Tag: John Meadows
Jay Cutler Comments On Recent Deaths: “People Are Just Running Scared”
Jay Cutler comments on the passing of modern bodybuilding veterans.
Jay Cutler recently commented on the string of deaths plaguing modern bodybuilding. In recent months former Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden, George Peterson, and John Meadows all lost their lives. The passing of these veteran bodybuilders sent shockwaves through the industry.
The modern era of bodybuilding has become an extremely controversial time for the sport. While bodybuilding has been more accepted into the mainstream, the reality is that the state of the sport has never been more precarious. Recent bodybuilding deaths have raised questions as to how much is too much. Modern bodybuilding standouts George Peterson, John Meadows, and now 2018 Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden have all recently lost their lives. It has sparked a very important conversation in the bodybuilding world.
John Meadows, Shawn Rhoden, and George Peterson all passed away untimely.
Dark Times
Four-time Olympia champion Jay Cutler had a lot to say on the subject. Competing at the highest levels of the game, Cutler has the kind of valuable experience that any bodybuilding enthusiast can find insightful. Cutler recently touched on the string of bodybuilding deaths that have hit the industry hard.
In his podcast, Jay Cutler expressed that many people are having concerns about the state of modern bodybuilding.
“I think people are just running scared at this point, think ‘Oh my gosh, bodybuilding is so dangerous,’” said Cutler. “I think anything in life is, nutrition and whatever else, and we obviously push ourselves. I think our biggest fear now is, when you’re 290, 5-foot-9 or 10, you’re considered obese. So it puts a lot of strain on the heart. Although I felt pretty good at 290, I knew I couldn’t maintain that for a long time, hence I walked away at 40 years old.”
Could Age Be The Cause?
It appears that Jay Cutler is inferring that age could be a factor in the recent deaths of veteran bodybuilders. Cutler continued bringing up examples of past bodybuilding champions and when they walked away from the sport.
“I look back, when I first started bodybuilding, and I watched Lee Haney retire at 31, Dorian Yates retired at like 37, Lee Labrada stepped away, Shawn Ray stepped away early in their careers, their early thirties or whatever.
“I just feel that this has transitioned to an older person’s game, which I don’t know if that’s the best thing for your health, to really be pushing yourself in your forties, to get in shape, up and down like a yo-yo, being depleted and being dehydrated to that extent…
“The truth is, when you start pushing limitations of your physique, it doesn’t matter what the age is, the amount of foods we eat is astronomical.”
To hear everything Jay Cutler had to say click here to see the full podcast.
Age could very well be a factor in the deaths of Shawn Rhoden, John Meadows, and George Peterson. Some may say that the true culprit is the amount of gear that modern bodybuilders take. Either way there’s clearly an issue, one that can’t be ignored.
Do you agree with Jay Cutler and his assessment of the recent bodybuilding deaths?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Talking Huge | EP 9: Craig Golias Weights In – Is Phil Heath Done Competing?
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Craig Golias and Vlad Yudin reflect on the life of John Meadows, talk about Phil Heath’s future, and debate if progress pics can be trusted.
Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias looks back on the life and times of the late John Meadows, talks about the physique updates of Phil Heath and Big Ramy, and the illusions of progress pictures.
After a few weeks away, Craig Golias returns to speak with Vlad Yudin to catch up on the latest and trending topics in bodybuilding. The biggest story, of course, is the tragic passing of beloved bodybuilder and coach John Meadows. While Craig did not know him personally – he was aware of the impact he had on the sport both as a bodybuilder and as a human being. Craig and Vlad also look at some of the latest progress pics that popped up over the past few weeks – focusing on Phil Heath and Big Ramy. Will Phil make another comeback? Does Ramy look on point for another victory? Let’s jump into it.
In Memory of John Meadows
The bodybuilding world was shocked earlier this week to learn that bodybuilder and beloved coach John Meadows had passed away. Meadows is known as one of the most iconic trainers in modern bodybuilding. But more importantly than that – he was a man with a kind personality that truly touched any person he met. In a sport that can be somewhat isolating, John Meadows made many connections. His kindness and optimism was felt strongly even during some of his hardest hurdles – such as the heart attack he suffered last year and recovered from.
While the exact cause of John Meadows death does not seem tied directly to bodybuilding, there’s no doubting that a mass monster bodybuilding lifestyle increases some risks. Vlad asks Craig Golias if Meadow’s passing made Golias think about his health and future. Is Golias worried that he may run a higher risk of serious health issues or death too soon?
