Tag: Originals
Tony Pearson Talks Growing Up Through Poverty & Starvation Before Bodybuilding
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Bodybuilding icon Tony Pearson details his struggles in childhood and how he discovered bodybuilding.
Tony Pearson is a former pro bodybuilder known for his iconic physique and a career that spanned from the 70’s through to the 90s. But before he was an established pro bodybuilder – he grew up through a tumultuous childhood of poverty, racism, and segregation. In 2019, he published a book detailing his life story. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Tony Pearson details the harsh reality of growing up through poverty, abuse, and racism. As well as how he discovered bodybuilding to escape from his troubled past.
When connecting with Tony Pearson for a video interview, he described his past as something that he some times blocks out and pretends never existed. But those moments are only momentary – because his past did happen. It was a traumatic past full of poverty, abuse, and racism. It was a childhood that felt “normal” at the time because he had nothing else to compare it to. It was only after getting older and expanding his social life that he realized the severity of his past.
In 2019, Tony Pearson published a book, Driven: My Secret Untold Story. The book revealed in great detail the reality of his upbringing. During our conversation, we ask Pearson to recap some of those stories to help further expose not only his harsh reality – but the reality of poverty and racism that has existed in this country and how far we’ve come in some ways and stayed the same in others.
Tony Pearson was born in 1957, so his childhood took place during a period of racial segregation in the United States. Not only that but Pearson was born into poverty. He was ultimately left to the care of his aunt – who did not want to take on the responsibility or perhaps couldn’t bear to due to her own financial struggles. Regardless, Pearson’s entire childhood since the age of three was defined by extreme trauma.
Tony Pearson reveals that he was barely fed food and would sometimes go days without eating a single meal. He was often ignored by his aunt and left to his own devices. During school, he would be taken out of classes for months at a time to work on cotton fields. When he would return, he would be so far behind with his school work that he couldn’t catch up. This all seemed in some ways normal to Pearson at the time. He had no friends and had no comparison to make.
But this isn’t just a story of trauma and struggle. This is a story about overcoming the struggle and becoming the successful man we all know today. Bodybuilding was ultimately an escape for Pearson. An escape into a new world where he could succeed and grow past the struggles of his youth.
By the time he moved to high school, he had the opportunity to meet Muhammad Ali in person. It was an iconic moment and a truly important one. Upon seeing the sheer size and scope of Ali, Pearson was inspired. He wanted to become an athlete.
This led to a path of discovery that ultimately placed him into wrestling. He started training for the sport, developed a love of weightlifting, and slowly developed into a bodybuilder. He knew friends who owned bodybuilding magazines that further inspired him. He now had a direction and hope towards a better future.
You can watch Tony Pearson go into full detail about his past, his encounter with Muhammad Ali, and how he discovered bodybuilding in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Talking Huge: Craig Golias Reacts To Hulk Hogan’s Physique At 68 Years Old
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Craig Golias talks Hulk Hogan’s recent physique update, Flex Lewis’ Olympia qualification status, and leg training in modern bodybuilding.
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 decides whether or not Hulk Hogan is still jacked or not and weighs in on the Flex Lewis Olympia qualification controversy.
This week, we dive head first into three of the most engaging stories published on Generation Iron over the past week. The three topics discussed are Flex Lewis’ qualification status for Olympia 2022, Milos Sarcev’s recent comments on leg training in modern bodybuilding, and Hulk Hogan’s latest physique update at 68 years old and the comments that followed. Let’s jump into it!
Hulk Hogan’s Physique at 68 Years Old – Is He Jacked Or Not?
Hulk Hogan posted recently on Instagram showcasing a front double bicep pose at 68 years old. The image caught attention across the mainstream web for his impressive physique at an older age. When shared via Generation Iron and other bodybuilding news outlets – the bodybuilding community criticized his physique. Claiming that he was not really very jacked at all.
Craig Golias looks over the image and weighs in with his thoughts. He’s shocked how harsh the bodybuilding fans were – claiming that holding that level of muscle at 68 years old is extremely impressive. In fact, Golias believes that the internet will always find ways to criticize and spread negativity. In fact, odds are it’s a small but loud minority that pushes the narrative.
