Bodybuilder Kai Greene has hinted at a comeback in the past but there are no plans in place as of now.
Kai Greenehas not taken the stage competitively in over half a decade but has kept his physique in great shape. During the Sheru Classic Pro India over the weekend, Greene took the stage as a guest poser.
Greene has not competed since 2016. He built a successful career due to his insane size and conditioning. Over the course of his career, Greene won the Arnold Classic three times and created an on-stage rivalry with Phil Heath. He finished as the runner-up in the Olympia three times but was unable to win the Sandow Trophy.
Greene received a special invitation to compete at the 2017 Olympia but he declined. Since then, rumors of a comeback have swirled but Greene has not announced either way. In March, Greene claimed that he had “never officially retired” and that “anything is possible.”
Kai Green is featured in the Generation Iron documentary, Kai, which takes a comprehensive and official look at the life and career of the bodybuilding legend. The film can be watched here.
Greene wore a mask and long jacket when taking the stage in India. The theatrical performance entertained the crowd while Greene showed off his recent progress in the gym. This fit into an idea brought up by Lee Priest recently.
Earlier in the month, Priest brought up the idea of doing an “Olympia-themed showdown” with Greene on stage. The two continue to train hard in the gym and could return to the stage in a unique way. The thought process for Priest was for him to be a superhero while Greene played the role of a villain. This would bring a bit of theatre combined with bodybuilding.
It is unknown if Kai Greene will take the stage competitively again but this guest posing appearance showed that he is still in great shape. If nothing else, it is an idea that has floated around and Greene has even commented on. Fans will continue to wait to see if there is a show that Greene commits to competing in.
Everything you need to know about BULK’s pre-workout for advanced muscle growth and powered training.
When it comes to training, a lot of times you may lack the motivation and energy to get yourself into the gym, let alone through an entire workout. While sleep is one of the best options for giving yourself energy, it may not always be enough. When that happens, there are some great pre-workout supplements available and that come in handy to give your the energy to start pumping some iron. One of our favorite choices for pre-workouts is Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout.
Transparent Labs PreSeries BULK is backed by science with clinically effective dosages to increase muscle size and mass. This pre-workout is perfect for reducing fatigue, aiding in muscle growth, and boosting energy levels for better overall performance.
We tested many products from Transparent Labs, which is a Utah-based supplement company that features two of our favorite pre-workouts, “LEAN” and “BULK.” While Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout is more so for people trying to cut, BULK Pre-Workout focuses on helping to put on muscle mass, while giving you energy to get through your workouts. The way BULK is specifically formulated to help bodybuilders gain muscle mass is through a patented blend of amino acids and testosterone support. We broke down the entire ingredient list below so that you can see what’s really going on with your pre-workout powder to help you with your training.
Transparent Labs stand firm on their commitment to full-label transparency, hence the name of the company. Every single ingredient in their supplements, even the flavoring and sweetener, is listed in exact doses so you know you’re getting precisely what’s on the label (and just as importantly, nothing that isn’t on the label). All Transparent Labs products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility that is certified current good manufacturing processes (CGMP) and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Transparent Labs is on a mission to help consumers make smarter choices about what they put in their bodies so they can reap the benefits of quality supplements that are backed by scientific research and clinical studies. Most importantly, they can be confident that each bottle of PreSeries BULK is free from impurities and tested before being put on the shelf.
Main Takeaways
Great for muscle growth and bulking for advanced and powered training.
19 active ingredients that are clean and effective.
No artificial additives, coloring, or preservatives.
PreSeries BULK Highlights
PreSeries BULK features 20+ grams of 19 active ingredients per serving (30 servings per tub) and absolutely no artificial food coloring, no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, no fillers, and no body-taxing chemicals that do nothing but detract from workout performance. Instead, PreSeries BULK is naturally flavored and sweetened with stevia, making it a sugar-free, vegan-friendly pre-workout formula that differs from other pre-workout supplements. This pre-workout is designed specifically for athletes, bodybuilders, and gym-goers who want to pack on lean muscle mass, maximize muscle cell volumization, enhance blood flow and muscle pumps, and increase strength.
WATCH: Check out our official GI review highlights of Transparent Labs BULK pre-workout above!
Ingredients
Citrulline Malate: Can improve strength, aerobic performance, and muscle endurance. May also raise nitric oxide levels in your blood (1).
