Tag: Video
Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson | EP 4: How To Decide Which Bodybuilding Category To Compete In
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Johnnie O. Jackson shares the hardcore truth about picking the best bodybuilding division that suits your goals and needs.
Welcome to the Hardcore Truth – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. This week, Johnnie O. Jackson helps break down how to decide which bodybuilding division is best for you.
At this point in time, there are over 10 different divisions in professional bodybuilding. And it seems like the introduction of new divisions is not slowing down. This past year saw the official entry of Wellness into the Olympia weekend. Just a few years earlier, we saw the creation of Classic Physique – which has grown with wild popularity. So with so many divisions to choose from, how do you know which is right for you? In our latest episode of Hardcore Truth, Johnnie O. Jackson breaks down key factors to consider when deciding which division to compete in.
The most important factor to consider, Johnnie O. Jackson claims, is to make sure that you enjoy what you are doing. While Men’s Open bodybuilding, for example, might bring the most eyeballs and prize money – if it’s a struggle to keep yourself at that size – it will make you unhappy. Bodybuilding as a sport takes passion. Decide what makes you happiest about bodybuilding, what you would like to look like physically, and choose your division based on that.
Of course, it’s important to also be realistic about your goals. Johnnie O. Jackson challenges aspiring bodybuilders to really look at the competition on stage in each division. Does the aspiring bodybuilder have the genetics to succeed with that look? Do they have the drive? Do they have the bone structure that lends towards success with that muscular look?
Delusions will only lead to heartbreak in the end – and with a lot of time wasted. So it’s important that an aspiring bodybuilder can be honest with themselves early. Bodybuilding as a whole takes time. You’d rather it not be wasted after years dedicating to the wrong division or perhaps the wrong sport entirely.
That being said, Johnnie O. Jackson is also very careful to discourage confident aspiring bodybuilders. Confidence and even cockiness is important in becoming a champion. Legends in the sport aim to do what is impossible – and ultimately achieve it. That’s what makes them legends. So if an aspiring bodybuilder truly believes they can be the best in a specific division – even when others claim they don’t have the right genetics or structure for it – don’t be discouraged.
There’s a fine line between delusional thinking and confidence. A legend straddles that line very closely. The only difference between a legend and a fool – is whether or not the person succeeds in the end.
Johnnie O. Jackson also shares some advice on how to properly make weight depending on which division you want to compete in. He uses these tactics as an example of how you can manipulate the division itself to meet your best strengths. If you think that your physique is at it’s best at 220 pounds but not big enough to hold up against the Men’s Open competitors who typically stand at 250+ lbs – perhaps 212 division is best for you.
What you can do is make weight the night before – and then put on pounds and build up hard muscle in the next 24 hours. You can essentially be a powerful bodybuilder weighing 220 pounds facing off against others much smaller than you. It’s a tactic that Johnnie O. Jackson used himself – and one that might be able to be applied to various divisions in the sport.
You can watch Johnnie O. Jackson go into full detail in our latest episode of Hardcore Truth above. Make sure to stick around every Thursday for new episodes!
Straight Facts: The Biggest Bodybuilding Mistakes & Misconceptions No One Talks About
Jerry Brainum shares the straight facts on the most common bodybuilding training mistakes and misconceptions.
STRAIGHT FACTS WITH JERRY BRAINUM – is an in depth exploration of the more complicated elements behind bodybuilding training, nutrition, and supplements. Hosted by legendary and longtime industry expert, Jerry Brainum, Straight Facts answers user questions so no one is left in the dark.
Nobody is perfect. But in today’s day and age of fast flying digital technology – bodybuilding misconceptions are more prevalent than ever before. It might stand to reason that having a search engine in our pockets at all time provide us with more access to correct information. But the sad reality is that the internet gives away to more misinformation that spreads and is believed at a faster rate.
That’s why Jerry Brainum is going to clear the air with his breakdown and list of the most common bodybuilding misconceptions and training mistakes. Most of these misconceptions you may have heard before – or even quite possibly believed as a genuine tip to help your training. That’s how strongly spread these mistakes are after all of these years. That’s why Brainum wants to set the record straight. Let’s jump into it.
