Tag: Video
Straight Facts: Do You Really Need To Train To Failure?
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Jerry Brainum breaks down the straight facts on training to failure and if it’s necessary for optimal muscle growth.
Training to failure is a concept that is often talked about in bodybuilding, strength sports, and weightlifting. The basic concept is all in the phrase – you must train so hard that you cannot physically lift any further. The theory is that this pushes your muscle fibers to such a level that you get the best muscle growth possible. But does the science back up the claims? In our latest episode of Straight Facts, Jerry Brainum dives deep into training to failure.
There’s no questioning that training to failure works – Jerry Brainum confirms the statistics back up as much – but is it necessary? Or can the same results be obtained without having to train go failure? Training to failure is easier said than done. In actuality, many people who claim to train go failure don’t actually reach it. The training strategy requires a truly focused and powerful mind – as hitting failure is extremely painful.
The reality is – training to failure requires a person to lift past their perceived limits. When they feel like they can’t do anymore, that’s the exact moment they need to keep pushing. Training partners help motivate to get to this level. But there are still many who don’t actually reach that point.
Luckily, according to Jerry Brainum and his research, there are other ways to build massive muscle just as optimally as training to failure. Let’s break down what training to failure actually accomplishes – and how other training tactics can do something similar.
What Happens When You Train to Failure?
There are two important types of muscle fibers – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 fibers are connected more towards strength endurance. These are the first fibers to be hit when you lift weights. They lead to the least amount of physical growth – but can certainly still improve your physique and help make you stronger.
Type 2 fibers are were the real massive growth happens. Unfortunately, if you don’t train hard enough these fibers will barely even be affected. That’s where training to failure comes in. Pushing that far will hit these vital fibers. This leads to real deal massive growth.
As Jerry Brainum puts it, if you are lifting lighter weight with higher volume – you will need to train to failure. If not, you won’t build the kind of massive muscle you may be seeking and plateau quickly.
However, Type 2 muscle fibers can be reached an alternative way. Increasing to heavy weight will hit Type 2 fibers. By heavy, we mean a big increase in the kind of core weight you typically lift. When lifting heavy weight, studies have shown that Type 2 fibers are activated without hitting failure.
Should You Lift Light to Failure? Or Heavy?
So which tactic works for you. Also of note – there are many other types of training tactics but for the topic of this discussion we will talk about the big categories of lifting heavy vs lifting light.
Jerry Brainum explains that it largely comes to what works for your individual ability. Some people have the fortitude to train and push to failure. Others would rather lift heavy weight than push so far. However, there are some things you should consider.
Jerry Brainum warns that consistently training heavy (not to failure) over the long term will lead to joint problems and possible future injury. Old school bodybuilders like Dorian Yates loved to train heavy to achieve his legendary physique. But it comes at a cost.
On the flip side, if you do high volume light training – you run the risk of not actually reaching failure. Wasting your time and becoming frustrated once you hit a plateau.
That’s why Jerry Brainum suggests periodization.
What is Periodization?
Jerry Brainum explains that periodization is the act of cycling through different training styles over a long term schedule. So instead of only lifting heavy or light, you lift light to failure for 3 months, then switch to lifting heavy not to failure for 3 months, then repeat. This tactic helps prevent you from mentally burning out. It also helps prevent your body from adapting to one style.
Variation in a workout routine is vital to breaking through plateaus – so this training schedule can be very helpful to reaching goals as optimally as possible.
You can watch Jerry Brainum break down training to failure in full detail in our latest episode of Straight Facts above. Also make sure to stop by every Wednesday for new episodes of the podcast!
Stanimal Answers: Who Can Beat Chris Bumstead Or Big Ramy At Olympia?
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Stanimal weighs in on the prospective bodybuilders who can possibly defeat Chris Bumstead or Big Ramy in the near future.
Stanimal De Longeaux has the distinction of competing in the Classic Physique division and later moving into Mens Open. So during our latest conversation – we wanted to know his take and analysis on both the current Classic Physique and Men’s Open Olympia champions. Both Big Ramy and Chris Bumstead seem near unstoppable. Is there anyone in each division who stands a chance of taking down one of them in the near future? In our latest GI Exclusive, Stanimal shares his thoughts on who can defeat Chris Bumstead and Big Ramy at the Olympia.
