Friday, 30 October 2009
Codex Alimentarius
As part of the now 11 pages and rising 'chat' with Brian Clapp on his 'steroid' site I, with some help, managed to remember the Codex. If you don;t know what it is it's worth a look as it may well end up affecting those little health pills you take: Codex
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Gemma's Supergym - upcoming events
Super Gym MAX Competitions
Saturday 14th November - Log Lift MAX
Saturday 19th December - Deadlift MAX (including the WOLF games!)
Saturday 9th January - Rolling Thunder MAX
Saturday 6th February - Bench Press MAX
Saturday 6th March - Squat MAX
Saturday 14th November - Log Lift MAX
Saturday 19th December - Deadlift MAX (including the WOLF games!)
Saturday 9th January - Rolling Thunder MAX
Saturday 6th February - Bench Press MAX
Saturday 6th March - Squat MAX
Pseudo Steroids
Thanks to a hotly debated (inc by me) topic on RXMuscle I awoke this morning with an idea of what to write today... so he we are. To quote Peter Griffin / Family Guy 'things that grind my gears'.
Now just to clarify there are some products, Pro-Hormones, SARMS and products which MAY have anabolic or 'roid like' properties out there. Most are marketed as such. It might even be argued that the marketing of said items and how they are described is a reflection on the supplement industry. That by calling something 'Mega Anabolic RX 2000' you're allowing people to assume more than they should.
We're fortunate, at least in magazine marketing and adverts, here in the UK to not have too many of the US style over the top and very close to the wind in word choice type of adverts to contend with. You CAN still buy these kinds of products from reseller type companies who import US PH style products. However, in the US and US magazines page after page of them are filled with the near knuckle and, in my opinion, well past the knuckle adverts of these kind of products.
I'm not 'grrr'ing at that part of the market. At least not today. It's the section where a bottle, complete with, in their words, a legit holographic security sticker, also has a name like 'TrenX' or 'DeccaY'. Products even have images of cows (FinaH) and the like. Companies producing said products buy up domain names of sites which previously sold, if illegally, steroids. The same companies produce bottles with labels which offer a homage to the product they purport to be. From the same colours, font and layout.
They aren't even fake steroids, not that that's a good thing, but for all intents and purposes give the impression of being the real thing. Heavy use of words such as anabolic and steroid (for, in their words, search engine purposes) litter their pages. In some place on their page will be either a legal declaration (ok under FDA regs or the like) and a line which clearly, if in a small way, says 'our products do not contain steroids'. Yet you'll have searched for steroids, seen a site recommending site X as a seller of steroids and then, without checking the small print, thought you were on a naughty hush-hush site selling them (no I never got scammed). I could go on. The cash these freaks make is out of this world. Something which, at best, as DHEA or Tribulus in it is sold as a months supply for $200.00 (yes that's correct). Even with the money back in not satisfied guarantee offered the site rakes in the cash.
To use a Brit phrase - they are taking the fucking biscuit.
Now just to clarify there are some products, Pro-Hormones, SARMS and products which MAY have anabolic or 'roid like' properties out there. Most are marketed as such. It might even be argued that the marketing of said items and how they are described is a reflection on the supplement industry. That by calling something 'Mega Anabolic RX 2000' you're allowing people to assume more than they should.
We're fortunate, at least in magazine marketing and adverts, here in the UK to not have too many of the US style over the top and very close to the wind in word choice type of adverts to contend with. You CAN still buy these kinds of products from reseller type companies who import US PH style products. However, in the US and US magazines page after page of them are filled with the near knuckle and, in my opinion, well past the knuckle adverts of these kind of products.
I'm not 'grrr'ing at that part of the market. At least not today. It's the section where a bottle, complete with, in their words, a legit holographic security sticker, also has a name like 'TrenX' or 'DeccaY'. Products even have images of cows (FinaH) and the like. Companies producing said products buy up domain names of sites which previously sold, if illegally, steroids. The same companies produce bottles with labels which offer a homage to the product they purport to be. From the same colours, font and layout.