Six-pack abs and fat spot reduction
Jerry Brainum starts off with one of the most commonly believed training mistakes in mainstream media. You CANNOT spot reduce fat with a specific exercise. Many bodybuilders already know this – but this misconception is extremely popular in mainstream fitness. It’s promised in the hundreds of training apps, diet plans, and fads sold online. But the truth is a hard pill to swallow – you cannot get six-pack abs by doing crunches every single day.
While exercising your abs will certainly help them grow stronger and more muscular – the key component is your diet in order to bring down the fat and show off some shredded conditioning. That fat will not burn away only in your stomach if you do crunches (and only crunches) every single day.
Aerobic exercise and burning muscle
Another strongly held belief in fitness and especially in bodybuilding is that aerobic or cardio exercising will burn your muscle along side the fat. While this is true to some degree – it’s not as disastrous as some bodybuilders may believe. In fact, it would be foolish for bodybuilders to avoid cardio completely.
Jerry Brainum pulls up some statistics that show muscle will not start burning from cardio until at least 60 minutes of aerobic exercise. That’s a long time. So you can rest easy and throw in some cardio for at least 30-45 minutes without much issue of losing your muscular physique.
Olympia legends and bodybuilding advice
This one can be taken to some degree with a grain of salt. Jerry Brainum wants you to realize that bodybuilding advice can actually be bad even when given by a bodybuilding legend or champion. Brainum points out that genetics play a huge role in bodybuilding. That does not take away from the incredible hard work required to become an Olympia champion. But it does mean that some advice a champion shares could be bad advice for you. Each body is different. Copying verbatim from Phil Heath’s Mr. Olympia training routine will not make you Mr. Olympia.
Do squats damage your knees?
Many novice lifters and even some intermediate lifters may avoid squats. It can be an intimidating exercise. It’s also been seen as an exercise that can badly damage your knees. Jerry Brainum wants to dispel that myth. In fact, squatting (when done correctly) can actually strengthen your knees and help prevent damage as you get older.
The key here is doing the exercise movement right. Like any exercise, doing it with poor form can lead to injury. Avoid bending too far forward and also avoid bouncing hard with each squat rep. This can damage your knees and back in the long run. But put the effort in to doing it correctly – and you might actually find yourself with more capable knees in your older years.
Wrap Up
Jerry Brainum breaks down even more misconceptions and training mistakes than we’ve listed off here. That’s why you should make sure to check out the latest episode of Straight Facts for the full breakdown. Make sure to swing by each Wednesday for new episodes!
Milos Sarcev: Today’s Bodybuilders Are Going Too Easy On Leg Day Training
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Milos Sarcev believes “legs are so very easy” but modern bodybuilders are not pushing hard enough.
Never skip leg day is a phrase that is often repeated in the world of bodybuilding. This is due to the fact that many weightlifters and even bodybuilders can make the vital mistake of overlooking leg training. It’s a problem that has in the past also knocked competitive bodybuilders down a few placings. Most recently, Brandon Curry was criticized for having weak legs at the Olympia 2021. Many believe it was the key factor in placing him second as opposed to overtaking Big Ramy for first place. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, legendary bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev discusses the recent trend in leg day training within bodybuilding.
During our recent video conversation with Milos Sarcev, the topic of Brandon Curry was brought up. More specifically, his showing at the Mr. Olympia 2021. Curry placed second – meaning second best athlete in the world. Despite this – he received some online criticism for the state of his legs. Many thought that they were not only his weak point but also so weak that they were undeserving of the Olympia stage. Does this criticism have some truth to it? Or is it more over-exaggerated online hate.
Milos Sarcev cannot account for every specific comment made online – but he does believe that the general criticism has some validity. He does agree that Brandon Curry’s legs are a weak point for him. Sarcev says this, even as he admits that Curry was his second favorite physique at the Olympia 2021 stage.
What Milos Sarcev sees is an imbalance in bodybuilding. Brandon Curry is and his legs are a perfect example of this imbalance. Sarcev 100% believes that Curry belonged on the Olympia stage. But he does see a vast quality difference between the rest of his body and his legs. The rest of his physique was enough to overpower the weaknesses. It earned him a well deserved second place at Mr. Olympia. That being said, the imbalance showcases where priorities are for pro bodybuilders as a whole.