Both Chris Bumstead and Big Ramy have one major thing in common. Not only are they both reigning Olympia champions, they both are held in high regard as nearly unstoppable compared to their competition. Will Bumstead and Ramy both be reigning Olympia champions for years to come?
We asked this very question to Stanimal in our latest video conversation. Having trained as both a Classic Physique and Men’s Open bodybuilder – he can bring in his direct insight as to who has the goods to take down Chris Bumstead or Big Ramy. Is there anyone who can challenge them in the immediate future? 2022? 2023? Or will it take years before someone can muster up the package to take them down?
The glory of sports is that nothing is impossible. Ronnie Coleman, for example, was seen as a non-threat and suddenly transformed over the course of one year. He then became Olympia champion and held onto it for a total of eight Sandows. Many consider Big Ramy and Chris Bumstead untouchable right now. But that doesn’t mean it’s 100% impossible for them to lose.
When it comes to Classic Physique, Stanimal believes the future will come in the form of the Brazilian athletes. He’s seen many rising stars coming from Brazil that, with a little time, can bring in some huge transformation when it comes to the top tier details. He wouldn’t be surprised if the first person to threaten or even take down Chris Bumstead will be from Brazil.
As for Big Ramy, Stanimal believes the most immediate threat is Hadi Choopan. Stanimal is confident that Choopan can be a Mr. Olympia champion. While his height and overall size might be a hurdle to overcome – his high placing shows just how talented and hard working (and genetically superior) he is in the Men’s Open. Small details can bump him up a few placings. He can see Choopan tilting the scales onto his side and taking down Ramy.
Big Ramy may have slipped slightly in 2021 compared to his 2020 first-time Olympia victory. But that may have been a fluke. If Ramy comes back better than last year and even better than his 2020 physique – Stanimal finds it hard to see anyone beating him in 2022 at least. Of course, like all sports. Anything is possible.
You can watch Stanimal’s full analysis on Chris Bumstead, Big Ramy, and who has the best chance of defeating them in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Whitney Jones: Women’s Bodybuilding Is NOT A Beauty Pageant
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Whitney Jones talks about the temporary disappearance of Women’s Bodybuilding from the Olympia… and how femininity should not matter for the division.
Ever since the early days of Bev Francis in the Women’s Open Bodybuilding division, the debate about femininity in the division has raged on. Francis famously battled back and forth each year attempting to attain what the judges wanted. Did she need to lean out or get bigger? The expectations seemed to constantly change. This issue continued ultimately until the Olympia weekend decided to stop holding the Ms. Olympia competition. It returned in 2020 after a six year hiatus. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Fitness Olympia champion Whitney Jones explains how Women’s Bodybuilding should never be considered a beauty pageant.
Women’s Open Bodybuilding has a problem. Or at least, it had a problem for many decades. Perhaps even since its introduction into the sport. The problem seems two-fold, though both are related. The division can’t seem to get enough competitors (or audience) to engage. Secondly, there is a constant debate on the “femininity” of the physiques in the division.
During our conversation with Whitney Jones, we asked for her thoughts on female bodybuilding as a whole, and the six year forced hiatus that Women’s Open Bodybuilding took away from the Ms. Olympia. Whether it’s on or off the stage, it seems that physique expectations are different for women bodybuilders. There have been many pro bodybuilders who have outright stated that they are not interested in female bodybuilding at all. Why?
Whitney Jones isn’t surprised, but continues to believe that there is a bright future for the Women’s Open division and all female bodybuilding divisions. During our interview, she discusses how ever since she was young, she received comments for her muscular physique. Muscles are deemed “manly” and not something that women should push too far. While that mentality may be changing as culture becomes more “woke” – there are still many who believe that Women’s Open bodybuilding needs to maintain a femininity within the physiques presented on stage.
Whitney Jones doesn’t agree with this. In fact, she outright states that bodybuilding is not a beauty pageant – it’s a physique pageant. The female physiques on stage should be judged exactly even with the men physiques on stage. It’s not about how pretty a woman is. It’s about how perfectly sculpted a woman’s physique is.
