Tag: nEWS
Gallery of Greatness: Rafael Brandao Looks Insane in Lead Up to Return
Rafael Brandao has taken his physique to the next level.
Rafael Brandao is looking absolutely insane in the lead up to his return to action. One of the top talents coming out of Brazil, Brandao is truly loving up to his potential.
There’s no doubt that Rafael Brandao has one of the most impressive physiques in bodybuilding today. He has an incredible amount of musculature and proportions that could easily make him a champion.
In the lead up to his return to action Rafael Brandao has been looking truly otherworldly. That said the Brazilian standout hasn’t competed in quite some time now. Getting sick may have derailed Brandao momentarily, but he’s used his time away from competition wisely.
While many believed in the past that Rafael Brandao needed to gain more muscle in order to compete at the highest levels, Shaun Clarida’s recent win at the Legion Sports Fest has proven that notion isn’t exactly true. Clarida as a smaller bodybuilder was able to outperform top Open Bodybuilding competitors to secure his spot for the 2022 Olympia. It’s quite clear that a smaller bodybuilder can get the job done.
With all that said Rafael Brandao has built up a truly incredible physique during my his extender off season. His recent progress photos on Instagram are nothing short of incredible.
Condition is coming ??
It’s clear that Rafael Brandao has next level conditioning. He’s looking shredded to the bone and not depleted whatsoever. Brandao has been posting quite a few progress photos and videos leading up to his return to the stage. Here are just a few clips and photos of the level Brandao is on leading into his upcoming return.
Gallery of Greatness
A few more days and we’ll be on stage again!Thank you sir for the opportunity to do what I love daily ??
Time for the details to appear and the physique transforming every day!
class with mass
Let’s go ??
At only 28 years of age Rafael Brandao has a ton of upside. With the kind of physique he possesses currently Brandao can clearly become a top contender in just a few years time.
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.
Rapper Kevin Gates Believes Women Liked Him Better With Dad Bod
Kevin Gates is a believer that the dad bod craze was real.
The dad bod might not have just been a phase that took over the internet. According to rapper Kevin Gates, women might have liked him better when he was sporting the dad bod.
Recently, Gates has been working on his health and has shown a real dedication to improving himself. This has become apparent on Instagram as the rapper has given plenty of updates and even some workouts. Gates’ 9.1 million followers on social media have been given some tips and exercises to try.
Another Instagram video was of Adrienne Bailon explaining how Gates feels women preferred the dad bod. Gates believes this is because the pressure is taken off of them and it stems down to their own insecurities. You can check out the full video below.
“What y’all think? #dadbod or #daddyasf ???????? #therealdaytime“
This has not been confirmed or denied but it is interesting to see the opinion coming from Gates. There is no doubt that there has been some serious progress made by the musician in the gym.
This is not the first time we have seen transformations like this from celebrities. It is most common in Hollywood stars because they have to transform their bodies to the role that they are playing. In music, Lil Uzi Vert comes to mind as the most recent transformation made in the gym.
Kevin Gates is following a long line of rappers who have displayed impressive physiques. In the past, 50 Cent has graced the cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine while Nelly and LL Cool J remained in shape during the highlight of their careers.
Gates seems to be next and this has been shown in recent months. He has posted some impressive workouts for his fans to try.
Kevin Gates has an entertaining and specific opinion on how women felt about his dad bod. Either way, he has made the transformation and this is an ongoing experiment that could produce new results over time.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Generation Iron Network To Produce Biopic On Legendary Pro Bodybuilder Robby Robinson
The documentary film will chronicle the iconic life story of Robby Robinson, his illustrious pro bodybuilding career, and his game changing 6-Step Blueprint to the best physique of your life.
Generation Iron Network in association with The Vladar Company have announced that they are set to produce a feature film documentary exploring the life story of pro bodybuilding legend Robby Robinson. An iconic athlete from the “Golden Era” of bodybuilding, Robinson is the first ever black man featured on the cover of a bodybuilding magazine. He is also well known for using his platform to advocate for equal rights in the sport.
