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Robert Oberst and Oleksii Novikov Withdraw From 2021 Shaw Classic Due To Injuries
The 2021 Shaw Classic will be without two elite competitors this year as Robert Oberst and Oleksii Novikov withdraw.
The 2021 Shaw Classic will take place from on Aug. 27-28 in Estes Park, CO. On Monday, Brian Shaw announced that the field would look a bit different moving forward. Both Robert Oberst and Oleksii Novikov have withdraw from the competition with injuries.
Shaw made the announcement on the Shaw Classic Instagram account. Gabriel Pena and Gabriel Rheaume will be used as replacements. There will still be 16 participants, highlighted by four-time World’s Strongest Man champion Zydrunas Savickas.
“Athlete Update
Wishing the best to the injured athletes and excited to welcome the new athletes. Thank you all for the continued support of the Shaw Classic.”
According to Shaw, Oberst will miss the competition with a shoulder injury while Novikov is still recovering from a concussion suffered as the 2021 Strongman Classic. Neither competition has made an official statement themselves just yet.
This is not the first time that the lineup for the Shaw Classic had to be revised. Luke Richardson had to withdraw due to a bicep injury. Tom Stoltman and Luke Stoltman also pulled their names out. Even with five competitors being forced to withdraw, the competition still has some elite names and will be as exciting as ever.
Rheaume is an up-and-coming powerlifter. The 24-year-old made some noise when he won the Canada’s Strongest Man competition this year. This was his biggest win since he began competing in 2018. As for Pena, he is a name that is more well-known. He took place in the 2020 World’s Strongest Man and 2021 World Open. He was forced to leave the 2020 WSM with a heart issue but has been training hard and it ready to compete.
The 2021 Shaw Classic will be the second annual event run by Brian Shaw himself. He won the first ever competition in 2020 and will be defending his title this year. Shaw will have to battle the likes of Savickas, Evan Singleton, Bobby Thompson, and Adam Bishop. There will be some names missing but this should not take away from the intensity of the event.
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Best Gym Bags For Powerlifting & Bodybuilding (Updated 2021)
The best weightlifting gym bag can prove most effective for your bodybuilding and powerlifting goals for space and convenience.
Finding a great weightlifting gym bag can be difficult but those looking to boost their bodybuilding and powerlifting goals need one to boost all gains. While there are many different fitness aids, including weightlifting shoes, lifting belts, wrist wraps, and more, having a convenient way to transport these to and from the gym is a necessity. A gym bag worth your while will take care of all your transport needs to and from the gym, while also being suitable for other environments and travel, making this product your new gym partner.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Gym Bags for 2021 to offer great products to maximize your space and convenience so you can tackle any workout. High-quality for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and weightlifting, these are the best gym bags for men to boost gains.
Best Gyms Bags For 2021
Best Gym Bag Overall
The best gym bag overall will be one of the highest quality and made from durable and long lasting material. Able to hold all of your equipment, many compartments and other features will make your life easier as you travel to and from the gym.
King Kong Apparel CORE35
King Kong Apparel CORE35 is a high-quality duffel bag made to support all your gym needs. The outer material is tough, durable, and lightweight while also being water resistant and easy to clean. Multiple external and internal compartments are perfect for storing gear, including an internal shoe compartment and a 13’’ internal laptop sleeve. The best part about this bag is that your weightlifting belt can be strapped around it to maintain proper shape and save space.
King Kong Apparel CORE35 is a high-quality gym duffel bag designed to support all your needs. Durable and lightweight, while also providing space and comfort, this bag is perfect for any gym day.
Pros
Stores belt on the outside
Huge internal capacity from a weightlifting gym bag
Multiple compartments for all your gear
Great quality and durability to ensure longevity
Cons
If your shoes are larger than US size 13 Mens, then the CORE51 with its larger shoe compartment is a better match for you
Price: $129.95
Check out our individual review for King Kong Apparel CORE35 here!
Best Gym Bag For Space
You want a bag that offers space and works to fit everything you need inside. This can be either with one large compartment to fit everything you need, or many separate ones to keep your whole bag organized.
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag is a lightweight and well-built bag made with incredible materials to boost everyday performance. The UA Storm technology offers a highly water-resistance finish with an abrasion resistant bottom. Two large front zippered pockets allow for convenient storage and a removable and padded shoulder strap offers the best for comfort. A one size fits all bag, this offers great space for all your equipment needs.
Under Armour 4.0 Gym Bag is a water-resistant and highly durable bag for any conditions. Large vented and zippered pockets are great for organizing and ventilation.
Pros
Lightweight and well-built with great material
Water and abrasion resistant to withstand repeated abuse
Great for space with convenient pockets and storage compartments
Cons
Zippers may be poor quality for a weightlifting gym bag
May have too much space depending on your needs
Price: $27.99-$72.65
Best Lightweight Gym Bag For Durability
With so much inside, your gym bag can heavy and you really don’t need to lug it around before your workout. One that is lightweight, but also durable, is exactly what you need to see those gains you want most.
