Tag: GI News
Danny Grigsby Completes Heaviest Raw Deadlift In Powerlifting History With 487.5kg (1,074.8lb) Lift
Danny Grigsby could be working his way toward the 500kg mark.
There has only been two men all-time who have deadlifted 500kg. Danny Grigsby looks like he has a chance to be the third — and will do it in a much different way.
Grigsby competed in the 2022 WRPF American Pro in Manassas, VA over the weekend. There were many great performances from some of the top powerlifters in the world but Grigsby highlighted the event. He completed a massive 487.5kg (1,074.8lb) raw deadlift, which is the heaviest of all-time.
This feat is nothing new for Grigsby. He held the previous mark of 440kg (970lb), which was set during the 2021 WRPF The Bucked Up Showdown. He was able to blow right past that number and approach a new milestone.
“All 3 attempts on deadlift from the meet opener 981, 2nd attempt 1,038, and 3rd 1,074. Opener moved like I thought it would, 2nd was equally fast, my third changed from initially 1060 to 1,074. This meet was about the overall total, my 3rd was just gonna be whatever I needed to secure 2300 and become 2nd all time for total at 275 behind the big man @thehulkmeyers.”
Danny Grigsby was aiming for a total of 2,300 pounds during this event. The third and final deadlift attempt was loaded with what he needed to reach this number.
Danny Grigsby: 500kg Deadlift?
Hafthor Bjornsson and Eddie Hall remain the only men who have deadlifted 500kg. Of course, the strongman parameters and powerlifting ones are far different. Grigsby did not use lifting straps or a deadlifting suit, which makes the lift even more impressive.
During the WRPF American Pro, Grigsby weighed in at 121.7kg (268.8lb) and competed in the 125kg weight class. He was successful on all eight of his lifts. Grigsby did not attempt his third bench press rep.
Over the course of his career, Grigsby has competed 15 times. He has secured 11 victories in those events. When he has not won gold, Grigsby is usually on the podium. He currently holds the deadlift world record in both the 125kg and 140kg weight classes.
It is unknown when Danny Grigsby will attempt the massive 500kg deadlift but it seems like that is what he is working toward.
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Andrew Jacked Looks Chiseled In Physique Update Two Weeks Out Of 2022 Texas Pro
Andrew Jacked looking “flatter than pancake” as he prepares for his pro debut.
The much-anticipated debut of Andrew Jacked in Men’s Open is right around the corner. One of the up-and-coming talents at the professional level recent shared a physique update where he is looking chiseled ahead of the 2022 Texas Pro.
Jacked caught eyes very early in his career because of his exceptional build and conditioning. He is extremely shredded with a small waist and great symmetry. Jacked has the chance to be a threat at the next level and this is what we will see moving forward. In his career, Jacked has picked up victories at the EBBF Ajman Bodybuilding and Physique Competition and Elite Pro League.
Leading up to this competition, Andrew Jacked has been working with the likes of Flex Wheeler and George Farah. This physique update came at The Dragon’s Lair in Las Vegas alongside legendary 212 competitor Flex Lewis.
Andrew Jacked Physique Update
On Sunday, Andrew Jacked hit a massive workout before sharing this update on Instagram. It is clear that he has made incredible improvements to his physique as he prepares to take on his first professional competition.
“Flatter than Pancake ? ?Awesome blessing and pleasure to have an encounter with the Big Steve @bevsgym , thanks to @flex_lewis and @milossarcev for the introduction ??.
Yesszzziirrr!!!
@officialflexwheeler@georgefarah_guruNow back to The Prep Files …”
With the help of Flex Wheeler, Jacked was able to win the overall 2022 Arnold Classic Amateur title in March. He has been training with some legendary bodybuilders in recent weeks to prepare. He shared his plans for the rest of the year as he gears up for success at the next level.