Beta-Alanine: May improve exercise and aerobic performance and training volume while also increasing strength (2).
Branched Chain Amino Acids:BCAAS can increase muscle growth and muscle protein synthesis and decrease soreness while working for your benefit with less muscle breakdown and improved muscle endurance (3).
Betaine Anhydrous: Works to reduce fatigue and encourage muscle growth while aiding in intense workout for less next day muscle soreness from intense exercise (4).
L-Theanine: Can take away some side effects of caffeine and may reduce anxiety and stress (5).
Caffeine Anhydrous:Caffeine can increase energy and focus for better workouts while raising your level of alertness (6).
L-Norvaline: May work for increased cardiovascular support while promoting growth, muscle mass, and recovery.
Bioperine: Can increase absorption of these ingredients so they work more effectively for your gains.
Orange, Green Apple, Sour Grape, Blue Raspberry, Tropical Punch
Best Way To Take
Mix 1 scoop with 16-24 fl. oz. of water 20-30 minutes before your workout.
Price, Flavors, and Effectiveness
When it comes to BULK Pre-Workout, this is a great pre-workout formula and supplement to increase lean mass, improve cognitive function, work for those muscle building goals, reduce muscle fatigue, and change body composition, all in efforts to improve overall exercise performance. With six delicious flavors to choose from, you won’t grow bored of the taste.
Flavors include: Lemon Lime, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch
Pros
Great benefits for increasing muscle growth and physical performance
Clean, honest, and transparent label and pre-workout formula
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
Premium priced option
Only available directly from their website
Price: $49.99
Who Should Buy & Who Shouldn’t Buy
Who Should Buy: Those looking to bulk and see an increase in muscle mass. Also, those looking for a stim driven formula with plenty of great ingredients.
Who Shouldn’t Buy: Those who want to cut or slim down. Also, those sensitive to caffeine who may suffer unwanted side effects.
What To Consider Before Buying
Before buying your pre-workout, there are some important factors to consider.
Amount Of Stimulants
Pre-workouts tend to be driven by stimulants, like caffeine, which provide for great energy and focus. However, for some people, stimulants may not be exactly what you are looking for because you can suffer from those unwanted side effects.
Added Ingredients
Aside from stimulants, you want to look for those added ingredients that may help with caffeine jitters, enhance performance, reduce soreness, and a host of other benefits that can assist with your gains.
Flavors
Your pre-workout should taste good too and looking to great flavors can be a game changer for those goals. With great flavors, that are preferably from natural sources, you won’t grow bored with your product.
Price
Supplements can get expensive, but with the right product it is possible to get quality while it still being affordable. Be sure to look at price and price per serving to compare to get the best option.
Check out our list of the Best Pre-Workouts and see where Transparent Labs BULK landed!
Overall Value
Transparent Labs BULK is an excellent choice based off of the formula alone to improve strength and physical performance. The fact that it tastes good, is available in many flavors, and is not the most expensive formulation is just icing on the cake and this Bulk pre-workout review hopefully has changed your mind on this supplement. What you’re really getting is a high-quality and transparent pre-workout designed to improve strength, performance, and aid in your desired physique. Try Transparent Labs BULK today and see what this can do for all your gains.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Transparent Labs and Envato
References
Perez-Guisado, J.; et al. (2010). “Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relives muscle soreness”. (source)
Hobson, R.; et al. (2012). “Effects of B-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis”. (source)
Negro M.; et al. (2008). “Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system”. (source)
Hoffman, J.; et al. (2009). “Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue”. (source)
Owen, G.; et al. (2008). “The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood”. (source)
McLellan, T.; et al. (2016). “A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance”. (source)
That dense look you desire is all dependent on muscle density.
For those of us who lift big and seek a massive physique, muscle density is something that cannot be overlooked. Despite our complete drive for that increase in size, what we visually seek may not be the absolute best goal for us. Have you ever been in the gym and the guy next to you is massive, huge, lifting some serious weight?
And then you look at yourself at you’re not as massive, not as huge, but you’re lifting the same amount of weight? This is muscle density and while this guy next to you may have the aesthetic you want, it’s a great thought to know that, in theory and principle, you’re stronger.
When it comes to certain strength sports, muscle density is an absolute must have. Powerlifting and Strongman athletes need to feel as though they can lift and push and pull and squat anything and everything that comes their way. Bodybuilders seek that well-rounded, perfectly sculpted physique, but what makes those muscles pop is vital for their success. Ultimately, the goal is to increase strength and size and luckily for us, the two are more than possible.
