Tag: nEWS
Gunter Schlierkamp: Why Does The Olympia Champion Only Compete At Mr. Olympia?
[embedded content]
Gunter Schlierkamp answers: Should the Mr. Olympia champion compete more than once per year?
It’s almost completely commonplace for the Mr. Olympia champion to not compete again until the next Mr. Olympia competition. But this was not always the case, in past eras, the dubbed European Tour after Mr. Olympia would often showcase a series of events where the top five Olympia contenders, including the new champion, continued to compete. Gunter Schlierkamp, for example, even beat Ronnie Coleman in a competition shortly after Coleman had just won the Olympia title. Why did things change? In our latest GI Exclusive, Gunter Schlierkamp shares his thoughts as to why the Olympia champion only competes once per year.
For the past few decades, the winner of the Mr. Olympia would typically only compete once per year. For example, Phil Heath would win the big show and then not compete again until the following Olympia competition. We asked Gunter Schlierkamp why this is the case and his answer shows both sides of the argument.
At first, Gunter Schlierkamp’s reaction was that of not understanding why the Mr. Olympia champion only competes once per year. He explains how, typically, a bodybuilder’s conditioning remains strong for three weeks after a show. If they land on the Mr. Olympia on point – why would they not compete in a few more shows afterwards? Even if it’s just for some additional prize money?
Gunter Schlierkamp reflects on previous eras, where the traditional European Tour would occur right after the Mr. Olympia. These would typically be back to back shows for multiple weekends in a row. The biggest names from Olympia would compete and often the Mr. Olympia champion would be among them.
To some degree, the European Tour has changed. There are less big pro shows that occur immediately after the Mr. Olympia – either due to the pro shows getting more spread out or disappearing completely. If the pro shows are not in the immediate weeks after the Olympia, it would make sense for the champion to avoid it.
That being said, Gunter Schlierkamp also presents another side to the topic. He understands that the Mr. Olympia prize money is very high – more than enough for a year’s worth of salary. On top of that, training and succeeding at being the best in the world takes its tole. He likens it to a gold medal Olympic athlete. After a runner wins the gold at the Olympics, that athlete will likely not try to reach that champion-level time again for quite some time.
Perhaps it is smart for the Mr. Olympia champion to only compete once per year. This allows the champion to only focus on one thing – winning the Mr. Olympia again. They can’t use depletion from another pro show event earlier in the year as an excuse for a lackluster presentation at Olympia. Why even take the risk? Especially if the prize money (and sponsorships) allows for the athlete to not need to compete again.
You can watch Gunter Schlierkamp’s full thoughts on how often the Mr. Olympia champion competes in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
79-Year-Old Frank Zane Is Still Crushing The Gym
Frank Zane recently shared some of his favorite exercises on Instagram.
Frank Zane is one of the all-time greats in the sport of bodybuilding. He totaled three-straight Olympia victories from 1977-1979. It is no surprise that this iconic bodybuilder is still in the gym and doing it at 79 years old.
Zane recently shared one of his favorite exercises to do while training biceps. It is an incline-curl variation that is performed laying face down on an incline bench and having arms hanging down with the dumbbells in hand. Zane took to Instagram to share the video.
“This puts tension on your biceps right at the top. So you let the dumbbell hang down, and you curl up, and stop at the top and then go down slow,” Zane said in the video.
“You want to develop a rhythm when you’re doing them. Rhythm is what counts… You want to do about 10 reps… It’s a great exercise for peaking.”
Frank Zane is known for his battles with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has over two decades of experience on stage and when he speaks on exercises, it is wise to listen. This is not the only exercise that Zane has provided wisdom on. He does not post on social media much but when he does, it is to teach and share over 50 years of experience in training and bodybuilding.
Back in June of 2020, Zane gave some tips on how to build up your triceps. This was done without any special machines, which Zane said “no special equipment needed if you don’t have access to machines.”
Frank Zane is a legend in the bodybuilding world. He took home a Mr. America and Mr. Universe title in 1968 to go along with his three Olympias. Even though he is decades out of competition, Zane still has the mind and motivation to not only train himself but to share his knowledge with the next generation.
Zane has been motivating and inspiring weightlifters for years now and that is not going to change. Even at 79 years old, Zane has a lot to offer and he can help anyone better themselves by just listening to the words he has to say.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Roelly Winklaar Gives Physique Update Days Out From Europa Pro
Roelly Winklaar shows he has plenty left in the tank.
After his disappointing showing at the Chicago Pro, Roelly Winklaar is looking to redeem himself. To build fan anticipation for this weekend’s Europa Pro, Winklaar dropped a physique update showing the bodybuilder in top form. He looks more than ready to redeem himself here, but it will be no easy task.
