Tag: Originals
Lee Haney: Evander Holyfield Claims He Will Not Comeback To Fight Mike Tyson
Evander Holyfield told Lee Haney he doesn’t plan on fighting Mike Tyson… but is it true?
While Lee Haney is best known as a world record holding 8x Mr. Olympia champion, he also spent some time training boxing legend Evander Holyfield. In fact, he still occasionally keeps up with Holyfield to this day. As rumors continue to swirl about Mike Tyson fighting Holyfield in a future bout – we wanted to know if Haney could provide any clarity on the situation. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Lee Haney talks about training Evander Holyfield and the unlikely chance he will fight Mike Tyson.
Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson are two legendary boxers in their own right. So it’s no surprise that excitement grew once rumors released claiming that these two icons of the sport might potentially face off in the ring. As of this writing, there has been no confirmation that this match will happen.
That doesn’t mean that Mike Tyson hasn’t been teasing the fans a bit. In a recent interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Tyson alluded to the rumored fight being still very much a possibility. “[Holyfield is] on the table, but I guess the people wanted Roy,” said Tyson during the interview.
Roy of course is reference to Mike Tyson’s recent national press tour as he promotes his exhibition match versus Roy Jones Jr. on Triller pay per view.
But while Tyson claims that fighting Evander Holyfield is on the table, Lee Haney has words that paint a different picture. Haney was a personal trainer for Evander Holyfield during a period where the boxer was trying to put on more pounds of muscle. Haney has remained in occasional contact with Holyfield ever since.
Once rumors grew about Mike Tyson facing off against Evander Holyfield, Lee Haney reached out to Holyfield in an attempt to get confirmation. Holyfield quickly denied the fight, saying he had nothing to do with it.
Of course, Lee Haney also admits that perhaps Holyfield is working in secret in order to keep an element of surprise. Perhaps this rumored fight is such a high profile occasion that Holyfield is keeping his cards close to the chest until the right moment.
Lee Haney also goes into detail about his time training Evander Holyfield and shares some interesting anecdotes from a very different time in both the sport of boxing and bodybuilding.
You can watch Lee Haney’s full comments on Evander Holyfield in the GI Exclusive interview segment above!
*Image courtesy of John Kloepper and Steve Lott. Changes made to combine header image. CC BY-SA 3.0
Talking Huge | EP 13: Craig Golias & Vlad Yudin Debate Ronnie Coleman’s Shocking Comments
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Craig Golias shares his thoughts on Ronnie Coleman’s recent bold comments asking for diuretics to be banned from competitive 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 debates with Vlad Yudin about Ronnie Colemans call to ban diuretics in bodybuilding, tips to be a successful bodybuilder, and the importance of genetics.
Craig Golias has had a busy week. He has been remodeling his home and showing off the transformation on social media while also keeping tabs on the latest news in bodybuilding. The biggest news came in the form of the legendary Ronnie Coleman. In a recent interview, he bluntly claimed that diuretics kill bodybuilders and they should be drug tested and banned from the sport. Craig Golias shares his gut reactions to Ronnie’s comments. He also shares the advice he gives his new clients who want to be bodybuilders. And comments on how important genetics are to succeed in the sport.
Ronnie Coleman Calls For A Ban Of Diuretics – Is He Right?
After some a truly tragic string of deaths in the bodybuilding world, many have been speaking out about the unhealthy side of the sport. Let’s be clear up front – there has been no definitive connection between many of the too soon bodybuilder deaths as of late. Many were coincidence. But despite that – many are opening up about certain dangerous tactics athletes make to be perfect on stage.
One such tactic is the use of diuretics to be as lean and conditioned as possible on the day of a competition. Ronnie Coleman recently spoke out in an interview calling for the drug to be banned and tested in competition. Ronnie claims that it can cause deaths in bodybuilding that could have been avoided. During our latest Talking Huge conversation, we asked Craig Golias his thoughts on the matter.
