Tag: GI News

2022 New York Pro Preview & Full Competitor List

2022 New York Pro Preview & Full Competitor List

The 2022 New York Pro is just a few days away and there is now a full list of competitors!
The bodybuilding season rolls on with another big-time competitor coming on Saturday. Just one week after the 2022 Indy Pro, some of the best competitors in the world will return to the stage during the 2022 New York Pro. This is considered one of the biggest shows of the year, outside of the Arnold Classic and Olympia. The competition will take place at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, NJ.
There are a total of nine divisions that will be present at the New York Pro. Once again, this will be headlined by Men’s Open. Indy Pro champion Blessing Awodibu will make a quick return to the stage as one of the favorites to win the competition. Maxx Charles will also return after a third-place finish in Indianapolis, along with Justin Rodriguez.
We will get into the Men’s Open competitors below but there are other elite names ready to take the stage. Sadik Hadzovic made his return to the stage and earned Olympia qualification after winning the Pittsburgh Pro. He will take the stage once again in New Jersey. Bikini is a growing division in bodybuilding and there will be no shortage of talent this weekend.
Lauralie Chapados has taken over as one of the two best competitors in the division, along with Olympia champion Jennifer Dorie. Chapados will look to earn another victory during the NY Pro. Janet Layug finished third in Pittsburgh and will look to challenge Chapados, who took home the title in this competition.
The Men’s Open division will once again be headlined and feature some elite names looking to stay in championship shape. Below, take a look at some of the top competitors to watch during the NY Pro.
Blessing Awodibu
Blessing Awodibu entered the Indy Pro as one of the favorites to win. After showing up in his best shape, Awodibu might be the clear-cut favorite to win once again in New Jersey. This is a show that Awodibu will take personally after a sixth-place finish in 2021. This is when Awodibu’s rivalry with Nick Walker, 2021 NY Pro champion, began. Awodibu will now have a chance to avenge his performance last season and do it at his absolute best.
Maxx Charles
Maxx Charles was considered one of the top competitors in Indianapolis but was jumped by Charles Griffen on the score card. Charles finished third in Indy and without Griffen in the lineup, Charles might considered the favorite to challenge Awodibu. It is amazing to see how it changes week to week and this is a chance for Charles to learn from his performance last week and enjoy a quick turnaround.
Justin Rodriguez
Justin Rodriguez is one of the competitors who is looking to reach his potential. It began at the Arnold Classic, where he looked impressive during prejudging. He fell during the finals and this happened once again in Indy. Rodriguez and Awodibu were expected to finish at the top but Rodriguez fell to fourth when it was all said and done. With many of the same competitors returning to New Jersey, Rodriguez will look to make some necessary improvements on stage.
Dorian Haywood
Dorian Haywood finished fourth at the Indy Pro last year but took a step back this time around. He finished sixth in Indianapolis last week. Haywood competed five times in 2021 and it looks like he is staying busy once again. If there is a tier of competitors looking to take a step forward, Haywood is leading the charge. He has experience in this show, which was another fourth-place finish last year.
Slavoj Bednar
Slavoj Bednar is improving year to year. He competed twice in 2021 with a top-10 finish at the Chicago Pro. In Indy, Bednar finished eighth and will have a chance to improve on his position. Bednar does not bring the massive size of other competitors but he has great symmetry and conditioning on stage.
2022 New York Pro Competitor List
Men’s Open

Blessing Awodibu
Paul Baker
Slavoj Bednar
Maxx Charles
Ross Flanigan
Douglas Fruchey
Dorian Haywood
Peter Klancir
Theo Leguerrier
Bruce Noite
Emir Omeragic
Andrea Presti
Justin Rodriguez
Joji Sekine
Mariusz Tomczuk

Classic Physique 

Dancovea Anderson
Paul Baker
Maurice Burgess
Tommy Clark
Luis Colon
Neil Currey
Camilo Diaz
Jeong Hyun Kim
Kenneth Silcott
Derrick Simmons
Ruben Stouth
Anthony Venterosa
Alexander Westormeier
Junyoung Yoon