Luckily, current Mr. Olympia owner Jake Wood seems to agree. Before owning the Mr. Olympia brand, he ensured that his Wings of Strength competitions always held Women’s Open bodybuilding – even during the six year hiatus away from Olympia weekend. Upon purchasing the Olympia brand, he immediately brought back Ms. Olympia.
Things are looking up for the division for the first time in nearly a decade. But the question remains, will the will of the people (particularly men) be more open minded about the division? Will they help bring a bigger audience and more support to a division that nearly died? That remains to be seen.
With more divisions than ever, women are able to choose which size they want. Much like Men’s Open – most people do not want to be a mass monster. So both Men’s Open and Women’s Open often contain the least number of active pro bodybuilders. For an already struggling division such as Women’s Open, this can create a harder uphill battle.
Whitney Jones isn’t worried – particularly because of the current (and two-time) Ms. Olympia champion Andrea Shaw. She is an excellent ambassador for the sport and truly showcases the excellence that can be achieved in the division. She also holds fantastic charisma. Perhaps this will inspire more to enter the division and excite audience members who have been sleeping on it the past decade.
You can watch Whitney Jones’ full comments on Women’s Open Bodybuilding and femininity in the sport in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Talking Huge With Craig Golias: Are Big Name Bodybuilders Cheating Clients With Their Coaching Plans?
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Craig Golias reacts to famous bodybuilders hiring staff to create coaching plans for clients.
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 shares his thoughts on bodybuilding coaching plans, Aaron Singerman’s sentencing, and Mark Wahlberg’s recent physique update at 50 years old.
This was another news-packed week in the world of bodybuilding and strength sports. So we broke down the top news stories with Craig Golias to get his thoughts, reactions, and insight on the most engaging moments in bodybuilding this past week. Our key topics discussed cover Aaron Singerman’s 4.5 year prison sentence and whether he will serve a full sentence. Craig also provides insight as a fellow bodybuilding coach about top tier coaching plans. Is it okay for a big name bodybuilder to hire staff to help write their plans and coach clients? Lastly, Craig reacts to Mark Wahlberg’s recent physique transformation. Let’s jump into it.
Aaron Singerman’s Prison Sentence
It was announced over the past week that Aaron Singerman was finally sentenced after a long legal battle regarding his previously owned company Blackstone Labs. He ultimately plead guilty for conspiracy to sell anabolic steroids and other banned substances in his Blackstone Labs products – as well as promoting misinformation on said projects.
Craig Golias holds a pretty stern stance here. Do things the right way and you won’t have to worry about getting caught. Craig doesn’t understand why Aaron Singerman and Blackstone Labs felt the need to include banned substances in their products. Would it really lead to that many more sales?
How legitimate are famous bodybuilder coaching plans?
This week’s biggest topic covers the concept of bodybuilding training plans. Is it fair for a big name bodybuilder or coach to hire a team to help guide clients? If a training plan is promoted as directly from the mind of a famous coach or athlete? Is the client getting cheated if the person messaging them is actually a staff member and not the legend himself?
Craig Golias initially thinks that this is a cheat. That bodybuilders and coaches should always directly train their clients. Blanket training plans don’t account for the individual needs of a client. A major bodybuilding legend or guru should understand this. If they take a clients money only to have a staff member give a cookie cutter plan (perhaps overseen by the legend), it’s not the same thing as direct coaching.
That being said, Craig Golias warns that you get what you pay for. If you are paying lower towards $100 for coaching, you’ll probably get a bad training plan. There are no bargain coaches that are truly worth paying for. Invest in good coaching and you’ll get a good experience.
But what about famous bodybuilders who receive likely thousands of requests? How do they upscale to successfully train a larger clientele? Craig Golias considers this and starts to backtrack slightly. Perhaps there is a fair way to hire staff to help so long as the bodybuild or guru is also very hands on. But ultimately, if a person simply uses their name to sell a program made by others – it’s a scam.
Wrap Up
You can check out the full conversation in the latest episode of Talking Huge above. Watch Craig go into full detail about additional topics such as Mark Wahlberg’s latest physique and answer fan questions. Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson: How Powerlifting Principles Can Help Your Bodybuilding Training
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Johnnie O. Jackson breaks down the hardcore truth on whether you should train like a powerlifter or a bodybuilder.