Born and raised in Florida, Robby Robinson was one of 14 children – son to an illiterate mother and bootlegger father. He grew up facing extreme poverty and racism throughout his entire childhood. Overcoming the odds, Robinson discovered bodybuilding and competed in over 300 amateur competitions before entering the IFBB Pro league. He would go on to become a star competitor and eventually make history as the first ever Mr. Olympia Masters champion.
During the prime of his career, he was openly outspoken in bodybuilding over racism and unfairness in the sport – and even put his career on the line to promote change. His comments proved controversial at the time eventually landing him a double-lifetime ban from the IFBB Pro league forcing him into retirement. Despite no longer being able to compete, he remained in shockingly impressive shape well into his 60s and 70s – often being touted as finding the fountain of youth.
“It’s a rare opportunity to work on a film about one of the most interesting, unique and underrated figures in bodybuilding,” says director Vlad Yudin. “Robby Robinson’s film will not focus solely on his bodybuilding career. It will dive way beyond the sport and explore Robby’s struggle, purpose and legacy.”
The Robby Robinson biopic will chronicle his entire life story from struggling in childhood and through his illustrious yet controversial career. It will explore the nuance behind his claims of racism in the sport – including statements made against beloved bodybuilding figure and mogul Joe Weider and the subsequent backlash. A complicated yet inspiring figure in the sport, the film will unearth the man behind the myth and muscle.
The documentary will also follow Robby Robinson’s current life including the friendship he formed with Tim Taylor. A man who hired Robinson for a four day training session that led to Taylor befriending the notoriously private Robinson very late in his life. Robinson had never let anyone inside his private life until meeting Taylor.
Through their bond and trust – Robby Robinson transformed Tim Taylor’s life and physique at 56 years old using a 6-Step Blueprint. This transformative fitness program was not documented until Robinson and Taylor trained together for those 16 weeks. Taylor documented their training conversations into a journal every day and created the 6-Step Blueprint in order to replicate them long term. 50 years of Robinson’s wisdom and knowledge organized into a training system like never before.
Taylor now believes bringing this 6-Step Blueprint to the public eye will solidify the legacy of Robinson – the final crowning achievement that he can leave behind long after he is gone. Acting as a sort of window into the true Robby Robinson – audiences will witness a never before seen side of the legend.
The Robby Robinson biopic will be directed by Vlad Yudin (Generation Iron, Ronnie Coleman: The King, Dorian Yates: The Original Mass Monster) and produced by Edwin Mejia Jr. (Canyon Del Muerto, Generation Iron, The Hurt Business, Ronnie Coleman: The King) and Tim Taylor.
The Robby Robinson biopic is set to be released in 2022 on limited screens.
Photo courtesy of Jason Ellis Photography.
Generation Iron Network
Generation Iron is the first digital media company delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding and strength sports content worldwide. Since launch, Generation has been the leading publisher of original programming, films, and premium entertainment content with the biggest names in Strength Sports worldwide. Generation Iron today is dedicated to making the highest quality digital series aimed at educating and entertaining fans and athletes. Today, Generation Iron has a catalogue of over 30 titles and in depth docu-series which have built the backbone of its original programming.
The Vladar Company
The Vladar Company is a media and entertainment company, which focuses on developing, financing, and packaging a library of intellectual properties. Recent films include Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer, The Hurt Business, Medeas, and Generation Iron. The company has become a leading producer of many niche genres and multiple mediums in US and international markets, while also expanding into acquiring and distributing high quality content.
Vladar continues to develop, finance, and release projects in different formats as well as create and build media brands. Vladar also focuses on creating and developing new distribution models, and contributes to the success of independent film and TV production.
*Header image courtesy of Jason Ellis Photography
Mr. America Champ Corey Brown On His First Cheat Meal After A Momentous Victory
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Corey Brown Answers: What Will Be His First Cheat Meal After Winning Mr. America 2021?