Men’s 212

Noel Adame
Abdullah Alsaif
Steve Benthin
Peter Castella
Arturo Cotto
Yumon Eaton
Asante Gibson
Michael Gillotti
Sung Yeop Jang
Derik Olsan
David Robinson
Enmanuel Rodriguez

Men’s Physique

Chidube Anene
Bryan Blackman
Riccardo Croci
Daniele D’Onofrio
Sadik Hadzovic
Brett Mario Jackson Jr.
Minsu Kim
Burak King
Jeremiah Maxey
Kelvin Morel
Bruce Nolte
Geobanny Paula
Kenny Privet
Ramses Rams
Mark Robinson
Steven Rogers
Adrian Thomas 
Damar Turner

Women’s Bodybuilding 

Saqweta Barrino
Michelle Brent
Gisela Nunes Chan
Stephanie Fisher
Michelle Jin
Keisha Oliver
Pauline Nelson
Donna Salib
Wendy Sanchez

Women’s Physique

Idaliz Alvarez
Natalia Abraham Coelho
Ji Hye Lee
Kristyn Lia
Angela Noury
Amanda Peles
Renee Reefschlaeger
Heidi Worrell-Osborne

Bikini

Lauralie Chapados 
Sara Choi
Jessica Nicole Dollas
Liana Giannamore
Karens Gonzalez
Elizabeth Jensen
Tae Rin Kim
Janet Layug
Liana Martinez
Ruth E. Montes
Cristina Pacillo
Ji Bin Park
India Paulino
Elisa Pecini
Thirza Quintana
Lexus Redmond
Kerri Jeanne Simas
Erin Stern
Francesca Stoico
Nadia Szymanowicz
Allison Testu

Figure

Jossie Nathalie Alarcon Becerra
Desmone Black-Thompson
Sh’Nere Mattise Deas
Eda Greene
Mandy Harbin
Courtney Jacobs
Yelena Larina
Tereza Linhartova
Georgina Lona
Nancy Lozano
Ericka M. Morgan
Jennifer Nazem
Larissa Penaloza
Christina Rosa
Ashley Soden

Wellness

Sunny Andrews
Madison Luna
Jasmine Payne
Judian Winston
Rafaelle Zen

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Hafthor Bjornsson Throws It Back To Strongman With 705.4-Pound Deadlifts For Two Reps

Hafthor Bjornsson Throws It Back To Strongman With 705.4-Pound Deadlifts For Two Reps

Hafthor Bjornsson shows that he still has super-human strength.
Hafthor Bjornsson is one of the top strongmen of all-time. The former World’s Strongest Man champion recently took some time away from the sport in order to train as a boxer. Bjornsson lost a significant amount of weight and built a shredded physique. He decided to show that he still has the super-human strength that made him an elite competitor in strongman.
Bjornsson took to Instagram to share a deadlift video during a recent training session. He was able to move 705.4 pounds for two reps. This is no surprise given the fact that Bjornsson currently holds the deadlift world record of 501kg (1,045lbs).

Hafthor Bjornsson set the deadlift world record in 2020. He famously lifted one kilogram more than Eddie Hall, who became the first athlete to officially deadlift 500kg (1,102lb). This was just one chapter of the long-standing rivalry between the two elite strongmen.

Hafthor Bjornsson vs. Eddie Hall
This rivalry dates back to 2017 when Hall defeated Bjornsson in the World’s Strongest Man competition. Bjornsson was unhappy with the results and believed that he should have been named the winner. The very next year, Bjornsson was able to take home the title.
The deadlift world record was just the icing on the cake that the two needed moving forward. This led to a highly-anticipated meeting in the boxing ring. Both athletes underwent huge physique transformations in order to compete. In the end, it was Bjornsson who picked up a unanimous victory.
Hafthor Bjornsson left the door open for a possible rematch but laid out certain terms for Hall to reach. Hall had to donate $100,000 to the charity of Bjornsson’s choice and get a tattoo of the words “World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Julius Bjornsson.” Hall met all requirements but there are no talks of a rematch just yet.