In a surprisingly candid and quiet moment, Craig Golias admits that he does sometimes think about his choices and how it will affect his health. Especially in his younger years, Golias did anything possible to be HUGE. This included some not-so-healthy diet habits. There’s also no way around it – 300 pounds of muscle is still 300 pounds of weight that the heart has to pump blood through. That can take a toll.
The Future Of Phil Heath
Vlad Yudin and Craig Golias also discuss some of the biggest physique progress pictures that were released onto the internet. One of the biggest trending updates come surrounding Phil Heath. Many of his social media posts over the summer have showcased an increasingly conditioned physique. Some fans think he already looks better than his past two Mr. Olympia showings. This has led to speculation that he’s ready to come back yet again… and maybe win it.
But Craig Golias isn’t convinced. In fact, he’s convinced the other way around. He thinks that Phil Heath is done. That he will never win the Mr. Olympia again – and will likely not compete at the Olympia again. Even is Golias is wrong, he thinks that Phil Heath will simply place lower.
Craig Golias points towards every other great Olympia legend including Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler. Both are amazing athletes, as is Phil Heath, but after they fell from their throne – they never really got it back. Jay Cutler may have returned for a win at the Olympia after a short knock off – but ultimately when it was obvious he was declining he kept placing lower. Ronnie Coleman is the greatest bodybuilder of all time – but still succumbed to a lower placing on his last attempt at Mr. Olympia. Golias believes this is the point that Phil Heath is at now.
Progress Pics: Truth or Illusion?
Ultimately, this leads to Vlad and Craig talking about progress pictures overall. Do they help or simply hurt by raising expectations too far? Photos are a far cry from being under the hot lights of the competition stage. It’s easy for a bodybuilder to manipulate their physique with the right angle, lens, and alternate lighting on Instagram. It seems more often than not – the photos look more impressive than the final physique we see on stage.
Craig Golias agrees with this. It’s the double edged sword of social media. These kinds of frequent posts help make bodybuilders more of a brand. It helps them gain sponsors and a following and make money. But back in the day, bodybuilders often trained not knowing what anyone else would look like. The fans faced the same situation. That led to more shocking reveals at the actual competitions. It was exciting and also led to less overextended hype.
Wrap Up
There are far more topics discussed in this episode than we can cover in this article. You can watch Craig Golias and Vlad Yudin discuss other topics such as the consistent natty or not debate. Should athletes owe fans proof when they don’t believe natural claims? You can check it all out in the latest episode of Talking Huge above! Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
John Meadows “Mountain Dog” Memorial Fund Setup on GoFundMe
A memorial has been setup on GoFundMe to help the family of John Meadows during this difficult time.
It was a shock to learn the news of John Meadows’ passing. Meadows was 49 years old and this was as unexpected as they come. Now, the family of Meadows is receiving help during this time.
Carbon Culture’s Jeff Cavaliere setup up a GoFundMe page as a memorial to John Meadows. This is to help his family during this difficult time and to have fans give back. Meadows was big figure in both the bodybuilding and strength sports’ world where he was able to impact the lives of many.
Right now, the account has over $84,000 in donations and is heading 2,000 total donors. On the page, Cavaliere wrote a heartfelt tribute to Meadows.
“John Meadows was an iconic member of the fitness community who touched many through his youtube channel and coaching. With his ‘give first’ mentality, John helped millions achieve better fitness and strength…one video at a time. His contributions to the industry are countless, however most notably the Meadows Row (named after him) has become a staple of back training for lifters worldwide,” Cavaliere wrote.
“As physically strong as John was, his greatest strength was his dedication as a father and husband. Never one to miss a football practice with his boys or to show off their newest yo-yo trick in a video, John’s motto was ‘family first’, and he lived it every day. He leaves behind his wife Mary and two wonderful twin boys, Jonathan and Alexander.”
The John Meadows “Mountain Dog” Foundation has a goal of $100,000 at the moment and it is looking like they will surpass that goal.
Cavaliere continued to write a message explaining his relationship and the kind of man that Meadows was.
