Brett Wilkin explained his issues that will keep him out of the 2023 Olympia.
Men’s Open bodybuilder Brett Wilkin announced on Monday that he will not compete during the 2023 Olympia. The decision to pull his name out of the Mr. Olympia competition came due to digestive issues that have caused him to lose weight and impact his overall prep for the show. Coming in with low enough body fat and a good amount of muscle mass is crucial, and something like gut health can really affect the prep process.
Wilkin burst onto the scene quickly in the biggest division in bodybuilding. During the 2022 Arnold Classic, Wilkin finished sixth and continued to improve following the show. This year, Wilkin was victorious during the Big Man Weekend Pro. This victory earned him a spot in the 2023 Olympia but he will not be competing and will begin to prepare for the 2024 year.
Wilkin took to Instagram to explain how he came to this decision.
“This is going to be one of the harder videos I’ve ever had to make before. It took the last few days to bring together and actually talk about it with the decision. With that being said, I will not be competing at the Mr. Olympia here in four weeks time.”
Brett Wilkin explained how he has been dealing with gastrointestinal issues and that was the reason he decided to pull out of the show. His body was not responding the way it should be at this time and it led to problems internally.
“The body was not responding as it should be from the get-go. I had some earlier red flags and just kind of hid that and that progressed into me not being able to keep food down, keep meals down. I was vomiting a meal or two a day, which then I would try to replace. I was nauseous, I was dizzy and paired that with some unwinding diarrhea issues as well, that I was hiding and dealing with those by myself.”
The overall issues that Brett Wilkin was dealing with began impacting his results in the gym as well.
“To push through the training that was going bad, my bodyweight dropped. I think I lost 15-17 pounds in the last two weeks.
My body was fighting me. I was getting no response in the gym. It came to a breaking point, kind of an ugly breaking point where I had to address it with, not only Matt and the people around me, we made the decision to back off everything involved in the prep. I haven’t trained in 14 or 15 days.”
Brett Wilkin will take this time to rest, both physically and mentally. He ended the video by saying he will make his return to the stage with the help of his team and support that he has with him.
“I will be back. This isn’t something that is chronicled, hopefully. The last few days have been better. De-stressing has helped a little bit. I still can’t eat like I want to but I imagine that will get better with time and that’s all I need here.”
Joey Swoll called out a female TikTok user for falsely accusing a man of staring.
Bodybuilder Joey Swoll continues to call for proper gym etiquette and has done so in different ways over the last two years. Recently, Swoll called out yet another female TikTok user for falsely accusing a man for staring while she was stretching on the sidewalk.
Over the years, Swoll has spoken out against âtoxic gym culture.â He has built a successful social media platform where he is able to give a voice to those who do not have the same following. In these videos, Swoll has defended those who have been falsely accused of inappropriate behavior or those embarrassed in any way.
Recently, Swoll’s TikTok video was speaking to a woman who tried to embarrass a man who was not staring at her.
“First off, let me preface this video by saying women are absolutely victims of harassment in society by disgusting men and it needs to stop. But you are not one of them. But what you are is a narcissist. You say this man is staring at you. He’s not staring at you. HE glances at you for a literal second.”
@joeyswoll Instagram
Joey Swoll Defends Man Being Accused By FemaleÂ
Joey Swoll continues to discuss what is happening in the video and claims that the man does not stare but is just minding his own business.
“You’re standing in the middle of the sidewalk, you’re stretching your arms in the air, you have an entire film production set up, and he glances at you as he drives by. You’re in his peripheral. It’s called situational awareness and then you post this screenshot to prove that he’s ‘staring’ at you. But what I find funny is you don’t post the screenshot from a literal second later where he’s not looking at you.”
There are many instances where women are treated inappropriately in the gym. There have been stories surfaced about gym employees who called a woman and left strange messages or men approaching women in an unnecessary way.
According to Swoll, this woman was not treated inappropriately and is doing a disservice to those who are actual victims.
“You posted this man’s face, his work truck. What if he loses his job? What if he can’t support his family? What if he can’t put food on the table? All because you want to feel like a victim on social media together attention.
And you know what the worst part of this is, this video is a slap in the face to women that try are victims. You need to do better.”
Kali Muscle has nothing against steroids but believes there are consequences to actions.
