All Posts By Presser
Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor 3 Results
The third battle between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor has been decided.
It’s finally here. The battle that the mixed martial arts world has been waiting for. Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor met for the third time to settle the score.
The first bout saw Conor McGregor using a fleet footed style, bouncing in and out of range, scoring power shots with pinpoint accuracy. Dustin Poirier had a handful of moments in that first bout, but ultimately it was McGregor who scored a devastating knockout over the future interim lightweight champion.
The rematch would come several years after their first meeting. Conor McGregor had since become a two division champion and one of the most recognized figures on the planet. Dustin Poirier would go on to become the interim lightweight champion after besting Max Holloway.
The second bout between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor was far different than the first. The first round saw McGregor landing some solid punches, likely winning him the round on all score cards. Despite that however, McGregor sustained significant damage to his legs from the powerful low kicks of Poirier. The second frame would see Poirier continue the assault to the legs that would cripple McGregor and lead to his rival landing solid boxing combinations. Poirier finished the fight, forcing a third meeting between himself and McGregor.
The Results
When the dust settle and all the blows were thrown, Dustin Poirier defeated Conor McGregor by TKO (injury).
Did you tune into Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor?
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.
Grow Your Calves Into Bulls With This One Simple Trick
This One Tip Will Turn Your Calves Into Bulls
I’ll come out clean; I suffered from CLS (chicken leg syndrome) for a long time. My quads and hams weren’t as big a problem as compared to my calves. Small calves can make your legs looks skinnier than they are.
You don’t want to be ridiculed for having a huge upper body and tiny legs. Having a weaker lower body can even have an adverse psychological effect on you. You might lose all your confidence in your physique if your legs are lagging.
Wearing track pants to the gym and outside isn’t a permanent solution to this problem. Arnold’s weakest body part was his legs. He turned this weakness into a strength by wearing shorts to the gym every day.
People made fun of him for his skinny legs. Arnie, being the champion he is, used this body shaming as a motivation. Look around in your gym, and you might see people with relatively weaker calves.
Other than genetics, the reason behind this could be the lack of knowledge and understanding. The broscientists at your gym might have convinced you to follow the ‘right approach’ to calf training and stick to a certain number of exercises, sets, and reps.
Doing The Wrong Thing
Most people make the mistake of doing the same exercises over and over again. The most amount of variation they have in their calf workouts is the weekly alternation between the standing and seated calf raises.
Calves being the stubborn muscle groups they are, can be one of the hardest to grow. You need to train your calves from all the angles to ensure an overall development. The standing variation targets the gastrocnemius while the seated version targets the soleus.
When it comes to calf training, some people treat it as accessory work and train them at the end of their leg workouts after they’re completely exhausted. You should be training your calves at the beginning of your workouts, especially if you have underdeveloped calves.
Calves Are Not Different
While most people like doing 12-15 sets while training every other muscle group, they stick with just three sets for their calves. You stand on your calves for entire days. You need to be doing more to shock them into growing.
You should be treating your calves just like all the other muscle groups. Aim to hit failure every time you’re training your calves. Regularly changing the intensity of your calf workouts will also take your gains to the next level.
Grow Your Calves Into Bulls
I had tried everything, the standing and seated calf machines, donkey calf raises, single leg calf raises and calf raises on the leg press, but nothing seemed to work for me. There was hardly any technique I didn’t use.
This was when I decided to return to the basics and move my way up. I quit using any weights. I realised people with small calves (me included) wasted a lot of their time on the calf machines lifting heavy weight just to compensate for their toothpick legs.
Ego lifting keeps these people from having a complete range of motion – which is detrimental in developing your calves. I then did something which might sound a little counterintuitive. I stopped training calves in the gym.
Get On Your Toes
There is a reason ballerinas have toned calves even when they have skinny legs. They spend most of their times on their toes. This puts all their body weights on their calves and ankles. I could see how this can be my ticket to bigger calves.
No, I didn’t signup for a ballerina class. Instead, I decided to train my calves every single day for the next one month at home, right before I go to bed. This proved to be the change my calves needed.
The Workout
This workout consists of only one exercise and one set. You will be doing 100 reps of standing calf raises. You need to make sure you’re on your toes at the top of the movement and squeeze the hell out of your calves.
Have all the tension on your big toe while lifting yourself. Don’t transfer your weight on the smaller toes. You should look like a ballerina standing on her toes while you’re at the top of the movement.
Stand beside a wall and follow the same movement and momentum throughout the exercise. Don’t hold onto or lean against the wall. Doing this can take off the tension from your toothpicks.
You don’t have to worry about the negative motion (below parallel) of this movement. Squeezing your calves at the top of the movement and coming back to the starting position is enough to get the gains going.
Slowly raise yourself during the concentric movement (going up) and follow the same motion on the eccentric part. Don’t drop like a bomb while coming down. Maintain a mind-muscle connection throughout the exercise.
The first time you try this workout, your calves will be on fire. Go to bed right after finishing the workout and give your body time to recover. As you get better, add 15 reps to this exercise. Aim for complete muscle failure at the end of this workout.
Which is the most effective workout according to you?
Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
10 Benefits of the Clean and Jerk
The Olympic Lift That Develops Strength, Size, and Fitness
While the Olympic lifts are challenging in terms of execution, there are distinct benefits associated with regularly performing both the clean & jerk and snatch.
The clean & jerk is a highly technical lift that requires explosive power, speed, strength, agility, mobility, stability, and proprioception.
The action required in the clean & jerk utilizes practically every muscle in the body as well as placing a large demand on the body’s nervous system.
Clean and Jerk Technique
While performing the clean & jerk will bring about an array of benefits, care is advised. The clean & jerk technique is tricky. If you are new to exercise, start light and be willing to spend time refining your technique.
1) First Pull
Start by assuming a hip-width stance and place both feet directly under the bar. Drop down to the bar and, using an overhand grip, place the hands slightly wider than shoulder-width.
Drop the hips down, engage the core muscles, lift the chest and squeeze between the shoulder blades before initiating the pull. In this position, the shoulders should be in front of the bar.
When pulling, focus on driving the heels through the floor and extending only at the knees. As you pull, ensure that the bar stays as tight to the body as possible.
2) Second Pull
The second pull begins when the knees are fully extended and the bar is just above the height of the knees. As you move into the second pull, the bar should begin to significantly accelerate.
Having extended at the knees in the first pull, the knees should then begin to move forward so that the trunk assumes a more vertical position.