Let’s face it, Roelly Winklaar appeared to be pretty flat in his Chicago Pro performance. The veteran bodybuilder was lacking both the size and conditioning. Both attributes are what he’s become known for in recent years. Some have speculated that it’s a sign that Winklaar is slowing down, that he no longer has what it takes to compete with the best of the best. But really, it could be as simple as being off on his timing.
A Chance at Redemption
There’s a science to getting prepared for a bodybuilding competition. One miscalculation can ruin everything. Roelly Winklaar is suggesting that his time away from competing has left him a bit rusty. He addressed the issue in his recent physique update post.
Here we go! Round ✌? ready ? Destination Spain ?? @npceuropean
After almost 2 years off the stage we’re brushing off the dust and getting back to things slowly but surely ??
Best Chance for a Spot at the Olympia?
Roelly Winklaar certainly looks the part of world beater. But will he be able to perform and defeat the likes of Nathan De Asha, who makes his long awaited return? With the top two spots earning a spot at the Olympia, Winklaar’s chances are much improved. If he can’t get it done at the Europa Pro, he’ll have to compete at the Arnold Classic Ohio. Compete and win.
In reality this show is the best bet for Winklaar. While there will still be some solid competition at this show, it pales in comparison to the Arnold Classic line up. The Arnold will be stacked and that would mean Winklaar would have to come to the show in the best condition of his career. If he wins the Europa Pro he will also have more time to fine tune things for the Olympia. Realistically, this is his best chance to make it onto the Olympia stage. It’s Europa or bust.
What do you think of Roelly Winklaar and his current physique?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor 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.
Texas Pro Preview: Can Steve Kuclo hold off Iain Valliere and Philip Clahar?
Can Steve Kuclo hold off Iain Valliere and Philip Clahar?
The Texas Pro is upon us and will feature some of the best bodybuilders in the world. The competitors list is absolutely stacked, particularly in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division. With competitors like Steve Kuclo, Iain Valliere and Phillip Clahar, the Texas Pro is sure to be an incredible show.
With so much talent on stage and only one opportunity to punch a ticket to the Olympia, who will earn the top spot?
Steve Kuclo
A favorite to win the show just a few weeks ago, Steve Kuclo now has a bunch of top competitors to contend with. Kuclo has been looking absolutely impressive heading into the Texas Pro. Hoping to win at home, Kuclo will now have his hands full with Iain Valliere and Phillip Clahar. It’s anyone’s guess as to which man will have the advantage heading into the show. What is certain is that Steve Kuclo possesses the kind of grainy physique and impressive improvements to potentially outshine the competition.
Iain Valliere
Fresh off an impressive victory at the Tampa Pro, Iain Valliere is looking to spoil someone’s Olympia hopes at the Texas Pro. Many have questioned why Iain Valliere would make this move after earning a spot at the Olympia. But when consider it, it’s actually a brilliant move. If he can claim victory at the Texas Pro it means lessening the competition at the Olympia. Should he lose however he’ll definitely lose a bit of momentum heading into the Olympia. With Phillip Clahar at the show and Steve Kuclo looking beastly, Valliere surely has his hands full at this show.
Phillip Clahar
While he may not have picked up a victory at the Tampa Pro, Phillip Clahar is riding a wave of momentum heading into the Texas Pro. Clahar nearly defeated Iain Valliere at Tampa and clearly has the physique to contend with the best of the best. He could be the dark horse of the competition. He has the potential to crush the competition and earn his spot at the Olympia. His conditioning and his back development is top notch and could potentially see him securing victory.
Here is the full list of competitors at the Texas Pro.
Men’s Bodybuilding
Men’s 212
Bikini
Men’s Physique
Women’s Physique
Classic Physique
So who do you think will win at the Texas Pro?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor 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.
Tony Huge Provides Update After Battle With COVID Delta
Tony Huge took to Instagram to provide an update on his condition following catching the COVID Delta variant.
Tony Huge is a bodybuilder and spokesperson for enhanced labs. He is a huge name in the sport in many areas and has plenty of work under his belt. On Wednesday, he took to Instagram to reveal his latest battle.
Huge revealed that he has been battling COVID for three weeks. This was not the original variant that sent the world into a pandemic, but the Delta variant that seems to be coming on strong.
“2 weeks with Covid Delta took 30lbs of my gains and almost took my life. I’m completely recovered from the virus but it’s going to take a loooooong time to recover my energy, strength, and mental performance. This is really embarrassing to me because I should be the last person that should get nailed this bad given my health and my expertise but the first thing it took was my brain power. Confusion and mental fog and low energy hit fast and I wasn’t able to treat myself properly.”