Milos Sarcev believes that modern bodybuilders are going too easy when it comes to leg day training. In fact, he thinks that leg day training is easy. There is no secret. There is no challenge for legs more than other body parts. The problem is more that bodybuilders simply don’t enjoy training legs. So they go easy. This is the big problem as Sarcev sees it.
“I see this and I stand behind it. Whoever wants to develop legs they can. Legs are so very easy to put the load on the quads if you want it,” Milos Sarcev states in our interview. He continues:
“If you want to go to the gym to socialize, to make it look like you’re training, to do some leg presses, to do some – you know what? No… I cannot go to the gym now-a-days and see someone squat… they are going easy, the easy way. So if you want to build the legs, have you ever heard of squats? Can you try them, please?”
It should be noted that his experience is purely anecdotal. But he also sees the proof in the pudding. Far too often he sees talented pro bodybuilders with lagging legs. From what he sees in the gym, it’s due to a change in effort.
“I like to be sarcastic and people will call me names,” Sarcev goes on to state. “But I speak the language. I speak the truth.”
Milos Sarcev further explains his statement. He believes that the new modern era of bodybuilders are playing it too safe. They avoid squats to protect their knees and avoid injury. But in doing so – they are also pushing their bodies less hard. They are losing out on vital elements of leg day.
“That’s why the people I will train – I will not babysit them,” Milos Sarcev explains. “I will not accept their excuses. I mean when you have a twenty something year old guy say, ‘Oh, my knees!’ I didn’t even feel my knees until 40 years of age… they all think it’s overtraining.”
You can watch Milos Sarcev’s full comments on Brandon Curry and leg day training in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Andrea Shaw: How Offseason Bulking For Female Bodybuilders Is “Way More Emotional”
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Andrea Shaw talks about the differences between Men’s Open and Women’s Open bodybuilding – and how much more of an emotional impact bulking has for women.
It’s generally understood that the gaze and expectations on female bodies are far different than they are for men. So how does that play out in the world of bodybuilding? A sport where the perfection of a physique is judged by audiences and judges alike? There has often been a controversial discussion about “femininity” for the bigger female divisions such as Women’s Open. But that challenge also finds its way beyond just the stage. Much like any other athlete in the sport, female bodybuilders need to bulk during the off season. In our latest GI Exclusive, 2x Ms. Olympia Andrea Shaw opens up about the emotional impact of bulking during the offseason for women.
Andrea Shaw discussed previously with us about the concept of femininity in the female divisions of bodybuilding. She believes that a Women’s Open bodybuilder can certainly be feminine at the same time as successfully competing. That being said, she also thinks that femininity should not be a judging factor on the stage. That should be a personal choice. At the end of the day, the physique should be judged in the same way the Men’s Open division.
That being said, just like Men’s Open, women also need to go through the same kind of cycles during prep each year. That mean’s they also have to go through a bulking off season stage. This is to build more muscle with the plan to eventually cut down and become conditioned before a competition.
But for those women who value their femininity, the bulking phase can be a much more emotional challenge than it is for men. Or at least, that’s what Andrea Shaw believes based on her personal experience and discussions she has had with other female competitors.
This is in part because of a personal desire to maintain a certain feminine look. But it’s also because of the systemic gaze and expectation put on women in culture. If a man bulks up, there’s less of a chance that he will receive comments or criticism – depending on how much weight we’re talking about. For women, it can be a game changer in how they are perceived and even treated.
“Women handle it way more emotionally. Way more,” Andrea Shaw states in our interview. She continues:
“Because it does start to kind of wear on you that ‘Oh my gosh a month ago I was no where near this heavy.’ I mean you know, I put on twenty pounds. Especially bodybuilders. I think the more muscle mass you have, you’re going to see the increase in pounds a little faster. Like even now I’m already up twenty pounds from the show… but you know, I reversed out. I took my time. But still that’s naturally what my body wanted to do… so when you get into the acceptance phase of, you know, you’re going to have that happen then it’s okay.”