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag is a great bag for those looking for durability and extra storage while still being lightweight. A spacious main compartment is accompanied by shoes compartments, multipurpose pockets, and ventilated pockets to only give you the best in terms of carrying your equipment. Heavy duty strap buckles and durable smooth zippers make this bag easy to use as well. Carrying all your equipment can get heavy but a lightweight and durable bag is exactly what you need.
Serious Steel Fitness Gym Bag is made from heavy-duty fabric to last you years. Spacious compartments allow for all your equipment like belts, wraps, straps, and more.
Pros
Lightweight and durable for long term use out of this powerlifting gym bag
Many spacious compartments to be used for carrying all your equipment
From a reputable company in Serious Steel
Cons
Shoe compartment does take up a lot of the main compartment
Smaller than expected for a weightlifting gym bag
Price: $99.90
Best Gym Bag For Style & Design
While you want a functional bag, you also want one that will make you look good. When you walk into the gym, others should envy your bag as you will definitely look the part.
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag is the perfect duffel to flaunt your stuff in the gym. A wide U-shaped opening makes it easy to find what’s inside and with two outer zipper pockets, you can keep everything you want separated away from each other. Made from 100% polyester, the wipeable material is easy to clean and this weightlifting bag is also comfortable. With an adjustable shoulder strap, dual carry handles, and plenty of space, this bag will make you look good and feel better as others will certainly envy you.
adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag is a sport-inspired style bag that is sturdy and durable. A lifetime warranty ensures you always have a quality bag in the gym.
Pros
Wide U-shape for easy access
Durable and comfortable for everyday use from a bodybuilding gym bag
Looks great and is perfect in terms of style and design
Cons
No reinforcement on the bottom
Shoulder strap is not removable
Price: $46.59
Benefits Of A Quality Gym Bag
Having a gym bag that you can trust can prove to be highly effective when it comes to boosting all of your gains inside and out of the gym. The best gym bags for men will be from a company you can trust and can greatly influence space and convenience so you never have the hassle of packing and hustling to the gym again. Benefits of a quality gym bag include:
Ensure you have everything packed: Never have to leave anything at home and allow yourself to pack your equipment, clothes, and supplements effortlessly.
Save space: A good bodybuilding gym bag will keep things tidy and save you space as opposed to just throwing it into any old bag.
Utmost convenience: Packing and unloading your bag has never been easier with compartments and space to be sure you get the most out of your gym bags.
Last a long time: Made from durable material, the right powerlifting gym bag can last you a long time and provide everything you need to thrive.
What You Can Include In Your Gym Bag
While this may seem obvious, the right gym can allow you to include a host of things to better prepare you for your workout. Your fitness clothes and weightlifting shoes will fit effortlessly in your gym bag, as well as any supplements you choose to take, whether that be a protein powder, pre-workout, or intra-workout BCAA. Don’t forget room for your shaker bottle as well.
But the best part about a spacious powerlifting gym bag is that it can fit all of that equipment like lifting straps, weightlifting gloves, resistance bands, and of course, your weightlifting belt. The best gym bags for men allow you to wrap your belt around the bag so it keeps its shape and won’t clutter the inside of your bag. Finding the right gym bag to include all of this may seem dauting but the best bodybuilding bags allow for this and much more.
Gym Bags Vs. Drawstrings & Backpacks
A good, functional gym bag is great for people who prefer to take their things with them into a fitness center or who need to have convenient access to their belongings. But why not just use a backpack or drawstring bag? It’s the same thing, right? Well, there are several reasons why a dedicated gym bag would be preferred and superior to a backpack or drawstring bag for gym use.
Gym Bag vs. Drawstring
First off, we already know that most drawstring bags will bunch up everything together (although some have compartments and more features than the standard drawstring bag), with items stacked on top of the other. And oftentimes, they aren’t as durable for heavier items. Not to mention, your stuff can be more difficult to sort through depending on how big the bag is. And that’s another negative of the drawstring. They can only be so big.
And in most cases, you can store quite a bit more in a decent-sized gym bag and most of these great options on our list will allow you to do so. Many of the quality gym bags are longer and higher from base to top which means there’s room for more options overall. Plus, you have more compartments and features for ease of storage.
Gym Bag vs. Backpack
Backpacks are great because they’re pretty durable with a decent amount of room to store your belongings. And like the drawstring bag, most backpacks are designed to where your items will all be piled on top of the other and it can get pretty deep in there making digging through to find your stuff a challenge sometimes. Now, there are some more high tech backpacks out there which are better designed for convenience and ease of use but they are mostly made to be carried on your back in the same manner a drawstring bag is.
