Tag: steroids
Rich Gaspari Bashes Young Lifters Using ‘Dangerous’ Amounts of Steroids: ‘It’s A Big Problem’
Bodybuilding veteran Rich Gaspari has a sharp eye for talent based on his decades of experience in the sport. While he no longer competes, he remains active in the community with hot takes. In a recent Instagram post, Gaspari criticized young lifters for using steroids at the beginning of their fitness journey.
Rich Gaspari first gained attention for his insane mass, size, and refined lower-body muscle development in the Men’s Open division in the mid-80s. His dry conditioning coupled with striated glutes made him stand out from the competition. While he did not find Olympia glory, Gaspari took a bronze medal in his Mr. Olympia debut and earned three silvers to eight-time champion Lee Haney. He created history by becoming the first Arnold Classic winner and got inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2004.
Gaspari has been a vocal critic of the Open division in the last few years. As a talented poser, he considers bodybuilding an art form and not a sport due to its subjective nature. However, he sees a lack of artistic focus with more athletes favoring sheer muscle mass instead of posing.
‘The Dragon Slayer’ highlighted the rise in the popularity of trenbolone in the fitness space. While he admitted the compound could lead to significant gains, he warned about its use due to the damage it wreaks on the liver and cardiovascular system. He added tren use could lead to anger issues for even the nicest person.
Gaspari fired shots at modern bodybuilders for not paying enough attention to their calves. He left the fans stunned with a throwback clip where he showed off his massive calves while crushing an intense training session. He suggested training the muscle group three times a week with high volume and heavy weights.
Rich Gaspari reckons Chris Bumstead would need to put on 40 pounds to have a shot in the Men’s Open division. He praised the four-time Classic Physique Olympia winner’s symmetry and backed him to defend the title successfully at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. However, he criticized ‘CBum’s’ arm development and muscle density when compared with Open contenders.
Gaspari is a strong proponent of high-intensity training. He opened up on some of the crazy ways he used to pump himself up for an intense weight training session and offered a grueling abs routine for boosting strength and hypertrophy. Then, he emphasized incorporating slow-mo reps to amp up workout intensity and build muscle.
Rich Gaspari Speaks Out Against Harmful Steroid Practices Among Young Lifters
In a recent Instagram post, Rich Gaspari criticized young lifters for starting steroids early. He highlighted the health risks that come with taking harsh compounds like tren and called for training quality above all else.
“I’m going to talk about a subject that I’m going to get a lot of flak for from a lot of the younger kids that are training with weights and that’s the usage of anabolic steroids,” said Gaspari. “A lot of these young kids just starting out to train go directly on really hardcore drugs like trenbolone, high doses of testosterone, anadrol, Dbol, all these drugs. Now, I was a professional bodybuilder I had to use steroids to compete. But, the dosages were much lower than I see today in a lot of these bodybuilders.”
Gaspari claims the dosages were way lower in his days of competing on stage.
“And I’ve done blood work to make sure I stay healthy and cycled with steroids. A lot of these guys are taking steroids continually. These are kids 18 year olds, 17, 18, 19, doing high doses of trenbolone and not really monitoring themselves, which is really dangerous. It’s a big problem.
“What I’ve seen is that a lot of kids just don’t know that they have to work hard, train hard, train smart, and eat the right type of foods, eating nutritionally, eating the right amount of macronutrients, which I see a lot of people just don’t eat enough to really grow muscle.
“Just me talking out saying if you are going to take the risk of taking steroids, you need to get blood work done, you need to be able to go off and on cycles, but these kids are not doing that. They just continually stay on high doses of really toxic steroids that later on… they might not be here.”
Rich Gaspari revealed the technique he used on the incline dumbbell one-arm row to build thickness in his back with a bench. He used an incline bench to reduce any momentum from the swing to ensure optimal gains during the entirety of each movement.
Gaspari listed Jefferson squats as his exercise of choice for developing bigger legs. He emphasized going down to a full range of motion for the best results. Then, the 60-year-old detailed the modified sumo squats as a solid movement to target the glutes and build strength in the legs. He suggested performing the exercise on an elevated platform for the best results.
RELATED: ‘I’ve Been on TRT for Nearly 10 Years & Feel Amazing’: Rich Gaspari Shares Important Tips for Using TRT
His latest update might encourage some lifters against taking steroids. Overall, Gaspari just wants to see the sport practiced in a safe and healthy manner.
Published: 3 August, 2023 | 10:15 PM EDT
Kali Muscle Says Steroids ‘A Waste of Time, ‘I’m a Natty Right Now, My Testosterone Level is 280’
Bodybuilder and fitness star Chuck “Kali Muscle” Kirkendall plans to never look back after quitting performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). In a recent YouTube video, Kali Muscle recapped his bodybuilding career and experiences with steroids. After becoming addicted to these compounds, Kali Muscle is now speaking out against them.
While he started his fitness journey as an impressionable teenager, Muscle has grown leaps and bounds since. Following a prison stint at 19, Kali refused to let the circumstances dictate the rest of his life. He worked hard to improve his situation but admits he’s made some unhealthy choices along the way.
Kali Muscle is a popular YouTube personality known for his eccentric behavior, personality, and content. He boasts a ripped physique and has garnered headlines for his controversial and outspoken nature. Muscle has also been a victim to considerable health issues, like a heart attack back in 2021.
Having carved out a following in bodybuilding, Kali Muscle began arguing against steroid use. He became vocal about the topic after years of watching bodybuilders die too young, like Shawn Rhoden, George Peterson, and Cedric McMillan. Since retiring from the sport and its practices, Kali Muscle hasn’t shied away from showing off his downsized physique. And now, he’s back to share another cautionary tale about steroids.
“Steroids Is A Waste of Time” – Kali Muscle Recounts Struggles w/ Bodybuilding Career & Health
Before diving into his own personal struggles, Kali Muscle went over the dangers of some popular anabolic compounds.
“Just for educational purposes, I just had to do this video, I had this stuff [gear] laying around and I got mad. Trenbolone, it gets you strong, right? It also gets them arteries hard and strong, it causes high blood pressure, water retention, which we all know, water retention is bad for all your organs in your body. It raises your estrogen, right? It’s the most harmful roid, juice PED.”
“Some Test cyp, I don’t know why it’s orange. All the test I’ve ever had wasn’t orange. That’s test cyp right there. We all know what that do, it raises your estrogen and of course, it boosts your testosterone level which all of us want a high testosterone level but it causes water retention.”
“Primobolan, supposed to be a nice one right? When you get ready for a show it keeps you lean, less water retention, and all that. It’s all trash man. I don’t need them no more.”
Kali Muscle revealed his first cycle consisted of 1,000 grams of testosterone and 600 grams of Trenbolone. Eventually, Kali Muscle became addicted to the way the steroids made him feel during workouts.
“I felt I got addicted to the feeling of being stronger than everybody, my muscles just got full and so I remember Diego, ‘Boy, you need to do a show.’ I started looking at bodybuilding shows to do, my first one was the Orange County Classic in 2009. Went in there, didn’t know what I was doing, at that point I was on about 1,000 grams of test, maybe 600 grams of tren, I didn’t know what I was doing, I was reading on the internet what to take for shows.”
“I came in there and won it,” added Kali Muscle. “Every day I would study what chemicals, I bought all the books, I was experimenting on myself, it was foolish.”
According to Muscle, there came a point in his career where he knew he’d have to kill himself with drugs if he wanted to bring up the conditioning in his legs.
