Muscle Chemistry Archive
Akim Williams Reveals Incredible Back Gains, Reaches a New Level
Akim Williams is reaching a new level as he showcases some insane gains.
There’s no doubt about it, Akim Williams has become someone to keep a close eye on in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division. His recent gains are proving to be incredible. Akim Williams could prove to be a threat to the top of the division.
The 2020 Olympia featured the the best bodybuilders on the planet. With the battle between Brandon Curry and Phil Heath a hot topic of conversation, it Big Ramy’s victory all the more shocking and exciting. But just as many overlooked Big Ramy, many overlooked Akim Williams as well.
The physique that Akim brought to the Olympia stage was truly impressive. His physique was so impressive in fact that he was close to cracking the top 5 in the division.
There’s no doubt about it, Akim Williams acquitted himself well and put the division on notice. While he placed 9th at the 2019 Olympia, at the 2020 show he jumped to 6th. When you consider the fact that this was the show that saw the return of both Brandon Curry and eventual winner Big Ramy, and that he beat out Iain Valliere and Dexter Jackson, Akim placing 6th is a significant feat.
Insane Back Gains
With the 2021 Olympia in October, Akim Williams is looking to get into top form to qualify for the show. He obviously has the motivation and the drive to prove that he can crack the top 5. But a recent post on his Instagram story shows that not only is a top 5 placing could be a possibility, but a top 3 placing isn’t out of the question. The Instagram story features a back progress pic, a truly impressive one at that.
This progress pic shows just how insane Akim’s proportions are. This rear lat spread is truly insane. Akim Williams has the kind of insane genetics that could potentially set him apart from the rest of the division.
If Big Ramy was able to shock the world with his 2020 Olympia showing, this progress pic shows that Akim Williams has the potential to shake things up in the division. When Akim qualifies for the Olympia (since it’s definitely a foregone conclusion), there’s no doubt that he’ll be putting a ton of pressure on the top of the division.
What do you think of the current physqiue of Akim Williams?
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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.
Essential Leg Exercises for Home Workouts
24 Exercises That Develop Leg Strength And Size
As a result of quarantine, many gyms have had to close their doors for the time being. Although this makes building strength and size more challenging, it can still be done.
Although you may not have an extensive home gym, you do not need a large range of equipment to make substantial progress with your training.
Benefits of leg exercises
Leg exercises are great to achieve multi-range of fitness goals, from building muscles to burning more calories, boosting metabolism, building balance and improving your lifts.
Strengthening your lower body not only builds muscle but it also helps to improve performance when you do jumping, running and moreover fewer injuries.
Leg exercise routine, such as Squats, deadlifts also increases testosterone and production of growth hormone as these promote building muscle mass.
Mostly importantly strengthening your hip flexors, glutes and abdominal muscles can also help to prevent lower back pain.
This article will highlight twenty-four home-based exercises that use little or no
equipment to bring about improvements in strength and size.
Home Exercises for Men’s Workouts
1) Squat Jump
Level: Beginner
Technique:
Start with the feet slightly wider than hip-width with toes pointed out
Keeping the chest up and core tight, squat until the thighs are parallel to the floor
From the bottom position of the squat, powerful drive up and into a jump
When landing, ensure that you bend the knees to cushion the impact
2) Side Lunge
Level: Beginner
Technique:
Start by standing tall with the feet place directly under the hips
Take a large sideways step with the right leg and plant the foot on the floor
Keeping the left leg straight, bend the right knee and push the hips backward
Lower the body before pushing hard through the right foot to bring the body back up
Take a moment and then repeat on the left side
3) Single-Leg Hip Raise
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Lie flat on the back with the hands placed on the floor by the hips
Extend the right leg out and keep the left foot in contact with the floor
Keeping the core tight, push hard through the heel of the left foot to lift the hips up
At the top of the movement, squeeze the glute muscles tightly
Drop the hips back to the floor
After completing reps on one side, swap sides and repeat
4) Quick Feet
Level: Beginner
Technique:
Start in a quarter-squat stance with knees slightly bent and chest lifted
While maintaining this position, run on the spot using fast steps
Ensure that the weight stays to the front of the foot for each step
Home Exercises for Women’s Workouts
5) Bodyweight Squats
Level: Beginner
Technique:
Begin with the feet wider than hip-width with toes pointed out slightly
Lift the chest and engage the core muscles
Drop the hips back and down towards the floor by hinging the knees and hips
Continue to drop until the thighs are parallel to the floor
Push hard through the heels to stand up
6) Plié Squat Calf Raises
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Assume a squat stance
Push the chest up, activate the core and place hands on the hips
Squat down and hold the bottom position
From here, roll forward onto the toes, lifting the heels and hold for 1-2 seconds
Return the heels to the floor and repeat
7) High Knee Toe Taps
Level: Advanced
Technique:
Place a chair or box directly in front of you
Start with the right foot on the object
From here, jump and quickly swap the legs so that the left foot is on the object
Rapidly switch back and forth