Once again, the bar should stay tight to the legs as it moves up the thigh and the core should remain engaged throughout.
3) Third Pull
The third pull is initiated when you assume the power position. The power position is when you are standing almost vertically with a slight bend in the knees and hips with the bar in contact with the crease of the hips.
To drive the bar upward in a vertical path, triple extension should occur. This is a rapid and simultaneous extension of the hips, knees, and ankle.
When the bar makes contact with the hips, it should then be aggressively pulled upward. A combination of triple extension and upper body pull will drive the bar upward.
As the bar rises, you should quickly drop down into a squat in order to catch the bar on the front of the shoulders. Once the bar has been caught, you must then powerfully drive through the heels to a standing position.
4) Jerk
For the jerk, drop the elbows and widen your grip on the bar slightly. Push the chest up and engage the core before initiating the jerk.
There are two jerking methods. For the full jerk, very rapidly dip at the knees and hips and simultaneously fully extend at the elbows to lock the bar overhead and stand.
For the more complicated split jerk, dip and shoot one leg out in front and one behind the body while driving the bar overhead. Take a moment to stabilize and then walk both feet to a standing position.
Clean & Jerk Benefits
Due to the vast number of muscles and fitness components that are challenged with the clean and jerk, there are many significant adaptations that will occur as a consequence.
1) Strength Development
The first and most evident benefit associated with the clean & jerk is the benefits in regards to strength capacity.
The movement patterns of the exercise require the muscles of the upper and lower body to go through multiple concentric and eccentric contractions.
When the clean & jerk is performed to a good standard and follows progressive overload principles, muscular strength can significantly improve.
Improving the strength of muscles throughout the body will not only lead to a greater clean & jerk, it may also have a knock-on impact on a range of other pulling and pushing resistance exercises.
In terms of raw strength development, the clean & jerk is more beneficial than the snatch. This is simply because a greater amount of weight can typically be lifted for the clean & jerk.
This does not mean that the clean & jerk is superior to the snatch in any way, rather, if strength development is the goal then the clean should be prioritized over the snatch.
2) Cardiovascular Health
While you may not see the clean & jerk as cardio exercise, research conducted on Olympic lifting has indicated that there are a number of cardiovascular responses associated with these types of exercises.
One specific study found that after 8-weeks of training, resting heart rate, VO2 max, and blood pressure all substantially improved (1).
The Olympic lifts require the bar to travel a great distance, from the floor to an overhead position. After performing a few reps, you will notice that how taxing these movements really are on the cardiovascular system.
3) Anaerobic Performance
The ATP-CP system is the energy system that is primarily responsible during the clean & jerk. This system produces a great amount of energy required for short bursts of explosive activity.
Optimizing the ATP-CP through training can help to facilitate a greater performance in sports which involve explosivity.
For example, sprinting is an activity that requires a quick burst of energy for a short duration. By performing the clean & jerk regularly, sprinting performance can be improved.
4) Reversal of Metabolic Disease
There is clear research to indicate that regularly lifting weights and enhancing strength levels can help to reduce and even revert metabolic syndrome (2).
Metabolic syndrome refers to a number of life-threatening diseases and conditions including diabetes, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
5) Core Strength
One of the most understated benefits of the clean & jerk is the impact that it has on core strength. A major amount of core strength and stability is required to hoist and hold the bar overhead.
In order to keep the trunk upright during the entire movement, the core muscles must work extremely hard and are subject to a great degree of stress. As a result, the core muscles rapidly adapt and increase in strength and definition.
Not only will increasing your level of core strength and stability facilitate a greater performance, but it will also improve posture and reduce the risk of sustaining an injury to the trunk and extremities.
6) Motor Skills
Motor skills refer to all movements and actions carried out by the muscles under control of the nervous system. By increasing the efficiency of your motor skills, you can move and perform more effectively.
Due to the complexity of the Olympic lifts, the clean & jerk is an excellent exercise for refining motor skills and facilitating better movement.
More specifically, the clean & jerk teaches the body to move simultaneously as a unit which can lead to significant adaptions to the nervous system and can improve proprioceptive abilities.
7) Balance and Proprioception
One of the most demanding parts of both Olympic lifts is catching the bar in an overhead position and requires balance and coordination.
While improving balance and coordination will be of great benefit in the gym, studies have found a potential link between balance capabilities and longevity.
Interestingly, a 13-year study found that those with poor balance were five times more likely to die during the 13-year period in comparison to those who had good balance (3).
8) Vertical Jump Performance
The Olympic lifts have been well documented to rapidly increase vertical jump performance (4). There are many similarities between the vertical jump and the Olympic lifts which may help to explain the link.
By gradually increasing the weight of the clean & jerk, the muscles will adapt at a rapid rate and lower extremity power will increase which will lead to a better vertical jump.
For those who participate in a sport which involves jumping, sports like basketball, volleyball, and soccer, the clean & jerk should be performed regularly to bring about improvements in jump height and athletic performance.
9) Endocrine Response
As discussed earlier, the clean & jerk places such a large amount of stress on the body. In fact, there are few exercises that compare to the clean & jerk in this aspect.
When subject to this level of stress, the body will release a number of hormones, such as human growth hormone and testosterone, which will facilitate muscle hypertrophy and strength gains.
10) Improved Aesthetics
Because practically every muscle in the body is recruited during the clean & jerk, performing this exercise regularly can help to improve muscle definition throughout the body.
While it is undoubtedly a superb full-body developer, the clean & jerk will specifically develop the glutes, quads, abdominals, and shoulders.
Final Word
As highlighted, the clean & jerk is one of the greatest multi-joint exercises that can be performed. While the clean & jerk technique is challenging, it is an exercise that is worth learning and performing on a regular basis.
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:
1 – Stone, M. H.; Wilson, G. D.; Blessing, D.; Rozenek, R. (1983-09). “Cardiovascular responses to short-term olympic style weight-training in young men”. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences. Journal Canadien Des Sciences Appliquees Au Sport. 8 (3): 134–139. ISSN 0700-3978. PMID 6640815.
2 – Strasser, Barbara; Schobersberger, Wolfgang (2011). “Evidence for Resistance Training as a Treatment Therapy in Obesity”. Journal of Obesity. 2011. doi:10.1155/2011/482564. ISSN 2090-0708. PMC 2931407. PMID 20847892.
3 – Cooper, Rachel; Strand, Bjørn Heine; Hardy, Rebecca; Patel, Kushang V.; Kuh, Diana (April 29, 2014). “Physical capability in mid-life and survival over 13 years of follow-up: British birth cohort study”. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 348: g2219. doi:10.1136/bmj.g2219. ISSN 1756-1833. PMC 4004787. PMID 24787359.