Welcome to the Hardcore Truth – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. This week, Johnnie O. Jackson breaks down his background of powerlifting training and bodybuilding training – and how you can use both to enhance your physique to optimal levels.
Johnnie O. Jackson is a notable bodybuilder not only for his impressive physique. He is also known for being one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the sport. This is due to the fact that Jackson has competed as both a powerlifter and a bodybuilder. He’s trained in both disciplines and has used what he’s learned in both arenas to enhance his success. This mentality is very similar to legendary 8x Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman.
Many believe that Johnnie O. Jackson started as a powerlifter and then became a bodybuilder. But this isn’t true. In fact, Johnnie O. Jackson started out as a bodybuilder, discovered powerlifting for some time, and then went back to pro bodybuilding. Jumping into powerlifting after already spending some time developing his physique was a blessing in disguise. It helped him look at his bodybuilding training in a new way.
Johnnie O. Jackson advises the viewers in his latest episode – “You’re only as strong as your weakest body part.” This is just as true in bodybuilding as it is in powerlifting. But with powerlifting – that notion becomes clear much faster. Powerlifting is based on raw strength. If you have a weak body part – you’ll literally be able to lift less. So for a powerlifter, the most important thing to focus on is bringing up your most negative features.
Johnnie O. Jackson took this concept and applied it to his bodybuilding career. He realized that a lacking body part is not something that should be ignored. In fact, it should become your number one focus. By introducing powerlifting training into your workout plan – you can build more strength. That strength can then be used to push harder on exercises that help sculpt your physique. Essentially, that added strength from powerlifting can help bring your lagging body parts where they need to be.
Ultimately, there are hundreds of different training styles. Some are better than others – but many are simply dependent on what works best for you and your mindset. For Johnnie O. Jackson, powerlifting training helped him push to new levels. That kind of hardcore lifting fit his personality and helped him excel. Perhaps powerlifting can be the hidden key that you need as well. And if it’s not – that’s okay. Do further research, open your mind, and find new ways that might fit best for you.
Regardless, powerlifting can be a valuable tool in your arsenal to help improve your fitness and bodybuilding goals. You can watch Johnnie O. Jackson go into full detail by watching our latest episode of the Hardcore Truth above.
Straight Facts: The Top 10 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes In Bodybuilding & Fitness
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Jerry Brainum breaks down the straight facts for the top 10 most common nutrition mistakes in bodybuilding, fitness, and strength sports.
STRAIGHT FACTS WITH JERRY BRAINUM – is an in depth exploration of the more complicated elements behind bodybuilding training, nutrition, and supplements. Hosted by legendary and longtime industry expert, Jerry Brainum, Straight Facts answers user questions so no one is left in the dark.
Last week, Jerry Brainum did an entire Straight Facts episode breaking down the biggest training mistakes that individuals usually make in bodybuilding. This week, Brainum is following up on this topic but focusing on the nutrition side of bodybuilding. What are the biggest nutrition mistakes in bodybuilding and fitness? Jerry Brainum breaks it down – let’s jump into it.
Mistake #1: Eating Too Few Calories
The most basic aspect of nutrition and dieting is understanding calories. We all have a resting metabolic rate – this is the bare minimum of calories we burn just being alive each day. In order to lose weight – less calories must be consumed under your resting metabolic rate.
Sounds simple. But you can actually eat too few calories hurting your ability to lose weight. This is why some bodybuilders and even regular folks with new fitness goals eventually plateau on cutting pounds. If you eat too few calories, your body will go into “starvation mode” this lowers your metabolism in order to save as much energy as possible during this “starved” state. Suddenly, your not losing weight anymore.
It’s frustrating – but the key here is to actually try not to loose weight too fast (another item on this list later) by cutting massive calories. Aim for one or two pounds per week. Allow yourself a cheat day (so long as it’s not too over-indulgent). This helps keep your body out of starvation mode.
Mistake #2: Eating Too Many Calories
This one is much more simple. Of course, if you eat too many calories per day or per week – you’ll slowly gain weight. This is great for bodybuilders looking to bulk. But for those trying to get lean it can be frustrating to get stuck while trying to lose points.