This past October held one of the biggest and most historic bodybuilding events of the year – the Mr. America 2021. With its roots going back all the way to 1939 – the competition somewhat disappeared in the new millennium until 2020, when it was revived with the aim of going mainstream in the sport. Now in its second year of revival, the event has already received much attention, praise, and a featured broadcast on CBS Sports. We had a chance to chat with the Men’s Open champion from the event, Cory Brown immediately after his victory. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Cory Brown shares what his first cheat meal will be after being crowned Mr. America.
The Mr. America competition has a dedication to represent the purity of competition within bodybuilding. With that in mind, its revival decided to ensure that this was a natural show by committing to WADA standard drug testing. With a media coverage partnership with Generation Iron and CBS Sports Network broadcasting – it’s well on its way to reaching a wider audience and, hopefully, making bodybuilding more mainstream. Partially leading that charge will be the champion athletes – such as Mr. America 2021 winner Corey Brown.
Generation Iron had a chance to catch up with Corey Brown right after his victory. Still stunned by the weight of the victory, Brown showcased himself as a humble but confident athlete and champion. He shared insight into the kind of work he had to put in to earn the title and also his future plans for the coming year.
But competitive bodybuilding can also take a major strain on your psych when it comes to nutrition and dieting. After putting so much effort into being perfect for stage, it’s only natural for an athlete to indulge in a bit of a cheat meal. With Corey Brown being somewhat new to the public gaze – we wanted to help let fans get to know Brown a little better now that he’s Mr. America champion. We thought of the perfect way – what’s his ideal cheat meal to celebrate his big victory.
Still somewhat awe-struck from his victory, he claimed that he had a lot going on in his head. Ultimately, he landed on trying something delicious and new to him. Not being native to the east coast of the US, he had always heard New York pizza is the best in the country. He wants to put that to the test and grab a slice or two for himself.
“Since this is my first time on the east coast, I want to try something on the east coast that I’ve never ate,” Corey Brown stated during our interview. He continued:
“I don’t ant to go to no chain restaurant. One of my guys told me that if I ever tried pizza here or in New York that I’ll never want pizza again when I go back. So I wanna see how good their pizza is actually.”
The staff here at Generation Iron (a New York located business, by the way) wish Corey Brown the best on his pizza journey and hope it lives up to his expectations. It only makes sense to try the best pizza in America when you’re the Mr. America champion.
You can watch our full post-victory interview with Corey Brown in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Martins Licis Sets New World Record With 300-Pound Hammer Lift
Martins Licis had quite a weekend during the 2021 Rogue Invitational.
Martins Licis made his return to competition over the weekend during the 2021 Rogue Invitational. He ended the event with a championship and even broke a world record in the process. After winning the competition, Licis returned to Dell Diamond in Round Rock, TX to win yet another award.
Licis was one of five competitors to return and attempt to break the world record in Thor’s Hammer Lift. In the end, it was Licis who was able to complete the heaviest lift by getting a new world record of 136kg (300lb) off the ground.
For his victory at the strongman competition, Licis earned the largest winning in the history of the sport at $133,351. After setting the world record in the hammer lift, Licis added another $5,000 to his overall pot.
The Thor’s hammer Lift is a grip challenge. The competitor must hold the handle of the gammer and lift it off the ground to a full standing position. The judge then gives the down command and this is when the weight can be returned to the ground. The competitor could use either hand and even change hands on each attempt. This was a timed competition where athletes had one minute to complete the lift.
Hafthor Bjornsson held the previous world record at 118kg (260lb). Over the weekend, the opening weight was 90.kg (200lb) and all six competitors were successful. It was the raised to 102kg (225lb) and all but Trey Mitchell were successful. It eventually moved up to 125kg (275lb), which was more than Bjornsson’s record. Mikhail Shivlyakov set the initial mark followed by Mateusz Kieliszkowski. Laurence Shahlaei did not control the big lift after initially getting it off the ground.