Craig Golias believes that Ronnie Coleman is right. Diuretics are a very dangerous supplement that can quickly become dangerous. In a vacuum and when used correctly, diuretics cause little issue. But bodybuilders are often using many other supplements and under a unique kind of diet. This case cause accidental “overdoses” and deeply dangerous outcomes. It’s something that bodybuilders have spoken out about before on our network.
Craig Golias understands this and agrees whole heartedly with Ronnie Coleman. But he’s also cynical about a change really happening. Ultimately, he thinks nothing will change. That athletes will always do whatever they can to be the best – and take those risks.
Advice For Aspiring Bodybuilders & The Importance Of Genetics
Craig Golias also talks in depth about the kind of advice he gives clients who are just starting their bodybuilding journey. The number one tip he can give is less functional and more mental. The person needs to truly have a passion for bodybuilding and fitness. Bodybuilding is more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle. To become a bodybuilder is a 24/7 endeavor. If you’re not completely in love with bodybuilding – it will eventually wear you out. If that happens – you won’t succeed in the long run.
Sadly, Craig Golias also admits that genetics do matter. Some people may be in love with bodybuilding but have awful genetics. They can still succeed a lot – but they might not ever be able to earn something like an Olympia title. We asked Craig Golias if he could know in advance if someone has bad genetics before they start bodybuilding. He answered that it’s hard to predict. Unfortunately you can only know once you start putting yourself through the work.
Wrap Up
There are far more topics discussed in this episode than we can cover in this article. Craig Golias also talks about his recent renovations to his house, a blood test health challenge he is currently undergoing with Tony Huge, and more! 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!
Guy Cisternino Full Interview | Gym Rant, Training With Branch Warren, & More
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Watch the full uncut GI Exclusive interview with Guy Cisternino
Guy Cisternino is a former Men’s 212 bodybuilder who recently announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding in 2021. He was known for his old school hardcore training techniques, his blunt honesty about topics in the sport, and holding an incredible physique. He was also the subject of a viral online controversy when he was caught on camera aggressively yelling at other lifters in the gym.
That’s why we originally connected with Guy Cisternino, for him to share his side of the viral video and talk about gym etiquette in the social media age of bodybuilding and lifting. We also went over his bodybuilding career and his thoughts on the future of the sport.
Over the past few months we’ve released multiple GI Exclusive segments from our interview with Guy Cisternino. This uncut full length interview includes topics such as training with Branch Warren, lifting heavy weight vs light weight, and how social media has affected bodybuilding – among other topics.
Listen To Our Guy Cisternino 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 Guy Cisternino interview here:
Guy Cisternino breaks down in detail the gym argument video that went viral.
Guy Cisternino starts out explaining that he believes the video was blown too far out of proportion. He acknowledges that the video cuts off early. Due to that the audience imagination ran rampant. Without context, the video could be seen as an aggressive move on Cisternino’s part. Or it can be seen as an understandable mishap. That’s why he wants to give further context on the moment in question.
Guy Cisternino goes on to explain that the men he argued with in the video were originally much closer than they appeared. Since they were off camera for majority of the clip, we only see them after they have slowly stepped away. This contributed to the criticisms when people watched the video.
Furthermore, Guy Cisternino points out that he asks them give him some space twice before he jumped off the machine. While he wasn’t 100% politely speaking to them – it was also mid set. He was under physical pressure and pushing his body while also trying to ask them to give him more space. They quickly got defensive and then Cisternino lost his cool.
Guy Cisternino goes on to say that he was also filming on behalf of the gym. He argues that he was working. And even if it wasn’t on behalf of the gym, a pro bodybuilder training is doing their job. Not everyone knows this. And how could they? But the fact still remains valid.
Ultimately, while Guy Cisternino defends his actions he also understands that he’s not a perfect person. He doesn’t think the video deserved such scrutiny. At the same time, he did lose his temper and he acknowledges that.
