So I mention yesterday my intention to, if need be, crawl over the road to do my best to break the world record (David's 115-kilos effort) with a target of 117-kilos. Now David and I, both in posting and via a chat on MSN had talked about my idea of retiring from competition following the Euro's in August.
David said, quite truthfully, that I might find it difficult to give up the competition scene come the time. So it was a little amusing (deffo eyebrow raising) to see a declaration of his intent to, and I quote, ''If you break my record, I will take it back, and very quickly. My training lifts right now are very strong''. Now if David is, as he says, capable that's all well and good. But I've also been thinking of the idea that at some point one has to give up the idea of a record never being broken by anyone else.
With the rare exception most records end up being broken. It is the lot of a former record breaker to see someone come along and take your record from you. It is what it is. If David has it in him to do more, then great, the bar gets raised and those that follow have some more kilos they need to add to their bars in order to beat him. But at some point David, myself and any other wanna-be record holder will have to take it on the chin. Our records will fall.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
World of Grip awards
So David Horne has posted up his World of Grip awards and put some suggestions of his own. I'm doing ok with a few votes. But some of the guys must think it's a 'who do you LOVE the most' comp cos they're putting up names of guys who asses I WHIPPED. I mean Paul Knight, who is a great easy going guy and a good gripper man - have no doubt, I whipped his butt but good. Gabriel Sum, again a guy and a good all rounder, but I won 4 of the 5 events last time we met and Sam Solomi beat him on the other. Now my German buddies might love him but did he beat me? No. So what the hell??
And one guy chose Jedd Johnson as his best newcomer for 2009. Jedd is probably the US's best pincher, number 3 as an all rounder in the US and has been helping to hold as well as compete in the US nationals since, what, 2004?? So a new comer?? What are ya - morons??
Only cos I can't vote for myself did I add Chad Woodall, Andrew Durniat and Gabriel Sum for my top 3 in 09. Otherwise it have been a toss up between Chad and I for the first 2 spots then Andy with Gabriel in 4th.
All this is without getting into those that forget which country some of the guys come from - clue Sam Solomi is from Devon, England ya numpty!!
And one guy chose Jedd Johnson as his best newcomer for 2009. Jedd is probably the US's best pincher, number 3 as an all rounder in the US and has been helping to hold as well as compete in the US nationals since, what, 2004?? So a new comer?? What are ya - morons??
Only cos I can't vote for myself did I add Chad Woodall, Andrew Durniat and Gabriel Sum for my top 3 in 09. Otherwise it have been a toss up between Chad and I for the first 2 spots then Andy with Gabriel in 4th.
All this is without getting into those that forget which country some of the guys come from - clue Sam Solomi is from Devon, England ya numpty!!
Monday, 2 November 2009
Offering up old news as new
And this weeks favourite is a combination of 'BSN under fire' and 'news' about CEE (Creatine Ethyl Ester).
The BSN part relates to a story from February where someone filed a paper accusing BSN of making false claims about a form of Creatine they said was in one of their products. The result of which was they couldn't prove it even existed as they described it. So only 10 months old... do keep up people.
The CEE part relates to it degrading into a waste product, Creatinine, in solution VERY quickly. Far, far more quickly than mono. So even those products with bells and whistles added will do the same. You'll get more from the additives than from the CEE. This news is from... 2007!!
Both snippets came from the Brink Zone.
The BSN part relates to a story from February where someone filed a paper accusing BSN of making false claims about a form of Creatine they said was in one of their products. The result of which was they couldn't prove it even existed as they described it. So only 10 months old... do keep up people.
The CEE part relates to it degrading into a waste product, Creatinine, in solution VERY quickly. Far, far more quickly than mono. So even those products with bells and whistles added will do the same. You'll get more from the additives than from the CEE. This news is from... 2007!!
Both snippets came from the Brink Zone.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
What Steve did last night
Saturday
PM... as in 9.32pm or so. Just back from the 'Kingfishers Got Talent show' were I was a guest 'artiste' (on just before last years winner). Well what a shocker! It was amazingly professional. All 200 seats sold out, people standing down the sides, a full PA and professional lighting system... you get the picture. Combined with 3 local faces acting as Ozzy, Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden, 2 very good MC's and a little stage crew I was worried my 'put it together as you go along' plan was going to look absolutely rank. I need not have worried.
