Tag: nEWS
Must See! Regan Grimes Does Some Intense Training for Arnold Classic
Regan Grimes takes his prep for the Arnold Classic to whole new levels.
Regan Grimes does some intense training ahead of the 2022 Arnold Classic. Working with Milos Sarcev in preparation, Grimes trains back and legs with a next level intensity.
Proper preparation can lead to successful outcomes. If one wishes to accomplish great things it requires a great deal of training in order to get the job done. One doesn’t just roll out of bed and become a champion. It takes just a bit more than that. And by a bit more, that means countless hours of dedication to your chosen craft. It’s what every bodybuilder who seeks glory understands well. Regan Grimes and Milos Sarcev knows that well.
The 2022 Arnold Classic will feature some of the best and brightest in bodybuilding. One such stalwart talent is rising contender Regan Grimes. The talented athlete has been working with bodybuilding legend Milos Sarcev ever since the fall of 2021. Since the two joined forces Grimes has already shown some drastic improvements.
With the 2022 Arnold Classic weeks away all the competitors are ramping up their training. The goal is to get every last bit out of training until the big show. For Regan Grimes working with Milos Sarcev means putting in next level training in order to fine tune his physique for the show. From the looks of things, the training they’re putting in will fundamentally change Grimes into a top tier contender in no time.
Intense Training
Regan Grimes has adopted an intense training regimen to get him ready to challenge for the Arnold Classic title.
BACK TRAINING with @luchenhui2018 & @neil_yoda_hill1 ??
Most recently Regan Grimes conducted some intense leg day training that is sure to pay dividends.
FRONT SQUATS 10 Sets of 10 Reps
Heaviest set was #7 at 375lbs and failed at 8 reps (first video) & 2nd video was set #6 at 315lbs! You know @milossarcev made sure we hit 100 total so we got 12 reps on set #10 ?? Try 10×10 on your next leg day! 8 weeks out @arnoldsports in OH Columbus! Who’s going!??
What do you think of Regan Grimes and his current physique ahead of the 2022 Arnold Classic?
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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.
Generation Iron Announces Exclusive NFT Collection
Generation Iron is officially looking to grow its NFT collection.
Generation Iron has been interested in growing and improving in different areas. Recently, a new avenue has been opened and there are endless possibilities.
Generation Iron has officially launched an official NFT collection. These are one-of-a-king art collectibles that can be purchased through an auction. The artworks are based on original photos and designs from specific Generation Iron films.
The full collection can be seen and purchased here. There are four designs available now with many more to come.
What are NFTs?
NFT stands for non-fungible token. These are cryptographic tokens that represent something unique. They do not represent an interchangeable commodity unlike other cryptocurrencies. This is why NFTs are non-fungible, because they cannot be exchanged for other goods.
The first known NFT was created in 2014 and it did not become popular until 2017. This is when CryptoKitties, an online game where player adopt virtual cats, came to be. Shortly after the game was released, it raised a $12.5 million investment and the public awareness of NFTs began.
This growth continued through 2020, where the value was up to $250 million. Over the first three months of 2021, there was upwards of $200 million spent on NFTs. This is when the surge began. This continued through 2021 into October where the first live bidding auction took place. This is when a set of Curio Cards was auctioned off.
NFTs have been featured in different skits on shows such as Saturday Night Live and South Park. The popularity of NFTs has continued to grow over the last half decade and it will be interesting to see where they are at this time next year.
Generation Iron NFTs
Generation Iron is working to grow and expand its collection of NFTs. The original four have been launched and are now available to be bid on.
First, the Generation Iron logo is displayed in a camp style. This is one of the two logo options available. The other is a pixel design where the logo is displayed on a blue background. The final two NFTs available feature Kai Greene.
In one, Greene is posing in Brooklyn while on set. It is a yellow picture with another pixel format. Finally, the last NFT shows Greene holding a dumbbell. This was taken on the set of Generation Iron 1 and is formatted like a comic book. This photo is not set in pixels like others but clear and in focus.