The 2021 Texas Pro was a competition won by Iain Valliere. This was one of two back-to-back victories for Valliere as he was also able to win the Tampa Pro. Jacked will have a chance to solidify his reputation during one of the biggest shows of the year.
If this physique update in any indication, Andrew Jacked will be a contender heading into the competition. There is two weeks before the show, which will take place from Aug. 12-13. There is no doubt that Jacked will put the finishing touches on what could be a championship physique.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Flex Wheeler States That His Kidney Is Starting To “Show Signs Of Failure” In Recent Health Update
Legendary Bodybuilder Flex Wheeler shares a health update with some trouble news as he announces a new hurdle he to clear.
Flex Wheeler is over two weeks out from surgery to repair a repeat rotator cuff surgery in his left shoulder. While this was supposed to be a surgery that allowed him to return home shortly after, the legendary bodybuilder remains in the hospital recovering.
Wheeler recently joined The Menace Podcast on the Muscle and Fitness YouTube page to discuss his current state. He gave a full health update, including some issues that were found in his kidneys. Wheeler began by explaining that he was originally kept in the hospital because of the pain.
“The pain from all that was crazy. They had to keep me first from the pain but then I got some sort of GI infection. I started having diarrhea for like four days straight. Being that I’m a kidney transplant patient, being dehydrated for me is not safe. Which then triggered my kidney to start having problems,” Flex wheeler explained.
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Flex Wheeler has had a difficult year when it comes to health. He was hospitalized toward the end of 2021 with COVID-19 and underwent a recovery process that lasted a month. In 2019, he experienced kidney failure and blood clots. This caused his right leg to be amputated.
Two years later, Wheeler explains how his kidney has lasted 20 years and this is not the norm when a kidney is replaced.
“Still having a GI problem but mostly, it’s a kidney problem. My numbers are super unstable so they scheduled me for a kidney biopsy. The kidney is 20 years old and the average kidneys don’t last over seven years, is the average life for a kidney,” Wheeler said.
Flex Wheeler is one of the great bodybuilders of all-time, meaning he carries around great size and muscle mass. The donor that he received the kidney from was small. Because of the size of the kidney, it has seen some wear and tear over the years and is showing signs of failure.
Flex Wheeler Considers Himself A Dreamer
Flex Wheeler is one of the all-time greats in stage, despite never being able to win an Olympia title. He is a four-time Arnold Classic champion and is known for having one of the most-conditioned physiques of all-time.
Last week, Wheeler shared an Instagram post with the caption “Time To Say Goodbye To The Dreamer …” This brought up some conversations on what the meaning was.
During his interview, Wheeler was asked on what he thought about some fans thinking this was a message about suicide or depression.
“Would I really use Instagram as a platform to say that to people?”
“I consider myself a dreamer in bodybuilding and everything. I’ve done that same video again before and I would just say “The Dreamer.” If you listen to the music, the song was really powerful and I don’t really remember. I don’t wanna ruin it. They’re saying they can never have this, that they’re dreaming.”
It seems as though Flex Wheeler is in for another long battle and recovery process. Generation Iron wishes him the best and a speedy recovery during this time.
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WATCH: Fitness Influencer Eric Kanevsky Asks Bodybuilders Current Height And Weight, Measures Them To Find The Truth
Eric Kanevsky took the stats of bodybuilders such as Derek Lunsford, Hunter Labrada, and Jay Cutler.
Eric Kanevsky is a popular Fitness influencer who has dabbled in bodybuilding himself. He doubles as a YouTuber who makes entertaining videos for his viewers. Because of Kanevsky’s background in bodybuilding, he knows that there are certain stats kept. He took some time to ask some elite bodybuilders their height and weight before checking for himself.
Kanevsky had a tape measure and scale with him to see if the bodybuilders were telling the truth. He approached Derek Lunsford, Hunter Labrada, and Jay Cutler to ask these questions.