They aren't even fake steroids, not that that's a good thing, but for all intents and purposes give the impression of being the real thing. Heavy use of words such as anabolic and steroid (for, in their words, search engine purposes) litter their pages. In some place on their page will be either a legal declaration (ok under FDA regs or the like) and a line which clearly, if in a small way, says 'our products do not contain steroids'. Yet you'll have searched for steroids, seen a site recommending site X as a seller of steroids and then, without checking the small print, thought you were on a naughty hush-hush site selling them (no I never got scammed). I could go on. The cash these freaks make is out of this world. Something which, at best, as DHEA or Tribulus in it is sold as a months supply for $200.00 (yes that's correct). Even with the money back in not satisfied guarantee offered the site rakes in the cash.
To use a Brit phrase - they are taking the fucking biscuit.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Pro level training in a home gym
Like Lee Priest before him this new (ish) guy proves that you CAN build a pro-level physique training at home.
Video
Video
Saturday, 24 October 2009
More Khan
Weider have been busy with their latest signing. They already have some in shape gym shots to present:
Friday, 23 October 2009
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Fortissimus split
News from Ironmind of the split between various names involved in the Fortissimus event seems, to me, to echo back to IFSA and others selling and splitting up thereof. In other words history is repeating itself and in spite of claims of protecting the sport it's the personalities which are at loggerheads.
It's one thing to have a rival competitor you're going after. Obviously you wish to win, to be the strongest, but as we have seen before all too often in both strongman, bodybuilding and even the father of them all, weightlifting it's usually one man vs. another in a disagreement which leads to new federations, events and competitions being created.
Do I need to remind anyone that outside weightlifting and then ONLY during the Olympic Games we're not exactly getting as big a share of the pie as the more modern 'sports' seen at the X Games and the like. Guys on skateboards, admittedly some have skills, are raking in $100k+ per year with the odd one getting $2-3m or more. Not only that but more of them get decent cash and by far more exposure.
This fractional approach, a sputtering stop-start-stop again, does not help us one bit. Those in powerful positions within the Iron Game need to stop butting heads and pull together!
It's one thing to have a rival competitor you're going after. Obviously you wish to win, to be the strongest, but as we have seen before all too often in both strongman, bodybuilding and even the father of them all, weightlifting it's usually one man vs. another in a disagreement which leads to new federations, events and competitions being created.
Do I need to remind anyone that outside weightlifting and then ONLY during the Olympic Games we're not exactly getting as big a share of the pie as the more modern 'sports' seen at the X Games and the like. Guys on skateboards, admittedly some have skills, are raking in $100k+ per year with the odd one getting $2-3m or more. Not only that but more of them get decent cash and by far more exposure.
This fractional approach, a sputtering stop-start-stop again, does not help us one bit. Those in powerful positions within the Iron Game need to stop butting heads and pull together!
Arm size BS
It's getting silly again. Writers are allowing themselves, or indulging themselves, with lines such as 'Mr X, with his 24-inch arms...'. I mean get the F out of here! Guys DO get heavy in the off season but do the maths - the videos and photos shots we see are when most guys are in good to hard condition. So a number based on a 300lb off-season body is given as the in-shape number.
But even then it's off. If one of the bigger guys - close to 6 feet or better say - and with patently bigger arms than the far shorter guys why then am I seeing 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 8 guys weighing 30, 40 and even 50lbs less claiming arm sizes of 24 inches??
Many years ago and possibly I still have the clipping in my collection the Sun newspaper (or Mirror??) printed a life-size photo of a flexed Lou Ferrigno arm. This would be between the Hulk series time frame and when he, at 6 feet 5, bulked up to a claimed on stage 320lbs. With those numbers in mind he 'only' claimed a 24-inch arm. So how will someone weighing 90lbs less have the same and yet their arms do not look half as big again considering the frame to which they are attached??