While most people know not to eat too many calories – it’s easier said than done. Typically, the biggest mistake here is that individuals are actually bad at counting calories. They under-judge what a cheat meal actually adds. Or they snack periodically throuhgout the day not realizing how many calories they are really adding into their deit.
The result? An individual thinks they are eating 800 calories per day (for example) but are really eating 1200 without knowing it.
Mistake #3: Trying To Lose Too Much Weight Too Fast
Trying to loose too much weight too fast will lead to struggles with weight loss. Either because you crash not being able to keep up with a challenging diet or you accidentally push so hard that you start losing muscle instead of fat.
If you lose muscle, not only will you lose your definition and your physique but you will also lower your resting metabolic weight. That creates a viscous cycle where you now need to cut even more calories to lose weight. This can make your dieting see-saw between periods of weight loss and weight gain.
Ultimately, the human body can really only lose up to three pounds of fat per week. Anything more is either losing water weight or muscle. Don’t be fooled by your desire to lose weight into actually making the entire process more of a struggle.
Mistake #4: Avoiding Dietary Fat
This one is simple. Dietary fat is not the enemy. While it sounds obvious that you should cut fat out of your diet in order to keep off fat… it’s not exactly how that works. A zero fat diet is actually worse for you than a healthy balanced diet. It hurts not only your overall health but can also affect your bodybuilding goals to improving your physique as well.
Mistake #5: Eliminating Fruit and Vegetables From Your Diet
There are some vitamins and nutrients that you can only obtain from fruits and vegetables. So while it might be tempting to remove them from your diet to save on some calories – it’s not the best option.
Missing out on these key nutrients will not only make you less healthy, it will make you more sluggish. It will make it harder to be motivated to train hard in the gym or keep up with your diet. Not only that – but certain nutrients in fruits and vegetables can help suppress your hunger. Thus making it easier to stay on point with the rest of your diet.
On top of that, fruit and vegetables can be a great source of fiber, which brings us to…
Mistake #6: Not Eating Enough Fiber
Fiber is essentially the food for your intestinal health. It’s what makes your bowel movements easier to pass. And beyond that helps keep your gut healthy. While it may seem small, it would be foolish for a bodybuilder to skip out on getting the correct balance of fiber into their diet. Maintaining a healthy stomach and intestines helps your body operate and consume the rest of your diet at it’s best.
Mistake #7: Eating Too Fast
The mind takes about 20 minutes to start acknowledging that the food you are eating is making you full. So if you eat too fast, it’s common to actually accidentally eat too much and suddenly feel extremely full 20 minutes later. We’ve all been there on big days like Thanksgiving at the very least. You suddenly regret every mouthfull of food you’ve swallowed and now feel like you’re about to explode.
That’s an extreme example but in general it’s important to eat slow. This is a small but powerful psychological tactic to eat less per meal. Great for those looking to lose weight or who typically overeat throwing off their physique.
Mistake #8: Not Eating Enough Protein
This is less of a problem in bodybuilding – but a warning for those who are focusing on losing weight. While reconfiguring your diet to cut down on calories, you may accidentally cut too much protein out of your diet. Less protein means less muscle growth. At it’s worst, this kind of protein cut can lead to diminished muscle.
As we stated earlier, the more diminished your muscles are, the lower your resting metabolic rate will be. This can then throw off your entire diet as you keep trying to cut more food out.
On top of this, if you are looking to lose weight and get shredded with a nice physique – missing out on protein is a basic but big mistake.
Mistake #9: Eating Too Many Carbohydrates
On the flip side, eating too many carbohydrates can be a big mistake for bodybuilders. There is occasionally spread advice for bodybuilders to consume mass amounts of carbs. It’s claimed that this helps build muscle and is vital for serious bodybuilders.
However, carbohydrates are less important compared to glucose. This is the key element bodybuilders need from carbs. There are other methods to obtain this. Carbs, on the other hand, can often make it harder to trim down for shredding. So instead of turning to carbs – follow Jerry Brainum’s advice for alternative methods of obtaining glucose into the body.
Mistake #10: Not Drinking Enough Water
Another simple one but sadly one that is far too often overlooked. The average person drinks far less water than they need in a given day. While this is not a super tip – it’s one that helps create a foundation for all other bodybuilding and fitness tasks. Better hydration means better energy in the gym.