Derek Lunsford
Derek Lunsford was the first target for Eric Kanevsky. He is the reigning 212 Olympia champion and one of the most discussed bodybuilders this year. Lunsford has put on incredible mass since last year’s Olympia and this has left many with doubts on if he will be able to defend his title.
Lunsford revealed his weight at about 250 and acknowledged the conversation topic of his potential switch to Men’s Open.
“My weight? We’re sitting anywhere between 250-260-pounds right now. Yeah, probably close to like 250. The thing is, people keep talking about switching divisions and stuff and there’s no weight cap in Men’s Physique, so we just put the board shorts on right?”
Lunsford also revealed that his height is about 5-foot-6. Kanevsky began his measurements and found that Lunsford was within range for both numbers. He measured at 5-foot-6 and 257.2 pounds.
Lunsford shared that he has not made a decision yet about his future. He explained that he has been at this weight before but is carrying more mass than usual.
“I’ve been 250 before. I will say, I’ve never looked like I do now at this weight, but I’ve come down from that weight to the 212 before having to shred a little bit of muscle off at that weight. I’ve proven I’ve been able to do it the last couple of years.”
Hunter Labrada
Hunter Labrada was next on the list for Eric Kanevky. During the 2021 Olympia, Labrada finished fourth and proved to be one of the top competitors in the world right now. He earned qualification to the event by winning the 2021 Chicago Pro. Labrada recently began his eight-week split that will take him into the next phase come the fall.
Labrada shared that he currently stands at 5-foot-9 and is weighing 280 pounds. As it turns out, Labrada was truthful about his weight. Kanevsky showed the scale reading 281.6 pounds.
Labrada is currently in the midst of adding even more size to his physique. He asked Kanevsky is anyone lied and admitted that pulling out a scale and tape measure was unexpected.
“Most people don’t think you’re gonna bust out a tape measure and scale, so props to you.” Labrada said.
Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler was the final bodybuilder that Eric Kanevsky approached. He began by discussing with Cutler how he has been able to maintain size in retirement. The four-time Olympia champion reveals that he has downsized a lot but maintained is arm size.
Cutler says he is weighing 230 pounds and stands at 5-foot-9.
“Is that a scale? Damn. I put on weight. What did I say, 230-pounds right?” cutler said.
The scale showed 237.8 pounds for Cutler, who admitted that he put on some weight. The experiment by Eric Kanevsky showed that bodybuilders will be within range of what they say depending on preparation.
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Valdir “Synthol” Segato Dies At Age 55
Brazilian “bodybuilder” Valdir Segato, more commonly known as Valdir Synthol, has passed away at 55 years old.
Brazilian synthol user Valdir Segato has passed away at age 55, according to initial reports from Brazilian news outlet UOL News. Better known on social media as Valdir Synthol, the man was an aspiring bodybuilder who used extremely large doses of site injection oils to transform his physique into a shockingly bulbous physique of fake muscle. The news comes after various reports that medical professionals warned Segato that his synthol use could lead to limb amputation and serious health risks.
UOL News reports that family directly confirmed Valdir Segato passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Tragically, this was also the same date as his 55th birthday. The cause of death has not yet been revealed. Family indicated that Segato felt sick at his home and eventually called emergency services. He was rushed to the hospital and shortly after passed away.
Valdir Segato’s physique gained attention over social media in recent years due to the shocking and deformed nature of his fake muscles. As of this writing, he had 1.7 million followers on his TikTok. Segato claimed to have been inspired by bodybuilders Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno in his journey to transform his physique.
Beyond his internet fame, Segato has also been seen as controversial in the bodybuilding community for giving the sport negative attention – and not representative of the true nature of bodybuilding.
Valdir Segato was also featured in the Generation Iron Network feature documentary, Bigorexia. The film followed a variety of individuals who suffer from muscle dysmorphia – a need to gain extremely large muscle mass for aesthetic purposes. You can see Segato featured in the trailer below:
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Valdir Segato was one of many labeled “synthol freaks” who use site injection oils to shape their muscles. While there has been some rumor of slight use among actual competitive bodybuilders, Segato abused synthol so much as to fully distort his body in an inhuman way.