Hafthor Bjornsson’s Future 
If Hall is not the next opponent for Hafthor Bjornsson, it will be interesting to see if he can get a fight together with Martyn Ford. 
Of course, Ford’s bout with the Iranian Hulk fell through for reasons outside of the ring. Ford was concerned with the mental health of Sajad Gharibi and decided to call things off. He commented on Bjornsson’s fighting styles following the match with Hall and many believe that this would be an exciting match to see.
Ford has yet to make his debut in the ring while Bjornsson has plenty of experience now. It is unknown if and when Bjornsson will return to the ring. It is even more unknown who a possible opponent could be.
One thing we do now is that Bjornsson still has the strength that made him one of the most-decorated strongmen of all-time. It will be interesting to see if he continues to train with massive weight in the gym and how high his numbers could go moving forward.
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For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

2022 Musclecontest Ireland Pro Results

2022 Musclecontest Ireland Pro Results

Robert Taylor wins Men’s 212 at the Musclecontest Ireland Pro!
The 2022 Musclecontest Ireland Pro took place over the weekend and was highlighted by the Men’s 212 division. This gave competitors a chance to earn a trip to the 2022 Olympia. Robert Taylor came out victorious and will have a chance to compete on the biggest stage in the sport.
Taylor was able to pickup his first victory in his only competition of 2022. Last season, Taylor appeared on stage twice. He finished ninth during the Europa Pro Championships and eighth at the Yamamoto Cup Pro. Now, Taylor has earned a trip to Las Vegas to compete at the Olympia in December.
Derek Lunsford was able to pull off an upset of Shaun Clarida during the 2021 Olympia in the 212 division. Clarida has since made the jump to Open Bodybuilding and earned a spot at the Olympia after his victory at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro.
The full results from the small show have been announced. Check out the full results, along with the official score card, from the 2022 Musclecontest Ireland Pro!
2022 Musclecontest Ireland Pro Breakdown
Men’s 212

First Place – Robert Taylor
Second Place – David Henry
Third Place – Pasquale D’Angelo
Fourth Place – Giuseppe Zagarella

2022 Musclecontest Ireland Pro Official Score Card

Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the IFBB 2022 Musclecontest Ireland Pro. 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 Indy Pro Results

2022 Indy Pro Results

Blessing Awodibu wins the 2022 Indy Pro!
The 2022 Indy Pro took place on Saturday and featured some of the top competitors in the sport. There were three divisions present at the Indiana Convention Center with hopes of earning qualification to the biggest show of the year. In the end, it was Blessing Awodibu who was victorious in Men’s Open.
The show was highlighted by the return of Awodibu. He finished third at this competition last year before appearing at the New York Pro the very next week. Awodibu decided to take the rest of 2021 off in hopes of putting on size and making improvements.
The battle between Awodibu and reigning champion Justin Rodriguez was the battle to watch coming in. Rodriguez continues to be an up-and-coming talent in Men’s Open. He was looking to build off his performance at the Arnold Classic, where he took fifth place.
Maxx Charles and Charles Griffen were also viewed as dark-horse competitors entering Indianapolis. Bryan Balzano picked up a victory in Men’s 212 while Theresa Ivancik was victorious in Women’s Bodybuilding.
The results from the show on Saturday night have been announced. There were three divisions that saw winners earn qualification to the 2022 Olympia. Checkout which divisions have named winners and the official score cards below!
2022 Indy Pro: All Division Winners

Men’s Open: Blessing Awodibu
Men’s 212: Bryan Balzano
Women’s Bodybuilding: Theresa Ivancik

2022 Indy Pro Breakdown 
Men’s Open

First Place – Blessing Awodibu
Second Place – Charles Griffen
Third Place – Maxx Charles
Fourth Place – Justin Rodriguez
Fifth Place – Brent Swansen
Sixth Place – Dorian Haywood
Seventh Place – Walter Martin
Eighth Place – Slavoj Bednar
Ninth Place – Ross Flanigan
Tenth Place – Ray Short

Men’s 212

First Place – Bryan Balzano
Second Place – Noel Adame
Third Place – Enmanuel Rodriguez
Fourth Place – Yumon Eaton
Fifth Place – Abdullah Alsaif
Sixth Place – LeLand DeVaughn
Seventh Place – Teddy Gray
Eighth Place – Boas Oliveira
Ninth Place – Broderick Credell
Tenth Place – Peter Castella

Women’s Bodybuilding

First Place – Theresa Ivancik
Second Place – Stephanie Fisher
Third Place – Lisa Kudrey
Fourth Place – Donna Salib
Fifth Place – Jada Beverly

2022 Indy Pro Official Score Cards

Generation Iron wishes to congratulate all the great athletes who earned a win at the 2022 IFBB Indy Pro. 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.