It means you will sleep better as well. It means you will recover more significantly too. Recovery is key for building a physique. So ensure that you are hydrated at all times.
Wrap Up
Jerry Brainum breaks down these misconceptions and nutrition mistakes in more specific detail than we cover here. That’s why you should make sure to check out the latest episode of Straight Facts for the full breakdown. Make sure to swing by each Wednesday for new episodes!
Berry De Mey: “I’m A Living Example That Bodybuilding Can Be Really Healthy”
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Berry De Mey discusses health in bodybuilding and what he considers to be his biggest contribution to the sport.
Berry De Mey is a bodybuilder and coach who has not been afraid to speak his mind about the health of bodybuilding. He’s gone to social media numerous times to criticize the extreme lengths some modern bodybuilders are willing to take for success. De Mey warns that bodybuilders need to start taking further precautions to monitor their health. So it may come as no surprise that De Mey believes his greatest contribution to bodybuilding is tied to health in the sport. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Berry De Mey explains how he is living proof that pro bodybuilding can be healthy.
During our conversation with Berry De Mey, we topped off our interview by asking – what has been your greatest contribution to the sport of bodybuilding? De Mey’s answer focuses less on trophies and awards won and more on his legacy outside of pure competition. He considers his success in the sport to be “a living example that bodybuilding can be really healthy.”
What does he mean by that exactly? De Mey goes on to explain that he was able to build a massive and iconic physique while also focusing on maintaining his health. He’s proof that life doesn’t need to be cut short in order to become a pro bodybuilding success. De Mey worries that bodybuilders today believe there is only one dangerous path to becoming a champion. He hopes that the career he led and the guidance he provides as a coach will help nudge pro bodybuilding into a healthier direction. He’s a proof of concept.
Berry De Mey lays it out directly during our conversation:
“I’m really really convinced that my contribution today is that I can show, I started when I was like 16 years old and in a couple months I’m turning 60 years old. And I think my biggest contribution is that I’m a living example that bodybuilding can be really really healthy.”
De Mey continues by breaking down the biggest difference between healthier bodybuilding of earlier eras compared to bodybuilding today:
“I think the biggest thing is the consistency of the lifestyle… You see a lot of people, they peak for a competition, and they actually, a couple of weeks a year they are in shape and the rest of the year they are not in shape. Maybe in the old days that was different. You know, we were kind of in decent shape all year around. It all pays off now.”
His last comment in the above quote seems to imply that older bodybuilders today might not be living as long if they were following the tactics of modern bodybuilding. There’s now way to know that for sure. But Berry De Mey hopes that his existence in the sport and his continued guidance through coaching will make a difference.
It may be challenging to truly quantify the health statistics of pro bodybuilding compared to the average person – but Berry De Mey believes that bodybuilding could always be doing more to make things healthier.
You can watch Berry De Mey’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Tony Pearson Talks Growing Up Through Poverty & Starvation Before Bodybuilding
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Bodybuilding icon Tony Pearson details his struggles in childhood and how he discovered bodybuilding.
Tony Pearson is a former pro bodybuilder known for his iconic physique and a career that spanned from the 70’s through to the 90s. But before he was an established pro bodybuilder – he grew up through a tumultuous childhood of poverty, racism, and segregation. In 2019, he published a book detailing his life story. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Tony Pearson details the harsh reality of growing up through poverty, abuse, and racism. As well as how he discovered bodybuilding to escape from his troubled past.
When connecting with Tony Pearson for a video interview, he described his past as something that he some times blocks out and pretends never existed. But those moments are only momentary – because his past did happen. It was a traumatic past full of poverty, abuse, and racism. It was a childhood that felt “normal” at the time because he had nothing else to compare it to. It was only after getting older and expanding his social life that he realized the severity of his past.
In 2019, Tony Pearson published a book, Driven: My Secret Untold Story. The book revealed in great detail the reality of his upbringing. During our conversation, we ask Pearson to recap some of those stories to help further expose not only his harsh reality – but the reality of poverty and racism that has existed in this country and how far we’ve come in some ways and stayed the same in others.
