Tag: nEWS
WATCH: Larry Wheels Completes Six Reps With 85kg Dumbbells
Larry Wheels displayed yet another impressive lift.
It seems as though Larry Wheels is accomplishing a new insane lift each day. That has certainly been the case since he returned from a quad injury back in September. The trend continued on Wednesday as Wheels returned to Instagram to show off his recent triumph.
Wheels decided to hit shoulders hard and completed six reps with an 85kg (187.4lb) dumbbell in each hand. This is the latest feat for what has been a incredible display over the last two months.
“187lb/85kg dumbbell shoulder press!It says 100kg but I weighed it and it’s actually 85kg.Black PR wrist wraps from @teampersonalrecordHUGE Black Friday sale 24-29!”
Larry Wheels explained that the dumbbells were labeled as 100kg but he weighed them to find out they were actually 85kg. This does not diminish the lift given the fact he was able to complete six reps.
Back in September, Wheels suffered a quad injury while performing an insanely heavy squat. He was forced to take some time off but it did not last long. This came one week after he was able to set a personal best with a 950-pound squat. This began what has been a stretch of different personal records being set.
Wheels is no stranger to big shoulder lifts. At the end of October, he set a new PR with 17 reps using 140-pound dumbbells. Other feats include a 585-pound bench press for four reps and a 765-pound deadlift for seven reps, which is another PR.
Larry Wheels has not competed in a sanctioned event since the 2020 Xtreme Powerlifting Coalition (XPC) Arnold. This is a competition where he finished first. Eddie Hall currently holds the world record for shoulder press with a 110kg (242.5lb) lift completed in January of 2020.
It is unknown if Wheels has his eye on any world records in the upcoming months but we do know that he is setting new PR’s daily. This is a trend that he has continued since returning from his injury and has gotten back into full gear when it comes to powerlifting. It is always something to watch when Wheels posts a new lift and he has done so frequently. It will be entertaining to see which life he goes to next.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Dr. Testosterone: Young Steroid Users Will Have Low Natural Testosterone By Mid 30s
[embedded content]
Dr. Testosterone answers how long it takes for steroid use to deplete your natural ability to produce testosterone.
For those who have been following closely, it’s quite clear that continued steroid use leads to low natural testosterone levels. This long term use can have a very long term effect on testosterone after coming off PEDs for good. Usually, individuals will go into testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for the remainder of their lives. This might beg the question – how long can someone use steroids without requiring TRT afterwards? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Dr. Testosterone explains the factors that can affect how and when bodybuilders will require testosterone replacement therapy.
The topic of steroids in sports, including bodybuilding, is a hotly debated issue and has been for many decades. There’s no denying that long term steroid use can lead to serious health problems. But there are those who are skeptical of just how dire those health problems can become. One thing that is undeniable is its effect on natural testosterone production in the body.
During our conversation with Dr. George Touliatos, aka Dr. Testosterone, we asked him to go into detail about steroid use and testosterone replacement therapy. For how long can a bodybuilder use steroids before their body is unable to produce testosterone naturally? Is there a hard out moment that they can stop to prevent long term damage? Or will even the most casual of steroid users require TRT in their future?
Much like nearly all drugs, Dr. Testosterone explains it depends on a variety of factors. What kind of steroid the person is taking, what size of the dose, and how long of a break between cycles. Then add on top of it that each individual has their own genetic predisposition regarding testosterone production in the body. Some individuals who never use steroids still find themselves with low testosterone at a young age. It’s rare but it can happen.
So these varying factors make it hard to pinpoint an exact timeline for when a bodybuilder, or any steroid user, would face a permanent future on TRT. On average though, Dr. Testosterone seems to place the time limit at about 10 years.
“I guess it depends how early you start it. So if you start in your 30s, I think by your 30s you’ll be toast. And TRT is going to be inevitable,” Dr. Testosterone states in our interview.