“I was getting big 255, 260, you guys can see the documentary I did. The Kali Muscle Story, I was 260 in that video just juiced to the gills. 1,000 migs of test, 800 migs of tren, you know all that stuff that’s tearing up those insides man.”
“It wasn’t for me, bodybuilding wasn’t for me because I would have to kill myself literally to become Pro. I knew I’d have to take a lot of GH, IGF-1, Insulin to really get my legs how they’re supposed to be. I knew I didn’t have that in me. I knew it would cost a lot of money. I decided to focus on social media. I tapered the roids down. I was doing 500 migs of test a week. I would do Tren here and there.”
Unlike years prior, Kali Muscle feels healthier today and claims he’s all-natural.
“The muscles… if I had the muscles are not, if that was the case now – I’m reaching more people in my eyes being fit and preaching a healthy message. Steroids is a waste of time, bro. If you started, okay, you feel good. You look good. But, you got to take anti-estrogen to keep your estrogen and most of y’all don’t even have medical.”
“I was happy natural like I am now. It’s not necessary. You can do it like this, natural. Kudos to all the natural guys out there but you still got to think if you natural, natural guys, they want to gain weight. So you go eat a lot of the wrong foods. What you’re eating and how you’re eating, what you’re consuming. Even me right now, they saw my test level now is down to 280.”
Lastly, he highlighted that steroids ‘are not needed until 35’ for most people.
“Roids are not needed until 35 on up. But I wouldn’t recommend it until your testosterone levels drop below 600. Been off everything. I’m a natty right now. So that’s why my testosterone level is 280, it was 281. I feel good.”
This wasn’t the first time Kali Muscle opened up honestly about steroid use. In May, he took part in a candid interview where he disclosed that he didn’t stop taking gear until his heart attack nearly killed him. Months ago, Kali mentioned that he was still taking a ‘small dose’ of steroids to maintain his physique.
In light of his health troubles, Kali has warned popular talents in the Men’s Open class about heart problems. Last October, Kali said athletes Andrew Jacked and Nick Walker were at risk of these issues, and stressed that he ‘felt sorry’ for them.
Kali Muscle hopes his story serves as a warning for the younger generation. While he admits he suffers from low testosterone, Muscle hasn’t stopped working out and remains focused on longevity.
RELATED: Kali Muscle Claims to Eat 1 Meal a Day: ‘Everything We Learned is Fake’
Watch the full video from Kali Muscle’s YouTube channel below:
Published: 29 July, 2023 | 3:22 PM EDT
Chris Cormier, Dennis James, Dave Palumbo, Milos Sarcev Talk Steroids, Synthol, & Bodybuilding After 40
Longevity in bodybuilding has become a booming subject given some of the risks associated with the sport. In a recent The Menace Podcast, Chris Cormier, Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Dave Palumbo discussed some of those risks, which included site-enhancement oils and expired steroids. They also talked about life as a bodybuilder after 40 years old.
The IFBB Pro League serves as the ultimate arena for bodybuilders who strive to sculpt their physiques into artistic masterpieces. These athletes dedicate their lives to achieving the perfect balance of muscle mass, symmetry, and proportions but diet and exercise alone are not enough to reach the pinnacle of this sport. To keep up with their rivals, competitors use an array of substances and methods to enhance their appearance or performance.
The use of site-enhancement oils goes back decades now. As was the case with 1990s veterans Milos Sarcev and Chris Cormier, both of whom have used Synthol. Looking back, Sarcev believes shooting his arms with Synthol was the biggest regret of his career.
Meanwhile, Cormier has mentioned that he used the same drug and remembers injecting it into his calves. He’s gone on to warn upcoming talent about the dangers associated with the practice. Cormier has also been honest about what it did to his physique, and said the ‘damage is real.’
“We All Inject Something” Milos Sarcev, Chris Cormier, Dave Palumbo, Dennis James Talk Synthol in Bodybuilding
When asked if the top 10 Open bodybuilders from Mr. Olympia are using site-enhancement oils, Palumbo implied they are all using ‘something.’ As for Chris Cormier, he believes athletes lack striations nowadays because of Synthol use.
“We all inject something,” said Milos Sarcev.
“I think every single one of them is doing something,” added Palumbo. “I don’t know one person that doesn’t shoot something in their shoulders and arms to make them bigger. I don’t know one person.”
“I see it down the back. I see it in the quads. You don’t have the quad striations you should normally have. When you do see quad striations everyone is like, ‘Oh my God.’ But that should be the standard if you’re that lean,” said Cormier.
Palumbo elaborated and said athletes today are using up to 10,000 milligrams of testosterone, which is unintentionally serving as a site enhancement.
“I think what happened is nowadays, guys are using it but they are not abusing it much. There’s still a couple of nut cases that do, but by and far, people understand that you have to be creative about the process of how you do it. Now a lot of guys just use their regular gear. You see these guys today. I know guys taking 10,000 milligrams of testosterone a week, I don’t know why they’re doing it but they don’t even need site injection oil, they just use the testosterone as their site injection oil because they’re popping it everywhere on their body,” said Dave Palumbo.
“It takes away from the quality of muscle. But that’s the look I see, because there’s no way you have striated glutes and hardly no body fat, I mean the diet is impeccable, but then when you do that as opposed to leaning on that side of the coin instead of the other side of the coin where you train hard, put it where you got to put it, but don’t put it where you don’t need to put it just because you’re trying to look a certain way. It’s taking away from the quality,” responded Chris Cormier.
Milos Relives 12-Year Expired Parabolan, Masteron Experience: ‘My Whole Body Exploded w/Acne’
Next, the group discussed the efficacy of expired steroids. Sarcev regretfully took a batch over 10 years expired back in his heyday.
“The only side effect that I could say [from expired drugs] is acne. That was – I got a guy that brought me 12 years expired parabolan and masteron and all this shit right. It expired 12 years before. When you have it in your hands, this is original. You can’t throw it away. How bad can it be?” laughed Milos Sarcev. “Man, my whole body exploded with acne.”
Sarcev added that there were points during his career when he used drugs like Viagra on stage.
“Did any of you use Viagra for the stage? Because in ’97, there was no Viagra man. Yeah, I told you too right,” Milos Sarcev said. “One million percent you get fully pumped.”
Bodybuilding After 40: Prostate Health, Blood Work + Stem Cell Updates
According to Chris Cormier, he began to experience problems in the restroom when he took steroids for more than two weeks.
“I started to urinate, and then towards the end of me urinating, I got to shit. I did that [checked my prostate]. Yup. I know when I was in competition I would take Equipoise and my prostate would get really sore for some reason,” said Cormier.
“You probably convert to DHT at a very high level,” said Dave Palumbo.
Monitoring blood work is a great way for athletes to keep an eye on relevant health markers. However, Dennis James worries that athletes would rather not know than go to a doctor and find out what’s wrong.
“Athletes now are more cautious with doctors and getting themselves checked since we see so many people dying,” said Dennis James. “I think these guys they just don’t want to know. The worse thing for them is they go somewhere, the doctors tell them this is high and tells them they shouldn’t be doing this or that,” said James.
Palumbo stressed that anyone over the age of 40 should have a cardiac CT angiogram done. He told Rich Gaspari to have the test done years ago and ‘The Dragon Slayer’ discovered a 100% blocked artery.