Kali Muscle is a former bodybuilder who has completely changed his lifestyles. He has been off anabolic substances for years and has revamped his diet as well. Recently, Kali talked about the current state of bodybuilders and how there are consequences to actions.
Kali was a great athlete at a young age and burst onto the scene in bodybuilding in 2009. He showed off an insane physique with great size and conditioning. In 2010, Kali had a goal of turning pro and added even more size once he got the right coaching. This is when he began using more and more steroids to fine tune his physique. In 2021, Kali suffered a heart attack that was caused by a clogged left artery.
Since then, Kali has spoken out against the use of steroids and bodybuilding as a whole because of its habits. He has warned others about the dangers of certain supplements and continued to do so while sharing his experiences.
During a recent video, Kali continued to talk about the use of steroids in bodybuilding.
Kali Muscle: “Motherfuc*ers Can’t Breathe”
Kali Muscle is a former bodybuilder and knows all about the use of steroids, and he is very open on the topic. He has personal experiences to back up his thoughts.
With the current state of the Men’s Open division, Kali enjoys watching athletes like William Bonac and Andrew Jacked. Despite his feeling on steroids, he is not “knocking” anyone who uses them but believes there is a price to pay.
“Hey, ain’t nothing wrong with it. If you ain’t tripping on dying. I ain’t knocking it. See, that’s where everybody thinks I’m knocking it. Like, I’m knocking them not eating healthy or knocking them being on roIds. I don’t Give a f*ck honestly.
It’s fun to watch. I like William Bonac. I like watching Andrew Jacked. Motherf*cker can’t breathe. I was one of them but my thing is just know every dog has its day. There is a price to pay for all that does ungodly stuff.”
Kali Muscle suffered a heart attack and since then, he has come to terms with death. This is a topic that he has discussed and continues to preach his message.
“You’re going to have a price to pay. Do you know what I mean? It’s as simple as that, bro.”
“I came to terms with death. We all are going to die. It’s like me, when I go fly on the plane, I used to be frightened of getting on the airplane. Scared to death, right. I get on that and I’m scared and finally, I had an epiphany. I think I had a drink. I had an epiphany, guess what? If this plane Goes down, everybody going to die. That’s how I deal with death.
Wrap Up
Overall, many people criticize Kali Muscle over his take on steroids, as they say he is hypocritical for it. What do you think?
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is one of the cleanest proteins on the market.
With so many protein powders and supplements on the market, how do you know which one will give you the most gains while also not breaking the bank? There are many different factors to look at when choosing the correct protein powder, and Transparent Labs checks a lot of the boxes with their Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Let’s break it down.
Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Overview
Transparent Labs prides themselves on their commitment to transparency and it shows on their label, in their products, and with each review. The ingredients are listed to precisely what is on the label, and nothing is hidden for the consumer. With each product manufactured in the highest quality facility in Utah that is certified current good manufacturing processes (CGMP) and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), their products are pure and reinforced by third-party tests to uphold that idea of transparency with this high-quality grass-fed whey protein.
They are led by a team of experts in sports science, public health, exercise physiology, and nutrition, Transparent Labs ensure that what you put in your body will not only benefit how you look, but also how you feel. You can be confident in that this 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate will be everything you need and more. With high quality ingredients, great flavors, and a reputable company in Transparent Labs to back all of these claims, this protein is exactly what youâre looking for to see unbelievable muscle growth and a solid change in body composition from a top tier 100% grass fed whey protein isolate.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, boasting a great formula for a top protein powder. With nothing artificial added, this is a clean protein that is easier on your stomach.
Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Whey Isolate is undoubtedly one of the best proteins on the market. Their 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is the perfect protein-by-weight ratio at 88%. With 28 grams of protein per 32-gram scoop, hitting your daily protein marks has never been easier. The all-natural ingredients ensure no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives ruin this great product and with protein being an essential part of the muscle building or weight loss process, no one needs the added junk to spoil their hard work from their supplements and this protein powder is no different.
RELATED: See where Transparent Labs ProteinSeries Whey Isolate landed on our Best Protein Powders list!
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate Highlights
At 120 calories per one 32-gram scoop, it is packed with 28 grams of protein and only one carbohydrate ensuring you stay full while recovering and keeping those gains going. Sourcing directly from American cows, their whey only comes from 100% grass-fed diets for this product, keeping your body free from steroids and hormones.