He goes on to make clear that anything is possible on an individual level – and nothing is guaranteed. He’s known 30 year olds who have low testosterone and have never taken steroids in their lives. He’s also known 50 year olds with good natural testosterone despite typical aging factors.
Dr. Testosterone also goes into more detail about how testosterone works in the body as a whole. And how trying to artificially boost testosterone will always lead to eventual future issues. Even “kick starting” your testosterone via a booster shot will eventually lead to your body not only reverting back to normal levels – but perhaps falling even lower. It’s like a pendulum that gets more dangerous the more doses you take.
So how does one with naturally low testosterone boost it in a healthy manner? Unfortunately there is no easy trick. Dr. Testosterone explains that it takes time and a dietary habit changes.
You can watch Dr. Testosterone go into full detail about testosterone, TRT, and more in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Nick Walker Shares Massive Offseason Physique Update, Leg Workout
Nick Walker has been hitting the gym hard during the offseason.
It was quite a rookie season for Nick Walker. He put together some big performances in the biggest shows of the year but admitted that he was unhappy with his finish at the Olympia. It is clear that Walker is continuing to train with a purpose and a recent physique update shows just that.
It is unlikely that Walker competes again until the 2022 Olympia. This gives him just over a year to get himself in prime shape in hopes of winning the biggest competition of the year. Walker has not been shy about sharing progress and workouts on social media. Recently, Walker released both.
Nick Walker took to Instagram to share a recent physique update following a chest and biceps workout. On his YouTube channel, Walker also shared a huge leg workout. There will be a new back routine released this week.
Walker burst onto the scene with one of the best physiques in the world this year. He took began by winning the New York Pro and followed it up with a title in his first Arnold Classic. He entered the Olympia with plenty of momentum and finished fifth. This was a strong finish for his first appearance but Walker was not satisfied.
“5th place to many is a huge accomplishment. 5th place to me is a loss…. a loss that I will make sure with this whole year of training never happens again. I know what needs to be improved and I know what needs to be fixed,” Walker wrote in an Instagram caption back on Oct. 11.
Early in the offseason, it seems as though Walker is beginning to makes those changes. He has been sharing workout videos for quite sometime now. Recently, it was a massive hamstring workout that he shared on his YouTube page.
This was a workout that consisted of five exercises. Walker began with seated leg curls and trap bar deadlifts. He then went to lying leg curls and hip thrusters before finishing up with weighted lunges. Up next will be a back workout. Walker said that the video would be released this week.
Nick Walker might not compete this year but that does not mean that he will not be a competitor to watch during the 2022 Olympia in Las Vegas. Walker has already sculpted one of the best physiques in the world and is continuing to improve, which is a scary thought.
Over the course of the offseason, Walker will likely continue to provide physique updates and different workouts. He has stated that he knows what changes need to be made and it will be interesting to see what is focused on most to improve.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Jay Cutler Comments On Recent Deaths: “People Are Just Running Scared”
Jay Cutler comments on the passing of modern bodybuilding veterans.
Jay Cutler recently commented on the string of deaths plaguing modern bodybuilding. In recent months former Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden, George Peterson, and John Meadows all lost their lives. The passing of these veteran bodybuilders sent shockwaves through the industry.
The modern era of bodybuilding has become an extremely controversial time for the sport. While bodybuilding has been more accepted into the mainstream, the reality is that the state of the sport has never been more precarious. Recent bodybuilding deaths have raised questions as to how much is too much. Modern bodybuilding standouts George Peterson, John Meadows, and now 2018 Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden have all recently lost their lives. It has sparked a very important conversation in the bodybuilding world.
John Meadows, Shawn Rhoden, and George Peterson all passed away untimely.
Dark Times
Four-time Olympia champion Jay Cutler had a lot to say on the subject. Competing at the highest levels of the game, Cutler has the kind of valuable experience that any bodybuilding enthusiast can find insightful. Cutler recently touched on the string of bodybuilding deaths that have hit the industry hard.