All four NFTs will be available for at least three weeks and can be bid on using this link. The Generation Iron collection will continue to product one-of-a-kind artwork using photos taken from original films and on the set of these films.
The NFT craze is on and it is only getting stronger. This is a chance to get in on some artwork that will not be found anywhere else.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Natural Bodybuilder Lists 3 Reasons to Never Do an Exercise
One of 2021 Natural Olympia’s top competitors gives 3 reasons to never do an exercise.
There are specific exercises that are staples to any good bodybuilding program. And there are also exercises you should never touch. Picking the ones to do and the ones you shouldn’t is a dilemma for many motivated lifters. According to a Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA)/International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) top competitor, there are three reasons to never do an exercise.
Natural bodybuilding pro Sepehr Bahadori placed in the top five of the world at 2021 Natural Olympia, finishing 4th in the Men’s Bodybuilding division. And he lists three reasons you should never perform an exercise. On Instagram (IG), Bahadori stated:
“Here is a small checklist of exercises that you should NOT include in your training plan:
1.Exercises that require more flexibility than you currently have to offer. Until you can not do this halfway correctly, you should first work on your mobility & in the meantime switch to other exercises.
2. Exercises that cause you pain again and again despite the right technique, adequate training volume and sensible intensity. In this case, your genetics are probably just not made for that particular exercise or exercise type & so it would make more sense not to do them permanently.
3. Exercises that you don’t enjoy at all. Because in the long run you may lose motivation and not train at all.”
Reasons to Never Do an Exercise
In summary, Bahadori says you should avoid exercises you don’t have the mobility for, movements that cause you pain, and ones you don’t enjoy. He says there isn’t any bad exercise; merely how you perform them is what makes them bad. For example, you should never perform a set of three repetitions with heavy weight on leg extensions since that will lead to knee pain.
You can see Sepehr Bahadori’s full IG post on the matter below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYHnzMyoWPv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
WADA Certified Drug Tests
Natural bodybuilding is a growing sport that’s led to a wave of athletes beginning to sign multi-media contracts with the utmost respected strength sports digital media companies – Generation Iron and Iron Man Magazine. And with the most prominent natural bodybuilding federation globally – INBA PNBA. Each natural bodybuilder has to earn their contract, though, and it starts by passing drug tests.
As a natural bodybuilder, drugs are prohibited, and dopers will have a tough time going under the radar through INBA PNBA’s drug-testing standards – World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which is the drug-testing standards the Olympics hold their athletes to. The INBA PNBA league only uses drug tests that are WADA certified, which checks for a laundry list of banned substances by the government for recreational/athletic use.
Other natural bodybuilding leagues may be looking for the same banned substances. However, they aren’t WADA compliant, which leaves room for drug testing errors since WADA is the strictest anti-doping agency globally. Therefore, other natural bodybuilding drug testing services may fail to detect banned substances. For instance, the 2021 Women’s Bodybuilding champ was stripped of her title after failing a WADA certified drug test administered by the INBA PNBA at Natural Olympia. However, she passed the drug test in a different natural bodybuilding league.
Final Word
Next time you workout, make sure you avoid exercises that you don’t have the flexibility for. Also, the ones that cause you pain, and the ones you don’t like. Some movements are better suited for each individual based on their anatomy.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more workout tips from the top natural bodybuilders in the world!
21-Year-Old Serena Abweh Hits PR Deadlift Of 350 Pounds
Serena Abweh has been competing massive lifts in recent training sessions.
Powerlifting has plenty of up-and-coming names ready to take the next step in 2022. Serena Abweh is a new face in the sport but continues to impress in training sessions. At 21 years old, Abweh has put up some big numbers in training sessions.
On Saturday, Abweh took to Instagram to share a huge PR lift to begin the new year. She stepped up to the bar and completed a 350-pound deadlift with relative ease. At 103 pounds at the time of the lift, this was over three times her bodyweight.