Your classic flavors like French Vanilla and Chocolate Peanut Butter are mixed with fun additions like Cinnamon Pastry and Salted Caramel, making this product almost too good to be true.
Designed to supplement a healthy diet post-workout, this product is great for gym-goers seeking to bulk up, athletes seeking to pack on lean muscle and strengthen muscle tissue, or anyone looking to shed a little weight. You will notice that this product will increase lean body mass, strength, and muscle size, while also aiding in recovery. With just four simple ingredients, Transparent Labs has produced a whey protein isolate that will help you and one you are sure to love.
Benefits to 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder
Like eating a piece of 100% grass-fed meat, grass-fed whey has many health benefits. Studies compared milk from grain-fed cattle to that from grass-fed cows and found the omega-3 fatty acids were four times more in grass-fed cows.
Raised in a more traditional manner of free roaming, the quality of meat from these cows is far superior to those stuck in a lot. Having a high-quality grass-fed protein source is incredibly important when looking to enhance lean muscle and help your body with everything it needs to absolutely succeed from a high-quality protein for support.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a powerful nutrient proven to increase fat metabolism in your body. Grass-fed cows had roughly 3-5 times the amount of CLA than grain-fed cows and while this is proven to improve muscle strength and endurance, it has been noted to lower the risk of diseases by enhancing the bodyâs immune function which makes this an essential ingredient.
Glutathione production is key for it serves as a master antioxidant in the body and protects cells from DNA damage. In athletic performance, free radicals are generated as a result of hard, physical activity resulting in muscle fatigue and lower performance. A stable level of glutathione production will keep these neutral and create a high level of athletic performance.
Benefits To Natural Flavors
By adding natural flavors to their products, Transparent Labs avoids genetically modified and processed products offering both the flavoring and nutritional value you deserve. Natural flavors means that the flavor has come from a spice, fruit, vegetable, herb, root, or a host of other options that come from a plant or animal. Many products get away with calling something ânaturalâ by mixing preservatives in with the original flavor, riding a fine line between natural and ânaturalâ. Transparent Labs stands by their use of no artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives which is a huge plus for this product as well as their whey protein concentrate and other Transparent Labs ProteinSeries products.
Calories
120
Protein
28g
Carbs
1g
Fat
0.5g
Sugar
Less than 1g
Flavors
Cinnamon Pastry, Mocha, French Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon French Toast, Vanilla Peanut Butter
Number Of Servings
30
Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
At a price of $59.99 per 2.25 lbs. tub, this product is reasonable compared to others in the industry. With 30 servings per container and 32 grams per scoop, you do get exactly what youâre looking for in terms of nutrition. With one scoop of this whey isolate protein powder equaling 120 calories and 28 grams of protein, this product will do what you intend for it to do.
There are eight flavors to choose from ranging from traditional to more creative including:
Cinnamon Pastry
Strawberry
Mocha
Chocolate Peanut Butter
Milk Chocolate
Salted Caramel
French Vanilla
Cinnamon French Toast
Vanilla Peanut Butter
Pros
No artificial ingredients and a transparent label
Third party tested for accuracy
Organic and non-GMO
Contains essential amino acids perfect for building muscle
Right amount of protein per scoop per serving
Cons
No digestive enzymes
Premium priced protein powder
Price: $59.99
Overall Value and Wrap Up
The protein to weight ratio is very attractive for this product because as a post-workout supplement in particular, this will pump you full of good grass-fed protein to recover faster and see better gains without any artificial sweeteners that other protein powders may have. At $59.99 USD, this whey isolate protein powder is affordable, tastes great, and mixes well with whatever you desire, whether it be milk, water, or any other substitute to see growth and weight loss from your daily protein.
A complete list of the currently qualified bodybuilders for the 2023 Olympia weekend â plus a breakdown of the requirements.
The 2023 Olympia will take place from Nov. 2-5 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The show will return to Florida after taking place in Las Vegas last year. There is still time for competitors to qualify for the biggest show of the year.
The qualification period began on Nov. 21, 2022 and will end on Oct. 9, 2023. In year’s past, competitors were able to total points over the course of the season and qualify for the Olympia by finishing in the top three. In December, the IFBB announced that this would not be the case in 2023. Athletes will have to win a show in order to punch their ticket to the Olympia, other than Wheelchair.