The 'talent' was very, very enjoyable. A great little rock band, a dance group, a Kate Bush impersonator, more dancers, more singers... all much better than whatever I'd imagined. I was due to go on before the youngster winner from last year (there was a youngsters winner and an adult winner) while the crowd voted for their favourite.
A quick word with the MC's about rolling the bell out and milking it as though it weighs a ton (was in fact a Baby Inch, a thick handled 53-kilo / 118lbs dumbbell), some background rock music and there help working the crowd... BOOM!! I rocked!!
I made sure to the get the crowd behind me with a 'wow, how good has it been thus far and you've all been great... don't let down cos I'll need your strength to get me through the act... he he' Baring in mind my back was aching even with painkillers right up to the walk on stage and then... nothing cos I was in the zone! I had the kids come to the front with a 'who wants a souvenir??!!' and bent a few nails to get them and the crowd going (usual ahhs for the kids he he), then broke (so much easier when the buzz and adrenalin is pumping) and tore 3 Argos Catalogs in twain. I then milked a one hand lift, either hand, of the dumbbell, then a clean pull to my chest and finally 'but only if you cheer loud enough' (much waving at crowd and me shouting like a stabbed bull 'C'MON!!!!!!!!!) I then pick it up, drop it and catch it in the same hand before it hits the ground, then switch hands (by throwing it across) and do the same with the left (also lets one side and the other of the audience see what you're doing). Huge cheer and me buzzing all night ha ha.
After wards I signed an autograph (on a portion of the catalog), bent loads more nails (inc one which made my palm bleed but that only made it seem harder - it also meant if I clapped the winners my hand got all bloody ha ha) and even posed for a photo or two with a special needs girl.
Gavin, one of the lads I coach, did me a huge favour of dropping off and picking up and taking back of the dumbbell etc. Cheers Gavin. All in all a good night and I think they liked it. As IFBB pro Lee Powell won it last year they must like zee muscle ha ha. Icing on the cake was a little gift back which include a bottle of Newcastle Brown which you know will not be touching the sides (as indeed the first Bitter already done did not ha ha). Pizza and Ben & Jerries will end the night nicely.
The 'talent' was very, very enjoyable. A great little rock band, a dance group, a Kate Bush impersonator, more dancers, more singers... all much better than whatever I'd imagined. I was due to go on before the youngster winner from last year (there was a youngsters winner and an adult winner) while the crowd voted for their favourite.
A quick word with the MC's about rolling the bell out and milking it as though it weighs a ton (was in fact a Baby Inch, a thick handled 53-kilo / 118lbs dumbbell), some background rock music and there help working the crowd... BOOM!! I rocked!!
I made sure to the get the crowd behind me with a 'wow, how good has it been thus far and you've all been great... don't let down cos I'll need your strength to get me through the act... he he' Baring in mind my back was aching even with painkillers right up to the walk on stage and then... nothing cos I was in the zone! I had the kids come to the front with a 'who wants a souvenir??!!' and bent a few nails to get them and the crowd going (usual ahhs for the kids he he), then broke (so much easier when the buzz and adrenalin is pumping) and tore 3 Argos Catalogs in twain. I then milked a one hand lift, either hand, of the dumbbell, then a clean pull to my chest and finally 'but only if you cheer loud enough' (much waving at crowd and me shouting like a stabbed bull 'C'MON!!!!!!!!!) I then pick it up, drop it and catch it in the same hand before it hits the ground, then switch hands (by throwing it across) and do the same with the left (also lets one side and the other of the audience see what you're doing). Huge cheer and me buzzing all night ha ha.
After wards I signed an autograph (on a portion of the catalog), bent loads more nails (inc one which made my palm bleed but that only made it seem harder - it also meant if I clapped the winners my hand got all bloody ha ha) and even posed for a photo or two with a special needs girl.
Gavin, one of the lads I coach, did me a huge favour of dropping off and picking up and taking back of the dumbbell etc. Cheers Gavin. All in all a good night and I think they liked it. As IFBB pro Lee Powell won it last year they must like zee muscle ha ha. Icing on the cake was a little gift back which include a bottle of Newcastle Brown which you know will not be touching the sides (as indeed the first Bitter already done did not ha ha). Pizza and Ben & Jerries will end the night nicely.
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
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
And those going through to the WSM finals are
Debby the gold envelope please... (sounds of a drum roll)...