Hulk Hogan may not look like a Men’s Open bodybuilder that the fans are used to seeing – but even many former bodybuilding legends are smaller than Hogan appears in his recent post. Craig Golias is willing to call a spade a spade. And in his mind, Hulk Hogan looks impressive for his age.
Should Flex Lewis Get Automatic Qualification To Mr. Olympia 2022?
Dan Soloman made headlines this week by posting an Instagram story that seemed to claim Flex Lewis is only qualified for Men’s 212 Olympia this year. This seemed to imply that Flex would have to qualify this year to get into the Men’s Open competition. The internet went into a frenzy – claiming that he deserved a special invite. Soloman back tracked the next day – stating that it is only January and that special invites have not been decided yet.
Craig Golias believes the entire situation is a mess. To Craig, it’s clear that a legend like Flex Lewis should have automatic Olympia qualification for any division he wants to compete in. If in fact he will receive a special invite – the misleading statement made as of now drummed up controversy for no reason.
Do Bodybuilders Today Not Train Legs Hard Enough?
Craig Golias also weighed in on Milos Sarcev’s recent statements in our GI Exclusive interview. Sarcev stated that today’s bodybuilders have weak legs – and there is no excuse for it. In fact, Sarcev believes training legs is easy but modern bodybuilders simply don’t want to train them as hard.
Craig isn’t quite sure about this statement. He thinks this all comes down to genetics. Sarcev’s belief that training legs is easy probably comes from the luck he had with genetics. For others on the Olympia stage – they most likely train just as hard but their genetics make it harder to build those muscle groups up.
Wrap Up
You can check out the full conversation in the latest episode of Talking Huge above. Watch Craig go into full detail about Hulk Hogan, Flex Lewis, Milos Sarcev and also watch Craig answer some fan questions. Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
Calum Von Moger Shows Off Insane Back & Shoulders Workout
Calum Von Moger isn’t letting the social distancing lockdown stop him!
There’s no mistaking it; Calum von Moger is seeing his star rise. While he may have started out as a talented bodybuilder, the Aussie has found himself breaking into new arenas. Through Generation Iron and his manager, Edwin Mejia Jr., Calum von Moger has gained great exposure. After the successful launch of Generation Iron’s Calum von Moger Unbroken on Netflix, Calum has gone on to appear in many major trades, including a successful Gucci campaign.
Calum shared with us his at home workout as he stays fit and shredded as this pandemic still forces many to work out at home. Taking notes and seeing how the pros do it can be inspiration and motivation that it is possible to still see great gains from the comfort of your own home. Following Calum’s workouts and advice can help you see serious gains like he does.
One of the most popular up and coming bodybuilders in the world, Calum von Moger finds himself in a pretty peculiar position during this global health crisis. Like many others around the globe the bodybuilder, actor, entrepreneur and influencer finds himself in lockdown during forced social distancing. That means no access to the gym. For a professional bodybuilder it’s not an ideal situation. But Calum has stayed positive and made his situation ideal for his training and overall gains.
Full Name: Calum Von Moger
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
245-255 lbs.
6’2’’
06/09/1990
Profession
Era
Nationality
Bodybuilder, Actor, Entrepreneur, Online Personality
2010
Australian
Like many other bodybuilders, Calum Von Moger has devised a way to train while in quarantine. In the video above, Calum performs both shoulder and back exercises showing his ability to adapt to this rough situation.
Calum Von Moger Bio
Calum Von Moger grew up in a small Australian town called Geelong. He was a skinny kid growing up. Calum’s first encounter with weights happened at age 14 when his elder brother asked him if he wanted to tag along to the gym. And by the gym, we meant an old warehouse with basic equipment and rusty dumbbells. It was here that he caught the bodybuilding bug.
