Tag: nEWS
2021 San Antonio Classic Results
Isabelle Pereira Nunes wins Wellness at the 2021 San Antonio Classic!
The 2021 San Antonio Classic took place on Saturday and it was Isabelle Pereira Nunes who took home the prize in Wellness. Some of the top competitors in the division gathered in San Antonio to earn a victory and show what they can do on stage.
Nunes is two weeks removed from a third-place finish at the 2021 Olympia Wellness. This was the first Wellness competitor at the Olympia and Nunes was one of the top competitors. She qualified for the biggest competition of the year with a win at the Milwaukee Pro back in May. Nunes has taken the next step in Wellness and is an athlete to watch moving forward.
Lorena Ragusa finished second while Devyn Cambre took home bronze. Ragusa was another top-10 finisher at the Olympia as she finished ninth in Wellness. She competed multiple times this year with notable appearances at the Puerto Rico Pro and New York Pro.
Cambre has also gotten comfortable in the top five. She finished fourth at the Milwaukee Pro and fifth in Puerto Rico. This was a chance for Cambre to see where she stacks up and she looked impressive on stage in San Antonio.
The Wellness division featured some top competitors at the 2021 San Antonio Classic looking to take home the prize. The full results have been announced. Check out the full breakdown from the event below!
2021 San Antonio Classic Breakdown
Wellness
First Place – Isabelle Pereira Nunes
Second Place – Lorena Ragusa
Third Place – Devyn Cambre
Fourth Place – Kassandra Gillis
Fifth Place – Brooke Donnelly
Sixth Place – Haley Arnold
Seventh Place – Vicki Counts
Eighth Place – Celeste Morales
Ninth Place – Avis Evans
Tenth Place – Biance Siles
Official Score Card
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the 2021 San Antonio Classic. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
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.
2021 Hurricane Pro Results
Alex Cambronero wins Classic Physique at the 2021 Hurricane Pro.
The Classic Physique division headlined the 2021 Hurricane Pro and it was Alex Cambronero who took home the title. This event saw many elite competitors gather to the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL to put on a strong show. This is one of the competitions where athletes looked to get back on stage post-Olympia hoping to build on some momentum.
Cambroneroheadlined Classic Physique as one of the best competitors in the show. Cambronero is the 2020 Arnold Classic champion and finished second in this year’s show. Cambronero is going off a sixth-place finish at the Olympia just three weeks ago. Cambronero headlined competitors from all divisions across the sport of bodybuilding.
This includes Lauren Dannenmiller, who earned a top-10 finish at the Olympia. The Bikini division was the largest at the show and Dannenmiller put on an impressive performance. Jourdanne Lee was also back on stage after making an appearance in Orlando.
The Men’s Physique and Figure divisions also featured some talent to watch. Autumn Cleveland and Sandra Grajales were some of the competitors to watch in Figure heading into the competition. The Hurricane Pro was a chance for athletes to get back on stage quickly following the Olympia.
There were a total of 10 divisions at the Hurricane Pro looking to take home prizes. The full results have been announced. Check out the full breakdown from the event below!