Blessing Awodibu Shares One Final Physique Update Looking Crazy Impressive Before Indy Pro

Blessing Awodibu Shares One Final Physique Update Looking Crazy Impressive Before Indy Pro

Blessing Awodibu continues to improve right up to his scheduled appearance at the Indy Pro.
The 2022 Indy Pro is set to take place on Saturday and Blessing Awodibu continues to show his progress — right up until the final moment. Awodibu is considered one of the favorites to win on Saturday. He shared one final physique update on Thursday where he is looking extremely impressive heading into the show.
Awodibu burst onto the IFBB scene in 2021. He finished third at this very competition last season before coming in sixth place during the New York Pro. Awodibu took the rest of the season off in order to make the necessary improvements, including adding size. By the looks of his recent physique updates, Awodibu is ready to hit Indianapolis hard.

“It’s almost time to danceLOADING⏳”

The Indy Pro will include last year’s champion Justin Rodriguez. This gives Blessing Awodibu a chance to see how he stacks up against some of the other top competitors in the world. Maxx Charles will also be present looking to make an impact and earn qualification to the 2022 Olympia.
Blessing Awodibu Preparation

Blessing Awodibu has stayed active on social media sharing physique updates and there is a clear secret to his success this offseason. Awodibu has tailored his workouts around volume training and it seems to be working.

“VOLUME VOLUME VOLUME.
IF YOU REALLY WANT TO BUILD MUSCLE, YOU NEED TO IMPLEMENT VOLUME IN YOUR SETS. DOING 8-12 REPS IS A GOOD RULE OF THUMB FOR BODYBUILDING MOVEMENTS,” Awodibu said on a podcast appearance with Mark Bell.

Blessing Awodibu shared his offseason meal preps as well, highlighted by steak. It is a diet plan meant to add size while keeping his shredded physique. Awodibu has also been training with Nick Walker, who he developed a bit of a rivalry with following the New York Pro last season.
Awodibu continues to be one of the biggest up-and-coming names in bodybuilding. That is going to continue as he improves his physique and adds size. He has been unable to make it to the Olympia just yet but has a chance to qualify if he can win the Indy Pro.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Seven-Time 212 Olympia Champion Flex Lewis Announces Retirement From Bodybuilding

Seven-Time 212 Olympia Champion Flex Lewis Announces Retirement From Bodybuilding

Image via Instagram @flex_lewis
Flex Lewis has decided to “hang up his posing trunks” after a legendary career.
Flex Lewis launched the first episode of his Straight Outta The Lair podcast on Friday morning. Joined by his wife, Ali, Lewis discussed many topics including bodybuilding and his family’s move to Las Vegas. The seven-time Olympia champion proceeded to make a major announcement. Lewis revealed that he has decided to retire from bodybuilding.
Around the 22-minute mark of the podcast, which was shared to his YouTube page, Lewis begins talking about the future and explains how it is time for him to make this decision.

“I’ve kind of thought about many ways on how I want to deliver this because it is something I have done since I was 19. There’s no real easy way to say this but it’s time.
Bodybuilding has served me very well. It has opened some amazing doors for me but it is time for me to hang up my posing trunks. It has been an amazing road. One I am very blessed to say that I have accomplished more, more things than I ever thought imagined.”
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“Without getting emotional, you kind of know. I know. This is a decision that I made myself…It was my decision and everybody has supported it. There’s multiple reasons why I’m at this place.”
Flex Lewis continues to discuss his decision and says he wants to be present for his family. Flex and Ali welcomed their second child to the world last week. Lewis wants to be around his family more moving forward.
“My son is on the way and I really want to be present. I really want to be present. My daughter is six years old right now. I’ve lost a lot of years of her life being on the road, traveling, putting bodybuilding first. There’s no way around it. Bodybuilding was first on many, many occasions. I just want to be there for the birth and I just don’t want to have to look at the clock and eat meals and run off to the gym.”