His bodybuilding journey began and he quickly rose to notoriety in the bodybuilding circuit. Despite setbacks due to injury, Calum showed resilience and overcame those through a positive attitude and solid work ethic. While his road to recovery was difficult, he returned to training at full capacity and now looks incredible, as the GI Exclusive will show. Working out at home has not slowed him down one bit!
Calum’s At-Home Workout
In this GI Exclusive, Calum shares this back and shoulders workout to see the best gains possible. Despite the circumstances, he has managed to put together a great workout to see only the best gains possible. Let’s take a look at this workout so you too can get a great at-home training session to see the best gains.
The Workout
Dumbbell Lateral Raises
Front Raises with Tire
Face Pulls with Rope Attachment
With these three exercises, Calum is able to get a great pump and continue to build muscle despite all odds. Looking competition ready and shredded overall, Calum’s workout can give you serious gains so you see the best results for yourself.
Calum Von Moger’s Other Ventures
If it wasn’t clear enough that Calum von Moger has broken into the entrepreneurial space, he has expanded his sports nutrition brand, Staunch Nation, worldwide and has made Staunch a household name in Australia. Besides the nutrition space he is ever dedicated to his loyal fans through his training platform. The members of his training community can not only find comradery with other bodybuilders, but also connect with Calum directly as they continue to improve upon their physiques.
Philanthropy is also another of Calum’s major achievements. After raising over $41,000 for the Australia Wildlife Conservancy Fund, Calum Von Moger has cemented himself as a humanitarian outside of his business aspirations.
Wrap Up
It appears that the sky is the limit for Calum Von Moger as he continues to showcase a multitude of talents within and outside of the fitness space. Keep your eyes peeled for more from the Australian bodybuilder turned entrepreneur. With his at-home workout in the video above, you will see just how this pro keeps things fresh and seeing huge gains despite being at home.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson | EP 4: How To Decide Which Bodybuilding Category To Compete In
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Johnnie O. Jackson shares the hardcore truth about picking the best bodybuilding division that suits your goals and needs.
Welcome to the Hardcore Truth – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. This week, Johnnie O. Jackson helps break down how to decide which bodybuilding division is best for you.
At this point in time, there are over 10 different divisions in professional bodybuilding. And it seems like the introduction of new divisions is not slowing down. This past year saw the official entry of Wellness into the Olympia weekend. Just a few years earlier, we saw the creation of Classic Physique – which has grown with wild popularity. So with so many divisions to choose from, how do you know which is right for you? In our latest episode of Hardcore Truth, Johnnie O. Jackson breaks down key factors to consider when deciding which division to compete in.
The most important factor to consider, Johnnie O. Jackson claims, is to make sure that you enjoy what you are doing. While Men’s Open bodybuilding, for example, might bring the most eyeballs and prize money – if it’s a struggle to keep yourself at that size – it will make you unhappy. Bodybuilding as a sport takes passion. Decide what makes you happiest about bodybuilding, what you would like to look like physically, and choose your division based on that.
Of course, it’s important to also be realistic about your goals. Johnnie O. Jackson challenges aspiring bodybuilders to really look at the competition on stage in each division. Does the aspiring bodybuilder have the genetics to succeed with that look? Do they have the drive? Do they have the bone structure that lends towards success with that muscular look?
Delusions will only lead to heartbreak in the end – and with a lot of time wasted. So it’s important that an aspiring bodybuilder can be honest with themselves early. Bodybuilding as a whole takes time. You’d rather it not be wasted after years dedicating to the wrong division or perhaps the wrong sport entirely.
That being said, Johnnie O. Jackson is also very careful to discourage confident aspiring bodybuilders. Confidence and even cockiness is important in becoming a champion. Legends in the sport aim to do what is impossible – and ultimately achieve it. That’s what makes them legends. So if an aspiring bodybuilder truly believes they can be the best in a specific division – even when others claim they don’t have the right genetics or structure for it – don’t be discouraged.
There’s a fine line between delusional thinking and confidence. A legend straddles that line very closely. The only difference between a legend and a fool – is whether or not the person succeeds in the end.