Andrea Shaw went on to say that she speaks with many other fellow competitors who have trouble coping with off season bulking. Their clothes stop fitting and they feel like they are losing a part of their physique that they identify with. But Shaw maintains that acceptance of this part of the cycle is necessary.
The reason it’s necessary is due to the harsh reality that no competitor can really stay that conditioned 365 days a year. It wouldn’t be healthy. And with the pressures put on women to look a certain way – it can become dangerous if a woman doesn’t accept the bulking phase and succumbs to outside pressure. That can lead to health dangers.
You can watch Andrea Shaw go into full detail about bulking in Women’s Bodybuilding and more on contest prep in general by watching our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Talking Huge With Craig Golias | EP 24: Should Bodybuilders Downsize After Retirement?
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Craig Golias, a man who loves being HUGE, muses about downsizing after retirement.
Welcome to another episode of Talking Huge – a weekly digital series in which Craig Golias talks in-depth with Vlad Yudin on the latest trending topics in bodybuilding. Raw, honest, and uncut – Craig Golias shares his opinions on all things bodybuilding. In this episode, Craig Golias reacts to Kai Greene’s possible downsizing and shares his thoughts on bodybuilder physiques post-retirement.
It’s been a while since we’ve been able to reconnect with Craig Golias, but he’s back and better than ever in a new episode of Talking Huge. After relaxing with some holiday and new years celebration – Craig is ready for some big changes in 2022. He’s already teased a new sponsorship and he briefly talks with us about getting a brand new custom car.
But the big topic we cover this week is the concept of downsizing in bodybuilding. More specifically, downsizing after retirement. Kai Greene recently made headlines as fans started to speculate that he was finally downsizing. Kai has not competed since 2016. But for many years after his unofficial retirement, Kai always maintained a massive and shredded physique.
Due to maintaining this size, nearly every single year since his retirement fans have speculated that he would make a surprise return. This has yet to happen. Now in recent video posts on his social media, fans are noticing that he looks slightly smaller. Is he actually downsizing? Or does he simply look “off” right now? We don’t really know at the moment – but as time passes we will certainly see.
Regardless of Kai Greene’s current status, downsizing after retirement is somewhat common. But it’s also somewhat controversial among fans. Even if a bodybuilding icon no longer competes – his or her physique is the biggest selling point to their brand. Some feel the need to maintain a massive physique to keep that brand sharp. Others simply love training so much that they refuse to downsize despite no longer competing.
On the other end, legends like Dorian Yates, Lee Haney, and Jay Cutler (to name a few) all noticeably downsized after retirement. Dorian has been extremely open on how downsizing is necessary for a healthy life post bodybuilding. Jay has also spoken out about how he disliked his massive size to win Olympia. He still carries big muscle, but nowhere near as big as his prime.
Craig Golias is a man who loves being huge above all else. He barely ever competed but has kept his weight near or above 300 pounds for majority of his adult life. More than a brand, being huge is a way of life for Craig. So what does he think about downsizing later in life?
Surprisingly, Craig Golias has actually slowed down his own growth in recent years. This is largely due to the nerve damage he suffers in his shoulder/arm area. But he has also become more responsible about his health. He’s not sure if this is just a temporary break before getting truly huge again – or perhaps the beginning of a new way of life.
But he’s not quite sure if he would downsize to the level of someone like Dorian Yates. He admits to having bigorexia, and will likely never be able to settle with a skinnier physique. However, he understands why some bodybuilders would choose to downsize. Its a personal choice, and health is a big factor in that choice. While fans might become disappointed, we must all also accept that nothing stays the same forever. And thankfully, there will always be new mass monsters rising in the ranks to fill the void left behind.
Wrap Up
You can check out the full conversation in the latest episode of Talking Huge above. Watch Craig go into full detail about downsizing, comment on Tony Huge’s recent health scare, and more. Make sure to check out Talking Huge every week on Friday – only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson | EP 3: The Reality Of Bodybuilding Sponsorships
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Johnnie O. Jackson shares the hardcore truth about sponsorships and money in pro bodybuilding.
Welcome to the Hardcore Truth – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. This week, Johnnie O. Jackson dispels the myths and misconceptions about sponsorships and earning money as a pro bodybuilder.