“Everyone over the age of 40 should have a cardiac CT angiogram done, it’s a CT scan, they put a little dye in you and you know what, you know if you have a blockage or not. If you have a blockage you go and get a stent, I told Gaspari to go get it done. He went and found out he didn’t even know he had 100% blockage in one artery,” said Palumbo.
Lastly, Dennis James updated fans on his training regimen, which has increased considerably since his stem cell injections.
“Yesterday, I was in the gym yesterday. By the way Milos, I started training. It was the first real workout I had in years. I did six exercises, normally I do two, two sets each and I did six with five sets each. I’m sore all over. I think it is [the stem cells],” explained Dennis James. “I also said when I’m done with the stem cell treatment I was going back to the gym and getting serious again. That’s why yesterday I really started training seriously.”
Flex Wheeler also appeared on The Menace Podcast recently and discussed his use of insulin and Synthol. While Flex admits his contemporaries also used it, he said prolonged site-enhancement oil use resulted in excessive scar tissue at the injection sites.
Even though the sport can be unforgiving, plenty of notable pros have found longevity in retirement. Most importantly, James, Sarcev, and Cormier agree that health after 40 requires a more consistent and calculated effort.
READ MORE:
Watch the full The Menace Podcast on YouTube below:
Published: 17 July, 2023 | 11:45 AM EDT
Chris Bumstead Reveals The ‘Most Toxic’ Steroid He Stays Away From
Canadian bodybuilder Chris Bumstead is arguably the most popular competitor of any division in the modern era. The young powerhouse has cemented his place in the history books with four Classic Physique Olympia wins in a row. In a recent interview with Chris Williamson, Bumstead revealed the ‘most toxic’ steroid he stays away from and plans to retire if his PED use begins to adversely affect his health.
Chris Bumstead first made a name for himself with his impressive muscle mass, symmetry, and proportions in the Classic Physique category in 2017. His potential was evident from the start as he took silver in his Mr. Olympia debut. After placing second again to former two-time champion Breon Ansley, Bumstead finally secured the coveted first-place trophy at the 2019 Mr. Olympia. He has fended off rising contenders with his latest victory coming at the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Bumstead opened up on the challenges that come with being a dominant champion earlier this year. He admitted feeling a lot of pressure from the high expectations he set for himself during his early days of competition. While he intends to add the fifth title under his belt, Bumstead plans to listen to his health and body first and foremost.
Courtney King with Chris Bumstead / Instagram
‘CBum’ revealed his trainer Hany Rambod is focused on bringing a leaner Bumstead to the 2023 Mr. Olympia three months ago. He shared that Chris would usually get up to 265 pounds in the off-season but planned to cap it at 255-258 pounds this year based on his mentor’s advice.
Bumstead detailed his split with former coach and Men’s Open competitor Iain Valliere two months ago. He credited Valliere for helping him stay injury-free and for not having him use copious amounts of gear. He’s turning up the intensity in training and believes he’s in better shape than ever before looking ahead.
Chris Bumstead gave fans a look into the private gym he’s developing at his home last month. He also cut down to four meals a day instead of six. He crushed a heavy legs workout for muscle growth as well. Then, Bumstead offered a back workout regimen for maximizing gains in the off-season.
Chris Bumstead Will Leave the Sport if His Health Faltered
Chris Bumstead With Coach Hany Rambod
In a recent YouTube video, Chris Bumstead opened up on dealing with the health risks associated with PED (performance-enhancing drug) usage.
“If you’re a bodybuilder and you don’t worry about that, you’re either stupid or lying to be completely honest,” said Bumstead. “So this is something that’s definitely on the forefront of my brain but I just manage it as best as I can. You get blood work done consistently to keep your markers on.
There’s a lot of tests. Diagnostics now are absolutely insane if you want to stay healthy long term, if something is going on with you, it’s catching it early. I do a lot of diagnostics and blood work to make sure I stay healthy.”
He plans to retire if his steroid use starts to negatively impact his health.
“I’ve made an agreement with myself that when these things start to falter and they start to go down, no matter where I’m at in my career if I’m peaked, if I’m not peaked, I just need to call it. It’s not worth it to me. There’s a life after bodybuilding. Who I am is not a bodybuilder, there’s more to me than that.”
Bumstead Reveals Trenbolone as ‘Most Toxic’ Steroid He Stays Away From
‘CBum’ revealed he stays away from using Trenbolone because of the adverse side effects.
“The biggest one is tren. There’s guys who literally base their social media off that now. It’s a meme of the gym culture. I don’t even think people realize the impact these jokes and memes have on people coming up who see you constantly joking and talking about you need more of it to be better, stronger, and all this s**t. But that’s probably the most toxic thing you can put in your body. I’ve done it in the past but I don’t anymore. I haven’t touched it in five years due to just the toxicity it causes in your body. It just comes in and harms your kidneys, your liver, everything that takes your body to process it and go through it. It’s not naturally meant to be in your body. It makes you strong as f**k.”
“Another reason why I love Classic Physique is because I had a weight cap and I was close to my weight cap like three years ago, not at it. But I could’ve taken more sh*t and really tapped out to the point where I couldn’t put on any more weight or I could actually take less and force myself to work harder.”
Chris Bumstead laid out the 10 exercises he would pick from if he had no other options earlier this month. He chose a blend of compound and isolation movements to ensure all his muscle groups get taxed. Social media fitness star Jeff Cavaliere weighed in on Bumstead’s choices with his support and agreed with nine out of the 10 exercises on his list as well.
While PEDs in the sport is a sticky subject, hopefully, fans and competitors can take a lesson from Chris Bumstead, who many consider one of the best bodybuilders on the planet.
You can watch the full video below:
RELATED: Chris Bumstead Opens Up on Pressures of Being Dominant: “I’m Afraid That I’m Going to Lose”
Published: 8 July, 2023 | 12:19 PM EDT
Fitness Community Reacts to Jo Linder’s Mysterious Death at 30, Questions Raised About Cause of Death
The world of fitness and bodybuilding has been shattered by the devastating death of Jo Linder, known as “Joesthetics,” who succumbed to a fatal aneurysm at 30 years old, according to his girlfriend. The latest to make sense of this tragedy is Greg Doucette, a popular coach and former bodybuilder.
Linder, known for charm, charisma, and a shredded physique, amassed a social media empire over the last several years with an eccentric personality and fun collaborations with other influencers, such as powerlifting great Larry Wheels. He grew his Instagram following to a staggering 8.4 million and often inspired fans with workouts, where they could see first-hand the dedication he had to stay extremely fit.
Following his tragic death, fans have questioned if steroids and performance-enhancing drugs played a role in his demise. Linder has been open online about his steroid cycles in the past, as he went over his regimen in detail with Wheels last October. During the candid interview, Jo said growth hormone never helped him during his days of bodybuilding, but added that insulin was looked at like a ‘magic sauce.’
While an autopsy has yet to be completed, others have pointed to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as a possible culprit. These suspicions arose after Linder’s recent appearance on Bradley Martyn’s Raw Talk Podcast. Linder shared that he and doctors discovered ‘heavy metals,’ ‘particles,’ and clots in his blood, which led to him cleaning his blood with treatments of plasmapheresis.
“Did you get the vax?” asks Bradley Martyn.
“I got the vax yeah, yeah. Even four [of them]. It also, bro you know how it is… it’s the same like you go to a party and you hang with the wrong people all of a sudden you might do something on this party that you don’t want to do because there’s these people [nudging you], ‘You know, you should do it,”‘ said Jo Linder.
