Gunter Schlierkamp Answers: Did He Retire Too Soon?
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Gunter Schlierkamp discusses his lower placing in 2006, struggling with his physique, and the decision to retire.
In 2005, Gunter Schlierkamp placed fourth at the Mr. Olympia. This seemed part of a steady rise over the years and an indicator that he could continue to be a threat for the Sandow trophy. Unfortunately, a year later Schlierkamp placed 10th at the Mr. Olympia 2006. Shortly after he retired from competitive bodybuilding. What happened? In our latest GI Exclusive, Gunter Schlierkamp details his final year of bodybuilding and whether or not he retired too soon.
Gunter Schlierkamp is a bodybuilder with an iconic physique despite never being a Mr. Olympia champion. And to many fans who followed his career – he seemed destined to one day earn that champion status. Then suddenly in 2006, his physique took a hit. He looked less on point than the previous year. He ultimately placed 10th at the Olympia and retired.
For fans of the bodybuilder, this seemed like a sudden and screeching halt. Gunter Schlierkamp had a steady rise to a high point of fourth place – only to suddenly slam down to 10th and stop competing all together. What would have happened if he gave it another year? Did he retire too early?
We asked Gunter Schlierkamp these questions directly. Reflecting back – does Schlierkamp regret retiring after his slump year in 2006? Or does he think it was all for the best? Schlierkamp speaks bluntly about the whole situation. For some unexplainable reason, his body was not reacting to his training methods the same way it had been in years prior. He tried changing up his methods but nothing worked. It’s as if his body suddenly started rejecting his training all together.
Gunter Schlierkamp was 36 years old at this time. There have been bodybuilders that compete well into their 40s and even 50s. But perhaps for Schlierkamp, his body was starting to change as he aged. With his body reacting differently to his training, he got off rhythm and lost confidence. Suddenly he was in a spiral that led to a physique he was less proud of than in previous years.
After placing 10th at the Mr. Olympia 2006, Gunter Schlierkamp thought long and hard about what his next move should be. He understood that bodybuilding couldn’t be a lifetime career. He also had other passions in his life that he wanted to pursue such as being a husband and father. Ultimately, Schlierkamp saw this as an early warning sign. A warning that the decades of bodybuilding were starting to take a toll on his body. So he hung up the towel and started focusing on his family.
Of course, Gunter Schlierkamp had plenty of other opportunities due to bodybuilding. He maintained a sponsorship for income and eventually started his own business. This was all thanks to the reputation he gained as a bodybuilder. So does he feel that he retired too early? No, Schlierkamp thinks he made the right choice. Perhaps he could have bounced back after 2006 – but he would have also missed out on other opportunities that he is proud of in his life.
You can watch Gunter Schlierkamp’s full response about his retirement in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Brian Shaw Takes Down Poster of Arnold Schwarzenegger in His Gym
Brian Shaw Takes Down Poster of Arnold Schwarzenegger in His Gym
So it appears that the fallout continues for Arnold Schwarzenegger after his recent comments. Brian Shaw is another in a list of athletes, sponsors, and supplement company heads who have an issue with Arnold’s freedom comments. Brian Shaw is so upset that he actually took down a poster of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his home gym.
Freedom is a thing that a great deal of people hold dear, particularly in the United States. The idea of freedom is what the country was founded on. Yet in reality the country has a muddled past with the concept of freedom. After what many have viewed as an attack on the concept of freedom, fans, athletes, and competitors in the bodybuilding community have expressed their disappointment in the recent comments made by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
While it can be argued that Arnold’s comments were about people being responsible and helping their fellow man, people are not taking it that way. One such person is four-time World’s Strongest Man Brian Shaw.
A proud American, Brian Shaw found the comments made by Arnold Schwarzenegger to be upsetting. Shaw took to Instagram to express his own feelings on the matter and that he took down a poster of Schwarzenegger that hung in his home gym.
FREEDOM IS IMPORTANT ??
Today is a very sad day for me as I had to take down the poster of @schwarzenegger on the wall of my gym. I have had a poster of him in my gym since I started training.
He has the freedom to say whatever he wants and that’s part of being an American citizen but him saying “screw your freedom” did not sit well with me and therefore it was time for his poster to come down from my gym wall.
Freedom didn’t come free and I will always stand for freedom ??