8) Side Leg Raises
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Start by lying on your side
Extend both of the legs straight out and lift the torso up slightly using your arm
From this position, lift the top leg up as far as possible
Control it back down to the start position and repeat
Once completing reps on one side, alternate sides
Home Exercises for Mass-Building Workouts
9) Walking Lunges
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Start by standing tall, chest up and core tight
Step forward with the right leg
Bend both knees until the rear knee touches the floor
Drive through the heel of the right leg to return to standing
Alternate the stepping leg
10) Split Squat
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Begin with the right foot out in front of the body with the left extended behind
Drop down until the rear knee touches the ground
Push through the heel of the right foot to drive the body back up
Once reps have been completed, switch legs and repeat
11) Step Ups
Level: Beginner
Technique:
Place a bench, box or chair in front of you
As rapidly as possible step up onto the object with both feet
Step back down quickly but under control
12) Squat Pulses
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Begin with the feet slightly wider than the hips
Bend the knees and hinge the hips to squat down towards the floor
While in the bottom position, let the hips drop and rise a number of times
Drive through the heels to rise back up to standing
Home Exercises for Dumbbell Workouts
13) Goblet Squat
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Start by holding a dumbbell tight to the chest with both hands
Assume a squat stance, drive the chest up and engage the core
Lower into a squat by bending the knees and hips
Drive through the heels to bring the body back up to standing
14) Reverse Lunge
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Hold two dumbbells in the hands and place them by the hips
Keeping the chest up, take a step back with the right foot
Bend the knees so that the rear knee drops to the floor
From here, drive hard through the right foot to return to standing
Switch legs and repeat the exercise
15) One Legged Calf Raise
Level: Beginner
Technique:
Using a stepper, place one of the feet on the edge of the stepper
Hold a dumbbell to the side of the body
Raise your body up by flexing the ankle and coming up onto the toes
Control the descent, switch sides and repeat
16) Dumbbell Swing
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Begin a stance wider than hip-width
Hold one dumbbell in both hands place the hands between the legs
Focus on pushing hip hips back and bring the weight back between the legs
Drive the hips forward and squeeze the glutes to propel the weight over the head
Maintain core tightness and return the weight to the starting position
Home Exercises for Workouts With Weights
17) Suitcase Squat
Level: Advanced
Technique:
Start in a squat stance
Hold a dumbbell in both hands and keep the weights by the hips
Squat down by bending the knees and hinging the hips
Push through the heels to rise back up to standing
18) Deadlift
Level: Beginner
Technique:
Begin by standing tall with the feet directly under the hips
Hold a dumbbell in each hand and place the weights by the hips
Drive the chest high, pull the shoulders back and brace the core
Focus on pushing the hips back initially before bending the knees slightly
Keep hinging until the dumbbells align with the mid-shin
Drive the hips through and squeeze the glutes to return to the starting position
19) Curtsy Lunge with Side Kick
Level: Advanced
Technique:
Begin with the feet slightly wider than hip-width and with dumbbells in each hand
Take a diagonal step backward with the right foot
Bend both knees so that the right knee makes contact with the ground
Drive hard through the left heel to return to standing
As you stand, immediately kick your right leg out to the right side
Alternate sides and repeat the exercise
20) Sumo Squat
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Assume a stance that is much slightly wider than hip-width and turn the toes out
Hold dumbbells in each hand, drive the chest up and engage the core
Bend the knees to drop into a squat
Push hard through the heels to stand
Home Exercises for Workouts Without Weights
21) Bulgarian Split Squat
Level: Advanced
Technique:
Using a bench or a chair, stand with your back facing the object
Extend one leg behind the body and place the foot on the object
Lift the chest before bending the front knee to drop down towards the floor
Drop down as far as possible while keeping the front foot flat on the floor
Drive upward by pushing through the heel of the front foot
Complete reps before swapping sides and repeating
22) Single Leg Squat
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Start by stand on one foot ensuring that the foot is directly under the hip
Keeping the other leg bent, drop down into a squat and descend as far as possible
Keep the core tight and use the arms for balance
Once completed on one side, switch sides and repeat
23) Curtsy Lunge
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Begin with the feet slightly wider than hip-width
Take a diagonal step backward with the right foot
Bend both knees so that the right knee makes contact with the ground
Drive hard through the left heel to return to standing
Alternate sides and repeat the exercise
Coaching Point:
14) Reverse Lunge
Level: Intermediate
Technique:
Hold two dumbbells in the hands and place them by the hips
Keeping the chest up, take a step back with the right foot
Bend the knees so that the rear knee drops to the floor
From here, drive hard through the right foot to return to standing
Switch legs and repeat the exercise
Final Word
While not being able to attend the gym can be frustrating, by performing a selection of these home-based leg exercises regularly, you will effectively be able to improve leg strength and muscle size.
