Tag: GI News
Ronnie Coleman Discusses Encounter With DEA In 2002 Over Steroids That Made Him Testify Before Grand Juries
Ronnie Coleman opened up about a run-in with the DEA and the effects of his back surgeries.
Ronnie Coleman is one of the best bodybuilders to ever step on stage. To get to that level, athletes must be willing to put their bodies through hors of training and absorb different substances to build muscle. Because of this, Coleman has been through many surgeries over the course of his career and even ran into some trouble with the DEA.
Coleman holds the record, along with Lee Haney, for most Olympia victories in history with eight. He has spoken about his career in detail since retiring from competition. Recently, Coleman joined the Don’t Be Sour podcast to go in-depth about information that might not be known.
A physique like the one Coleman possessed was eye-opening for all — including the DEA. He was brought in and the agency might have been looking to charge him. Coleman admits that he was buying his steroids through legal means and conducted blood tests.
“Even when I was taking things, I would go to the pharmacy because the DEA came in and brought us all up and I don’t know what they were trying to do, maybe charge us. They came in, brought us all before grand juries, made us testify. This was like 2002. Somewhere in there. Not too long ago. We had, at least I did, we had to go and get our stuff legally,” Ronnie Coleman explained.
Despite buying his steroids legally, Coleman could not avoid a run-in with the DEA. Over the last five or six years of his career, Coleman got his steroids from a place that required blood tests, prescriptions, and specific pharmacies.
“We would go to these pharmacies, and they would take your blood, you know, because you’re a certain age, you can take testosterone.
you know I did everything legally, where I would go to pharmacies and take these blood tests, and they would write a prescription for everything we took.”
Ronnie Coleman Talks About His Many Surgeries
It is no secret that Ronnie Coleman has suffered many injuries over the course of his career. He pointed out a specific incident when he was dealing with a herniated disc back in 1996 before the Arnold Classic.
“I was okay, I still did the Arnold Classic and still continued lifting heavy and working out every single day. I think just over time, you know, it wore itself out.”
Coleman admits to this being the only one he ever had but he did go through eight different back surgeries and three on his neck and hip.
The reason for some of the surgeries would be to replace a screw in his back, which broke on four separate occasions.
“Right out of surgery, I get to my room, nurse comes in and said, ‘Hey, I need to change your bandage.’ I’m like, ‘already?’ She’s like, ‘yeah.’ I turn over, pow! Right there in the hospital bed. It shattered my whole body. Like I said, it happened four times in a row.”
Ronnie Coleman has had a fascinating career and has only made it even better in retirement. Coleman is taking on a new role as a YouTuber and runs a successful page where he provides entertaining videos involving bodybuilding and fitness. He remains a big name in the sport and is extremely active in the gym to this day.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Now Uses Tequila Or Schnapps To Mix In Protein Shakes
Arnold Schwarzenegger says this recipe is superior to using yeast, which he did during his time as a bodybuilder.
Arnold Schwarzenegger remains an influential voice around the sport of bodybuilding after a career that dubbed him as the best to ever do it. However, this might not be something that fans of his will want to follow. Or maybe they will?
Schwarzenegger sat down for a Zoom interview with Insider and was able to discuss many topics around bodybuilding. It came up that Schwarzenegger now likes to mix his protein with different alcohols.
“I add a little bit of schnapps or tequila. Tequila is also good,” Schwarzenegger said.
In a previous interview with Men’s Health, Schwarzenegger shared a recipe that he likes to use for these shakes. It consists of almond milk, cherry juice, a banana, and a whole egg to go along with the protein powder.
“I sometimes put in the schnapps. I sometimes put in the tequila. It just gives it a little extra flavor,” Schwarzenegger said.
How Does This Compare To Protein Shakes Arnold Schwarzenegger Used Years Ago?
Arnold Schwarzenegger began drinking protein shakes at a young age. When he was 15, Schwarzenegger would use a mixer to combine milk, skimmed milk powder, honey, and yeast. He explained that this taste was not a good one and that he now prefers some alcohol mixed in.
