Tag: GI News
Bodybuilder Joe Mackey Deadlifts 850 Pounds At Iron Wars IV, Still Hopes To Qualify For Olympia
Joe Mackey is a professional bodybuilder who is able to reach massive numbers with his deadlift.
Joe Mackey is a professional bodybuilder but he has been putting up numbers in the gym looking like a powerlifter. He continued to show off his impressive deadlifts during CT Fletcher’s Iron abs IV on Friday. Mackey stepped up to 850 pounds on the bar and was able to make it look light in front of the cord gathered at Fletcher’s Iron Addicts Gym in Signal Hill, CA.
Mackey stepped up to the weight using a double overhand grip while wearing lifting straps and a lifting belt. He was able to lock out the bar with little struggle. In his Instagram captions, Mackey revealed that he is preparing for a bodybuilding competition and was lighter than usual during this lift.
“850 lbs tonight at Iron wars with @c.t.ali.fletcher!
Let me remind you, I’m in prep for my next bodybuilding show and I’ve lost 15 lbs since I’ve pulled 900 lbs a month ago.
I’m happy to see that 850 lbs still feels very smooth!! “
Joe Mackey did not reveal what bodybuilding show he is preparing for but it is clear that his goal is to earn qualification to the Olympia in December. Mackey will have to pickup a victory at a show to punch his ticket.
This 850-pound lift is not the heaviest that Mackey has attempted. He was able to reach the 900-pound mark in training but admitted that he was lighter during this lift.
Joe Mackey began competing in the IFBB in 2017. He placed eighth during the 2020 Tampa Pro, which was the best of his career. Mackey competed just once in 2021 during the Chicago Pro. He has yet to make his debut in 2022 but is clear that he is preparing for a return to the bodybuilding world.
“I made it up in my mind that I’d do 850 lbs prior to the event regardless of how lean I am for prep.
I knew that my weight had dropped 20 lbs since last time I did 900 lbs, however that didn’t stop me from knowing what I could still do to show up and show out.”
It is extremely impressive to see the eight that is being moved by Joe Mackey recently. It is even more impressive when learning that he preparing to make a return to bodybuilding.
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Pa O’Dwyer Out Of 2022 World’s Strongest Man, Andy Black To Step In
Pa O’Dwyer is a late scratch in the event due to an injury.
The lineup for the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition has seen plenty of overhaul since it was originally announced. With the event set to kick off today, there is still some turnover. Pa O’Dwyer announced on Monday night that he will not compete due to an injury. Andy Black is prepared to step in and act as his replacement.
O’Dwyer shared the information on social media in the form of an Instagram post. He did not speak on his injury but expressed that he would not be competing and thanked his supporters for the messages.
READ MORE: 2022 World’s Strongest Man Qualifier Groups Announced
“Unfortunately had to withdraw from this years @theworldsstrongestman due to an injury which il address at a later time.Absolutely gutted is an understatement..
Thanks everyone for the messages and support?Il be back for that top 10 spot again.”
Andy Black To Replace Pa O’Dwyer
Andy Black is set to make his debut in the World’s Strongest Man. The Scottish strongman is a two-time Scotland’s Strongest Man winner so he will bring plenty of strength to the competition.
Black will enter the event at 6-foot-7 and 430 pounds. He is extremely athletic and can move well despite his size. We have seen this over the course of his career competing in six major competitions. Black finished third at the 2021 UK’s Strongest Man competition. Black has competed once this year placing sixth at the Britain’s Strongest Man.
READ MORE: How To Watch The 2022 World’s Strongest Man: Full Preview, Coverage, & Results
Over the course of his career, Black has excelled at the Atlas Stones. He has raw strength and this allows him to handle the stones in an impressive manner.
Pa O’Dwyer becomes the latest strongman to pull out of the show. Mateusz Kieliszkowski was one of the favorites to win the entire thing before pulling his name out. Grzegorz Szymanski was named his replacement. Rauna Heinla was another name that will not compete while Mitchell Hooper steps in. Most recently, Peiman Maheripourhir had to bow out with visa issues.