“I personally am beyond shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of John. He was and will always go down as one of the true gentlemen in this industry. There’s not a soul alive that could say anything but great things about him. Whenever we would talk I could literally hear his smile through the phone when the subject of his boys came up. As fathers of twins we had an instant bond, rooted in both the extreme challenges and extreme joys that come with the task! He was scheduled to speak at my upcoming event In September and we were so excited to finally get a chance to shoot some videos together. As you’d expect from John however, he was going to fly in on the first flight on Thursday so he could be with his sons at football on Wednesday night. You will always be remembered and cherished by your fans as a truth teller, an incredible resource, and a class act. In addition to those things you will be remembered by me as an incredible father and family man for which I respected you greatly. I’m honored to have had the chance to learn from you. Keeping Mary and the boys in my prayers.
Rest In Peace Mountain Dog.”
John Meadows is a figure that will not soon be forgotten. His legacy will live on and there will be plenty of people who continue to use his impact as motivation moving forward.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
John Meadows, Renowned Bodybuilder And Coach, Reportedly Dies At 49
John Meadows, former pro bodybuilder and nutritionist/coach has reportedly passed away.
It has been reported that John Meadows has died at 49 years old. He passed away in his sleep on Sunday, August 8th, 2021. At the time of this writing, the exact cause of death has not been revealed. John Meadows is a former IFBB Pro bodybuilder and well known coach. Most recently, he trained IFBB pro bodybuilder Shaun Clarida leading up to his 2020 Men’s 212 Olympia win.
The news has been reported to Generation Iron by multiple sources – but there has been no official announcement made by his family or on John Meadows official social media pages or website.
John Meadows is a bodybuilder who, during his early days in the sport, suffered from a rare colon disease that nearly killed him. Eventually his colon burst and he was rushed to the hospital. Luckily he survived and after months of recovery he returned to bodybuilding to do what he loved. He earned his IFBB Pro card despite these major health setbacks.
His past health conditions gave him a different perspective on bodybuilding and life. His aim became to continually put a focus on his health in a way many people don’t. After retiring from competitive bodybuilding – he continued as a nutritionist and coach. He’s guided many bodybuilders through their pro careers. Most notably, he recently coach Shaun Clarida in 2020 – when he won the Men’s 212 Olympia.
On May 11, 2020, John Meadows suffered from a heart attack due to a clotting disorder in his blood vessels. He was hospitalized but quickly brought back to a stable condition. The news was first announced by his wife, Mary Meadows.
John credits his wife as his biggest influence in life. She was with him through “ups” and “downs,” always supporting his decisions in life. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” John Meadows states of his wife. “When I was sick and got out of the hospital and I was too weak to look after myself, she did everything for me, including sanitary things I can’t talk about.”
“IF I SAY I WANT TO DO SOMETHING, WE’LL TALK ABOUT IT, MAKE SURE IT’S WORKABLE AND THEN SHE GETS BEHIND ME AND SUPPORTS THE IDEA AND ME ALL THE WAY. AND WHEN I’M HURTING THE LAST THREE OR FOUR WEEKS OF MY DIET, SHE SEES THE LOOK ON MY FACE AND SAYS, ‘JUST HANG IN THERE, IT’S GOING TO BE WORTH IT.’ AND I NEED TO HEAR THAT AT THAT STAGE.”
John Meadows soon left the hospital, focused on recovery, and soon returned to coaching pro bodybuilders. Just this weekend, one of his coached athletes, Brooke Walker, won the Europa Phoenix Games 2021 and earned her Olympia qualification. It has not been confirmed that his death was tied to his previous heart attack or blood clotting disorder.
After his recovery, Generation Iron reconnected with John Meadows for a GI Exclusive interview discussing his heart attack, recovery, and future plans in bodybuilding. You can watch the full uncut video below:
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John Meadows was a well known and beloved bodybuilder, coach, and husband. He was a vital part of bodybuilding over the past few decades and will be missed severely by the entire community. Generation Iron sends condolences to his friend and family during this time.
While there has been no official announcement of his death by friends and family, bodybuilders have begun sending an outpour of support on social media. The news was reported to us by multiple sources – including our Talking Huge host Craig Golias who directly confirmed with Generation Iron. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
John Meadows Returns Full Interview | Training Shaun Clarida, Biggest Bodybuilding Mistakes, & More
In May of 2020, the bodybuilding world was in shock at the announcement that John Meadows had suffered a heart attack. Thankfully, he made a full recovery. Later in 2020, one of the pro bodybuilders that Meadows trains, Shaun Clarida, earned himself the Olympia title.Now just under a year after his heart attack and Shaun Clarida’s big win, we reconnected with John Meadows to look back at the entire experience, his recovery, working with Shaun Clarida, and what the future holds.