Johnnie O. Jackson also shares some advice on how to properly make weight depending on which division you want to compete in. He uses these tactics as an example of how you can manipulate the division itself to meet your best strengths. If you think that your physique is at it’s best at 220 pounds but not big enough to hold up against the Men’s Open competitors who typically stand at 250+ lbs – perhaps 212 division is best for you.
What you can do is make weight the night before – and then put on pounds and build up hard muscle in the next 24 hours. You can essentially be a powerful bodybuilder weighing 220 pounds facing off against others much smaller than you. It’s a tactic that Johnnie O. Jackson used himself – and one that might be able to be applied to various divisions in the sport.
You can watch Johnnie O. Jackson go into full detail in our latest episode of Hardcore Truth above. Make sure to stick around every Thursday for new episodes!
Straight Facts: The Biggest Bodybuilding Mistakes & Misconceptions No One Talks About
Jerry Brainum shares the straight facts on the most common bodybuilding training mistakes and misconceptions.
STRAIGHT FACTS WITH JERRY BRAINUM – is an in depth exploration of the more complicated elements behind bodybuilding training, nutrition, and supplements. Hosted by legendary and longtime industry expert, Jerry Brainum, Straight Facts answers user questions so no one is left in the dark.
Nobody is perfect. But in today’s day and age of fast flying digital technology – bodybuilding misconceptions are more prevalent than ever before. It might stand to reason that having a search engine in our pockets at all time provide us with more access to correct information. But the sad reality is that the internet gives away to more misinformation that spreads and is believed at a faster rate.
That’s why Jerry Brainum is going to clear the air with his breakdown and list of the most common bodybuilding misconceptions and training mistakes. Most of these misconceptions you may have heard before – or even quite possibly believed as a genuine tip to help your training. That’s how strongly spread these mistakes are after all of these years. That’s why Brainum wants to set the record straight. Let’s jump into it.
Six-pack abs and fat spot reduction
Jerry Brainum starts off with one of the most commonly believed training mistakes in mainstream media. You CANNOT spot reduce fat with a specific exercise. Many bodybuilders already know this – but this misconception is extremely popular in mainstream fitness. It’s promised in the hundreds of training apps, diet plans, and fads sold online. But the truth is a hard pill to swallow – you cannot get six-pack abs by doing crunches every single day.
While exercising your abs will certainly help them grow stronger and more muscular – the key component is your diet in order to bring down the fat and show off some shredded conditioning. That fat will not burn away only in your stomach if you do crunches (and only crunches) every single day.
Aerobic exercise and burning muscle
Another strongly held belief in fitness and especially in bodybuilding is that aerobic or cardio exercising will burn your muscle along side the fat. While this is true to some degree – it’s not as disastrous as some bodybuilders may believe. In fact, it would be foolish for bodybuilders to avoid cardio completely.
Jerry Brainum pulls up some statistics that show muscle will not start burning from cardio until at least 60 minutes of aerobic exercise. That’s a long time. So you can rest easy and throw in some cardio for at least 30-45 minutes without much issue of losing your muscular physique.
Olympia legends and bodybuilding advice
This one can be taken to some degree with a grain of salt. Jerry Brainum wants you to realize that bodybuilding advice can actually be bad even when given by a bodybuilding legend or champion. Brainum points out that genetics play a huge role in bodybuilding. That does not take away from the incredible hard work required to become an Olympia champion. But it does mean that some advice a champion shares could be bad advice for you. Each body is different. Copying verbatim from Phil Heath’s Mr. Olympia training routine will not make you Mr. Olympia.
Do squats damage your knees?
Many novice lifters and even some intermediate lifters may avoid squats. It can be an intimidating exercise. It’s also been seen as an exercise that can badly damage your knees. Jerry Brainum wants to dispel that myth. In fact, squatting (when done correctly) can actually strengthen your knees and help prevent damage as you get older.
The key here is doing the exercise movement right. Like any exercise, doing it with poor form can lead to injury. Avoid bending too far forward and also avoid bouncing hard with each squat rep. This can damage your knees and back in the long run. But put the effort in to doing it correctly – and you might actually find yourself with more capable knees in your older years.
