Muscle, Strength and Power News

Phil's forearm

2011-09-25T08:52:00.002+01:00

That is all

Prize money

2011-09-19T09:19:00.002+01:00

Let me start by stating, as before, a very well deserving win went to Phil Heath on Saturday night. Nice guy, outstanding physique and what looked like a genuine emotional response to the win. But his $200,000.00 first prize package contrasts very strongly with the reported $40,000.00 that the winner of the World's Strongest Man will pick up.I am confused as to what merits such a difference. The

Phil Heath wins.

2011-09-18T09:25:00.001+01:00

We have a new Mr Olympia in town and his name is Phil Heath!

Lee's still got it

2011-09-15T08:24:00.000+01:00

RIP Art Attwood

2011-09-12T08:18:00.002+01:00

Dead at 37!

Who gets your vote

2011-07-28T18:33:00.001+01:00

I'm liking this article in an upcoming Flex:

So it begins... 2011 Mr O

2011-07-05T13:31:00.002+01:00

Trey Brewer... why??

2011-06-15T12:15:00.003+01:00

Pictures have emerged in the last few days of a guest posing Trey recently did at what appears to be a natural Bodybuilding event. To say he looks out of condition is an understatement.He's not the first pro (or soon-to-be-pro) to appear on stage in less than stellar condition but he's abusing, in my opinion, the privilege. In his case, after a quick search via Google, it appears it's not the

Caffeine everywhere!!

2011-06-07T14:12:00.003+01:00

One of the lads I coach came in for a session today with his bag of Bodypower Expo samples. My god... nigh one every product had a form of caffeine in them. Pre-workout... check, stimulant... check, fat burner.... what else! Even a few of the protein samples I've previously seen can also contain a small amount.The issue, as I explained it to him, was that in a few cases the amount per anything (

MyProtein sold!

2011-06-02T09:04:00.002+01:00

As I have commented elsewhere it is no great surprise to hear announced that Oliver Cookson's 'MyProtein' brand has been sold. With the company positioning itself for such an event for the last 12-18 months it must still been seen as a great success. Reports indicate a £60m value. These suggest a Maximuscle / Reflex value and also indicate that outside investors looking for both market share and

Bodypower done... Vahalla Festival next

2011-06-01T09:31:00.004+01:00

Bodypower was an even greater success than before. While we still await official figures I am certain that the larger space and greater numbers (as witnessed by myself over the two days) will be better than in previous years. That they have now announced an additional day for next year (Friday will be a half day - possibly trade only) seems also to indicate the success. For my part I worked with

Amazing!

2011-02-13T12:07:00.001Z

wow, just wow

Jack LaLanne dead; 96

2011-01-24T09:24:00.002Z

News is reaching the physical culture world of the passing of the first fitness guru Jack LaLanne. More info to follow

Ronnie is, it seems, still da man

2011-01-20T09:26:00.002Z

Much like Arnie, even though he's effectively retired Ronnie still sells covers...

Bodypower 2011

2011-01-17T13:30:00.001Z

Not only will I be working on the strongman stage running and competing in the Rolling Thunder event but, having just had a chat with Andy Bolton, I'll be assisting him with a special exhibition lift / personal challenge of his. Info, for now, is restricted but you WILL like it.

New Year... magazines

2011-01-12T10:39:00.004Z

Flex (US version) featuring Phil's freaky arms.

New MuscleMag book

2010-12-30T12:16:00.002Z

Huge and Freaky (love the title):

New British and European record 2 hand pinches

2010-12-20T13:36:00.002Z

Both Laurence Shahlaei and I pulled 117.5-kilos. I get the record as I pulled first.

Whey Power Challenge

2010-12-13T11:30:00.002Z

Had a quick chat with Andy Bolton. Fingers crossed as he's managed to cut his eyeball (ouch!!) and will see a doc Wednesday.

More magazines...

2010-12-09T12:01:00.005Z

Dextralose - What is it and why the issue?

2010-11-29T13:24:00.002Z

What is it and why the issue?Facts. The trade mark owners are Vydex Corporation. The owner has stated clearly (inc a reproduced copy of his letter on this site) that it does not contain aspartame. Issues: several companies use it either as an ingredient which they then blend themselves or get others to do for them or it has been included as the same in products made under contract by Vydex.

2010-11-24T11:22:00.000Z

It seems that an earlier post of mine about Ronnie being back on stage is another step closer. Aaron at RX has chatted with the promoter and Dorian has agreed to guest pose, Ronnie and others to compete: HERE With $240,000 in the pot I'm not too surprised.