Josh Thigpen was also eliminated and the weight was moved up to 300lb. Shivlyakov attempted the lift with both hands but miss and Kieliszkowski failed as well. This left Licis to make an attempt and was able to complete it with his left hand. Licis then attempted to lift a 147.3 (325lb) hammer but failed. It did not matter as his 300-pound feat was enough to set a new world record.
Martins Licis has been one of the best strongmen in the world for years now. He won the 2019 World’s Strongest Man title. He has been out of competition for awhile now with different injuries but made his return in Texas and put on a memorable performance.
Licis will certainly be present at upcoming strongman events to continue to put up big numbers. When healthy, there is no doubt that he is one of the top competitors in the sport.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Regan Grimes to Compete Against Nathan De Asha at Prague Pro
Regan Grimes will compete at the Prague Pro joining fellow top bodybuilder Nathan De Asha.
It appears that we’ll get to see a showdown between Regan Grimes and Nathan De Asha at the Prague Pro this weekend. Hot off the heels of an impressive victory at the KO Pro Egypt, Grimes is set to compete once again with a very quick turnaround.
Some times you have to quit while you’re ahead. It’s a notion that many believe in, the idea of playing it safe after already achieving your perceived goal. Most anyone can understand doing that. It’s the natural move to make of course. Apparently Regan Grimes missed the memo where that thought process is concerned.
Impressive Win
Having just secured his spot for the 2022 Olympia with his triumphant win at the KO Pro Egypt competition, many thought Regan Grimes would sit on the sidelines and continue to improve his physique. His dominant victory at the KO Pro Egypt has certainly given him som momentum as he showcased a truly impressive physique.
On To Prague
Having qualified for the big show, there’s really no point in continuing to compete is there? But instead of sitting out the rest of the year and prepping for next fall, Regan Grimes has stated his intentions to compete at the Prague Pro this coming weekend.
5 DAYS OUT!! @evls_prague_pro_official▪️Coach @milossarcev and I decided we would do another show! As we are pleased with getting the qualification for the 2022 @mrolympiallc at the KO Pro that is no reason for shutting it down just yet! This is my PROFESSION and I love competing! Feeling fresh and ready to bring an improved physique from the KO PRO in just 5 days!
Regan Grimes won’t be the only top pro to compete at the show. Nathan De Asha who has already qualified for the 2022 Olympia himself is set to compete in Prague as well.
Ready For Prague
That means we can expect a head to head clash with two of the best bodybuilders in the game today. Both Regan Grimes and Nathan De Asha are making some great improvements to their physiques. Grimes in particular is truly impressive considering he’s only just recently changed coaches in the last several weeks.
Working with Milos Sarcev is proving to pay some massive dividends for Regan Grimes. If he can continue to improve exponentially, you can expect Grimes to make good on Sarcev’s predictions of being a contender for the Mr. Olympia title in the coming years.
What do you think of both Regan Grimes and Nathan De Asha competing at the Prague Pro despite being qualified for the 2022 Olympia already?
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.
Flex Wheeler Shares Update On Condition, Receives Well Wishes From Dave Bautista
Flex Wheeler gave a recent update during his battle with COVID-19 and it included a message from Dave Bautista.
Flex Wheeler was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Oct. 9 and has been dealing with the virus ever since. He has provided updates on his condition over the last few weeks and it has been a struggle for the former bodybuilder. Wheeler recently provided another update and it featured well wishes from Dave Bautista.
Wheeler has been able to stay positive throughout the recovery process as he continues to fight the virus. There has been plenty of support for Wheeler from the bodybuilding world but they are not the only community sharing well wishes.
Bautista, a former WWE star turned actor, shared a video message where he had some kid words to say to Wheeler.
“We love you big dog. Just do your thing and get better, like you always do. Just pull through this and keep inspiring people. It’s not your time brother,” Bautista said.