Over the past few months we’ve released multiple GI Exclusive segments from our interview with John Meadows. Beyond his recovery, we are now releasing the full length interview including additional topics such as the biggest mistake bodybuilders make, lifting heavy vs lifting light, and an analysis of the Olympia 2020.
Listen To Our John Meadows Interview On The Generation Iron Podcast
Our full length interviews are now also in podcast form! Subscribe to the Generation Iron Podcast for candid, full length interviews with the biggest names in bodybuilding, fitness, combat, and strength sports.
Listen to the full John Meadows interview here:
An Inside Look Into Shaun Clarida’s Olympia Training Strategy
John Meadows makes it clear that in Clarida’s case, slow and steady wins the race. Clarida had been making small changes to his training prep year after year. Trail and error worked towards finding the best strategy that worked most efficiently for his body.
Meadows can’t attribute the win to any sort of secret. It was simply persistence. Not only in the willingness to train hard – but also the willingness to think hard. What we mean by that is the ability to stay vigilant on the overall training plan. What can be improved? What isn’t working? What is the ultimate combination of exercises to inch up to that next level?
This is the strategy that John Meadows used on Clarida to bring him to perfection and a Mr. Olympia win. Of course, now that he’s found that perfect combination and physique – where does he go to ensure another victory in 2021?
John Meadows sticks to the same plan. There were still some tweaks that he believes Shaun Clarida can make to further tighten up even the smallest of flaws. Beyond those changes, the key element going into 2021 is intensity. According to Meadows, there is a bad habit of critics believing that intensity needs to be pulled back reaching the ideal physique. That a pro bodybuilder can go “too intense” thus causing a missed mark at the next competition.
John Meadows thinks this is all bullshit. He understands that beginner and intermediate bodybuilders might need to pull back on intensity until they become more experienced. But for pro bodybuilders like Shaun Clarida, he believes that finding little ways to push intensity even farther is the best tactic to guarantee a second Olympia victory.
The Biggest Training Mistakes Bodybuilders Make Today
John Meadows is a former competitive bodybuilder who now helps train pro bodybuilders today. He is deeply involved with the bodybuilding community and works with both veteran and up-and-coming bodybuilders throughout the industry.
That’s why we thought he was the perfect person to ask – what are the most common bodybuilding mistakes happening today? You may not be making all of these mistakes – but it can be a helpful guide for what just might be the biggest oversights the new generation of bodybuilders are making.
John Meadows starts off by stating one of the biggest mistakes he sees today comes as a direct result of social media. He believes that the constant ability to see incredible physiques on apps like Instagram create a warped perception of how bodybuilding really works. More specifically, that bodybuilders now attempt to stay extremely lean all year.
The reality is that in order to improve your physique, you need to go through adjustment phases throughout the year. If you want to build more size, you can’t stay extremely lean for the entire year. You need to go through a bulking phase to help build more mass – then cut it down to a lean look once you’ve achieved the size you want.
Bodybuilders today feel so much pressure to appear lean for social media – that it is actually hindering these bodybuilders’ ability to build bigger and better physiques within a timely manner. It’s slowing down the process towards bigger success.
The other big mistake is one that you might not expect. John Meadows believes that there has been advice growing in popularity within the bodybuilding community. Advice that he believes is actually wrong and should be debunked.
John Meadows believes that young bodybuilders are being advised to train less hard. Due to this, the past few years have produced bodybuilders that don’t train as hardcore in the gym. While it’s true that there is a limit to how far a bodybuilder should push in the gym – Meadows thinks the advice has become over-exaggerated in recent years. This causes bodybuilders to train with less intensity than is needed to succeed in the sport.
The good news is – John Meadows thinks that the newest crop of bodybuilders are starting to amp up the intensity again. Based on the bodybuilders he has seen recently, he thinks a new era of hardcore training athletes is on the way up in bodybuilding.
Wrap Up
John Meadows is a man who can provide rare in-depth knowledge on all things bodybuilding from training perspective. There are far many more topics we discussed in our hour plus interview that could be vital for anyone looking for insight into optimizing bodybuilding training. So make sure to watch our latest full length GI Exclusive interview with John Meadows above!