4 – Hackett, Daniel; Davies, Tim; Soomro, Najeebullah; Halaki, Mark (2016-07). “Olympic weightlifting training improves vertical jump height in sportspeople: a systematic review with meta-analysis”. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 50 (14): 865–872. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-094951. ISSN 1473-0480. PMID 26626268.
Best Men’s Multivitamins For Optimal Health (Updated 2021)
These multivitamin supplements can enhance your overall health so you thrive both inside and out of the gym.
A multivitamin is one of those supplements that should absolutely be in your diet and supplementation routines. Especially for active men, too often do we find ourselves deficient of those essential vitamins and minerals that we desperately need in order to stay on top of our game. Packed full of valuable vitamins and minerals, as well as other essential nutrients, multivitamins have extremely helpful benefits to our health functions, cognitive abilities, and physical maintenance of our bodies. These top multivitamin supplements are exactly what you need as active men seeking to support a healthy lifestyle.
We’ve put together a list of the Best Men’s Multivitamins for 2021 so you can work to improve your overall health and wellness and really start to grind in the gym.
Best Overall Multivitamin
When looking for the best multivitamin supplement, it is possible to find an incredible overall product. With great ingredients and effective benefits, those gains are right around the corner.
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men is another great option as a multivitamin for men specifically formulated for bodybuilders to help with your supplement needs. Being non-GMO, as well as additive and allergen free, we found this to be a very appealing and healthy multivitamin. By working to restore nutrients missing from your diet, it supports healthy cell performance across all body systems.
Ensuring all of those vital nutrients make it into your body is super important for enhanced performance and overall health. This multivitamin uses a NutriGenesis technology to mimic nutrient genesis found in nature so their capsules are easily absorbed for all of your health and wellness needs. From improving cardiovascular health, metabolic performance, immune function, energy metabolism, muscle growth and function and many more benefits, this multivitamin has 17+ essential daily vitamins and minerals to round out a solid list of top-tier ingredients. With whole food cofactors for optimal absorption, all of these nutrients work for your benefit.
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men is a specifically formulated multi for bodybuilders to help with all their needs. With 17+ essential daily vitamins and minerals, this top tier formula is great for overall health and wellness.
Pros
Contains a diverse group of vitamins to cover your overall health
An ultramodern design with patented technology
All natural ingredients
Vegan-friendly formula.
Cons
It is only available directly from their website
Low in calcium and magnesium
Price: $39.00 for 120 capsules
Check out our individual review for Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Men here!
Best Multivitamin For Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders looking to optimize their health and wellness should absolutely have a multi on their shelf. One that is geared towards those specific needs can take you very far in training and performance.
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin is for anyone looking to boost performance, improve physique and/or improve daily wellbeing and immunity. The effects and benefits will be perfect for anyone looking to take their health seriously and develop their physique. Suitable for men of any age, this multivitamin will make you feel great so you can look great as you keep those muscles strong while shedding off fat knowing you are also improving your joint, immune, and overall health.
Getting the right vitamins and minerals into your body can develop new muscle and aid in performance and this multivitamin is a great formula for bodybuilders to add to your list for a well rounded vitamin. From increased immune support, the promotion of hormonal vitality, all the way to supporting recovery, National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilders Multi is a natural and safe multivitamin geared towards athletes to optimize all of their health and wellness needs. As a clean formula with 20 essential vitamins and minerals, you can be sure this has no harmful fillers or chemicals to ruin all of your hard work or put you in an unhealthy state.
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin is great for those bodybuilders looking to optimize performance. With 20 essential vitamins and minerals, this is a safe and natural multivitamin for all of your needs.
Pros
Quick results to feel improvements and perform better
Advanced blend of ingredients perfect for athletes
Has parallels with some t-boosters
Simple to use and stack with other supplements for great results
Cons
Only available directly from their website
Price: $29.00/ 60 capsules
Check out our individual review for National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin here!
Best Blend & Ingredients
Looking for quality ingredients is a must. When many ingredients are put into a powerful blend, the options for your overall health are endless.
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men is another great option as a multivitamin for men specifically formulated for bodybuilders to help with your supplement needs. Being non-GMO, as well as additive and allergen free, we found this to be a very appealing and healthy multivitamin. By working to restore nutrients missing from your diet, it supports healthy cell performance across all body systems.
Ensuring all of those vital nutrients make it into your body is super important for enhanced performance and overall health. This multivitamin uses a NutriGenesis technology to mimic nutrient genesis found in nature so their capsules are easily absorbed for all of your health and wellness needs. From improving cardiovascular health, metabolic performance, immune function, energy metabolism, muscle growth and function and many more benefits, this multivitamin has 17+ essential daily vitamins and minerals to round out a solid list of top-tier ingredients. With whole food cofactors for optimal absorption, all of these nutrients work for your benefit.
Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi For Men is a specifically formulated multi for bodybuilders to help with all their needs. With 17+ essential daily vitamins and minerals, this top tier formula is great for overall health and wellness.
Pros
Contains a diverse group of vitamins to cover your overall health
An ultramodern design with patented technology
All natural ingredients
Vegan-friendly formula
Cons
It is only available directly from their website
Low in calcium and magnesium
Price: $39.00 for 120 capsules
Check out our individual review for Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Men here!
Best For Active Men
Even those men who are simply active should take a multi because your body goes through a lot. One that is geared towards your everyday needs will work wonders for your busy lifestyle.
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin is an ultra-potent supplement for both men and women with an advanced formula to ensure your body gets all of the essential micronutrients. Created from bioavailable forms of key vitamins and minerals, it also ensures easy absorption of these key nutrients. From top to bottom, WellnessSeries Multivitamin will support your overall wellness and is iron-free for ease on the stomach.
With 22 active ingredients, WellnessSeries Multivitamin includes vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as B1 and B12. Solid minerals like magnesium, zinc, selenium, and copper are just a few of the many vital nutrients Transparent Labs has added to this formula. For those looking to stay healthy and on top of their game with a great multivitamin, this supplement will ensure you absorb all of the nutrients in order to maximize each and every benefit.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin is an ultra-potent supplement for those looking to optimize their health. With 22 active ingredients, this will pump you with vital nutrients with easy absorption.