Flex Wheeler shared the video of Dave Bautista on his Instagram page and responded right away. Wheeler thanked the star for his kind words and agreed with the sentiment.
“Sincerely appreciate your support homie ? @davebautista
“The Original Super Duper Fly”
You’re 100% right brother, it’s not my time.
I can’t wait to get out of here to check out your new movie ? ?
I want to congratulate you on all your success and future success.
Your friendship means the world to me. I hope you and the Family have a amazing Halloween tonight save me some candy.”
Flex Wheeler has been through a lot over the last month. In his previous update, he shared that he was in acute kidney failure. The virus has even done some damage to his lungs but Wheeler has continued to shine and be as positive as ever. This is not surprising as he continues to fight to defeat the virus.
On Saturday, Flex Wheeler took to Instagram to share a video of a positive message. He showed the hospital room he is in and discussed the path that God has put him on. Throughout the video and the message, Wheeler can be seen with a smile. This is the type of person he was throughout his career and that has continued.
The entire staff here at Generation Iron send out hope and support for Flex Wheeler during this time. The Generation Iron Fitness Network will continue to provide updates as they become available for this developing story. We all hope for a smooth and strong recovery in the days ahead.
2021 Rogue Invitational Strongman Contest: Martins Licis Finishes As Champion
Martins Licis was able to take home the title at the 2021 Rogue Invitational Strongman Contest.
Martin Licis proved superior over the weekend during the 2021 Rogue Invitational. Some of the top strongmen in the world gathered in Round Rock, TX and competed in five events to see who would be crowned champion. In the end, it was one of the former World’s Strongest Man competition winners who took home the prize.
Licis was not the only former WSM winner in the competition. The 2019 winner was able to outlast the two previous champions. Tom Stoltman, who was the WSM champion in 2021, finished second while 2020 WSM Oleksii Novikov finished with the bronze medal. Novikov was on a roll with three victories already this year and one second-place finish. Now, he can add another top-three finish to his resume.
For Licis, this was his first competition since the 2020 Arnold Strongman Classic as he was recovering from injuries. A force in the sport, Licis proved that he is still a force and is fully back from any injuries that have been suffered. There is no better return than a first-place finish against some of the other top competitors in the world.
All competitors competed in five different events and were fighting for placement to split a total pool of $1,436,638. By finishing in first place, Licis took home $133,351, which is the largest winning in the history of the sport. Stoleman claimed $66,601 while Novikov earned $39,3991 for his third-place finish.
The full results have been released and you can checkout how the entire competition played out below!
2021 Rogue Invitational Results
Overall
Martins Licis — 45 points
Tom Stoltman — 42 point
Oleksii Novikov — 34 points
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 29.5 points
JF Caron — 28 points
Rob Kearney — 26 points
Brian Shaw — 23 points
Luke Stoltman — 22 points
Mikhail Shivlyakov — 13.5 points
Jerry Pritchett — 12 points
Elephant Bar Deadlift
This event kicked off the competition where athletes were to complete the heaviest lift they could. The order of lifts went based on the weights that were chosen by the men. JF Caron took first place in the first event. Brian Shaw finished fourth but was forced to skip him third and final lift after a hamstring injury.
JF Caron — 420 kilograms (926 pounds)
Tom Stoltman — 413 kilograms (911 pounds)
Martins Licis — 410 kilograms (906 pounds)
Brain Shaw — 400 kilograms (881 pounds)
Rob Kearney — 397.5 kilograms (876 pounds)
Oleksii Novikov — 390 kilograms (861 pounds)
Jerry Pritchett — 388 kilograms (856 pounds)
Luke Stoltman — 383.5 kilograms (846 pounds)
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — no successful lift (T-ninth)
Mikhail Shivlyakov — no successful lift (T-ninth)
Cyr Dumbbell Ladder
Mateusz Kieliszkowski holds the world record for the heaviest dumbbell lift at 150kg (3330.7lb) but this was an event based on speed. Athletes had to lift five dumbbells overhead in the fastest time possible. The dumbbells weighed 253, 274, 280, 290, and 300 pounds. Novikov was the only competitor to complete all five lifts and did so in just over a minute.