Jacob Ladon is a staff writer and former amateur bodybuilder. He has been passionate about bodybuilding since he was 15 years old and discovered the joys of training in the gym. He reports and comments on all bodybuilding related matters.
MTS Nutrition Machine Multi Review
This multi is packed with important vitamins and minerals to boost training, performance, health, and wellness.
Table of Contents
Product Overview
It’s no secret that a good quality multivitamin can seriously enhance all areas of your health and wellness. Able to pack you with all the essentials you need to thrive, a multivitamin should be included in your daily supplementation routine. With so many on the market, it can be challenging to decide which ones are best for you as many contain ingredients that you just don’t want or need. MTS Nutrition Machine Multi is definitely packed with essential nutrients, but the question remains as to if it can hold up next to some of the heavy hitters in the supplement world.
The benefits of a multivitamin are fairly straightforward. For many of us, our diets often neglect the fact that we need certain vitamins and minerals to thrive day in and day out. Especially for those of us always on the go, the meals we grab as a grab-and-go option are often times missing some of those vital nutrients. Filling in the gaps for those potentially missing vitamins and minerals are important to help with our bodily functions so we continue to thrive day in and day out.
Shop at MTS Nutrition
MTS Nutrition is a company seeking to make good quality supplements for their consumers to promote better health and fitness, as well as great gains. With a focus on quality control and transparency, they aim to stand out in the sports supplement industry as an honest company. With products ranging from all kinds of supplements, this super greens was created to promote better health and wellness. With advanced formulas and ingredients, they hope this comes through with their products.
MTS Nutrition Machine Multi Highlights
MTS Nutrition Machine Multi is an okay multivitamin to ensure you get those essential vitamins and minerals into your body. Built by athletes, in theory this multi should be the best for athletes and it is specially engineered to provide all the essentials to support health, wellness, and function.
Since hard training tends to deplete your body of these nutrients, Machine Multi works to improve things like recovery and energy production so you’re more durable and resilient. Packed with 20+ vitamins and minerals, this multi works to give you your daily dose while aiding in all areas of training, health, and performance.
Ingredients
Vitamin C: Influences growth and repair, acts as an antioxidant, and boosts immune response for optimal health (1).
Thiamin: Maintain healthy nervous system and improve cardiovascular functioning, while also boosting some cognitive functions (2).
Niacin: Works to balance cholesterol levels and can lower triglycerides.
Biotin: Supports your digestive and nervous system, metabolic functions, and skin and cell health.
Pantothenic Acid: Also known as vitamin B5, it can stimulate hormones, relieve stress, and work on performance like increased stamina.
Calcium: Works to build strong bones and maintain a healthy nervous and cardiovascular system. Also helps with the movement of muscles (3).
Zinc: Helps build immunity, works with hormone production, and promotes good digestion (4).
Manganese: Helps reduce inflammation and has strong antioxidant properties.
Other Ingredients
Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, iodine, magnesium, selenium, copper, chromium, molybdenum, stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, food glaze, microfine wax
Price & Effectiveness
MTS Nutrition Machine Multi is an okay multivitamin to boost your overall health by packing you with 20+ vitamins and minerals. Able to offer support with energy production and bone health, as well as being a great antioxidant, this multi can offer other benefits to your body. With 30 servings per container and three tablets as a serving size, Machine Multi may be for you.
Pros: Low price and packed with 20+ vitamins and minerals to help with health and training.
Cons: Three tablets is a lot for a serving size. Could have more of some ingredients and less of others, while also including certain ingredients other multivitamins on the market do.
Price: $12.99
Check out our list of the Best Multivitamin Supplements for great products to boost your overall health and wellness.
Overall Value
MTS Nutrition Machine Multi is a one of those multivitamins that may improve training and your overall health, but it may take some comparing to other multis to get there. With 20+ vitamins and minerals, and 90 tablets at a low price, it is a decent option, but some of those slightly more expensive multis can offer much more. MTS Nutrition tries to bring good supplements to the table and since they are a company of athletes, we would think this to be true. What you are really getting is an okay multivitamin at a low price from a company trying to bring good supplements to the game. Check out MTS Nutrition Machine Multi to try or compare as you look for the best multi for you.
Try MTS Nutrition Machine Multi Today
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*Images courtesy of MTS Nutrition and Envato
References
Carr, Anitra C.; Maggini, Silvia (2017). “Vitamin C and Immune Function”. (source)
Koh, Freda; Charlton, Karen; Walton, Karen; McMahon, Anne-Therese (2015). “Role of Dietary Protein and Thiamine Intakes on Cognitive Function in Healthy Older People: A Systematic Review”. (source)
Tai, Vicky; Leung, William; Grey, Andrew; Reid, Ian R.; Bolland, Mark J. (2015). “Calcium intake and bone mineral density: systematic review and meta-analysis”. (source)
Shankar, A. H.; Prasad, A. S. (1998). “Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection”. (source)
Most Beta Ecdysterone Supps Fail Tests
I found a study published early last year that tested beta-ecdysterone supplements for quality. Most failed. Surprise, surprise. So I published a podcast discussing the study. Because there are bigger problems than a few lousy supplement companies who buy their products from China! Here is the study. Now of course I sell Vemo Herb’s Beta…
Best Body Weight Leg Exercises
Best body weight leg exercises.