In his podcast, Jay Cutler expressed that many people are having concerns about the state of modern bodybuilding.
“I think people are just running scared at this point, think ‘Oh my gosh, bodybuilding is so dangerous,’” said Cutler. “I think anything in life is, nutrition and whatever else, and we obviously push ourselves. I think our biggest fear now is, when you’re 290, 5-foot-9 or 10, you’re considered obese. So it puts a lot of strain on the heart. Although I felt pretty good at 290, I knew I couldn’t maintain that for a long time, hence I walked away at 40 years old.”
Could Age Be The Cause?
It appears that Jay Cutler is inferring that age could be a factor in the recent deaths of veteran bodybuilders. Cutler continued bringing up examples of past bodybuilding champions and when they walked away from the sport.
“I look back, when I first started bodybuilding, and I watched Lee Haney retire at 31, Dorian Yates retired at like 37, Lee Labrada stepped away, Shawn Ray stepped away early in their careers, their early thirties or whatever.
“I just feel that this has transitioned to an older person’s game, which I don’t know if that’s the best thing for your health, to really be pushing yourself in your forties, to get in shape, up and down like a yo-yo, being depleted and being dehydrated to that extent…
“The truth is, when you start pushing limitations of your physique, it doesn’t matter what the age is, the amount of foods we eat is astronomical.”
To hear everything Jay Cutler had to say click here to see the full podcast.
Age could very well be a factor in the deaths of Shawn Rhoden, John Meadows, and George Peterson. Some may say that the true culprit is the amount of gear that modern bodybuilders take. Either way there’s clearly an issue, one that can’t be ignored.
Do you agree with Jay Cutler and his assessment of the recent bodybuilding deaths?
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.
Philip Ricardo Jr. Looks to The Future
Philip Ricardo Jr. recognizes he has work to do.
Philip Ricardo Jr., a professional natural bodybuilder, had an outstanding performance in the 2021 Natural Olympia on the second weekend of November 2021. He left with a gold medal in Men’s Bodybuilding Grand Masters, and a bronze medal in Men’s Bodybuilding Open – Paul Krueger came out on top; however, Ricardo Jr. did walkaway with a Harley Davidson after winning the drawing, so he’s likely a happy camper.
Although Ricardo Jr. fell short of the gold medal in the 2021 Natural Olympia, he’s won on multiple occasions. He won back-to-back in 2007 and 2008 and again in 2015 and 2019.
Despite his incredible performances, he recognizes that the competition level has increased substantially since his earlier days in the sport. Here’s what he had to say on social media:
“Despite my placing (Gold in Grandmasters Bodybuilding & Bronze in Men’s Open) and winning the drawing for the Harley Davidson. (Thanks Douglas D Grant and the entire GainsInBulk Team) I recognize that I am definitely not the athlete I was years ago in this sport. The level of competition has increased leaps snd [sic] bounds and I feel fortunate to have done as well as I did. I have work to do if/when I ever compete again for sure.”
You can check out his full post below.
Training for Natural Olympia
Philip Rircardo Jr. put in work to prepare for the 2021 Natural Olympia, and in hopes of being victorious, he entered late into Mr. America 2021. Unfortunately, this competition shortened his preparation for the show. Still, it showed the length he’s willing to go to win – entering late into a competition does put the athlete at risk of being “off-peak” when performing. But, at the same time, it can catapult them into full preparation mode for the upcoming contest.
Below you can catch a video of Philip Ricardo Jr. training for the 2021 Natural Olympia.
How Philip Ricardo Jr. Got Into Bodybuilding
Philip Ricardo Jr. feels like he has a lot of work to do to compete at peak level in natural bodybuilding. Although this veteran has had an inspiring run so far in the past decades he’s been competing.