- Shaw (USA)
- Big Z
- Poundstone (USA)
- LPJ
- Pudzianowski (POL)
- Pfister (USA)
- Terry Holland (UK)
- Loz Shahlaei (UK)
- Travis O (USA)
- Dave O (USA)
Worlds Strongest Man
I think Loz's group compete again today doing their last 2 events before the finals. Will Loz continue kicking ass or, more sensibly, hold back a little saving what he needs for the finals now he's qualified. The competitor in me says I'd crack on but my sensible head says... careful, play the game.
Updated... an article on Creatine 'wot' I wrote
Some time back and frustrated by daft questions on the odd forum I wrote this article I updated it today to cover 'bloat'.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
The pose that helped Jay do the business
And not even an actual pose but a transition (between one pose and the next):
Loz looks like he's qualified
Update: From his brother harry ''loz won both his events today, and has made the final with 2 events to go, said all the british guys are doing well!''
World's strongest man 2009
Latest news...
SDF has the news from day 2... first event: Squat. Not only has he placed 1st in his group but our very own Laurence 'Lozza' Shalaei was the only athlete to do all the barrels! Go SHAHLAEI!
SDF has the news from day 2... first event: Squat. Not only has he placed 1st in his group but our very own Laurence 'Lozza' Shalaei was the only athlete to do all the barrels! Go SHAHLAEI!
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Olympia Strongest Man
Highlight thus far must be the log. With Ironmind reporting thus: Five athletes succeeded at 400 pounds while Van Hatfield and Scott Weech were the only two athletes to get 440 pounds!
So far so good...
Strongman
A text message via his brother Harry 'H' Shahlaei has Laurence S in second place on his first event (medley) and via SDF and Ironmind it looks like Loz got a 1st on the second event - Truck Pull.
Oh yes... as Loz predicts so it becomes. This years was 'to make the final 8'.
Bodybuilding
And in the el numero event of the year, the Mr Olympia, its proving equally as exciting with no one a clear winner. I've never seen so many 'well I think it...' and they be so different. That said everyone's agreeing on two things 1) Jay Cutler has brought his best game to date as has 2) Branch Warren.
A text message via his brother Harry 'H' Shahlaei has Laurence S in second place on his first event (medley) and via SDF and Ironmind it looks like Loz got a 1st on the second event - Truck Pull.
Oh yes... as Loz predicts so it becomes. This years was 'to make the final 8'.
Bodybuilding
And in the el numero event of the year, the Mr Olympia, its proving equally as exciting with no one a clear winner. I've never seen so many 'well I think it...' and they be so different. That said everyone's agreeing on two things 1) Jay Cutler has brought his best game to date as has 2) Branch Warren.
Friday, 25 September 2009
The Whey Consortium: Going back to our roots
Nigh-on ten years ago the Whey Consortium was formed with the vision of providing consumers with easy access to the highest quality, unflavoured protein powders in bulk and at unbelievably competitive prices.
It is inarguable; we were THE FIRST to do this, no ifs or buts!
Indeed, nobody can lay claim to selling unflavoured whey in bulk to retail customers longer than the Whey Consortium; our pedigree - as many MT members know - is beyond reproach!
With this in mind, we thought it might be fun to shake things up and create a little resonance similar in fashion to that caused when we hit the scene for the first time all those years ago.
Our flagship product was always bulk Whey Protein in bags, which is why we have chosen this promotion as the manifest expression of that desire to 'get back to our roots'.
To this end we present: 'Vector'
Vector is: 10KG of unflavoured and instantized WPC80%; Vector is cold processed and of THE highest quality; Vector is rich in BCAA's and has nothing added - no flavours, no sweeteners, nothing!!
If you are looking for an unadulterated Whey Protein of the highest quality to assist in both the fuelling of and recovery from your toughest workouts, Vector is the product you need.
At £67.50 for 10KG INCLUDING P&P the price is also good enough to eat!
If your order is placed by 11am it will go out the same day using a 24hr delivery service*
It is inarguable; we were THE FIRST to do this, no ifs or buts!
Indeed, nobody can lay claim to selling unflavoured whey in bulk to retail customers longer than the Whey Consortium; our pedigree - as many MT members know - is beyond reproach!
With this in mind, we thought it might be fun to shake things up and create a little resonance similar in fashion to that caused when we hit the scene for the first time all those years ago.
Our flagship product was always bulk Whey Protein in bags, which is why we have chosen this promotion as the manifest expression of that desire to 'get back to our roots'.