There were a handful of athletes decline to compete in this competition including Iron Biby, J.F. Caron, and Zydrunas Savickas. This will still be an exciting event with some of the world’s best prepared to make an appearance.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Indian Strongman & Wrestler Gama Pehlwan Honored Using Google Doodle
Google featured Gama Pehlwan celebrating his 144th birthday.
On Sunday, the Google Doodle depicted a man with a massive upper body holding a steel club over his shoulder. That man is former strongman and wrestler Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt, better known as Gama Pehlwan.
Google decided to honor Pehlwan using this picture created by artist Vrinda Zaveri. Pehlwan’s 144th birthday was on Sunday and the website put his image in the middle of the word “Google.”
Who is Gama Pehlwan?
Gama Pehlwan was born on May 22, 1878 in the Amritsar District of British India. He developed a passion for fitness at a very young ago. At 10 years old, Pehlwan was already competing in strongman competitions. He won his first show in 1888 and went on to have a successful career in powerlifting and wrestling.
It is no surprise that Pehlwan developed incredible strength at a young age.He performed different workout routines featuring 500 push-ups and 500 longest. He was able to build up his physique and add even more strength. Pehlwan eventually performed 5,000 squats and 3,000 push-ups on a daily basis.
According to ESPN, Gama Pehlwan lifted a 1,200kg stone when he was in his 20’s.
“Gama Pehelawan lifted a stone that weighed 1,200 kgs in 1902 when he was in his 20s. The stone is now on display at the Baroda museum and it took 25 people and a machine to move it.”
Gama Pehlwan became famous for his work as a wrestler. He became such a dominant force in the sport quickly. Pehlwan enjoyed an undefeated career that ended in 1952 when he officially retired at 74 years old.
Pehlwan was a prominent figure in sports but also made a name for himself thanks to a heroic gesture in 1947. British India was divided into Pakistan and India after the 1947 Partition of India. Pehlwan moved to Pakistan and saved hundreds of Hindus during the Hindu-Muslim riots.
Gama Pehlwan passed away on May 23, 1960 at 82 years old in Lahore, Pakistan. He is remembered as a legendary strongman and wrestler who was way before his time. Because of his incredible career, Pehlwan continues to gain recognition and honor to this day.
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Blessing Awodibu Sparks Rivalry With Nick Walker Heading Into Olympia: ‘I’m Going To Whoop Your Ass’
The rivalry between Nick Walker and Blessing Awodibu is back and going to come to a head during the Olympia.
Blessing Awodibu is back and competing at a high level in 2022. After winning the New York Pro on Saturday, Awodibu sparked his rivalry with Nick Walker claiming that he is going to “whoop his ass” during the 2022 Olympia.
In 2021, Awodibu finished sixth at the New York Pro while Walker was crowned champion. This was one of two victories for Walker as he went onto win the Arnold Classic before a top-five finish at the Olympia. This is when Awodibu and Walker began a bit of a rivalry and it could come to a head once again at the Olympia.
Walker took the stage in street clothes on Saturday after Awodibu won the NY Pro title. The two exchanged some words and put on a show for the crowd in attendance.
“I messed up right. You said I was going to be back there watching your glutes. You know what I did, I was back there watching your glutes. Watching you take home that trophy and I promised myself, I would come down here and whoop some ass.”
“You did win New York last year but that was not in New York. That was in Tampa. That’s fair, right? that’s fact. I can gladly say now that the Boogeyman is the new king of New York. Hey, we’re going to the Olympia, right? You know what’s going to happen? I’m going to whoop your ass, Nick.”
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The History of Blessing Awodibu and Nick Walker
Blessing Awodibu and Nick Walker are two great examples of the mass monsters that are now present in Men’s Open. Walker put together an extremely impressive rookie season and is now considered one of the best in the world. Awodibu is looking to get to that level and is off to a great start in 2022.
Awodibu has plenty of momentum after winning the Indy Pro and New York Pro in back-to-back weekends. This brings extra energy heading into the biggest competition of the year.