Pros
Honest and accurate labels ensure that each ingredient is clinically dosed
A great immune booster with key vitamins and minerals
Gentle on your stomach
Great for both men and women
Cons
Only available directly from their website
Four pills is a large serving size
Price: $29.00/ 120 capsules
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin here!
Best For Immunity
While multis work for a number of things, immunity should be a priority. Staying away from illness keeps you healthier overall and in the gym much longer.
Enhanced Super Human Immunity
Enhanced Super Human Immunity is a 3 in 1 formula designed to maximize immunity and defeat sickness to keep you in the gym and seeing those gains. Each dose is calculated and properly dosed to give you the best chance at seeing great results. With scientifically proven herbal botanicals, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, this supplement can also improve digestion and reduce fatigue.
With great ingredients like vitamin C and D, Echinacea, elderberry, and probiotics, all of these will work together to create a superhuman supplement for all of your gains. A money back guarantee ensures that Enhanced knows the true value of this product and that you will be sick less often, feel better overall, and recovery faster for serious growth.
Enhanced Super Human Immunity is a 3-in-1 formula designed to maximize immunity and defeat sickness. Great ingredients include vitamins, minerals, botanicals, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
Pros
Great mix of ingredients including vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and digestive enzymes
No proprietary blends
Money back guarantee is great
Cons
Three capsules is a lot compared to others on the market of similar value with just one pill per serving
Price: $25.99/ 90 capsules
Check out our individual review for Enhanced SuperHuman Immunity here!
Best Multivitamin For Men Over 50
Men over 50 may need certain vitamins and minerals more than others. A multi that tackles this issue can make you feel great so you perform at a high level.
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin is an ultra-potent supplement for both men and women with an advanced formula to ensure your body gets all of the essential micronutrients. Created from bioavailable forms of key vitamins and minerals, it also ensures easy absorption of these key nutrients. From top to bottom, WellnessSeries Multivitamin will support your overall wellness and is iron-free for ease on the stomach.
With 22 active ingredients, WellnessSeries Multivitamin includes vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as B1 and B12. Solid minerals like magnesium, zinc, selenium, and copper are just a few of the many vital nutrients Transparent Labs has added to this formula. For those looking to stay healthy and on top of their game with a great multivitamin, this supplement will ensure you absorb all of the nutrients in order to maximize each and every benefit.
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin is an ultra-potent supplement for those looking to optimize their health. With 22 active ingredients, this will pump you with vital nutrients with easy absorption.
Pros
Honest and accurate labels ensure that each ingredient is clinically dosed
A great immune booster with key vitamins and minerals
Gentle on your stomach
Great for both men and women.
Cons
Only available directly from their website
Four pills is a large serving size
Price: $29.00/ 120 capsules
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin here!
Best For Fitness
Even those involved in general fitness should take a multi to tackle all those wants and needs. Exercise can deplete us but it is important to have all of those things handled as best you can.
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men
Optimum Nutrition is a leading brand because they have always delivered products which stood above the rest. This is a good daily multivitamin for bodybuilding that includes many ingredients worth taking. Opti-Men is nothing incredibly special but it’s a good quality multivitamin which will meet your bodybuilding needs.
It has a complete vitamin and mineral profile so there’s nothing to miss there. And it interestingly has a Phyto blend similar to the EVL multi with green tea extract to really boost energy. The “Viri Men Blend” has some nice additional ingredients to support men’s health as well. Saw Palmetto may be beneficial for improving urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate. And Ginkgo Biloba extract is added for its antioxidant properties.
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men is a solid daily multi with a complete vitamin and mineral profile. With unique blends, this powerful formula can assist with all of your health and wellness needs.
Pros
Has powerful blends that are great for foundational immune health in bodybuilders
Its complete vitamin and mineral profile offers a wide array of benefits for men’s health
Good choice to help you function properly.
Cons
The vitamin forms are not 100% ideal for absorption by your body once ingested
It is a good quality multivitamin but there is nothing obviously special about it
Price: $19.99 / 90 capsules
Check out our individual review for Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men here!
Best With Complete Amino Acid Profile
A complete profile of amino acids can assist with overall health and all your training needs. For those hardcore fitness folks, definitely look to Animal Pak for a serious boost.
Animal Pak
Animal came out with the Animal Pak in 1983 and has since evolved into a leading multivitamin manufacturer for the hardcore fitness addicts and this is a solid daily multivitamin for bodybuilding and building muscle. Their name (Animal) and packaging will no doubt hype you up before you even take your first serving, and that’s another reason “beasts” choose Animal!
With this pack (Pak), there’s no shortage of vitamins and minerals plus you’ll get a top-notch liver blend, antioxidant, and digestive enzyme complex full of beneficial ingredients. For those hardcore athletes looking for a complete profile and seriously effective multivitamin to pair with their other top notch supplements, Animal Pak is the way to go.
Animal Pak is for those hardcore fitness folks looking to build muscle and a shredded physique. This complete profile of ingredients is loaded with everything you need to succeed.
Pros
Great for supporting lean muscle mass and constant anabolism
The unique blend also provides a good source for energy for those into hardcore fitness
Good to build muscle and have great overall health from their daily intake
Cons
The pills are large in size
Could have more ingredients
Price: $18.95/ 44 packs
Check out our individual review for Animal Pak here!
Benefits Of Multivitamins
The benefits of multivitamins cover a wide range of areas including valuable health functions, cognitive capabilities, and physical maintenance and care of our bodies (1). These benefits include:
Increased energy: Offer that vital boost of energy to power you through your day and any workout.
Better immunity: Offer support to your immune system to fight off any nasty viruses (2).
Muscle maintenance: Give your body time to repair those muscles you work so hard for.
Nutritional support: Fill in any areas where you may be deficient, so your diet is well-rounded and balanced (3).
Cognitive assistance: Help improve mood and focus, while raising your level of alertness.
Key Vitamins & Minerals To Look For In Your Multivitamin Supplement
Vitamin D For Muscle Growth & Strength
Vitamin D has proven to benefit muscle function and strength in numerous clinical studies; a study by Dr. Hassan-Smith actually found a link between lower muscle mass and lower Vitamin D levels (4). Another study by the University of Birmingham concluded that increased levels of active Vitamin D can help optimize muscle strength.
B Vitamins For Growth & Recovery
You probably didn’t know that Vitamin B6 and B12 both affect protein metabolism. In fact, a study by Okada M found that a high protein diet increases your requirement of B6.