So you enter the gym, and it is looking a bit more crowded than usual, and to compound the misery there is a line for the squat rack and it’s leg day.
So rather than switch to a different body that day, what if I told you that you could get in a solid leg workout only using your body weight?
Well that is exactly what I am saying, I have compiled a list of the best bodyweight leg exercises you can use at home or the gym.
So let’s begin with the biceps of the legs, the hamstrings.
Hamstrings:
Glute Ham Raise
If you are in the gym then you may have a glute ham raise machine available, if not then use the knee pads on the lat pull down machine and help yourself on the concentric part of the movement (the coming up element), with the lat pull down bar.
If you are at home then get someone to hold you ankles in place.
So place your feet under pads, then slowly come down while extending the hamstring muscles, and if you are using the lat pull down machine use the bar to stabilize yourself on the eccentric element of the movement.
Once your hamstring is fully extended, slowly come back up, while really utilizing that mind to muscle connection.
Single leg Romanian Deadlift
Start with your feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent.
Then as you slowly move forward, ensure one leg stays off the floor and extends and kicks back behind you.
While simultaneously you come down and lower your torso until you are almost parallel to the floor.
Pause at the bottom of the movement and push back up using your glutes and the heel which is planted to the floor to generate force.
Come back up and once one leg is done, move onto the other one.
Tip: This version can also be done with dumbbells.
Quadriceps
Kneeling Sissy Squats
So this would be a great alternative to leg extensions. And we will begin by looking at the kneeling version for this movement. Start by kneeling down, with your feet behind your glutes, with your torso upright. Then slowly bring your body backwards, with the back of your head coming towards your hamstrings.
While you are doing so you should feel an extension in your quadriceps.
Once you reach the bottom and you feel the extension, bring yourself back up to the starting position while squeezing the quads to do so and using the hips to come back up.
Variation: Standing Sissy Squat
Instead of kneeling down, stand upright and hold onto something, and lower the body into a squat position by bending your knees and leaning your body backwards.
Once you get to the bottom and feel the stretch in the quads come back up to the starting position and go again.
Tip: To make things harder the standing version can be down with a weighted vest or by holding a plate against your chest with your free hand.
Plyo Lunges
Begin by standing shoulder width apart, with the feet staggered, (one in front and one behind).
Then lower the body down until your forward thigh is parallel to the ground and back knee is close to touching the floor.
Once you are at this point, explode upwards, and return back to the bent knee position which you had at the start.
Continue exploding up to complete your set then switch legs.
Adductors:
Cossack Squat
Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width, similar to that of a sumo deadlift, with your toes pointed outwards.
While staying upright, shift your weight onto your right leg by squatting into a lateral lunge, while simultaneously extending the left leg, and allowing the left toe to point upwards.
Once you have extended the left leg fully, slowly come up and shift your weight and squat laterally into the left leg while extending the right leg. While doing this movement ensure the bent foot is completely planted.
Tip: This version can also be done with dumbbells which would be held similar to that of a goblet squat.
Hamstrings and Quads:
Bulgarian Split Squats
For this you will need a bench, box or even a chair, something to place your back leg onto, once you have something, stand hip distance apart approximately two feet ahead of the object behind you.
Then place one foot behind you onto the bench/ box/ chair behind you, and ensure you are comfortable when doing this.
And the other foot should be in front of you, they are essentially in a staggered position.
Ensure your chest is high, then begin the movement by bending your front knee into a squat position, while you are doing this the back leg will naturally also come down. (The knee of the back leg will be close to touching the floor).
As you lower downwards, lean slightly forwards, and come down until the front quad is parallel to the ground. Then press back up by pushing through the front foot.
Complete one foot when switch to the other foot and repeat accordingly.
Tip: Again to make things tougher this can be done with dumbbells also, this can be done with a dumbbell in each hand or with one dumbbell in the same hand as the leg which is on the bench/box/ chair.
So there it is, a leg-endary day with no machines in sight.
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Jamie LeRoyce McTizic: I Was To Change Humanity As An All Natural IFBB Pro Champion
Jamie LeRoyce McTizic wants to inspire future generations of humanity by being an all natural IFBB Pro champion bodybuilder.