We could continue to see fall out from this situation as time moves forward. Only time will tell how much more this will affect Arnold Schwarzenegger and his brand.
What do you think of Brian Shaw removing a poster of Arnold Schwarzenegger from his gym?
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.
How Kettlebell Swings Work To Build Strength & Power
Kettlebell swings are a great full body workout to maximize strength gains while boosting power.
You’re sick of the same old workouts, right? You love benching, squatting, deadlifting, maybe even pull-ups. And those biceps curls and goblet squats are just getting to be a bit old for your routine. You need a change, but change can be hard. Sometimes we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to find that one golden exercise you can use for all your needs but it can seem daunting to find. Kettlebell swings are that exercise to shake up your routine by offering a total body exercise that not only works to enhance strength, but also boost power so you get the best out of your performance.
While some may say the kettlebell swing exercise is that golden exercise you need in your routine, we won’t go that far. But we do believe this exercise is amazing and can offer diversity to your workouts that you hadn’t thought possible. And while dumbbells and barbells tend to get all the love in the gym, kettlebells are one piece of equipment you can’t ignore.
Let’s take a look at kettlebell swings and jump into this complete guide for this exercise. From what this exercise is, to muscles worked, and the great benefits attached to it, you are well on your way to seeing those gains you want most.
What Are Kettlebell Swings?
The kettlebell swings exercise is a compound movement that works many muscle groups in your body and is great for getting that total body workout. This exercise is used to not only increase strength and size, but also power and explosivity as you really work to get that weight moving and your heart rate going (1). With tons of benefits and a real ability to aid in both sport specific and functional movements, kettlebell swings are perfect for putting into your routine.
Muscles Worked
When it comes to this total body workout in the kettlebell swings exercise, many muscles get work done which can prove great for your sport specific needs and more functional ones. For your lower body, you really get great work done in the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves to aid in strength and power and this happens during the first half of the exercise. Your upper body will see your chest, shoulders, back muscles, forearms, and core all feeling a bit of a burn during the second half of the workout. All in all, this rounds out a great full body exercise.
Benefits Of Kettlebell Swings
The benefits of kettlebell swings are hard to ignore and can greatly affect all areas your training and performance, as well as your overall physical health.
Benefits of kettlebell swings include:
Strong posterior chain: A stronger back, including muscles like your glutes and hamstrings, will provide for better posture and balance during exercises.
Increased conditioning and power: This exercise will get your heart rate going and really work your endurance for a bit of a cardiovascular lift while also boosting power and explosivity (2).
Works your core: This exercise forces you to say engaged, relying on your core for that powerful stance.
Full body workout: Kettlebell swings allow you to work many muscles, both in the upper body and lower body, for a great full body workout (3).
Add variety to workouts: This exercise can be fun and engaging to add that necessary variety in your workouts to keep you in it.
How To Perform This Exercise
Here are the steps for performing kettlebell swings:
Stand around shoulder width apart and have your shoulders over your hips. You will also tuck your chin for this movement.
Holding the kettlebell with both hands, let it hang straight down with your arms extended. Your inner elbows will face forward and you should be in an upright position.
The first half of this exercise will see you in a semi squat position with the kettlebell between your legs. Maintain good posture and a tight core.
The second half will see you drive up, moving the kettlebell back through your legs and up to about chest level.
Lower back down or make this a continuous movement as you repeat for your desired amount of reps.
Featured Kettlebell For Gains
Finding the right kettlebell can seem like a daunting task. But there are great products out there made of high-quality to last a while and provide comfort and versatility for all your workouts. So, while dumbbells and barbells tend to get all the attention, it would be a disservice to neglect kettlebells. And since gym equipment tends to be expensive, looking to affordable and worthwhile options like kettlebells can be great. Oh, and don’t forget to use quality supplementation like a pre-workout and protein powder with a great exercise in kettlebell swings.
Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebells
Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebells are made from a single piece of cast iron with a well welded handle. Powder coating allows for a great gripping surface for whatever your workout may be.
These kettlebells from Kettlebell Kings are amazing for promoting better grip for safer and more effective workouts, overall protection of the iron for durability and longevity, and a promise from an amazing company in Kettlebell Kings. Each kettlebell is made from a single piece of cast iron so the handle remains intact and each is color-coded so you know exactly what amount you’re using. The powder coat ensures a solid grip for no slippage or poor form. The structural integrity of these kettlebells will ensure the integrity of your lifts and lifestyle.