To this end we present: 'Vector'
Vector is: 10KG of unflavoured and instantized WPC80%; Vector is cold processed and of THE highest quality; Vector is rich in BCAA's and has nothing added - no flavours, no sweeteners, nothing!!
If you are looking for an unadulterated Whey Protein of the highest quality to assist in both the fuelling of and recovery from your toughest workouts, Vector is the product you need.
At £67.50 for 10KG INCLUDING P&P the price is also good enough to eat!
If your order is placed by 11am it will go out the same day using a 24hr delivery service*
Meet the Olympians and press conference
Photo this page of an inshape Ronny Rockel. Now that's a back.
How daft am I. This morning I was all 'so why no pre-judging yet?'. That's cos it's today d'uh!! Anyway... now I've woken up. I watched the MD video of the conference (Branch Warren's legs... ouch...but in a good way) and there's some photos online too. Check out the new boy Martin... grainey, nasty, nasty :D
Flexonline photo gallery (13 pages of about 20 shots a page or so)
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Dennis James
I wanted to post this yesterday but had problems loading it. Anyway... thanks to IB on MT (all sounds like coded slang eh? LOL) here's a few days out one of Dennis J (I hope he looks the same on stage).
Marcus Ruhl
Interesting clip, if not for the mighty German's physique lacking the qualities of a Mr O top 6 but more for the other possible contenders in the gym at the same time (near the end). Video
NB: note the large screen format and crystal clear resolution. That's a good way to go.
NB: note the large screen format and crystal clear resolution. That's a good way to go.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Fingers crossed for the Brits
To all the British lads but esp locals Laurence Shahlaei at the WSM and Lee Powell in the 202 class Mr Olympia - best of luck lads.
Now that's a tricep
MD keeps knocking out the last minute videos to keep the heat on. Today's is Victor Martinez's arm workout one week out. Check out the depth of tricep in this screen grab. Video here
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Worlds Strongest Disabled Man competition
Gemma Taylor sent a link via facebook to a nice longish video of an Icelandic event. I'm not so sure it's a full on 'worlds' but it's still good. NB: It's in Icelandic
Link
Link
Branch Warren training legs a few days out
MD has a video of Branch doing his last Metroflex leg session pre the Mr O. Check out this video grab image. Video here
Jay's showing his hand
As of yesterday morning Jay Cutler has put some photos up on his facebook page (21ooo+ friends). Here's one (dated as being uploaded on the 17th):
There's another more recent but it's a little squashed looking.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Olympian Poker
Someone described, just today, the antics of the Mr Olympia pros as 'they're playing poker'. Usually by this time we'd have seen the 'two weeks out', 'one week out' photos of many of the top 10. Thus far all the photos and videos have been covered up. Just today I saw a 'Jay Cutler 5 days out' thread on RX and there he is with about 4-inches of forearm on display. LOL.
Fingers crossed all the lads look mind blowing come the weekend.
Fingers crossed all the lads look mind blowing come the weekend.
Sunday, 20 September 2009
US Grip nationals results
Top three:
- Andrew Durniat.......47.9867931
- Jedd Johnson........47.2273675
- Dave Thorton.......45.11916427
Andrew placed behind me at Chad's event in the summer and Jedd behind him so the above shows the same positioning. I've not yet met Dave and think he's close to my age. Groupings of the rest of the scoring are quite tight.
Apparently Jedd, like me, was a few inches off a new WR 2HP but grabbed the US record and Andrew had another go, having won with 455, at 470+ on his axle record. Gripper numbers were down on the Chad Woodall event numbers. I was also kinda glad no one got close to my weaver stick record the winning weight being almost 5+ lbs less (13.5 against my 17.85lbs WR lift.... yaaaa go me LOL)
One of my grip buddies holds back planes
Tommy Heslep in the news: http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=91265
Saturday, 19 September 2009
US Grip Nationals
Today I have mostly been watching this: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/us-hand-strength-championship-2009
Friday, 18 September 2009
Thursday, 17 September 2009
October/November magazines
Your monthly dose of what's on the shelf or available by subscription.
Muscle & Fitness
Flex UK
Muscle & Fitness
Body Fitness
Powerlifting USA
Muscle Mag International
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
An explosion in Blog Views
Muscle Strength and Power News has only been going a few months and I added the counter (page bottom) a few weeks ago. Now I'm sure when I last looked we were around the 2000 views or so...