While not condoned by the pro league, it is widely assumed and understood that steroids are used in professional bodybuilding. This is not a requirement nor endorsed by any pro leagues but it is not tested. This allows athletes to compete using PEDs unregulated. It’s what leads to the mass monster inhuman physiques we see today on stage. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Jamie LeRoyce McTizic aims to be the first openly all natural bodybuilder to become a champion in the pro leagues.
We discussed with Jamie LeRoyce McTizic previously about his past history as a competitive bodybuilder. He earned his pro card as an all natural athlete. He then turned to steroids in an attempt to improve and stay in step with what is necessary to succeed in the pro league. This didn’t end well for him on an emotional and psychological level. He took a break and has now returned to competing in the IFBB Pro league. This time as an all natural athlete.
While there is no guarantee that all or most bodybuilders use steroids in the pro leagues. It’s widely understood and assumed that this is the case. Many have gone on record to say it’s impossible to win the Mr. Olympia without using PEDs of some sort. Jamie LeRoyce McTizic aims to change that outlook.
During the conversation, our interviewer, Craig Barton, initially assumed that Jamie LeRoyce McTizic was planning to return to the natural bodybuilding leagues. This isn’t the case. He’s sticking with the IFBB Pro. But he’s staying all natural.
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Watch our latest GI Exclusive segment with Jamie LeRoyce McTizic above!
He knows this will be an uphill battle against the many athletes who presumably use steroids. But he believes he has the genetics and the work ethic to rise above and become a truly dangerous competitor in the league. He claims his life experiences all point to the fact that this is what he was born to do.
Jamie LeRoyce McTizic believes that we have underestimated what mother nature and our bodies are capable of. He thinks that many bodybuilders turn towards steroids before they even push their bodies as far as they can go. Jamie hopes to inspire an entire generation about what is possible. He wants to change the entire outlook of what pro bodybuilding demands.
“Things may be a little bit harder for me but that just means I’ll have to work a little bit harder,” Jamie LeRoyce McTizic states in our interview. He continues:
“And if I can do it the future of humanity, bro, they’re going to be like freakin’ terminators walking around. Because all they need is an example, the younger generation. If they see me do it then we’re going to have incredible athletes coming into the future of bodybuilding. All we need is that one person to show that we can do it. And I know I was born to do this.”
You can watch Jamie LeRoyce McTizic speak in further detail about his plans to become an all natural bodybuilding champion in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Ryan Crowley Unfortunately Suffers Another Pec Tear
Ryan Crowley has suffered another pec injury.
Ryan Crowley can’t seem to catch a break. The young bodybuilder has once again suffered a pec tear. For those who don’t recall, Ryan Crowley suffered a horrific pec tear just last month. Now it appears that the very same pec that he injured has torn once again.
There is nothing worse than suffering an injury. Some injuries can have you sitting on the sidelines for quite some time. But then there are injuries that can be life changing. Injuries that can become career defining. Ryan Crowley could be in the latter camp as far as injuries goes.
Injured Once Again
It appears that the bodybuilder wasn’t even training at the time of this second pec tear. According to Crowley he was doing something mundane.
In a recent Instagram post, Ryan Crowley spoke about injuring his pec once again as well as how it happened, how he dealt with it, and what comes next.
Hi guys I just wanted to update you and tell you the truth and not hide anything from you, today as I was getting dressed I felt the same ripping sensation in my pec as I did before.
It INSTANTLY started going black, I went to hospital and had a few scans to find out that I’ve partially torn my pec… again!
I’m absolutely devastated, I was so proud of how I was doing and how fast we were moving forward.
I’m so shocked that something so small could cause this!
It doesn’t need surgery but it’s extremely painful and doesn’t feel far off as it did before.
It’s another setback in this road to recovery but I will still keep pushing forward and doing everything I can to get back to 100% , Like I said before I’m DOWN BUT NOT OUT.
This is certainly an unfortunate turn of events for the young bodybuilder. To have to suffer not one, but two pec tears in a short period of time is just devastating to have to deal with. You have to feel gutted Ryan Crowley, truly.
This kind of injury can change the trajectory of his entire career. It’s the difference between attaining greatness or siting on the sidelines because of this unfortunate turn of events. For now, Crowley must simply rest and allow himself time to heal from the injury before engaging in any rigorous training. Even if he isn’t training, he’ll still need to be sure to be very careful while handling this unfortunate injury.
The Generation Iron team wishes Ryan Crowley a fast and safe recovery.
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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.
Larry Wheels Opens Up About Life, Training, & Strength Wars On Podcast
Larry Wheels stopped by the Strength Wars podcast to talk life, training, his experience on Strength Wars, and what’s next for the big man.
It seems like Larry Wheels can do it all. World class powerlifter, rising Strongman, potential bodybuilder, and passionate arm wrestler, all competitors in these respective sports should be aware that Larry Wheels is coming. At just 25-years old, he’s already put up some insane PRs and has done things most of us still dream about. But it wasn’t always easy for a younger Wheels and getting to this point in his career has taken a mental and physical toll that he still wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.