“I did blood cleaning twice after all this. I did plasmapheresis to take out heavy metals and all that stuff. I did all this. I don’t know if this is too controversial probably to say. I went to the doctor and I did my blood work again because I check my blood work all the time, I show it to the doctor and we kind of see these particles…I’m like what is this? This is from this [the vaccines]. I’m like, ‘Oh my God.’ I show it to another one of my friends, there’s all kinds of websites you can’t get to and there’s some crazy conspiracies,” said Jo Linder.
According to Linder, a doctor told him that if he wanted to survive the vaccines he would need to undergo additional plasmapheresis treatments. Many have noted that Linder also suffered from rippling muscle disease, which he used to his benefit on social media. Meanwhile, other fans have suggested that his excessive coffee habit contributed to a heart attack from a caffeine overdose.
“The doctor was like you need to do it man if you want to survive after you took these shots, bro, that’s how it was actually,” said Linder. “I don’t know if the nurse did something weird. This was in Thailand obviously, when she took out the blood, there was a white thing in there. I’m like, ‘What the fu** is that?’ I’m like, ‘What the fuck is this?’ I show this to my friend, he’s into conspiracies.”
“He showed me all these websites, since they do this to people since so many, they found this in athletes and stuff and there’s a weird reason why people, they die, they have these wide blood clots, tons of them – in their blood – everywhere. He’s like, ‘Maybe this is what you have?’”
“There was no white thing, there was probably some air, the nurse didn’t do it right. But the [doctors], he’s said, ‘There’s some black particles, these are the heavy metals you have in your blood.’”
Community Reacts to Jo Linder’s Death at 30, Greg Doucette Discusses Tragedy and Explores Cause of Death
With the fitness and bodybuilding communities up-in-arms regarding Linder’s death, Greg Doucette took to a recent YouTube video to set the record straight. While some believe steroids could have been a factor, Greg says Jo stopped abusing PEDs and was only using hormone replacement therapy at the time of his death.
“Joe was very proactive with his health. Remember, he did in fact abuse PEDs when he was younger but he was only on HRT, and when he prepped for his various competitions, he hardly added anything to his cycle. I can promise you he was very concerned with his health, far more than the average person, was getting regular blood work and doing everything the right way.”
Doucette highlighted that autopsy details haven’t emerged and no one actually knows how Linder died.
“So because of that, many people are speculating that they know that the reason for Jo’s passing is because he did those four shots [COVID-19 vaccines and boosters]. Well, other people are speculating, no it has nothing to do with that, it absolutely has everything to do with that he was not 100% natural. Now remember, it’s only been a few days and an autopsy has not yet been performed. So people that are saying it’s a blood clot, that they know this for a fact, that it’s an aneurysm, that it’s a heart attack, nobody actually knows the exact answer,” said Doucette.
Following the tragedy, deaths in bodybuilding have been hurled back into the spotlight. Over the years, fans have taken notice of the risks as athletes like Shawn Rhoden, George Peterson, and Cedric McMillian all met their fates before turning 50 years old. The trend prompted retired IFBB Pro Seth Feroce to issue intense warnings about the dangers of steroid use last year.
Jo Linder’s passing has saddened the fitness and bodybuilding world, leaving behind many questions about the cause of his death. While some blame steroids, vaccines, or caffeine, it’s evident “Joesthetics” had a profound impact on those around him.
RELATED: Larry Wheels Takes Posing Lessons From Joe Linder aka Joesthetics
Check out Greg Doucette’s YouTube video below:
Published: 6 July, 2023 | 11:12 AM EDT
Flex Wheeler Told By Docs He Needs TRT for Life, Relives Synthol and Insulin Use: “It Created So Much Scar Tissue”
Flex Wheeler still gives back to the bodybuilding community years after his retirement. In The Menace Podcast with Dennis James, Wheeler discussed competing ‘naturally, using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and recapped his experiences with insulin and site-enhancement oils such as synthol.
For more than two decades, Wheeler was a global phenomenon in the sport of bodybuilding. He displayed an unforgettable blend of aesthetics, proportions, and v-taper with many also crediting him for his flexibility, slim waist, and graceful posing skills.
While he never laid claim to a Mr. Olympia title, he came remarkably close. Despite his status as a heavy favorite at the 1998 Mr. Olympia, Wheeler fell to Ronnie Coleman after introducing ‘The King’ to his long-time coach Chad Nicholls.
Wheeler’s incredible run in bodybuilding was filled with obstacles, many of which he still endures today. In 2019, Wheeler lost his right leg by amputation following a medical complication. In addition, he’s suffered from an array of health scares in the hospital. Currently, his transplanted kidneys are showing signs of failure, which he discussed in detail on a previous The Menace Podcast appearance with Dennis James.
In his latest undertaking, Flex Wheeler looked back on beating drug tests and competing ‘naturally.’ He also reflected on his use of TRT, insulin, and synthol in a conversation with James, Milos Sarcev, and Chris Cormier.
Flex Wheeler: “I Was Natural, I Passed the Tests and I Took What the Doctors Told Me To”
While Milos Sarcev doesn’t believe Wheeler was natural when he returned to the sport, Flex said he passed drug tests and took what doctors told him to take in a legal manner.
“I didn’t tell the truth already, but the pierce is the problem that you want to bring that up. Natural, half-natural, whatever you want to call it,” said Flex Wheeler.
“It was different. The clear – there’s no such thing as a half-natural, almost natural, and this kind of stuff. There’s no such thing, you’re either or right?” asked Milos Sarcev.
“I’m natural. I was natural. I passed the tests and I took what the doctors told me to take,” said Wheeler. [If a doctor gives you testosterone are you natural?] I don’t know I guess there’s an argument right but I wasn’t taking it illegally, I was on prescriptions at that time for health reasons.”
As for his testosterone, Wheeler recounted his levels being at 79, which prompted him to receive TRT to bring him back to a ‘natural level.’
“I’m not a doctor, I don’t know, I’m being sincere, I’m being serious, I would think if it’s bringing your hormones back to a natural level, and you’re down to, I think I was at 79 when I started, somewhere around that right, because I definitely wasn’t competing in the 2000s like I was.”
“USADA doesn’t allow testosterone replacement. If you get it from a doctor because your test level is super low and you got this limp spaghetti, they will not allow for you to do testosterone replacement, that’s considered doping,” said Dennis James.
Wheeler said he used EPO and growth hormone while receiving dialysis for his kidneys.
“Seriously though, seriously, not joking, what’s crazy is when I was on dialysis, they were giving me EPO and GH,” added Wheeler.
“When you say you were natural, and I know that you were not natural, we all know that you were not natural and you tried to force it, and you passed the test, I wasn’t in the project world record for people passing tests left and right. Passing a test and being natural are two completely different things,” said Sarcev.
‘The Sultan of Symmetry’ highlighted that he took minimum dosages after returning to the stage later in his career. He was informed by doctors that he would be required to take TRT for the rest of his life or face health consequences.
“I was taking such minimum dosages, right? It has nothing to do with being gifted. I was taking what my doctors were prescribing me right? What Milos is saying right, when I went back to doing what we normally do, there was a massive change,” Wheeler replied.
“I didn’t take anything illegal. I didn’t even take any diuretics, Clenbuterol, or anything. I did only what my doctors said to take and even at that time I stopped taking EPO. So for me, that is as natural as I can get.”