Automatic qualifications based on the 2022 Olympia are as follows:
Junior Javorski wins the 2023 Musclecontest International Recife Pro!
The 2023 Musclecontest International Recife Pro took place over the weekend in Recife, Brazil with the Classic Physique being put on display.
The Olympia qualification system has changed this year. If an athlete did not finish in the top three in the previous year, or top five in Menâs Open, they will have to win a show to qualify. The points qualification system is no more. Also, former winners of an Olympia title have lifetime eligibility.
The full results from the show have been announced. Below, check out the full breakdown, along with an official scorecard.Â
2023 Musclecontest International Recife Pro Breakdown
CBum is experiencing hunger pains during his cut for Olympia 2023.Â
Embarking on a bodybuilding cutting phase is both challenging and immensely rewarding. It aims to optimize fat loss while preserving hard-earned muscle mass. Typically aligned with competition time, bodybuilders strategically reduce calorie intake to achieve a leaner and more defined physique (1). Let’s examine Chris Bumstead’s Mr. Olympia diet six weeks out from the competition. Generation Iron got an exclusive interview with CBum in his home.Â
To start your cutting diet, you need first to check out how many calories you need to do so. Details like your sex, size, and age affect this. Knowing this will let you know how many calories to consume daily to lose weight, but also retain your hard earned muscle.
Chris Bumstead, the current Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title holder, took to YouTube to share his cutting diet as part of preparations for the competition. In August of this year, the IFBB Pro League raised the weight cap for each class of his division, which means that he has to bring a bigger physique to compete and keep his title.
Full Name: Chris BumsteadÂ
Weight
Height
Date of Birth
230 -264 lbs
6’1″
2/2/1995
Division
Era
Nationality
Classic PhysiqueÂ
2010s – Till Date
Canadian
This video was shared on Bumstead’s channel six weeks after the Mr. Olympia competition. Cutting diets usually lasts 2-4 months, depending on your goals (2). Chris Bumstead’s sub-3000 calorie diet six weeks from Olympia falls in that range. We also include essential tips you can apply when doing a cutting diet.
Generation Iron interviews Chris Bumstead
Chris Bumstead Sub-3000 Calorie Olympia Cutting DietÂ
This sub-3000 calorie diet is very different from the 3500-plus calorie diet we saw Chris Bumstead take during his bulking phase. He explains that some challenges he faces with the change include hunger and nausea when he wakes up. Bumstead has six meals, and here’s a breakdown of what he eats on a typical cutting day.
By blending the ingredients below, Chris Bumstead creates a protein pancake for this meal. He explains that the pumpkin stops the pancake from drying out. He also spices his pancake with salt and cinnamon.Â
While making meal two, Chris Bumstead talks about transitioning from five to six meals to keep his metabolism high and help with cravings. He also says he includes 180-200g of animal protein every meal to ensure he doesn’t lose muscle.
200g of White Rice
180g of Chicken Breast
Baby CucumberÂ
Shredded LettuceÂ
The dressing contains coconut aminos, lemon, and honey Dijon mustard.
Meal 3Â
Generation Iron interviews Chris Bumstead
Protein â 45 grams
Carbohydrates â 40 grams
Fat â 13-18.4 grams
Calories â 360
Meal three is Chris Bumstead’s pre-cardio meal. Research shows that combining cardio with weightlifting and a cutting diet is effective for losing weight and maintaining muscle (3). Bumstead also states that he adds a different condiment to each meal for flavor.Â
180g of Lean Ground Turkey
200g of White Potatoes
Sriracha Sauce
Meal 4Â
Protein â 40 grams
Carbohydrates â 57 grams
Fat â 2.2-2.4 grams
Calories â 434
Chris Bumstead regularly includes baby cucumber and shredded lettuce in his meals. This is good because they are a rich source of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants but are low in calories. Bumstead also takes a shake containing two scoops of Isolate whey powder and one cup of water as a snack. This added about 260 calories and had been frozen overnight and put in an ice cream machine.
