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John Meadows, Renowned Bodybuilder And Coach, Reportedly Dies At 49
John Meadows, former pro bodybuilder and nutritionist/coach has reportedly passed away.
It has been reported that John Meadows has died at 49 years old. He passed away in his sleep on Sunday, August 8th, 2021. At the time of this writing, the exact cause of death has not been revealed. John Meadows is a former IFBB Pro bodybuilder and well known coach. Most recently, he trained IFBB pro bodybuilder Shaun Clarida leading up to his 2020 Men’s 212 Olympia win.
The news has been reported to Generation Iron by multiple sources – but there has been no official announcement made by his family or on John Meadows official social media pages or website.
John Meadows is a bodybuilder who, during his early days in the sport, suffered from a rare colon disease that nearly killed him. Eventually his colon burst and he was rushed to the hospital. Luckily he survived and after months of recovery he returned to bodybuilding to do what he loved. He earned his IFBB Pro card despite these major health setbacks.
His past health conditions gave him a different perspective on bodybuilding and life. His aim became to continually put a focus on his health in a way many people don’t. After retiring from competitive bodybuilding – he continued as a nutritionist and coach. He’s guided many bodybuilders through their pro careers. Most notably, he recently coach Shaun Clarida in 2020 – when he won the Men’s 212 Olympia.
On May 11, 2020, John Meadows suffered from a heart attack due to a clotting disorder in his blood vessels. He was hospitalized but quickly brought back to a stable condition. The news was first announced by his wife, Mary Meadows.
John credits his wife as his biggest influence in life. She was with him through “ups” and “downs,” always supporting his decisions in life. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” John Meadows states of his wife. “When I was sick and got out of the hospital and I was too weak to look after myself, she did everything for me, including sanitary things I can’t talk about.”
“IF I SAY I WANT TO DO SOMETHING, WE’LL TALK ABOUT IT, MAKE SURE IT’S WORKABLE AND THEN SHE GETS BEHIND ME AND SUPPORTS THE IDEA AND ME ALL THE WAY. AND WHEN I’M HURTING THE LAST THREE OR FOUR WEEKS OF MY DIET, SHE SEES THE LOOK ON MY FACE AND SAYS, ‘JUST HANG IN THERE, IT’S GOING TO BE WORTH IT.’ AND I NEED TO HEAR THAT AT THAT STAGE.”
John Meadows soon left the hospital, focused on recovery, and soon returned to coaching pro bodybuilders. Just this weekend, one of his coached athletes, Brooke Walker, won the Europa Phoenix Games 2021 and earned her Olympia qualification. It has not been confirmed that his death was tied to his previous heart attack or blood clotting disorder.
After his recovery, Generation Iron reconnected with John Meadows for a GI Exclusive interview discussing his heart attack, recovery, and future plans in bodybuilding. You can watch the full uncut video below:
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John Meadows was a well known and beloved bodybuilder, coach, and husband. He was a vital part of bodybuilding over the past few decades and will be missed severely by the entire community. Generation Iron sends condolences to his friend and family during this time.
While there has been no official announcement of his death by friends and family, bodybuilders have begun sending an outpour of support on social media. The news was reported to us by multiple sources – including our Talking Huge host Craig Golias who directly confirmed with Generation Iron. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
IFBB Europa Games Phoenix 2021 Results
Complete results from the IFBB Europa Games Phoenix 2021.
The Europa Games Phoenix 2021 took place over the weekend with competitors vying for qualification to the 2021 Olympia. Athletes flocked to the Westwood of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, AZ to show off their ability on one of the biggest stages.
After a heated battle in the Men’s Physique division, Jason Huynh landed the big victory at the Europa Games Phoeonix with Nick Koeu and Antoine Weatherspoon following up in second and third place respectively.
In Women’s Physique, Brooke Walker earned first place victory followed up in second by Chelsey Worster and Tomefafa Ameko in third.
There were a total of two divisions at the Europa Games Phoenix 2021 – Men’s Physique and Women’s Physique. Top placing competitors in this competition received points towards their total standing for qualification to the Olympia later this year. The full results have now been announced. Check out our full breakdown of the IFBB Europa Phoenix Games 2021 results below.
Europa Games Phoenix 2021: All Division Winners
A quick breakdown of the winners in each division from the Europa Games Phoenix 2021. All winners received points towards potential qualifcation in the Olympia 2021.
Men’s Physique: Jason Huynh
Women’s Physique: Brooke Walker
Europa Games Phoenix 2021 Breakdown
Men’s Physique Results
First Place – Jason Huynh
Second Place – Nick Koeu
Third Place – Antoine Weatherspoon
Fourth Place – Myron Griffen
Fifth Place – Frank Worley
Women’s Physique Results
First Place – Brooke Walker
Second Place – Chelsey Worster
Third Place – Tomefafa Ameko
Fourth Place – Pamela Canfield
Fifth Place – Katerine McLaurin
Official Score Cards
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the IFBB Europa Games Phoenix 2021. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Iron Maiden – Jen Selter
The Belfie Queen, Jen Selter
If you haven’t heard about Jen Selter, you are living under a rock. The 26-year old American beauty is one of the most recognizable faces in the fitness industry today. Jen’s 12.8 million followers validate her celebrity status.
Selter’s claim to fame can be credited to the rise of the “belfies” and her incredible physique. Jen started her fitness journey at the age of 16 and has now turned her physique into one of the finest hourglasses we have ever seen.
It all began when Jen got a job as the receptionist at a gym. She got motivated to transform her physique when she saw people come in to train every day, rain or shine. Watching the transformation of other people from the front desk inspired her to jump into the iron paradise.