Guy Cisternino: Branch Warren Still Trains Today Harder Than 90% Of Pro Bodybuilders
Branch Warren no longer competes and has been retired for quite some time. That being said, he still maintains his massive physique and enjoys training in the gym. Not only that, but Branch still goes full hardcore on his sets even in retirement.
Guy Cisternino recounts how he just met up with Branch Warren recently for a training session. What was most refreshing to Cisternino is that Branch still trained like a beast. He has no reason to anymore other than personal enjoyment of the intensity of lifting. It’s a feeling that Cisternino can relate to.
Not only that, but he believes that Branch Warren trains harder than most pros today. It’s a bold claim – but one that we wouldn’t doubt. Branch Warren often received criticism for training too hardcore. That he would bring himself too big a risk of injury and ruin his career. Perhaps it’s that kind of risk taking that Guy Cisternino misses in the modern crop of bodybuilders.
Wrap Up
We discuss many more topics with Guy Cisternino than what can be fully covered in this article. That’s why you should check out the full GI Exclusive interview above! We discuss far many more topics including lifting heavy vs lifting light weight, how social media affects bodybuilding today, and more!
Robert Timms Reveals That He Only Sleeps Three Hours Per Day & Explains Why
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For Robert Timms there are literally not enough hours in the day.
Robert Timms is a Classic Physique pro bodybuilder who is making waves in the sport. Most recently, Timms won the Texas Pro and shortly after posted incredible physique photos. It turned many heads and put him in the conversation to be a threat to Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead. With such incredible improvements and success – the world may be shocked to learn that Timms only sleeps three hours per day. How does he do it without burning out? In our latest GI Exclusive, Robert Timms explains why he only sleeps three hours per day and how it affects his bodybuilding career.
Modern science has made one thing clear over the past many decades – getting enough sleep per day is extremely important to your health and well being. This fact is even more important to competitive bodybuilders. The body needs rest in order to repair and grow. The less a bodybuilder rests, the less optimal their muscle growth and conditioning will be.
Apparently, Robert Timms is the exception to this rule.
We connected with Robert Timms via video chat this month to discuss his bodybuilding prep in 2021, his future plans, and his thoughts on trending topics in the sport. During our discussion – he revealed that he only gets three hours of sleep per day. Every single day. His reasoning behind this is due to the various responsibilities he pursues in his daily life. He’s part time military, holds an additional full time job, and competes as a pro bodybuilder. For Robert Timms, there are quite literally not enough hours in a day to get everything done.
Robert Timms has broken down his daily routine into a rigorous schedule. In order to work his two jobs and stay on point with his deeply focused bodybuilding prep – he only schedules in three hours of sleep. He’s done this for so long that he’s simply used to it. He even said he would be scared to see what switching back to a full eight hours would do to his life.
So how does he pull it off without burning out? Robert Timms has no explanation. He understands completely that there is no scientific way he should be able to succeed with so little sleep. He doesn’t do it because he wants to. He does it because he has to. He needs his full time job and his part time job alongside bodybuilding. Not only this – but each one is his passion.
“During my preps I’m mostly running off of adrenaline,” Robert Timms states in our interview. He continues:
“So I’m running off of excitement… and honest to God it’s a blessing to be able to do what I do at this level and not get the full amount of sleep and work a full time job and work a part time job as well. That’s the only way I can explain it. Because there is no way that I should be able to do all of this and be able to produce at the end of the day. Like, scientifically there should be no way to do what I’m doing.”
Vlad Yudin then asks Robert Timms how he does it. If it’s impossible, why does he succeed against all odds and scientific explanation? Robert Timms then simply points to the sky. It’s God. That’s the only way he can rationalize it.
Robert Timms also takes a moment to say that his methods should not be repeated by those who look up to his success and physique. What works for him does not necessarily work for everyone. He acknowledges that science is right – humans do need at least eight hours of sleep. Perhaps Timms is simply the exception… or has a rough collapse further down the road.