Price: Ranges from $69.99 to $424.99
Check out our individual review for Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebells here!
Check out our list of the Best Kettlebells for more great products!
Wrap Up
When it comes down it, kettlebell swings are a great exercise that you can perform to aid in strength and size, as well as power and explosivity. The ability for you to stay grounded and stable can greatly affect your gains and give you the best chance at performing at a high level. Don’t let a poor workout ruin your chances at seeing gains and add kettlebell swings into your routine to see that real change happen.
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
Beardsley, C.; Contreras, B. (2014). “The Role of Kettlebells in Strength and Conditioning”. (source)
Lake, J.; Lauder, M. (2012). “Kettlebell swing training improves maximal and explosive strength”. (source)
Meigh, N.; Keogh, J.; Schram, B.; Hing, W. (2019). “Kettlebell training in clinical practice: a scoping review”. (source)
5 Gym Etiquette Rules You Should Know About
5 Most Important Rules Of Gym Etiquette You Should Know
When some people are in the gym, they think no one is watching them. They take the gym to be a practice ground and decide to do things which they otherwise wouldn’t do outside. The gym is like any other social setting and you need to be on your best behavior.
Without you knowing it, there could be some things you do in the gym which could be a cause for trouble for the other people. If you do the right things, becoming a gym sweetheart isn’t so hard.
1. Re-Rack Your Weights
This is the basic gym etiquette most people lack. People use weights and leave them on the floor after completing their exercise. These people think re-racking the weights is the job of the gym employees and permit themselves to scatter weights throughout the gym.
While keeping the gym clean and tidy is the job of the gym staff, cleaning after you isn’t. Since you’re working out, it is safe to assume you’re old enough to clean up after yourself. Every gym should have this written on their walls –
“If you’re man enough to lift it, you’re man enough to put it back.”
2. Be Presentable
While it’s true your gym clothes have a smaller life cycle than your normal clothes, it doesn’t mean you should start wearing untidy clothes to the gym. You look at yourself in the mirror for most of the time you’re in the gym.
Looking good while working can act as a motivation. You meet many people while you’re at the gym, and you should leave a good first impression. Talking about first impressions, do everyone a favor and wear a deodorant. Stop with the homeless look already.
3. Don’t Help When Not Asked For
Broscientists have earned a name for themselves when it comes to interfering in others workouts. If someone doesn’t ask you for training tips or the right form while performing an exercise, please keep all your training hacks to yourself.
Everyone’s body is different and responds to different things. People realize what works for them after years of trial and error. Don’t think you can correct everything with your training hacks. Not to mention, no one appreciates a broscientists or his tips.
4. Ask Before Taking Equipment
If you’ve been working out for some time, there are chances you might have found yourself in a situation when someone took the weights you were using without your permission. We’re sure you wouldn’t have liked that.
Even if you find barbells, dumbbells or weight plates lying around, ask around before taking them. While you’re at it, use a towel to wipe down the equipment if you get them dirty. Doing this will add good karma to your gym life and the same will start happening to you.
5. No Dibs, Please!
Some people have the habit of blocking others from the equipment they’re using. A little sharing never hurt anybody. Not sharing is one of the most lacked gym etiquettes. Everyone is running on a schedule, always offer to share the equipment.
Since you’ll have some time in between sets, it is a great way to build new relationships. If you’re running late, you can speed up your workouts by using advanced training techniques like supersets.
Which are the etiquettes people at your gym lack? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
Why Every Bodybuilder Should Take Probiotics For Overall Performance
The benefits for a probiotic go far beyond better digestion and every bodybuilder should consider taking them.
Many associate probiotics as simply a supplement to aid in digestion and keep you running regularly. But the pros of probiotic supplements, especially for bodybuilders, goes far beyond simply that. Research has proven that bacteria found in your gut has great benefit to your health and athletic performance, making this a staple for a bodybuilder’s diet when paired with food. Probiotic supplements are great for gaining size and with a regular source of them, your chance at optimal mass growth greatly increase with these products.
What Are Probiotics?