As a powerlifter and pro bodybuilder, it’s safe to say that Johnnie O. Jackson has made a career out of strength sports and fitness. But to make something like competitive bodybuilding a career, it takes more than simply winning major bodybuilding shows. That’s why Johnnie spends this week breaking down the reality behind earning money as a pro bodybuilder.
The biggest misconception that up-and-coming bodybuilders have, according to Johnnie O. Jackson, is that they will start instantly seeing paychecks upon turning pro. While that might have been more possible in previous eras due to the illustrious Weider contracts – much has changed. In fact, turning pro won’t guarantee you any money.
Entering the professional league of bodybuilding is nothing like most other sports. In the NFL, once you get a on a pro team you are guaranteed a salary – wether you play or not. In bodybuilding, you only get paid if you win. And even then, most competitions don’t provide enough prize money to make a career off of it.
That’s why it’s vital for pro bodybuilders, now more than ever before, to understand how to sell themselves and earn sponsorships. Or learn how to build their own brand and business to bring in direct cash. That’s easier said than done. Which is why Johnnie O. Jackson has a few tips to share on how to turn your bodybuilding passion into a full fledged career.
Johnnie O. Jackson admits that bodybuilding is a selfish sport. It requires extreme focus and a very specific lifestyle. That being said, Johnnie also believes you need to learn how to give back to the sport as well. This is vital. What he means by this is to promote yourself. Use online tools such as social media and YouTube to showcase your progress, your personality, and build a connection to the bodybuilding audience.
That connection and following is key. It’s what will build your value to sponsors. Gone are the days of signing a major sponsorship just for winning a big show. Now brands want to know that you can directly connect with your audience – and that your audience is loyal and large.
This kind of following can not only help you get sponsors – but also help bring in revenue directly. Youtube videos can be monetized and, if you should so choose, you can use your following to sell your own products and begin a business venture. Even if that’s not your style, sponsors will be looking for bodybuilders who can speak directly to a loyal and large audience.
Johnnie O. Jackson doesn’t want you to believe that you have to be a “fake” version of yourself online to sell yourself. In fact, he believes that if you are simply honest and open about who you are, your training, and your lifestyle – that honesty will build loyal followers. Secondly, once sponsors do come knocking at your door. Don’t jump immediately for the first brand with a big paycheck. Make sure you truly enjoy the product they offer. That kind of genuine honesty will be infectious with your fans. They can tell the difference. It also makes your job under sponsorship more enjoyable.
Lastly, Johnnie O. Jackson goes through his experiences starting out, how he got his first sponsorship, and how he navigated multiple sponsorships throughout his career. He hopes that his personal experience will give insight as to how the process really works. And perhaps help you be prepared for the right and wrong things to do when offered a contract.
You can watch Johnnie O. Jackson go into full detail in our latest episode of Hardcore Truth above. Make sure to stick around every Thursday for new episodes!
Straight Facts: How To Prevent Catastrophic Health Issues As A Bodybuilder
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Jerry Brainum shares the straight facts on important preventative health measures all bodybuilders should be utilizing.
STRAIGHT FACTS WITH JERRY BRAINUM – is an in depth exploration of the more complicated elements behind bodybuilding training, nutrition, and supplements. Hosted by legendary and longtime industry expert, Jerry Brainum, Straight Facts answers user questions so no one is left in the dark.
Last week, Jerry Brainum broke down some facts regarding health in bodybuilding – and how it compares to the average person. What he revealed was that bodybuilders have many habits that make them more healthy but these are undercut by extreme drug use. To follow up on this topic, Jerry decided to go into detail about important preventative measures that bodybuilders should seriously consider taking. In this week’s episode of Straight Facts, Jerry Brainum explains the important steps bodybuilders should take to help prevent catastrophic health issues.
Jerry Brainum wants people to know that bodybuilders cannot be medically assessed the same way as normal people. Even if a bodybuilder were to get a blood test – it’s important for the individual to know what to look for in the results. A doctor might overlook certain findings if they are not aware of the habits and drugs that go into bodybuilding. So what, exactly, should a bodybuilder be looking for when going for a medical checkup?