Wrap Up
Jerry Brainum breaks down even more misconceptions and training mistakes than we’ve listed off here. That’s why you should make sure to check out the latest episode of Straight Facts for the full breakdown. Make sure to swing by each Wednesday for new episodes!
Milos Sarcev: Today’s Bodybuilders Are Going Too Easy On Leg Day Training
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Milos Sarcev believes “legs are so very easy” but modern bodybuilders are not pushing hard enough.
Never skip leg day is a phrase that is often repeated in the world of bodybuilding. This is due to the fact that many weightlifters and even bodybuilders can make the vital mistake of overlooking leg training. It’s a problem that has in the past also knocked competitive bodybuilders down a few placings. Most recently, Brandon Curry was criticized for having weak legs at the Olympia 2021. Many believe it was the key factor in placing him second as opposed to overtaking Big Ramy for first place. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, legendary bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev discusses the recent trend in leg day training within bodybuilding.
During our recent video conversation with Milos Sarcev, the topic of Brandon Curry was brought up. More specifically, his showing at the Mr. Olympia 2021. Curry placed second – meaning second best athlete in the world. Despite this – he received some online criticism for the state of his legs. Many thought that they were not only his weak point but also so weak that they were undeserving of the Olympia stage. Does this criticism have some truth to it? Or is it more over-exaggerated online hate.
Milos Sarcev cannot account for every specific comment made online – but he does believe that the general criticism has some validity. He does agree that Brandon Curry’s legs are a weak point for him. Sarcev says this, even as he admits that Curry was his second favorite physique at the Olympia 2021 stage.
What Milos Sarcev sees is an imbalance in bodybuilding. Brandon Curry is and his legs are a perfect example of this imbalance. Sarcev 100% believes that Curry belonged on the Olympia stage. But he does see a vast quality difference between the rest of his body and his legs. The rest of his physique was enough to overpower the weaknesses. It earned him a well deserved second place at Mr. Olympia. That being said, the imbalance showcases where priorities are for pro bodybuilders as a whole.
Milos Sarcev believes that modern bodybuilders are going too easy when it comes to leg day training. In fact, he thinks that leg day training is easy. There is no secret. There is no challenge for legs more than other body parts. The problem is more that bodybuilders simply don’t enjoy training legs. So they go easy. This is the big problem as Sarcev sees it.
“I see this and I stand behind it. Whoever wants to develop legs they can. Legs are so very easy to put the load on the quads if you want it,” Milos Sarcev states in our interview. He continues:
“If you want to go to the gym to socialize, to make it look like you’re training, to do some leg presses, to do some – you know what? No… I cannot go to the gym now-a-days and see someone squat… they are going easy, the easy way. So if you want to build the legs, have you ever heard of squats? Can you try them, please?”
It should be noted that his experience is purely anecdotal. But he also sees the proof in the pudding. Far too often he sees talented pro bodybuilders with lagging legs. From what he sees in the gym, it’s due to a change in effort.
“I like to be sarcastic and people will call me names,” Sarcev goes on to state. “But I speak the language. I speak the truth.”
Milos Sarcev further explains his statement. He believes that the new modern era of bodybuilders are playing it too safe. They avoid squats to protect their knees and avoid injury. But in doing so – they are also pushing their bodies less hard. They are losing out on vital elements of leg day.
“That’s why the people I will train – I will not babysit them,” Milos Sarcev explains. “I will not accept their excuses. I mean when you have a twenty something year old guy say, ‘Oh, my knees!’ I didn’t even feel my knees until 40 years of age… they all think it’s overtraining.”
You can watch Milos Sarcev’s full comments on Brandon Curry and leg day training in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Andrea Shaw: How Offseason Bulking For Female Bodybuilders Is “Way More Emotional”
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Andrea Shaw talks about the differences between Men’s Open and Women’s Open bodybuilding – and how much more of an emotional impact bulking has for women.