Unlike steroids, synthol does not actually help with muscle protein synthesis or muscle recovery. The oil solidifies under the skin as a sort of body modification. In large amounts, site injection oils like synthol can cause serious health risks.
Generation Iron previously sat down with Dr. Thomas O’Connor, also known as the Anabolic Doc, to discus the grim medical truth behind synthol use and abuse. You can watch it below:
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While there is no confirmation that Valdir Segato’s synthol use was directly related to his passing, Segato was repeatedly warned by doctors to stop using.
After being told to stop using synthol by his doctor, Segato insisted that he would still potentially use the site injection oil in the future. Despite having “doubled his biceps” he still wanted to be bigger.
“The doctors tell me to stop it, the advice they give me is to stop using. But it’s my decision to use it because I want to, because I like to.”
– Valdir Segato
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. Generation Iron sends condolences to friends and family of Valdir Segato during this difficult time. For more bodybuilding and fitness news, stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network.
73-Year-Old Mary Duffy Deadlifts 250 Pounds With 50-Pound Chains, Nearly 2.5 Times Her Bodyweight
Mary Duffy completed a massive trap bar deadlift during a training session.
Mary Duffy has proven that age is just a number on numerous occasions. The 73-year-old powerlifter continues to impress in the gym as she prepares for her next competition. Recently, this came in the form of a 113.4kg (250lb) deadlift with 22.7kg (50lb) chains attached.
Duffy shared the video of her lift on social media on Wednesday. She is wearing a lifting belt and wrist wraps as she completes the feat of strength. This is nearly two and a half times her bodyweight as Duffy has been competing in the 56kg class since 2015.
“***??Finally!!!!!??*******#fitat73 ****Thank you”
Mary Duffy Powerlifting History
Mary Duffy began powerlifting in 2015 at 66 years old. She has spent her entire career in one division and has found great success. Her first competition appearance came during the 2015 International Powerlifting Association Connecticut Ironman Push/Pull Showdown. This was the first of 11 competitions that Duffy has appeared in and she has won all 11.
It is no surprise that Duffy has approached many records in the Masters 70-74 raw division. She currently holds the third-heaviest total ever at 234kg (518.1lb). This came during the 2022 USAPL Connecticut Ladies of Iron, where she was able to set the world record bench press of 57.5kg (126.8lb).
Duffy has shared many lifts to social media and this was not the first time her trap bar deadlift was in this weight range. She has been seen lifting 111.1kg (245lb) off weight plates. All of her lifts are considered raw. Duffy had a run in with COVID-19 but was able to overcome it and get back in the gym. Before her battle with the virus, she notched a 113.4kg (250lb) deadlift.
Mary Duffy continues to take her numbers higher and she will be ready for the next time she steps on stage. Duffy is one of the top lifters in the division and will look to continue to keep her record perfect next time she steps on stage.
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Jay Cutler Blown Away With First Impression Of Michal Krizo, Expects Him To Qualify For 2022 Olympia
Michal Krizo is preparing for competition at the next level and Jay Cutler was impressed with his first impression.
Michal Krizo has finally made the switch to NPC after creating plenty of buzz around his massive physique. There are many that have been impressed when meeting the Slovakian bodybuilder in person and Jay Cutler can be added to the list.
Krizo recently announced that he would leave the IFBB Pro League for the NPC level. He wants to earn his Pro Card and ultimately compete at the 2022 Olympia.
Cutler is a four-time Olympia champion who knows a thing or two about the sport of bodybuilding. He ran into Krizo during a workout at Gold’s Gym and took him through a posing routine. During this routine, Cutler had some positive things to say about his build.
“He’s going to upset a lot of people, especially looking this good this far out. Awesome. He looks great. Round. Detailed. He’s good with this shot, a lot of striations here, which a lot of the guys don’t have. A lot of detail.”