Jerry Brainum breaks down in great detail the exact kind of blood and medical tests all bodybuilders should receive. Not only once or twice – but regularly over their bodybuilding lives. In fact, Jerry recommends these tests be taken quarterly to ensure true preventative health in bodybuilding.
The importance of these tests cannot be stressed enough by Jerry Brainum. He starts off this week’s episode with a bold but concerning claim. He believes that if bodybuilders from the 1970’s were taking the kind of drug protocols we see today, nearly all of them would be dead. Jerry cannot imagine a man like Arnold Schwarzenegger living as long as he has if he were taking the massive amounts of drugs that the sport sees today.
But a “war on drugs” has historically proven to do little. The floodgates are open. Now all Jerry Brainum can do is help educate those who are listening. While nothing is 100% guaranteed, preventative health measures are always powerful options to improve longevity. For bodybuilders, there are simply different specifics that should be focused on.
Overall, Jerry Brainum breaks down approximately a half dozen different tests that he recommends. That sounds like a lot but it is all in an effort to help not only extend your life but make it a higher quality of living. According to Jerry, these tests should be considered just as mandatory as supplements, nutrition, and training regimens. It’s part of the job of being a bodybuilder. The more you cut corners – the more risk in the long run.
Overall, the tests Jerry recommends focus on signs of heart health, kidney health, and liver health. These are three organs that can be majorly impacted by a bodybuilding lifestyle. The more these tests are regularly taken, the more likely you are to spot an issue sooner rather than later. If it’s soon enough, lifestyle choices can be made to reduce risk going forward. It can be the difference between retiring early from the sport or retiring early from life itself.
So if you are serious about bodybuilding and have become concerned about your long term health – heed Jerry Brainum’s words very carefully. He goes into great detail about what each test is, what it accomplishes, and why it’s important. It can be your ultimate guide towards a more healthy bodybuilding future.
You can watch Jerry Brainum go into full detail in our latest episode of Straight Facts above. And make sure to stick around every Wednesday for new episodes!
Stanimal Opens Up About Shawn Rhoden’s Death
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A training partner, roommate, and close friend, Stanimal De Longeaux speaks on Shawn Rhoden’s passing.
The bodybuilding world went into complete shock after news of Shawn Rhoden’s tragic death made headlines. Rhoden was a pro bodybuilding legend, Mr. Olympia champion, and a figure followed by controversy up to his passing. As of the time of this writing, there has been no medical announcement regarding the cause of his death – leaving bodybuilding fans to speculate based on comments made by those close to him. We had the opportunity to reconnect with Stanimal De Longeaux – a longtime close friend, training partner, and even roommate to Rhoden. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Stanimal opens up completely about Shawn Rhoden’s death and the events leading up to his tragic passing.
For quite some time, Stanimal De Longeaux has been a bodybuilder often seen with Shawn Rhoden. They were often seen together in training video updates on social media – as well as our digital series All Eyes On Olympia starring Stanimal’s pro bodybuilding prep. He also appeared in training sessions in the feature film Flexatron: Becoming Shawn Rhoden – a documentary chronicling Rhoden’s rise to winning the Mr. Olympia in 2018. But beyond just caught on film – anyone who knew either Shawn Rhoden or Stanimal understood that they held a close friendship. Before his much-too-soon passing, they were even roommates.
So of course it goes without saying that the shocking death of Shawn Rhoden hit Stanimal very hard. He not only lost a legend in the sport like all of us in the industry. And he not only lost a training partner. Stanimal lost a close friend. While challenging to reflect on, Stanimal was open to speaking about Rhoden and his passing during our most recent video interview.
Stanimal seems to make it clear that while his death was shocking for even those closest to him – in retrospect there were warning signs cropping up over the past two years. Most notably, Stanimal reveals that Rhoden likely suffered a heart attack in 2020 as well. First a smaller “silent heart attack that left him feeling weak and sick – only to give way to a more severe heart attack a few weeks later. He was hospitalized and recovered. After this moment, he became much more focused on monitoring his health.