Soon after transforming her physique, Jen started posting her pictures on her social media profiles, and they skyrocketed to popularity. There was no looking back for Selter after this point. Her popularity has only grown with time.
Jen has turned into a fitness icon and has appeared on the covers on many magazines and publications. She also appears on TV shows to promote health and fitness. Selter is turning out to be a fine ambassador for the sport.
A Fitspiration
On looking back on her journey, Jen says she can’t believe where she is today. Selter credits fitness and working out to have changed her as a person and says training makes her feel more confident.
Jen Selter is one of the very few athletes whose glutes are as famous as her face. Selter’s rise to fame story is one of the most interesting ones you’ll ever hear. One fine day, Selter posted a picture of her wearing a bikini, looking all fit and curvy.
In a matter of days, the photos went viral and Jen became Insta famous. We’ll let Selter narrate the rest of the story. “When I first posted pictures of myself, I hoped to get a ‘like’ here and there, but then people started reposting my pictures and surprisingly my number of followers grew quickly.”
The Hardest Worker In The Room
Jen has never had a personal trainer, she learned by looking at pros and experienced lifters, and tried replicating their routines. Selter’s work ethic can be an inspiration for people who think they lack resources.
Jen is known for her awesome glutes, legs, and ab development. Her training routine came after a lot of trial and error. After learning what worked for her and what didn’t, she designed her own routine which gave her the best results for fat loss and building muscle.
Some of Jen’s stay-fit tips include preparing healthy snacks and foods before going away so she has healthy food ready when she gets back home. Selter never skips a Monday after a weekend of drinking and binge-eating and likes re-evaluating her goals periodically.
The fit lifestyle has given Jen the platform to share her passion and talent with other people. We hope she keeps doing the good work and we wish her the best for her future endeavors.
*Header image courtesy of Instagram
Who do you think is the hottest female Instagram fitness celebrity?
Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Fitness Model Diet: How to Improve Your Diet and Training With These Gut Healthy Foods
Keeping your digestive tract intact will be key to improved training and healthy diet.
Throughout the years, there has been a great deal of research done on maintaining gut health. Many stomach problems lead to distress and disrupt your fitness goals. Problems such as indigestion, constipation and bloating are often symptoms of bad gut health you will want to fix.
Many foods and supplements often claim to improve gut health. Although there is a lot more research to be done, we do know that there are supplements with ingredients that can help improve gut health. However, supplements are not often the only options given they are not often regulated and quite often supplement companies receive warnings from the FDA on the ingredients claimed. The human gut consists of helpful and harmful bacteria also known as microorganisms. By eating whole foods that contain fiber, Probiotics and Prebiotics, or a combination, you help maintain a healthy gut and overall health.
Whole foods are often a great option and one that is highly recommended for digestion and to maintain overall strength. Experts often suggest eating more foods that contain fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics.
Top Whole Foods
Fiber
Fiber found in foods, specifically plant food, help move food through your gut faster, becoming a consistent factor in your daily intake.
Probiotics
Probiotics are created through fermentation and are known as the good bacteria that helps fight infection-causing microbes that are sometimes in the foods we eat or that thrive when we’re sick. They help the immune system to break down toxins, produce essential vitamins and help break down food.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are plant fibers that we are unable digest but serve as food for healthy bacteria in the gut. Experts classify them as necessary for our body’s.
Here are some of the best ways to integrate these compounds into your diet.
Fiber Foods
Experts recommend 25 – 38 grams of Fiber per day. Most people are unable to consume Fiber naturally and we recommend a multivitamin to be consumed daily. Fiber will also be key to developing a consistent physique during intense training and dieting. To meet your daily Fiber needs, try any of these foods in addition to matching them with your meals and supplementation:
Barley
Stores usually have barley in the form of hulled and pearled. Barley is a rich source of B vitamin and contains beta-glucans. And you should be able to get them in a half cup of oat bran.
Raspberries and Blackberries
One cup of berries can provide up to 8 or more grams of fiber. Adding them to your daily protein shake will provide the recommended amount of fiber per day. Our experts recommend mixing them into any of the top protein supplements.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Yogurt and Kefir
Traditional Greek yogurt are fermented dairy foods that contain ingredients such as lactobacillus, streptococcus, and bifidobacterrium. These help break down sugers and are the good bacteria that can help with gut health and helps to enhance the body’s immune system. This will also be helpful with dieting and keeping a healthy physique.
A natural probiotic is kefir, a fermented milk beverage that is made with a culture of yeasts and bacteria,” Our experts point out the importance of choosing probiotics that contain little to no amounts of sugar and with products that include live/active cultures. Kefir is often mixed well with shakes.
Kimchi
Kimchi is another fermented food that has proven to be a great probiotic. Kimchi serves antioxidants such as vitamin C and Fiber. Kimchi is known well in Korean cuisine and served up with many diets for those that don’t often consume dairy.
Artichoke
1 artichoke is said to contain 7 grams of Fiber. They are low in fat, contribute to a healthy liver, and are a premium source of prebiotic that can be added to any of your meals.
Asparagus, Banana, onions, garlic
Asparagus, Bananas, onions and garlic have become an essential part of a fitness pro or bodybuilding diet. Asparagus contains a high source protein and is a great source of prebiotics. They have been shown to promote a healthy bacteria. Unlike ripe bananas, a green banana can be a premiere source of potassium and a prebiotic fiber that feeds our gut good bacteria for overall health. They are simple to freeze and add to shakes and smoothies for a boost of prebiotic intake.