A good gym bag is more elongated so that you can carry it by the handles. Gym bags are generally higher from base to top to where you can separate your belongings in sections.
So, you can carry your gym bag around with you while you train and everything will be so much easier to navigate through. And it’s much easier to carry around by the top handles since the bag is designed for it. But another advantage (purely aesthetic) a gym bag has over a backpack is that if you want to look the part, the former will be more fitting for the environment than the latter, which is an added bonus!
Rogue Vs. Bags On This List
Many people gravitate towards Rogue gym bags but we felt other bags offer better features than many of the bags Rogue does. Don’t get us wrong, Rogue offers a good bag with quality and convenience, but the bags on this list from King Kong Apparel and Gymreapers are great for they contain the best in terms of space with compartments, nice features like wrapping the belt, and the utmost organization to keep your gym experience running smoothly. It’s nothing personal to Rogue, but we just feel some of these brands offer a bit more for the dollar.
How We Choose
When it comes to choosing the best gym bags for men and all your bodybuilding and powerlifting needs, we focus first on the company and the brand. You deserve to have a great brand that is highly reputable working on your behalf to produce only the best bodybuilding bags around. Looking next at quality and what the bags offer is important. The material should be durable and able to last you a long time while withstanding abuse from the constant wear and tear. Each bag should offer compartments and plenty of space for all your gym needs. Lastly, we look at price because we know these products can get expensive but it is possible to find a great gym bag at an affordable price.
FAQ Section
What is the best gym bag?
King Kong Apparel CORE35. This gym is a high-quality duffel bag made to support all your gym needs and is one of the best gym bags for men. Made from great material with tons of storage, this bag offers great features to make your life as easy as possible.
Why can’t I just use a backpack?
You absolutely can use a backpack but know the organization of a backpack just doesn’t compare to that of a gym bag. Gyms bags allow you to capitalize on space for the utmost convenience to make the experience even easier.
Aren’t all gym bags the same?
While gym bags tend to have similar qualities, top tier gym bags will offer the best in terms of amenities and other features. Things like the ability to wrap your belt around the bag is a nice touch that some bags offer. So while gym bags tend to be similar, they are quite different in many ways.
Wrap Up
The best gyms bags for men and those looking to boost their bodybuilding and powerlifting goals have great affects on your overall training and performance. The right bag will allow you to fit everything you need for your workout inside so you never have to leave any equipment behind. A great weightlifting bag will save you time and be of the utmost convenience so no gains are ever sacrificed. Check out these great gym bags and work to improve your training and performance inside and out of the gym today.
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How OnlyFans Shifting Their Business Model Could Affect The Fitness Community
OnlyFans is changing its business model and it could put a lot of people out of business.
So OnlyFans is stopping sexually explicit content from being on the platform. To be honest it’s a bold move on the part of ownership. Seeing how the platform gained notoriety and popularity through its offering of sexually explicit material, to now ban said content is a major risk. But since the company wishes to go mainstream, it appears that they are intent on “cleaning up” their image.
With that said, how will this shift in focus affect those in the fitness industry?
Let’s face it, there are plenty of individuals in the fitness space that have OnlyFans accounts. Many of them are in the bodybuilding community and have leveraged their physiques to make additional or even full time income with OnlyFans. Some have specifically done that through creating sexually explicit material, muscle worship coming to mind in this case.
The platform banning this content will put many sex workers out of a job and will also affect a segment of the fitness community negatively. While it’s possible that certain raunchy imagery may still be allowed on the platform, explicit content will certainly not be allowed.
Not everyone who uses the platform however posts explicit content. In fact there are a great deal of individuals that use the platform to connect directly with their fans. This includes none other than the current reigning UFC middleweight champion himself Israel Adesanya.
The UFC Champ Shares His Thoughts
The enigmatic and popular UFC champion has been on the platform since January of this year and has used it to his benefit. Israel Adesanya has posted content that many of his fans wouldn’t see otherwise all through the lens of safe for work content. But even Adesanya had a thing or two to say about the new direction of the OnlyFans platform.
“So no more sexually explicit content…lol ok.
“I think it’s BS, but I get why they have to if OF wants to go mainstream. The biggest network online is the porn network. They’ve dictated the trends for a long time.
“I’m still here though, just dropping likkle gems from time. I still got plenty in the archives…stay tuned ?”
This shift in business practices may not completely implode the platform. After all, many athletes and celebrities will still find a way to monetize through OnlyFans.
But for those who relied on the network to pay their bills through explicit means, this shift in focus has been a devastating blow. As time moves forward, we’ll see just how much this change to OnlyFans will affect the fitness and bodybuilding community.
