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IdealFit IdealLean BCAAs For Women Review
This quality BCAA will combine great taste with proven ingredients for the best results to your training and performance.
Product Overview
When it comes to the needs of women athletes, it can be hard to find a great intra-workout product able to build muscle, work to shed fat, and promote better recovery. But the right BCAA product formulated specifically for women is exactly what you need to thrive inside and out of the gym and believe it or not, they do exist. IdealFit IdealLean BCAAs for Women is that BCAA supplement with proven and effective ingredients to help tackle any and all of your intra-workout needs.
Amino acids are organic compounds which provide the foundation for protein. The three branched-chain amino acids, being leucine, isoleucine, and valine, work to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and are great for growth, recovery, delayed fatigue, and body composition changes. The ability to grow lean muscle, decrease muscle soreness, and prevent muscle wasting has never been more possible with the right BCAA supplement and IdealFit is here to help.
IdealFit Ideallean BCAAs For Women provides high quality BCAAs with a unique fat loss blend. Packed with vitamins and minerals, 8 ingredients work well with this advanced formula.
IdealFit was born out of a passion for helping others see the best versions of themselves by promoting only the best in terms of overall health and wellness. By creating high quality products for women, they have worked to help women and female athletes everywhere reach their true potential. Looking for an alternative to a heavily male dominated industry, they only seek the best supplements so women everywhere can thrive, physically and mentally.
IdealLean BCAAs For Women Highlights
IdealLean BCAAs For Women is an amazing BCAA supplement designed to help build muscle, recover faster, maximize endurance, and burn fat for a leaner physique. A proven 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs is matched with a Fat Loss Blend full of effective ingredients so you get only the best results. With 10 calories and only 3g carbs, with the added bonus of 0g sugar, this BCAA supplement has refreshing flavors and is ideal for those intra-workout needs. For those female athletes serious about building lean muscle, burning that unwanted fat, and promoting better, more efficient recovery, this BCAA product is the one for you.
Ingredients
BCAAs: Work to increase muscle growth, reduce fatigue, decrease muscle soreness, and prevent muscle wasting to see better athletic performance and overall health (1).
L-Citrulline: Can increase exercise capacity to perform better while decreasing muscle fatigue and soreness during strenuous exercise (2).
L-Glutamine: Provides for faster recovery, increases protein synthesis, improves immune function for better overall health, and reduces fatigue for more efficient workouts (3).
IdealLean Fat Loss Blend
Phosphatidylserine: Works to reduce stress and stabilize mood to control cortisol levels which in turn promotes weight loss.
Tonalin CLA: Can suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure thus aiding in fat loss (4).
Green Tea Extract: Will work to increase thermogenesis to boost fat loss and get your metabolism moving (5).
ThermoDiamine Evodiamine: By increasing lipolytic activity, this can contribute to weight loss and give you a leaner physique.
Other Ingredients
Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Maltodextrin, Modified Food Starch, Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Sulfites, Acacia Gum, Gum Arabic, Citric Acid, Sucralose, Malic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Sunflower Lecithin, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #1
Total BCAAs
3,000mg
Calories
10
Carbs
3g
Number Of Servings
30
Serving Size
1 Scoop
Best Way To Take
Add one scoop with 8-16 oz. of water and mix. Consume during exercise on training days or throughout the day on non-training days.
Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
IdealFit IdealLean BCAAs For Women is a great BCAA supplement designed to improve muscle recovery, build lean muscle, and work to burn fat as effectively as possible. With 30 servings per container, 1 scoop of this powerful and proven formula will pump you with these amazing ingredients for the best results. Great flavors include: Peach Rings, Orange Paradise, Grape Explosion, Peach Lemonade, Blueberry Pomegranate, Tropical Dragonfruit, and Strawberry Kiwi.
Pros
Proven 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs helps with muscle growth and recovery
Fat Loss Blend allows you to burn fat and tone for better results
Unique flavors that taste great so you don’t get bored
Cons
Does contain artificial flavors for those looking to avoid
Some ingredients may be under-dosed limiting the full effect of a BCAA
Price: $20.99
Check out our list of the Best BCAAs for more great intra-workout products!
Overall Value
IdealFit IdealLean BCAAs for Women is a great BCAA supplement designed for female athletes and formulated to work to increase lean muscle, burn fat, and promote better recovery for whatever workout comes next. With a proven 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs and a Fat Loss Blend to work on those toning needs, this supplement is exactly what you need to see your performance thrive. IdealFit is a company who knows the needs of female athletes and seeks to produce only the best supplements around. What you are really getting is a great BCAA product from a reputable company with proven and effective results. Try IdealFit IdealLean BCAAs for Women today and see what this can do for all your muscle building and physique sculpting goals.
Try IdealFit IdealLean BCAAs For Women Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of IdealFit and Envato
References
Blomstrand, E.; Eliasson, J.; Karlsson, H.; Kohnke, R. (2006). “Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise”. (source)
Gonzalez, A.; Trexler, E. (2020). “Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature”. (source)
Gleeson, M. (2008). “Dosing and efficacy of glutamine supplementation in human exercise and sport training”. (source)
Thom, E.; Wadstein, J.; Gudmundsen, O. (2001). “Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat in healthy exercising humans”. (source)
Hursel, R.; Viechtbauer, W.; Westerterp-Plantenga, M. (2009). “The effects of green tea on weight loss and weight maintenance: a meta-analysis”. (source)
Busta Rhymes Complains About Potential Mask Mandate at Recent Concert
Busta Rhymes speaks out about a potential mask mandate.