Sadly, a year later Shawn Rhoden would pass away. While it was not officially or medically announced that he died from a heart attack – this is the most commonly held speculation. Given his past struggles with heart attacks in 2020, this would seem likely. Though Stanimal himself is not 100% sure – as to his knowledge an autopsy was not conducted.
While pure speculation, Stanimal ultimately believes that a variety of factors came together to create a sort of “perfect storm” that led to Rhoden’s passing.
“Honestly, it’s only speculation but it seems like it was just a perfect storm,” Stanimal states in our interview. He continues:
“He was doing a lot, he had like some pre-existing condition. He was traveling. He was tired. Stress. It was late at night, that’s usually when a heart attack happens. And then he got some type of sickness that I think I got after him. And that was pretty hard even for me who was healthy so I can’t even imagine… It was some type of flu but not COVID because he got tested and he was negative. I got tested and was negative.”
Stanimal went on to speak in even more detail about the stress factors that were weighing on Shawn Rhoden over the past two years:
“I mean he was stressed. It was a lot of things to be honest. Of course his case which kept dragging because of Covid. He was supposed to have another hearing in September and that got postponed because they didn’t have enough staff. I mean, he also broke up with his wife. That was stressful… he was somebody who was never really outspoken about his own issues, his own struggles. That’s why I think it was really bad because we talked a lot about all of this stuff his last few months… just the fact that he was speaking about this all so much just shows, I think to me, how much this was on his mind. It was definitely a lot of stress.”
Stanimal goes into great detail not only discussing the specifics of the year leading up to his death – but also celebrating his life. It’s a conversation that might provide some answers to fans in the sport. But more than that it’s a personal account and touching tribute to an athlete who left us far too soon.
It was an emotional conversation and one we hope brings more light to the man behind the muscle and the tragedy of his passing. You can watch Stanimal speak openly about Shawn Rhoden’s passing in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.
Bodybuilding Promoter Chris Minnes: Should Michal Krizo Move To The IFBB Pro?
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IFBB Pro/NPC Promoter Chris Minnes looks back on how the IFBB Pro vs IFBB Elite Pro split affected the sport – and his thoughts on Michal Krizo.
Promoter Chris Minnes has been quietly at work producing some of the fastest rising bodybuilding competitions and events of recent years. Starting originally with the Tahoe Pro, Minnes has grown his endeavors extensively and now runs some of the sport’s biggest shows such as the Legion Sports Fest Pro. With an extensive behind the scenes knowledge of bodybuilding, we connected with Minnes to talk about the IFBB Pro’s future, it’s past, and how the IFBB Pro and IFBB Elite Pro split changed the directory of the sport. Chris Minnes also touches upon the IFBB Elite Pro superstar Michal Krizo and whether or not he should move (or be even be allowed to move) into the IFBB Pro league.
The IFBB Pro league has long been the number one bodybuilding league in the sport. Home to the Mr. Olympia competition and the biggest names in bodybuilding. But a monopoly this sport is not. There are a wide variety of other leagues across the globe providing events for athletes passionate about bodybuilding. One such league is the IFBB Elite Pro. If the names sound familiar – well, that’s because they were once one united organization.
The IFBB Elite Pro was originally part of the IFBB Pro proper. They organized the international and amateur league (separate from the NPC – which resided largely only in the US). In 2017, it was announced that these two entities would split. This changed the landscape to some degree in terms of qualifications for the Mr Olympia – especially for international competitors. Ultimately we landed on two parallel leagues, the IFBB Pro and the IFBB Elite Pro.
During our conversation with IFBB Pro bodybuilding promoter Chris Minnes, we asked for his reflection on the split and how it looked from behind the scenes. Minnes has been promoting bodybuilding shows for quite some time – and can recall the conversation he had with Jim Maino, president of the NPC and IFBB Pro league, just after the decision of the split.
Chris Minnes points out that the split ultimately led to two different approaches to the sport. The IFBB Elite Pro league now receives funds from the government at each international location. Minnes believes that this, in some respects, limits the possibilities of what a bodybuilding competition could be. On the flip side, it also allows the budges of the events to not be solely based on income from fans and athlete registration fees.