Honestly, big sweeping moves like this by corporations can be extremely harmful to the very people they want using their invention. In a way it’s understandable that they want to shift their image. In another it takes away income and autonomy from people looking to make a living.
What do you think of OnlyFans shifting focus?
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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.
INTERVIEW: How A $100 Bet Transformed Dennis James Into A Bodybuilder
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Dennis James reflects on his time in Thailand and how a simple $100 bet changed the entire course of his life into bodybuilding.
Dennis James is well known today as a bodybuilding guru of sorts. He helps coach and train some of the biggest bodybuilders in the sport. He’s also a sort of unofficial color commentator for bodybuilding. He’s a co-host of the Olympia press conference and provides analysis for the various top-level physiques we see on stage. He was also one hell of a bodybuilder in his prime.
So it may come as a shock that his entire life as an iconic bodybuilder, commentator, and coach all stemmed from a simple $100 bet. Not only that – it was a $100 bet that was agreed upon while James was drunk. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Dennis James explains how a $100 bet changed his life and transformed him into a bodybuilder.
Dennis James is an extremely knowledgable bodybuilder in the sport. That’s why during our video conversation with him, we asked how a beginner bodybuilder can get credible information for research into training and dieting and supplementation. Like any sport – there is no one right answer. The fundamentals are all easily available for anyone to learn – but the pro level tactics come from experience. And everyone’s individual journey is often different.
So instead of giving generalized advice, Dennis James shares his story of how he became a bodybuilder and learned how to perfect his diet, training, and supplementation. The story is quite a rollercoaster and shows that even an icon like James required years of trial and error before become the pro we all remember. The best part about the whole story? It started off with a drunk $100 bet.
Dennis James took a two week trip to Thailand in the early 1990s. He loved it so much there that he never left. He ultimately stayed there for many years – far past the two week vacation plan. While living there, he spent a lot of time enjoying life and hanging out at the local bars. One such bar often had bodybuilders come in as patrons. After some time of becoming friendly, a fun and drunken wager was made.
Dennis James bet a bodybuilder that he could become just as muscular in three months. He was drunk and overly confident. He had little to no knowledge on how to achieve this goal. Regardless, he shook on the bet. $100 if he could build up mass monster muscle in 3 months.
Dennis James dove head first into training. He knew nothing about diet. He actually changed nothing about his diet. Instead he just rained hardcore non-stop. According to him, his body reacted so well and so fast that he received the $100 from the bet in just six months.
Shortly after the bet, Dennis James continued to train and eventually caught the eye of the Mr. Universe promoters. In 1992 Dennis James was drunkenly taking a random $100 bet. In 1993, he was on stage at the Mr. Universe in England.
The rest, as the say, is history. He continued to make bodybuilding his passion. In having to finally compete on a stage – he asked for advice on how to diet. His initial advice received was to simply eat chicken, rise, and pineapple for every meal. That’s why he did and it helped. Of course, we know that the bodybuilding diet is far more complicated than that.
And that’s the point. Dennis James went from a bet, to competing, to making mistakes, and eventually went pro. He used that passion and pro status to eventually become the man we know today. There is no one single correct way to learn about bodybuilding. Everyone’s journey is different. You will make mistakes – but just make sure to do as much research as possible so you don’t make dangerous mistakes. If the passion is there – the rest will come to you.
You can watch Dennis James go into complete detail about his bodybuilding origins in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
John Haack Crushes A PR Deadlift Of 405kg During Training
Powerlifter John Haack is getting his numbers up in hopes of setting a world record.
Powerlifter John Haack competes in the 90kg (198lb) division and it five weeks out from getting back on stage. The 2021 World Raw Powerlifting Federation Showdown will take place on Sept. 25-26 and Haack could be looking to accomplish something that has never been done before.
In a recent Instagram video, Haack is seen deadlifting 405kg with nothing but a lifting belt, deadlift shoes, and a pair of wrist straps. This lift was performed during a training session so it will not count as an official record but if done in competition, Haack would hold the world record in the 90kg division.
“I’m ballin out, no ?PR deadlift at 405kgs/892lbs. Just under 5 weeks out #BDE“
According to Haack’s caption, this is a personal record lift. It is fair to assume that Haack is around his competition weight with his next event being so close. With the way he has been training in recent weeks, it is clear that Haack has a plan when he steps on stage in September.
In April at the 2021 US Kern Open, Haack put on quite a show but was bested by Chad Penson. Haack set the bench press world record in the 90kg division with a 262.5kg (578.7lb) lift at the Kern Open. He totaled 970kg in the event but Penson was able to finish with 7.5 more kilograms.
John Haack attempted a 400kg at the Kern Open but was unsuccessful on both attempts. This kept Haack from totaling 1,000kg in the competition, which would have been a record. On August 9, he pulled off a 400kg deadlift and clearly has his sights set on more weight. With Penson present at the WRPF Showdown, there is no doubt that Haack will have revenge on his mind.