Your body is full of good and bad bacteria. Probiotic supplements are considered to be the good guys and are live bacteria and yeasts that have a plethora of pros, most notably in your digestive system to help keep it clean. By keeping your gut clean, probiotic supplements have been proven to increase muscle growth as a result of providing your body with the essential tools to absorb nutrients from your food. So, a cleaner gut equals more nutrients which equals more mass. Stress is known to damage your muscles and probiotics aids in the regulation of the production of stress as well. While you can get probiotics from supplements, much of the food we eat also contains plenty of this bacteria to aid in gut health and probiotic products can really help.
Types Of Probiotics
Two of the most common groups of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Each of these has different species, resulting in different strains, so it is important to find the right one for you. A general rule when choosing a probiotic is that more strains are preferred. This will increase the chances that at least one, or several, will colonize in your gut. The label will also have a number in the billions, which is the number of bacteria that form colonies, also called Colony Forming Units (CFU). Roughly three billion CFU’s is a reasonable starting number for a healthy adult, but again, it all depends on how you feel and adjust to taking healthy probiotic digestive products.
Benefits Of Probiotics
The pros of choosing a probiotic are what bodybuilders will love. A solid ratio of beneficial bacteria to other bacteria has been shown to improve blood lipid levels, reduced damage, and assist recovery. It can influence a bodybuilders body mass composition, which is the proportion of fat and non-fat mass in the body. Through this, the ability for growth is increased and those gains will come to fruition. The impact on recovery is due to the fact it can reduce inflammation so that stress endured during the workout won’t punish you later and digestive health and overall gut health will ensure no nutrients go to waste.
Helping to boost your metabolism is key for you can eat more frequently and without worrying about packing on the pounds, keeping your body fueled and engaged. With its well-known benefits of promoting digestive health, your body is able to absorb more of those essential nutrients and provide you with the much-needed energy to fuel those grueling workouts.
Probiotic strains have also been shown to increase mental health including attitude, mood, and your level of pain tolerance. These are important to training for how you feel is how you act. If you feel great, you are more likely to work hard in the gym and those gains are sure to show. While it could go without saying, all of these benefits are connected to complete a well-rounded training cycle. A boost in your metabolism will keep your body regularly absorbing those essential nutrients and allow for increased growth. Reducing inflammation will aid in recovery and your mindset will be there to work hard and improve endurance to make those lasting effects count.
Food With Good Bacteria
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of probiotic benefits for it starts as milk and is then fermented using the live cultures of solid bacteria probiotic strains. Even after processing, many of these beneficial bacteria stick around. The probiotics that exist in yogurt will promote a healthy gut and the high calcium count is a benefit for strong bones and will promote digestive health and weight loss.
Kombucha
Kombucha has been on the rise as a health trend and the reasons are obvious. It is a drink created from fermented black or green tea along with sugar, yeast, and bacteria. It promotes solid digestion and is also linked to being an immune booster and can support joint health. It also aids in the natural detoxification of your liver and support your immune system and digestive health, as well as weight loss.
Sauerkraut
This sour and salty cabbage is a great source of probiotic benefits and is rich is lactic acid bacteria. Although high in sodium, sauerkraut has good levels of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Dark chocolate
While chocolate does not contain probiotics, it can help them survive the high levels of acidity in the digestive tract making it a solid carrier. Probiotics can be added to dark chocolate and it will help them survive. Dark chocolate is an antioxidant rich superfood which is beneficial to your overall health and wellness.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a popular meat substitute derived from fermented soybeans. Since fermentation requires adequate levels of live bacteria, tempeh is full of them. As a great alternative protein source, tempeh is full of probiotics and vitamin B12.
Cheese
Cheese is a great source of probiotics because bacteria can survive the process of cheese-making. As a solid source of protein, cheese is a great food to add to your diet for more than just the beneficial bacteria. Whether it be mozzarella, cheddar, cottage cheese, gouda, or feta, all contain probiotic properties to give you that solid boost of this beneficial bacteria for your immune system.
Wrap Up
Probiotics are a great way to boost your training and bring you to the next level. With so much to offer, the pros should make you want to try them and see for yourself what they can do. With their ability to promote solid digestion, absorb those much needed nutrients, support growth, and help your overall mental state, probiotics are worth looking into if you’re a bodybuilder seeking big gains. Try as a supplement or incorporate more of these foods that have good bacteria into your diet and help yourself look and feel great.
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
Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani To Square Off In Bench Press Showdown
Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani are preparing to go head-to-head in a bench press battle early next year.