You can watch Robert Timms talk in detail about his sleep habits and bodybuilding schedule in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
INTERVIEW: The Anabolic Doc Wants To Debate Tony Huge & Debunk His Steroid Claims
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Dr. Thomas O’Connor, aka The Anabolic Doc, is willing to go toe-to-toe with Tony Huge and disprove his pro steroid claims.
Throughout the years of developing films in the bodybuilding, strength sports, and fitness world – we’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Dr. Thomas O’Connor for many projects. Known in bodybuilding as The Anabolic Doc, O’Connor is a medical doctor and expert on Testosteronology. This is a medical specialty that offers comprehensive and personalized medical services for men on androgens.
O’Connor has appeared in multiple Generation Iron films including Enhanced and Enhanced 2 The Max. He often criticized and disagreed with the controversial claims of Tony Huge. For these films, both Tony Huge and Dr. O’Connor’s interviews were conducted separately. They’ve never had a chance to discuss their conflicting beliefs in the same room… but it seems like that will soon change. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, The Anabolic Doc opens up about wanted to debate Tony Huge directly and debunk Tony’s controversial claims about steroids.
It’s been over a year since we last connected with Dr. Thomas O’Connor, aka The Anabolic Doc. Since then, Dr. O’Connor appeared in a National Geographic limited series that explored the underworld of steroid use. Tony Huge, a controversial self proclaimed underground PED scientist, also appeared in the National Geographic program. This is a third time they’ve appeared in a film or TV show together – followed by our films Enhanced and Enhanced 2 The Max.
During our latest video interview with the Anabolic Doc, we discussed the National Geographic show and O’Connor’s thoughts on working on yet another project involving Tony Huge. O’Connor admitted that he felt his services were underutilized in the series. He understood that he was not the star of the program – but found that ultimately Tony Huge was featured far more. National Geographic seemed more interested in showing the danger and excitement of underground steroids. This caused O’Connor to come across, as he put it, like “the angry white man.”
In The Anabolic Doc’s opinion, National Geographic essentially released a promotional video for Tony Huge and underground steroids while offering much less impactful information about the true dangers of long term use.
That’s why we then suggested that the Anabolic Doc and Tony Huge should have a direct debate on the Generation Iron Network.
While Dr. O’Connor and Tony Huge have now appeared in three different projects together – they’ve never actually been in the same room during those films and shows. Vlad Yudin asked O’Connor if he would be open to directly debating Tony Huge. O’Connor was happy to oblige.
“I’d love to do it. If he [Toney Huge] has the balls to do it. He might not have the balls to do it,” Dr. Thomas O’Connor stated in our interview. He continued:
“It would be super awesome because it would get tons of millions and millions of views and I would be able to sell what I sell. Which is my information and love and care and knowledge to limit steroid use by young men. I would love to do it.”
The Anabolic Doc has always positioned himself as a doctor who empathizes and loves bodybuilding and strength sports. But he also is honest about the very real dangers of long time steroid abuse. He has always made it his mission to help any bodybuilder or strength athlete without discrimination. He wants to empathize with their passion and design to succeed while also opening their eyes to the true risk and permanent damage they might accrue due to their choices.
Conversely, Tony Huge has made it his mission to publicly inform bodybuilders and strength athletes of the benefits of steroids. According to Huge, steroids are not unhealthy and the long term effects are overblown. He feels that steroid use can be the next step in humanity’s evolution. He thinks doctors such as The Anabolic Doc are simply part of a conspiracy to limit information on steroids and keep it from becoming legalized.
This clash of beliefs would certainly be exciting to watch in a debate format – as both Dr. O’Connor and Tony Huge state to have evidence to back their claims. To see them directly challenge each other’s evidence would be a site to behold. Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for updates as we plan to make this debate a reality.
For now – you can watch The Anabolic Doc share his opinion on Tony Huge and his desire to debate him in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Ryan Crowley On The Trauma Of His Pec Tear: “The Worst Pain I’ve Ever Felt”
Ryan Crowley reflects on his pec tear injury, his recovery, and how the incident was both physically and mentally traumatizing. In March of 2021, Ryan Crowley went viral due to a video of him suffering a pec tear injury while training with Larry Wheels. Since then he has been on the long road to recovery…
Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 12: Which Celebrity Should Become A Bodybuilder?