READ MORE: Arnold Schwarzenegger: Obsession With Size & Increased Drug Use Is Killing Bodybuilders
Schwarzenegger is currently in Toronto filming a live-action TV series for Netflix entitled UTAP. On set, he has made these protein shakes for his crew and has gotten plenty of positive feedback.
“I’m making protein shakes now for the whole cast. My trailer becomes kind of like a bar where people come by for a protein drink.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger began his career as a teenager when he developed a love for fitness. He quickly built a championship physique that led him to seven Olympia titles. He is considered the greatest bodybuilder of all-time and remains active in the gym to this day.
At 74 years old, Schwarzenegger remains active in the gym and has even dabbled with plant-based diets. Protein shakes with alcohol might become the new craze if people begin taking Schwarzenegger’s word that it is as good as he says.
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WATCH: The Stoltman Brothers Attack A 20,000-Calorie Breakfast Challenge
The Stoltman brothers took down a meal that only strongmen could handle.
The different diet plans that athletes use are always amazing to see. Whether it is basketball or football, all athletes train and eat their meals in different ways. When it comes to bodybuilding and strongman, these diets take on a new meaning. The Stoltman Brother took down a breakfast challenge that show what these athletes can really put down.
Both Tom and Luke Stoltman sat down at the Hillhead Cafe in Tornagrain, Scotland looking to eat everything on the breakfast menu — and they did. The brothers made sure to order one of everything on the menu and it added up to around 20,000 calories.
The Stoltman Brothers were the first to try the menu from some of the best cooks in the world. The impressive feat of eating began strong for the brothers but you can see the difficulty as they continued on in the video.
So, What Did The Stoltman Brothers Eat?
The long morning of eating for Tom and Luke Stoltman began with a vegetarian bowl made of granola, yogurt, summer berries, and lemon curd. This menu item is known as the Summer Breakfast Bowl. The Stoltman Brothers followed this up with buttermilk pancakes made of smoked bacon, soft cheese, blueberries and topped with maple syrup.
“I think these are the best pancakes I have ever had,” Luke Stoltman said.
The meal continued with fish and eggs. It was a highland salmon mixed with avocado, scrambled eggs, and dill.
“Calorie wise, I think this menu probably equates to around 20,000 calories. I think we can do it. So far, I am feeling good,” Luke Stoltman said.
At this point, there were two meals left for the Stoltman Brothers. The penultimate meal was the “Tornagrain.” This was made up of black pudding, packed eggs, mushrooms, and bacon. The full recipe was not disclose. Finally, Tom and Luke Stoltman enjoyed the sharing platter. This was made up of two bowls of oats with strawberries, pancakes, and granola bars with raspberries.
The Stoltman Brothers continue to be two of the top strongmen in the world and it is because of their dedication and preparation to the sport. With insane meals like this one, it is clear that they have plenty of calories coming in to feed the machines.
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Brian Shaw Leg Presses 2,000-Pound Car Ahead Of New Event In 2022 Shaw Classic
Brian Shaw will introduce the car leg press during the 2022 Shaw Classic.
The Shaw Classic has arrived and is only growing from here. This year will mark the third rendition of the event and there is plenty of hype entering the event. The 2022 Shaw Classic is set to take place on Aug. 13-14 in Loveland, CO. During the event, Brian Shaw decided to add a new event where competitors will have to leg press a car for reps.
Brian Shaw did not want to add the event without trying it for himself. He shared a video to his YouTube page where he is seen completing reps with a 2,000-pound car. He begins by lifting the car as it is loaded onto the machine. Shaw angled the lift to 35 degrees in order to make it comfortable to lifters.
“The car is heavy, very heavy, and I want this to be doable… We are going to modify the leg press to change the leg press a little bit. The weight is still going to be incredibly difficult, but it’s meant to be a challenge,” Shaw explains.
Brian Shaw Continues To Grow His Classic
Brian Shaw is a four-time champion of the World’s Strongest Man competition. He abs won the inaugural Shaw Classic back in 2020, before Trey Mitchell was victorious last year. The full event list was released and many were interested in this new car leg press.
“Now that is a Strongman event. It is quite literally everything that I pictured this event being… There is no way you can look at that and say that it’s not awesome.”