Food to Avoid
The most important step to start on when maintaining gut health is to first start to eat more slowly. It is also crucial to avoid certain foods that will lead to gastrointestinal trouble. Some foods to avoid include:
Alcohol: sugary alcohol can create bad gut health and effect your overall health goals when dieting. Alcohol also contains a great deal of sugar and carbohydrates that are not digested well.
Sugary Drinks: High Fructose corn syrup, soda, juices are often times hard to digest.
Fried Foods: Fried foods keep gastric acid in the stomach which can lead to indigestion, heart burn and even weaken muscles.
Soda & Seltzers: Bodybuilders often avoid seltzers simply because they fill your stomach with gas and provides digestive discomfort. To add, they do not help when properly trying to maintain a consistent diet and timed meal plan.
Ensuring to stay away from harmful foods and products can make all the difference in the world. If you’re not providing yourself with the right fuel you won’t get the best performance or results. Utilize these tips to help take you gains to new heights.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315993/#:~:text=In%20return%2C%20gut%20microbiota%20can,the%20colon%20%5B103%2C104%5D
Probiotics: https://generationiron.com/can-taking-probiotic-change-bmi/
IFBB Tampa Pro 2021 Results
Complete results from the IFBB Tampa Pro 2021.
Another weekend, another set of qualifications handed out. The IFBB Tampa Pro 2021 was the latest competition with athletes gaining an automatic qualification to the 2021 Olympia with a victory. The competition took place on Aug. 6-7 at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa and featured some of the top competitors in the world.
Heading into the event, Iain Valliere has been a huge name to watch. He has finished in the top three in each of the last two Tampa Pros. In 2020, Valliere finished second behind Hunter Labrada, who qualified for the Olympia with a victory at the Chicago Pro 2021. Maxx Charles and Charles Griffen were other names to keep an eye on. Charles has a chance to qualify for the Olympia off points alone while Griffen was looking to make some noise in his return. He did not compete since the Tampa Pro 2019.
A glaring name off the list was that of Roelly Winklaar. He made his return during the Chicago Pro 2021 but finished in fifth place. It was assumed that Winklaar would be back on stage here but he was left off the list of competitors that was made public earlier in the week.
There were a total of 10 divisions at the Chicago Pro with winners vying for a qualification to the Olympia. The full results have now been announced. Check out our full breakdown of the IFBB Tampa Pro 2021 results below.
Tampa Pro 2021: All Division Winners
A quick breakdown of the winners in each division from the Tampa Pro 2021. All winners are now automatically qualified to compete in the Olympia 2021.
Men’s Bodybuilding:
Mens 212:
Men’s Physique:
Classic Physique:
Women’s Bodybuilding:
Women’s Physique: Lenka Ferencukova
Fitness:
Figure: Larhannah Robinson
Bikini:
Wellness: Renee Jewett
Tampa Pro 2021 Breakdown
Women’s Physique Results
First Place – Lenka Ferencukova
Second Place – Elizabeth Bradshaw
Third Place – Ashley Jones
Fourth Place – Jeannie Feldman
Fifth Place – Christina Bryant
Sixth Place – Desunka Dawson
Wellness Results
First Place – Renee Jewett
Second Place – Devyn Cambre
Third Place – Barbara Emanuele Cesar
Fourth Place – Kenea Yancy
Fifth Place – Mallory Myers
Sixth Place – Kat Williams
Figure Results
First Place – Larhannah Robinson
Second Place – Jossie Alarcon
Third Place – Melissa Brodsky
Fourth Place – Sandra Grajales
Fifth Place – Michele Pinto
Sixth Place – Felisha Ann Livezey
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Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the IFBB Tampa Pro 2021. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
The Eight Best Bodyweight Exercises for Forearms
The forearms often go overlooked in the gym, viewed as along for the ride on most lifts as opposed to the focal point. Unless you’re looking to produce Popeye-like forearms, the thinking goes, there’s little need to spend time on the forearms. Besides, Popeye’s legendary guns were the product of spinach rather than lifting, right?
The forearms get overshadowed by the chest, shoulders, quads, biceps, and triceps. That’s a shame since the forearms play a key role in every lift, along with the movements of everyday life. Training the forearms improves the power in a swim, golf, or paddle stroke. They give the arms a balanced, symmetrical look, especially when you roll up your sleeves. Plus, in an era when most people spend hours hunched over a computer, studies suggest a link to forearm pain.
That makes forearm training prehab as well as traditional strength training. Forearms respond quickly to training, especially bodyweight training. Here are eight of the best bodyweight exercises for legs. You can use these as part of a regular workout or as a standalone circuit. If you do a circuit, do two sets of 10.
1. Forearm Stretch
What it does: This stretches the forearms, something most athletes rarely do.
How to do it: From a standing position with your right arm raised straight in front of your body and palm up, grab your right fingers with the left hand and pull toward the right elbow until a mild stretch is felt. Hold for two seconds. Relax and repeat.
How many? 2 sets of 10 on each hand with 30 seconds rest between sets.
2. Forearm Plank
What it does: Traditional push-up planks are great, but these put more emphasis on the forearms.
How to do it: Start in a pushup position, with your forearms resting on the ground. Your elbows and shoulders are bent 90 degrees. Push up off your elbows supporting your weight on the forearms. Tuck your chin so your head is in line with your body. Pull your toes toward your shins. Keep shoulders, hips and ankles aligned; your body should form a straight line from ears to heels.
How many? 2 sets of 60 seconds with 60 seconds rest between sets.