“When they told me I had to go back on testosterone for the rest of my life I was so pissed because I stuck myself for over half my life and I was looking forward to never having to do it again, when he told me I had to…”
Wheeler Talks Losing Joe Weider Contract from Broken Neck and His Experiences with Synthol and Insulin
According to Wheeler, he lost his lucrative Joe Weider contract after breaking his neck. He was eventually diagnosed with colitis (the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon). Given Joe’s history, Wheeler was worried Weider would fire him for his health condition as well.
“I lost my contract with Joe Weider for breaking my neck. Nothing I had control over,” said Wheeler. “I can’t go in there and tell this dude the truth that I got an eating disorder if he’s going to drop me for breaking my neck. I told a lie. I told a lie to be able to keep my contract. He didn’t fire me for that, but he fired me for breaking my neck.”
“When he fired me, I lost my seven-story house. I had to go live with Neil,” said Wheeler.
Sarcev first brought up rumors that Kevin Levrone used 120 insulin shots before a single show. Wheeler admitted he used a product called Pump and Pose, which James confirmed was a site-enhancement oil. Looking back, Wheeler said he used the product in his calves and shoulders but avoided injecting it into his gluteal muscles.
“There was a rumor that he [Kevin Levrone] put 120 insulin shots for one show,” said Milos Sarcev.
“If you wanted to know who used the most [site enhancement oils] Kevin did,” said Wheeler. “Pump and Pose, I never messed with Synthol but I used Pump and Pose, the very first version of it. I wouldn’t mess with it later on.”
“That’s exactly what it is, Synthol,” said Dennis James. “Like Chris said, he stopped injecting his butt because it would cause it to inflame up. I understand it causes inflammation. The majority of the things that I would take, I would put them in my calves, and then I would only use in secular, the other stuff, for my shoulders. What happens is it created so much scar tissue.”
This isn’t the first time Wheeler has revealed details about compounds used throughout his career. He joined Dennis James for a discussion a month ago. Wheeler talked about a cycle he used in 1993 and stressed that competitors were taking minimal amounts back in the day.
And Wheeler isn’t the only 1990s pro bodybuilding veteran calling attention to rampant drug use in the sport today. Recently, Rich Gaspari, who pioneered striated glutes in competition, tackled the subject. He posited that athletes are abusing drugs on a more frequent basis instead of building a physique with hardcore training and a clean diet.
A living legend of bodybuilding, Flex Wheeler will always be adored by fans given his honest and straightforward nature. While Sarcev may doubt some of his natural claims, it’s evident Wheeler overcame adversity on a number of occasions during his career.
RELATED: Lee Haney: Open Athletes Are ’60-Lbs Overweight Traumatizing Themselves with Terrible Diets’
You can watch the full video below from the Muscle and Fitness YouTube channel:
Published: 3 July, 2023 | 12:37 PM EDT
Jay Cutler on New-Gen Athletes Openly Discussing Anabolics: “They Need to Be Careful”
Jay Culter looks over the Men’s Open division in retirement having firmly cemented his name in the record books. In the latest Cutler Cast Podcast, Cutler took questions from fans regarding a number of topics including his nutrition journal, whether younger athletes should openly discuss steroids, and his macro count.
During his tenure, Cutler distinguished himself from fellow competitors with a wide chest, great arms, and perhaps one of the strongest lower bodies of all time. His perseverance propelled him to a Mr. Olympia title in 2006 after he toppled ‘The King’ Ronnie Coleman. This victory prevented Coleman from winning a ninth Sandow, which would have broken the record he shares today with eight-time winner Lee Haney.
With four Olympia titles attached to his legacy, Cutler remains one of the greatest to take part in the sport. He hasn’t stepped on a pro stage in 10 years but maintains an impressive physique today. He recently committed to a body transformation which he intends to complete in August.
In addition to tracking his nutrition in a diary, Cutler has been forthcoming about his supplement and steroid use but only in retirement. With active competitors openly discussing gear nowadays, Cutler worries their transparency could cause problems down the road.
Jay Culter Talks Nutrition Diary, Creatine, Macros, and New Gen of Athletes Talking About Anabolics
Cutler confirmed that he kept a nutrition journal when he competed actively. He added that his journal would look vastly different from bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev’s.
“I did. I did. I should compare mine to Milos’. See the difference between my log is mine’s all nutrition and training and Milos’ is all gear. He’s going to have to come on and defend himself. So yeah, I used to have these little books, these notebooks, I would have each show. They’re in my mom’s attic with all the magazines. Yeah, I could put them out. But today, [it’s in] your phone,” said Jay Cutler. “Who writes stuff down these days besides Milos,” said Jay Cutler. “Like do you see people in the gym doing log books anymore, they’re in their phones.”
Cutler believes the newer generation of competitors who discuss steroids openly are at risk for unwanted or unfavorable ‘exposure.’
“Man, that’s a huge topic [the younger generation of bodybuilders openly talking about anabolics]. I did a Greg Doucette interview, it’s probably the only one where I really talked about kind of got into usage and I’ll mention it a lot whether what I’m talking or TRT and you know everyone thinks there’s a lot of things outside of that are being used which is not the case. I don’t know, I don’t like it. I don’t like it because before we were first of all contracted by many different endorsement deals. I believe that no one that endorses something especially if it’s products or whatever else, they need to be careful when they talk about this. I’m sure you’ll give more reasons why. It’s not the greatest idea. It sets you up for a lot of exposure if that makes sense.”
Despite suspicions, Cutler stressed that he’s only using testosterone replacement therapy.
“You remember the team I had around me, I mean… you know what we did in bodybuilding I mean obviously is outside of what they call – it’s funny everyone say’s I’m on TRT now but they seem to be on their own TRT. I see a doctor. But no, they’re doing their own. They are getting their own supply. It’s not the right thing.”
As for creatine use, the four-time Mr. Olympia recommended five grams before, during, or after training.
“I think five grams I would take it either before, during, or after training. Sometimes you can split it maximum 10 grams. I think it’s the most long researched product that’s very great for giving yourself more strength, recovery, muscle fullness, remember it’s about keeping muscles full and getting your ATP output out of your muscle the most you know. I think it’s definitely beneficial,” shared Jay Cutler. “You can [use it while cutting] I mean, I would cut it out the last couple of weeks from the contest. I cut out any supplements a couple weeks out,” Cutler explained. “I think you would have to eat a lot of red meat to be honest [to get optimum creatine.”
Lastly, Jay Cutler detailed his macros as of late, which included 300 grams of protein and 500 grams of carbohydrates.
“I have no idea [total calories]. I would say about 3,500. I’m eating about 300 grams of protein a day and maybe 3-500 grams of carbs. Obviously, there’s fats in the meats I eat, the chicken, the steak, a couple whole eggs in the morning. Sometimes I add an avocado in there or almond butter or whatever. I’d say around that I was eating double when I was trying to get bigger so I was over 6. But I would say about 3,500 calories.”
This isn’t the first time that Cutler has detailed his nutrition at 49 years old. He recently took part in a JayCutler TV appearance where he opened up about keeping the metabolism guessing. He offered solutions for bulking without having to add a substantial amount of size. Cutler has a history of talking about bulking. In a Cutler Cast Podcast last year, the Massachusetts native revealed that he favors ‘lean bulking’ over dirty bulking. At the time, Cutler wasn’t obsessed with muscle mass but emphasized that most people these days aspire to keep leaner physiques. Steroid discussions continue to dominate discussions online, but Jay Cutler believes younger athletes should approach the subject with caution. In the meantime, Cutler’s focus is on kicking his transformation into overdrive in the next six weeks.