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Kali Muscle Shares Experiences With PEDs: ‘If You’re A Bodybuilder, You’re Risking Your Life’

Kali Muscle Shares Experiences With PEDs: ‘If You’re A Bodybuilder, You’re Risking Your Life’

Kali Muscle recently shared some of his negative experiences with steroids as a bodybuilder.
Kali Muscle has been vocal about steroids in bodybuilding recently. As a former competitor, Kali has plenty of experience and opinions on the use of different substances when competing. In a recent YouTube video, Kali Muscle shared some of his negative experiences from steroids over the course of his career.
Kali joined bodybuilding late but quickly became an icon because of his story and incredible physique. He gained a massive following on social media and continues to be an influential voice in the sport. Following a recent string of deaths that have hit the bodybuilding world hard, many have spoken on how to improve the sport.

Kali Muscle suffered a heart attack in 2021. He explained that this was caused by a clogged left artery. Shawn Rhoden passed away last year of a heart attack. Dallas McCarver and Cedric McMillan also died of complications with their heart. Kali Muscle believes that all substances used in bodybuilding have negative effects.
“Do not take Insulin, if you’re a bodybuilder you’re risking your life. There’s quite a few bodybuilders dying because if they don’t get that sugar spike, they just ‘oh I’m going to go to sleep’, and they go to sleep and die. Leave that stuff alone,” Kali Muscle said.
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Kali Muscle Bodybuilding Beginnings

Kali Muscle had an incredible physique from an early age but he did not begin bodybuilding until around 2009. He entered a show and saw great success. This led to his move to Los Angeles in 2010 in hopes of becoming a professional.
Kali continues to explain how he quickly put on weight once he was given guidance. He began taking different steroids to put on size to compete on stage.
“So during this time, let me rewind back a little bit. During the time of me doing these bodybuilding shows, I studied a minimum of eight hours a day. I bought all the anabolic books, I was on Google eight hours a day because everyone does the same workouts, everyone does the same supplements, it’s how you stack the PEDs, you know what I mean.
“I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. I didn’t have no advisor, the guys I knew were amateurs that were guessing as well. So, I remember this one time I experienced a bad infection. My partner or guy I knew gave me some testosterone and all of a sudden a boil had came on the side of my hip. I immediately knew it was from bad juice.”

Kali Muscle Offseason Stack
Kali Muscle was able to get up to 270 pounds but this is when he had a close-call using Insulin. Kali ate a lot of carbs before helping a person move out of their apartment. He became dizzy and was fearing that he would fall into a coma. Kali had to eat a Snickers bar to get his sugar back to normal. This was the final time he took Insulin.
“Enathate, Tren 1600, sometimes Anidrol, sometimes D-bol, Remedyx, that was my stack.
So getting ready for shows, I would do Test, Propofol, Tren, Ace, Winstrol, Anivar, Clenbuterol, T3, and sometimes, well Lasix and water pills if you’re getting ready for a show. That was my stack man. I never did Synthol. I never did anything to pump up my muscles for a day or anything like that. After a show I would get off everything. I would do nothing. I would come off everything. Do Clomid, and HCG when I would come off.”
Kali Muscle says that doctors did not specifically say that this was the cause of his heart attack. He explains how he grew up with a bad diet and how that could have been a factor, along with experimenting with different drugs.
There is a concern with steroids in bodybuilding today and it is not a problem that is going to go away. Kali Muscle remains on the side against steroids because of his own medical complications.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Powerlifter Larry Wheels Launches OnlyFans Page

Powerlifter Larry Wheels Launches OnlyFans Page

Larry Wheels recently shared the link to his new OnlyFans account.
Larry Wheels has built a massive social media following because of his many avenues. Led by powerlifting, Wheels has dabbled in many areas that use his strength and physique to succeed, including bodybuilding and arm wrestling. Now, Wheels has decided to start an OnlyFans account.
Wheels took to his Instagram story to share the link to his new page. He has built a following on Instagram of 3.3 million and rising. Wheels’ feats of strength have gained much attention and he has decided to take on a new journey.