Oleksii Novikov — five dumbbells in one minute, five seconds
Martins Licis — three dumbbells in 37 seconds
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — three dumbbells in one minute
Brian Shaw — two dumbbells in 21 seconds
Tom Stoltman — two dumbbells in 28 seconds
Rob Kearney — two dumbbells in 29 seconds
Luke Stoltman — one dumbbell in eight seconds
Mikhail Shivlyakov — one dumbbell in seven seconds
JF Caron — one dumbbell in nine seconds
Jerry Pritchett — no successful lift
Wheel of Pain
The Wheel of Pain is a behemoth that weights 20,000 pounds. Made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger, athletes are required to turn the wheel as far as possible in one minute. Each competitor was given 60 seconds and in the end, Stoltman moved it furthest at just over 89 feet.
Tom Stoltman — 89 feet, three inches
Martins Licis — 85 feet, six inches
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 83 feet, six inches
Oleksii Novikov — 76 feet, 3 inches
Luke Stoltman — 73 feet, nine inches
Rob Kearney — 63 feet, three inches
Mikhail Shivlyakov — 55 feet, nine inches
Brian Shaw — 54 feet, nine inches
Jerry Pritchett — 50 feet, nine inches
JF Caron — 29 feet, six inches
Timber Yoke Carry/Overhead Log Press Medley
The athletes had a two and a half minute time limit to complete this event. They were required to carry a 455kg (1,000lb) yoke a distance of 50 feet before pressing a 163kg (360lb) log overhead three times. The fastest time determined the winner and it was Kieliszkowski, who defeated Licis by three seconds.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 0:41.74
Martins Licis — 0:44.70
Tom Stoltman — 0:52.06
JF Caron — 0:56.03
Oleksii Novikov — 1:05.51
Brian Shaw — 1:37.83
Luke Stoltman — two reps on the log in 37 seconds
Rob Kearney — one rep on the log in 27 seconds
Mikhail Shivlyakov — yoke carry in 50 seconds
Jerry Pritchett — no distance credited
Inver Stone Over Hitching Post
This is another event with a time limit — this time two minutes. Athletes had to lift the oddly-shaped stones over a 50-inch high log. The stones weighed 275, 300, 365, 400, and 420 pounds. Heading into this event, Licis needed to place at least second to win the competition and he ended it with a win. Licis completed the five stones nearly six seconds faster than Stoltman, who is known as “King of Stones.” The inver stones are a bit different than Atlas because of their shape.
Martins Licis — five stones in 24.45 seconds
Tom Stoltman — five stones in 30.08 seconds
JF Caron — five stones in 43.51 seconds
Oleksii Novikov — four stones in 1:04.5 seconds
Rob Kearney — four stones in 33.4 seconds
Luke Stoltman — three stones in 17.6 seconds
Jerry Pritchett — two stones in 13.3 seconds
Mikhail Shivlyakov — two stones in 12.1 seconds
Mateusz Kieliszkowski — one stone in 9.4 seconds
Brian Shaw — no lifts
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ryan Crowley: The Pros and Cons Of Being An Endomorph Bodybuilder
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Ryan Crowley shares his personal experience on successful training techniques as a person who genetically gains weight easily.
A core school of thought when it comes to fitness and bodybuilding is that everyone falls into three body types. An Ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph. Ectomorphs have a heard time gaining weight with little body fat, mesomorphs have a natural high muscle to fat ratio, and endomorphs have a naturally higher fat to muscle ratio and gain weight easily. Ryan Crowley was bullied as a child for being an overweight kid and to this day falls in the endomorph category. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Ryan Terry shares his experiences and tips on how to keep his fat ratio low while building a successful bodybuilding technique.