Nick Walker and Blessing Awodibu have since trained together so there is no real bad blood between the two. The rivalry comes from performances in previous shows and the fact that they are both huge athletes. Awodibu believes that with George Farah in his corner, they can put on a show during the Olympia.
“I’m going to say to you exactly what I said to you before we did New York. Have fun watching my ass from the sidelines,” Nick Walker said.
“Don’t worry. I got the guru with me. I got George Farah now. We can’t lose and all we do is win. I see you at the 2022 Olympia,” Awodibu responded.
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Dennis James Unfiltered: Claims Big Ramy Made A “Mistake Not To Show Up In Pittsburgh”
Dennis James states he is “disappointed” with Big Ramy and believes skipping Pittsburgh was a bad call.
Dennis James got candid in a recent roundtable interview regarding Big Ramy, his absence at the Pittsburgh Pro, and what this means for his future as the current Mr. Olympia champion. James has been working with Ramy and helped prepare him during Olympia prep alongside other coaches – which eventually earned him the Mr. Olympia title in 2020 and 2021. In this new interview, it appears that Dennis James himself has no clue what really happened, why Ramy missed the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro, and claims to be “worried” and “disappointed” in Ramy’s recent actions and lack of communication.
The main takeaway from the interview is that Dennis James has not heard from Big Ramy since the Pittsburgh Pro – and it has him worried. James has been deeply involved with Ramy’s Mr. Olympia prep over the past few years. In fact, James even let Ramy stay at his house in the United States to finish his contest prep in 2021 before the Olympia.
Dennis James is a legend both on stage in his former active competition years and as a bodybuilding coach in recent years. So for James to still have no clarity on what exactly happened after Big Ramy skipped the Pittsburgh Pro is a bit of a shock. Even more shocking is that James was at the Pittsburgh Pro ready to help with last minute prep before the guest posing. Up until the very day of the show – James expected to see Ramy. He has yet to hear or see him since.
Dennis James gets candid about Big Ramy and his absence at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro
During the roundtable interview with Muscle & Fitness, Dennis James didn’t hold back with his info and thoughts on Big Ramy and the Pittsburgh Pro. It’s clear that there are a lot of gaps to still fill in – but James was as honest as he can be with the information he currently knows:
“Everybody has some stories you know, and I’m going through the internet trying to find out what happened because I don’t even know. I seriously don’t know. I don’t know. I was there to support him because we agreed that I’d come to Pittsburgh to help him out. I was there. He was the one that didn’t show up.”
Listen, all I know is that he’s okay, supposedly. I haven’t spoken to him. I reached out a couple of times, he didn’t respond, and I didn’t hear anything back. I’m still waiting to hear from him to find out what really happened.” Dennis James says.
While Dennis James does not know why Big Ramy missed the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro guest posing – he does at the very least know that it was not a medical emergency. He has been told that Ramy is stable and fine. However, he did not receive an answer as to what really happened.
Due to having no given excuse after so many weeks, Dennis James is “worried” and considers that Big Ramy missing the guest posing was a mistake. As he goes on to explain:
“I still don’t know what happened. I still don’t know. All I know, I think that was a big mistake not to show up in Pittsburgh.”
Dennis James then goes on to state that he fully expected Big Ramy to be present at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro literally up until the day of the event. James was at the event and waiting for Ramy to appear for final prep. He never came. This is what concerns James most – the lack of communication.
Knowing now that a medical emergency is out of the cards – what possible excuse can Ramy have for not showing up and not informing Dennis James about his absence. Even further, with weeks having passed since the event – how is it that James still has received no contact or answer?
Whatever the reason is, Dennis James is currently very concerned and, frankly, confused as to how this will effect the future of Big Ramy’s career. He goes on to state:
“Man. I don’t know. I don’t think it’s… I don’t know, it’s not good. I still hope that he will contact me and fill me in on what happened… The main thing for me is, i just want to know, what is he thinking not going there without calling and excusing himself in any way shape or form? that’s the only thing that bothers me a little bit right now.”