This event will take place at Brave Enough CrossFit in Kansas City. It will feature some of the top competitors such as Haack, Penson, Joe Sullivan and Kevin Oak. Haack and the other male competitors will lift on Sept. 25. This is the chance for Haack to show the progress he has made and put up some numbers that have never been done in the 90kg division.
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How The Kettlebell Bent Press Aids In Overhead Strength
Add this exercise into your workout routine and look to increase mobility, strength, and functional movements.
The kettlebell is a great fitness tool to really work multiple muscles in your body and is convenient in that it can be used at home or in the gym. But with so many kettlebell exercises, it can be challenging to choose the most effective ones for you. While programs exist for you to follow along with trainers, and kettlebell competitions on the rise, you need an exercise to really kickstart your gains to new heights and one that will allow you to lift big weight safely. The bent press has been around for a long time, but unfortunately, too many of us overlook this great bent press exercise.
The bent press is an old exercise, but one still very relevant today. Able to work virtually your whole body, the main benefit to this exercise is you will lift more weight than others and do so safely. While it can be challenging, it will be worth it for the results. Whether using a barbell, dumbbell, or kettlebell, the bent press is more than effective, but the kettlebell will offer great grip and easier movements, especially when putting the weight overhead with a press.
Let’s take a look at the this exercise and really see what this exercise can do for you. We’ll dive into what it is, the muscles worked, and the many benefits this exercise has to offer. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with the results when the press is done safely and effectively.
What Is The Bent Press?
The bent press has a long history as an effective workout and can be used with a variety of workout tools like a kettlebell, barbell, or dumbbell. It is a misunderstood kettlebell exercise, and with so many kettlebell exercises or variations out there, it can be challenging to really identify which ones are the best. The bent press is a weight training exercise where the weight is brought from shoulder level to the weight overhead and a large amount of weight can be lifted when compared to other press exercises of similar caliber.
For the bent press’ ability to really target your muscles effectively and properly, this kettlebell exercise should not be overlooked. Effective for your core, as well as mainly your upper body, this is one challenge that once defeated, will prove to be great for your gains as well as things like mobility.
Muscles Worked With The Bent Press
What you will find with this movement is that this is a full body workout designed to really target all areas of your body including many muscle groups. While the main goal is not to target your lower body, the need to stay stable and balanced will require some engagement from those lower body muscles. This is where your core comes into play with this press. Those rock solid abdominal muscles will really work to maintain good balance and stability. Other important upper body muscles worked during this exercise include your biceps, triceps, traps, delts, forearms, and chest.
Benefits Of The Bent Press
Improve Overhead Strength
Lifting big weight overhead can be intimidating, especially for those bodybuilders just starting out. This will allow you to work your way up in weight so you are comfortable with lifting big overhead as you build muscle. As a great exercise to increase strength in a number of muscles, you will soon be lifting more than you thought possible all while doing so safely, either with a barbell or kettlebells with proper form to get you stronger with increased practice.
Promote Mobility, Especially Those Hips
Your hips are a critical point of contact for this lift and this movement will work to increase hip mobility since your body is under the kettlebell, requiring a bit of a twist, thus enhancing mobility. Since this exercise is demanding on your hips, you have no choice but to use them and the movement required will prove to be key in increasing hip mobility, as well as thoracic mobility for thoracic spine support (1).
Strengthen Your Stabilizers
With many muscles worked, the stabilizer and connecting muscles that are smaller and often overlooked will get work done. This will increase their strength and allow you to see great growth and support when it comes to other lifts. This is surprisingly demanding on muscles you may not really work, but the benefit is you finally target these muscles with a strict press with one arm whether you know it or not to increase other things like mobility as well.
Increase Trunk Stability
Since it is necessary that your core is engaged throughout, you will not only work your abdominal muscles, but also balance and stability while also getting stronger (2). Not only does this matter for this specific exercise, but also for big lifts, like the big three powerlifting lifts (bench press, squat, and deadlift) so you see those numbers you want to see most of out your training as you build muscle and increase focus.
How To Perform The Bent Press
Here are the steps to performing an effective exercise with this movement.
Start with your feet around shoulder width apart and hold a kettlebell by your shoulder. Lean towards the opposite side and slowly extend your arm as the kettlebell is held directly above you. As you do this, move your free hand down towards your foot. This next step is important for avoiding injury and proper form. You need to make sure the kettlebell is in line with your free arm. You will raise back up and repeat for your desired number of reps to continue with your training and lifts for maximum benefits.
Featured Kettlebells For The Bent Press
Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells
Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells are perfect for enhancing grip and working with versatility as well for your desired strength and conditioning goals. Made from cast iron and covered with a powder coating, these offer overall protection and durability to enhance longevity. The structural integrity of these kettlebells will support your own growth and mobility and keep you operating at a high level when it comes to your exercises.