It appears that Busta Rhymes isn’t a fan of masks. Since the global health crisis has completely shut down the world, it’s clear that individuals are starting to lose their patience. While prospects have certainly gotten better, mask mandates are dividing the population. Namely, people are done wearing masks.
Since the start of the crisis, a mask mandate has been an idea floated around as a means to combat the virus. It would require every citizen to cooperate together.
Unfortunately things are playing out that way, particularly stateside.
Citizens in the US and other western countries have shown extreme distaste for mask mandates. One such citizen is rapper and more recently fitness enthusiast Busta Rhymes.
Busta Rhymes Speaks Out
A video recently surfaced of Busta Rhymes at the Seoul Tacos 10th Anniversary Block Party in St. Louis. In the video the rapper holds nothing back and is raw with his words.
“In the last sixteen fucking months, COVID could suck a dick,” he said. “All these little weird ass government policies and mandates, suck a dick. They’re trying to take our civil liberties away. It feels good to be back outside, we outside for real!”
Busta Rhymes went on to detail his reasonings for not wanting to wear a mask. The information was less than accurate that he provided, yet he spoke from the heart.
“It’s called a God-given right for freedom, right?” he continued. “No human being is supposed to tell you you can’t even breathe freely. Fuck your mask! Some of y’all might feel differently but fuck your mask! You can’t eat food with a fucking mask on. You can’t even see each other smile with a mask on. I come from a time, way before, I used to wanna holla at a chick, I used to have to do shit with my face to let her know that I’m into her. All of that energy gets blocked when your mask is on. Energy is important and we are all conductors of good energy.”
Busta Rhymes rails against COVID lockdowns and masks:
“No human being is supposed to tell you you can’t even breathe freely. Fuck your mask!”
“Stop trying to take our civil liberties away…Energy is important.”pic.twitter.com/CDpbTCk3bT
— T. Grant Benson (@GrantB911) August 24, 2021
It’s a stance that many support and others denounce. Busta Rhymes has a right to his opinion. Whether that stance is correct or incorrect will be something we’ll have to wait and see.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor 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.
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Bodybuilding & Powerlifts (Updated 2021)
These weightlifting shoes are great for weight training and bodybuilding to capitalize on all your gains.
For those who lift big, you know how much support you need to continue to thrive inside and out of the gym. What a good pair of weightlifting shoes can do is provide you with something that is comfortable and versatile that also offers great stability and support, especially when you’re under so much weight.
You want to give yourself the best chance at success when you’re at the gym and a solid pair of weightlifting shoes can do just that. Weightlifting shoes are generally hard and flat soled shoes with an elevated heel and straps to allow for adjustability as you seek your desired fit. These bodybuilding shoes are designed to assist in your heavy powerlifts and other forms of training to ensure you remain stable and balanced in efforts to enhance safety and effectiveness of your lifts (1). Once you find a pair that works great for you, there’s no turning back and the gains you seek most will only start to increase.
Here is our list of the Best Weightlifting Shoes for 2021 as we seek to bring you the best when it comes to workout equipment. Don’t settle for anything less than great and this list will provide you with some stellar options from great brands as you look to enhance your training and performance with a great pair of bodybuilding shoes.
Best Weightlifting Shoes For 2021
Best Weightlifting Shoes Overall
The best weightlifting shoes overall will give you the best when it comes to comfort and versatility while still providing great support. A reputable company will produce only top tier products in terms of durability and quality to withstand any workouts.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer is a great overall weightlifting shoe for whatever workout comes your way. The bold new design includes a textile upper for consistent and comfortable air flow to avoid overheating and provide the best feel. The lockdown straps provide for a good all-around fit to match your desired adjustability and the raised heel offers maximum stability. With natural contours, this shoes fits you just right for support and max power with the best position.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer is a great lifting shoe to provide support for your ankles and low back. Good sizing and a snug fit ensures comfort and versatility.
Pros
Comfortable with natural contours to fit your shape as athletes and lifters
Lockdown straps are sturdy and the raised heel is great for stability
This shoes works especially great with deadlifts
Cons
A bit tight around the toe area for bodybuilding shoes
Not the best for squatting
Price: $131.18 – $340.42
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Men
For those men looking for a quality lifting shoe, looking to those options may seem challenging. The best weightlifting shoes for men will provide the utmost support to protect any weightlifter from potential injuries when under so much weight.
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes are designed specifically for weightlifting and strenuous exercise in the gym. Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable, the innovative design allows for serious ankle support while also being comfortable and versatile. The flat, solid, flexible rubber outsoles are perfect for supporting immense pressure and the quality ensures these will last you a long time no matter the workout you endure.
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes are designed specifically for weightlifting and are versatile for year round wear. Comfortable and lightweight, these are thick and offer great ankle support.
Pros
Designed specifically for weightlifting and hard exercise
Great ankle support while still being comfortable and versatile
Lightweight and breathable only enhances the effectiveness of these shoes
Cons
Sole is flimsy and the shoe may not be wide enough for some lifters
Price: $84.99
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Squats
The squat exercise requires stellar form to avoid injury and with so much weight on the bar, it is important to have a quality shoe working on your behalf. The best shoes for squats as a weightlifter will allow you stay firm and stable in order to knock out any PRs with ease.
Adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes
Adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes are 100% synthetic and the canvas upper increases durability and stability. A reinforced heel locks the heel in for greater support and lace enclosure allows the locked-in fit to be secured with one strap coming across the top. With a strong, stable base and a sockliner for increased comfort, these lifting shoes from Adidas are the best for squatting as you work towards that new personal squat record.
adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes are lightweight and stable for a great fit. The air mesh collar, tongue, and lining are great for ventilation.
Pros
Great support and reinforcement in the heel for the squat exercise
The lace enclosure offers a snug fit on the top of the foot
Great for squats with the stability support for lifters
Cons
Not much support in the arch and feels to be a tight fit
Price: $129.31
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Powerlifting
Powerlifters need the best in terms of quality for each lift requires the utmost care and attention. Those big powerlifts can seem intimidating, but with the right equipment, like a great pair of shoes, you can get that weight up and see huge gains with your Olympic lifting.
Nordic Lifting Shoes
Nordic Lifting Shoes are great for improving powerlifting performance and heavy workouts. This premium shoe offers good foot support to ensure a powerful workout and greater gains and are built to last under any stress. For those powerlifters or athletes who regularly lift heavy, these can improve posture to promote longevity and keep you physically healthy overall. The smooth, anti-slip sole is designed for maximum stability during all movements to promote the best workout possible.
Nordic Weightlifting Shoes are great for powerlifters to maintain optimal lifting performance. Good foot support ensures a powerful workout and improved posture.
Pros
Perfect for powerlifters and other lifters
Great for working on posture and supporting gains by offering top notch stability
Cons
Heel fit is rather loose and heel height is a bit awkward
The single strap doesn’t provide the best fit across the top of the foot
Price: $89.95
Best Weightlifting Shoes For The Money
Fitness equipment and apparel can get expensive and it can be hard to find good products at affordable prices. The right weightlifting shoes for the money will not break the bank and still give you a quality pair for all your needs.
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer are great for lifting and exercise needs offering a stable feel and great support. A regular fit with a synthetic sole, a strong canvas upper is reinforced with a heel counter. A good base allows for more stable lifts and a nice, flat bottom offers a stiff feel with versatility and comfort. For those looking for a quality shoe with nice support and a good price, this shoe from Adidas may certainly be the way to go for all you lifters.
adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer is great for lifting support no matter the workout. A synthetic sole and slightly raised platform allow for the best out of your lifts.
Pros
Good stable feel for support and enhanced lifts, like the squat
A stiff feel, it still offers comfort and versatility
Good style and design for performance and aesthetic for lifters
Cons
Won’t work well for running or higher intensity work
Price: $59.99 – $124.99
Best Weightlifting Shoes For CrossFit
Those CrossFit athletes require certain needs given the strain of each exercise. It’s important to know just what you need as a CrossFit athlete because that will determine the type of shoe you buy to increase performance.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer
For those looking for a great CrossFit shoe, Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer combines quality construction with a firm foundation with a level of comfort that is hard to find. Overlapping straps offer a great fit along with the lockdown strap and the shoe’s breathability allows for comfort and less moisture build-up. With a versatility to move but also the comfort of a normal shoe, this weightlifting shoe from Reebok is a great one to get you competition ready.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer can improve your lifts by increasing range of motion. For those serious about lifting, these are great for support and performance.
Pros
Firm foundation but provides great comfort and versatility for lifts, like the squat
Breathability allows for comfort as well
Cons
Tight in the toes and where the laces start to thread, it can dig into the foot
Price: $122.66 – $234.00
Benefits Of Weightlifting Shoes For Bodybuilding & Olympic Lifting
The benefits of weightlifting shoes will make you consider investing in a pair, or even upgrading your current pair, so you get the most out of your workouts.
Increased support: These can increase support by providing better traction for your grip to the floor, as well as supporting the foot and the ankle during those big lifts and Olympic lifting (2).
Ankle support: Provide a secure, snug fit around your ankle so you can develop mobility and power without putting it in a vulnerable position.
Ensure safety of lifts: Work to protect against injury that can keep you out of the gym and hitting PRs during your Olympic lifting and barbell training.
Raised heel: Helps with things like flexibility and mobility while also giving you a more comfortable posture with some of these lifts.
Boost confidence & style: Looking good is half the battle and a great pair of lifting shoes can increase your confidence as you look like a pro with a stylish pair.
What Else To Know About Weightlifting Shoes
Ideal Heel Height
The standard heel height for a lifting shoe is about .75” but many shoes also go up to an inch (ideal for Olympia lifting) and even down to .6”-.65”, which are more beneficial for deadlifts. But .75” is a good height for weightlifting in general (especially squat type movements) and is versatile for most lifting activities. So, you could say it’s like a hybrid since the heel isn’t low or particularly high either. Now, certain physical attributes, goals, movement, and lifting technique will ultimately determine which height you decide to go with. So, there’s no perfect one-size-fits-all shoe option for every individual. But, chances are, most people would benefit from using a standard weightlifting shoe with a .75” lift.
Different Heel Types
There are weightlifting shoes with wooden, stacked leather, plastic, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). These materials are very durable and provide a very stable and solid base which you need in a weightlifting shoe which athletic shoes do not provide.