Serena Abweh gained a passion for powerlifting at a young age and has already made great strides at a young age. She has competed in seven events in her career to this point and that number will continue to rise. Also, Abweh has a chance to break some more personal records in the upcoming year.
During the 2021 USPA New Mexico State Championships in October, Abweh completed a 336.2-pound deadlift. This was her competition high and that might not stand much longer. During this event, Abweh added PRs in other lifts as well. This included a 220.5-pound squat and 137.8-pound bench press. She also totaled 683.4 pounds for the competition.
Serena Abweh has an incredible story to go along with an impressive career early on. Abweh overcame an eating disorder early in her lift where she struggled with her body image. This turned into anorexia but Abweh overcame all obstacles and is now in position to become a big name in powerlifting. She is a true inspiration to those who struggle with the same thing and has not been shy about sharing her story.
“Keep frickin fighting because you have so many people rooting for you even though you can’t even root for yourself. You have people in your life that see your potential even though you’re blinded by darkness and all the negative thoughts inside you.Your mind can be your worst enemy, it will literally take you down if you let it.
You’re deserving of life, of love, of happiness. You deserve to wake up and not hate your self and dread another day in your skin. Life is too short to be at war with yourself and every single day I’m trying to remind myself this.”
Serena Abweh is a powerlifter who is ready to take the next step this year. By the looks of her recent lifts, there is no doubt that she will continue to beat her previous performance bests when she steps on stage next.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Joe Rogan Takes On The Carnivore Diet With A New Twist
Joe Rogan is no stranger to the carnivore diet but he added a new element this time.
Joe Rogan has made it known that he is a big fan of different meats and animal-based products. He frequently shares meals on social media and there are some interesting cuts of meat shown. This is led by elk, which Rogan likes to eat because of the nutrients and benefits.
The calendar has turned to 2022 and that means world carnivore month is here. For the month of January, Rogan has vowed to take on the carnivore diet once again. This is a diet that requires a person to eat only meat and animal products. For Rogan, this is not a challenge given his habits but he has added a slight twist — fruit.
“January is world carnivore month. This time I’m adding fruit to this diet. Just meat and fruit for the whole month,” Joe Rogan wrote on Instagram.
Joe Rogan is one of the top podcasters in the world hosting “The Joe Rogan Experience.” This is where he can reveal some options and allow guests to speak candidly about different topics in all areas. Rogan is also known for his commentary during UFC events and as host of Fear Factor.
Rogan continues to be a martial artist himself. This means his dedication to fitness and health is strong. He took on this very diet for the first time back in 2020 and lost 12 pounds over the course of a month. He took to Instagram to share some of the positives and the side effects.
Joe Rogan highlights diarrhea as the only negative from this diet. As for the positives, Rogan felt that his energy levels were up throughout the day. This could be a result of disciplined eating. Also, he admits that he felt healthier after getting into the full swing of this diet.
“Now, I’m well aware of the placebo effect and I’m constantly self-analyzing every perceived reaction I’m having to eating only meat for almost 2 weeks straight, but one thing I’m fairly sure of is that my energy levels are higher and steadier throughout the day. This seems undeniable.
This is the only time in my life I’ve ever tried eliminating carbs for more than a day or so, and since I started the diet a couple days before January I’m now about 13 days in, at least 7 pounds lighter, and in completely uncharted territory for me.”
This time around, it is likely that Joe Rogan continues to provide updates on a regular basis. This has already begun as the podcaster shared a picture of a ribeye steak that he ate for breakfast on Saturday morning. For any that are thinking about taking on this challenge, Rogan is a great reference to follow.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Learn the Movements That Pushed Natural Bodybuilder Danairo Moore to Wild Transformation
PNBA Men’s Pro Physique competitor Danairo Moore completely transformed his body.
Anyone who’s lost a lot of weight knows the dedication and commitment it takes. It’s a long road, but you can completely transform your body with the right tools. Danairo Moore is a prime example of this. He put in the work to completely change his physique and is now shredded! Now, he’s a Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) Men’s Pro Physique competitor. On Instagram (IG), Moore shed some light on his transformation, stating:
“I’ve study and learn from the best.