Dennis James continued:
I don’t know. I really don’t. I’m disappointed. I’m kind of disappointed, and I’m kind of worried, to the point where I’m like ‘what’s going on’ because i talked to him, two days before he was suposed to leave. I said, ‘Listen, make sure everything is good, don’t miss your flight’ because I know he missed a couple of flights here and there by accident… like I said, I don’t have an excuse for him. I’m not going to make up any excuses. we will have to see what happens. what comes from him when he’s ready to talk I guess.”
What does Big Ramy’s absence mean for the future of the 2022 bodybuilding season?
Ultimately, Dennis James has no new information as to what happened with Big Ramy’s 2022 Pittsburgh Pro absence. But James has become one of many who are worried and concerned for what it means for Ramy’s career. However, James is open to hearing a valid excuse when Big Ramy is ready to give it. Only time will tell if we get that response or not.
Regardless of Big Ramy’s absence, the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro was an exciting event that gave us the special surprise of Derek Lunsford guest posing. Not only that – but his massive size has spurred rumors that he may go up to Men’s Open in the future. Those rumors were further stocked by Hany Rambod admitting that Men’s Open is “not if, but when…”
You can watch the full roundtable interview including Dennis James’ comments below:
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Derek Dufour has been managing all digital operations on the Generation Iron Network for over six years. He currently manages a team of editors, writers, and designers to provide up-to-date content across the GI Network.
2022 World’s Strongest Man Qualifier Groups Announced
Luke Stoltman is the biggest standout from this group due to being the former Europe’s Strongest Man champion. However, this group is the only one that does not feature any previous World’s Strongest Man champions.
Evan Singleton is another standout competitor due to his 2021 Arnold Strongman UK victory and the 2021 Gaints Live Strongman World Open competition. Perhaps the prize at the end of this event will level up Singleton to a higher quality than we’ve ever seen before. It’s the kind of competition that transforms athletes into GOATs. Only time will tell to see how this group plays out.
How To Watch The 2022 World’s Strongest Man
While the full video coverage play by play of the 2022 World’s Strongest Man won’t debut on CBS until later this summer – you can still gain access to an exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage and results update this entire week as the event progresses. We’ve done a complete preview breakdown on how to watch and where to get results here for deeper details.
2022 WSM will feature a digital live show this year with former strongman Terry Hollands hosting Backstage Live! Presented by The Beard Struggle, which will be aired on WSM’s Facebook and YouTube channel.
This will give fans a chance to tune in and watch a recap of the events of the day. Hollands will also be on scene speaking to competitors and providing behind-the-scene interviews and access. Fans who watch from home can hear firsthand from competitors and event organizers on the comings of the day.
For those who are present, the World’s Strongest Man will feature the first ever Fan Festival. This will be free to the public and feature food trucks, giveaways, and special events.
Wrap Up
With the events schedule and the qualifier groups fully announced – strongman fans are more hyped than ever to witness the biggest strength event of the year. Generation Iron will be providing full coverage updates – including breaking news and results announcements as they become available. So make sure to stay tuned this entire week for complete coverage of the 2022 World’s Strongest Man!
Blessing Awodibu Answers: What Is The Fastest Way To Build Lean Muscle Mass?
Blessing Awodibu details the important rules for building mass monster size as efficiently as possible.
If you are an aspiring bodybuilder or perhaps just inspired by the Men’s Open pro bodybuilders of today – you probably want to put on massive size. Gaining weight seems like it would be easier than losing it. But when it comes to building lean muscle mass on a massive level – it can be quite a challenge. That’s why Blessing Awodibu, a pro bodybuilding mass monster that is currently catching attention, shared some key tips on how to effectively build lean muscle as fast as possible. In our latest GI Exclusive, Blessing Awodibu explains the do’s and don’ts for building lean muscle mass big and fast.