It’s generally understood that the gaze and expectations on female bodies are far different than they are for men. So how does that play out in the world of bodybuilding? A sport where the perfection of a physique is judged by audiences and judges alike? There has often been a controversial discussion about “femininity” for the bigger female divisions such as Women’s Open. But that challenge also finds its way beyond just the stage. Much like any other athlete in the sport, female bodybuilders need to bulk during the off season. In our latest GI Exclusive, 2x Ms. Olympia Andrea Shaw opens up about the emotional impact of bulking during the offseason for women.
Andrea Shaw discussed previously with us about the concept of femininity in the female divisions of bodybuilding. She believes that a Women’s Open bodybuilder can certainly be feminine at the same time as successfully competing. That being said, she also thinks that femininity should not be a judging factor on the stage. That should be a personal choice. At the end of the day, the physique should be judged in the same way the Men’s Open division.
That being said, just like Men’s Open, women also need to go through the same kind of cycles during prep each year. That mean’s they also have to go through a bulking off season stage. This is to build more muscle with the plan to eventually cut down and become conditioned before a competition.
But for those women who value their femininity, the bulking phase can be a much more emotional challenge than it is for men. Or at least, that’s what Andrea Shaw believes based on her personal experience and discussions she has had with other female competitors.
This is in part because of a personal desire to maintain a certain feminine look. But it’s also because of the systemic gaze and expectation put on women in culture. If a man bulks up, there’s less of a chance that he will receive comments or criticism – depending on how much weight we’re talking about. For women, it can be a game changer in how they are perceived and even treated.
“Women handle it way more emotionally. Way more,” Andrea Shaw states in our interview. She continues:
“Because it does start to kind of wear on you that ‘Oh my gosh a month ago I was no where near this heavy.’ I mean you know, I put on twenty pounds. Especially bodybuilders. I think the more muscle mass you have, you’re going to see the increase in pounds a little faster. Like even now I’m already up twenty pounds from the show… but you know, I reversed out. I took my time. But still that’s naturally what my body wanted to do… so when you get into the acceptance phase of, you know, you’re going to have that happen then it’s okay.”
Andrea Shaw went on to say that she speaks with many other fellow competitors who have trouble coping with off season bulking. Their clothes stop fitting and they feel like they are losing a part of their physique that they identify with. But Shaw maintains that acceptance of this part of the cycle is necessary.
The reason it’s necessary is due to the harsh reality that no competitor can really stay that conditioned 365 days a year. It wouldn’t be healthy. And with the pressures put on women to look a certain way – it can become dangerous if a woman doesn’t accept the bulking phase and succumbs to outside pressure. That can lead to health dangers.
You can watch Andrea Shaw go into full detail about bulking in Women’s Bodybuilding and more on contest prep in general by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 24: Should Bodybuilders Downsize After Retirement?
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Craig Golias, a man who loves being HUGE, muses about downsizing after retirement.
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 reacts to Kai Greene’s possible downsizing and shares his thoughts on bodybuilder physiques post-retirement.
It’s been a while since we’ve been able to reconnect with Craig Golias, but he’s back and better than ever in a new episode of Talking Huge. After relaxing with some holiday and new years celebration – Craig is ready for some big changes in 2022. He’s already teased a new sponsorship and he briefly talks with us about getting a brand new custom car.
But the big topic we cover this week is the concept of downsizing in bodybuilding. More specifically, downsizing after retirement. Kai Greene recently made headlines as fans started to speculate that he was finally downsizing. Kai has not competed since 2016. But for many years after his unofficial retirement, Kai always maintained a massive and shredded physique.
Due to maintaining this size, nearly every single year since his retirement fans have speculated that he would make a surprise return. This has yet to happen. Now in recent video posts on his social media, fans are noticing that he looks slightly smaller. Is he actually downsizing? Or does he simply look “off” right now? We don’t really know at the moment – but as time passes we will certainly see.