Cars are not new when it comes to strongman events. The historical side of it has the car walk and truck pull as some of the most exciting events in competition. Athletes have to use strength in different ways to lift a car and walk with it. This requires balance and stability, along with incredible strength.
Brian Shaw is excited about adding the car leg press to the list of events at the 2022 Shaw Classic. This event will take place on the second day of action from Colorado.
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Former 212 Olympia Champion Kamal Elgargni To Enter 2022 Tampa Pro and 2022 Texas Pro In Open Bodybuilding
Kamal Elgargni will take a step up in divisions when he competes as an Open bodybuilder.
Kamal Elgargni is just three years removed from his Olympia 212 title back in 2019. Now, he has announced that he will take a step up in divisions and compete in Men’s Open. Elgargni will try his luck during the 2022 Tampa Pro and 2022 Texas Pro.
Elgargni made the official announcement on Tuesday during an interview on a live video on the BP Sports Instagram account.
“I feel really, really good and I’m excited with what I’m going to bring to the stage at both contests,” Elgargni said.
The Tampa Pro is scheduled to take place in Tampa on Aug. 6. The Texas Pro will take place one weeks later in Irving, TX on Aug. 12-13.
Can Kamal Elgargni Win In Men’s Open?
Kamal Elgargni shared that he currently weighs 224 pounds. There is not much time before the competitions begin and he did not reveal what weight he plans to enter. The full rosters for these events have not been released but they are usually shows with some elite competition.
This would not be the first time that a 212 competitor attempts to make the jump to Men’s Open. Of course, Shaun Clarida was able to make the switch and win the Legion Sports Fest back in October. He will now have a chance to compete at the Olympia as an Open bodybuilder. Clarida is also qualified in 212 but will not have the option to compete in both.
Derek Lunsford is looking like the next athlete that will officially make the jump. He is the reigning 212 Olympia champion but has put on tremendous size this offseason. It is unlikely he will make it back down to 212 and could be training for Men’s Open. Elgargni is another former 212 Olympia champion looking to find success at the next level.
Kamal Elgargni is qualified for the Olympia for the duration of his career since he is a past champion. It is unclear if he will attempt to make it back down to this eight before December — or if he plans to show up at the Olympia at all. Either way, he will have a chance to show what he can do at 50 years old.
Iain Valliere is the reigning champion at both the Texas Pro and Tampa Pro, having won both shows on back-to-back weekends. This is what Elgargni would be trying to accomplish with his return to the stage.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Says Bodybuilding Is “Too Competitive” With Size: ‘They’re Taking More And More Stuff, Sometimes It Kills People’
Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to speak out on the current state of bodybuilding.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has been successful in many avenues over the course of his life. It began when he made a name for himself on the bodybuilding stage and is still known as the best to ever do it. Recently, the seven-time Olympia champion has spoken out about some of the dangers in the sport. This includes an obsession with size and how dangerous it can be.
There has been many bodybuilding deaths over the last year that have hit the sport hard. Shawn Rhoden and George Peterson passed away suddenly at the end of 2021. Cedric McMillan also died in April due to heart complications. In a recent interview with Insider, Schwarzenegger claims that athletes are becoming “too obsessed” with size.
“They have taken it, in my opinion, too far. It has gotten too competitive. They’re gonna take more and more stuff that they’re not supposed to, and sometimes it kills people.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger Touches On Competitors Interest In “Size, Size, Size”
Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Insider over a Zoom call to discuss some topics in the sport. Schwarzenegger remains an influential voice around bodybuilding and continues to focus on his own health to this day.
READ MORE: Bodybuilders Are Dying: An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Schwarzenegger became known for his freakish physique and incredible strength at a young age. Now, he explained how the weight continues to rise in the gym and competitors are doing more harm than good.
“The more extreme it gets and the more competitive the top athletes get, the more they are lifting weights that the body was not meant for,” Schwarzenegger said.
The use of steroids is obviously common in bodybuilding and compared with heavy weight, competitors are able to build championship physiques. But at what cost? This has been the discussion over the last year.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reiterated the health risks around the substances that are being taken.