Most bodybuilding fans are familiar with the basic cycle of bodybuilding prep. There’s a bulking phase and a cutting phase. During bulking, a bodybuilder tries to put on as much mass as possible. Then closer to the competition, they cut down to sculpt that muscle mass into lean and conditioned mastery.
In today’s day and age of bodybuilding, size means everything. Men’s Open bodybuilders come in at a minimum of 250 pounds with some pushing towards 300 pounds. Needless to say, these guys are truly massive. So if you’re a bodybuilder looking to do the same – how do you build up that much size?
We asked Blessing Awodibu what was the most efficient and fastest way to build muscle mass. The answer might not be the kind of short cut people are looking for – but it’s insightful advice that can help you avoid some serious mistakes. Blessing immediately confirms that there is no “fast” way to build mass. It takes hard work and consistency.
Of course, you can build mass more effectively if you follow some key tips. The most important one being the kind of food you eat. Some bodybuilders pack on junk food into their bulking meal plans. Basically, they’ll eat anything to build up the pounds. But this also brings in lots of fat build up. When the cutting phase comes down the road – this makes for a bigger challenge.
That’s why Blessing Awodibu stresses the importance of eating clean foods. No sugary food. No salty food. No deeply fatty foods. He sticks with the traditional bodybuilder diet of chicken and rice. Sometimes steak and rice. He stays consistent no matter how mind numbing it can become. Building up lean mass as a bodybuilder is part of the job. It’s work. It’s not supposed to be “fun” or “tasty” all of the time.
Blessing Awodibu also shares some tips on how to make sure the mass you are building is muscle and not fat. How do you build mass monster muscle without becoming too soft? Blessing swears by fasted cardio. He says it’s the most important trick to making sure your muscle builds lean and not puffy.
Bodybuilding often de-emphasizes cardio. Doing too much can burn off the muscle you’ve been trying so hard to build. It also is extremely unpleasant to do cardio when you are carrying over 250 pounds of muscle.
Regardless, Blessing Awodibu (among other top tier bodybuilders) stress how important it is to stay on top of not just cardio – but fasted cardio. This brings in the most benefits for your time. It also ensures when you are bulking that it’s mostly muscle and not tubby fat.
You can watch Blessing Awodibu go into more detail about his exact tactics in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
2022 New York Pro Results
Blessing Awodibu wins the 2022 New York Pro!
The 2022 New York Pro was next up on the schedule this season. Aside from the Olympia and Arnold classic, the New York Pro might be the biggest show over the course of the year. There were nine divisions fighting for titles on Saturday at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, NJ. In the end, it was Blessing Awodibu highlighting the show with a victory in Men’s Open.
Awodibu came into the show as the favorite after winning the Indy Pro just last week. This was his return to the stage and now, he was looking for redemption at the NY Pro, where he finished sixth in 2021. There was a late shakeup as Indy Pro runner-up Charles Griffen decided to pull out of the event on Friday.
Sadik Hadzovic also returned to the stage in New Jersey after his Men’s Physique victory in Men’s Physique. Despite already holding a ticket to the Olympia, Hadzovic wanted to prove that he is ready for the biggest stage. Lauralie Chapados was victorious in Bikini while Neil Currey won Classic Physique.
The full results from the show have been announced. There were a total of nine divisions present during the New York Pro. Checkout the full breakdown from each event along with the official scorecards from the night.