2021 Hurricane Pro: All Division Winners
Classic Physique: Alex Cambronero
Classic Physique Masters 40+: Tim Tevin
Men’s Physique: Daniel Ammons
Men’s Physique Masters 40+: Alex Woodson
Figure: Maria Luisa Diaz
Figure Masters 40+: Corrie Morales
Bikini: Jourdanne Lee
Bikini Masters 40+: Angela Ruscilli
Bikini Masters 50+: Angela Ruscilli
Bikini Masters 60+: Karen Small
2021 Hurricane Pro Breakdown
Classic Physique
First Place – Alex Cambronero
Second Place – Jordan Plantiko
Third Place – Runben Stouth
Fourth Place – Tyler Johnson
Fifth Place – Paul Kanu
Sixth Place – Jay Warren
Classic Physique Masters 40+
First Place – Tim Tevin
Second Place – Jim Holcomb
Men’s Physique
First Place – Daniel Ammons
Second Place – Alex Woodson
Third Place – Yasser Fernando Chala Blandon
Fourth Place – Benquil Marigny
Fifth Place – Xiaolong Hong
Sixth Place – Deke Walker
Men’s Physique Masters 40+
First Place – Alex Woodson
Second Place – Peter Burnett
Third Place – James Johnson
Fourth Place – Josh Cooperman
Fifth Place – Andre Anderson
Sixth Place – Jeffrey Cording
Figure
First Place – Maria Luisa Diaz
Second Place – Sandra Grajales
Third Place – Martina Yabekova
Fourth Place – Autumn Cleveland
Fifth Place – Maryam Bamdad
Sixth Place – Danielle Rose
Figure Masters 40+
First Place – Corrie Morales
Second Place – Lisa Vigliotti
Third Place – Bree Marsh
Fourth Place – Jessica Bowman
Fifth Place – Lisa Horrigan
Bikini
First Place – Jourdanne Lee
Second Place – Maria Julia da Silva de Lemos
Third Place – Lauren Dannenmiller
Fourth Place – Jessica Nicole Dollas
Fifth Place – Theresa Miller
Sixth Place – Maria Eugenia Vegas
Bikini Masters 40+
First Place – Angela Ruscilli
Second Place – Gina Sardina
Third Place – Belen Altamirano
Fourth Place – Myra Colcord
Fifth Place – Laura Tarbell
Sixth Place – Marcela Loaiza
Bikini Masters 50+
First Place – Angela Ruscilli
Second Place – Robin Graves
Third Place – Elizabeth Stanton
Fourth Place – Trisha Vonstetina
Fifth Place – Pamela John
Sixth Place – Veronica Slmon
Bikini Masters 60+
First Place – Karen Small
Second Place – Karen Robinson
Third Place – Laurie Dratch
Fourth Place – Helen Fritsch
Official Score Cards
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the 2021 Hurricane Pro. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
Pro Women’s Physique Competitor Jennifer Hernandez Has Reportedly Passed Away
Jennifer Hernandez, a Pro Women’s Physique bodybuilder, has died.
Tragic news has hit the bodybuilding world this weekend as early reports indicate that pro bodybuilder Jennifer Hernandez has passed away. Hernandez was a Pro Women’s Physique competitor. She was 58 years old. At the time of this writing, the cause of death has not been revealed.
While there has been no official announcement made by friends or family, sources close to Generation Iron have reported her passing. Many online have already started sharing the news and condolences on social media – including former pro bodybuilder and coach Dennis James.
“I’m still in shock and can’t believe we lost you Jen. Rest In Peace Jennifer Hernandez???You will be missed forever and always.”
Jennifer Hernandez was a talented Women’s Physique athlete who was last seen competing at the Tampa Pro 2021. Hernandez has been competing in bodybuilding since 2005 and earned her pro card in 2009 at the age of 47. More than a talented athlete – she was seen as an inspiration to many and a kind dear friend to those who knew her.
Jennifer Hernandez’s goal was to inspire and promote healthy lifestyle practices and fitness to the masses – focusing on a positive mindset and optimism toward achieving goals and believing in oneself. The mission statement on her personal website perfectly describes the kind of attitude she brought into bodybuilding:
“We all have the ability to shine bright like a star. We have the power to live life to our fullest potential. My goal is to teach the world one person at a time about cherishing yourself, your body, your spirit and pursuing your dreams.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, exercise and a positive mind set are the basic building blocks to being strong, confident, happy and successful.
I want to help you live a life filled with good health, positive energy, happiness and love by teaching you to make better lifestyle choices. Let’s spread more love and happiness in the world.
I am a role model, fitness competitor, personal trainer, teacher, competitor, mom, grandmother and leader.
I AM INSPIRED BY THE DESIRE TO INSPIRE YOU!”
While there has been no cause of death announced at this time, it seems her passing was sudden as here social media remained active up to one week ago.