3. Forearm Side Plank
What it does: Side planks usually are done with arms extended. Planking off your forearm is more challenging.
How to do it: Start on the ground on your left side with your left forearm and your elbow under your shoulder. Push up off your elbow, creating a straight line from ankle to shoulder. Your hips should be off the ground and only the side of your bottom foot and your elbow should be on the ground. Hold for 30 seconds or do 10 reps of 3 seconds each.
How many? 2 sets of either of the above options.
4. Lunge Elbow to Instep
What it does: This full-body stretch works your groin, hip flexors, glutes, and especially hamstrings, but it’s also the rare movement that requires you to stretch your forearms to the ground.
How to do it: Step forward into a lunge with your left foot. Place your right forearm to the ground and your left elbow to the inside of your left foot and hold the stretch for two seconds. Then place your left hand outside of your foot and push your hips up, pointing your front toes up. Return to standing position and repeat by stepping ou with your right foot. Continue alternating sides.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps with 30 seconds rest between sets.
5. Crab Walk
What it does: Grade schoolers struggle with crab soccer because they haven’t developed forearm strength. Adults can develop forearms, too, through crab walking.
How to do it: Start by sitting on the floor with feet hip–distance apart extended out. Your arms are behind your back with your fingers facing the hips. Lift your hips off the floor and begin “walking” by moving your left hand forward, then the right foot, then the right hand, and left foot. Take 10 “steps” with each limb and then 10 steps backward to reach the starting position.
How long? 2 sets of 60 seconds with 60 seconds rest between sets.
6. Chin Ups
What it does: Like the overhead pull-up, the chin up is a terrific shoulder and back exercise to build that V-shaped torso. But by doing the underhanded chin up, we place more emphasis on the forearms.
How to do it: Grab the bar with an underhand grip. Hanging from the bar, pull your shoulder blades back and down to lift your body and build momentum. Finish by pulling up with your arms.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps (or as many as possible) with 30 seconds rest between sets.
7. Dips
What it does: You use your forearms and chest to lift your entire body weight.
How to do it: Position yourself above and between the bars, grabbing them with an overhand grip. Cross your ankles behind you. Lower yourself slowly and push back up in a controlled manner.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps with 60 seconds rest between sets.
8. Burpees
What it does: It’s a full-body push-up-like exercise that gives you all the benefits of pushups while also challenging your cardiovascular system and ratcheting up the intensity of your workout. The constant up-and-down of the movement taxes the forearms.
How to do it: From a standing position, squat, place yourhands on the ground, and “jump” your feet out into a push-up position. Perform a pushup and then jump your feet to your hands. Then jump as high as you can, throwing your hands over your head.
How many? 2 sets of 10 reps with 60 seconds rest between sets.
Pete Williams is a NASM-CPT and the author or co-author of several fitness books, including Core Performance and Every Day is Game Day. His work has appeared inpublications such as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, and USA Today.
How Collagen Works To Improve Bodybuilding Performance
A great supplement, collagen can work to improve your overall health and performance.
Maybe you’ve heard of collagen supplements. Most often it is referred to in the context of better skin, offering a nice glow, or better hair, offering growth and a nice look. But collagen is a protein and the benefits to your workouts and recovery are not something to overlook. While other supplements may do more in terms of helping you see results faster, what collagen can do may be more subtle but will definitely be of great assistance, even if its just to your overall health. And at the end of the day, better health overall drives our training to be better, our performance to be top notch, and the results we want to happen every time.
Let’s take a look at collagen supplements and see what they can do for your overall health and performance. While it is still being looked at for concrete evidence, what it can do may just help open doors to areas of your health and performance potentially lacking.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is actually a protein and it is the most abundant in the body. As one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, collagen is vital for your overall physical health and performance, especially for athletes who constantly put their bodies through repeated wear and tear. There are 16 types of collagen in the body and each performs its own unique function, but on the whole, it makes up the structure of those bones, skin, and tendons, is found in cartilage to cushion joints, and supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries (1,2). As an essential protein in the body, it would be a huge disservice to neglect the importance of collagen.
Benefits Of Collagen
Taking collagen has many great benefits that can greatly influence your overall health and physical performance. Whether that be for performance and recovery, or simply aiding in bodily functions, collagen plays a role in a host of areas that are important for your overall development and growth as an athlete and a person.
Benefits of collagen include:
Relieve joint pain: Since collagen works to improve the integrity of cartilage, you work to strengthen the cushion that protects your joints (3).
Improve bone health: This can help strengthen bones to give them better structure and prevent breakdown to keep you strong and stable.
Increase muscle mass: Collagen can keep your muscles strong and working properly to increase muscle mass and improve overall strength for optimal performance.
Improve skin, hair, and nails: Since this is a major component of skin, it can work on elasticity and hydration for better skin health. It can also stimulate hair and nail growth (4).
Potential weight loss: Studies have yet to fully prove this, but collagen can potentially increase your metabolism to aid in weight loss (5).
Collagen For Workouts
For those wondering how collagen can affect their workouts, by building more solid and strong bones and working on relieving joint pain, you are able to push yourself hard and for longer without fear of injury. Since collagen does improve muscle function overall, you can put an increased focus on boosting muscle mass and working to increase overall performance in terms of both endurance and muscle strength. Of course, other supplements like a pre-workout or intra-workout BCAA can give you a great boost in terms of energy and fighting fatigue, but the effects of collagen should not be overstated when it comes to improving physical performance.
