Dino. He is looking to make a huge impact in the Classic Physique division in 2022 and it could begin at this event in March.
Queiroz is one of the younger competitors at 26 years old but that does not mean he is lacking. Ramon Dino shared a recent physique update as he prepares for the Arnold Classic and he is looking shredded after an offseason of preparation.
Ramon Rocha Queiroz shared a post to Instagram with a caption that was written in Spanish. He showcased a video of his well-rounded physique to this point.
“Another journey into action, dedication increases and naturally the desire to make mistakes ceases to exist! Up Brazil.”
Ramon Rocha Queiroz continues to improve each and every competition. He earned his Pro Card in 2018 after winning the Mr. Olympia Amateur Brazil. Queiroz did not enter a professional competition right away. He waited until last season during the 2021 Europa Pro. Queiroz placed second in Classic Physique during this show and put his name on the map.
Ramon Dino earned an invitation to the 2021 Olympia and continued to perform well. He finished fifth in Classic Physique, which is no easy task in an athlete’s first Olympia appearance. Now, Queiroz will have a chance to see how he stacks up against three other top-five finishers from the Olympia.
Chris Bumstead will not compete at the Arnold Classic as he prepares to potentially make it four consecutive Olympia victories in December. The rest of the top five from 2021 will be on display. Terrence Ruffin is the reigning Arnold Classic champion and runner-up to Bumstead at the Olympia. He will defend his title against a stacked field. Breon Ansley and Urs Kalecinski will also be present in Columbus.
Ramon Rocha Queiroz is a rising star in bodybuilding and a strong performance at the Arnold Classic will only solidify this. He will have a chance to see how he compares to other greats in the division as we enter the 2022 season.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Robert Oberst Addresses Steroids in Recent Video
Robert Oberst talk about steroid usage.
Popular strongman Robert Oberst recently spoke openly on the subject of steroid usage. The long time competitor touched on the subject in a recent YouTube video.
The usage of anabolic steroids in competitive endeavors has always been a touchy subject to address. After all, many believe that the use of steroids is equivalent to cheating. If there’s one thing fans hate it’s a cheater. Yet in certain sporting endeavors the idea of utilizing anabolic substances is par for the course. Essentially it’s a no brained to use steroids in bodybuilding and even in powerlifting. There are even strongman competitors who have admitted to using anabolic substances to with their performance.
When you compete at the highest levels of any sport the idea of losing can be terrifying. For that very reason many athletes seek out any kind of advantage in order to win. For many that means taking performance enhancing drugs.
Oberst’s Addresses Steroids
Long time strongman competitor Robert Oberst has been a staple in the scene for years. Oberst has been consistently competing for so long that inevitably the question of whether or not he’s used anabolic substances has arose. In a recent Instagram post Oberst teased addressing whether he’s took anabolic substances to help push his progress.
For a decade people have been asking me day in and day out about NATTY OR NOT?!?! It’s time we peel back the curtain and open up!!
Do you think it’s time we open Pandora’s box?
In a recent video on his YouTube channel Robert Oberst touched on the subject further. He opts to refer to the substance as “hormones” or “testosterone” rather than steroids or anabolic substances. Why exactly isn’t clear. What is clear is the statement he issued about why performance enhancers are utilized by athletes.
when you get past that (physical prime), it’s noticeable for sure. So, from a professional athlete’s standpoint, it’s one of those things you can’t let dip. You can’t just let your body start to shut down and expect to get the same results out of it.
Robert Oberst eludes to his usage but doesn’t quite give explicit details. That said it does seem clear that he has used something in the past.
Returning to Top Form
It does appear that Robert Oberst is also dealing with lower testosterone levels. He apparently got approval to take something for his low test levels since he hopes to get back in top shape.
What’s your thoughts on Robert Oberst opening up about his performance enhancement usage.
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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.
INBA PNBA Natural Bodybuilder Aims to Rep Out 500 Pounds on Deadlift
INBA PNBA natural bodybuilder Marc Cheatham wants to lift 500 lbs on deadlift for reps.
The deadlift is considered the king of all exercises. It’s one of the big three compounds movements – bench press, squat, and deadlift -, and it’s a good indicator of your overall strength. Furthermore, it’s also the movement that allows you to use the most weight. Well, one rising INBA PNBA natural bodybuilding star, Marc Cheatham, plans to hit a new personal record on this behemoth lift.
Marc Cheatham had his breakout natural bodybuilding year in 2021. Contrary to being new to professional natural bodybuilding, he placed in the top six in his category at 2021 Natural Olympia and his first Natural Olympia competition. Within two months, Cheatham competed in four shows. He got second in the first show and was granted his pro card three weeks later. And before Natural Olympia, Cheatham won his first pro show.
Moreover, he recently signed a multi-media deal with Generation Iron, INBA PNBA, and Iron Man Magazine. Crazy enough, Cheatham claims he was in the worst shape of his life six months prior.
He made it clear on Instagram (IG) how much weight he’d like to throw around on deadlift. He said:
“I got a goal to rep out 500lbs on the deadlift!”
Below, you’ll find him repping out four plates on each side on deadlift.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYuvK6aFPGC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
If you’ve performed the deadlift before, you know this would be an incredible feat!
Prepared for the 2022 INBA PNBA Season
Marc Cheatham seems primed for this year’s 2022 INBA PNBA season. Since 2021 Natural Olympia ended, Cheatham started working early for this year’s natural bodybuilding season. On an IG post posted just weeks after Natural Olympia, he stated, “It’s grow season now. Time to put on more mass!”
Aside from winning, Cheatham acknowledges that looking good naked is another motivating factor for him to workout. Marc Cheatham plans to start competing again this summer. As an athlete, he believes balancing training for performance and aesthetics is the key to a well-rounded physique.
The Road to Natural Olympia
The road to Natural Olympia is no easy path. If you’re a pro, there are specific competitions you’ll need to compete in before you qualify. For example, suppose you’re on the west coast. In that case, you have the option to compete in International Battle Against Cancer, International Battle Iron Man Magazine, Pro Wolfpack/Cougar Classic, Zeus Classic International, Team USA, or World Cup. In addition, professional INBA PNBA athletes from the midwest and east coast have their bracket of competitions.
If you’re a reining gold medal winner or Hall of Fame Inductee, you’re exempt from qualifying competitions. Also, amateurs can compete at Natual Olympia and have their criteria to qualify. Winning overall in an amateur competition will earn an INBA PNBA athlete their pro card.
As Cheatham stated in an IG post, Natural Olympia is the Super Bowl of natural bodybuilding. It’s the most prominent natural bodybuilding event where competitors from over 60 countries have the opportunity to win medals and prizes.
Generation Iron wishes Marc Cheatham good luck in this upcoming natural bodybuilding season! Also, congratulations on signing your multi-media contract!
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