News of Jennifer Hernandez’s passing is a hard pill to swallow after a very tragic year within the sport of bodybuilding. While seemingly unconnected, there have been many relatively young deaths of athletes in 2021 including George Peterson’s sudden and tragic passing days before the Mr. Olympia.
Hernandez’s death, like many others this past year, may have been due to a variety of reasons. Despite this, there has been a growing cry for better health conditions for the sport. Including Mr. Olympia owner Jake Wood who had made a comment advocating for better health practices put in place by leagues for pro bodybuilders. To be clear, there is no evidence that Jennifer Hernandez’s death was directly related to her bodybuilding lifestyle.
This story is still developing and Generation Iron Fitness Network will continue to provide updates as they become available. The entire Generation Iron staff would like to send condolences to friends and family during this difficult time.
George Butler, ‘Pumping Iron’ Director And Producer, Has Died At 78
Pumping Iron director and producer George Butler has passed away.
George Butler, a bodybuilding icon and director of the classic documentary Pumping Iron has died at 78 years old. Butler and his films helped launch the careers of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno – while also bringing the sport of bodybuilding as a whole into the mainstream. He helped inspire multiple generations of fans and athletes to this day.
The news was acknowledged by Arnold Schwarzenegger on his official Instagram page – where he paid tribute to the iconic filmmaker. Sources claim that his health was in rapid decline over the past year. A specific cause of death has not been revealed at this time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s post on Instagram was brief – but also written within the image post included a more in-depth reaction and reflection on the man who helped bring his career into the spotlight.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Tribute To George Butler
“When I think about all of the people who were responsible for the growth of bodybuilding and the sport’s crossover to the mainstream, two of the first people to come to mind are, without any doubt, George Butler and Charles Gaines. ‘Pumping Iron’, the book and the movie, drew the general public in to our strange little niche sport and brought fitness – and the Austrian with an unpronounceable name and a funny accent – to the masses. I was saddened to hear the news of George’s passing. He was such a talent, he had a fantastic eye, and he was a force for the sport of bodybuilding and the fitness crusade. My thoughts are with his family.”
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
George Butler, Pumping Iron, and Bodybuilding
It’s hard to imagine a time before Pumping Iron. While the sport today is still niche in comparison to mainstream sports as a whole – there was a time when bodybuilding was so underground that no one even knew about it. Pumping Iron changed all of that. Not only did it help launch Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career into a blockbuster action icon – it brought bodybuilding into the mainstream and helped make the sport what it is today.
This is all thanks to George Butler, the man who produced and directed the film. Butler alongside his friend Charles Gaines, first published the book Pumping Iron introducing the world to a number of now bodybuilding legends such as the aforementioned Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Ed Corney, Franco Columbu, and many more.
Shortly after the book was published, George Butler and Charles Gaines worked together to produce a documentary of the same name. The film focused on the 1975 Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia competitions. As we all know now, the film primarily focused on Arnold Schwarzenegger battling for his sixth Mr. Olympia title. The film also posited Lou Ferrigno as his rival to knock him away from victory.
The inception of Pumping Iron started when George Butler, along with Charles Gaines, were assigned to cover niche sports – including bodybuilding. Butler met and spoke with Arnold Schwarzenegger who’s personality was so charismatic that Butler and Gaines conceived the idea of a book and film.
The rest, as they say, is history. Pumping Iron is now a pinnacle film in the sport’s history. This media company’s very existence is due in part to George Butler and Pumping Iron. Our original bodybuilding documentary film, Generation Iron, was a spiritual sequel and attempted to recapture the spirit but for the modern era of athletes. Generation Iron’s success paved the way for the entire GI media network – that has now been running since 2013.
George Butler’s Filmography
Pumping Iron (1977)
Pumping Iron II: The Women (1985)
In the Blood (1989)
The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition (2000)
Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure (2001)
Going Upriver (2004)
Roving Mars (2006)
The Lord God Bird (2008)
The Good Fight (2010)
Tiger, Tiger (2015)
Tiger, Tiger: The IMAX Experience
There are no words for how essential George Butler was to the world of bodybuilding. He has inspired millions of fans and athletes. He is part of the bedrock from which modern bodybuilding as it is today exists. The entire staff of Generation Iron sends condolences to the friends and family of George Butler.
Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 17: All Bodybuilders Suffer From Bigorexia
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Craig Golias talks about the difference between hateful feedback and critical feedback and revisits his thoughts on bigorexia.
Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias talks about bodybuilding feedback – the difference between pure hate and actual constructive criticism. He also revisits the concept of bigorexia and how it affects bodybuilding.
Craig Golias was one of the featured athletes in our documentary film Bigorexia. The film explored the inner workings of those who never felt big enough – no matter how big they become. It’s been over a year since the film was released so we decided to reconnect with Craig about his thoughts on the film and also his own relationship with bigorexia as a mental disorder. We also discussed bodybuilding criticism of physiques – when is criticism constructive and when does it become opinionated hate. Let’s jump into it.
Hateful Feedback Vs Constructive Criticism In Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding is a subjective sport and is completely revolved around judging physiques. But far too often we’ve seen competitive bodybuilders get defensive about statements about their physiques. Whether it’s disagreeing with the judges or finding fan comments offensive – there is a fine line between actual criticism and hurtful feedback.
We asked Craig Golias his thoughts on bodybuilding criticism in the social media space. Golias is not a competitor but is a bodybuilding influencer. As such, he will sometimes share his opinions on pro physiques and results from major bodybuilding shows. He’s done just very that on episodes of Talking Huge recently. When does criticism become unwarranted in a world full of constant comments and notifications?
Craig Golias tries to separate the difference between opinion and criticism. Yes, both involve subjective viewpoints – but one is constructive while the other is just gut reaction. Not all opinion can be hurtful but it can more often lead to defensiveness from those receiving the opinion.
For example, saying a certain pro bodybuilder should not have won a show is opinion. Breaking down what they believed was flawed about their physique and how it could improve – that’s more constructive criticism. A bodybuilder is far more likely to be offended by being told they shouldn’t have won. They worked hard for that big win. A bodybuilder might get offended by more detailed criticism if they don’t agree – but far more often will take it in stride and perhaps learn from it. This is especially true when the criticism comes from a reliable source.
Craig Golias: All Bodybuilders Have Bigorexia
We also discussed with Craig Golias about his involvement in Bigorexia and reflecting on the film over a year later. More specifically, we discuss his relationship with bigorexia as a mental condition. Craig has no qualms admitting that he has bigorexia. In fact, he embraces it. You can argue that that’s part of the condition – that he doesn’t see it as a real issue with both good and bad effects on his life.
But Craig Golias attributes bigorexia to his success. His obsession with getting huge is what brought him sponsorship contracts and allowed him to become a personal trainer with a handful of clients. For Craig, the best parts of his life came from his obsession with being as big as possible.
He also goes on to say that all bodybuilders suffer from bigorexia. He believes that is the only reason any sane person would want to try being a bodybuilder. The amount of work, sacrifice, and risks that come with being a mass monster are too great for a completely logical person to stick with. Craig thinks that every bodybuilder sees someone too small in the mirror. Do you agree?
Wrap Up
There are far more topics discussed in this episode than we can cover in this article. Craig Golias also discusses the pros and cons of being an influencer and also muses over whether or not he would like to train pro bodybuilders for competitions. You can check it all out in the latest episode of Talking Huge above! Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
Joseph Whittaker Avoids Injury In Gym During 400kg Squat
Powerlifter Joseph Whittaker was able to unload massive weight to avoid injury.
There is a reason that weightlifters have multiple spot when attempting an enormous lift. Even for the average lifter, it is important to have spotters present when venturing into new dynamics or weights. This is something powerlifter Joseph Whittaker knows and can back up — especially after avoiding injury during an accident.
On Tuesday, Whittaker had a close call while attempting a 400kg squat. After getting the bar on his back, Whittaker’s knee buckled and this caused him to begin to fall backward. He was able to unload the weight over his head and avoid a potential injury that could have been very serious.