With muscle density being so important, let’s dive into it. From what it is, to the difference between muscle density and muscle mass, to how to build it, we’ll cover all the bases so you can start prioritizing what you need to do to really start to succeed.
What Is Muscle Density?
Muscle density is the amount of lean muscle tissue that your body has in comparison to the amount of fatty tissue. The more muscle tissue, the more dense of an appearance and structure the muscle takes on. With more density, this means the muscle fibers are stronger, allowing you to produce more power than larger muscles that may not be as dense. Essentially, muscle density is about the strength of the muscle. And by getting rid of excess fat that may be buried in between the muscle fibers will only enhance the level of muscle density you ultimately have (1).
Difference Between Muscle Density & Muscle Mass
While muscle density is about strength and the amount of lean muscle compared to fatty tissue, muscle mass tends to refer to the sheer size of the muscles. So, we’re talking here about strength versus size, or for our purposes, muscle density (strength) versus muscle mass (size).
Let’s take a look at hypertrophy, or muscle growth, to really understand how muscle density and mass work and what we can expect. Two types of hypertrophy exist that will hopefully help us break this debate even further: sarcoplasmic hypertrophy and myofibrillar hypertrophy.
Myofibrillar hypertrophy is another way of saying muscle fiber growth, which in turn is another way of saying increased muscle density. What happens with this is the muscle fibers become enlarged through the multiplication of myofibrils which equate to strength, speed, and power, respectively. Through working out and lifting, these fibers must increase in density as they recover, thus leading to that valuable increase in muscle density (2).
Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy is the increase in muscle size, or for our purposes, muscle mass. The volume of the muscle cell fluid increases, boosting the literal size of the muscle cell but not adding any strength or density. For many bodybuilders, this is what we’re looking at unless they prioritize strength and size, instead of one over the other (3).
Why Muscle Density Matters
Muscle density matters because that is your muscle strength. Your sheer ability to get stronger and see the gains you want most are all dependent on how you work muscle density. It can be easy to get caught up in being the biggest, the one with the absolutely bulging biceps or popping pecs. But muscle density allows for better sport specific movements, can increase your chances at seeing great PRs, and will ultimately win out over just muscle mass any day, for your ability to lift big is how you grow (4).
How To Build It
Here are some tips to get you started and help you build that valuable muscle density.
1. Lift Big But Lift Smart
Always look to increase the weight more than you had previously before. This will really pay off as you start to build more and more of those muscle fibers looking for them to grow. Just be cautious that you lift within the realm of what you can do to avoid injury.
2. Resistance Training
Placing the proper amount of resistance on your muscles is vital for fiber growth and the right amount of overload can really work to get those muscle dense.
3. Diet & Supplementation
For your dietary routine, something like a low-carb diet will work to get rid of that excess fat around the muscles. This is partly why the ketogenic diet is so popular. But don’t forget to use the right supplements and really work to push only the highest of quality supplements into you before, during, or after a workout (5). Something like a protein powder, pre-workout, or BCAA supplement will work wonders for all phases of your workout.
Featured Supplement
It is important to supplement with the right products in order to increase muscle density and really boost all your strength goals. This creatine from Transparent Labs is an awesome product to help you get there.
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is clean and effective for tackling all of your strength building needs. With no artificial additives or preservatives, what you get is pure creatine with added HMB for better strength.
Although one of the more expensive creatine supplements available, Transparent Labs creatine is well worth the price and is one of the best creatine products for pure creatine. It has no added artificial flavors, fillers, preservatives, or coloring, which means the body isn’t wasting energy metabolizing useless chemicals — just pure creatine. Transparent Labs creatine is infused with HMB, or β-Hydroxy β-Methylbutyrate, which has been proven to increase muscle strength and lean body mass while decreasing fat mass. At a good price, this is a one of the best creatine products to buy for athletes.
Price: $39.00/ 30 servings
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off! Check out our individual review for Transparent Labs StrengthSeries Creatine HMB here!