As all bodybuilders know, you need to consume a certain amount of protein to either maintain or build muscle mass. But there will be many of you that don’t keep an eye on their Vitamin B6 intake. Not only that, consuming the recommended intake of Vitamin B6 has also shown to upregulate the gene expression of a number of factors that promote the growth and repair of skeletal muscle in a clinical study too (5).
This is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s known for its ability to support your immune function and vision. It can also play an important role in the normal formation of organs including your heart, lungs, and kidneys (6).
Vitamin C has also shown to play an important role in supporting your immune system, as well as in the absorption of other micronutrients such as iron. Additionally, Vitamin C is also known for its antioxidant properties and is a co-factor in collagen synthesis to help support your joint tissue and bone.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is the most bioavailable form of Vitamin D found in supplements. It’s shown to be much more beneficial than the cheaper Vitamin D2 found in some multivitamins (7). Known as ‘the sunshine vitamin’ it’s become known for its ability to support testosterone levels, as well as protein synthesis and your immune system
A powerful antioxidant that’s able to scavenge loose electrons that can damage cells and also boost your immune system. Vitamin E is also known for its ability to prevent clots from forming in heart arteries (8).
Vitamin K is known for being able to help your body make proteins for healthy bones and tissues, as well as helping with blood clotting too. Also, taking Vitamin K2 while supplementing Vitamin D3 will ensure that calcium is absorbed optimally and reaches bone mass while preventing arterial calcification.
Best Time To Take A Multivitamin
Different multivitamins will come with different instructions in terms of how frequently to take them so be sure to check out the label on each. You might find one multivitamin with 1 daily serving, with others recommending up to 3-4 servings per day.
We believe the ‘sweet spot’ is 2 servings daily; this will make sure your body isn’t overwhelmed with a whole day’s worth of micronutrients in one serving, without making supplementation of a multivitamin too much of a hassle.
In terms of the best time to take multivitamins, whether it’s for general health, weightlifting or bodybuilding, most people consume their multivitamin in the morning and mid-afternoon. It is recommended to consume fat-soluble vitamins and minerals with food. And since the best multivitamins contain them, taking your first multivitamin serving with breakfast is a good idea.
How We Choose
When it comes to your multivitamin, it is important to have something that will only benefit your overall health and wellness to the max. We look at the brand and the reputation of the company backing each product. It is important to have a company that works for you and your goals and each of these on the list are reputable and honest with their products. We also look at the ingredients included because that is what can have real effects on your health and gains inside and out of the gym. We also know how expensive these supplements can get so we look at price because it is possible to get great multivitamins while still being affordable.
FAQ Section
What is the best multivitamin for men?
National Bodybuilding Co. Bodybuilder’s Multivitamin. Not only is this supplement from a great company who cares about their consumers and the quality of their ingredients, but it is highly effective for great results. This multi can boost energy, provide for better workouts, support immune health, and keep key hormones in check.
Why should I take a multivitamin?
Too often do we miss essential nutrients, even when we follow a good, clean diet. A multivitamin can ensure we fill in any nutrient gaps, as well as promote areas we may be lacking in support, like immune health and hormone balances.
What is the difference between a multi for men and women?
Much of the difference lies in the nutritional needs for each gender. While both men and women need similar nutrients, certain ingredients like iron or calcium may be increased in a women’s multi due to certain needs of their bodies. The same goes for men. However, there are multivitamins, such as Transparent Labs WellnessSeries Multivitamin that is suitable for both men and women.
When is the best time to take a multivitamin?
This depends on the supplement and brand you chose. It is very common to take a multivitamin in the morning when you wake you up, or before bed. But some products require 4-6 capsules as a serving size and you may space these out throughout the day. Reading the label is important to know exactly what to do to maximize your results.
Check out our list of the Top Multivitamin Supplements for other great multivitamin products!
Wrap Up
Multivitamins are effective in replenishing lost nutrients after intense training sessions. But, they also make a good daily supplement for maintaining good health and the right multivitamins for bodybuilding can make your training that much better and give you what your body needs. It is important to find the right multivitamin for you so you can tackle anything that comes your way. Check out this list of the Best Men’s Multivitamins and see which one can advance your goals today.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References
Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Is There Really Any Benefit to Multivitamins?”. (source)
Oregon State University (2020). “Multivitamin, mineral supplement linked to less-severe, shorter-lasting illness symptoms”. (source)
National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. “Multivitamin/mineral Supplements”. (source)
Rejnmark, Lars (2011). “Effects of Vitamin D on Muscle Function and Performance: A Review of Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials”. (source)
Nutrition Reviews (1987). “Dietary Protein and Vitamin B6 Requirements”. (source)
National Institutes of Health. “Vitamin A”. (source)
Tripkovic, Laura; Lambert, Helen; Hart, Kathryn; Smith, Colin P.; et al. (2012). “Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. (source)
Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. “Vitamin E”. (source)
Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 6: Kai Greene Vs Phil Heath, Victor Martinez Vs Jay Cutler, & More
[embedded content]
Craig Golias has doubts about Kai Greene’s 317 pound physique, talks Nicolas Villioud’s retirement, and much more.
Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias talks about Kai Greene’s recent 317 pound shredded physique, possible comeback rivalry rematches, Nicolas Vullioud’s retirement, and more!
This past week was packed with exciting updates and news in the bodybuilding world. Kai Greene made some considerable waves by not only posting his massive 317 pound shredded physique photo – but also calling out Phil Heath for some sort of challenge. Could it be a bodybuilding rematch? Victor Martinez also made mention in one of our own interviews that he would only compete again to rematch Jay Cutler in a special bodybuilding battle. Craig also talks his thoughts on Nicholas Vullioud’s retirement announcement at a young age. And we discuss some functional bodybuilding tips such as how to properly meal prep and break through plateaus.
Craig Golias: Kai Greene Is Not 317 Pounds And That Shredded
The first topic we discuss with Craig Golias is the recent waves Kai Greene made on social media. First, he posted an epic and shredded photo of himself – claiming to be 317 pounds. It was proof that despite no longer competing, that he was keeping in fantastic shape. Fans started speculating (again) if he would make some sort of comeback.
Craig Golias, while finding the photo impressive, does not believe that Kai Greene was actually 317 pounds in the photo. He just doesn’t see that being possible at Kai Greene’s height and build. According to Craig, there’s no way Kai can maintain that level of shredded physique while staying at 317 pounds. Instead, he is more likely 285 pounds. Craig admits that even at 285 pounds, his physique is shredded and impressive. But he thinks that the shock of his claim is a little misleading.