Strap System
Most weightlifting shoes have laces by default but straps (one or two) are often included for additional security. When lifting heavy, you want your ankles and feet to be as secure and stable as possible since they are the base. The choice to have one or two straps really comes down to how secure you prefer your lifting footwear to be. Two will result in maximum secureness but it’s not always necessary. And some shoes have a BOA tightening system which allow you to turn a dial to get a tighter fit.
How We Choose
Our list is comprised of weightlifting shoes we believe will give you the best when it comes to quality, support, longevity, and price. These brands are great and take pride in their products and care of the consumer. While some of these brands are more expensive than others, we believe the quality and longevity of these shoes are matched by comfort and versatility they provide to your lifts. The support these shoes have will enhance your comfort in the gym and allow you to focus on other things aside from your safety.
FAQ Section
What is the best weightlifting shoe?
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer. This shoe is a bold new design that is comfortable to provide for the best feel. The straps ensure a good fit and the natural contours will match your foot perfectly. These are designed for and will improve support and maximum power.
What are the benefits if I use a weightlifting shoe versus a normal shoe?
What you’ll get out of a weightlifting shoe is something designed for and geared towards weightlifting. When it comes to support, comfort, durability, and use, these shoes are created to help with those big lifts from an elevated heel to provide better traction on the sole. You are working to give yourself better support when under the bar.
How do I decide which shoe is right for me?
This may take some trial and error because each fit is unique to the individual but look for a shoe that fits nicely without being too tight. It is possible to have a snug fit that still allows for movement. Also, look for what you want to use it for. If you’re into CrossFit, look into something geared towards that. Same with powerlifting and bodybuilding. With so many options, it is possible to match one that will work for you perfectly.
Wrap Up
Weightlifting shoes are great to use in the gym to ensure comfort, versatility, support, and longevity as you seek to pack on muscle and work towards that shredded aesthetic. Looking into a pair of lifting shoes will only improve your training and performance and is a great idea if you don’t own a pair. This list contains high-quality and amazing weightlifting shoes to help you towards your goals so check it out today and see which one’s will work best for you.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References
Legg, Hayley S.; Glaister, Mark; Cleather, Daniel J.; Goodwin, Jon E. (2017). “The effect of weightlifting shoes on the kinetics and kinematics of the back squat”. (source)
Sato, Kimitake; Fortenbaugh, Dave; Hydock, David S. (2012). “Kinematic changes using weightlifting shoes on barbell back squat”. (source)
American Gladiators’ William ‘Billy’ Smith Has Died at 56
Billy Smith spent time as a bodybuilder before his role on ‘American Gladiators.’
William ‘Billy’ Smith, known as Thunder, has passed away at the age of 56. Smith is best known for his role on ‘American Gladiators’ but spent time as a bodybuilder at a young age. His death was confirmed by the American Gladiators’ Instagram account. the cause of death is unknown at this time.
“It is with great sadness we report the loss of an American Gladiators legend and bodybuilding superstar William ‘Billy’ Smith aka Thunder. Our sincere condolences are with his family & friends #RIP.”
Billy Smith began competing in the sport of bodybuilding at 17 years old. During his 15-year career, Smith totaled 24 victories and was an immediate force in competition. Some of his most notable performances include a victory at the 1984 Gold’s Classic, placing sixth in the 1984 Nationals Heavyweight Class, and was third at Nationals.
Smith enjoyed studying sports nutrition and conditioning. At a young age, he found a passion for bodybuilding and earned many opportunities because of his incredible physique. Aside from his success on stage, Smith earned a role on American Gladiators from 1990-1992. He became a beloved figure from his role on the show. He returned to bodybuilding in 1995 and finished fifth at the USA’s among the heavyweights.
Billy Smith made an impact on many lives throughout his career as a bodybuilder and on television. Dave Palumbo, owner of RxMuscle, shared a post following this announcement.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of American Gladiators star and top NPC bodybuilder Billy Thunder Smith I competed with him back in the 90s .. nice guy @official_rxmuscleofficial_rxmuscle”
Generation Iron sends condolences out to Billy Smith’s family and friends during this time. This article will be updated as more information is confirmed and becomes available. For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Melvin Anthony’s Behind The Scenes Account Of Jay Cutler Defeating Ronnie Coleman At Olympia 2006
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Melvin Anthony shares his first hand story of seeing Jay Cutler defeat Ronnie Coleman for the first time.
Ronnie Coleman is a bodybuilder of legends. He’s arguably the greatest bodybuilder to ever live. So of course, the moment when he was finally defeated from his Mr. Olympia reign was a noteworthy one. The man to take down Coleman was Jay Cutler – who went on to win four Mr. Olympia titles. Many bodybuilding fans have seen the footage – but only a small number of people were there in person for this historic moment. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Melvin Anthony shares his behind the scenes first hand account of Jay Cutler’s victory over Ronnie Coleman at Olympia 2006.
Melvin Anthony was competing at the Mr. Olympia in 2006. So not only was he in person to witness Ronnie Coleman’s defeat after eight Mr. Olympia wins, he was also behind the scenes in the events leading up to it. That’s why in our video interview, we asked Anthony to break down what that experience was like. Was it clear from the beginning that Jay Cutler would take down The King? Or was it a surprise for even the competitors?