Wheels stopped by the Strength Wars podcast to chat about his experience with it, as well as life moving forward. He’s currently living in Dubai where an opportunity brought him there to train. As fate would have it, he met the love of his life and his process of just going with the wind seemed to have paid off. As of this podcast, he loved Dubai, saying he felt safe and that it was very clean. A wonderland and the reputation he had heard so much about was certainly true.
Why He First Began To Train & How That Has Evolved
Wheels opened up that the reason he started to train was out of a dark place. As a result of bullying, his self esteem and confidence took a major hit and he felt that if he trained and worked on getting bigger, then the bullying would stop. So that’s what he did. He worked on his physique, increased his strength, and saw a real boost in his confidence. But what his training has evolved to now involves two things. The first is he wants to stay relevant. Making his career on social media began with collaborations and joint workouts with other influencers, but Wheels has now grown to be one of the top himself. The second reason is that he is fascinated by testing the limits of the human body. Seeing just how strong someone can get is something he loves to explore and has done well doing so.
Social Media Presence
As just mentioned, Wheels makes a living off of social media, posting workout videos and lifestyle content for all to enjoy. This first started in around 2016 to 2017 when he began to hit a lot of PRs, gaining attention for his massive size. After moving to Los Angeles, he began collaborations with other big influencers and his following nearly tripled. As he rode that wave, he continued to get bigger and more popular, now earning him the opportunity to make a living off social media.
Strength Wars Experience
When it came to Strength Wars and Wheels’ involvement, it was one for the history books to have this legendary powerlifter involved. Wheels said he was always interested in Strength Wars but never knew how to get into it. While it wasn’t on his radar, he was always interested and just really loved the concept. When he looked at each individual exercise, he didn’t think they’d be a problem. But what would come to be a problem was his conditioning. As a powerlifter with no cardio, as he was used to lifting heavy, his conditioning for shorter rest periods just wasn’t there. His training for bodybuilding and Strongman wasn’t enough to get him properly conditioned for Strength Wars and now, after 11 years of training, cardio is something new to him. What used to be his weakness is now his motivating factor in helping him get to where he wants to be.
Wheels has said if there is a round two, he would love to see how he would do after more cardio. He felt they had a great mashup of athletes from all disciplines of strength sports and that it was a fun group to battle it out with. He feels anyone can jump into the competition and that it would be fair, making a number of athletes from all sorts of sports great contenders for the top spot. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see if Wheels makes a legendary return.
Powerlifting, Strongman, Bodybuilding, Arm Wrestling… Which One?
Wheels has always had a passion for strength and when it came to the bodybuilding training, he loved seeing what he could do with his body. But he didn’t like the posing portion of the competition and felt it didn’t give him that competitive drive he always felt with powerlifting. On top of that, he feels he isn’t at the national level of many of these guys and could work on things like his upper chest, more rounded biceps and triceps, and that he calves needed to pop more if he wants to compete with the best. For now, bodybuilding isn’t at the top of his to-do list.
When it comes to powerlifting, Wheels is content on what he’s done for the sport and that he’s hit all his goals. If someone comes along and breaks a record of his, he may step up to defend or reclaim the title but for now, he is satisfied with his career and wants to move onto other things.
Wheels has shifted his focus now to Strongman and arm wrestling as his main two sports of choice. He loves the competitiveness and of course the strength aspect of both and thinks this will be a fun journey to go on. Training with top coaches and experts has allowed him to gain valuable knowledge as he seeks to now be the best in these respective sports. To do this, he has made a pledge to get absolutely shredded, lowering his calorie count to around 4 to 4.5 thousand a day, a big drop down from his former 10 thousand a day when he was trying to seriously bulk.
Wrap Up
Larry Wheels is an absolute monster in all sports he performs. From powerlifting, to bodybuilding, Strongman, and arm wrestling, opponents should fear what this guy can bring to the table. Check out the Strength Wars podcast to listen to the full episode with Larry Wheels and see what advice you can pull from this legend. When asked if he had a message for those interested in all these sports, he said if the passion is strong enough, invest in a professional in all areas, including diet, workouts, supplementation, and rehabbing because we may not know everything, so why not seek help from those who do.
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 Larry Wheels Instagram
CBD Fat Burners – Can CBD Help With Weight Loss?
Losing weight is hard. It is also a personal journey. For some, it may involve limiting alcohol intake. For others, it’s about resisting strong sugar cravings.
Many of us have increasingly busy lives, and it’s often easier to reach for unhealthy foods. Food can provide comfort, and after a long day of work or caring for children, finding a way to unwind can be important. For some, that involves smoking a joint, which inevitably leads to the munchies!
Recently, a new fat-burning ingredient has been causing a stir in the world of health supplements – CBD. Can CBD help you to lose weight?
The research is incredibly promising, although studies are still in their infancy.