The truth is as it always has been - bodybuilding arms, ripped and vascular, look more muscular and when they have peak and shape too tied in with a small bone structure then visually they will look absolutely amazing and perhaps look as big as is being claimed. But the reality is as it always has been. Guys weighing, at best, 230lbs (as bodyweight numbers are often fake too) on an average height trainee will be no more than 20" max. Indeed often less.
Some of the best arms in history as voted for by fans on bodybuilding websites have been way less. Even as low as 17-inches! Yes 17. And 17, on an average frame, is very, very good. Especially so if the body is lean.
So save me from the BS please guys. Just say 'it's a hell of an arm' or similar. Don't attach some fake number to it.
But even then it's off. If one of the bigger guys - close to 6 feet or better say - and with patently bigger arms than the far shorter guys why then am I seeing 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 8 guys weighing 30, 40 and even 50lbs less claiming arm sizes of 24 inches??
Many years ago and possibly I still have the clipping in my collection the Sun newspaper (or Mirror??) printed a life-size photo of a flexed Lou Ferrigno arm. This would be between the Hulk series time frame and when he, at 6 feet 5, bulked up to a claimed on stage 320lbs. With those numbers in mind he 'only' claimed a 24-inch arm. So how will someone weighing 90lbs less have the same and yet their arms do not look half as big again considering the frame to which they are attached??
The truth is as it always has been - bodybuilding arms, ripped and vascular, look more muscular and when they have peak and shape too tied in with a small bone structure then visually they will look absolutely amazing and perhaps look as big as is being claimed. But the reality is as it always has been. Guys weighing, at best, 230lbs (as bodyweight numbers are often fake too) on an average height trainee will be no more than 20" max. Indeed often less.
Some of the best arms in history as voted for by fans on bodybuilding websites have been way less. Even as low as 17-inches! Yes 17. And 17, on an average frame, is very, very good. Especially so if the body is lean.
So save me from the BS please guys. Just say 'it's a hell of an arm' or similar. Don't attach some fake number to it.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Monday, 19 October 2009
Iscl results
The top five from this past weekends International Strongman's Champions League event at Wembley were;
- Z. Savickas
- M. Felix
- A. Murumets
- A. Kazelniks
- J. Laureys
Magazine covers
Not yet in November and here's Decembers:
Baring in mind the issue with Jay on the cover (posted last week) I'm confused cos I've just found this on the UK site which differs from the Silvio one on the .com site and from the one above.
Zack Khan is our newest UKFBB / IFBB pro
I'm just back from a weekend away (grand daughters 1st birthday) and so wasn't able to post etc but over the next 24 hours I'll be updating loads. I look forward to seeing Zack ripped and HUUGGEE!
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Thursday pm work
[b]Thursday PM[/b]
[u]V/Gripper[/u]
B/H: usual warm ups
L/H:L10 x 1 rep, L13 x 1 rep both no problems. However, all my work after was all over the place due to either over thinking, simple looking (best when I don't) or just out and out piss poor setting of the gripper - L14 x F, 1, F, N, N, F
R/H: L13 x 1 rep, L15 x 1 rep, L16 x TnG, TnG, 1, 1 reps
[u]Hammer[/u]
Usual warm ups
Mid finger online x 4 x 1 reps. Reps 1 and 3 were hard and 4 the easiest.
[u]V/Gripper[/u]
B/H: usual warm ups
L/H:L10 x 1 rep, L13 x 1 rep both no problems. However, all my work after was all over the place due to either over thinking, simple looking (best when I don't) or just out and out piss poor setting of the gripper - L14 x F, 1, F, N, N, F
R/H: L13 x 1 rep, L15 x 1 rep, L16 x TnG, TnG, 1, 1 reps
[u]Hammer[/u]
Usual warm ups
Mid finger online x 4 x 1 reps. Reps 1 and 3 were hard and 4 the easiest.