Melvin Anthony admits that his perception on the moment is slightly skewed. He was competing himself – and so he had tunnel vision due to the hunger for victory. He wasn’t worrying whether or not Jay Cutler could beat Coleman. He instead was focused on being the one to beat Coleman himself.
Despite this, Melvin Anthony had some interesting stories to tell about the Olympia 2016. Once Anthony saw Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman pose – he knew that he wouldn’t be able to take the first place spot. It’s at this moment he was able to focus on the battle between Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman with more focus.
Was he surprised that Ronnie Coleman lost? No, not really. This isn’t because it was obvious he would lose. It was because in a sport like bodybuilding – anything can happen between competitors at this top tier level. In fact, Melvin Anthony believes that Jay Cutler had a better physique in previous years. Cutler only lost because he lost the mental game.
Melvin Anthony describes a moment from a previous Olympia, when Ronnie Coleman came out to warm up backastage and, according to Anthony, you could see Coleman’s size grow as he got pumped up. It was in that moment that Jay Cutler go psyched out. By having his mental game thrown off – his physique diminished and he lost to Coleman.
Anthony believes that Jay Cutler’s physique was slightly less on point in 2006 – but his mental game was completely on point. It helped take down Ronnie Coleman. The moment was a big one. It was the passing of the torch and the end of an era for one of the longest running Mr. Olympia champions. Everyone knew that day that there would never be another like Ronnie Coleman.
You can watch Melvin Anthony go into full detail about his behind the scenes experience of Ronnie Coleman vs Jay Cutler in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Linda Durbesson Profile & Stats
The biography, life, and accomplishments of Linda Durbesson
Linda Durbesson is a personal trainer and model for both fashion and fitness who has inspired the industry with her positivity and acceptance. Her unique approach to training has made her a social media icon.
Below is a complete breakdown of her profile, stats, biography, training, and diet regimens.
Full Name: Linda Durbesson
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
145-155 lbs.
5’5”
12/20/1979
Profession
Era
Nationality
Personal Trainer, Fitness Model, Fashion Model
2010
French
Biography
Linda Durbesson was born in the south of France and was always active and into sports, including things like tennis, mountain biking, and martial arts. With a passion to see the world, she moved to the United States with a boyfriend, but after the relationship ended, she was stuck in a foreign country, forced to figure it out on her own. And she did. She began her fitness journey determined to change her physique and even enrolled at an American university.
She studied Personal Training and began a new journey, learning about the importance of nutrition and exercise. After working on her physique at the same time, she began to amass a following on social media and was eventually approached by a magazine as a model. Using her platform and her website, she now encourages others to fuel their desire to change their bodies and continues to inspire and motivate her fans with updated progress every single day.
Training
Linda’s training usually follows a six day cycle and she works on her legs and upper body separately to develop and maintain her great body. Typically these days will alternate lower body lifts with upper body lifts and cardio every other day with Sunday being a good rest day. Her cardio is never too crazy, but just enough to keep her fitness high.
Quads & Glutes Workout
Glute Kickbacks with Bands: 3 sets, 10 reps
Banded Lunges: 3 sets, 10-12 reps
Hack Squat: 3 sets, 8 reps
Reverse Crunches: 3 sets, 15 reps
Deadlift: 3 sets, 8 reps
Dumbbell Squat: 3 sets, 10 reps
Jump Squats: 3 sets, 10 reps
Hamstring Curl: 3 sets, 12 reps
One-Leg Leg Press Machine: 3 sets, 8 reps
Split Squat: 3 sets, 12 reps
Nutrition
Linda eats around 5 meals a day to always be fueling her metabolism and giving her body what it needs to thrive inside and out of the gym. Her diet mainly revolves around lean proteins like egg whites and turkey, complex carbs like oats and sweet potato, and fruits and vegetables including raspberries, asparagus, green beans, and kiwis. Of course, Linda does allow herself a cheat meal here and there like candy or chocolate, for she eats very clean but also wants to enjoy herself.
Supplementation
While Linda uses her own supplements of choice, having a solid supplementation routine in place can only work to continue those gains from a healthy diet and proper training. A protein powder is one to boost muscle growth and recovery for those post-workout needs, while a pre-workout can provide for muscle pumps and continued energy throughout the workout for whatever you need to start. Creatine supplements or BCAAs are great for fighting fatigue and aiding in muscle soreness, while also increasing strength, and for those who really want to see that shredded aesthetic, a fat burner can influence this greatly.
Aaron Singerman: Objectively Arnold Schwarzenegger Would Not Be In The Top 5 Bodybuilders Of All Time
Removing personal taste, Aaron Singerman picks the top 5 bodybuilders of all time.
There are a few ways you can make a top 5 list for sports. One would be to focus on what they accomplished in context of their era. The other is to put all athletes on the same playing field and judge them on pure skill and talent. So putting context and history aside – who would be the top 5 bodybuilders in terms of pure physique? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Aaron Singerman explains why Arnold Schwarzenegger would not be in the top 5 bodybuilders of all time.
Whenever we sit down for an interview with someone from the industry, we always take a moment to ask who are the top 5 greatest bodybuilders of all time? The variety of answers we get is truly insightful and showcases the different perspectives that exist in the sport.
When we spoke with Aaron Singerman, we asked him the same question. Specifically, we didn’t ask him for his personal favorites but instead who he thinks objectively has the best physiques of all time.