2022 New York Pro: All Division Winners
Men’s Open: Blessing Awodibu
Classic Physique: Neil Currey
Men’s Physique: Kyron Holden
Men’s 212: Noel Adame
Women’s Bodybuilding: Donna Salib
Women’s Physique: Natalia Abraham Coelho
Bikini: Lauralie Chapados
Figure: Jossie Nathali Alarcon Becerra
Wellness: Sunny Andrews
2022 New York Pro Breakdown
Men’s Open
First Place – Blessing Awodibu
Second Place – Andrea Presti
Third Place – Maxx Charles
Fourth Place – Theo Leguerrier
Fifth Place – Justin Rodriguez
Men’s Physique
First Place – Kyron Holden
Second Place – Alexander Toplyn
Third Place – Sadik Hadzovic
Fourth Place – Jeremiah Maxey
Fifth Place – Ramses Rams
Classic Physique
First Place – Neil Currey
Second Place – Alexander Westermeier
Third Place – Camilo Diaz
Fourth Place – Ruben Stouth
Fifth Place – Dancovea Anderson
Men’s 212
First Place – Noel Adame
Second Place – Sung Yeop Jang
Third Place – Abdullah Alsaif
Fourth Place – Derik Olsan
Fifth Place – Enmanuel Rodriguez
Women’s Bodybuilding
First Place – Donna Salib
Second Place – Stephanie Flesher
Third Place – Michelle Jin
Fourth Place – Keisha Oliver
Fifth Place – Saqweta Barrino
Women’s Physique
First Place – Natalia Abraham Coelho
Second Place – Ji Hye Lee
Third Place – Alex Hall
Fourth Place – Amanda Peles
Fifth Place – Orlandina Balin
Bikini
First Place – Lauralie Chapados
Second Place – Elisa Pecini
Third Place – Janet Layug
Fourth Place – India Paulino
Fifth Place – Erin Stern
Figure
First Place – Jossie Nathali Alarcon Becerra
Second Place – Tereza Linhartova
Third Place – Ericka M. Morgan
Fourth Place – Courtney Jacobs
Fifth Place – Yelena Larina
Wellness
First Place – Sunny Andrews
Second Place – Kassandra Gillis
Third Place – Jasmine Payne
Fourth Place – Judian Winston
Fifth Place – Rafaelle Zen
Official Score Cards
Coming soon!
Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the IFBB New York 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.
Jay Cutler Believes ‘People Need To Stop’ Discussing A Return For Phil Heath: “He’s Not Coming Back”
Jay Cutler recent discussed the idea of Phil Heath returning to the stage.
Jay Cutler continues to be vocal about all things bodybuilding — including steroid use, history, and now the potential return of Phil Heath. Fans have been hoping that Heath makes his way back to the stage but to this point, it seems unlikely. Cutler agrees with that notion and believes people need to stop discussing it.
Cutler burst onto the scene in the early 2000s and reached the pinnacle of the sport in 2006. He was able to end Ronnie Coleman’s streak of eight consecutive Olympia victories with one of his own. Cutler won four of five Olympia titles beginning in 2006. In 2011, Cutler was taken down by Heath and this began a stretch of seven straight victories.
There have been talks of Heath coming back to the stage in hopes of reaching 10 Olympia victories. He continues to show a shredded physique in the gym, giving fans some hope of a return. On a recent episode of Cutler Cast, Milos Sarcev joined Cutler for a conversation.
Jay Cutler on Phil Heath: “He’s Not Coming Back”
Jay Cutler was a fan of Phil Heath from the moment he burst onto the scene. Heath caught his eye early and he knew he would be a champion.
“when you saw Phil Heath in 2005 or 2006 when he won the USA, did you say, ‘this guy is going to be Mr. Olympia.’ I called McGuff and I said, ‘this guy is going to win Olympia’, McGuff was like ‘okay’. I told Chris Aceto that same thing and he said ‘no shot Phil Heath will win Mr. Olympia,’” Cutler said.
Cutler was right as Heath went onto win the competition seven times. At 42 years old, he remains in what looks like championship shape but Cutler believes that he is now making a return.
“Like Phil Heath, he’s not coming back. Phil is in a good place. People just need to stop.”
In all sports, there are discussions on how different players would perform in a certain era. There are many that believe Babe Ruth would not be able to play in today’s MLB or LeBron James would not fare well in the 80s and 90s. Bodybuilding is no different.
Jay Cutler recently discussed the topic of how he would perform against six-time Olympia champ Dorian Yates.
“It’s like comparing me to Dorian, or how would I have done against Dorian Yates. You know when they post the pictures up, they say, ‘oh what would he have done against this guy or that guy’, I stood next to Ronnie Coleman bro. There’s nobody harder to stand next to than Ronnie Coleman in my opinion.”