200g of Whitefish
200g of White RiceÂ
Baby CucumberÂ
Shredded LettuceÂ
Broccoli Slaw
Mustard Sauce Dressing
Meal 5Â
Generation Iron interviews Chris Bumstead
Protein â 40 gramsÂ
Carbohydrates â 57 grams
Fats â 2.4-4 grams
Calories â 434
This meal almost repeats meal four, but Bumstead removes the Broccoli Slaw.
200g of Whitefish
200g of White Rice
Honey Mustard Sauce
Shredded LettuceÂ
Meal 6Â
Protein â 40 grams
Carbohydrates â 57 grams
Fats â 2.2-4.4 grams
Calories â 434
Meal six is Chris Bumstead’s final meal of the day. He has grilled steak before bed as this helps to reduce your risk of going into a catabolic state where your body burns muscles for energy while you sleep.
200g of Steak
Below is what CBum had in total for the day:Â
Proteins â 331 grams
Carbohydrates â 257 grams
Fats â 31 grams
Calories â 2730
Chris Bumstead’s Olympia Diet Takeaways for an Effective Cut
Generation Iron Exclusive Look at Chris Bumsteadâs Office and Sandow Trophy’s
If you’re getting started on or currently undergoing a cutting diet, here are some tips that you might find helpful.
Eating foods rich in fiber will help you stay fuller for longer. Chris Bumstead has baby cucumbers and shredded lettuce as his fiber sources.
Drink lots of water to keep your muscles and body hydrated. Drinking water also helps to curb your appetite and temporarily increases your metabolism.Â
Combining cardio with lifting weights is effective for fat loss and improves muscle definition.Â
Preparing your meals before time can help you stay on track and maintain your diet. For example, Bumstead freezes his drink overnight to make his protein-rich snack.Â
Avoid sugary drinks. While they contain carbs, they won’t help you meet your protein goals.
Watch the full video of CBumâs diet below:
CBum is looking for his fifth Olympia title. 2023 Olympia will be held Nov. 2-5, in Orlando, FL. Will the champ’s drastic cut pay off? Tune in as we continue to share insight on how elite competitors are prepping for the biggest stage in bodybuilding.
Helms, E. R., Aragon, A. A., & Fitschen, P. J. (2014). Evidence-based recommendations for natural bodybuilding contest preparation: nutrition and supplementation. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 11, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-11-20
Roberts, B. M., Helms, E. R., Trexler, E. T., & Fitschen, P. J. (2020). Nutritional Recommendations for Physique Athletes. Journal of human kinetics, 71, 79â108. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2019-0096Â
Gentil, P., de Lira, C. A. B., Paoli, A., Dos Santos, J. A. B., da Silva, R. D. T., Junior, J. R. P., da Silva, E. P., & Magosso, R. F. (2017). Nutrition, Pharmacological and Training Strategies Adopted by Six Bodybuilders: Case Report and Critical Review. European journal of translational myology, 27(1), 6247. https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2017.6247
Here are the full results from the 2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Bodybuilding Show!
The 2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show took place over the weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria with three divisions fighting for a spot in the 2023 Olympia.
The Olympia qualification system has changed this year. If an athlete did not finish in the top three in the previous year, or top five in Menâs Open, they will have to win a show to qualify. The points qualification system is no more. Also, former winners of a Mr. Olympia title have lifetime eligibility.
The full results from the show have been announced. Below, check out the full breakdown, along with an official scorecard.Â
2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show: All Division Winners
Here are the full results from the 2023 Italian Olympus Pro!
The 2023 Italian Olympus Pro took place over the weekend in Milan with three divisions fighting for a spot in the 2023 Olympia.
The Olympia qualification system has changed this year. If an athlete did not finish in the top three in the previous year, or top five in Menâs Open, they will have to win a show to qualify. The points qualification system is no more. Also, former winners of a Mr. Olympia title have lifetime eligibility.
The full results from the show have been announced. Below, check out the full breakdown, along with an official scorecard.Â
The 2023 Korea AGP Pro took place over the weekend in Gyeonggi State, Korea with the Men’s Physique division on display with a chance to qualify for the biggest show in the world.
The Olympia qualification system has changed this year. If an athlete did not finish in the top three in the previous year, or top five in Menâs Open, they will have to win a show to qualify. The points qualification system is no more. Also, former winners of a Mr. Olympia title have lifetime eligibility.
The full results from the show have been announced. Below, check out the full breakdown, along with an official scorecard.Â