According to “Muscle and Strength,” Philip Ricardo Jr. got into natural bodybuilding when a co-worker secretly entered Ricardo Jr. into the 1992 Military Friendship Day Iwakuni Japan bodybuilding event. Admittedly, Ricardo Jr. lacked experienced and didn’t know how to pose, wore multicolored speedos, and didn’t shave his hair. Yet, despite being unaware of his admissions into the competition and his novice mistakes, he won that competition. The rest is history.
He’s considered to have one of the best natural physiques on the planet. To the point that his critics call him a “fake natural bodybuilder.” Ricardo Jr. takes the speculative remarks in stride and expresses that he sees them as a compliment in his latest GI exclusive interview.
Aside from competing at the highest level of natural bodybuilding, Philip Ricardo Jr. is a devout Christian, retired U.S. Marine, husband, and father. We can’t say for sure how his future will unfold. But we do know Philip Ricardo Jr. is an established veteran. And he’s earned many accolades in his natural bodybuilding career.
Generation Iron would like to congratulate Philip Ricardo Jr. on his performance at 2021 Natural Olympia and thank him for his service. We wish him the best of luck in what the future holds for him.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more news surrounding natural bodybuilding!
Yangsu Ren Crushes IPF World Record With 370kg Deadlift In Training
Yangsu Ren completes massive deadlift in training.
Yangsu Ren has earned the nickname the “Deadlift Panda” and certainly lived up to it recently. On Monday, Ren shared yet another massive deadlift and this one would have been good enough for a world record.
Ren took to Instagram to show off his recent lift. He completed a 370kg (815.7lb) deadlift using just a lifting belt and deadlift slippers. This raw lift is 7.5kg more than the current IPF raw deadlift world record of 362.5kg (799.1lb).
“Smooth 370kg/816lb deadlift today to test out the @notorious_lift sumo sole gen 2.5 deadlift slippers ? Overall they’re great deadlift shoes that fit all my preferences; minimal flat sole with lateral support. Aside from what I mentioned on Wednesday about them for conventional, my only strike against the new model is the narrower feeling toebox with the redesigned top and sidewall, making my toes feel more cramped compared to the previous gen 2’s. This complaint will probably go away as these break in more and loosen up, but out of the box my favorite is currently still the Gen 2’s. Will provide more feedback as they break in after more sessions ?”
John Haak currently holds the raw deadlift world record in the 83kg division. This was accomplished during the 2019 USPA The Tribute. While Ren’s deadlift is far beyond that of Haak’s world record, it cannot be recognized because it was not completed in a sanctioned event. This means that Ren could have some plans to set a new mark next time he competes.
This is not the first time that Yangsu Ren has tested the waters in this territory. In 2019, Ren completed a 338kg (745lb) and 369.7kg (815lb) lifts just one month apart. He was forced to take some time off that same year to recover from lumbar-induced sciatica. He returned to competition in 2020 and completed 379kg (835lb) deadlift.
Yangsu Ren last competed in 2018 at the USAPL Raw Nationals. He took home a seventh-place finish during this event. He did not compete in 2019 to recover from injury and it looks like he has made significant progress. This is what makes some believe that Ren could put up his biggest numbers once he returns to competition.
It is unknown when that time will be. Yangsu Ren has been sharing his lifts on social media and they are continuing to get bigger and bigger. When he takes on a competition next, it will be a must-watch event.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Powerlifter Amanda Kohatsu Wins Women’s Physique And Open Figure In Bodybuilding Debut
Amanda Kohatsu won two gold during her first bodybuilding show.
Amanda Kohatsu recently made the transition from powerlifting to bodybuilding and it as a rousing success. During the NPC Iron Games on Nov. 13, Kohatsu made her bodybuilding debut. Anaheim was the site where Kohatsu was able to win both Women’s Physique and Open Figure.
Kohatsu took to Instagram to celebrate her achievement. In her caption, she thanked her team and said that prep for the next competition will begin this week.