Tony Huge has conducted many experiments on himself with different anabolic steroids. He is a self-proclaimed underground scientist and this is why he has been able to do studies in different ways. Huge has made an impact on bodybuilding in many ways but his progress was slowed down by his battle with this virus.
There is no doubt that Huge will be back to normal soon enough but it shows that the virus does not discriminate. He mentioned that it will take some time to get back to where he was physically and how the virus even took a toll on his mental state.
“As my brain function comes back slowly now I’ll be able to reflect on all of it and learn and help others better. Note: I was immune to the first strain of covid. this one was definitely a mutation. I won’t be able to respond to all comments/questions but ill use them to make videos so I will end up answering all your posted questions by video over the next few weeks,” Huge continued on Instagram.
It is clear that Tony Huge will not be shy about discussing his recent battle with Covid Delta. He will be able to speak on his experiences and help others, which is something he has been interested in doing for a long time now.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Melvin Anthony: Bodybuilding History And Competitive Hunger Are Largely Missing Today
[embedded content]
Melvin Anthony believes that bodybuilders today don’t know enough about the sport’s history.
Melvin Anthony has previously stated in our earlier interview segment that bodybuilders today train very hard but could be training harder. Overall though – he believes that bodybuilders today are still extremely hard working and talented. The bigger problem, in his opinion, is that modern bodybuilders do not know enough about history, do not have enough camaraderie, and are not competitive enough. In our latest GI Exclusive, Melvin Anthony goes into detail about how a lack of bodybuilding history and hunger is hurting modern bodybuilding.
In this segment of our GI Exclusive interview, we started off by asking Melvin Anthony his thoughts on Women’s Bodybuilding. It’s a division that was near death only a few years ago but has since been revived by its return at the Olympia weekend. Anthony ultimately didn’t touch much on this topic in his answer. Instead, he expanded on a bigger issue he finds with modern bodybuilding. An issue that is directly related to the trials and tribulations of Women’s Bodybuilding and perhaps other divisions.
Melvin Anthony believes that Women’s Bodybuilding gets a bad rap for a few reasons – but the biggest is a lack of respect for muscle above all else – and a lack of respect for history. While many bodybuilding fans and young competitors certainly know the legends in the sport – Anthony worries that there is a lack of extensive knowledge of bodybuilding history. How can the new generation of bodybuilders break barriers if they don’t know what was done before them? How can you break the rules before you know where the rules came from?
Melvin Anthony had previously stated to us that bodybuilders train very hard today – but could be training harder. His words in our new segment today are an extension of that idea. He believes that it’s a lack of historical bodybuilding knowledge that prevents bodybuilders from training even harder and breaking new ground. Attention spans are so thin due to the instant response of internet and social media. It causes people to lose sight of the past. At least, that’s what Anthony believes.
The biggest irony behind this is that the internet can be used to gain more information more than ever. Melvin Anthony points out that bodybuilders today have the entire history of bodybuilding at their fingertips. Posing routines and competitions from each era can be watched on YouTube. Bodybuilding greats can be studied in a play-by-play detail. Not just the biggest legends but also the dozens of other great competitors who made big impressions in their era but perhaps didn’t land Ronnie Coleman status.
On top of this, Melvin Anthony believes that the hunger in competition has diminished. While his reasoning is purely anecdotal, he worries that bodybuilders are too willing to settle for sixth or third place before they even actually compete. Real champions, Anthony argues, will always believe they are the best. They will go into every competition thinking they will win until they don’t. If a competitor goes in thinking, “I hope to at least get third place.” They aren’t hungry enough.
Of course, there are likely still bodybuilders today with strong wills and hungry beliefs of victory. But from Melvin Anthony’s personal experience looking at modern bodybuilding – he doesn’t see it the same way as the past. Is he right? Or is he simply not looking in the right places? Or perhaps he’s not as in tune with current bodybuilding as he’s gotten older? It’s impossible to say with 100% certainty until this new era recedes into the past and is looked back on in retrospect.
You can watch Melvin Anthony talk about bodybuilding history and hunger to compete in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Ivan Makarov Vows to Break Deadlift Record at Deadlift World Championships
Ivan Makarov is setting his sights in the deadlift world record.
Ivan Makarov is ready to break the Deadlift world record. Established by Hafthor Bjornsson in 2020 Makarov has staked his claim on the record. Makarov has vowed to eclipse Bjornsson’s 501kg deadlift with a potential 505kg lift.
It appears that August 14 could be the time. Ivan Makarov has vowed to break the deadlift world record at this weekend’s Deadlift World Championships. It appears that Makarov is ready to finally break the record set by Hafthor Bjornsson last year. Hafthor deadlifted 501kg and now Makarov has vowed to pull 505kg at the World Championships.