So imagine my surprise when I see it's now 12000++!!! It's very easy to fake said counters. On many, before you add them, you can pre-set the starting point. I did not. It was dead on zero and yeah I'm sure I was viewing it (mostly following me posting) many times a day. But it's gone crazy these last 10 days. That's a 1000 hits a day.
Thank you all very, very much.
So imagine my surprise when I see it's now 12000++!!! It's very easy to fake said counters. On many, before you add them, you can pre-set the starting point. I did not. It was dead on zero and yeah I'm sure I was viewing it (mostly following me posting) many times a day. But it's gone crazy these last 10 days. That's a 1000 hits a day.
Thank you all very, very much.
Former WSM champ to compete in grip competition
According to Ironmind: ''Janne Virtanen confirmed his entry to the Finnish Open Grip Strength''. Info previously posted has the events as
- Rolling Thunder
- Europinch
- Captains of Crush
- Apollon's Axle Deadlift
The structure will follow a strongman comp with the top 8 after the first two events going through to the finals. From personal experience I know that WSM level guys have great grips but not necessarily enough all round grip strength to win. That's without specialized training... with... another story.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Win strength related goodies and help a good cause
Mark R, on David Horne's forum works with a charity which helps stroke victims. With the knowledge we have of grip training and so rehab work it's been cool being able to help people out. Both David and I have worked with people locally in this way and the charity I'm hoping you'll support does this full time. So please Click me, read, buy ticket, maybe win??
Olympia Strongman Championships
So Muscle & Fitness arrived today via WH Smiths and somewhat confusingly states that Derek Poundstone and 2 other buddies who are listed as competing in WSM are competing in this one. Err no. They're deffo in the WSM (confirmed by both sites). That said the best of the rest in the USA will be in Vegas September with the would be Mr Olympia contenders as part of the Mr O weekend.
Monday, 14 September 2009
UKBFF King Khan dominates
Thanks to IB on the MT site for putting them up and Giles Thomas (photographer) and his uk-muscle.com site. Zack did the business winning the heavyweights and overall at 280lbs
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Gustavo Badell wins over all
In a blinding return to previous form (only metioned this week on RX Muscle's radio show) Gustavo pulled pass Troy Alves and Hidetada Yamagishi to win the pro division of the Atlantic City 2009 event
In the 202 Class James 'Flex' Lewis's gamble of one show, one chance to qualify paid of as he is now on his way to the Olympia. Well done.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Fighting talk
In more ways than one (MMA anyone??). Mariusz Pudzianowski says 'it's on' or words to that effect. IM report
Denis Wolf
If you're sneaky this vid of Denis training legs at 288lbs bodweight a day or so ago gives an insight into how he might look come the Olympia. Check out his forearms, veined and muscular - click me.
Atlantic City Pro 2009
Literally last chance for some to get in the Oympia. The main problem is keeping their condition for 2 weeks. Results when they're in.
Friday, 11 September 2009
Icelands Strongest Women
You can't knock Gemma's ability to get publicity. Here she and what looks like the rest of the 20 girls competing this year are filmed and interviewed by the main Icelandic new channel.
CLICK
CLICK
Kevin Levrone
Amazing. Go check out his http://levronereport.com/ blog and see what he looked liked when he started back, his drug tests and so on. He's a responder for sure.
GMV clip of the week
I actually chose their 2nd option today as it's from a video I own: Steve Chrighton's Hardcore Hellhole Workout. I've watched the original video a few times and it's always been worthwhile. Click me
Grip stuff on eBay
Cue slightly smug look on my mug (face for the Yanks reading). A very nice customer brought an RB 'Secret Weapon' (based on the equipment used by Joe Kinney) and an RB Squat Harness (not on eBay but a deal was done). Providing the bank, eBay and paypal don't screw me too much I may make a few pennies on what was a nice little sum.
I sell the RB Gripper line (not much stock left so hurry) and have just added Robert's 'X-Gripper' machine and the afore-mentioned 'Secret Weapon'.
The X-machine is still on sale (I can get more as well as the rest of the range) as are the grippers.
X-machine
Grippers
I sell the RB Gripper line (not much stock left so hurry) and have just added Robert's 'X-Gripper' machine and the afore-mentioned 'Secret Weapon'.
The X-machine is still on sale (I can get more as well as the rest of the range) as are the grippers.