Whittaker had a spotter behind him during the lift. He was able to drop the weight onto straps that were attached to the machine. The full video can be seen in Whittaker’s Instagram post below.
“Alright team,SOUND ON, the share violence of this is mind baffling and the monolift is the safest thing I’ve squatted in, after unracking 400 my knee snapped back batter in the wrap which made me loose balance and well I done my best to scrap it the end result and safest option was to dump over my head unfortunately fucked a squat bar ??..“I WONT STOP BECAUSE IM SORE/TIRED I WILL STOP WHEN THE WORK IS DONE””
This is not the first time that Joseph Whittaker has attempted a 400kg lift. In September during the 2021 NZ-UA Wolfpack Invitational, Whittaker completed a 380kg lift. After his first squat, Whittaker attempted a 402.5kg squat on his second and third try but failed both.
This is not surprising given the fact that the New Zealand native is one of the top powerlifters in the +120kg weight class. He has been competing for nearly a decade and has gotten comfortable in the top two at events.
This mishap did not turn Joseph Whittaker away from attempting heavy lifts. On Thursday, the powerlifter took another shot at a 402kg squat. This time, he was successful. Whittaker posted three videos. The first was a 375kg which Whittaker described as a warmup. The final two were 402kg.
Joseph Whittaker has had a clear plan for his next squat goal. In training, he has been able to reach it and it will being interesting to see if he can complete the lift next time on stage. No matter how strong a competitor is, there is always a chance to mistakes to happen. This move by Whittaker proves it and shows how instinctive he is when unloading the weight over his head. It was great to see that he was not hurt and will have many chances to put up even bigger squat numbers.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro Preview
Here is a look at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro doing up this weekend!
The next big show in bodybuilding will be the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro set to take place on Sunday. Some of the top competitors in the world will gather to Reno, NV vying for qualification to next year’s Olympia.
There will be plenty of action this weekend in Reno. The competition will feature a total of six divisions and it will be headlined by Men’s Open. Joining the big boys on stage will be Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Physique, Bikini, and Fitness. Results will be announced Sunday night with winners getting a head start on preparation for the biggest competition of the year.
Below, you can find a full list of competitors along with some of the top names to watch when they hit the stage over the weekend.
2021 Legion Sports Pro Fest Competitors’ List
Nerio Angulo
Tonio Burton
Maxx Charles
Shaun Clarida
Rafael Del Real
Jesus Escobedo
Martin Fitzwater
Regan Grimes
Brandon Hatton
Kenneth Jackson
Scott Lightfoot
Stan de Longeaux
Cedric McMillan
Patrick Moore
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Christian Salcedo
Joe Seeman
Ron Stevens
2021 Legion Sports Pro Fest Competitors To Watch
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Sergio Oliva Jr. finished sixth at the Arnold Classic but earned his second-straight posing award. He has turned into one of the best posers in bodybuilding and this is part of the battle. During the Arnold Classic, Oliva was not as dry and tight as he needed to be. This is something that could be changed heading into the weekend. Oliva certainly has the size to finish near the top of the show and it will come down to the shape he shows up in.
Regan Grimes
Regan Grimes recently hired a new coach and the progress is already visible. This came quickly after a 15th place finish at the 2021 Olympia a few weeks ago. Grimes has not been in the win column since the 2020 Romania Pro and is looking to change his fortune. Grimes will enter the competition as one of the top competitors and his recent physique updates have shown. Grimes displays massive legs and shoulders along with a small waist. This shows well on stage and if he enters in top condition, Grimes has a chance to compete.
Cedric McMillan
Cedric McMillan has missed some time with injuries and he is looking to get back into serious competition. McMillan was on the broadcast for the 2021 Arnold Classic but was unable to compete. Now that he is cleared, there is a new force to be reckoned with. McMillan will enter the competition as one of the biggest competitors, both in size and height. He has a physique that is well-proportioned and is a strong poser. McMillan will have a chance to have a put on a show in his return.