Collagen For Recovery
When it comes to recovery, the amino acid content in collagen can be helpful in terms of muscle repair and overall recovery while working to reduce inflammation and soreness. By strengthening the cartilage around your joints, you also give yourself a great chance to alleviate any joint pain that can cause discomfort and hurt your chances of seeing those gains you want most (6). With faster recovery time, you can bounce back faster and stronger to tackle any other workout that comes your way. Looking to other supplements for those post-workout gains like protein powders can greatly affect growth and recovery, but similar to collagen and your workouts, it should not be overlooked for the aid to recovery.
Featured Collagen Supplement
While many collagen supplements do exist, finding the right one can be a challenge and you certainly want only the best on your shelf and in your routine. A complete supplement stack will include only those supplements with top tier ingredients, high quality formulas, and reputable companies backing them. Whether it be a pre-workout, protein powder, intra-workout BCAA, or multivitamin, a collagen supplement can pair well with these to give you the best chance at seeing those desired gains you want most. This collagen supplement from Cira Nutrition is clean, effective, and can work wonders for all your needs.
Cira Nutrition Glow-Getter Collagen Peptides
Cira Nutrition Glow-Getter Collagen is the perfect collagen supplement for active women and female athletes. Packed with collagen and other great ingredients, this can help with hair, skin, and nail health while also improving gut health and strengthening joints.
Cira Nutrition Glow-Getter Collagen is a top tier collagen supplement designed to support healthier skin, hair, and nails, while also working on improving gut health and strengthening joints so you look and feel that much better. While taking collagen may not seem like a necessity, this product makes receiving all of the great benefits fun and easy with just one scoop packing 10,000mg of hydrolyzed collagen into your body, along with other great ingredients. With three fun flavors and real results, Glow-Getter Collagen is a supplement you need to try today.
Price: $34.99
Wrap Up
Collagen is a great supplement to stack with all the others on your shelf for its ability to aid in your workouts and recovery, as well as your overall health. While this may not be the most popular supplement out there, give yourself the edge when it comes to seeing those gains you want most. With benefits to increasing recovery, boosting your workouts, strengthening bones, and promoting better skin, hair, and nail health, this well-rounded supplement can work wonders for your gains if you give it a try. Check out some great collagen supplements and see what they can do for your goals 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 Envato
References
Moskowitz, R. W. (2000). “Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease”. (source)
Rodriguez, Maria I. A.; Barroso, Laura G. R.; Sanchez, Mirna L. (2018). “Collagen: A review on its sources and potential cosmetic applications”. (source)
Clark, Kristine L.; Sebastianelli, Wayne; Flechsenhar, Klaus R.; Aukermann, Douglas F.; et al. (2008). “24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in the athletes with activity-related joint pain”. (source)
Bolke, Liane; Schlippe, Gerrit; Gerb, Joachim; Voss, Werner (2019). “A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study”. (source)
Hays, Nicholas P.; Kim, Helen; Wells, Amanda M.; Kajkenova, Oumitana; et al. (2009). “Effects of whey and fortified collagen hydrolysate protein supplements on nitrogen balance and body composition in older women”. (source)
Gavura, Scott (2011). “Collagen: An implausible supplement for joint pain”. (source)
During a Recent Interview, The Rock Explains Why He Has “Messed Up” Abs
The Rock gets abs critiqued by fan.
In a recent interview Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got his physique taken to task. During the interview his abs were critiqued by a fan. The actor took the question on the chin and gave his reasons for why his abs look the way they do.
With a powerhouse like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson you’d think that there’d be little to critique about him physically. In most every image and video of the actor, he looks absolutely jacked and shredded. Yet despite that people will find a reason to criticize just about anything and everyone. So it was no surprise that fans have critiqued the physique of The Rock.
Brutal Critique
In a recent interview for WIRED, The Rock and his Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt answered fan questions. Among one of the questions was why The Rock had messed up abs.
“That’s f—ked up,” Johnson said with a laugh. “There’s nothing wrong with them. I think because on Instagram, all these Instagram fitness models have these incredible six, eight, twelve, twenty-four pack stomachs. No, I got like a five and a half pack, sometimes a four and a half pack.”
“The problem was, and a lot of people don’t know this, in a wrestling match, I tore the top of my quad off my pelvis. It went bang in a wrestling match, and then what that did was it caused a chain reaction, and it tore my abdomen wall. So then I had to do triple-hernia emergency surgery of a tear, a tear, and a tear… So they’re not like perfect abs.”
Handling Critique Like A Professional
It’s pretty interesting to consider that even someone like The Rock has to take flack. He has worked tirelessly in the gym to cultivate his well earned muscle. Yet people will still criticize the actor and WWE performer despite how far he’s come.
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It’s great to see that he had a good sense of humor about it all. Never allow others to shut down your successes. The Rock handling things in this way is a great example on how others should handle criticism.
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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.
Best Wrist Wraps For Lift Support & Optimal Performance (Updated 2021)
Elevate your bodybuilding and powerlifting training and competition with great wrist wraps for the best lift support.
You may see people in the gym all the time wearing wrist wraps. You definitely see powerlifters and strongmen wearing them for lift support. But you may be wondering why. Like a pair of deadlift socks or knee sleeves, wrist wraps are just one of those fitness aids that can really work for your overall benefit when it comes to lifting big and seeing huge gains. Looking into a proper pair for your bodybuilding strength and fitness goals should be at the top of your priority list especially entering this holiday season.
As we push ourselves to the max and really do our best to boost all aspects of athletic performance, it is important for us to have proper protection in order to keep ourselves injury free and working hard every single day. A pair of wrist wraps can do just that as we seek nothing but the best for ourselves, our form, and overall physical and mental health as we take our training as high as it can go with these power grips.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Wrist Wraps for 2021 to give you the best chance at lifting big while also staying safe. With the right protection, you won’t sacrifice your bodybuilding gains or valuable time in the gym.