“Sometimes they are taking drugs that are damaging for their health and are making them so strong that the tendons and bones were not meant for that weight, so then it gets into a really dangerous situation.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger made sure to state that there are plenty of dangers in other sports as well. He used skiing as an example. While it might be a recreational activity for some to do during a vacation, competitive skiing is fast-paced and could be dangerous at times.
Schwarzenegger also believes that the overall benefits of bodybuilding “have been tremendous” around the world. The interest in physical fitness and development of the industry has been huge over the last 50 years.
“There’s a gym in every hotel, every YMCA, every sports club, every university, every college, every high school, every police station, every fire station, every military base, I mean, everywhere.”
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King Kamali Believes Derek Lunsford Would “Look Small” Against The Top Five In Open Bodybuilding
King Kamali weighed in on how Derek Lunsford would look compared to the other elite competitors in Men’s Open.
It has been weeks now since the conversation began about Derek Lunsford moving to Open bodybuilding. The speculation began when he appeared as a guest poser at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro next to some of the elite competitors in Men’s Open. This made many believe that he could hold his own if he made the switch. King Kamali is not one of those believers when it comes to Lunsford against the top five.
Lunsford was able to get over the hump during the 2021 Olympia and take home the 212 title. He had been vying for this honor for years and was finally able to reach the pinnacle. Now, it seems as though he has put on more muscle mass this offseason. This has many in the sport doubting his chance at defending his title in 212 this year, including Olympia President Dan Solomon.
READ MORE: Dan Solomon Claims Derek Lunsford Might Not Be In Olympia Without Special Invitation
Derek Lunsford might need a special invitation to compete in Open bodybuilding at this year’s Olympia. Big Ramy received this invitation prior to his title in 2020. He did not earn enough qualification points to make it that way and was given an invitation by the committee. This might be the way that Lunsford needs to work it as well.
It is unknown if Lunsford will ultimately receive this invitation but there is still time. It is clear that he is training for Men’s Open but would he be able to sneak into the top five?
King Kamali Believes Derek Lunsford Would Be Behind Many Competitors
Recently, Nick Walker joined Fouad Abiad on his podcast and discussed the status of Derek Lunsford. Walker finished fifth at the Olympia last year and believes he can climb the leaderboard further. When discussing Lunsford, Walker claimed that he might be able to make the top five. Walker even said that Lunsford could beat him in the future but not this year.
King Kamali went in depth about different competitors that would still finish ahead of Lunsford in Men’s Open.
“I’m just saying that there is going to be a few guys in trouble. So, he can’t beat Hadi. He can’t beat, I don’t think he can beat Ramy if Ramy is in shape. I don’t know, I don think he will beat Brandon if Brandon is in shape but I think he fares very well with all the other guys,” King Kamali explained.
King Kamali then used a quote from Dorian Yates to compare to Lunsford’s situation. Yates was told that if Nasser El Sonbaty built his back that he would lose. Yates responded and said “he’s been training for 18 years. What makes you think he’s going to get a back in one year?”
“Derek is a fantastic bodybuilder. He looks great. Great symmetry. He’s made some great improvements, okay?”
“When he stands next to the top five guys in the Open class of the Olympia, he’s king to look small.”
Where it stands right now, it seems as though Derek Lunsford moving to Men’s Open is not a case of if but when it will happen. When Lunsford decides to make the jump, there will be plenty of eyes on his first show at the next level.
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2022 Finland Pro Results
Josh Eastham wins Classic Physique at the 2022 Finland Pro!
The 2022 Finland Pro gave competitors a chance to reach different goals depending on their current division. Athletes from NPC were given a chance to earn their Pro Cards while professionals were battling for qualification to the Olympia. In the end, Josh Eastham and Adela Ondrejovicova highlighted the shows with victories in their respective divisions.
Eastham was able to earn his Pro Card and qualify for the Olympia with his victory. He is one of the up-and-coming IFBB talents and will now have a chance to show what he can do right away. Ondrejovicova earned second place at the Empro Pro this year and will now qualify for the Olympia after her victory in Figure.
The full results from the show have been announced. There were two divisions earning qualification to the Olympia while nine competitors earned their Pro Cards. Checkout the full breakdown from the event below, along with official score cards.