Prices vary depending on weight but there are 21 options to choose from ranging from 9 lbs. ($69.99) to 203 lbs. ($424.99).
Check out our individual review for Kettlebell Kings Kettlebell here!
Wrap Up
The kettlebell bent press is a great exercise designed to support strength, mobility, and functional movements and should not be overlooked as an effective kettlebell exercise. While kettlebells are on the rise, this exercise should be too and can prove to be worth your while when included in your workout routine. Check out this exercise today and really see what this exercise can do for you as you move towards bigger gains and able to promote a better routine.
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 Envato
References
Hrysomallis, Con (2009). “Hip Adductors’ Strength, Flexibility, and Injury Risk”. (source)
Hibbs, Angela E.; Thompson, Kevin G.; French, Duncan; Wrigley, Allan; Spears, Iain (2008). “Optimizing performance by improving core stability and core strength”. (source)
How This David Laid Workout Can Shred & Tone Your Physique
This workout from David Laid is one to get you shredded as you tone your lean and amazing aesthetic.
David Laid is a bodybuilder, fitness model, and social media influencer with a great physique that others certainly envy. A fitness fan from an early age, he saw an outlet to use it to his advantage and has since created a following of many who seek to look like he does.
When it comes to looking amazing and feeling even better, we need the right workout to help get us there. But the search for that all too vital workout can be challenging and with so many people claiming to have that golden workout, it can be hard to weed through all the nonsense. Looking to professional athletes, bodybuilders, and those popular influencers can greatly affect our gains and lead us to a massive and shredded physique that we want most. They are living proof of what these workouts can do and we should use them as examples of what a great workout can truly be.
David Laid knows exactly what it takes to succeed when it comes to workouts and with the right exercises, he knows just how to help get you the physique you want most for others to truly envy.
Full Name: David Laid
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
185-195 lbs.
6’2’’
01/29/1998
Profession
Era
Nationality
Bodybuilder, Fitness Model, Social Media Influencer
2010
Estonian
This workout from David Laid offers the best exercises and an all-around great workout to give you great gains for that shredded physique as you look to tone and really define those muscles. Keeping your workout as engaging as possible can greatly affect all those gains you want most so you can look and feel as great as Laid himself.
About David Laid
David Laid’s fitness journey began at a young age, but it wasn’t without his fair share of struggles early on. He lost his father at a young age and suffered at the hands of bullies, only limiting his self-confidence even more. After he was diagnosed with scoliosis, he knew he needed a change and used weightlifting as an outlet to achieve this.
After finding his passion and beginning his gym grind, he realized a toned and sculpted physique was within his reach. He kept working on getting that physique to where he wanted it to be and ultimately became a social media influencer and fitness model, using his platform to help others reach their goals. Now with over 1.5 million followers on Instagram, he uses his reach to help others and continues his dominance in the fitness community.
David Laid Training Routine
This workout from David Laid is one to target all those muscle groups so you see the best outcome to strength and size. Using fundamental exercises, this workout is great for sport specific movements, as well as those more functional ones to aid in your everyday life. Looking to build strength and size while also leaning out for a shredded aesthetic may seem tough, but this workout gives you the best chance at seeing the results you want most.
Workout #1: Chest
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Incline Bench Press
5
8
Dumbbell Incline Press
5
8
Dumbbell Bench Press
5
8
Incline Bench Press
3
Until Failure
Flat Bench Press
3
Until Failure
Workout #2: Shoulders
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Seated Dumbbell Press
3
10
Behind The Neck Press
3
10
Lateral Raise with Dumbbells
3
12
Front Raise With Plates
3
12
Seated Overhead Press
3
10
Cable Lateral Raise
3
12
Rear Delt Cable Row
3
10
Workout #3: Back
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Dumbbell Rows
3
10
Seated Cable Row
3
10
Lat Pulldown (Wide Grip)
3
12
Hex Bar Shrugs
3
15
Cable Shrugs
3
15
Chin-Up (Close Grip)
3
10
Lat Pulldown (Normal Grip)
3
10
Workout #4: Legs
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Back Squat
5
5
Leg Press
3
8
Hamstring Curls
3
10
Calf Raises
3
12
Back Squat with Pause
5
5
Workout #5: Arms
Exercises
Sets
Reps
Hammer Curls
3
10
Dips
3
10
Triceps Cable Pushdowns
3
12
EZ Bar Curls
3
10
Barbell Curls
3
10
Featured Supplement To Help Your Shred
While a great training routine and the right diet can greatly affect how you look and feel, using supplements can greatly affect all areas of your gains. Something like a pre-workout supplement is great for offering energy and muscle pumps and a protein powder can pump you with protein for those post-workout growth and recovery needs. For that increased strength and size, looking to a creatine supplement can also greatly influence those desired gains. But a fat burner is perfect for those looking to lose fat and retain muscle for a lean physique to be proud of.