Watch the full video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below:
RELATED: Jay Cutler Says He’s Gained 15 Lbs During ‘Fit-for-50’ Challenge, Reveals New Physique Goals
Published: 1 July, 2023 | 4:07 AM EDT
Liver King Looks Crazy Shredded after Claiming to be Natty for 171 Days
Internet sensation Liver King, real name Brian Johnson, had a meteoric rise to stardom for living an ‘ancestral lifestyle’ over the last two years. Although he denied ever taking gear, he got exposed for using steroids months ago. In a recent story made on Instagram, Johnson looked crazy shredded in a physique update claiming to be natural for 171 days.
Liver King carved out his own space in the social media fitness community with his freakishly muscular physique, intense workouts, and consuming copious amounts of raw meat and organs, including kidney, liver, bone marrow, and bull testicles. He promotes a natural way of living based on the nine ancestral tenets. Given his jacked stature, Johnson drew a lot of speculation about whether he used steroids.
Johnson pushed back on the PED allegations and denied taking gear in numerous media appearances. Last year, Derek of More Plates More Dates exposed Johnson’s lie by presenting screenshots of a leaked email showing his alleged steroid cycle and bloodwork. Johnson came clean about misrepresenting his natural status and confessed to misleading his audience in an apology message last December.
Following the reveal, many of Johnson’s supporters voiced their disapproval and shock at finding out the truth. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan, on the other hand, was not the least bit surprised as he’d been certain Johnson was using a gimmick to gain fame.
Liver King’s ex-coach ‘Vigorous Steve’ fired shots at his former client after the exposé. He opened up on his experiences working with Johnson and admitted he should’ve come forward with the evidence against the influencer sooner. Derek was also suspicious of Johnson’s apology and hinted that the story may not be over yet.
The 45-year-old committed to changing his ways and claimed to have gone natural towards the end of last year. Since he had been taking large doses of steroids, he slowly tapered down. In Dec. 2022, a man from New York filed a $25 million lawsuit against Liver King and his supplement companies for deceiving customers into buying his products by falsely presenting his enhanced physique as a result of his lifestyle.
Liver King claimed he quit steroids for a week and revealed he dropped down to 188 pounds after fasting for 42 hours earlier this year. He looked significantly downsized but still boasted an impressive muscular frame. Then, Johnson showed off his shredded physique after being ‘natty af’ for 58 days three months ago.
Liver King looks crazy shredded after claiming to be natty for 171 days
In a recent Instagram story, Liver King looked crazy ripped after claiming to have been natural for 171 days.
Liver King 171 Days Natty / Instagram
Liver King followed in the footsteps of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson by binging on a massive cheat day two months ago. He went through huge amounts of junk food like pizza, sandwiches, and fried desserts to match the level of The Rock’s epic cheat meals.
RELATED: Larry Wheels Alleges Liver King Set Up Steroids Confession: ‘That Email Was Leaked On Purpose’
While it’s unclear if Johnson is still using PEDs, many fans are skeptical given his shredded, vascular, and peeled body. Despite his polarizing nature, he remains one of the most talked about influencers in the industry.
Published: 24 June, 2023 | 12:58 PM EDT
Dana Linn Bailey Discusses Steroids and Potential Comeback: “Maybe Just One More”
Dana Linn Bailey continues to flirt with the idea of a potential comeback. In a recent Muscular Development interview, Bailey teased a return and defended her position as a lifetime natural athlete who has never touched steroids.
“I love training. I love volume. So, yeah, those lateral raise sets where I’m doing like 40 reps. People are like what… I think if I even touched a little bit of drugs, I would have been on the same stage as Iris Kyle the way I train,” Dana Linn Bailey shared.
Bailey faced many obstacles on her way to finding success in the IFBB Pro League. However, she never gave up on her dreams and in 2013, reached the height of her career after winning the inaugural Women’s Physique Olympia title. Even though she surrendered gold a year later, she remains a trailblazer in the division – and has yet to officially retire.
Having stepped away from the bright lights, Bailey grew her legacy online with platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where she routinely influences millions of followers. She is known for her strenuous and rapid workout intensity. This was on full display in sessions with top names in the sport such as coach and FST-7 training founder Hany Rambod and four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler.
In a recent Cutler Cast Podcast, Dana shared that she was a lifetime natural athlete, devoid of all performance-enhancing drugs. At the time, Bailey said if she chose to compete again, she’d volunteer for weekly blood tests leading up to the competition. Given her ability to stay shredded year-round, fans are convinced Bailey could shock the world if she mounted a comeback.
According to Dana Linn Bailey, she never used the word retirement after she stopped competing.
“You know, that’s why I’ve never said the retired word. Because there’s a silly part of me – because I do look at myself now – fu** man, you’re in better shape now than you’ve ever been. I would love to see what I look like because I have – I’m going to be 40 in a couple of weeks. I’m an ’83 so I’m going to be 40. The kids on stage now are in their 20s. There’s a silly little thing in my head that’s like maybe just one more. So I’ve just never said anything.”
Bailey said she’s not lying about being natural despite the differing opinions of fans online. She added that she’d never look like reigning Women’s Physique Olympia Natalia Coelho or Sarah Villegas if she eventually returned. And if a comeback was in the cards, Dana said she would need at least a 30-week camp to develop her legs without steroids.
“It used to affect me I used to get really upset. I just – because I’m not lying. I’m just being honest. People would literally get hate me. Then, throw me everywhere, I’m lying, I’m a fake natty, this and that. It used to really bother me. Then I switched, and it’s like you know, I must be doing something right obviously.”
“No, no one reached out [Masters Olympia]. I heard about it but for me to prep I need like 30-something weeks to prep for a show. Yeah, 30 weeks. Dude, yeah. 30 weeks out,” said Lin Bailey. “For me to get my legs out, yeah I need time. We can talk about the natural not natural, I’ve been competing natural my entire life. So for me to get my legs to come out, it takes like 25 weeks.”
“There’s no way I would look like that [Sarah Villegas and Natalia Coelho]. I’m also very realistic with myself. I’m not crazy. I understand: there’s a part of me that would just love to go up there and not freakin’ care and I would be the smallest, may not be the most shredded but I would love to see what I could do.”
Even though Dana doesn’t use steroids, she understands why men do. In addition, she shared that very few men can keep up with her training intensity but Kai Greene was one of them.
“I’ve trained with some of the top bodybuilders in the world. Jose Raymond, he quit on me halfway through. The only one that like – it’s not even that he trains at my intensity like Kai trains for a very long time. He’s probably the one person that can, ‘Cool, this guy can hang with me.’ But no other, especially no other dude has hung with me. Generally, girls can hang because we just have more endurance.”
“I don’t care if guys do it. It works with your bodies. I want to see the freaks, I want to see Kai Greenes and Ronnie Colemans,” added Bailey.
Linn Bailey Reflects on the Evolution of Women’s Physique Class and Winning 2013 Olympia
At first, Bailey was afraid of losing on the Olympia stage because she thought fans would no longer follow her. However, after losing in 2014, she said her following stuck around.
“Obviously once you go pro, you kind of space things out. But, yeah, won the first Olympia, got second at the second Olympia. I tell people this all the time, getting second place was probably one of the best things that ever happened. It sounds weird obviously. I love winning. Being first was awesome. It was really cool. But there was so much pressure – unneeded pressure that I put on myself.