Best Wrist Wraps For 2021
Best Wrist Wraps Overall
A great pair of wrist wraps overall will work to give you the best in terms of support and durability. With great material and a design tested for those big lifts, all your gains can happen in a safe and effective way with these bodybuilding power grips.
SBD Wrist Wraps
SBD brings these great wrist wraps to consumers that are perfect for training, repetitions, and competition use for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and weightlifting. The flexible wrist wraps are designed for easy self wrapping and the stiff wrist wraps are designed for optimal support to maximize work effort. With two options to choose from, SBD covers all of your wrist wrap needs for your desired goals. With a heavy-duty thumb loop and manufactured alongside a main wide elastic, these are designed for powerlifters and strongmen and an industrial fastener ensures longevity and security. Approved for USAPL, IPF, and USPA, these wrist wraps are great for all of your needs.
These wrist wraps by SBD were seen at the World’s Strongest Man 2020 competition worn by the winner Oleskii Novikov. Able to support the most elite athletes in the sport, these wrist wraps are specially designed for powerlifters and strongmen to enhance all aspects of their training and competition goals.
SBD Wrist Wraps are specifically designed for wrist support and pressing movements. The heavy duty thumb loop and industrial fastening ensure longevity and a good fit.
Pros
Two options allow for a flexible or a more stiff wrist wrap
Durable and designed for powerlifters while also being competition approved
Cons
Premium option with price
Only available directly from their website.
Price: $42.50
Check out our individual review for SBD Wrist Wraps here!
Best For Powerlifting
For those powerlifters who need to focus on only increasing weight, a pair of wrist wraps can greatly benefit you in a number of ways. When it comes to lifting big with those big three powerlifts, having the best support will eliminate vulnerability and allow you to thrive when it comes to those gains and results.
SBD Wrist Wraps
SBD brings these great wrist wraps to consumers that are perfect for training, repetitions, and competition use for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and weightlifting. The flexible wrist wraps are designed for easy self wrapping and the stiff wrist wraps are designed for optimal support to maximize work effort. With two options to choose from, SBD covers all of your wrist wrap needs for your desired goals. With a heavy-duty thumb loop and manufactured alongside a main wide elastic, these are designed for powerlifters and strongmen and an industrial fastener ensures longevity and security. Approved for USAPL, IPF, and USPA, these wrist wraps are great for all of your needs.
These wrist wraps by SBD were seen at the World’s Strongest Man 2020 competition worn by the winner Oleskii Novikov. Able to support the most elite athletes in the sport, these wrist wraps are specially designed for powerlifters and strongmen to enhance all aspects of their training and competition goals.
SBD Wrist Wraps are specifically designed for wrist support and pressing movements. The heavy duty thumb loop and industrial fastening ensure longevity and a good fit.
Pros
Two options allow for a flexible or a more stiff wrist wrap
Durable and designed for powerlifters while also being competition approved
Cons
Premium option with price
Only available directly from their website.
Price: $42.50
Check out our individual review for SBD Wrist Wraps here!
Best For Weightlifting
For those involved in weightlifting, a quality pair of wrist wraps will greatly affect how you perform each exercise with these power grips. With so many exercises and each having their own unique challenge, your weightlifting needs can be covered with a great pair of wrist wraps.
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps offer great support for any lifts, especially those Olympic lifts. Made from high-grade nylon, these wraps are tested to perform under the toughest conditions and are guaranteed to be durable to continued longevity. With enhanced stitching, you’ll never worry about durability issues and the heavy duty thumb loop ensures a secure fit and quick removal. Being USPA approved is a huge plus for all your training and competition needs.
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps offer incredible support for all your big lifts. The heavy-duty thumb loop allows for a secure fit and easy adjusting for all your needs.
Pros
High-grade nylon material ensures durability for weightlifting
Enhanced stitching promotes better longevity
USPA approved is great for training and competition
Cons
Fit may not be great for some as the material is quite sturdy
Price: $19.99
Best For Beginners
Beginners may be wondering which pair of wrist wraps to buy and with so many on the market, it can be tough to decide. You want a pair that will work for you and be comfortable enough for free movement, yet sturdy enough to protect against injury whether for bodybuilding, powerlifting, or weightlifting.
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps offer great support for any lifts, especially those Olympic lifts. Made from high-grade nylon, these wraps are tested to perform under the toughest conditions and guaranteed to be durable to continued longevity. With enhanced stitching, you’ll never worry about durability issues and the heavy duty thumb loop ensures a secure fit and quick removal. Being USPA approved is a huge plus for all your training and competition needs.
Gymreapers Wrist Wraps offer incredible support for all your big lifts. The heavy-duty thumb loop allows for a secure fit and easy adjusting for all your needs.
Pros
High-grade nylon material ensures durability out of these power grips
Enhanced stitching promotes better longevity
USPA approved is great for training and competition
Cons
Fit may not be great for some as the material is quite sturdy
Price: $19.99
Best For Durability
You want your wrist wraps to be durable and that comes down to quality power grips. A poorly made pair will fall apart and cost you time and money that you just don’t need so look into the best material and those reputable brands for the most durable products.