Now it’s my turn to help you and if your looking to start the year off right.
Not just physically but o [sic] adapt to a mindset that’ll take you to the next level
Let’s get this work and start the year off”
You can see Danairo Moore’s transformation from start to finish below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYUYGArl02f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Danairo Moore is ready for the 2022 International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) PNBA season. He uploaded a short clip to IG showing his progress and commitment. More said, “just ready to bust everyone ass this coming year.”
LA’s Comic-Con best-dressed Vegeta, William Long, was the Men’s Pro Physique champion at 2021 Natural Olympia this past year. But as all sports go, each year is an opportunity for contenders to write different stories.
Natural Olympia
Natural Olympia’s been the only competition Danairo Moore placed outside the top 3. That shows you how competitive The Pinnacle of Natural Bodybuilding is. Natural Olympia is where the top natural athletes in the world meet to compete for trophies and lavish prizes. In the Men’s Pro Physique division, the competition is tough with elite athletes, including Colin Congo – 2018 Natural Olympia champion, William Long – the first natural athlete to sign a multi-media deal in natural bodybuilding, and Jon Tsiu – former champion and Hall of Fame Inductee. On top of that, other hungry competitors like Luke Francis Trainor are eyeing the same division.
If you scan Danairo Moore’s IG page, one thing you’ll notice is that he’s a “Black Mamba” fan. And if he has a fraction of Kobe Bryant’s work ethic, the Men’s Pro Physique division better watch out.
On January 29, 2021, he uploaded an IG video of him working out a 3:43 am! He’s no doubt a hard worker – not only is he a bodybuilder but a healthcare professional.
Workouts
Danairo Moore engages in various movements as part of his training plan to build the body he has, including back squats, front squats, barbell deadlifts, and ab wheel rollouts.
He’s built up a pretty strong lower body with his routine. You can find him pause squatting 315 lbs! No wonder natural bodybuilder Mati Scopinaro says you should never skip leg day.
If there’s anything we can take away from Danairo Moore’s journey, it’s that you can get ripped with the right mindset, work ethic, and training plan, no matter where you start. If you push yourself enough, you can even build one of the top natural physiques in the world! Moore said, “We all start from somewhere…the key is never rest in the middle.”
Generation Iron is excited to see what the year has in store for Danairo Moore!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to learn how natural bodybuilders transformed their physique!
WATCH: 62-Year-Old David Ricks Crushes 606-Pound Raw Deadlift
David Ricks completed five reps of 606 pounds in a recent training session.
They say that age is just a number. For David Ricks, this is especially true. The 62-year-old powerlifter recently shared a video of himself completing five reps of a 606-pound raw deadlift.
Ricks took to Instagram to share his extremely heavy workout. He has been a big name in powerlifting for over 40 years now and is continuing to show that he can still get it done in a big way. Ricks makes sure to get prepared at the beginning of the video and maintains perfect form throughout.
“First Heavy Workout of 2022606 x 5 (reps). I have been on this Powerlifting Journey for over 40 years at age 62. You have to continue to challenge yourself towards greater goals.
I don’t own the rights to this song
#kingofthelifts #ipf #83champion#boyntonbarbellcenter #titanpower81#tharris220 #barbend“
David Ricks shares that this is his first heavy workout of the new year. This means he could be in for something special sometime soon. This would be nothing new for Ricks, who is one of the best powerlifters of all-time.
Ricks has continued to compete at 62 years old. In 2021, he managed to break even more records and he might not be done just yet. Ricks was seen competing at the USAPL Nationals in the Masters Over 60 division. He put on quite a show breaking records in squat and on the bench. These records did not last long as Ricks was able to build on his own numbers later in the year.
Powerlifting is not a sport where you see many put together a career that lasts as long as David Ricks. What he is able to do is incredible and he is not shy about showing his most recent accomplishments. After what was a strong 2021, Ricks is back in the gym preparing for another record-breaking year.