And when I got second, I will say I looked better the second year. I’m just saying, I looked better. Just saying. I looked better the second year and got second but that’s fine. Afterward, I thought everything was over. I thought my whole world was going to fall apart. Still second place, I just thought, ‘Okay, everyone is going to go follow that one person now. I thought everything revolved around being on stage and winning,” said Dana Linn Bailey.
“I think I had a very strong head on my shoulders. I never did anything weird. I never – my diet was actually very very healthy. I did everything super healthy but there was a little bit of crazy.”
Dana announced a recent fitness challenge she’s aiming to complete in the coming months, titled the ‘Summer shredded 4.0 body transformation challenge.’ She invited her fans to tag along while she aims to add muscle and lean down at the same time.
The Women’s Physique division has evolved significantly since Bailey’s reign. She remains undecided about a comeback but still hasn’t completely abandoned the idea of gracing the Olympia stage one more time.
RELATED: Video: Bodybuilder Dana Linn Bailey Goes Through A Gains Unlocking Push Day Workout
You can watch the full video from the Muscular Development YouTube channel below:
Published: 20 June, 2023 | 12:12 PM EDT
Powerlifting Vs Power Building: Find Out the Big Difference and When to Shift Between the Two
Powerlifting and power building are two distinct forms of weightlifting with different goals and techniques. While powerlifting is focused on maximizing strength, power building is more about increasing muscle size and aesthetics.
In this article, we will explore the differences between these two forms of weightlifting and discuss when it’s best to switch from one to the other. We will also look at some tips for making the transition easier and more successful.
What is Powerlifting?
Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three main lifts: the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Powerlifters often use lower-weight loads and perform multiple reps to increase their strength.
For example, some powerlifters might squat 225 lbs for 10 repetitions using a sumo stance (the wide-legged stance most people know when performing the squat). The number of repetitions performed in each lift can vary from 1-5 depending on the lifter’s goals or experience level. When powerlifters compete against one another, their squat and bench press maxes are often considered. Powerlifters typically wear supportive, high-quality gear and lifting shoes with a flat springy sole.
The gear helps to prevent injuries when lifting heavy loads and provides needed support for the body. Powerlifters often have a platform (a triangular wooden frame) welded to the back of the squat rack, which they use during squats to help balance themselves during heavy sets. Bench pressing can be performed in the squat rack or on a bench.
Why Squat Racks?
Squat racks are easier and safer because you can use them without worrying about getting the bar in your eyes or having it come forward and hit you in the head. Trap bar training (“dual-opposition training”) is often done with a trap bar attached to pegs on both sides of a squat rack to grant more stability than any one-handed implement. It also permits more freedom of movement than an Olympic lifting apparatus since there are no cross handles for precise bar positioning.
Proper Powerlifting Strategies
In use, it is placed in front of the lifter at a distance from each end, and the lifter grasps it with an overhand grip. The lifter’s hands are placed just outside shoulder width, elbows slightly bent, and feet shoulder-width apart. The bar is lifted by pushing underneath its middle (the area right under the hands) with the feet while keeping both feet flat on the ground, effectively raising it without moving them laterally one iota. The bar should be pulled upwards until a slight tension can be felt in both triceps and biceps. A common variant of this movement is the shoulder press, which uses more weight and involves a greater range of motion.
The barbell shoulder press is performed by grasping a barbell with hands just outside shoulder width and then thrusting the body backward, raising the weight off the ground until the arms are straight. The movement is stopped when a slight tension can be felt in both triceps and biceps.
Power Building for bodybuilders is an essential component of any successful bodybuilding routine. It combines strength training, endurance training, and nutrition to maximize muscle growth and strength gains. Power Building for bodybuilders focuses on developing the core lifts such as squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and overhead presses.
It also includes exercises that target specific muscle groups such as biceps and triceps. Proper nutrition is also an important factor in power building for bodybuilders as it helps to fuel the muscles with the necessary nutrients for optimal performance. With a well-rounded program that combines all these elements, bodybuilders can achieve their goals of gaining strength and size while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Power Building program is used by strength and conditioning coaches to develop muscle mass, strength, explosiveness, and body composition in athletes. This program can also be used for weightlifters seeking increased performance in the weight room. The program is split into three phases. The first phase lasts 8 weeks, the second lasts 16 weeks, and the third lasts 20 weeks. This program aims to help increase muscle mass, improve strength, and reduce body fat.
Must Read: Post Cycle Therapy Vs. B&C: Which is Best for You?
Phase One
This phase lasts 8 weeks. Each workout routine is divided into three movements: push, pull, and squats. You will always do two sets for each exercise, except push presses which are done as a single set. The first week will begin with two exercises for each muscle group and decrease to one exercise per muscle group by week four.
Then you will be back up to two exercises again by week eight before continuing from there with 1 movement per day until the end of Phase 3.Phase 1: Starting StrengthWeek 1-2Push Presses: 3 sets of 8 Push Ups Pull-Ups: 3 sets of 12 chin ups/dips Squats: 3 sets of 15, 10 reps Deadlifts: 3 sets of 10 reps Standing Military Presses (3-sec hold at top): 6 sets of 6 reps each week.
Week 3-4Push Presses: 4 sets of 8 Push Ups Pull-Ups: 4 sets of 12 chin ups/dips Squats: 4 sets of 15, 10 reps Deadlifts: 4 sets of 10 reps Standing Military Presses (3-sec hold at top): 8 sets of 6 reps each week
Phase 2
Starting Strength , then adding weight each weekWeek 5-6Push Presses: 5 sets of 8 Push Ups Pull-Ups: 5 sets of 12 chin ups/dips Squats: 5 sets of 15, 10 reps Deadlifts: 5 sets of 10 reps Standing Military Presses (3 sec hold at top): 10 sets of 6 reps each weekWeek 7-8Push Presses: 6 sets of 8 Push Ups Pull-Ups: 6 sets of 12 chin ups/dips Squats: 6 sets of 15, 10 reps Deadlifts: 6 sets of 10 reps Standing Military Presses (3 sec hold at top): 12 sets of 6 reps each weekWeek 9-10Push Presses: 7 sets of 8 Push Ups Pull-Ups: 7 sets of 12 chin ups/dips Squats: 7 sets of 15, 10 reps Deadlifts: 7 sets of 10 reps Standing Military Presses (3 sec hold at top): 14 sets of 6 reps each week.
Strength in Powerlifting
Bodybuilding is a sport that requires a lot of strength and power. Powerlifting is an important part of bodybuilding, as it helps to build muscle and increase strength. But how are bodybuilders able to power lift frequently? The answer lies in their training techniques and their dedication to the sport.
Bodybuilders use a variety of exercises and techniques to be able to power lift frequently. They focus on building strength by doing compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses. They also ensure they get enough rest between workouts so their muscles can recover properly.
Additionally, they eat a diet high in protein and other nutrients that help build muscle mass quickly. All these factors combined help them be able to power frequently lift without feeling tired or overworked.
Why Powerlifting Alone Cannot Build A Strong Body
Bodybuilders have high levels of testosterone, which is a muscle-building hormone. They also make sure they get enough rest. Bodybuilding is an effective way of building muscle mass quickly because it puts people in an anabolic state, where their body is not breaking down or being used up for energy. This means that regardless of the time spent on training, the bodybuilder will still grow and maintain muscle mass. Many studies show this to be true, and athletes using those techniques can achieve their goals faster than those who don’t regularly use them.