Craig Golias also touches on the news that Kai Greene has been calling out Phil Heath. Craig never found much excitement in their rivalry – but admits that if they were to do some sort of special bodybuilding PPV event that he would watch it.
What Craig would be more excited to see, however, is Victor Martinez rematch against Jay Cutler. Craig claims this would be the most exciting event in bodybuilding possible for him – much more exciting than Kai vs Phil.
Nicolas Villioud Shocking Retirement At Only 30 Years Old
Craig Golias also shares his thoughts on the recent retirement announcement by Nicolas Villioud. The promising bodybuilder is only 30 years old – and many fans had high hopes for his career in the coming years. According to Villioud’s own announcement – he retired because he felt he could not compete even with only 1% doubt in his mind. He has other goals he would like to accomplish with his life, it caused even the smallest doubt that he should compete, so he felt that this was the wrong mental attitude to have to ever become a champion.
Craig Golias agrees with this point and somewhat relates. Craig used to compete on the bodybuilding stage but quickly left to focus on his own goals of getting huge in his own way. The amount of repetitive work and dedication required to become a Mr. Olympia champion is all-consuming. If there is a doubt that this is what you seek to be fulfilled in life – it might be the right decision to retire.
Wrap Up
There are far more topics discussed in this episode than we can cover in this article. You can watch Craig Golias and Vlad Yudin discuss other topics such as how judging works in pro bodybuilding, how important meal prep for a shredded physique, and whether or not Craig would face off against Big Ramy in some sort of special battle. You can check it all out in the latest episode of Talking Huge above! Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
How Pause Squats Seriously Strengthen Your Legs
Pause squats are great for developing more explosive power and increase that quad strength beyond belief.
Squats are a great way to tackle any and all strength goals and pause squats are that extra boost to help get you there. By working on the pause at the bottom, you really work on muscle growth and the ability to stay poised under so much weight. When it comes to building up that leg strength, any and all needs regarding power and explosivity can be taken care of and you will greatly benefit from pause squats.
Squats on the whole will boost not only leg strength, but also aid in any power and explosivity for sport specific and functional movements. While also enhancing balance and stability, you will feel more grounded for whatever big lift comes your way. Pause squats should absolutely be in your routine and you will benefit greatly from strategically placing these somewhere in your training plan.
Let’s take a look at pause squats and see what these can do for all of our gains. From what they are, to muscles worked, and the many benefits, we’ll also show you how to do them effectively to maximize all of your gains.
What Are Pause Squats?
Pause squats are very similar to the traditional squat except that a pause at the bottom, usually around 2 seconds, makes this squat unique. The pause will really emphasize your quads and make you think about keeping your body as engaged as possible for proper form and injury prevention. Once at the bottom, it is important to drive straight up to maximize power as much as possible. A great variation of the traditional squat, pause squats can transform any workout.
Muscles Worked
Pause squats will work a number of muscles with direct similarities to the back squat. For you lower body muscles, your quads, glutes, hamstrings, adductors, and calves all see work as these will help not only move the weight, but provide for better balance and stability as well. Your lats will see some work done as well as your core, which is vital for extra stability and preventing your body from any injury that may occur. Pause squats really put an emphasis on the quads as these are required for really pushing that weight up.
Benefits Of Pause Squats
For pause squats, pushing that weight and really emphasizing the pause portion will prove to have great benefits to your gains and strength training goals. Whether these be physical or mental benefits, pause squats can help you tackle any and all of your lifting wants and needs.
Benefits include:
Increased hypertrophy: With increased time under tension and a real strain under the bar, your muscles will have no choice but to grow for better time under tension (1).
Use better form: These can promote better form and allow you to focus heavily on the proper technique.
Get stronger at the bottom: By pausing at the bottom, you will increase your strength and balance even under so much weight.
Less knee pain: Less touch and go reps and more time under control will limit the amount of knee pain you suffer from pause squats.
Better mental toughness: By loading the bar with so much weight and having to pause under that weight, you will strengthen your mental toughness to push past anything.
Nice variation: Pause squats offer a nice variation to change up your routine and give your squats a different perspective.
How To Perform Them
Here are the steps for performing pause squats. While they are very similar to traditional squats, the real difference is the pause at the bottom.
Set yourself under the bar with your feet around shoulder-width apart and rest the bar on your shoulder blades.
When ready, engage your core and gently lower into a squat position, keeping your back neutral and body fully braced.
Once at the bottom, hold a pause for around 2 seconds. Keeping your core engaged here is imperative as you seek the most out of your balance.
In a controlled movement, drive towards the top to complete the squat.
Repeat for your desired number of reps.
Featured Supplement For Huge Gains
For great exercises like pause squats, having a solid supplement behind you is imperative. Whether that be a pre-workout to boost energy and gains or a fat burner to shed that unwanted stubborn belly fat, you’re body composition and muscle mass will change. Something like a good multivitamin can boost your overall health and wellness by pumping you with the essential vitamins and minerals. But a protein powder is exactly what you need after pause squats to see that desired growth and recovery occur.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, boasting a great formula for a top protein powder. With nothing artificial added, this is a clean protein that is easier on your stomach.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey boasts an impressive array of eco-friendly accomplishments. It’s organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There are no artificial sweeteners — a rarity in a world full of whey protein powder, which are almost always filled with chemical flavorings to disguise the chalkiness of protein. There are also no artificial colorings or preservatives added. If you have a sensitive stomach, allergies, or just care about the environment, this is an excellent choice for you and your body weight goals and is easy to digest compared to a whey concentrate.
Price: $59.00
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate here!
Check out our list of the Best Protein Powders for more great protein supplements!
Wrap Up
Squats are essential to have in your training routine and pause squats are exactly what you need to thrive inside and out of the gym. By focusing on strength and allowing you to become more comfortable with so much weight under you, pause squats will improve your confidence and give you a nice variation to try. You won’t be disappointed by the results when you put your mind and body through pause squats and these will be effective for any sport specific or functional needs.
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
Gullett, Jonathan C.; Tillman, Mark D.; Gutierrez, Gregory M.; Chow, John W. (2009). “A Biomechanical Comparison of Back and Front Squats in Healthy Trained Individuals”. (source)
Comfort, Paul; Kasim, Peter (2007). “Optimizing Squat Technique”. (source)
Chandler, T. J.; Wilson, G. D.; Stone, M. H. (1989). “The effect of the squat exercise on knee stability”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
10 Pec-Popping Push-Up Variations
10 Pec–Popping Push-Up Variations
Push-ups are underrated and underperformed. Although the benefits are clear, they’re often forgotten in the vast selection of programs out there. Walk into the gym any given Monday and you’ll see a lot of benching with little to no push-ups happening. That’s a problem.