If you are looking for a CBD supplement to help you lose weight, check out ShredCBD.
Let’s explore the relationship between CBD and weight loss.
The Endocannabinoid System and Metabolism
The reason why CBD can have such far-reaching health impacts is because of the endocannabinoid system. Named after the plant that led to its discovery, the ECS is a natural part of our physiologies, and it is what helps cannabinoids such as CBD or THC interact with our bodies.
We now know that the ECS is directly connected to energy storage and the transportation of nutrients. As a result, it helps to regulate everything from temperature and inflammation to mood and sleep. The endocannabinoid system has even been shown to stimulate parts of the body involved with our metabolisms, such as the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. (1)
The endocannabinoid system comprises metabolic enzymes that stimulate different parts of the body, including the brain and nervous system, and major organs such as the skin and lungs. It does this primarily via two compounds—anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol), which interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. (2) Cannabinoids like CBD and THC, which are found in the cannabis plant, also interact with these receptors, enabling them to boost metabolism and help weight loss.
CBD For Weight Loss: What’s the Connection?
Despite the fact that marijuana causes people to snack, no connection has been found between marijuana use and obesity. In fact, studies have shown the opposite; it appears that regular cannabis users are less likely to experience weight gain or be obese.
The terms cannabis and marijuana are used interchangeably; however, they are not the same thing. Cannabis is the name of the plant, and marijuana is the name for the psychoactive buds it produces. The cannabis plant is made up of hundreds of cannabinoid compounds, but the key psychoactive compound in marijuana is THC. THC is generally what drug tests look for and is associated with the munchies and feeling ‘high.’
But when it comes to weight loss, the important player is CBD.
Effects of CBD on Metabolism
So how exactly does CBD aid weight loss?
Here are the four key ways CBD can affect our metabolisms:
Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria is the source of energy within a cell, its powerhouse.
Mitochondria convert fats, sugars, and proteins into the energy that sustains our bodies. Imbalances can negatively affect how we burn energy and make it harder to reduce our body weight. Fixing those imbalances can dramatically improve metabolic health and kick things back into action.
CBD has the incredible ability to regulate the mitochondrial activity, helping us to secure metabolic balance or homeostasis. (3) When our cells are functioning optimally, losing fat becomes easier.
Fat Browning
Some of us automatically think of fat as a bad thing, but that isn’t the case. There are two forms of fat cells in the body, white fat cells, which are often referred to as ‘bad fat,’ and brown fat cells, or ‘good fat.’
White fat is predominant. We developed it to keep us from starving when we had to hunt for food. White fat supplies our body with backup energy when food supply is low and cushions our organs for extreme scenarios that we are unlikely to face in our modern lives. Having evolved from a different time, too much can mess with our metabolism and can cause a wide range of health ailments. On the other hand, brown fat actually generates heat and is, therefore, more efficient at burning calories.
A study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that CBD can convert white fat into brown fat. (4) Brown fat cells have high levels of mitochondria and are easier to burn away.
Insulin Regulation
The liver helps to keep your body safe by removing toxins and converting excess sugars into insulin. These sugars come from what we put into our bodies, which are then sent to the pancreas, which passes it to the cells.
When your insulin levels are irregular, which can happen when you eat sugary food such as chocolate or even fruit, it can overload the liver and pancreas. This throws the body out of whack, and when there is too much insulin in the bloodstream, our bodies are then unable to burn fat, which makes it much harder to drop the pounds.
CBD may help to stabilize insulin levels, helping to kickstart the body into burning fat.
Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers incorporated data from 4,657 patients. They found that regular marijuana users had 16% lower fasting insulin levels, 17% lower levels of insulin resistance, and a smaller waist circumference. (5)
Appetite Suppression
Marijuana is actually an appetite stimulant, which is why stoners experience munchies. Doctors even prescribe marijuana to chemotherapy patients whose appetites have been affected. However, the chemical responsible for this is THC.
THC makes you hungry, but what about CBD?
CBD is actually an appetite suppressant, and when it is isolated, you will not experience increased hunger and may be able to reduce food intake with ease. Studies have shown that CBD reduces food intake and works by regulating and blocking CB1 receptors. (6)
Sleep and Mood
CBD may indirectly aid weight loss by reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and inflammation and improving sleep and daytime energy levels. (7) (8)
When you sleep better and experience less stress, you are more likely to maintain good habits.
Does CBD Help You Lose Weight?
There is no one sizer-fits-all approach to fat loss, and research into CBD is still relatively new. The best way to find out if CBD can help you to lose fat is to find a high-quality and potent supplement, such as ShredCBD, and pay attention to changes in your energy levels, sleep, appetite, and any fat loss.
Neither is CBD a stand-alone solution. In order to see the weight loss, you must eat fewer calories than you burn, and there is no magic pill to negate that fact. But when paired with a good diet, CBD could help you shift that stubborn fat.