Tony Pearson was born in 1957, so his childhood took place during a period of racial segregation in the United States. Not only that but Pearson was born into poverty. He was ultimately left to the care of his aunt – who did not want to take on the responsibility or perhaps couldn’t bear to due to her own financial struggles. Regardless, Pearson’s entire childhood since the age of three was defined by extreme trauma.
Tony Pearson reveals that he was barely fed food and would sometimes go days without eating a single meal. He was often ignored by his aunt and left to his own devices. During school, he would be taken out of classes for months at a time to work on cotton fields. When he would return, he would be so far behind with his school work that he couldn’t catch up. This all seemed in some ways normal to Pearson at the time. He had no friends and had no comparison to make.
But this isn’t just a story of trauma and struggle. This is a story about overcoming the struggle and becoming the successful man we all know today. Bodybuilding was ultimately an escape for Pearson. An escape into a new world where he could succeed and grow past the struggles of his youth.
By the time he moved to high school, he had the opportunity to meet Muhammad Ali in person. It was an iconic moment and a truly important one. Upon seeing the sheer size and scope of Ali, Pearson was inspired. He wanted to become an athlete.
This led to a path of discovery that ultimately placed him into wrestling. He started training for the sport, developed a love of weightlifting, and slowly developed into a bodybuilder. He knew friends who owned bodybuilding magazines that further inspired him. He now had a direction and hope towards a better future.
You can watch Tony Pearson go into full detail about his past, his encounter with Muhammad Ali, and how he discovered bodybuilding in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Talking Huge: Craig Golias Reacts To Hulk Hogan’s Physique At 68 Years Old
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Craig Golias talks Hulk Hogan’s recent physique update, Flex Lewis’ Olympia qualification status, and leg training in modern bodybuilding.
Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias decides whether or not Hulk Hogan is still jacked or not and weighs in on the Flex Lewis Olympia qualification controversy.
This week, we dive head first into three of the most engaging stories published on Generation Iron over the past week. The three topics discussed are Flex Lewis’ qualification status for Olympia 2022, Milos Sarcev’s recent comments on leg training in modern bodybuilding, and Hulk Hogan’s latest physique update at 68 years old and the comments that followed. Let’s jump into it!
Hulk Hogan’s Physique at 68 Years Old – Is He Jacked Or Not?
Hulk Hogan posted recently on Instagram showcasing a front double bicep pose at 68 years old. The image caught attention across the mainstream web for his impressive physique at an older age. When shared via Generation Iron and other bodybuilding news outlets – the bodybuilding community criticized his physique. Claiming that he was not really very jacked at all.
Craig Golias looks over the image and weighs in with his thoughts. He’s shocked how harsh the bodybuilding fans were – claiming that holding that level of muscle at 68 years old is extremely impressive. In fact, Golias believes that the internet will always find ways to criticize and spread negativity. In fact, odds are it’s a small but loud minority that pushes the narrative.
Hulk Hogan may not look like a Men’s Open bodybuilder that the fans are used to seeing – but even many former bodybuilding legends are smaller than Hogan appears in his recent post. Craig Golias is willing to call a spade a spade. And in his mind, Hulk Hogan looks impressive for his age.
Should Flex Lewis Get Automatic Qualification To Mr. Olympia 2022?
Dan Soloman made headlines this week by posting an Instagram story that seemed to claim Flex Lewis is only qualified for Men’s 212 Olympia this year. This seemed to imply that Flex would have to qualify this year to get into the Men’s Open competition. The internet went into a frenzy – claiming that he deserved a special invite. Soloman back tracked the next day – stating that it is only January and that special invites have not been decided yet.
Craig Golias believes the entire situation is a mess. To Craig, it’s clear that a legend like Flex Lewis should have automatic Olympia qualification for any division he wants to compete in. If in fact he will receive a special invite – the misleading statement made as of now drummed up controversy for no reason.
Do Bodybuilders Today Not Train Legs Hard Enough?
Craig Golias also weighed in on Milos Sarcev’s recent statements in our GI Exclusive interview. Sarcev stated that today’s bodybuilders have weak legs – and there is no excuse for it. In fact, Sarcev believes training legs is easy but modern bodybuilders simply don’t want to train them as hard.