Patrick Moore
Patrick Moore is another competitor who finished near the bottom of the Olympia. After a 14th place finish, Moore is looking to improve his physique and attempt to qualify for next year’s competition. The reigning California Pro champion is not the biggest competitor but he makes up for it in conditioning and presentation. If Moore enters the weekend in his best shape, he will be a force on stage.
Shaun Clarida
Shaun Clarida is one of the top 212 competitors in the sport. He won the Olympia 212 back in 2020 and finished second to Derek Lunsford this year. Now, Clarida will try his hand in Men’s Open. This is not a permanent switch as Clarida has said that he is not leaving the 212 division. This is a chance to see how Clarida matches up with the big boys in Men’s Open. He is normally an extremely well-conditioned competitor and this might translate well.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
David vs Goliath: Boxing Champ Teofimo Lopez and Hafthor Bjornsson Trade Punches
Teofimo Lopez and Hafthor Bjornsson trade power punches.
Unified lightweight boxing champion Teofimo Lopez had the insane idea of trading power shots with 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson. It was a true David versus Goliath event as Lopez took a shot from a man over 200lbs heavier than him.
When it comes to combat sports weight classes exist for a reason. If weight classes didn’t exist then you’d have heavyweights like Mike Tyson doing battle with welterweights like Floyd Mayweather Jr. In order to combat such mismatches in the game, sanctioning bodies and commissions exist to level the playing field with weight classes.
That said, athletes will often seek to test their might against bigger, stronger training partners. It appears that unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez wanted to test his strength against 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson.
Both men recently crossed paths during their training. While Hafthor Bjornsson has been getting a taste of the boxing life recently, Teofimo Lopez is gearing up to defend his lightweight titles next month. Lopez last fought when he defeated the highly skilled and respected Vasyl Lomachenko. Now Lopez hopes to stave off the Australian challenger George Kambosos Jr.
Ahead of his match with Kambosos however, Teofimo Lopez decided to test his resilience against a much larger man in Hafthor Bjornsson. The two decided to trade power punches in a recent meeting. Hafthor Bjornsson first planted his fist into the Lopez’s abdomen. Backed with 344lbs frame, the shot surely must have felt the impact.
Body shot challenge from “The Mountain” 100% ?
Not one to be outdone, Teofimo Lopez decided to put his might to the test. Hafthor Bjornsson was more than happy to receive the blow from the lightweight champ. After all in boxing you have to be able to dish it as well as take it.
David vs Goliath! Went punch for punch with the World’s Strongest Man!
It’s clear that both men have a mutual respect for each other and had a ton of fun.
What did you think of Teofimo Lopez trading power punches with Hafthor Bjornsson?
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.
Big Ramy Never Before Seen Pics From Trainer Chad Nicholls
Trainer Chad Nicholls has released never-before-seen pictures of Big Ramy prior to 2021 Olympia.
Big Ramy is coming off his second-straight victory at the Olympia just a few weeks ago. Entering the 2021 competition, the Egyptian bodybuilder was viewed as the favorite and a competitor who might be unbeatable. It was a close battle on stage but Big Ramy ended up winning once again. Leading up to the competition, his training regimen might not have been strict.
Big Ramy has been working with trainer Chad Nicholls. We did not see many physique updates leading up to the competition and that is because preparation did not begin until three months before Big Ramy was set to step on stage. He remained in great shape but Nichols revealed that he was 327 pounds at the time the pictures were taken.
During the Olympia press conference, Big Ramy weighed in at 305 pounds. He looked rock-solid on stage and it looked like a physique that was training all year. That was not the case.
“Here are 3 never before seen pics of 2x Mr. Olympia @big_ramy – these were check-in pics taken August 1, 2021 – after only one month of training – his weight is approximately 327 – we started this year‘s Olympia prep July 1 – up until this point he had not trained since the Olympia on December 19, 2020 – let that sink in for a minute – in my opinion it was one of the most amazing preps I’ve ever seen for what he was able to accomplish in a short period of time – next year will be interesting because the game plan has already been put in motion and he will train for the next 14 months to defend the title and to show some thing extraordinary.”