Right off the bat Aaron Singerman was able to pick his number one – Ronnie Coleman. Without hesitation he believes that he would win any contest against any era of physiques. But after that first pick – Singerman begins to struggle. He tries to be as analytical as possible. If he were a judge – who else he rank next?
Aaron Singerman ultimately lands on Flex Wheeler at number two followed by Phil Heath, Dorian Yates, and Kevin Levrone. For a moment, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name comes up. But Singerman quickly dismisses it. While he finds Schwarzenegger to be one of his personal favorite bodybuilders of all time – he thinks there are too many athletes with physique far superior to his.
“If someone was thinking Arnold Schwarzenegger, he’s getting smoked by all these guys,” Aaron Singerman states in our interview. He continues:
“So he’s not… I mean he’d be one of my favorites. Who I would like to look like personally, he’d be up there. But in terms of would Arnold at a stage now compete with Flex Wheeler? No, I mean he’d be demolished.”
Of course, there’s a reason why many would place Arnold Schwarzenegger on the top of their list. It’s due to his contributions to the sport, his presence in pop culture, and his accomplishments for the time. But in the full spectrum of physiques across the years – by today’s standards he would potentially fall short.
Of course, it would be fun to imagine what Arnold Schwarzenegger would look like today had he grown up in this era. With the kind of knowledge, technology, and supplementation of today – would we see some sort of uber Schwarzenegger? Sadly, that’s an idea that can only exist in the imagination.
You can watch Aaron Singerman break down his reasoning for the top 5 bodybuilders of all time in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
6 Key Things Experienced Lifters Do Every Day
Learn from the best
Show me a man’s habits and I’ll show you who he is. A common theory that few people put into practice. Anyone who has ever gone for a goal in life knows that goal setting is an important step in achieving what you want. The part that’s not as glamorous is the daily trudge. It’s the monotonous steps builders take day in and day out to make them just a little bit better than the day before. It’s a game of inches and we’re going to show you how to play.
While everybody has their routines we’re interested in what works and the types of things that champions do. We’ve comprised a list of 6 habits you should engrave into your brain and physiology in order to achieve with the champions, to eat with the Gods. Pay attention and take notes.
Consistency
Any amateur can start a gym membership, workout routine, or sleep and eat right for a week or two. The thing that separates the lifters that really want it from the herd is the focus to do these things on a regular basis until they become HABIT! The number one way to make something into a habit is to be consistent. It’s easy to get your ass into the gym… what’s harder is to do it every day, workout just as hard (or harder) every day, and never lose steam.
Journal
That’s right, real lifters men (or champions in this case) use a journal. By journaling you can see what you did right, what you did wrong, and how you can improve on it tomorrow. It’s a systematic way to track your progress and assess where you’re at. When you have a correct view of where you are then you can take correct steps to where you want to go. Of course, in these modern times there are also tons of apps you can download to help use as a sort of journal to manage your goals. For example – you can keep track of your macros with something out like My Fitness Pal.
Put The Big Rocks in First
Are you doing a whole bunch of machines or bicep work when you know that you need to max out clean and jerk in order to improve your strength and movement? Then you’re putting in the sand before the big rocks. The big rocks are the things that make us scared and anxious. They’re usually the hardest and stressful things that will push us to our limit but will also give us the biggest push in the direct we want to be. Time is our most precious commodity, put the big rocks first and then the small rocks (i.e. making phone calls to sponsors, running errands, etc.) will slip in around them. If you do it the other way around you’ll find you spent the whole day doing busy work while nothing actually got done.
Work on your rest
In such a busy day and age this component of bodybuilding often gets overlooked the most. While the lifting is taken seriously by most builders the self care component is often seen as optional, not taking into account this is like the negative side of rep for your whole body. Things like getting massages, hanging with family and friends, meditating, or just watching TV is JUST as important as lifting weights if you want to reach your full potential.
Synergize
Successful lifters are always looking for new and innovative ways to build on their routines. They try alternate exercises such as yoga, or resistance circuits to hybrid there workouts – whatever it takes to give them the edge. This is especially relevant when you’re stuck in a rut or have reached a plateau. So go ahead, take that MMA class.
(ABL) Always be learning
Tying in with “synergizing” is the habit of always looking to learn something new. Successful lifters always seek to understand before being understood. They take new information, weigh it, and think about how they could incorporate this into their current program. It’s not good enough to know – information is always changing – you have to expand and evolve with the changing times. If you don’t evolve then your physique won’t either.
What do you think of our 6 things successful bodybuilders do every day? Have you found these have worked in the pass or have we touch on something new? Hit us up with your opinions below in the comment section.
The Differences Between the Back Squat Vs. Front Squat Explained
Many tout the barbell back squat to be the king of all exercises and while the back squat does have a lot of benefits, so does its squat-brother, the barbell front squat. Both movements build strength and hypertrophy in your lower body — glutes, quads, and hamstrings —, although each one emphasizes more of your anterior (front) or posterior (back) muscles.
Depending on if you have lower back pain, are an athlete, new to the gym, or what your goal is will determine what movement you should focus on. This article will cover the form differences of each, what muscle they work, and which one to do.
What Muscles Do They Work?
The back squat and front squat both work your lower body muscles — glutes, hamstrings, and quads —; however, each one activates one more than the other.