Craig isn’t quite sure about this statement. He thinks this all comes down to genetics. Sarcev’s belief that training legs is easy probably comes from the luck he had with genetics. For others on the Olympia stage – they most likely train just as hard but their genetics make it harder to build those muscle groups up.
Wrap Up
You can check out the full conversation in the latest episode of Talking Huge above. Watch Craig go into full detail about Hulk Hogan, Flex Lewis, Milos Sarcev and also watch Craig answer some fan questions. Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
Calum Von Moger Shows Off Insane Back & Shoulders Workout
Calum Von Moger isn’t letting the social distancing lockdown stop him!
There’s no mistaking it; Calum von Moger is seeing his star rise. While he may have started out as a talented bodybuilder, the Aussie has found himself breaking into new arenas. Through Generation Iron and his manager, Edwin Mejia Jr., Calum von Moger has gained great exposure. After the successful launch of Generation Iron’s Calum von Moger Unbroken on Netflix, Calum has gone on to appear in many major trades, including a successful Gucci campaign.
Calum shared with us his at home workout as he stays fit and shredded as this pandemic still forces many to work out at home. Taking notes and seeing how the pros do it can be inspiration and motivation that it is possible to still see great gains from the comfort of your own home. Following Calum’s workouts and advice can help you see serious gains like he does.
One of the most popular up and coming bodybuilders in the world, Calum von Moger finds himself in a pretty peculiar position during this global health crisis. Like many others around the globe the bodybuilder, actor, entrepreneur and influencer finds himself in lockdown during forced social distancing. That means no access to the gym. For a professional bodybuilder it’s not an ideal situation. But Calum has stayed positive and made his situation ideal for his training and overall gains.
Full Name: Calum Von Moger
Weight
Height
Date Of Birth
245-255 lbs.
6’2’’
06/09/1990
Profession
Era
Nationality
Bodybuilder, Actor, Entrepreneur, Online Personality
2010
Australian
Like many other bodybuilders, Calum Von Moger has devised a way to train while in quarantine. In the video above, Calum performs both shoulder and back exercises showing his ability to adapt to this rough situation.
Calum Von Moger Bio
Calum Von Moger grew up in a small Australian town called Geelong. He was a skinny kid growing up. Calum’s first encounter with weights happened at age 14 when his elder brother asked him if he wanted to tag along to the gym. And by the gym, we meant an old warehouse with basic equipment and rusty dumbbells. It was here that he caught the bodybuilding bug.
His bodybuilding journey began and he quickly rose to notoriety in the bodybuilding circuit. Despite setbacks due to injury, Calum showed resilience and overcame those through a positive attitude and solid work ethic. While his road to recovery was difficult, he returned to training at full capacity and now looks incredible, as the GI Exclusive will show. Working out at home has not slowed him down one bit!
Calum’s At-Home Workout
In this GI Exclusive, Calum shares this back and shoulders workout to see the best gains possible. Despite the circumstances, he has managed to put together a great workout to see only the best gains possible. Let’s take a look at this workout so you too can get a great at-home training session to see the best gains.
The Workout
Dumbbell Lateral Raises
Front Raises with Tire
Face Pulls with Rope Attachment
With these three exercises, Calum is able to get a great pump and continue to build muscle despite all odds. Looking competition ready and shredded overall, Calum’s workout can give you serious gains so you see the best results for yourself.
Calum Von Moger’s Other Ventures
If it wasn’t clear enough that Calum von Moger has broken into the entrepreneurial space, he has expanded his sports nutrition brand, Staunch Nation, worldwide and has made Staunch a household name in Australia. Besides the nutrition space he is ever dedicated to his loyal fans through his training platform. The members of his training community can not only find comradery with other bodybuilders, but also connect with Calum directly as they continue to improve upon their physiques.
Philanthropy is also another of Calum’s major achievements. After raising over $41,000 for the Australia Wildlife Conservancy Fund, Calum Von Moger has cemented himself as a humanitarian outside of his business aspirations.
Wrap Up
It appears that the sky is the limit for Calum Von Moger as he continues to showcase a multitude of talents within and outside of the fitness space. Keep your eyes peeled for more from the Australian bodybuilder turned entrepreneur. With his at-home workout in the video above, you will see just how this pro keeps things fresh and seeing huge gains despite being at home.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.