Nicholls shares that Big Ramy did not train from December 2020 when he won his first Olympia until July 2021. This is shocking and when looking at the shape that he was in, quite surprising. This might be why Big Ramy’s victory was a bit controversial this year.
In 2020, there was no doubt who the champion was. This time around, many believed that there were competitors in better shape. Brandon Curry finished second this year while Hadi Choopan was third. There were talks that Choopan was in the best shape and had the best conditioning this year. In the end, it was Big Ramy who celebrated for a second-straight year.
Nicholls continued by saying that Big Ramy will be training for 14 months leading up to next year’s competition. This should make fans excited about what they could see in 2022.
“At the end of the day I love my job but I’m also a Bodybuilding fan I love the contest part of it but the photos leading into the show these never before seen pics are the ones that I love to see and hopefully you will enjoy them as well – I will try and post pics from every couple of weeks leading into the show.”
Big Ramy has said that he will defend his title for years to come. If he trains around the calendar, he will be even more difficult to take down.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Iain Valliere: The Struggle Of Mass Monster Eating & Vital Tips For Hardgainers
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Iain Valliere discusses the often ignored struggle of eating mass amounts of food to reach pro bodybuilding size… and shares tips to improve your appetite.
Iain Valliere is a pro bodybuilder on the rise in Men’s Open. In 2021, he received much hype for his physique winning multiple shows throughout the year. He also placed 7th at the Olympia 2021. This is nothing to slouch at. That’s why we turned to him for advice that he could share with up and coming bodybuilders. During our discussion, the topic of diet, nutrition, and the challenge of eating high amounts of calories became a focus. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Iain Valliere shares his personal struggles with eating like a mass monster and shares his tips for how to improve appetite.
Men’s Open bodybuilders are massive. There’s no getting around that. For fans of the sport, we might all be used to the mass monster size. But to the average person, these athletes look like freaks. That’s part of the appeal. But the reality is, even if it’s largely muscle, Men’s Open bodybuilders weight between 240-300 pounds on average. That’s a lot of weight. Training hardcore in the gym alone doesn’t build that kind of size. It takes a lot of food to build up that kind of weight as well. It’s a situation that Iain Valliere knows very well.
It’s no secret that most pro athletes consume far more calories than the average person. Bodybuilders fall on the most extreme side of this. In order to maintain 250 pounds of muscle, a bodybuilder needs to eat a lot. This is not natural for most people – even for most bodybuilders dedicated to the sport and lifestyle. In fact, Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler himself described a bodybuilder diet as force feeding.
During our conversation with Iain Valliere, we talked about bodybuilding diets and the struggle of eating mass amounts of food. Valliere revealed that he is naturally a hardgainer. When he graduated high school he only weighed 106 pounds. Putting on massive bodybuilding weight was always a challenge for him. Eating large amounts of food every day was basically a chore.
So what can a hardgainer do when they simply have no appetite to eat more food? What happens when the prospect of eating one more bite of anything disgusts them? We asked this question to Iain Valliere – and he had some vital tips to share.
First there’s the unfortunate truth, it simply takes time for you to physically and psychologically adapt to eating mass amounts of food. Iain Valliere admits he had more struggles when he first started. But consistency and constant effort into the sport simply rewires your mentality over time. It’s not going to make the early efforts any easier – but it does get better.
Thankfully, Iain Valliere also has some truly actionable tips to help increase your appetite. Many bodybuilders will avoid cardio during bulking season. This is due to the fear of cardio cutting away at muscle on top of the fat. Valliere has learned that cardio is actually necessary for bodybuilders – even during the off season. It doesn’t have to be hardcore cardio – but some aerobic action each day will increase your appetite. Valliere suggests talking a jog or walk after every meal. It will not burn too many calories – but help prevent bloating and fullness in the long run.
You can watch Iain Valliere explain his full experience with eating and his tips to increase appetite in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!