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Craig Golias answers: Which celebrity would be the most entertaining to transform into a bodybuilder?
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 muses about celebrities becoming bodybuilders, shares tips on drop sets, and the artistry of social media collabs.
This past week saw a big celebrity boxing match in the form of Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley. It was yet another exhibition match of many where an influencer or celebrity turns to the boxing ring for a big pay day. While Craig Golias did not see the fight – he did hear that there were claims the fight was fixed. It also caused him to ask the question – what if celebrities tried to become bodybuilders the same way they are training to become boxers? Craig and Vlad discuss this plus many more topics including the best tactics for drop sets, how much water should a bodybuilder drink, and his favorite genre of movies to watch. Let’s jump into it.
Which celebrity would be the most entertaining bodybuilding transformation?
Craig Golias points out that many celebrity figures have tried or trained to become boxers. While Jake and Logan Paul are two of the most recent (and successful) influencers to make this attempt – it’s not exactly a new concept. As early as the 80s there have been stunt boxing matches where an actor jumps into the ring to box a few rounds. The difference between then and today – is that the celebrities seem to be taking it very seriously.
This line of thinking brought up an interesting thought to Craig Golias – what if a celebrity seriously attempted to become a bodybuilder? Vlad Yudin agrees that the attempt would be very fascinating – and might even make a good reality show. Craig jokes that he would love to see Owen Wilson become a mass monster.
The best tactics for drop set training
Craig Golias and Vlad Yudin also discuss drop set training. Drop set training is an advanced technique that bodybuilders often use. It’s when the lifter focuses on completing a set until failure. Then, the lifter lightens the load (typically 10-30%) with no rest in between sets.
But when is the best time to use drop sets? Should all bodybuilders use this technique with every workout? Or does this lead to over-exhaustion? Craig Golias breaks down his tactics for using drop sets.
Typically, Craig’s advice is to use drop sets on weak and lagging body parts. Craig claims that bodybuilders should – “destroy the body part that is weak.” Ultimately, drop sets are the best way to help bring up lagging body parts and complete the evolution of your physique.
Wrap Up
There are far more topics discussed in this episode than we can cover in this article. Craig Golias also talks about the importance of hydration (and how much water a bodybuilder should drink daily), his latest social media collab with a boy who has a strangely large neck, and also his favorite genre of movies – including the Human Centipede francise. 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!
Chef Rush On Schwarzenegger’s Remarks: It’s Not Just About Freedom, It’s About Doing The Right Thing
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Chef Rush believes in defending people’s freedom but also feels that people have become complacent and entitled.
Chef Rush may be best known as the “jacked White House Chef” but he also spent a great deal of time in the military as a Master Sergeant. He’s fought for America and he understands the freedom and rights that he was fighting for. That’s why we felt it would be great to catch up and get his thoughts on the recent comments made by Arnold Schwarzenegger regarding mask mandates and freedom. In our latest GI Exclusive, Chef Rush breaks down the line between freedom, safety, and responsibility as members of the community.
When Arnold Schwarzenegger did a brief interview on CNN last month, he made a statement that reverberated across the bodybuilding world – “Screw your freedom.” In context, he was speaking about the greater responsibility that comes with freedom and urged those to wear a mask to help others during a time of need. But some saw this as another attempt to muzzle American citizens (somewhat literally) and take their rights away.
The fallout was swift and bold. Many bodybuilders made public statements condemning Arnold Schwarzenegger. Some even took down his posters from their wall. In the biggest move, RedCon1 pulled sponsorship from the upcoming Arnold Classic 2021.
We previously spoke with Victor Martinez on his thoughts about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments where he defended Arnold’s statements. Now we’ve reconnected with Chef Rush to get his reaction on not only Arnold’s comments but also the fitness world’s reaction to them. Rush has spent a good portion of his life defending America in the military – so he can bring in a unique viewpoint as both a defender of this country and as a bodybuilder.