SBD Wrist Wraps
SBD brings these great wrist wraps to consumers that are perfect for training, repetitions, and competition use for bodybuilding, powerlifting, and weightlifting. The flexible wrist wraps are designed for easy self wrapping and the stiff wrist wraps are designed for optimal support to maximize work effort. With two options to choose from, SBD covers all of your wrist wrap needs for your desired goals. With a heavy-duty thumb loop and manufactured alongside a main wide elastic, these are designed for powerlifters and strongmen and an industrial fastener ensures longevity and security. Approved for USAPL, IPF, and USPA, these wrist wraps are great for all of your needs.
These wrist wraps by SBD were seen at the World’s Strongest Man 2020 competition worn by the winner Oleskii Novikov. Able to support the most elite athletes in the sport, these wrist wraps are specially designed for powerlifters and strongmen to enhance all aspects of their training and competition goals.
SBD Wrist Wraps are specifically designed for wrist support and pressing movements. The heavy duty thumb loop and industrial fastening ensure longevity and a good fit.
Pros
Two options allow for a flexible or a more stiff wrist wrap
Durable and designed for powerlifters while also being competition approved
Cons
Premium option with price
Only available directly from their website.
Price: $42.50
Check out our individual review for SBD Wrist Wraps here!
Best For Versatility
A versatile pair of wrist wraps will help with all those needs when it comes to a variety of exercises. You want to have many options when using wrist wraps and those that offer versatility will only enhance your gains by not restricting you during those bodybuilding or powerlifting workouts.
Bear Grips Wrist Wrap Set
These wrist wraps from Bear Grips offer protection for working out and strength training by allowing you to lift more to keep you at an optimal lifting angle. Triple stitched and a premium thumb loop provide for strong closure and dual elastic protectors to enhance versatility. Great for functional use, they won’t restrict total movement and are great for replacing bulky braces. They not only support big lifts but also provide therapeutic relief making these very versatile wrist wraps.
Bear Grips Wrist Wraps Set is a great pair of wrist wraps to prevent wrist pain while also boosting strength and mobility. The adjustable strap allows for a perfect fit for even the toughest workouts.
Pros
Offer support and provide for comfort
Stable and versatile product
At a great price, they are useful for many type of workout
Cons
The thumb loop tends to cause some pain depending on the tightness
Not as stable as others for big lifts
Price: $14.99
Benefits Of Them
The benefits of wrist wraps may be enough to convince you to buy a pair, or at least give them a try. While our bodies are amazing specimens, it doesn’t hurt to give them an extra boost in our quest for big bodybuilding or powerlifting gains.
Stabilize the wrists: For heavy lifts, stabilizing your wrists is key in helping to prevent hyperextending while promoting solid form and grip on the bar. By doing this, you only add to your foundational strength to properly execute any big lift (1).
Support high volume and intensity: Relieve pain in your wrists so you don’t have to worry about injury while also promoting the longevity of your workout.
Enhance grip: Provide for a better grip to be more comfortable while lifting more weights to enhance overall growth (2).
Promote healthy recovery: After an injury, wrist wraps can offer that extra level of support to take away any injury or swelling and relieve any pressure to allow you to lift while still giving your wrists time to strengthen and heal.
Pros & Cons Of Wrist Wraps
The pros of wearing wrist wraps is that you better support your wrists, especially if you are prone to wrist pain during big lifts. Feeling stable and supported, while also using proper form, can greatly benefit you as you look to lift massive weight and see huge gains (3,4). By offering proper wrist alignment, those days of you feeling unwanted wrist pain are a thing of the past.
However, it is possible to abuse wrist wraps by becoming too dependent on them. As you lift weight, your wrists and other muscles alongside it will start to strengthen. But with wrist wraps, you take that out of the equation and as those larger muscles get stronger, those smaller ones don’t need to since wrist wraps help do that for them. By not strengthening these muscles you start to hurt yourself in the long run once those wrist wraps come off.
How We Choose
When it comes to choosing the best wrist wraps, we look at the brands because you deserve only the best to be representing you. The reputation and quality of their products gives us insight into how great their wrist wraps will be. We then look at the quality of the product and the level of comfort while lifting because your wrist wraps should be comfortable and not totally restrict you. Finally, we look at price because we know that fitness equipment can get expensive but it is possible to find great products while still being at an affordable price.
FAQ Section
What are the best wrist wraps?
SBD Wrist Wraps. SBD brings these great wrist wraps to consumers that are perfect for training, repetitions, and competition use. The flexible wrist wraps are designed for easy self wrapping and the stiff wrist wraps are designed for optimal support to maximize work effort. With two options to choose from, SBD covers all of your wrist wrap needs for your desired goals.
Do I really need them?
Using wrist wraps is all about personal preference so no, you don’t need to use them. But for those looking to lift big and see gains, wrist wraps can ensure protection and offer stability as you seek to lift that big weight.
What should I look for in a pair of wrist wraps?
You should look for quality material as this will ensure durability and longevity. Also, look into the level of comfort for this will affect how you lift. You want a versatile pair to work for you, not against you.
Wrap Up
Wrist wraps are great aids to use for any workout, but in particular those big lifts. Able to support and stabilize your wrists, these workout aids are perfect for those looking to enhance their overall growth and performance while staying safe doing so. Worn by professionals and elite athletes, these can be game changers for whatever your workout may be. Check out a good pair of wrist wraps and see what they can do for you when it comes to elevating your overall performance.