Kaged Muscle Clean Burn
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Wrap Up
This workout from David Laid is perfect for giving you the edge when it comes to your bodybuilding and lean physique goals, With great exercises targeting all those muscle groups, you can’t go wrong with an amazing workout from someone who knows the industry. The right training routine with a well-thought out diet, matched by a quality supplementation regimen, can give you the best when it comes to those gains. Give this workout a try and see what it can do for all your gains today.
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 David Laid Instagram
How The Rowing Machine Can Boost Strength And Endurance
This exercise is not only for rowers and is a great boost to your overall performance.
The rowing machine often sits off to the side of the cardio machines in the gym waiting to be used. While many people are more comfortable with the treadmill, elliptical, or bike for their aerobic needs, the rowing machine is an amazing full body workout to boost endurance, strength, and your overall health. Switching your cardio to a variety of different machines utilizes different muscles and proves to be more effective for your training. It also makes doing cardio a little less boring.
Able to support both muscular strength and muscular endurance, the rowing machine is a staple exercise for competitive rowers during the off-season and a great cross train for other endurance athletes looking for a break from their own sport. Compared to other cardio workouts, the rowing machine is low-impact and recruits the majority of your muscles to propel you through the workout. Although a challenging exercise, once you nail down proper form you will be cruising along on this machine to increased muscle growth, endurance, and a toned physique.
A mix of both upper body and lower body muscles, the rowing machine works for your full body benefit. While working the chest, biceps, delts, and abs in the front, it will cover your lats, triceps, and upper back as well. As a push exercise, your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes will feel the burn to give your lower body a great workout.
Rowing classes have emerged the same way as spinning classes and with the benefits the rowing machine provides, it is no wonder this exercise has gained popularity among athletes and gym-goers alike.
Benefits Of The Rowing Machine
Burn Calories Efficiently
One of the best benefits is the ability to burn calories efficiently for your weight loss goals. With the ability to sustain a longer cardio session, and at an easier pace, you can still burn calories to see results, but using the rowing machine as a form of high-intensity interval training can be perfect for shorter endurance work with optimal calorie loss. Of course calorie burn depends on your level of exertion among other factors, but the rowing machine is a sure way to see progress with your weight loss goals without spending hours on a cardio machine (1).
Low-Impact Full Body Workout
The rowing machine uses over 85% of your muscles for a great full body workout. Mixed with upper body and lower body muscle groups, you will feel an overall burn. With your legs being the primary point of engagement for most of the stroke, it is a great way to build leg strength. As your upper body completes the stroke, you get that well-rounded burn all the way through. As a great exercise for active recovery, you control the movement and pace without adding increased strain on your joints.
Endurance and Conditioning
Aside from the benefits surrounding strength and muscle growth, the rowing machine is a phenomenal way to increase cardio and muscular endurance (2). As an exercise that really spikes your heart rate, you can keep it well within the limits of control while also pushing your cardiovascular limit. Aerobic exercise can boost mood and overall fitness and since your heart works harder to transport blood to the body, it can increase heart strength as well.
Posture Support
While this exercise looks like you would be hunched the entire time, it actually forces you to keep good posture to maximize the benefits (3). By requiring you to sit upright, you are straightening the spine and allowing for repeated practice in good posture. Transition that posture to everyday life and your confidence and stability will improve greatly.
Solid Alternative To Other Machines
This is just a good exercise to add with other machines to diversify you workouts and not deal with the monotony of a cardio exercise. Whether you are an athlete looking for a cross-training exercise, or a gym-goer looking for a unique alternative to the treadmill, the rowing machine can be a fun way to add to your overall health.
How To Use It
There are four parts to a rowing stroke that are important for the rowing machine. The finish position is when your legs are flat, back slightly back, and the handle is just below your chest. The recovery is the movement towards the front of the machine with your arms extended and your knees slowly rising up. The catch position is with your knees fully bent up, your body over your knees, and your handle close to the cage at the front of the machine. The drive is the movement pushing back towards the finish position where you started.
This movement will start at the finish. In a slightly laid back position with the handle at your chest, push your arms away from your body, hinge at the waist while keeping a flat back, and slowly start to slide up, bending your knees as you do. Your arms will be extended in front of you the whole movement up the slide and your back will be flat and slowly beginning to make its way closer to your knees. At the catch position, your chest will be close to your knees and the handle will be out in front you with your arms still extended. As you drive back, push through the footplate while keeping a flat back engaging your lats. Once your legs are fully extended down, bring the handle back to your chest ultimately ending at the finish position.