Chef Rush overall seems to defend Arnold Schwarzenegger’s statement but he also defends those who chose to get angry about it. That’s what freedom of speech is all about. Arnold can say what he wants and those who react can do so in turn. But when it comes to the concept of freedom beyond speech – the freedom to wear or not wear a mask – Rush draws a much more nuanced line.
Chef Rush will not dismiss anyone for their comments – we all can have different ideals. But he does believe that it’s important to do the right thing beyond freedom.
“I can’t tell him [Arnold Schwarzenegger] how to say it. He can only say what he can say the same way you can or the way they handle their situation,” Chef Rush says in our interview. He goes on:
“It’s not about that. It’s about doing the right thing because if I went around kids, if I went around older people, even my own kids and things like that – it would be the wrong thing to do. Even no matter what I believed in.”
Chef Rush also points out how easy it is to feel one way about something until it affects a person directly:
“It will be different if it was your family. If it was somebody you love. We are so complacent and entitled now. Freedom of speech is what it is. But if you go into an airport and they tell you put that mask on, guess what you are going to do? You’re going to put that mask on or you’re not going to fly. You’re freedom is taken away. If you run that light and a cop sees you, it’s taken away. That’s just a simple matter of fact of it. So don’t get mad that I’m saying this. And if you do get mad of me saying it – then that’s your freedom to do so. And that’s my freedom to not care.”
Ultimately, Chef Rush admits that he has heard far more offensive and anti-freedom statements made to him throughout his lifetime. As a black man, he’s had numerous situations where he faced racism and was told he deserved less because of the color of his skin. He understands they have the freedom to say those things – but that doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do.
Overall – it seems Chef Rush’s sentiments are that this whole situation has been blown out of proportion. He wants to focus on respecting each other and doing what’s right – not always what is easy.
You can watch Chef Rush share his full thoughts on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Ryan Terry Answers: Does Respect For Men’s Physique From Men’s Open Bodybuilders Matter?
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Ryan Terry weighs in: Does it matter whether or not Men’s Open bodybuilders respect Men’s Physique?
Ryan Terry is an accomplished Men’s Physique competitor from the UK. Growing up, he was always inspired by the work ethic of Men’s Open bodybuilders – but he knew genetically he could never reach that kind of mass monster size. That’s why Men’s Physique ultimately was the perfect fit for him. Suddenly he can follow in the work ethic footsteps of bodybuilders he admired – but also compete with a smaller physique that better fits his goals.
It’s no secret that some (but not all) Men’s Open bodybuilders criticize Men’s Physique. There has been a long history of Men’s Open competitors jabbing or mocking Men’s Physique. Antoine Vaillant jokingly did a guest posing in board shorts. Bodybuilding legend and mass monster Paul Dillet called Men’s Physique at the Olympia “laughable.” The list can go on. Many of these men are bodybuilders that Ryan Terry always respected and looked up to. Does this kind of lack of respect bother him? In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Ryan Terry shares his thoughts on the relationship between Men’s Open and Men’s Physique.
We had a chance to connect with Ryan Terry via video chat and discuss his bodybuilding origins, opinions on trending topics, and his future plans. When discussing on how Terry discovered bodybuilding – it was clear he had a deep reverence for legends in the Men’s Open division. His step father was even a super heavyweight competitor during Terry’s childhood.
Ultimately, Ryan Terry wanted to apply the bodybuilding work ethic to his life. At first not to become a competitor – but to feel better about his body. He knew he could never be a mass monster but still wanted to train and build that kind of work ethic. He eventually discovered Men’s Physique and it was a perfect fit. He quickly went pro and has found great success in his bodybuilding career.
But does it bother him that the very athletes that inspired him – occasionally disrespect Men’s Physique. It ranges from innocent jokes to straight out comments diminishing the division. How does that affect Terry’s view of Men’s Open and the legends that motivated him?