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References
Weiss, A. K.; Tsai, H. H.; Puffer J. C. (2002). “Bilateral Wrist Pain-Weightlifter”. (source)
Lee, Julia-Ann; Sechachalam, Sreedharan (2016). “The Effect of Wrist Position on Grip Endurance and Grip Strength”. (source)
Lee, Ju-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Ho; Lim, Kyu-Bong (2018). “Effects of eccentric control exercise for wrist extensor and shoulder stabilization exercise on the pain and functions of tennis elbow”. (source)
Judge, W. L.; Burke, M. J.; Patrick, J. T.; Guidry, D. T.; et al. (2017). “Effects of wrist wraps on throwing distance in highly skilled shot put athletes”. (source)
How The Cambered Bar Works For Awesome Squat Benefits
This specialty bar can work your squats differently to target great growth and other benefits.
We typically always use a traditional barbell for our big lifts but specialty bars like the cambered bar exist for a reason and can greatly influence our gains. By working on better balance and stability, given the increased instability of this bar, we promote better form and strength when it comes to our squatting and our ability to lift big weight. The cambered bar may look strange but it is most certainly a great lifting tool to see gains.
Let’s take a look at the cambered bar and see what this can do for our gains. By offering great squat benefits, the cambered bar is something to consider when looking to maximize the effects of this exercise, as well as others.
What Is The Cambered Bar?
Definitely for more experienced lifters, the cambered bar is a strange looking bar that is highly effective at relieving stress off your shoulders. The downside to this bar is that it is unstable so a more experienced lifter who stays more tight and more controlled would benefit greatly (1). The way this bar is set up is that the plates hang lower than the normal barbell and your shoulders rest on the part of this bar that forms a bit of a square around your upper body. It is harder to balance but offers a nice variation to the squat and other exercises.
Benefits Of The Cambered Bar
When using the cambered bar, you do receive great benefits that may differ from the traditional barbell or even other specialty bars. You want these lifts to be as comfortable as possible and sometimes it can be a real challenge to feel comfortable under so much weight. With the cambered bar, some of those fears may subside as you seek the best out of this unique variation.
Benefits of the cambered bar during squats include:
Less shoulder pain: The way this bar is set up will require less mobility to feel comfortable when performing the exercise. This will keep your shoulders in a more comfortable position so you are able to handle any and all problems when it comes to shoulder pain.
Focus on technique: With less pain and a different position under the bar, you can focus on technique to better your overall form and stay physically healthier overall.
Offers a different challenge for your muscles: By using specialty bars, you offer your muscles a slightly different challenge to target growth in a different and unique way.
More versatility: Using the cambered bar on the whole allows for more versatility when it comes to other exercises. This can greatly influence your workouts to keep them different and engaging.
Difference Between Cambered Bar Vs. Traditional Barbell
We wanted to touch on some of the differences between the cambered bar and the traditional bar so you know what to look for. With the cambered bar, you will most likely use less weight. This is due to a bit more increased instability given the way the bar is designed and the way you move under it. While you still get good work done, it won’t be the bar used for a big PR. As a result of this instability, you will use other smaller muscles that may not be traditionally worked with a normal bar, so any slight soreness in unfamiliar places may be these stabilizer muscles finally getting work done. Overall, you may feel less tight as a result of reduced shoulder pain with the cambered bar. So while you may not pack on the weight as much, you will still get a great workout (2).
How To Use The Cambered Bar For Squats
When using the cambered bar for squats, you want your hands in a comfortable position and the upper part of the bar should be around the back of your shoulders. With a solid stance of feet about shoulder width apart, engage your core and be ready to keep a neutral spine. When ready, lower down into a squat, and drive back to the starting position. Repeat for your desired number of reps.
Cambered Bar Exercise Variations Aside From The Squat
Aside from the squat, the cambered bar can be used in a variety of ways to offer unique variations on some traditional exercises. For those looking to change up their workouts a bit and add in some unique exercises, definitely give some of these a try.
Cambered bar variations include:
Bench Press
Lunges
Other Squats (Front Squat, Zercher Squat)
Deadlifts
Featured Supplement To Pair With Cambered Squats For Gains
For those looking to maximize their gains with the cambered bar squats, it is important to give yourself the fuel to power growth and recovery. A protein powder that is high quality with great ingredients can give you everything you need when looking to maximize all your gains (3).
Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate is great for those looking to build muscle from a fast-digesting and pure protein. With an enhanced digestive enzyme technology, all those nutrients hit you harder to amplify muscle growth and recovery.
Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate is perfect for anyone looking to build muscle with a fast-digesting, pure, whey protein isolate. With 25g of 100% whey protein isolate, this powder has increased protein absorption thanks to a digestive enzyme technology used to enhance all of these nutrients so they hit you better. This protein is perfect for those looking to amplify muscle recovery and lean muscle growth and is naturally flavored with an amazing taste. A premium quality and well formulated whey isolate, this is a great protein powder for men for those fast-digesting needs.
Price: $44.99
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Check out our list of the Best Protein Powders for more great protein supplements!
Wrap Up
The cambered bar and how its used for squats can greatly influence growth and provide for solid benefits with the exercise. An interesting specialty bar, the cambered bar also works well for a host of other exercises to add variety and a unique approach to your workouts. With less pain, more focus on technique, and a more versatile bar, the cambered bar can work wonders for you and all your squatting and weightlifting goals. Give this bar a try and see what it can do to make your workouts more engaging.
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
Corey, Stephen W. (1991). “The cambered bar”. (source)
Krysztofik, Michal; Golas, Artur; Wilk, Michal; Stastny, Petr; et al. (2020). “A Comparison of Muscle Activity Between the Cambered and Standard Bar During the Bench Press Exercise”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; Lieberman, Harris R.; McLellan, Tom M. (2014). “Effects of protein supplements on muscle damage, soreness and recovery of muscle function and physical performance: a systematic review”. (source)