“Exclusive Content Line In Bio”

Larry Wheels shares the link in a link in his social media bio. His OnlyFans page is alongside a supplements page, clothing site, and Boohooman activewear site. According to his page, subscribers can sign up for $20 a month or use a bundle ($51 for three months or $180 for a full year).

Wheels is not the first in the fitness industry to take on this venture. Many have used this as an opportunity to connect with fans in different ways and this is likely what Wheels plans to do as well.

Larry Wheels Powerlifting
Larry Wheels is one of the biggest muscle freaks in powerlifting. He shared a video in January of himself before he began venturing into the gym to show the progress that he has made. He clearly did not have the size that he has now and he wanted to inspire others to do the same.
Recently, Wheels has been training for Middle East’s Strongest Man competition. He announced a new deadlift PR attempt coming during the event. The max deadlift is scheduled to be an event and Wheels wants to reach a number that he has never before.  This came after a 937-pound deadlift that he shared on Instagram.

Larry Wheels has started keeping an eye on his health following a string of deaths in bodybuilding linked to PEDs. In April, Wheels took a trip to the doctors to get his heart checked after years of steroid use. Thankfully, Wheels checked out and he can continue opening eyes in the gym.
It is no secret that Wheels is one of the biggest names in powerlifting. He has made a huge name for himself on social media and he plans to use his brand in many different ways.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

2022 Indy Pro: Men’s Open Preview

2022 Indy Pro: Men’s Open Preview

The 2022 Indy Pro will have three divisions present highlighted by the Men’s Open category.
The 2022 Indy Pro is the next big show on the schedule around the bodybuilding world. Some of the world’s best competitors will gather to Indianapolis in hopes of earning a trip to the 2022 Olympia. The show will take place on Saturday with three divisions being highlighted — Men’s Open, Men’s 212, and Women’s Bodybuilding.
This event comes one week after the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. This show did not feature the Men’s Open category but it saw some elite athletes appear as guest posers, including Brandon Curry, Nick Walker, and Hunter Labrada. Now, the Indy Pro will have a chance to punch another ticket to the biggest show of the year.

Justin Rodriguez was victorious at the Indy Pro last year and he will highlight the field of competitors. Below, you can find a breakdown of some of the top athletes scheduled to appear at the show along with the full lineups for all three divisions.
Justin Rodriguez
Justin Rodriguez is coming off a victory at this event last year. He will be considered one of the favorites to win his second consecutive title. Rodriguez continues to impress in Men’s Open and has some more steps to take. He finished eighth at the 2021 Olympia before what was supposed to be a big 2022 season. Rodriguez finished fifth at the Arnold Classic after impressing during prejudging. He fell a bit come the night portion of the event. Rodriguez has a chance to continue to impress during the Indy Pro.
Blessing Awodibu

Blessing Awodibu is returning to the Indy Pro once again after a third place finish a year ago. He went onto finish sixth during the New York Pro just one week later. Following this contest, Awodibu took the remainder of the year off but is now ready to return to the stage. After many physique updates, it is clear that Awodibu was able to put on the size he was looking for this offseason. Looking at the field, Awodibu has a chance to finish in the top three once again and challenge Rodriguez for his title.
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Maxx Charles
Maxx Charles haș not won a contest since the 2018 Romania Muscle Fest Pro. In recent years, he has been on everyone’s radar but has fallen just short. At the 2022 Indy Pro, Charles has a chance to finish in the top three. He last competed at the Boston Pro this season, finishing fifth. This came after an eighth-place finish at the Arnold Classic. Rodriguez and Awodibu will be tough to beat but Charles could surprise at the show if he comes in at his very best.
Charles Griffen
Charles Griffen was put on the map when he finished third at the 2021 Tampa Pro, a show that was won by Iain Valliere. He has won one show during his professional career and it came during the 2018 Muscle Mayhem. Griffen will not blow you away with size but he is well-conditioned and brings great symmetry to the stage. Griffen can be considered a dark-horse in this event and could sneak near the top of the score card.
Dorian Haywood
Dorian Haywood was a frequent competitor last season. He competed in five shows in 2021. Haywood finished fourth at the Indy Pro and New York Pro last year. Now, he is looking to take the next step in 2022. The field is strong for the Indy Pro but Haywood is not short of experience. He knows what it takes to show up at these competitions and could catch some eyes if he is in his best shape.
2022 Indy Pro Lineup
Men’s Open