That being said, the IFBB Elite Pro league has been making a bit more headlines over the past year due to a viral rising superstar. Michal Krizo is an IFBB Elite Pro bodybuilder who is turning heads amongst fans of the IFBB Pro. This has led the community to call for Krizo to switch leagues. The logic being that most of the biggest talents in bodybuilding still compete in the IFBB Pro league. For Michal Krizo to really prove himself – he should be able to compete against these talented competitors.
But the IFBB Elite Pro and the IFBB Pro are now separate. Unless Michal Krizo formally switches leagues – he cannot quality to compete against the likes of Big Ramy or Brandon Curry at the Mr. Olympia.
We asked Chris Minnes if he felt that it would be a good move for Michal Krizo to switch leagues – when he’s already found great success in the IFBB Elite Pro. Minnes admits that he had never even heard of Krizo’s name. Which he attributes to proving just how much farther behind the IFBB Elite Pro league is compared to the IFBB Pro.
Of course, there are many others who know his name. He’s gone viral online across the divisions of all leagues. He even won Best Arms in the fan-voted Generation Iron Bodybuilding Awards 2021. Minnes believes that if Krizo were interested – he should be 100% allowed to switch leagues. But this comes with one condition – Minnes doesn’t believe in cutting to the front of the line.
Chris Minnes would be happy to see Michal Krizo enter into the amateur NPC league, compete, earn his pro card, then earn qualification to the Olympia. If he goes through the paces – and still proves himself to be a threatening athlete. Then he will really start to turn heads.
Until then, Chris Minnes points out that photos are very different than the real thing. Until we can see Michal Krizo standing side by side with the best of the IFBB Pro league, there’s no real way of knowing just how threatening his physique really is.
You can watch Chris Minnes’ full comments about Michal Krizo and the aftermath of the IFBB Pro vs IFBB Elite Pro split in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above!
Redcon1’s Aaron Singerman Reveals All On His Falling Out With PJ Braun & Blackstone Labs
Aaron Singerman details his rise in the bodybuilding supplement world and gets honest on falling out with PJ Braun.
Aaron Singerman is a notable name in the bodybuilding industry – mostly for his success in the world of supplements. With the supplement industry so oversaturated – it’s always a major accomplishment when one succeeds to such a high degree. But that doesn’t mean Singerman’s rise didn’t come with some hurdles. Most notably, he had a very public and somewhat dramatic falling out with his former business partner PJ Braun. In our latest GI Exclusive, Aaron Singerman details his rise and also reveals the truth behind is split with PJ Braun and Blackstone Labs.
While Aarong Singerman might be best known for his supplement company Redcon1, he was also involved in the shockingly fast success of Blackstone Labs. Blackstone Labs was known as a more “hardcore” supplement company. Aarong Singerman and PJ Braun worked together to make it such a massive success.
But that success came with a hefty load of drama. Soon after Blackstone Labs cemented itself as a success, Aarong Singerman had a very public falling out with PJ Braun. Not only that, but Singerman eventually left Blackstone Labs completely.
Many rumors swirled around the web as to exactly what happened. Even beyond that, both Singerman and Braun are thought to now be bitter rivals in the public eye. But is that true? And what is the true story about the falling out between these two successful bodybuilding entrepreneurs?
During our video conversation with Aaron Singerman, he explained in honest detail exactly what happened from his perspective. While the entire falling out was surely a long story of multiple events, the broad stroke of it is that the two men started to change in opposite directions.
“As people get older, your values change,” Aaron Singerman states in our interview. He continued:
“And as money is involved, people’s personalities could change. And so, I think what really happened was – two guys were best buddies who had so much in common and then it really dramatically shifted apart. Because you know, PJ was doing what we were initially doing – having fun doing his thing. And then I had babies, more babies, another baby, you know? And my life was so much different and my values changed too. Where his were pretty much still the same and mine had dramatically shifted… The things that appealed to me before don’t appeal to me now.”
We then followed up by discussing the present. Does Singerman still have a problem with PJ Braun and vice versa? According to Singerman, not at all. He claims that he has no ill will towards Braun.
You can watch Aarong Singerman’s full comments about the rise of Redcon1, Blackstone Labs, and his falling out with PJ Braun in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.