Jay Cutler Expects Michal Krizo To Appear In Olympia
The sole purpose of Michal Krizo making the move to NPC was to earn his Pro Card and make it to the Olympia. It is likely this happens sooner than later.
Jay Cutler is not the first to meet Krizo in person and rave about his physique. Last week, Milos Sarcev got the chance to see Krizo and had a similar impression. He is a mass monster that is turning heads and opening eyes around the sport already.
“He looks massive, man. Much more impressive in person,” Cutler said.
Cutler explained that seeing Krizo’s build in person is much more impressive. This is similar to the claim by Sarcev last week. Krizo explained that he will be apart of the 2022 Prague Pro and will certainly put on quite a show.
“We got to see the biggest, new freak coming into the IFBB, Michal. He’s now part of the IFBB and that kid is going to do some damage. He’s doing the Prague Pro so, we’ll see what happens over there. I imagine he’ll get qualification to be standing with the best out there in December.”
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Hafthor Bjornsson Is Ready To Set Date For Fight With Tyson Fury: ‘Let’s Have It In November’
Hafthor Bjornsson is training three times a day to prepare for an eventual bout with Tyson Fury.
The rumors are trending toward Hafthor Bjornsson getting a chance to take on Tyson Fury in the boxing ring. As of now, all of the noise seems to be coming from one side. It continued on Wednesday as Bjornsson shared a YouTube video with a message to Fury.
Bjornsson got a taste of action back in March when he defeated Eddie Hall by unanimous decision. Now, he seems ready to take a step up in competition by taking on the former heavyweight champion. Fury announced his retirement from boxing following his knockout victory over Dillian Whyte but left the door open for fights such as this.
This is not the first time that Bjornsson has sent a message to Fury. As of now, promoters for the champ have said that there is nothing in the works and that conversations will be had in the coming weeks.
Hafthor Bjornsson To Tyson Fury: “I Just Need The Contract”
Celebrity boxing has become a huge phenomenon over the last year or so. Different celebrities and athletes have been given the chance to step in the ring and take on rivals. For Hafthor Bjornsson, this fight is not a gimmick. It is something that he has been training for and wants to take seriously.
“I just need the contract. So, there is a big challenge to Tyson Fury and his team. Send me the contract, I’ll sign it, so we can have it official. I want to take this seriously.”
Hafthor Bjornsson continues the video by showing respect for the skills of Tyson Fury but believes that he can win with the right preparation. Bjornsson explains that he has been training multiple times a day to fine tune his skills.
“I’m training three times a day for a reason… There is a big bust going on about a fight between me and Tyson Fury. It could possibly happen in November.
I’m ready. I’ll fight Tyson Fury anywhere, at any time, almost. Let’s have it in November.”
As of now, talks have not started with the two sides but it is clear that Hafthor Bjornsson is ready and waiting for the opportunity. It will be interesting to see how Tyson Fury and his team responds.
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Pre-Order Kai Greene Documentary ‘Kai’ | On Digital August 26, 2022
Kai – The Official Kai Greene Documentary Is Now Available For Pre-Order. Releases August 26, 2022.
The official life story biopic documentary of Kai Greene, Kai, is now available to pre-order on digital. The film is set to release on all major digital platforms on August 26, 2022. News of the official pre-order and release date come after the release of the teaser trailer earlier in July. The film will be the only authorized deep dive into the entire life of Kai Green – including never before seen footage throughout his career. You can pre-order today on the official Kai landing page right here.
Kai Greene is one of the biggest modern day legends in the sport of bodybuilding. Known also as The Predator and The People’s Champ – he was the only competitor who could challenge Phil Heath’s Olympia status. The two’s rivalry is stuff of legends – and the tension seen when they battled on stage has yet to be replicated since. Now years after his retirement, fans can finally get an all-access feature film revealing the entire life story of Kai Greene.