In competitive bodybuilding, there are some who struggle with building size and forcing themselves to eat enough food. But some bodybuilders gain weight easily during bulking. Typically, these bodybuilders would fall under the endomorph category of genetic body type. This might seem like a blessing. Building weight and size is the first step towards becoming a competitive bodybuilder. But when a competitor ultimately steps on stage, they also want to be as lean as possible. That can be more challenging to pull off for endomorphs.
Ryan Crowley is one such bodybuilder who falls into that category. He has been open about being an overweight child and being bullied. This was part of the reason why he eventually discovered bodybuilding and started sculpting his physique. This doesn’t mean that his genetic predisposition to gain fat disappears. In fact, Crowley’s fans have often been in disbelief how easily he can maintain his weight at around 300 pounds.
It’s so easy for him to stay heavy, in fact, that his bulks can sometimes go too far in the wrong direction. He describes bulking up to near 320 pounds and feeling unhealthy carrying that much weight on his body. Not only that, but he eventually needs to cut back on the fat, try to maintain as much size as possible, and keep it all as lean muscle. This is much harder for endomorphs who gain fat much more easily.
While cardio is often seen as an enemy for bodybuilders (due to cutting muscle alongside the fat), Ryan Crowley finds himself sometimes doing three hours of cardio to keep himself at a respectable weight – even during bulk. This seems to be Crowley’s biggest takeaway about being an endomorph. Bodybuilders who fall under this category need to embrace cardio in order to stay lean.
At the end of the day, Ryan Crowley keeps on weight at lower calorie levels that would cause others to lose weight. This has led fans to call him a liar about his weight and demand he shows video of stepping on the scale. The plus side is that he can keep weight with eating less food and avoiding more carbs. But the downside is if he doesn’t keep an eye on it and add extensive cardio into his routine – he can fall too far into bulking and make his cutting phase a nightmare in prep for a show.
You can watch Ryan Crowley talk in more detail about the pros and cons of being an endomorph bodybuilder in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Big Ramy Poses For First Time Since Winning Olympia
Big Ramy made a recent appearance as a guest poser on stage.
A bodybuilding competition in Egypt would not be complete without the presence of the reigning two-time Olympia champion. The 2021 KO Pro Egypt took place on Sunday in Egypt and Big Ramy made an appearance on stage for the first time since winning the Olympia in October. He arrived as a guest poser and showed off his prize-winning physique.
Big Ramy took the stage with plenty of praise from the crowd and chants of his name. He performed a posing routine for close to two minutes for fans in his home country.
Leading up to the event, Big Ramy continued to be a big storyline because of the competition taking place in Egypt. He has become a superstar because of his work on the biggest stage. Big Ramy won the 2021 Olympia and successfully defended his title. This is something that he plans to do for years to come.
It is no surprise that fans in Egypt gave Big Ramy a warm welcome on stage. This has been the case since he took home the Olympia title. Big Ramy’s hometown of Kafr El Sheikh decided that the biggest square in the city would be named after him. Also, there was a huge welcome once Big Ramy returned from Orlando. There was staff waiting in the airport along with fans who wanted to catch a glimpse of the champion.
At the Egypt Pro, Regan Grimes took home the prize in Men’s Open. This earned him an automatic bid to the 2022 Olympia where he will have a chance to go up against Big Ramy. Grimes has displayed an incredible physique and has made progress in a short time since hiring a new coach.
Grimes finished first in this event after placing second last weekend during the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro. Now that he has his qualification, he can focus on preparing for the Olympia, which is set to take place in December 2022.
Big Ramy will not be an easy competitor to beat. It was confirmed last week that the reigning champion has already started training. This is about 14 months out from the Olympia. Heading into the 2021 show, Big Ramy had just three months of training after an extended period of time off. This is a scary sight for opponents if Big Ramy is preparing this far out in advance.
It is only right that Big Ramy made an appearance on stage this weekend. He showed why he is the Olympia champ and that fans are in for a treat next time he steps on stage. There is no doubt that there will be plenty of physique updates as training progresses.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.