Blessing Awodibu
Slavoj Bednar
Maxx Charles
Ross Flanigan
Ron Gordon
Charles Griffen
Dorian Haywood
Matt Kouba
Walter Martin
Eslam Mohamed
Diogo Nunes
Justin Rodriguez
Ray Short
Brent Swansen

Men’s 212

Noel Adame
Abdullah Alsaif
Bryan Balzano
Peter Castella
Arturo Cotto
Broderick Credell
Joey Decaminada
LeLand DeVaughn
Yumon Eaton
Asante Gibson 
Teddy Gray
Boas Oliveira
Enmanuel Rodriguez
Mark Smith

Women’s Bodybuilding

Jada Beverly
Stephanie Flesher
Theresa Ivancik
Lisa Audrey
Donna Salib

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Chris Bumstead Focuses On Volume In New Full Chest Workout

Chris Bumstead Focuses On Volume In New Full Chest Workout

Chris Bumstead hit a new chest workout where he is focused on volume.
Chris Bumstead gifted himself with a new truck followed by a chest workout on Sunday. He pulled up to Revive Gym in Stuart, FL in his new 1978 Ford F-150 Lariat edition and got a massive pump using volume on chest day.
Bumstead is the reining three-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. By the looks of his recent workouts, Bumstead looks primed a ready for his fourth consecutive victory. The Classic Physique division is one that continues to grow and there are more elite competitors than there has been in recent years.

Chris Bumstead struggled with COVID at the beginning of the year and he saw a big weight loss because of it. He is now in the bulking phase of his training and has put the weight back on in muscle. It is because of massive workouts like the one he recently shared on his YouTube page.
Check out the full workout below:

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Chris Bumstead Chest Workout

Incline Dumbbell Press – 2 sets of 12
Incline Machine Press – 3 sets of 12
Cable Flyes – 3 sets of 12, drop set on final set
Pec Deck Machine – Sets and Reps unknown

Incline Dumbbell Press and Incline Machine Press
Chris Bumstead began with different stretches to loosen up his shoulder, which has been bothering him recently. He will mention over the course of the video how stretching his shoulder has allowed him to eliminate pain and get a better pump in his chest.
Bumstead begins the workout with two sets of incline dumbbell presses. He is able to get the 140-pound dumbbells up and will work to get back to 150 pounds.
“Only two working sets with the 140’s, hoping to get back to the 150’s soon. Then I come over here and do three sets. Hopefully a little more volume but really focusing on controlling, keeping the weight on my pec, which is easier on a machine.”
Bumstead then moves onto the incline machine press, where he speaks on the importance of machines for bodybuilders.
“Finally, I can push heavy without hurting my shoulders on dumbbells so I’m still focusing on getting some stability. That raw, hard push because there’s still no replacement for free weights at 100% but machines are still the GOAT for bodybuilders. Avoiding injuries, hypertrophy, all that good shit.”

Cable Press
Chris Bumstead continues his chest day with sets on the cable press machine. He performs this exercise sitting down. Bumstead explains how this machine is a cross between a fly and a chest press but it does not hurt his shoulder so he has been hitting it more often.
“I’ve been doing this a lot lately. Again, my shoulder hurts so anything flat press, puts too much pressure on my shoulder but the cables pulling out and back and I can position my body a little differently. I’m getting a combo of like a flat press with a fly on this machine and little to no pain in the shoulder.”
Machine Press and Pec Deck Machine
The final sets come on the machine press and pec deck machine. Bumstead claims that someone hopped on his machine before he was able to get there so he banged out a couple sets on the machine press.
Bumstead ends his workout with multiple sets on the pec deck machine. He did not specify the amount at the time. Once the workout is over, Bumstead reflects on how he is able to get better work in by stretching his shoulder.
“It’s amazing how loosening up my shoulder a bit, I’ve been getting some massages, needles, better warmups, stretching, has really allowed me to have less pain in my shoulder and engage my chest even further.”
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