Magazines

2010-11-24T10:15:00.002Z

Rolling Thunder at Bodypower

2010-11-21T13:24:00.003Z

I'm in discussion with Denny Felix (wife of WSM competitor Mark) about arranging a Rolling Thunder competition at Bodypower (at the NEC). There's a few ideas on the table. More when we have it sorted.

Some bucks back in Powerlifting

2010-11-21T13:20:00.003Z

More info

4th and final leg of the WSH tomorrow

2010-11-12T17:29:00.002Z

Tomorrow finds Laurence Shahlaei and myself on a jolly down to Stafford to join most of the rest of the motley UK crew for the last WSH leg. David Horne's ever creative mind put together the idea of reforming what old school all-round lifters used to call 'postal leagues'. Only with the World's Strongest Hands it was taken world wide. With around 10 venues based in Europe, the UK and the USA

Strongman online radio...

2010-11-05T08:57:00.001Z

RX Muscle steps up with RX's Power Hour.

Romano rages!

2010-11-01T13:16:00.002Z

As I type this I'm listening to John 'I'm really pissed off with the assholes' Romano ranting and raving on the DA (Derek Anthony) showHe's threatening to reveal bent contest results, dish the dirt and more. It's about time!!

British... best at grip??

2010-10-21T12:46:00.004+01:00

In David Horne's recent and almost finished World's Strongest Hand series (the last leg is on Nov 13th) the Brit's have dominated. With the exception of Aaron C in leg 1 the top three has been Nick McKinless, David Horne and or myself. I'm guessing, regardless of positions, it'll be much the same in the final leg. One might argue that many of the top 10 on down are, or were, unfamiliar with the

RIP Big Dave

2010-10-14T13:40:00.002+01:00

News this week of Dave Talbot passing away (heart attack). Dave co-owned the gym I used in Sydenham:

Appropriately named?

2010-10-14T13:36:00.002+01:00

P J Braun (brawn??) has just released this photo and competes this weekend with a hope of turning pro.

Lee Priest... no competition but still

2010-10-06T09:57:00.002+01:00

For a guy moaning about a lack of finances he's not been slacking off - check it out:

What I did this weekend

2010-10-04T10:08:00.003+01:00

Freeweights area HARTS STRENGTH AND FITNESS GYM OPENING Yesterday, 2nd October 2010, my services were required by Chris and Gemma Hart to act as the star turn (as it were) on the day of the official opening of their new gym. I’d worked with Iharts (the supplement side of the business) back at Bodypower earlier this year. I must have made a

Octobers 2010 coming magazines

2010-09-30T09:47:00.003+01:00

Flex (oops... poor Kai was well out of the running this time) Muscle Mag... for some reason I have a hunch this will sell well.More...

Best Olympia 2010 image?

2010-09-28T12:30:00.003+01:00

If last years transitional image of Jay was it then is this the best from this years?

Jay Cutler is the 2010 and 4th time Mr Olympia

2010-09-26T09:31:00.000+01:00

Other results are:2. Phil Heath 3. Branch Warren 4. Dexter Jackson 5. Dennis Wolf 6. Ronny Rockel

More Mr O images

2010-09-23T15:28:00.003+01:00

Erik F's calves are quite simply out of this world... amazing! The Croc shoes... queer. LOL

Mr O competitiors meeting

2010-09-23T09:34:00.002+01:00

A chance before the big day to see if we can see how drawn and lean anyone looks. Dexter looks drawn, Heaths forearms are unreal, Jay looks dry, Roelly looks drawn, Wolf borderline, Paco's arms...

Mr Olympia build up builds up pace

2010-09-21T09:40:00.004+01:00

More and more photos are appearing on an almost daily basis (gotta love the internet). This year, more than ever before digital technology has allowed us to see the last few days of preparation and condition like never before. Take the attached image of Roelly (nice detail in the delts) training at what looks like the Mecca, Gold's Gym - Venice Beach, Calif. I'm sure we will see more.

Our best chance for the 202 Olympia?

2010-09-14T09:37:00.003+01:00

Looks like it right now. James Llewellin looks 'Gnarly!' (thanks to IB of MT).