This is all speculation from Jay Cutler as he does not have a definite answer on the future of Phil Heath. What we do know is that Cutler does not like to discuss hypotheticals about different bodybuilders and their status against one another.
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Larry Wheels Talks Experiences On Trenbolone: ‘It’s A Life Living Hell’
Larry Wheels explains how Trenbolone is by far the worst steroid he has taken.
Larry Wheels has built a reputation as an elite powerlifter with a massive following. Over the course of his career, Wheels has dabbled with many PEDs and this is something he has recently opened up about more and more. This continued in a recent interview as the powerlifter went over his steroid use and explained how Trenbolone was the worst experience.
Wheels has gained 3.3 million followers on Instagram. He is known for his incredible feats of strength and shredded physique. From powerlifting, Wheels has also taken on arm wrestling and is nearing a return to strongman. Wheels has not taken part in bodybuilding but the recent string of deaths in the sport has opened the eyes of all close to it.
Shawn Rhoden passed away suddenly last year and this hit the bodybuilding world hard. George Peterson and Cedric McMillan also passed away due to heart complications and this shocked the community. Because of this, Wheels decided to get checked out by a doctor because of his steroid use over the last decade. At 27 years old, Wheels revealed that his heart is healthy and where it needs to be.
The conversation continued as Larry Wheels discussed how Trenbolone is the worst steroid that he has been on.
READ MORE: Larry Wheels Shares Update On Here Health After ‘Abusing PEDs For 10 Years Straight’
Larry Wheels On Trenbolone: “It’s A Nightmare To Deal With”
Many steroids come with side effects and these include mood swings, acne, and insomnia. These go along with the other long-term effects that athletes have. For Wheels, he did not have many side effects on substances but admitted that Trenbolone was “a living hell.”
“I tried to get rid of the bare minimum, but this Tren has just…besides the advantages, all of the other side effects they bring like mood swings, the insomnia, the acne. It’s just a nightmare to deal with. Is it even worth the small extra strength gain it will give you over something like a D-Bol or T-Bol or Deconate. Is it even worth it but it’s just a nightmare to deal with,” Wheels explained.
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Wheels revealed recently that he had been using steroids for about 10 years now. This is when he began seeing differences in his physique and strength. After seeing what is happening in the sport of bodybuilding, he decided to check on his health and reflect on the last decade.
“I’ve been on PEDs for ten years straight right. The worst of them has definitely been Tren. I mean, all other PEDs my mental health is okay, I’m not paranoid or I’m not irritable or overly aggressive. So, it’s just that one, it’s just Tren. It’s a life living hell. I haven’t used it in a while for that reason, or orals for that matter.”
READ MORE: Bodybuilders Are Dying: An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Larry Wheels Plans To Cut Back
Larry Wheels went into how steroid cycles are different than they were before. After 10 years of using, Wheels has decided to dial it back a bit to keep his health priorities first.
“We don’t really know what the long-term effect of abusing drugscan really be. We see guys like Arnold, and other bodybuilders back in the day, still okay today. But they were not using the same drugs that we were using today.”
“When these bodybuilders are passing away, a lot of them I’ve met personally, shook hands with. It’s just like surreal, they’re so young. Thirty, forty years old. They’re leaving behind children and wives, and it’s just really sad.”
Larry Wheels continues to prepare for the 2022 Middle East’s Strongest Man competition and has put up some more eye-popping numbers in the gym. Just because he plans to cut back on certain cycles does not mean that he is not going to be lifting. Wheels is at a point in his career where he has built enough strength to compete.
Now, the 27-year-old powerlifter will focus on his health moving forward.
“When you’re young, everyone tells you, ‘oh you’re young, don’t worry about it, you’re supposed to be healthy’ but you’re totally right on the same page. I’m going to be thirty soon. I need to dial things back. I want to have kids soon. I don’t want to be 35-40 trying to have kids. I don’t even know if I’m fertile or not, I have to deal with that as well and figure that out. Life hits you, you know. It comes fast.”
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