Regardless of Kai Greene’s current status, downsizing after retirement is somewhat common. But it’s also somewhat controversial among fans. Even if a bodybuilding icon no longer competes – his or her physique is the biggest selling point to their brand. Some feel the need to maintain a massive physique to keep that brand sharp. Others simply love training so much that they refuse to downsize despite no longer competing.
On the other end, legends like Dorian Yates, Lee Haney, and Jay Cutler (to name a few) all noticeably downsized after retirement. Dorian has been extremely open on how downsizing is necessary for a healthy life post bodybuilding. Jay has also spoken out about how he disliked his massive size to win Olympia. He still carries big muscle, but nowhere near as big as his prime.
Craig Golias is a man who loves being huge above all else. He barely ever competed but has kept his weight near or above 300 pounds for majority of his adult life. More than a brand, being huge is a way of life for Craig. So what does he think about downsizing later in life?
Surprisingly, Craig Golias has actually slowed down his own growth in recent years. This is largely due to the nerve damage he suffers in his shoulder/arm area. But he has also become more responsible about his health. He’s not sure if this is just a temporary break before getting truly huge again – or perhaps the beginning of a new way of life.
But he’s not quite sure if he would downsize to the level of someone like Dorian Yates. He admits to having bigorexia, and will likely never be able to settle with a skinnier physique. However, he understands why some bodybuilders would choose to downsize. Its a personal choice, and health is a big factor in that choice. While fans might become disappointed, we must all also accept that nothing stays the same forever. And thankfully, there will always be new mass monsters rising in the ranks to fill the void left behind.
Wrap Up
You can check out the full conversation in the latest episode of Talking Huge above. Watch Craig go into full detail about downsizing, comment on Tony Huge’s recent health scare, and more. Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson | EP 3: The Reality Of Bodybuilding Sponsorships
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Johnnie O. Jackson shares the hardcore truth about sponsorships and money in pro bodybuilding.
Welcome to the Hardcore Truth – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. This week, Johnnie O. Jackson dispels the myths and misconceptions about sponsorships and earning money as a pro bodybuilder.
As a powerlifter and pro bodybuilder, it’s safe to say that Johnnie O. Jackson has made a career out of strength sports and fitness. But to make something like competitive bodybuilding a career, it takes more than simply winning major bodybuilding shows. That’s why Johnnie spends this week breaking down the reality behind earning money as a pro bodybuilder.
The biggest misconception that up-and-coming bodybuilders have, according to Johnnie O. Jackson, is that they will start instantly seeing paychecks upon turning pro. While that might have been more possible in previous eras due to the illustrious Weider contracts – much has changed. In fact, turning pro won’t guarantee you any money.
Entering the professional league of bodybuilding is nothing like most other sports. In the NFL, once you get a on a pro team you are guaranteed a salary – wether you play or not. In bodybuilding, you only get paid if you win. And even then, most competitions don’t provide enough prize money to make a career off of it.
That’s why it’s vital for pro bodybuilders, now more than ever before, to understand how to sell themselves and earn sponsorships. Or learn how to build their own brand and business to bring in direct cash. That’s easier said than done. Which is why Johnnie O. Jackson has a few tips to share on how to turn your bodybuilding passion into a full fledged career.
Johnnie O. Jackson admits that bodybuilding is a selfish sport. It requires extreme focus and a very specific lifestyle. That being said, Johnnie also believes you need to learn how to give back to the sport as well. This is vital. What he means by this is to promote yourself. Use online tools such as social media and YouTube to showcase your progress, your personality, and build a connection to the bodybuilding audience.
That connection and following is key. It’s what will build your value to sponsors. Gone are the days of signing a major sponsorship just for winning a big show. Now brands want to know that you can directly connect with your audience – and that your audience is loyal and large.
This kind of following can not only help you get sponsors – but also help bring in revenue directly. Youtube videos can be monetized and, if you should so choose, you can use your following to sell your own products and begin a business venture. Even if that’s not your style, sponsors will be looking for bodybuilders who can speak directly to a loyal and large audience.