Benny shows he's getting read for the Bolton deadlift challenge

2010-09-14T09:29:00.002+01:00

Benny does 400 for 5 reps

World's Strongest Hands series - leg 2

2010-09-12T14:47:00.002+01:00

I won. Another, relative to what I have done and can do, off day on the pinch still saw me place 2nd on that lift. Followed by a 3 way tie for 1st on the Wrist Developer (I may not like it but I seem ok at it) and a tied 2nd on the Vulcan was enough over all to secure me a first place. Leg three is in about 5 weeks time and I already made plans on what I'd like to do on that day - enough again

Andy Bolton competing in grip competition... true!

2010-09-11T10:35:00.003+01:00

Pic of H, Andy and myself from 2008 (?) when he came to the yard for some grip training advice from Paul Savage and myself.Yep, I can barely believe it myself but Andy contacted me via facebook this week and asked for a date to compete in a grip competition. So... he'll be here on December the 18th for our annual Whey Power Challenge and I've made sure the two handed pinch is the grip event. He's

Learning something new every day...

2010-09-11T10:31:00.002+01:00

I had no idea that David Blaine, trickster, was also a strength fiend. He's a buddy of Dennis Rogers:

Magazines this month

2010-09-09T22:49:00.002+01:00

Kai Greene update

2010-09-07T16:07:00.002+01:00

Side Tricep... mere weeks to go

Spud Inc 525lb dumbbell

2010-09-07T16:02:00.003+01:00

I Like. Those are 25lbs plates

Another Facebook photo you may not have seen

2010-09-01T09:41:00.002+01:00

Ben Edwards posted this one. Gary Heisey and some monster bencher and a bloke trying not to look out of place between the freaks.

Ronnie WILL compete again

2010-08-29T18:32:00.002+01:00

But NOT at the Mr O. I just saw this link: http://jarkasgym.com/ifbb So I then I did some searching and Ronnie, it seems, IS competing in the 2011 event. With $200k to share among themselves the winners will have something to aim for.

Mr O... those last few week photos begin

2010-08-28T08:35:00.002+01:00

You know the kind. The ones 'leaked' so that others can see how X, Y and Z are looking a few weeks out. Here's Victor Martinez's:

Now Flex goes with their fave

2010-08-26T12:45:00.002+01:00

Damn I was wrong... :(

Is MD predicting the Mr O outcome?

2010-08-25T22:24:00.002+01:00

Will Flex feature Kai on their cover?

Phil Heath... wow!

2010-08-25T09:03:00.002+01:00

Ignoring the Muscletech logo.... OMG!

He says 'I'm not competing' but...

2010-08-21T23:16:00.005+01:00

Looks pretty gnarly for someone NOT getting into contest shape.

Fatgripz

2010-08-21T09:51:00.003+01:00

As per an earlier post this week I said I'd be reviewing two products. Well of the two I LOVED the Fatgripz. You can buy them from my mates at Ultimate Grip (click the link) who sent me the products to begin with.They are easy to take on and off, solid and do what they claim. However, as I am a 'grip guy' I'm gonna be used to thick handles so I took them to the other gym I use (Gymnation, Alfred

Kai 5 weeks out

2010-08-20T22:31:00.002+01:00

Wow

Product tests and reviews 1

2010-08-18T12:21:00.008+01:00

I'll be reviewing and testing equipment for www.ultimategrip.co.uk (manufactured by www.monsterbars.com made up of a pair of Fatgripz (tm) and a Forearm Bar. I took some photos and may have some initial thoughts to include in my review for UGClick or double click on the images to see massive versions of themA pair of Fatgripz on our 400kg tyre.One added to an 80-kilo pro-style dumbbellThe

World's Strongest Hands - leg 1 results

2010-08-16T12:33:00.002+01:00

This past Saturday (14th) saw leg 1 of the WSH four legged event. You can see the results HERE I managed 2nd out of 59 athletes - not too bad considering it was only 2 weeks after the Euro competition

David Horne's - Worlds Strongest Hands

2010-08-14T09:25:00.003+01:00

Today's the day. Who will, time differences allowed, be the winner of the first of four series events? I fancy I'll do ok on the first two (2HP and Vulcan) but not so well on the reverse DH Wrist Developer. If my hands feel ok, as I have been saying this week, I'll also take a crack at what seems to me to be a low 305lbs 2" V-Bar record. As per a post elsewhere: for whom does the bell toll?

One to wet the tastebuds

2010-08-12T10:49:00.002+01:00

While I wait for my man G to work out how I can add lots of grip and 'me' related articles to www.stevegardener.com here's one to show you what I intend adding to the site.