When discussing the tp bench pressers in the world, there are two names that come to mind immediately — Julius Maddox and Danial Zamani. Who is the best? We might have an answer to that question very soon.
According to an Instagram post by CT Fletcher, there will be a showdown on the bench between Maddox and Zamani at Iron Wars V, a powerlifting competition created by Fletcher himself.
“THE STAGE IS SET!
FOR THE GREATEST BENCH BATTLE IN MODERN HISTORY!
I’VE RECEIVED VERBAL CONFIRMATION FROM BOTH JULIUS MADDOX @irregular_strength THE UNDISPUTED KING ? OF THE BENCH AND REINING WORLD RECORD HOLDER
AND THE IRANIAN ?? SUPERMAN HIMSELF @danialzamani1 THE NO.1 CHALLENGER TO THE CROWN?,” fletcher wrote on instagram.
Maddox currently holds the world record for a raw bench press at 782 pounds. He has an attempt at 800 pounds set up for the end of August. It will be interesting to see if Maddox can make the leap. If there is going to be anyone that has a chance to take the record from Maddox, it will be Zamani. This is something that Maddox has even acknowledged.
Danial Zamani has been putting up some enormous numbers while training. This includes a 766-pound bench press back in July. It is clear that the world record is on his mind and we could see an attempt soon.
Julius Maddox is not shy about commenting on Zamani’s posts on social media. The two are well aware of wha the other can do and this will make the head-to-head matchup even more exciting.
“Getting crazy out here ????” Maddox commented after Zamani’s 766-pound bench.
“thanks brother ❤️❤️❤️” Zamani responded.
“I’m super excited to be there to host and witness history,” Fletcher continued on Instagram. “We will livestream and tape this event, but ask anyone who has ever been to Iron Wars, there’s nothing like being there in person, so if you can, you don’t want to miss this opportunity, coming January 2022 to the Valley of the Beast!! Danial Zamani – Just did 777 in training. Julius Maddox – World Record 782.”
Friendly competition is good for the sport and that is what can be seen between these two elite lifters but there is no doubt that they both want to hold the world record. This event has a chance to be as exciting as it gets so like Fletcher said, you will not want to miss it.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Olympia Promoter Reacts to Alena Kosinova’s Passing, Suggests Judging Changes
Jake Wood is concerned about the modern judging in bodybuilding.
When people think about the most dangerous sports in the world, many fail to consider bodybuilding among them. A great deal would consider football, boxing, and mixed martial arts as some of the most dangerous. That said, bodybuilding can be severely dangerous as we unfortunately saw just last week.
Women’s Bodybuilder Alena Kosinova recently lost her life this past weekend. Just ahead of the Europa Pro the talented Kosinova would unfortunately lose her life while prepping for the show. Because of the criteria in bodybuilding, conditioning is a major part of being able to secure victory.
In the modern era, being insanely shredded has become a necessity. But it’s a necessity that has cost the lives of a number of athletes in the sport. After the passing of Alena Kosinova it appears that the owner and promoter of Olympia Jake Wood is showing concern for the athletes. In particular, it appears that Wood is questioning the judging criteria if shows.
A recent post to social media shows a message that Jake Wood apparently wrote in regards to the bodybuilding judging criteria.
I am deeply shaken by the loss of Alena. I am not one for empty words. Instead of making posts I’m making changes. I had a productive meeting with Jim and Tyler Manion this morning and we’re all sickened by this turn of events. We agreed that conditioning is over emphasized in the judging criteria and something must be done. I will push for change in all divisions.
Coaches and athletes play their part too. I will not say anymore here as it may be counter productive. Criticize me and my organizations you may, I don’t care. What I do care about is greater athlete safety.
With that said, I will admit that we’ve been slow to post a memorial. I am just dumbfounded by the meaning of this and am determined to prevent it in the future. I had utmost respect for Alena Hatvani. I want her passing to have meaning that lasts.
This was not posted on any of Jake Wood’s official social media accounts. That said it would appear that Wood is legitimately concerned with about the athletes.
What do you think about the judging criteria in modern bodybuilding?
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.
Mia Sand Profile & Stats
The biography, life, and accomplishments of Mia Sand
Mia Sand is a fitness model and social media influencer with a large following and amazing physique. A sponsored athlete, she continues to rise the ranks of the fitness world and inspire others to work hard like she does.
Below is a complete breakdown of her profile, stats, biography, training, and diet regimens.