Johnnie O. Jackson doesn’t want you to believe that you have to be a “fake” version of yourself online to sell yourself. In fact, he believes that if you are simply honest and open about who you are, your training, and your lifestyle – that honesty will build loyal followers. Secondly, once sponsors do come knocking at your door. Don’t jump immediately for the first brand with a big paycheck. Make sure you truly enjoy the product they offer. That kind of genuine honesty will be infectious with your fans. They can tell the difference. It also makes your job under sponsorship more enjoyable.
Lastly, Johnnie O. Jackson goes through his experiences starting out, how he got his first sponsorship, and how he navigated multiple sponsorships throughout his career. He hopes that his personal experience will give insight as to how the process really works. And perhaps help you be prepared for the right and wrong things to do when offered a contract.
You can watch Johnnie O. Jackson go into full detail in our latest episode of Hardcore Truth above. Make sure to stick around every Thursday for new episodes!
Straight Facts: How To Prevent Catastrophic Health Issues As A Bodybuilder
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Jerry Brainum shares the straight facts on important preventative health measures all bodybuilders should be utilizing.
STRAIGHT FACTS WITH JERRY BRAINUM – is an in depth exploration of the more complicated elements behind bodybuilding training, nutrition, and supplements. Hosted by legendary and longtime industry expert, Jerry Brainum, Straight Facts answers user questions so no one is left in the dark.
Last week, Jerry Brainum broke down some facts regarding health in bodybuilding – and how it compares to the average person. What he revealed was that bodybuilders have many habits that make them more healthy but these are undercut by extreme drug use. To follow up on this topic, Jerry decided to go into detail about important preventative measures that bodybuilders should seriously consider taking. In this week’s episode of Straight Facts, Jerry Brainum explains the important steps bodybuilders should take to help prevent catastrophic health issues.
Jerry Brainum wants people to know that bodybuilders cannot be medically assessed the same way as normal people. Even if a bodybuilder were to get a blood test – it’s important for the individual to know what to look for in the results. A doctor might overlook certain findings if they are not aware of the habits and drugs that go into bodybuilding. So what, exactly, should a bodybuilder be looking for when going for a medical checkup?
Jerry Brainum breaks down in great detail the exact kind of blood and medical tests all bodybuilders should receive. Not only once or twice – but regularly over their bodybuilding lives. In fact, Jerry recommends these tests be taken quarterly to ensure true preventative health in bodybuilding.
The importance of these tests cannot be stressed enough by Jerry Brainum. He starts off this week’s episode with a bold but concerning claim. He believes that if bodybuilders from the 1970’s were taking the kind of drug protocols we see today, nearly all of them would be dead. Jerry cannot imagine a man like Arnold Schwarzenegger living as long as he has if he were taking the massive amounts of drugs that the sport sees today.
But a “war on drugs” has historically proven to do little. The floodgates are open. Now all Jerry Brainum can do is help educate those who are listening. While nothing is 100% guaranteed, preventative health measures are always powerful options to improve longevity. For bodybuilders, there are simply different specifics that should be focused on.
Overall, Jerry Brainum breaks down approximately a half dozen different tests that he recommends. That sounds like a lot but it is all in an effort to help not only extend your life but make it a higher quality of living. According to Jerry, these tests should be considered just as mandatory as supplements, nutrition, and training regimens. It’s part of the job of being a bodybuilder. The more you cut corners – the more risk in the long run.
Overall, the tests Jerry recommends focus on signs of heart health, kidney health, and liver health. These are three organs that can be majorly impacted by a bodybuilding lifestyle. The more these tests are regularly taken, the more likely you are to spot an issue sooner rather than later. If it’s soon enough, lifestyle choices can be made to reduce risk going forward. It can be the difference between retiring early from the sport or retiring early from life itself.
So if you are serious about bodybuilding and have become concerned about your long term health – heed Jerry Brainum’s words very carefully. He goes into great detail about what each test is, what it accomplishes, and why it’s important. It can be your ultimate guide towards a more healthy bodybuilding future.
You can watch Jerry Brainum go into full detail in our latest episode of Straight Facts above. And make sure to stick around every Wednesday for new episodes!