Ricks makes the reps of 606 pounds look easy in his video. This is where years of practice comes into play because of the form and control that he has over the barbell. He has routinely shared big lifts to Instagram and it will be exciting to see which he takes on next. Overall, Ricks has made fans excited for what could be in store this year.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ontario’s New COVID-19 Restrictions Include Closing Gyms
Ontario will tighten up restrictions after COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Ontario has announced that there will be more restrictions put in place due to COVID-19. Cases have continued to rise as different variants are being discovered and this has caused a new plan to be put in place. Ontario government says that it will return to a modified Step 2 plan of reopening.
This plan is centered around the limitation of social gathering, including closing down gyms. This does not include athletes training for the Olympics, Paralympics, or select professional and elite amateur sports.
The new restrictions went into effect on Wednesday. All schools moved to remote learning on Wednesday and this will continue until at least January 17. Also, those who are vaccinated under 12 years old will only be required to quarantine for five days when they contract COVID-19. If they continue to have symptoms, they must continue to isolate until they reach 24 hours of being symptom-free.
This decision comes after cases continue to rise. In December, Ontario decided to limit indoor dining to 50% capacity and set a curfew of 11 P.M. Below, you can find the full list of restrictions that have been put into place.
Ontario’s New COVID-19 Restrictions
Indoor dining at restaurants and bars closed.
Only outdoor dining, takeout, drive through and delivery permitted.
Social gathering limits reduced to five people indoors and 10 people outdoors.
Retail stores, malls, public libraries and personal care services limited to 50 per cent capacity.
Saunas, steam rooms and oxygen bars closed.
Capacity at weddings, funerals and religious services limited to 50 per cent capacity per room.
Outdoor services must have two-metre distancing between all attendees.
Employees must work remotely unless their work requires them to be on site.
Gyms and other indoor recreational sport facilities closed, except athletes training for the Olympics and Paralympics and certain professional and elite sports leagues.
Outdoor facilities are permitted but with a 50 per cent capacity limit on spectators.
Museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, historic sites, amusement parks, festivals and other attractions closed.
Outdoor establishments allowed with restrictions and capacity limits.
Indoor meeting and event spaces closed with limited exceptions, except those with outdoor spaces, which can operate with restrictions.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, different areas are making decisions on how to handle it. For Ontario, they have moved quickly and have taken some major steps. It will be interesting to see if anything else comes out of this decision.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.
Did Mohamed El Emam Compete In Too Many Bodybuilding Shows In 2021?
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Mohamed El Emam reflects back on his 2021 season and examines how doing six shows in a year hurt his chances more than helped.
Mohamed El Emam had quite the active bodybuilding season in 2021. He competed in six shows over the course of the year. This included some major shows such as the New York Pro and the Arnold Classic. He did consistently well, often placing in the top five for each competition. Yet he was never able to land that first place victory. In our latest GI Exclusive, Mohamed El Emam looks back on how competing in six shows might have hurt his chances for victory more than helped him.
Mohamed El Emam had an incredible drive to qualify and compete in the Mr. Olympia 2021. his drive was so fierce that he ended up coming in six competitions throughout the year. Ultimately, he did not compete at the Olympia competition. What was most frustrating is that El Emam’s physique is extremely promising and earned him a top five spot in nearly every competition of 2021. Still, the Mr. Olympia alluded him.
Looking back, Mohamed El Emam believes that he ultimately competed in too many shows. This left him less time for recovery and growth. It also gave him less time to reflect and adjust his methods properly for real change. The end result was a powerful physique but not necessarily the best one on stage. He stayed in the top five just enough times to keep hype and attention on him – but could not rise up for a victory.
This vicious cycle not only kept the fans hyped for each next competition – it kept Mohamed El Emam hyped as well. He was so close to earning the victory each time that he continued to jump back into the fray – believing that the very next one would be his shot.