Full Name: Mia Sand
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
175-185 lbs.
5’7”
10/11/1987
Profession
Era
Nationality
Fitness Model, Social Media Influencer
2010
Danish
Biography
Mia Sand began her fitness journey well into her mid-twenties after she had a child and wasn’t happy with her weight or appearance. Seeking a change, she began to visit a gym in order to spark that difference she wanted most. What she found was a real passion and desire for fitness and under the guidance of a trainer, she began to build muscle and see her physique change. Fairly soon after, she began to be approached by fitness companies, some of high caliber, and soon became a sponsored athlete. She began to grow her social media following and continues to rise in the ranks of the fitness community today.
Using her platform, she now encourages young women to work hard in order to build that physique they want most. For her, it is a mindset and one she feels can be changed for the better in order for those goals to be achieved. Her message is to not be afraid of being different and those who follow her now passion can make the same change she did for the better.
Training
For her training, Mia focuses on both bodybuilding and powerlifting exercises in order to achieve that strong and amazing physique. A mix of heavy compound and isolation exercises is matched by her favorite exercises like squats, dips, and the bench press. For cardio, She will focus on this if she needs to but typically she will shorten her rest time during her lift to keep her energy high and her heart pumping for that conditioning. Below is an example workout for her arms day working her biceps and triceps.
Biceps & Triceps Workout
Dumbbell Biceps Curls: 3 sets, 10-12 reps
Hammer Curls: 3 sets, 10 reps
Chin-Ups: 3 sets, 12-15 reps
Cable Biceps Curls: 3 sets, 10 reps
Skullcrushers: 3 sets, 10 reps
Triceps Pushdowns: 3 sets, 10-12 reps
Nutrition
Mia’s nutrition is that of clean foods but she tries to enjoy those foods we all love as well. It is a balance of eating well but also enjoying what you eat for diets can be challenging especially if they are very strict. For her, it is all about fueling her body with the right nutrients to power her workouts and her busy lifestyle.
Supplementation
While Mia uses her own choice of supplements, it is important to have a quality routine in order to capitalize on all those gains. A protein powder will ensure growth and recovery while a pre-workout can offer those energy boosts and muscle pumps for any pre-workout needs. Other supplements to consider for increased muscle mass and strength are creatine and mass gainer depending on your goals. For those looking to lose weight, a fat burner can greatly help with fat loss and muscle retention. It is important to include a multivitamin as well for because you don’t want any deficiencies so make sure to pump yourself with the right vitamins and minerals.
Aaron Reed Appears As Ryan Reynolds’ Body Double In ‘Free Guy’
Aaron Reed has appeared in bodybuilding and WWE wrestling and now — the big screen.
On Aug. 13, Ryan Reynolds made his latest appearance on the big screen. ‘Free Guy’ was finally released after being pushed back multiple times due to COVID-19. If you have seen the film and are wondering why Reynolds looks larger than life, there is a reason. Former bodybuilder and WWE wrestler Aaron Reed served as Reynolds’ body double for the action-comedy.
In the film, Reynolds plays a bank teller who finds out he is a background player in an open-world video game. When he decides to become the superhero of his own story, Reed can be seen. He said on his Instagram page that the movie was “worth the wait.”
Aaron Reed is known as the tallest bodybuilder ever to win a Men’s Physique competition. He has found great success but the road was not easy. Reed battled leukemia and spent time in hospitals trying to recover. Once his health was back, Reed began working out at 12 years old. He fell in love with lifting and quickly burst onto the scene as a bodybuilder at 19.
At 6-foot-7, Reed was much taller than the competition but this did not take away from his physical stature. In his career, Reed has been named the 2010 NPC Greater Gainesville Overall Champion and 2011 NPC Orlando Metropolitan Men’s Physique Overall Champion. Reed was successful on stage during his time. At 29 years old, he signed a contract with the WWE but his stint did not last long. Reed suffered an injury that forced him to back away.
Aaron Reed is an accomplished individual who has found success in many lanes. He has become a nutrition coach and even is a published author on the subject. This is a reason that Reed has been able to maintain his impressive physique that has been seen on the big screen.
There are stunt doubles and now we have body doubles. In a movie featuring a bank teller turned superhero, it needed a bit more muscle and that is what Reed provides. Now, all that is left to do is to go see the movie and watch the performance of Reed.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.