The event will feature some of the best strongman and powerlifting competitors in the world all bent on shattering the deadlift world record.
Incredible Strength
Ivan Makarov has proven over the last year that he’s more than capable of breaking the record established by Hafthor Bjornsson.
472 kg for 2 times! So my preparation for the world deadlift championship, which will be held in England on August 14, is coming to an end, I will represent Russia at the championship ?? and the @salut_geraklion sports complex, all the preparations went according to plan in the center of power of the SC “SALUT HERAKLION”, a special I want to express my gratitude to the President of the Heraklion Foundation Sergey Alexandrovich Eremin @saeremin, as well as to everyone who is around, believes and supports me in this difficult path. Friends will be very grateful if you share this video ?
Vow to Break The World Record
Ivan Makarov vowed to deadlift 505kg at this weekend’s world championships. Makarov took to Instagram to make his desire known and to encourage fans to tune into the event.
I’m Ivan Makarov, and I will be coming to the Deadlift World Championships on 14th August to pull 505kg and compete at the World Open. Sign up to officialstrongman.com to watch the livestream.
Ivan Makarov has all the tools at his disposal. Now it’s all about if he can actually pull off the nigh impossible.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Managing Editor 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.
Mark Wahlberg Appears Shredded Once Again After 14-Week Transformation
Mark Wahlberg is one of the biggest actors in the world and is known for having an incredible physique.
Actors have to adjust their overall look depending on a role they are going to be playing in their latest movie. For Mark Wahlberg, this is nothing new.
Wahlberg is known as one of the biggest actors and has been showing off his incredible physique on the big screen for years. On Monday, the two-time Oscar nominee took to Instagram to show his latest progression.
Mark Wahlberg was seen performing a set of toes-to-bar where he was hanging from a bar and lifting his feet as high as possible. Wahlberg kept his caption short and sweet by simply saying “still celebrating.” He did not reference his change in physique but it is clear that Wahlberg has been putting in some serious work over the last three months.
This is nothing new for the actor. He has been in several roles where he was able to show off his progress in the gym. At 50 years old, Wahlberg is back to having that shredded six pack that he has sported for years.
Wahlberg recently spoke about his recent transformation in an interview with Jimmy Fallon on his late night show on NBC.
“I had to consume for two weeks, 7,000 calories, and for another two weeks, 11,000 calories — and it was fun for about an hour.”
Wahlberg revealed that the process “wasn’t fun” and “you just tough it out.” Wahlberg had to put on an additional 30 pounds for a role in Father Stu, where he played a bipolar priest who used to be a boxer. This film has not been released yet. After filming, it is clear that Wahlberg wanted to get back in shape and he has done so with flying colors.
This is not the first time Mark Wahlberg has lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. He has revealed in the past that he once lost 10 pounds in five days by drinking the broth of boiled animal bones.
The transformation gone through by actors is significant and completed in a short amount of time. This is because of their insane training regimens along with the luxury of home gyms and elite trainers. Wahlberg has both and his results cannot be argued with.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
PREVIEW: Roelly Winklaar vs. Nathan De Asha Highlight The 2021 Europa Spain
Roelly Winklaar and Nathan De Asha will be back in action this weekend attempting to gain qualification to the 2021 Olympia.
There will be more qualifications to the 2021 Olympia handed out this weekend and two big names will be back on stage at the forefront.
Both Roelly Winklaar and Nathan De Asha will compete in the 2021 Europa Pro Spain hoping to gain an automatic bid to the biggest event of the year. This competition will take place on Sunday, Aug. 15 in Alicante, Spain. Winklaar and De Asha will headline a long list of competitors in the Men’s Bodybuilding division.
For Winklaar, this will be another competition where a big performance is expected. He returned to competing during the Chicago Pro 2021 but finished fifth after entering the contest as one of the favorites. Winklaar was then originally listed on the competitor list for the Tampa Pro 2021 but was a late scratch and ended up out of the competition.
Winklaar has been put on the list for the upcoming Europa Pro Spain and he is not the only headliner that is present.
Nathan De Asha will also headline the competition. Since earning his pro card in 2013, De Asha has been one of the top performers in the sport. He competed in three-straight Olympias from 2016-2018 with his highest finish being seventh in 2017. It has not always been a smooth road for De Asha. He has dealt with some legal issues during his career but is ready to get back on stage and show that he is still a force.
2021 Europa Pro Spain Competitor List
The addition of Winklaar and De Asha makes this competition one to keep an eye on. There will be plenty of action over the weekend with different competitors vying for qualification to the Olympia.
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! For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.
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.