Posterior Chain Vs. Anterior Chain
The back squat will work more of your posterior chain — glutes and hamstrings — while the front squat will engage more of your anterior chain — quadriceps. That’s because when you do a back squat you load the barbell behind your midline, and when you do a front squat, the load is placed in the front — where your quads sit.
How to Do the Back Squat
Place the height of the squat rack clips to a height that allows you to comfortably rest the barbell on your back and unrack the weight without having to squat down too low or get on your tippy-toes to lift the weight up — you should be in a quarter squat position. Grab the barbell with your hands, lift the weight, then slowly take a few steps back — this is your starting position. Now, squat down to make your legs form a 90-degree angle or slightly past that while keeping your torso upright, then extend up. Make sure that you stay back on your heels and keep your knees as stable as possible through the full range of motion.
Benefits
You can use more weight than most movements.
It works your posterior chain.
Easier to do for beginners than front squats.
How to Do the Front Squat
Place the height of the squat rack clips to a height that allows you to comfortably rest the barbell on your upper chest and unrack the weight without having to squat down too low or get on your tippy-toes to lift the weight up — you should be in a quarter squat position. Grab the barbell with your hands with a close grip and lift the weight up and take a couple of steps back to get into the starting position. Squat down to make your legs parallel with the ground — where your knees meet your thighs — or slightly past that, then lift the weight up. It’s important you keep your torso straight and don’t allow your knees to go over your toes during the eccentric (lengthening) and concentric (contraction) portions of the lift.
Benefits
Targets your anterior chain with a heavy load.
Healthier for your back than the back squat.
Differences Between the Back Squat and Front Squat
Each brother-squat has their distinct technique difference, as well as different benefits. Below, we’ll be covering those, so you get a better idea of which one would benefit you the most.
Barbell Positioning
The major difference between the front squat and back squat is where the barbell sits, of course. The barbell rests on the top of your back on the barbell squat while it rests on your upper chest for the front squat.
Wrist Mobility
With the front squat, you’ll need good wrist mobility to rest the barbell onto your upper chest. However, if the movement feels a bit uncomfortable, you can opt to cross your arms and grasp the barbell on each side while the barbell rests on your collar bone.
Total Strength
Overall, you’ll be able to use more weight with barbell squats than you will with front squats. That’s because it’s easier to lift a load on your back than it is on your chest since you’ll be activating your glutes and hamstrings more, which are stronger than your quads alone.
Knee and Back Health
The front squat places less stress on your spine and knees than the barbell squat does, so it’s healthier for your back. (1)
Similarities Between the Back Squat and Front Squat
Although the back squat and front squat are different, many parts of their movement and benefits are the same. Read on to learn their similarities.
Squat Form
Though both squat variations have their differences, the correct form of a standard squat applies to both. You’ll be in a shoulder-width stance and squat down to parallel or slightly past that. You’ll also keep your back straight and your torso upright while keeping your front knees behind your toes when you squat down. Also, both require you to keep your knees stable without valgus (knees caving in) or varus (knees pointing out).
Muscles Worked
Although the back squat and front squat split the emphasis each will place on your different lower body musculature, both barbell movements will engage all the muscles in your lower body.
When to Use Each
After learning the similarities and differences between both squats, deciding which one is right for you can still be confusing. Below, we’ve garnered a list to help make that choice a breeze.
Back Issues
If you have any back issues, it’s best to stick with front squats since you won’t be placing as much load on your spine.
Athletes
Athletes that require sprinting and jumping should focus more on back squats since your glutes and hamstrings are used more than your quadriceps during those movements. (2)
Beginners
Beginners should focus on back squats and get that form down before transitioning to front squats since it doesn’t require as much mobility.
Occupation
If you have a desk job, you’ll likely be quad dominant and be at an increased risk for tight glutes, which can lead to lower back pain; therefore, it’s recommended that you stick with back squats since it activates more of your glutes.
Strength and Power
For overall lower body strength and power, you’ll want to do back squats since you’ll be able to load the barbell with more weight.
Final Word
The barbell squat and front squat are both exceptional movements for building strength and hypertrophy in your lower body. The back squat will allow you to use more weight and focus more on your posterior chain, but the front squat is healthier for your back and will strengthen your quads more.
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References
Yavuz, H. U., Erdağ, D., Amca, A. M., & Aritan, S. (2015). Kinematic and EMG activities during front and back squat variations in maximum loads. Journal of sports sciences, 33(10), 1058–1066. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.984240
2. Myer, G. D., Kushner, A. M., Brent, J. L., Schoenfeld, B. J., Hugentobler, J., Lloyd, R. S., Vermeil, A., Chu, D. A., Harbin, J., & McGill, S. M. (2014). The back squat: A proposed assessment of functional deficits and technical factors that limit performance. Strength and conditioning journal, 36(6), 4–27. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000103
2021 UK’s Strongest Woman Results
Donna Moore came out on top in the UK’s Strongest Woman competition.
Strongwoman is a sport on the rise and the UK’s Strongest Woman competition is one of the best events of the year. This year’s competition took place over the weekend with 16 of the best athletes in the sport gathering in Bangor, Northern Ireland to see who would hoist the trophy at the end. It was an extremely close finish with Donna Moore edging out Rebecca Roberts by a single point.