“Update: WE DID THE THING! ??,” Amanda Kohatsu wrote.“Yesterday I competed in my very first bodybuilding show @musclecontest Iron Games! I ended up taking overall in Women’s Physique and Open Figure! ???✨?I’ll have more to say when I come up from my food coma ? but Monday we are back on prep for the next show ?. ?HUGE THANK YOU to my coach/husband/business partner/bestie @teepopoola and my posing coach extraordinaire @kennywallach for believing in me!!Thank you SO MUCH to my crew and family for coming out! As someone who always tries to be there for everyone, it felt so amazing to walk offStage to a huge group of loved ones cheering for me! ??Like I said before, having my dad be at the show was the biggest prize…and I’m happy to report, I got that! ????”
Amanda Kohatsu began competing in powerlifting back in 2016. She has competed in six sanctioned events between the 67.5kg and 75kg weight classes. In six events, Kohatsu has finished on the podium six times and has three victories.
Amanda Kohatsu’s first win came during the 2017 USPA California State Powerlifting Championships. This came after finishing as the runner-up in her debut at the 2016 USPA Southern California Open. Kohatsu added two more victories in 2019 during the Southern Powerlifting Federation Super Training Classic and USPA Lock It Out Barbell Desert Wars. Her most recent competition is where she was able to log her best scores.
During the 2019 Lock It Out Barbell Desert Wars, Kohatsu began with a 192.5kg (424.4lb) squat. She then logged a 107.5kg (237lb) bench press and 222.5kg (490.5lb) deadlift. This landed her a total of 522.5kg (1,151.9lb).
This transition is one that Kohatsu had been planning for a long time now. She was interested in competing back in 2020 but COVID halted that plan. Now, she has made the necessary adjustments to succeed on the bodybuilding stage.
Amanda Kohatsu will be back on stage soon and it will be interesting to see how she follows up her debut. Training has already begun so it is clear that Kohatsu is passionate about the sport and she has shown that she can compete.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Victor Martinez Opens Up About The Moment Diuretics Made Him Scared For His Health
[embedded content]
Victor Martinez talks candidly about a “miscalculation” with diuretics that made him fear for his health before a bodybuilding competition.
2021 has been a tragic year for bodybuilding with many beloved and legendary athletes passing away far too young. Most of these reported deaths are not connected nor have they revealed conclusive evidence on the cause of death in each case. However, many have started reflecting inward and posting publicly about a change to health standards in the sport. During our recent conversation with Victor Martinez, we asked him if he was ever scared for his health during his career as a bodybuilder. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Victor Martinez reveals the one time diuretics almost put his health in danger.
Victor Martinez has always been candid and honest when speaking with Generation Iron. He’s not afraid to tell it like it is – but he’s also not one to point fingers. So when we asked him if he had ever faced a bodybuilding situation where he feared for his health, he was more than happen to speak openly about it. However, he also chose not to mention names or even the specific bodybuilding event in his story. His reason? Because he doesn’t cast blame on any specific coach, promoter, or event.
In our conversation, Victor Martinez describes a moment when his use of diuretics before a show led him to fear for his health. He awoke the day of the show to shallow breathing and incredibly low energy. He felt that he didn’t have the strength to stand, let alone pose.
“I remember being in bed, man, it was this one… I’m not going to name the show because I don’t want to pinpoint the coach. I don’t want to pinpoint anybody again,” Victor Martinez states in our interview. He goes on:
“You guys have to understand this, I’m not one to throw people under the bus just because of a miscalculation. But I still remember just being in bed, Vlad, I didn’t even want to pose man. I was just there and I was just breathing. My friend came into the room and he goes… I can hear such shallow breathing.”
Victor Martinez then describes that he went back to sleep four four more hours. And at that point upon waking – he felt he could sleep even more. This was not typical for Martinez, who would often have trouble sleeping before a competition.
Victor Martinez goes on to describe actually competing. He felt that each pose was a struggle. His arms felt like they weighed a ton. He describes his legs feeling like stilts. After posing, he drank massive amounts of water. He couldn’t eat. He just kept drinking water. Eventually he started to feel recovered – luckily avoiding a trip to the hospital.