2022 Finland Pro: All Division Winners
Classic Physique: Josh Eastham
Figure: Adela Ondrejovicova
2022 Finland Pro Breakdown
Classic Physique
First Place – Josh Eastham
Second Place – Valentin Petrov
Third Place – Muneer Al Jassas
Fourth Place – Joe Brighty
Figure
First Place – Adela Ondrejovicova
Second Place – Paula Ranta
Third Place – Hannah Prause
Fourth Place – China Green
Fifth Place – Gabriela Linhartova
Sixth Place – Roberta Visintainer
2022 Finland Pro Official Score Cards
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the IFBB Finland Pro 2022. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
2022 Xtreme Bodybuilding Pro Mexico Results
Gabriel Zancanelli Machado wins the 2022 Xtreme Bodybuilding Pro Mexico!
The 2022 Xtreme Bodybuilding Pro Mexico took place on Saturday with Classic Physique competitors searching for qualification to the Olympia. Athletes gathered in Tijuana, Mexico to show what they can do on stage. In the end, it was Gabriel Zancanelli Machado who won gold to highlight the event.
Machado will return to the Olympia stage after a 16th-place finish in Classic Physique last season. He is part of an up-and-coming group in the division that has it in a great place moving forward.
The full results from the show have been announced. Checkout the full breakdown from the event, along with an official score card from the Classic Physique division.
2022 Xtreme Bodybuilding Pro Mexico Breakdown
Classic Physique
First Place – Gabriel Zancanelli Machado
Second Place – Jorge Arturo Herrera Machado
Third Place – Diego Alejandro Galindo
Fourth Place – Julian Castano
Fifth Place – Jorge Luis Guerrero Gallegos
Sixth Place – Alan Garcia
Seventh Place – Yashar Anbari
Eighth Place – Vladimir Markov
Ninth Place – Jonathan Jimenez
Tenth Place – Luis Sosa Murueta
2022 Xtreme Bodybuilding Pro Mexico Official Score Card
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the IFBB Xtreme Bodybuilding Mexico Pro 2022. Make sure to check out our full IFBB Pro results page from this year and previous years right here to catch up on any action you may have missed!
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Flex Lewis Shares Health & Physique Update Post Retirement
Flex Lewis revealed his new routine since his days on stage have ended.
In May, Flex Lewis decided to announce his retirement from professional bodybuilding. He made the announcement on his Straight Outta The Lair podcast and vowed to focus on his family and managing his gym. Just a few months after this announcement, it is clear that the legendary bodybuilder is still focused on his health and fitness.
Lewis won seven consecutive 212 Olympia titles beginning in 2012. He won other big shows, such as the 2014 Arnold Classic, over the course of his career as well. Lewis is known as the best 212 bodybuilder of all-time and he remains an influential voice in the sport.
On Sunday, Lewis decided to share a physique and health update to Instagram showing off his routine per week.
Image via Instagram @flex_lewis
Flex Lewis Has Focused On His Health Post Retirement
Flex Lewis has always been known for his focus and dedication on stage. This helped him reach a championship level over the course of his career. Now that he is not competing anymore, it does not mean that Lewis has abandoned his lifestyle. In fact, he might be even more focused.
“Physique & Health UpdateMixing up cardio today Red Rock210lbsTraining 4 times a weekCardio 3-4 times a week3-4 meals a day”
There has been a recent string of deaths in bodybuilding that have hit the sport hard. This has made athletes focus on their heart health, including Lewis.
“Had all my blood work back today and I am beyond happy. Everything is in range or better ??–In a few weeks time I will start on some TRT the first time in 6 months if you want to believe that or not I don’t give two fucks. I have been training since 12 if my physique went to shit in 6 months being off I’ve been doing something terribly wrong in my 26yrs of training. Truth!”
During his time on stage, Flex Lewis was not one for many physique updates. Now that he has taken on a new journey as a podcast host, Lewis will venture into the social media game a bit more.
Lewis ended his post explaining that he will share more physique updates, along with different workout and diet videos.
“I’m gonna try to get better at doing some physique updates, and document the changes in the process along with more training and YouTube videos.#RedRock #PhysiqueUpdate #HealthUpdate #MrOlympia#FlexLewis #Bodybuilding“
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