Powerlifting is essential to bodybuilding and can help you reach your goals faster. It is a great way to build strength and muscle mass while improving your fitness.
Powerlifting tips can help you maximize your gains and reach your desired physique if you are a bodybuilder. Here are some powerlifting tips to help you get the most out of your workouts and stay safe while lifting weights.
If you haven’t done powerlifting before, prepare by doing some simple strength training exercises. Try kettlebell swings, pushups, or pull-ups. Also, don’t forget to stretch before and after your workouts. Focus on a limited number of exercises per body part and work those different muscles in each workout. For example, do bench presses Wednesdays and deadlifts Fridays to target the chest and back, respectively, at the same time each week.
Alternating Between Different Muscles
On Saturday, alternate between one-arm barbell rows for the back muscles with squats for quadriceps muscles such as legs. Work out for about 30 minutes before taking a break for about 10-15 minutes. If you must take longer than 15 minutes, do it in two 5-minute sessions. Aim to do your exercise within 4-6 reps per set. This allows you to use heavier weights and build muscle over time without burning out quickly. Do not work the same body part two days in a row (unless it’s a rest day). For example, you should not work your chest on Wednesday and again on Friday, as this will cause muscular imbalance and overcompensation.
Perform one set for each muscle group, working each muscle once or twice per week. You should take a day off every week to allow muscles to recover and build strength.
For those looking to get into the fitness world, there is often a debate between building muscle and powerlifting. While both have advantages, deciding which is right for you can be difficult. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences and how they can be used together to achieve your fitness goals. By understanding the differences between building muscle and powerlifting, you can find a balance that works for you and helps you reach your goals faster.
The Science Behind Building Muscle
Building muscle is a process where your body slowly builds up the size of individual muscle fibers. This process can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks, but most people see their results after 6-8 weeks. Building muscle is to increase your overall strength and build a toned physique rather than adding pounds of weight to your muscles.
Muscles are built by creating microscopic tears in the muscle fiber, which are then repaired by satellite cells. For this growth to happen, you need a lot of protein and carbohydrates to feed your muscles while they recover from workouts. I’m doing this for many reasons.
Powerlifting is a strength-based sport that requires skill, technique, and dedication. It is a great way for professional bodybuilders to stay in shape and increase their muscle mass. Powerlifting can help pro bodybuilders reach their goals faster by increasing their strength and endurance. It also helps them build muscle mass quicker than traditional weight-lifting exercises.
Powerlifting For Pro Bodybuilders
Powerlifting by pro bodybuilders can be an effective way to achieve the desired fitness level, as it allows them to lift heavier weights than they would normally do with traditional weight-lifting exercises. Additionally, powerlifting helps pro bodybuilders develop more explosive power, which can help them in competitions. Furthermore, powerlifting can also help improve coordination and balance, which are important skills for any athlete.
Weightlifting is a sport; to achieve the best performance possible, it requires specific training and diet. Bodybuilders often choose weightlifting to improve their lower body strength which helps them lift more weight than they would be able to with bodybuilding exercises. Additionally, weightlifting helps pro bodybuilders develop more endurance and power while using less energy.
Powerlifters compete against each other in timed events where the object is to either complete a certain amount of repetitions with a specific amount of weight or move the barbell from point A to point B with maximum intensity. While this type of training is similar to that of bodybuilding, those who compete in powerlifting don’t have to build up their muscles through progressive resistance training. as they are not concerned with aesthetics.
By contrast, powerlifters compete in events from a squat to a bench press, where the object is to lift as much weight as possible and most efficiently. They might have a maximum weight of 25kg for the squat and 165kg for the bench press. They will finish those events by completing one repetition or moving their bodies from point A to point B with maximum intensity, respectively.
Related Article: Olympic Lifting: 25 Strategies That Work
The Big Difference
Powerlifters train similarly to bodybuilders by increasing their muscle mass through progressive resistance training over time by lifting heavier weights to hit intense lifts like squats and benches regularly. Athletes often have a challenge to complete within a certain time limit, such as deadlifting 250 pounds within 30 seconds or completing 20 pull-ups in 2 minutes. In these cases, the athlete would compete by completing one repetition of the event or moving their body from point A to point B with maximum intensity respectively.
Reverse Pyramid Training is most commonly used in powerlifting and Strongman competitions. Athletes will repeat the same weight for four sets of five repetitions at 80% of their 1rm with short rest periods between each set, also known as a “reverse pyramid.”Powerlifters will complete a bench press workout consisting of three sets with 8-12 repetitions at 70% of their 1rm with short rest periods between each set; this is also known as a “reverse pyramid” bench press. What are the benefits of reverse pyramid training?
Benefits for Athletes
The athlete will experience a greater training effect due to their system’s ability to recover from each successive set; as they progress in strength, they can perform each set with more weight and volume, rather than starting at 100% of their 1rm and working down.- As the load increases throughout the workout, so does intensity. Athletes typically do not feel as much fatigue towards the end of a workout as if they did not take rest periods between sets. Reverse pyramid workouts that target hypertrophy typically last around 45 minutes and have anywhere from 10 to 20 sets. Rest periods between sets typically last about 30 seconds, but athletes should take rests as long as needed.
Building more muscle through powerlifting and dieting can be a daunting task. But with the right knowledge and dedication, anyone can do it. Powerlifting is an effective way to build strength, while proper nutrition is essential for muscle growth. This article will discuss the best practices for powerlifting and dieting to help you build muscle mass quickly and effectively. We will also discuss combining these two disciplines to maximize your gains.
Powerlifting
Powerlifting is a strength sport where you perform repetitive and standardized holds at maximal weights. Throughout the competition, the athlete or lifter will try to accumulate as much weight as possible on their back while completing the most repetitions. There are currently three total powerlifting disciplines: Olympic lifting, strongman lifting, and powerlifting.
Each of these three disciplines consists of six lifts: The squat, deadlift, bench press, shoulder press (deltoid), military press (latissimus dorsi), and pull-up. An individual could compete in one or all three disciplines. Olympic lifting is a sport where athletes attempt to lift as much weight as possible using different techniques.
Olympic Events to Powerlift
There are two Olympic lifting events: the snatch and the clean and jerk. The snatch is performed when an athlete, starting from a dead stop, continuously lifts a barbell from the floor to overhead by contracting both arms above their head. The clean and jerk are performed when an athlete cleans a barbell (grabs it with one hand), then jerks it overhead with both arms at once by contracting their legs behind them.
Strongman competition involves strongmen performing feats of strength in various implements, including stone lifting, tire flipping, keg holding, and sandbag carrying. There are two Olympic lifting events: the snatch and the clean and jerk. The snatch is performed when an athlete, starting from a dead stop, continuously lifts a barbell from the floor to overhead by contracting both arms above their head.
The clean and jerk are performed when an athlete cleans a barbell (grabs it with one hand), then jerks it overhead with both arms at once by contracting their legs behind them. Strongman competition involves strongmen performing feats of strength, usually related to using various types of barbells.
Overall
Strongman competitions have no weight limit; strongmen often compete in feats requiring extremely heavy weights. Power clean The power clean is a variation of the clean and jerk, where athletes explosively push themselves upwards from a squatting position by extending their knees and hips while simultaneously bringing the bar into their hips with an overhand grip.
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