Mobster training log and thoughts
Thursday
On a schedule today with the day written out to see if I can 1) stick to it and 2) be more efficient. That said as per I've left the bloody phone over the road... but I'm on the clock so... One of the new guys supposedly training with me today... no sign. Useless*.
Stretched then
CG Bench
60-kilos x 8 reps, 100-kilos x 8 reps (usual small twinge in right shoulder but now in front), 140-kilos x 1 rep, 157.5-kilos x 6 x 1 reps (No 4 easiest and No 6 toughest)
s/s with
LPD
60-kilos x 8 reps, 100-kilos x 8 reps, 145-kilos x 7, 7, 6 reps
cont s/s bench with
Low row
60-kilos x 8 reps, 90-kilos x 8 reps, switched to one arm at a time with 60-kilos x 2 x 6 reps @ arm
*thought (oft repeated mind) of the day:
I've found myself repeating a statement pretty much like this - we turn away lad after lad from the gates who ask 'can I train in the gym' or similar. I tell them again and again that it's not a standard gym. Now I, like anyone, could always do with a few more quid and some of that could come from coaching. But the moment most actually get a taste of the real thing... they're away. IF he had managed to turn up even late I was going to fuck him off. He apparently wants to train to be able to join the Marines. Well GOOD TIMEKEEPING AND DISCIPLINE are a part of that you dozy moron. Not even a 'I wont be there cos' call. And they wanna train with us. Pish.
On a schedule today with the day written out to see if I can 1) stick to it and 2) be more efficient. That said as per I've left the bloody phone over the road... but I'm on the clock so... One of the new guys supposedly training with me today... no sign. Useless*.
Stretched then
CG Bench
60-kilos x 8 reps, 100-kilos x 8 reps (usual small twinge in right shoulder but now in front), 140-kilos x 1 rep, 157.5-kilos x 6 x 1 reps (No 4 easiest and No 6 toughest)
s/s with
LPD
60-kilos x 8 reps, 100-kilos x 8 reps, 145-kilos x 7, 7, 6 reps
cont s/s bench with
Low row
60-kilos x 8 reps, 90-kilos x 8 reps, switched to one arm at a time with 60-kilos x 2 x 6 reps @ arm
*thought (oft repeated mind) of the day:
I've found myself repeating a statement pretty much like this - we turn away lad after lad from the gates who ask 'can I train in the gym' or similar. I tell them again and again that it's not a standard gym. Now I, like anyone, could always do with a few more quid and some of that could come from coaching. But the moment most actually get a taste of the real thing... they're away. IF he had managed to turn up even late I was going to fuck him off. He apparently wants to train to be able to join the Marines. Well GOOD TIMEKEEPING AND DISCIPLINE are a part of that you dozy moron. Not even a 'I wont be there cos' call. And they wanna train with us. Pish.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Icelandic strongest women
Gemma has been busy. For a start www.sporttv.is has decided to do a webtv feature on the event. Then you have the profiles page featuring some brief bio info on all the very attractive girls competing and finally she's managed a coup in securing Reebok sponsorship. Well done!
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
More on Chris Cormier
This photo was taken, apparently, around the time of the Olympia at Golds on Flamingo in Vegas. Chris was, it seems, always a good home boy by the looks of all the other well known faces helping out:
Monday, 12 October 2009
Whey Power Challenge
As per the last few the Whey Power Challenge is our informal gathering held annually the last weekend before Xmas. There are no prizes (although you do need to be a BHSA member if any grip lifts are records for them to be recognized) and no entry fees. All are welcome to join us for an in town at a local pub 3-course Xmas dinner (more later but as per - deposit may be required and if we get more than 20 (as usual) we usually ask for selections to be made ahead of time).
Date: December 19th
Time: 10am*
*start time is flexible and depends on lifts you wish to take part in. But we will be booking the tables at the pub for 2.30pm so we must end 2pm latest and it;'s a 10-20min walk into town.