Ryan Terry doesn’t think it matters much. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and Men’s Physique will remain a popular division regardless of what Men’s Open athletes think. While Terry would love to gain more respect from mass monster competitors – his respect for them remains. Their accomplishments and how they inspired future generations (such as himself) remain in tact.
“To be honest with you I respect all athletes,” Ryan Terry states in our interview. He continues:
“I respect them. I respect what they’ve achieved and stuff. I would love for them to acknowledge and respect what we do as well but I don’t lose sleep over it. That’s up to them. That doesn’t change the way I train. It doesn’t change the way I think about my sport. I can take it or leave it.”
Ryan Terry believes that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. What Men’s Open feel and think have no bearing on Terry’s life as a Men’s Physique competitor. It also doesn’t change what Men’s Open bodybuilders have achieved. So his respect remains in tact. He knows the kind of work ethic he puts in – and if Men’s Open want to acknowledge it, that’s fantastic. But if they don’t – that’s their decision. He’ll keep going forward with respect and hunger to improve and succeed.
You can watch Ryan Terry’s full comments about his bodybuilding origins, Men’s Open vs Men’s Physique, and more in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Victor Martinez Defends Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Freedom Comments
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Victor Martinez reacts to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Screw Your Freedom” comments.
Victor Martinez is a pro bodybuilder who is not afraid to speak his mind – but he’s also someone who likes to make sure he’s critically analyzed all the facts before he cements his opinion. That’s why he’s taken some time thinking over Arnold Schwarzenegger’s controversial freedom comments and the bodybuilding communities reaction to it. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Victor Martinez explains his defense of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s freedom comments.
On August 13th, 2021, an interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger went viral across the bodybuilding, strength sports, and fitness community. Speaking on CNN, Schwarzenegger stated, “Screw your freedom” in response to Americans who were anti-mask mandates. You can see his full statement here. Schwarzenegger was stressing, albeit aggressively, that community health was more important than individual freedom where dangerous consequences could be endured.
The bodybuilding, strength sports, and fitness community ignited with many making statements on social media condemning Schwarzenegger’s statement. Some pulled down posters. In the biggest move, supplement company RedCon1 pulled out of sponsoring the Arnold Classic 2021 set to occur on September 25th.
Last week, we were able to reconnect with Generation Iron alum and pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez. During our catch up, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments were brought up. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Martinez defended Schwarzenegger and his statements. He also weighed in on the bigger fitness community’s angry reaction to the statement.
“You don’t need to explain it to me. I saw it. I saw it one time. I saw it one time and for some reason, yes, I know what he said, you know – ‘Screw your freedom.’ That became the focus,” Victor Martinez states in our interview. He continues:
“…There’s certain things you say where you think you can say them and right now a lot of people are too soft. They’re too soft on words. They’re too soft on what they hear. They jump the gun on smallest thing that really is irrelevant to what the person really is. I mean, I think Arnold is more American than most Americans actually.”
Not only does he think that people as a whole have become too sensitive. He also thinks they are misinterperating what Schwarzenegger really meant when he stated, “Screw your freedom.” Martinez goes further to try and explain his viewpoint:
“He didn’t say screw your freedom like when America became free in 1776 on July 4th and they declared their freedom… that’s not the kind of freedom Arnold said you know. Be responsible with your freedom, you know? Yes you are free but that doesn’t mean be carelessly free, you know? Wear your mask.”
Ultimately, Victor Martinez still holds extreme respect for Arnold Schwarzenegger. He finds that he has not only given back to the bodybuilding community throughout his entire life – but he’s also given back to America since becoming a citizen. This is a trying time for many people across the world. It’s causing gut reactions and bold statements that might be a bit too black and white.
It seems that Victor Martinez is trying to see the grey and the nuance during these troubling times. He believes Arnold Schwarzenegger believes in freedom but he also believes in responsibility. Do you agree or still find Schwarzenegger’s comments a step too far?
You can watch Victor Martinez’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above and decide for yourself!