X-machine
Grippers
Must be a slow news day
So I'm still waiting on some results (pull yer fingers out FFS!!), the Olympia is in 2 weeks and as yet no sign of the 'look at me a few weeks out photos' (other than those I posted).
So that might explain why Flexonline are having a pose off comparison between one athlete not competing and one which is. Hopefully in a few days it'll all heat up.
As for today... Kai Greene has renewed his Muscle Meds contract (hopefully for more wedge). Thus far that's it.
So that might explain why Flexonline are having a pose off comparison between one athlete not competing and one which is. Hopefully in a few days it'll all heat up.
As for today... Kai Greene has renewed his Muscle Meds contract (hopefully for more wedge). Thus far that's it.
Wipe the damn bench!!
If it's hot and your sweaty... wipe the damn bench and equipment when you're done. Romano rages: HERE
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
New WSM website
From Ironmind: IMG just made a lot of World’s Strongest Man fans happy, as their new website has been launched.The new WSM website features 2009 World’s Strongest Man event details, athlete profiles, an online store and much more.
WSM Site They also have some fun shirts featuring such as 'who's the daddy', 'Viking Power' and then such shirts as 'worlds strongest dad' and 'worlds strongest man in training'.
WSM Site They also have some fun shirts featuring such as 'who's the daddy', 'Viking Power' and then such shirts as 'worlds strongest dad' and 'worlds strongest man in training'.
John Romano and Dave Palumbo interviews
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Flavoured whey 5-kilos now £47.99
In Whey Consortium news today we announced the lowering of the price on our flavoured 5-kilo tubs from an already great £49.99 per kilo tub inclusive of P&P (UK mainland) to a new low, low price of £47.99 (same conditions as before).
With 5 flavours to choose from (Banana, Choc, Vanilla, Strawberry and Wildberry aka 'Fruits of the Forest') what are you waiting for??
Go direct by clicking HERE and order before we change our minds.
With 5 flavours to choose from (Banana, Choc, Vanilla, Strawberry and Wildberry aka 'Fruits of the Forest') what are you waiting for??
Go direct by clicking HERE and order before we change our minds.
Ministry of Muscle TV
One of Southern England's 'proper' gyms (by that I mean hardcore not fitness orientated) has a nice little website. This week they've gone all 21st C on us and added what's called 'Ministry of Muscle TV'. Two full episodes (each in two parts) are now up. Click HERE to watch.
Monday, 7 September 2009
Britains Strongest Man u105k
Hear the sound of me slapping ny head... that's cos it's next weekend and not the date I had it listed under. As Homer says 'D'oh!'
Anglian Bench Press Championship 2009
As usual results not up yet (I downloaded a score sheet but it's not been filled out LOL) but... they did have a live streaming video of the event and you can watch a reply of the clips: HERE BE VIDEOS
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Cullhampton - events and results
- LOG LIFT - rising weight, starting at 90kg on our giant 18" dia log. Scored - Max weight obtained, last man standing.
- DEADLIFT - 240kg deadlift on Oly bar, ( will be truck tyres on bar and competitor stood on platform ). Scored - max no of reps in 90 Seconds.
- CARRYING MEDLEY - Will be a mixture of beer barrels, Large blue barrels, and Fork truck tyre drag. Scored - distance over time.Break For Lunch.
- ARM OVER ARM VAN PULL - Vito sized van pulled up hill by rope, arm over arm. Scored - distance over time.
- STONES / BARREL LOADING - 4 Items to be loaded onto platform. Scored - items loaded over time.
1st Marek Piewiszko - 47 pnt
2nd Ross Stone - 40 pnts
3rd James Vince - 37 pnts
4th Kieran Clarke - 34 pnts ( countback )
5th Chris Lowe - 34 pnts ( countback )
6th Richie Allen - 33 pnts
7th Jason Cater - 19 pnts
8th Chris Morgan - 15 pnts ( countback )
9th Aaron Myatt - 15 pnts ( countback )
10th Sam Horne - 13 pnts
Well done to 'Polish Mark' (Marek) on his win who came to train at the Whey Gym twice in the last two weeks along with Sam Solimi. Picking up pointers, no doubt, from our man Loz.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Troy Alves - it's on!!
Troy is upping the game. Following Tony Freeman's stirring the S**t video (talking game) check out the highlights from Troy's forthcoming DVD: Video
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