Events: Usual 5 lift format consisting of
1) Overhead- 1 arm dumbbell is favoured this year with many trying a dumbbell snatch (most found 100lbs or so 'easy' so expect more). However, as per, with their being no prize if you wished to do a big one armed clean and press / jerk no one would hold that against you. You can compete with one or both arms. Biggest weight = most kudos.
2) Squat - assuming my oh so damned fragile back holds together I may even have a crack at this myself.
3) Bench Press - usual no silly shirts rule applies (only cos it's a lot of faffing around). I'll take my usual touch-n-go style but we can ref with a pause if you wish. Spotters will be fellow competitors and we have a choice of 'in the rack' or 'use our bench'. I'm hoping to get 200-kilos this time.
4) Deadlift - Assorted bars to choose from. My personal preference is for the 2-inch / axle and I'm hoping to get 217.5-kilos double overhanded and thus 2.5kg more than the current WR (again back allowing).
5) Grip - assuming my backs not shattered into tiny fragments and I'm not pulling what little hair I have out with last minute dinner questions (no you cannot pay me next Tuesday) it's the 2 hand pinch. My aim to to break the world record (115kg).
If you're up for it let me know. Dinner info and updates to follow nearer the time.
Date: December 19th
Time: 10am*
*start time is flexible and depends on lifts you wish to take part in. But we will be booking the tables at the pub for 2.30pm so we must end 2pm latest and it;'s a 10-20min walk into town.
Events: Usual 5 lift format consisting of
1) Overhead- 1 arm dumbbell is favoured this year with many trying a dumbbell snatch (most found 100lbs or so 'easy' so expect more). However, as per, with their being no prize if you wished to do a big one armed clean and press / jerk no one would hold that against you. You can compete with one or both arms. Biggest weight = most kudos.
2) Squat - assuming my oh so damned fragile back holds together I may even have a crack at this myself.
3) Bench Press - usual no silly shirts rule applies (only cos it's a lot of faffing around). I'll take my usual touch-n-go style but we can ref with a pause if you wish. Spotters will be fellow competitors and we have a choice of 'in the rack' or 'use our bench'. I'm hoping to get 200-kilos this time.
4) Deadlift - Assorted bars to choose from. My personal preference is for the 2-inch / axle and I'm hoping to get 217.5-kilos double overhanded and thus 2.5kg more than the current WR (again back allowing).
5) Grip - assuming my backs not shattered into tiny fragments and I'm not pulling what little hair I have out with last minute dinner questions (no you cannot pay me next Tuesday) it's the 2 hand pinch. My aim to to break the world record (115kg).
If you're up for it let me know. Dinner info and updates to follow nearer the time.
Chris Cormier... goes old school with Dorian
The previously mentioned hook up (maybe 2 years or so they've been talking about it) finally happened and this is the leg workout. Poor Chris looks out of it as he lays on the cobbles at the end.
Video
Video
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Zack Khan DVD
It looks like this will be released after his next competition (next weekend) where he is expected to pick up a pro card. The teeny weeny snippets I saw on youtube... look good.
Friday, 9 October 2009
GMV clip of the week
A little more to my liking this weeks effort comes from Branch Warren's ''TRAIN INSANE''. Enjoy
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Strongman Champions League
It seems the SCL have upped their game a notch and managed to add another event to their calander. Courtesy of Ironmind we have the following info on a Spanish event:
Artwork courtesy of Marcel Mostert/SCL.
“Directly after World’s Strongest Man, we continue now with the Strongman Champions League,” SCL cofounder Marcel Mostert told IronMind today. Twelve athletes will compete in six events and the contest will take place in “a real bull fight arena, which is a typical spot in Spain. It will be definitely something different!," Mostert said.
The contest is set for this Saturday, October 10, in Los Barrios - Cadiz. Here is the official start list:
Juan Carlos Heredia - Spain
Andrus Murumets - Estonia
Jimmy Laureys - Belgium.