In pro bodybuilding, competing in this many competitions is rare. While it does sometimes happen, there’s a reason why the top bodybuilding pros only compete twice – and often times only once – per year. Consider Big Ramy, the current Mr. Olympia champion. He has the ability to focus all year on one goal. One competition. Whereas someone like Mohamed El Emam has shorter term goals for each new competition he competed in. This splits up his focus.
Of course, the Mr. Olympia champion has the luxury of only competing once a year. He does not need to qualify, nor does he need to worry about prize money due to the heavy pay out of winning the previous year. Not to mention sponsorship opportunities that open up when you are the best in the world. Other rising bodybuilders don’t have that same luxury.
Looking back, Mohamed El Emam states that he probably should have started slowing down after the New York Pro. Given himself more time to adjust, grow, recover, and focus on something like the Arnold Classic. Ultimately, El Emam placed seventh at the Arnold Classic 2021. This was one of the few times he landed outside of the top five. This might be due to burnout from the previous five competitions. Although, it could also be due to a higher caliber lineup at the second biggest show of the year.
In either case, Mohamed El Emam has now learned his lesson and intends to slow things down. Sadly, he was also forced into slowing things down after a car accident in November put him into the hospital. While he is alive and well – he had stated he would be unable to compete for at least six months. An unexpected turn for sure and one that will certainly set him back.
But perhaps after recovery and a new found outlook on his bodybuilding plans and prep – he will return a new version of the Mohamed El Emam fans grew to love. It may not be in 2022 (we’ll see), but perhaps in 2023 El Emam will rise up with a new physique that places him as a threat in the Arnold Classic or Mr. Olympia. Only time will tell.
You can watch Mohamed El Emam’s full comments about his jam-packed year of competing by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Jake Paul Named 2021 Breakout Boxer Of The Year By Sports Illustrated
Jake Paul has taken over the world of boxing over the last year.
Jake Paul has been one of the biggest attractions in boxing since making the transition. Is he a “real boxer”? Can Paul compete with actual fighters? Will he ever win a championship? At this point, it does not matter. Jake Paul has become a big figure in the sport and has been named Sports’ Illustrated’s Breakout Boxer of the Year.
Paul burst onto the scene as a YouTube sensation and has built an incredible following on social media. He has continued these antics since making his transition to boxing and it has only helped his intrigue. In 2021, Paul picked up three victories, two via knockout, in three bouts.
“To think about how all the things that happened in the fashion that it all happened. It’s just sort of mind-blowing,” Jake Paul told SI.
The year began for Paul in April when he took on Ben Askren, a former UFC fighter who was critical of Paul’s ability as a boxer. This was a knockout victory for Paul. He then defeated Tyron Woodley twice before the year ended. In August, it was a victory by split decision for Paul before the two met again in December.
Tommy Fury was scheduled to be Paul’s next opponent before he was forced to back out due to an injury. Paul was looking for an opponent and Woodley decided to step in and Woodley did not hesitate. Despite having little time to prepare, Woodley would accept the rematch and was quickly knocked out.
Since December, there has been plenty of speculation on who will be Jake Paul’s next opponent. Anderson Silva opened as the favorite and this would take the competition level up a notch for Paul. This has been a point of emphasis from critics since he began boxing. At this point, it is unknown when Paul will step in the ring again or who it will be against.
At this point, there are not many boxers who have taken over the sport like Paul. The list of opponents is not impressive but that is the norm for athletes beginning their careers. Paul comes with a high price tag and this makes him a marketable figure. Not to mention his overall presence on social media. His promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, will run his fights and he has even signed other fighters. This includes Amanda Serrano.
Recently, Jake Paul has been feuding with Dana White, who called out Paul to take on one of his fighters if drug tested. Paul responded by saying he would quit boxing if White followed some stipulations including higher pay for fighters and long-term healthcare. Nothing has come from this just yet.
What we do know is that Jake Paul has taken over the world of boxing and there is no end in sight. Whether you like him or not, it cannot be denied that Paul has value and a huge audience. This is something Paul, along with his brother Logan Paul, understand and know how to work. For his overall presence in the sport, Paul has earned an honor from Sports Illustrated.
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