“It all had to do with diuretics man,” Victor states at the end of his story. “I knew there was a better way. A healthier way in bodybuilding terms.”
Shortly after that incident, Victor Martinez decided to train himself and make some slight changes to how he prepared for a show. He again reiterates that it was no ones fault – and that these kinds of risks are inherent in an extreme pro sport like bodybuilding. What was important is that he learned from that incident and decided to change strategies to lessen that risk in his future.
You can watch Victor Martinez’s full comments about diuretics and his health as a bodybuilder in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
White House Chef Andre Rush Joins Mike O’Hearn For Arm Day
Mike O’Hearn trained arms with Chef Andre Rush and his 24-inch arms.
Mike O’Hearn remains in tremendous shape at age 52. He is still able to push himself to the limit and perform some strenuous workouts to better his physique. Recently, O’Hearn joined White House Chef Andre Rush for arm day and the results were incredible.
Rush has been working in the White House for 21 years and has made a great career for himself. Aside from preparing meals, Rush has become known for his enormous arms that measure around 24 inches. In a bicep session, O’Hearn and Rush put together a YouTube video of the afternoon.
The two began with a bicep routine then went into conversation on what the other excels in. For Rush, the answer is clear.
“Just so you guys understand. These are 24 inch arms. These bands are not for arms. These are the leg bands, that we are using on his arms. That’s how jacked this man is. So most of you that are watching this, his arm is the size of your leg,” O’Hearn said about Rush.
This comment was brought on at the beginning of the video while Andre Rush was getting a blood Flow restrictor put on his arms. Mike O’Hearn reveals that they were using a leg band because there was not an arm one that would fit around his biceps.
The two men continued to show off their workout. It began with some dumbbell hammer curls followed by preacher curls. During the early exercises, O’Hearn kept discussing the size of Rush and his overall strength.
“I reversed it, truthfully just to open up the arm. Open up means I want the joints and the elbows to fire from all different positions. It’s great my arms are getting pumped, they’ll get pumped regardless. But I want my elbows and my wrist to rotate, I want my shoulders to open.”
O’Hearn explains that he performs preacher curls with a reverse grip to open up all parts of the arm. This is a more intense version than the traditional underneath grip.
Andre Rush is a US Army Veteran. He ensiled in 1993 where he was trained in hand-to-hand combat and food service. He began as a chef at the White House in 1997. All throughout, Rush began being known for his biceps as well as his food. To start his day, Rush says he does 2,222 pushups as part of the 22 pushup challenge. This is to raise awareness for the roughly 22 veterans who die by suicide each day.
There is no doubt that Rush can hold his own in the gym and he proved it with Mike O’Hearn. Both men put on a show that is worthy of being seen.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Felipe Franco In ER After Surgery On Appendix
Felipe Franco remains in the ER after having a procedure done on his appendix.
Felipe Franco remains in the emergency room at Hospital Sao Camilo in Portugal after undergoing surgery on his appendix. Franco took to Instagram on Tuesday night to share that the procedure went well and he is continuing to recover in the ER.
“Last night to tonight was not a good one, really bad abdominal pain and thought it was just gases at first. I came to the @hospitalsaocamilosp ER in a hurry after an unexpected fainting that hit my head and didn’t remember anything. After the ct scan, an acute inflammation of the appendix was found. And here I am, post surgery in recovery, it was a success. It was all so fast that I didn’t understand anything. I want to thank all the professionals at @hospitalsacamilosp who were very skilled in my first surgery in my life, thank you. you guys are great. #FF vlw the strength guys.”
Felipe Franco was bothered with abdominal pains that he mistook for gas before going to the hospital. While he was there, the doctors found that his appendix was inflamed and surgery was needed. This was the first surgery for the Men Physique competitor and it was a success.
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.