Does Smoking Weed Promote Weight Loss?
It is rare that the simple act of smoking weed will help you lose weight. However, it can help with some underlying factors related to obesity, such as improving sleep and lowering stress. CBD products can also bring these benefits without the increased appetite.
Why Does Cannabis Make You Hungry?
The feeling of craving bad food when your high is because of THC. Research is still in its infancy. However, it may be because THC increases the pleasure we get from certain things. If there is chocolate in the cupboard, it will taste even better if you’re high than it will normally. One way to resolve this is to keep healthier snacks to hand for when the munchies hit.
The Controversy Behind CBD and Weight Loss
While there are many potential advantages to using CBD for weight loss, there is also some controversy.
The most prevalent issue is that research is still in its infancy and most studies around CBD and weight loss are animal studies. We need more clinical trials in humans before we can be 100% confident about the effects of CBD products such as CBD oils and pills.
Cannabis and Weight Loss: The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there is little evidence that smoking weed can help weight loss. Moreover, taking a CBD supplement without any additional weight loss plan such as a healthy diet and exercise won’t do much good either.
However, adding a high-quality CBD supplement to a healthy eating plan and regular exercise could be very effective, thanks to its support of the ECS. At the very least, there is no reason that CBD will make you gain weight. As it’s natural and very safe to use, there is no reason not to incorporate it, especially considering its numerous other benefits.
Check out ShredCBD for a high-dose CBD isolate supplement.
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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 ShredCBD
References
González-Mariscal I, Egan JM. Endocannabinoids in the Islets of Langerhans: the ugly, the bad, and the good facts. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2018;315(2):E174-E179. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00338.2017
Lu HC, Mackie K. An Introduction to the Endogenous Cannabinoid System. Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-525. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028
Ryan D, Drysdale AJ, Lafourcade C, Pertwee RG, Platt B. Cannabidiol targets mitochondria to regulate intracellular Ca2+ levels. J Neurosci. 2009;29(7):2053-2063. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4212-08.2009
Parray HA, Yun JW. Cannabidiol promotes browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mol Cell Biochem. 2016;416(1-2):131-139. doi:10.1007/s11010-016-2702-5
Penner EA, Buettner H, Mittleman MA. The impact of marijuana use on glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance among US adults. Am J Med. 2013;126(7):583-589. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2013.03.002
Rossi F, Punzo F, Umano GR, Argenziano M, Miraglia Del Giudice E. Role of Cannabinoids in Obesity. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(9):2690. Published 2018 Sep 10. doi:10.3390/ijms19092690
Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. doi:10.7812/TPP/18-041
Murillo-Rodríguez E, Millán-Aldaco D, Palomero-Rivero M, Mechoulam R, Drucker-Colín R. Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats. FEBS Lett. 2006;580(18):4337-4345. doi:10.1016/j.febslet.2006.04.102
Dana Linn Bailey Trains With Kai Greene, Hints at a Comeback
Could Dana Linn Bailey be making a return to competition?
Dana Linn Bailey is hinting at a comeback. Collaborating with Kai Greene in some recent training sessions, Dana is looking better than ever and seems to have that competitive itch again.
The first ever Ms. Physique Olympia champion, Dana is one of the pioneers of women’s bodybuilding. With a blend of powerful muscle all while maintaining her femininity, Dana cut a supremely impressive frame on stage. Her physique was sharp, shredded, and was beyond compare when she dominated the field in 2013.
While she’s been inactive in professional bodybuilding for over five years now, Dana Linn Bailey has still been competing in strength related sports. She not only competed at the Arnold Classic 2018 in powerlifting, she also flirted with the idea of competing in CrossFit.
A Return to Action?
Now, Dana Linn Bailey seems ready to step back on the competitive bodybuilding stage. In a new training video featuring herself and Kai Greene, Dana hints at making a comeback. Training at the Metroflex Gym The Castle in Fort Worth, Texas, the two engage in some pretty intense training.
The comeback kids….
featuring: myself and Mr.GettingItDone @kaigreene
This could easily be considered a confirmation for her return. But while she has released this training video, Dana Linn Bailey hasn’t officially confirmed a return to competition.
So now the question remains, if she does make a return to action, how competitive will Dana Linn Bailey be? Considering that she’s been away for quite some time, does she still have what it takes to compete with the women in this modern era? Many women in Women’s Physique have much larger frames than they did while she was competing. That means if she does return she’ll have to bulk up to a level we’ve never seen before.
Another consideration is that Dana Linn Bailey is now 37 years old. While that isn’t the most advanced age, it could prove more difficult for her to compete at the highest levels.
That said, Dana Linn Bailey does have the kind of drive and capability to make a strong return. If she’s willing to put on the size, her presence and personality would be a welcome breath of fresh air for the division.
Do you think Dana Linn Bailey could be competitive in a comeback?
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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.