Why you should be doing more push-ups:
• Increase Relative Strength. Your relative strength is your ability to move your body through space. Strive for a decent balance of both relative strength and free weight exercises in your program.
• Shoulder Health. Push-ups are a closed-chain exercise, where your hands are fixed in place and don’t move while pushing against an immovable object (in this case, the floor). This allows your scapulae (shoulder blades) to move freely as opposed to benching, where they’re fixed in place against the bench.
• Space/Equipment Efficiency. No gym? No problem. You can pump out push-ups pretty much anywhere you have floor space.
• Core Work. Contrary to popular belief, push-ups are more than just an upper body exercise. They require full body engagement while your core works hard to stabilize your torso throughout your set.
• Variety. Variety is one of the most important factors when building muscle. There are tons of push-up variations you can do.
The last point is the focus of this article. Push-ups can become monotonous if you’re only doing one variation. You need variety in your exercises in order to elicit adaptation and continue to see gains. Plus, it keeps your workouts engaging and motivating.
10 Pec-Popping Push-Up Variations
1. Isometric Push-Up
Your muscles can contract concentrically (when it shortens under load), eccentrically (when it lengthens under load), and isometrically (when there is no change in joint angle under load).
Isometric push-ups are one of the most effective ways to increase total time under tension without any added resistance. What’s more, they’re a great way to practice optimal technique and reduce potential cheating.
Version 1: Perform a single rep for a 30-45 sec hold at the bottom (your chest should be an inch or two off the floor).
Version 2: Perform multiple reps with shorter holds(ex. 6-8 reps with 3-5 sec isometric at the bottom position).
2. Pec-Poppin Push-Up (DeFranco Variation)
This gem is one I borrowed from Joe DeFranco. If you have trouble feeling your pecs during push-ups, look no further. The previous variation showed an isometric contraction in the bottom portion of the push-up. Here, you’ll be adding an isometric contraction at the top.
How to do it:
• Start in a full push-up position and “pull” yourself down to the floor by pressing your hands down and back into the ground.
• Once you reach full depth, press back up until your arms are locked and hold.
• At the top, “drag” your hands together without actually moving them and hold for 2-3 seconds (squeeze your pecs as hard as you can while you hold).
10 reps is all you’ll need if you’re doing them right.
3. Eccentric Push-Up
It’s common to see lifters focus their effort on the concentric phase of exercises and completely neglect the eccentric. While a slow eccentric phase isn’t always warranted (ex. during a max effort deadlift), at times it can be a great way to increase your muscles’ total time under tension. I mean, if Arnold and Yates incorporated it into their training, there’s gotta be some benefit to it.
Since you’re stronger during the eccentric (lowering) phase of the push-up, you can handle more resistance and a slower tempo. And when it comes to building muscle, tempo is one of the most important training variables.
Tempo for exercises is like cooking times for recipes.If you take your chicken out of the oven 10 minutes early, it’s going to be inedible. Similarly, if your muscles aren’t under load for adequate time, adaptation and hypertrophy won’t occur.
Version 1: Perform a single rep for 20-40 sec. Add a weight vest or plate for extra resistance.
Version 2: Perform multiple reps with shorter eccentric phases (ex. 6-8 reps with 3-5 sec eccentric).
4. Full Stop Push-Up
Bring your chest to the floor and come to a full stop for a 1-2 sec. Keeping your body stiff as a board, push yourself back up as one tight unit (i.e. don’t let your chest rise up before your hips and vice versa).
The full stop push-up ensures you’re going to full depth and eliminates any potential cheating or momentum.
5. Decline Push-Ups
Decline push-ups are the bodyweight equivalent of inclined presses, with emphasis on the pec minor (upper portion of the chest). With most push-up and flat bench variations focusing on the pec major, this one is an essential part of your arsenal if you want to build a bigger, fuller chest.
6. Positional Isometric Push-Up
Positional isometrics are when you add segmented pauses throughout the entire range of motion an exercise. While isometrics don’t involve any movement, strength increases occur at roughly 10 degrees of either side of the joint angle. So if you’re feeling weakest at the bottom of the push-up, adding holds there will make you stronger in that position. Conversely, if you feel weakest at the top of your push-up, adding pauses there will make you stronger as you lockout.
How to do it:
• Start in a full push-up position and lower yourself ½ way and hold.
• Lower yourself to full depth with your chest an inch off the floor and hold again.
• Push yourself back up ½ way and hold one more time.
• Push yourself back up fully to your starting position and repeat.
Rep/set ranges are dependant on your goals and training history. In general, a 2-4 sec pause for 4-6 total reps is a good start.
7. Banded Push-Up
Banded push-ups are a great way to add accommodating resistance, whereby you’re increasing the resistance of the load throughout the range of motion. In other words, it gets harder as you reach the top of the push-up.
8. Med Ball Push-Up
The med ball push-up is like the bodyweight equivalent of a squeeze press (where you’re pushing the dumbbells into each other as you do a bench press). If you want to feel your chest light up during push-ups, look no further.
9. Pulsing Push-Up
Pulsing reps are basically 2 reps in 1. Go to the bottom of your push-up, come up ½ way, go back down to full depth, then push yourself up until your arms are locked. Adding the ½ rep places greater emphasis on your pecs as they’re working the hardest at the bottom of the push-up.
10. Kettlebell Push-Ups
Increasing the range of motion of your push-ups whereby you’re elevating your hands slightly is a sure-fire way to increase pec engagement. You can use kettlebells, plates, yoga blocks, or even a couple of thick books.
Summary
Push-ups (along with chin-ups) are the king of upper body relative strength exercises. Try each of these variations for 2-3 weeks at a time to battle the monotony of regular push-ups and continue to elicit adaptation for greater hypertrophy gains.
Flex Lewis Will Not Compete In Mr. Olympia 2021
Lewis, who has dominated for years in the 212 division, will not compete in Mr. Olympia for the second-straight year.
Flex Lewis is one of the all-time greats in the Men’s 212 division. He totaled seven-straight victories at Mr. Olympia in that division, the most all-time. In 2018, Lewis announced that he would retire from the 212 division and make the transition up to Men’s Open. Lewis recently announced that he will not compete at Mr. Olympia 2021. This makes for the second year in a row.