Beyond his legendary status, Kai Greene is also known for his poetic artistry in both his actions and most certainly his words. His philosophical way of speaking has often shrouded Kai’s past in mystery. When discussing his childhood – including his time in juvenile detention and his later stint as a male exotic dancer – Kai’s cryptic and vague phrasing has prevented a true clear picture to form.
Kai will be the first direct dive into his past including his traumatic childhood, his early years as an exotic dancer and natural bodybuilder, and well into his star-studded pro bodybuilding career and rivalry with Phil Heath.
Fellow bodybuilding stars will also appear in the film such as Victor Martinez, Rich Gaspari, Mike O’Hearn, and long time rival Phil Heath. The film will mark the first direct interview with Phil about Kai Greene since their time competing together on stage.
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Kai Official Synopsis
Kai Greene is one of the biggest modern day legends in bodybuilding both on and off the stage. He’s an athlete, an artist, an actor, and an entrepreneur. But his journey to greatness first started in childhood – when he chose bodybuilding as a form of survival. Growing up in Brooklyn without parents and later locked up in a juvenile correctional facility, bodybuilding became Kai’s source of hope that eventually took him to stardom.
Later in life Kai became one of the most recognizable faces in the fitness industry, praised by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. His talent was only matched by one singular opponent, his rival and Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath.
Now witness Kai Greene’s story of survival and climb to success in the first ever all-access documentary chronicling his life and career into the sport of bodybuilding and beyond.
Pre-Order Kai Today
After an early summer tease, Generation Iron Network has finally announced the official release date for Kai. The film will launch on all major digital platforms on August 26, 2022. In less than a month, you’ll be able to see inside the mind, heart, and soul of one of the most enigmatic modern bodybuilding legends.
The film will be available on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vimeo On Demand. Head over to the official Kai landing page to pre-order today and be the first to watch Kai.
WATCH: Fitness Star Matt Morsia Trained Like A Premier League Star For A Day
Matt Morsia decided to take on a new challenge over the course of a full day.
Matt Morsia is a Fitness star and influencer has built quite a following for himself thanks to his shredded physique and unique ways of training. He has taken on many challenges over the course of his career. In a recent video, Morsia decided to take on the diet and workout plan of a Premier League superstar for one day.
Morsia suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and that hindered his progress in the gym. He has been rehabbing the injury with physical therapist Matt Radcliffe, who primarily works wit Premier League soccer players. Because of this, Morsia got the idea to fully train like one for a day.
“I know that as the day wears on, there’s going to be some horrendous stuff. I’m very much a heavy lifting, short explosive guy, I’m not into any kind of endurance capacity stuff, and obviously as a footballer, that’s what it’s all about… I’m pretty sure the guys are going to give me a horrible time today,” Morsia said.
What The Full Day Looked Like For Matt Morsia
The day for Matt Morsia began with breakfast. He enjoyed tons with avocado, poached eggs, and a bowl of berries with yogurt and honey. Once Morsia was finished, he began his workout.
Radcliffe takes Matt Morsia through a physio therapist session focused on his injured Achilles tendon. This is followed by activation exercises that are meant to build strength in his quads and glutes. The workout lasted about two hours before breaking for lunch.
READ MORE: Matt Morsia Shows What Happens After Not Training For 100 Days
Morsia had salmon salad, sushi, and granola with yogurt for his second meal. The break did not last long before the workout continued with extended cycling.
“I literally never do continuous exercise for that long, ever,” Morsia said.
This would not be the final workout of the day either. Matt Morsia then went through electrical muscle stimulation therapy. The entire process involves wearing a conductive suit and sending electrical impulses through the part of the body, causing it to contract.
“This is traumatic. I’m stood on the spot and I’m absolutely sweating it out,” Morsia said.
The day was not an easy one for Morsia, who is used to putting his body through excruciating workouts. This just goes to show how serious the workouts and conditioning is for professional athletes.
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