Martin Wildauer - Austria
Richard v/d Linden - Holland
Fabrice Barbier - France
Ervin Katona - Serbia
Zsolt Szabó - Hungary
Gregor Stegnar - Slovenia
La Jack - Spain
Simon Sulaiman - Syria
The events are: -
Truck Pull
Yoke Race
Car Flip
Log Lift
Farmer’s Walk
Atlas Stones
After Spain, “The next stage will be a week after, in London at Wembley Arena, with the new World Champion Zydrunas Savickas!” Mostert said. “I’m very happy we are able to do a first SCL in England, especially in London. We’re sure it will be a big success!”
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Finnish Grip Championships
As I predicted the former WSM did NOT win but did place 3rd (not too shabby). Ironmind reports:
Juha Harju had the winning grip in Finland over the weekend. Janne Virtanen and Timo Tuukkanen are relatively new to grip strength contests, but are having fun and making their presence felt. The top lift on the IronMind Rolling Thunder was 90 kg. Juha Harju set a new Finnish record on the European pinch grip device, lifting 100 kg. Three competitors closed the IronMind Captains of Crush No. 3 Gripper; and Janne Virtanen set a new world record on the double overhead deadlift on the Apollon’s Axle with a lift of 215 kg (beating Andrew D's current effort).
Placings
Juha Harju had the winning grip in Finland over the weekend. Janne Virtanen and Timo Tuukkanen are relatively new to grip strength contests, but are having fun and making their presence felt. The top lift on the IronMind Rolling Thunder was 90 kg. Juha Harju set a new Finnish record on the European pinch grip device, lifting 100 kg. Three competitors closed the IronMind Captains of Crush No. 3 Gripper; and Janne Virtanen set a new world record on the double overhead deadlift on the Apollon’s Axle with a lift of 215 kg (beating Andrew D's current effort).
Placings
- Juha Harju
- Timo Tuukkanen
- Janne Virtanen
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Sunday, 4 October 2009
The new World's Strongest Man is...
Big Z!! It's easy enough to find out the rest of the results sufficent to say that coming into the last day there was 0.5 points between Mariusz and Zydrunas. Many strength affectionados have been saying for some time that Big Z was the man but since the IFSA spilt etc had not had a chance to prove it. Sufficent to say there are many much happier fans this morning. Perhaps not too many in the USA where the noise from the Poundstone camp pre WSM was loud and then during the event were a little quieter. Derek himself seems to have enjoyed his time in Malta from the many facebook photos I've seen.
Image Loz preps for the Apollon's Axle (155kg or so)
For me, co-owning what is called the Whey Gym (we've never actually formerly named it, it;'s just our gym in the warehouse) this years WSM has been all about seeing how well my buddy Laurence Shahlaei would do. It's worth reminding everyone that Loz, as he is sometimes known, has not been doing the sport a great time. It's a matter of... what?? 5 years?? Year one was 'let's see if I am any good'. Year two 'do well in a regional qualifier' - job done. Year 3 'qualify for the Britain's'... job done. Year 4 'make the podium'... out by one spot (4th not 3rd) but he still got an invite to the 08 WSM and won the squat. Year 5 and he said 'I'd like to make the finals...' Well there he damn well was. Again with a squat win (only athlete in the qualifying rounds to do all the barrels).
Loz boat pull.
One day he'll say 'I want to win the World's Strongest Man'. When he says that... I'll be seeing if the local bookies will take a dead cert bet for me.
Loz car deadlift
The photos are from a bunch on Facebook showing some highlights of Loz's journey this year.
Loz with Derek Poundstone
Friday, 2 October 2009
GMV video of Arnold Strongman
GMV's weekly newletter just arrived and the best preview is the Arnold Strongman clip
Thursday, 1 October 2009
WSM Fingals fingers
From SDF (unconfirmed): Big Z (Zydrunas Savickas) has just set an almost unreal 28 seconds (yes that's correct) on ALL of the Fingals Fingers
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