Donna Moore has been a force in strongwoman for years now. She is a three-time World’s Strongest Woman winner. She has also picked up victories at the Arnold World Strongwoman competition in 2016 and 2017. Moore thrives with the Atlas stone and has set some records previously.
This past weekend, Moore continued to dominate the sport. The field of 16 was cut to 12 on the second day and ended with the winners being announced. Moore and Roberts finished as the top two with Lucy Underdown coming in third.
Moore took to Instagram to celebrate not only her achievement but the accomplishments of strongwoman as a whole.
“While I am delighted with the outcome of the competition for myself (few squeaky bum moments here and there Sandbag and Stones ?) its the bigger picture that is the most important for me.
This will be the first time in 2 decades that Strongwoman will be featured on TV in the UK.The last was Worlds Strongest Woman in the early 2000’s
This is amazing for the sport as a whole and given a platform for women to showcase the glorious sport of Strongwoman to the world.”
Moore highlighted an elite group of competitors at the UK’s Strongest Woman competition. Here are the full results from the competition.
Final Point Standings
Donna Moore (Great Britain) — 55 points
Rebecca Roberts (Great Britain) — 54 points
Lucy Underdown (Great Britain) — 51 points
Rebecca Cumpsty (Great Britain) — 43.5 points
Annabelle Chapman (Great Britain) — 43 points
Rhianon Lovelace (Great Britain) — 28.5 points
Shannon Clifford (Great Britain) — 25.5 points
Julia Mills (Great Britain) — 23.5 points
Sam Taylor (Great Britain) — 19.5 points
Ayshea Ullah (Ireland) — 18.5 points
Gemma Ferguson (Great Britain) — 16.5 points
Gemma Moore (Ireland) — 8.5 points
Tire Flip
Donna Moore — 34.55 seconds (12 points)
Lucy Underdown — 35.83 seconds (11 points)
Rebecca Roberts — 46.71 seconds (10 points)
Annabelle Chapman — 73.38 seconds (9 points)
Rebecca Cumpsty — 4 flips (7.5 points)
Rhianon Lovelace — 4 flips (7.5 points)
Sam Taylor — 3 flips (5.5 points)
Gemma Ferguson — 3 flips (5.5 points)
Shannon Clifford — 2 flips (2.5 points)
Ayshea Ullah — 2 flips (2.5 points)
Julia Mills — 2 flips (2.5 points)
Gemma Moore — 2 flips (2.5 points)
Log Lift
Annabelle Chapman — 120 kilograms (12 points)
Donna Moore — 115 kilograms (11 points)
Rebecca Roberts — 105 kilograms (9 points)
Lucy Underdown — 105 kilograms (9 points)
Rebecca Cumpsty — 105 kilograms (9 points)
Shannon Clifford — 95 kilograms (7 points)
Rhianon Lovelace — 85 kilograms (5 points)
Julia Mills — 85 kilograms (5 points)
Sam Taylor — 85 kilograms (5 points)
Ayshea Ullah — 75 kilograms (2 points)
Gemma Ferguson — 75 kilograms (2 points)
Gemma Moore — 75 kilograms (2 points)
Sack Carry
Donna Moore — 160 meters (12 points)
Rebecca Roberts — 157.25 meters (11 points)
Rebecca Cumpsty — 137.9 meters (10 points)
Lucy Underdown — 129.5 meters (9 points)
Rhianon Lovelace — 117.5 meters (8 points)
Annabelle Chapman — 103.45 meters (7 points)
Shannon Clifford — 100 meters (6 points)
Julia Mills — 89.7 meters (5 points)
Gemma Ferguson — 83.85 meters (4 points)
Ayshea Ullah — 69.4 meters (3 points)
Sam Taylor — 63.8 meters (2 points)
Gemma Moore — 60.95 meters (1 point)
Truck Pull
Rebecca Roberts — 28.82 seconds (12 points)
Lucy Underdown — 29.19 seconds (11 points)
Donna Moore — 30.79 seconds (10 points)
Rebecca Cumpsty — 39.09 seconds (9 points)
Julia Mills — 42.81 seconds (8 points)
Ayshea Ullah — 46.13 seconds (7 points)
Annabelle Chapman — 46.34 seconds (6 points)
Gemma Ferguson — 49.59 seconds (5 points)
Shannon Clifford — 52.66 seconds (4 points)
Gemma Moore — 68 seconds (3 points)
Sam Taylor — 15.3 meters (2 points)
Rhianon Lovelace — 12.95 meters (1 point)
Atlas Stone-Off
Rebecca Roberts — 4 stones in 23.91 seconds (12 points)
Lucy Underdown — 4 stones in 24.99 seconds (11 points)
Donna Moore — 4 stones in 27.22 seconds (10 points)
Annabelle Chapman — 4 stones in 56.97 seconds (9 points)
Rebecca Cumpsty — 3 stones in 23.02 seconds (8 points)
Rhianon Lovelace — 3 stones in 27.45 seconds (7 points)
Shannon Clifford — 3 stones in 37.30 seconds (6 points)
Sam Taylor — 3 stones in 53.98 seconds (5 points)
Ayshea Ullah — 3 stones in 54.09 seconds (4 points)
Julia Mills — 2 stones in 21.52 seconds (3 points)
Gemma Ferguson — 0 stones (0 points)
Gemma Moore — 0 stones (0 points)
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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.