Flex Lewis posted a video on his YouTube channel explaining the decision. This is now the second year in a row that fans will have to wait for Lewis to make his much-anticipated debut at his new division. In 2020, Lewis withdrew from the competition after complications with a shoulder injury.
The video begins with Lewis giving us a look at his new gym, the Dragon’s Lair, that he opened in Las Vegas. He walks viewers through the gift shop and then into the back offices. When he reaches the gym itself, this is where he begins to break down his decision. It is around the four-minute mark of the video.
When discussing the reason for his opt out, Flex Lewis highlights the move to Las Vegas and the process opening up his new gym. Finally, Lewis discusses a deeper reason — he and his wife are trying to have another child.
Lewis also wanted to clarify that he did not withdraw from this year’s competition because of an injury.
“I feel really good. That time off last year from competing, did it mentally f*** me up? Yes, it did, because I knew what I look like, and I know I could be doing damage up on that stage. So now this year has come, and there are a wide variety of things that have happened this year.”
Flex Lewis made a name for himself as one of the best non-heavyweight bodybuilders of all-time. He enjoyed a reign of dominance from 2012-2018 where he was crowned champion in the 212 division at Olympia. As a Men’s 212 champion, Lewis can enter the competition automatically under his own ambition. That is not the case in Men’s Open. Lewis would have to qualify or receive an invitation to compete, which he had not yet this year.
Lewis has not competed since 2018 but he made it clear that he is not retiring.
“I appreciate everybody’s support. I’m not retiring,” Lewis said in the video. “There’s still so much burning desire and ambition for me to fulfill my bodybuilding dreams, and, God willing, injury-free, I will be on that bodybuilding stage next year.”
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 Postponed After Fury Tests Positive For COVID-19
Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 has been postponed.
Well that’s some unfortunate news. Just a few short weeks before they were to settle the score, it appears Tyson Fury versus Deontay Wilder 3 has been postponed. Apparently Fury and members of his camp contracted COVID-19.
This is truly an unfortunate turn of events. Both Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder appeared fired up for this third meeting. Both men have been working hard in their preparation for the bout and to have it get postponed only weeks out from the fight is gut wrenching.
The news was broke by Dan Rafael and The Athletic.
BREAKING: Per source, Tyson Fury was one of the people in his camp who tested positive for Covid-19 and the fight with Wilder is postponed. New date TBA. I’ve been told Fury got one vaccine dose but never got the 2nd. At least 3 others in camp also positive. #boxing #FuryWilder3
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) July 8, 2021
According to Rafael Fury received one dose of the vaccine but not the second. This left him vulnerable to contracting the virus.
Top Rank Issues Statement
Top Rank, the promoter for Tyson Fury, were quick to shed minor details on the situation. They say that Fury is sick but not terribly so. They went on to release a statement about the current situation.
“We continue to monitor the health status of Tyson and his team, and the status of the event has not changed to date,” Fury’s promoter Top Rank said in a statement.
Deontay Wilder on the other hand is none too happy about the turn of events. He was heavily invested in this rematch and has wanted nothing short of revenge against Fury. For Wilder his legacy is on the line and to have to postpone it now appears to have set him off.
After winning arbitration over @Tyson_Fury when the champion sought to fight @anthonyjoshua instead of finishing his trilogy, @BronzeBomber is beside himself after this delay. “Again now, he did wrong and I’m the one being penalized,” Wilder told his manager Shelly Finkel.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) July 9, 2021
Deontay Wilder Is Not Happy
From that statement it doesn’t appear that Deontay Wilder is pleased with how things are unfolding. Nevertheless, he like the rest of the world will have to wait for the third meeting with Fury. Until then Wilder will have to go back to the drawing board and await confirmation on the new date. That means having to taper off his training a bit so he can peak at the proper time.
For Tyson Fury it means having to take rest and recover, hopefully beating out the virus. It’s fair to say this turn events is really a disaster all around. We’ll just have to wait to see how things turn out.
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.
Brian Shaw, Tom Stoltman and Other Strongmen Predict Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor 3
Strongman competitors pick who they believe will win the third bout between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor.
The third bout between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor is upon us. Some UFC were able to catch up with some of the best strongman athletes in the world at the 2021 World’s Strongest Man competition. The competitors gave their predictions on who would win the trilogy at UFC 264.
This weekend will see the conclusion of a trilogy bout for the record books. Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor are set to face off for the third time, both fighters going one and one in this epic series of fights. McGregor took the first bout while Poirier got his revenge in the second. Now the two bitter rivals hope to settle the score once and for all at UFC 264.
Epic Rivalry
The first bout saw Conor McGregor using a fleet footed style, bouncing in and out of range, scoring power shots with pinpoint accuracy. Dustin Poirier had a handful of moments in that first bout, but ultimately it was McGregor who scored a devastating knockout over the future interim lightweight champion.
The rematch would come several years after their first meeting. Conor McGregor had since become a two division champion and one of the most recognized figures on the planet. Dustin Poirier would go on to become the interim lightweight champion after besting Max Holloway.
The second bout between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor was far different than the first. The first round saw McGregor landing some solid punches, likely winning him the round on all score cards. Despite that however, McGregor sustained significant damage to his legs from the powerful low kicks of Poirier. The second frame would see Poirier continue the assault to the legs that would cripple McGregor and lead to his rival landing solid boxing combinations. Poirier finished the fight, forcing a third meeting between himself and McGregor.
Now the time has arrived and everyone is weighing in on who will win the trilogy. That includes some of the strongest men on the planet. The UFC caught up with the competitors at the 2021 World’s Strongest Man and asked for some predictions. Below is a list of the competitors who gave their predictions.
The Predictions Are In
Terry Hollands – Conor McGregor
Travis Ortmayer – Dustin Poirier
Gavin Bilton – Conor McGregor
Tom Stoltman – Dustin Poirier
Oleksii Novikov – Dustin Poirier
Eddie Hall – Conor McGregor
Evan Singleton – Dustin Poirier
Maxime Boudreault – Conor McGregor
Luke Richardson – Dustin Poirier
JF Caron – Dustin Poirier
Brian Shaw – Dustin Poirier
Mikhail Shivlyakov – Conor McGregor
Zydrunas “Big Z” Zavickas – Conor McGregor
Brian Shaw himself has trained with Dustin Poirier in the past, so no surprise on who he was picking. It will certainly be interesting to see the outcome of the bout. With the strongman competitors favoring Poirier over Conor McGregor 7-6 it’ll be interesting to see who got it right.
Who do you think wins at UFC 264, Dustin Poirier or Conor McGregor?
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.