Wrap Up
The rowing machine can be intimidating. If you are unsure of form or how to use it, it may be one machine you shy away from. But the benefits of the rowing machine are great and you could be missing out on so much potential. As an amazing full body workout for strength and endurance, it is the ultimate exercise to save time, burn calories, and see great gains in the gym. As a low-impact exercise, it will keep you healthy and stable and won’t sacrifice your other hard work. Add this to your workouts as a great supplement to any other cardio exercise and you will so glad you did.
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 Envato
References
Slater, Gary J.; Rice, Anthony J.; Sharpe, Ken; Tanner, Rebecca; Jenkins, David; Gore, Christopher J.; Hahn, Allan G. (2005). “Impact of Acute Weight Loss and/or Thermal Stress on Rowing Ergometer Performance”. (source)
Gee, Thomas I; Olsen, Peter D.; Berger, Nicolas J.; Golby, Jim; Thompson, Kevin G. (2011). “Strength and Conditioning Practices in Rowing”. (source)
Vasile, Simona; Cools, Joris; De Raeve, Alexandra; Malengier, Benny; Deruyck, Frank (2019). “Effect of rowing posture on body measurements and skin- sportswear interface pressure and implications on garment fit”. (source)
Peiman Maheripourehir Approaches Deadlift World Record In Recent Training Session
Peiman Maheripourehir pulled off a 492kg deadlift in a recent training session.
The deadlift world record is one that has been on the radar of many powerlifters recently. This includes Peiman Maheripourehir. The Iranian strongman is one of the legitimate threats to the record, currently held by Hafthor Bjornsson, and could be training to eventually have a chance to break it.
Bjornsson set the mark of 501kg last year and few have gotten as close as Maheripourehir. In a recent training session, Maheripourehir pulled off a 450kg raw deadlift followed by a 492kg lift. The final lift was within 10kg of the world record.
“?492 kg & 450 kg raw?”
The first lift could have caused some discussions. The lockout was a bit wobbly and this might have not gotten the nod from judges if it were in competition. This does not mean that Maheripourehir cannot perform the lift. He eliminated all doubts with his raw deadlift — which was performed with ease.
This is not the first time that Maheripourehir has showcased an extreme feat of strength. Back in June, he shared a video on Instagram completing a 425kg for two reps. After performing these reps, Maheripourehir made it clear what his intentions were.
“425 kg raw x 2 reps easy ?..Today’s exercise was done due to personal work (with body fatigue). I will be the father of the deadlift of the world??”
Maheripourehir has not posted many updates but it is clear that he wants to take over the world record currently held by Bjornsson. He has his sights set on 505kg but it is unknown when he will be able to attempt this lift. There have only been two men who have been able to deadlift 500kg. Eddie Hall was the first to accomplish this feat and Bjornsson bested him by a single kilogram.
There is no doubt that Maheripourehir is training to join that list. He knows what it takes to get there and it is unlikely that he accepts any fate short of the world record. This will continue to be a storyline to watch but as of now, Maheripourehir seems like the biggest threat to break Bjornsson’s record.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Calum Von Moger Takes Down Posters of Arnold Schwarzenegger in His Gym
Calum Von Moger Is No Longer a Fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger After Recent Comments
Calum von Moger has long been an Arnold Schwarzenegger fan. Some may even argue that Calum owes a great deal to Arnold in terms of the legend motivating him. But there comes a time when everyone has to stand strong on their morals. It appears that Calum has reached that point.
After recent comments made in an interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger has sparked the ire of many in the fitness and bodybuilding community. In the interview there is a segment in which Arnold says “Screw Your Freedom” in regards to those issuing concerns about the current global crisis. Many expressed apprehension about wearing masks or taking the vaccine and Arnold says that their decisions could be potentially harmful to others around them. But the state about disregarding a person’s freedom appears to have rubbed people the wrong way.
Hard Decisions
As such Calum von Moger has been completely turned off by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Due to his comments, much like Brian Shaw, Calum von Moger has decided to take down posters of Arnold Schwarzenegger from his gym. Calum commented on the subject in his stories.
“I’ve always been a big fan of Arnold’s,” said Calum von Moger. “I grew up watching his movies and he inspired me to get into bodybuilding and competing and everything. But the Arnold that we knew then is different from the Arnold that we see today.”
“Unfortunately I made the decision to remove all of his posters off of my wall and chuck them out because recently in an interview he… I think it was just a poor choice in words but quote ‘screw your freedom’ was what he said, and I can’t support someone that doesn’t support our freedom. So I’m no longer a fan. Sorry Arnold.”
Calum von Moger also made a post about the issue.
I’ll always remember the Arnold that inspired us to train hard, believe in ourselves and follow our dreams. But I can no longer support the Arnold that speaks to us today.
I say, fight for your freedom.
#PowertothePeople
What do you think of the fallout from these recent comments?
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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.