When it comes to building muscle density, also know as our strength, it is important to really put an emphasis on that depending on our goals. While muscle mass and our literal size may be the end goal, muscle density will prove to pay off in the long run for us as we seek to lift as big as possible. Don’t neglect muscle density and the path to get there because it will change your fitness goals for the better.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Miller, A. E.; MacDougall, J. D.; Tarnopolsky, M. A.; Sale, D. G. (1993). “Gender differences in strength and muscle fiber characteristic”. (source)
Damas, Felipe; Angleri, Vitor; Phillips, Stuart M.; Witard, Oliver C.; et al. (2019). “Myofibrillar protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy individualized responses to systematically changing resistance training variables in trained young men”. (source)
Roberts, Michael D.; Haun, Cody T.; Vann, Christopher G.; Osburn, Shelby C.; Young, Kaelin C. (2020). “Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy in Skeletal Muscle: A Scientific “Unicorn” or Resistance Training Adaptation?”. (source)
Wang, Ling; Yin, Lu; Zhao, Yue; Su, Yongbin; et al. (2021). “Muscle Density, but Not Size, Correlates Well With Muscle Strength and Physical Performance”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Samson Dauda showed off his insane physique during the 2023 USA Fit Games.
The 2023 Arnold Classic champion hit the stage for the second time since March and looked freaky in doing so. Samson Daudaappeared as a guest poser during the 2023 USA Fit Games in Dallas over the weekend and shared that he is currently 327 pounds.
While on stage, Dauda showed off a massive and conditioned physique that continues to improve since his victory in Columbus. Ever since the Arnold, Dauda has been gaining respect around the division as a true threat to the Olympia crown.
Dauda also appeared as a guest poser in April during the 10x Ben Weider 2023 bodybuilding competition. His victory in March was the result of some serious work that has been put in over the last two years.
Dauda has burst onto the scene in recent years, most notably during the 2019 Chicago Pro. Dauda was always slowly improving and eventually made bigger splashes in 2021 with a top three finish at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro and the Arnold Classic UK.
The Men’s Open division continues to improve with new talent each year. Dauda now leads a charge of new bodybuilders that can contend for the 2023 title.
Image via Instagram @samson__dauda
Samson Dauda’s Insane Guest Posing Appearance
The 2023 USA Fit Games took place in Dallas on Saturday. Dauda shared an Instagram post showing off his guest-posing routine while sharing his current weight of 327 pounds.
Hadi Choopan was crowned Olympia champion back in December and will return this year to defend his title. This year’s group has a chance to be even deeper than last year and Dauda leads the charge.
Recently, Dauda spoke on his confidence level against other competitors. He believes that he has what it takes to make a big jump this year during the biggest show of the year.
Derek Lunsford finished as the runner-up to Choopan in his first show in Men’s Open after making the switch from 212. Dauda defeated Nick Walker during the Arnold and this will be a battle to watch come the Olympia.
Samson Dauda continues to improve his physique and his recent guest posing was proof of that. Now, he can continue to work over the course of the summer to prepare for the Olympia in November.
Here are the full results from the 2023 Sheru Classic Pro India! Four new qualifications for the 2023 Olympia
The 2023 Sheru Classic Pro India took place on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at the Pragati Maidan in Delhi, India. There was a total of four divisions with athletes fighting for qualification to the 2023 Olympia. The winners included Vahid Badpei in Classic Physique, Andrei Melnikov in 212 bodybuilding, Bhuwan Chauhan in Men’s Physique and Jil Meret Schmitz in the women’s Bikini division.
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 Men’s 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.
2023 Sheru Classic Pro India: All Division Winners
Martyn Ford continues to follow a bulking diet while at 360 pounds.
It is no secret that bodybuilder Martyn Fordis massive. The British fitness star has used his massive physique to land many roles on the big screen where he can show off what progress he has made in the gym. In a recent interview, Ford shared that his diet plan can sometimes consist of eight meals and 10,000 calories if he is bulking, along with many supplements.
Ford has built an incredible social media following due to his insane size. Prior to bodybuilding, Ford played professional cricket. It was clear that he possessed great athletic ability and was able to use it in many ways.
The 6-foot-8 behemoth also gave boxing a try but never officially stepped in the ring. He was scheduled to take on Sajad Gharibi, knows as the Iranian Hulk, but the match was cancelled due to concerns over Gharibi’s mental health. While training for the match, Ford lost about 60 pounds. The insane body transformation kept Ford shredded while showing off a slimmer build.
Ford, who has training in MMA, has added more size but has maintained his ripped look. Because of his size at 6-foot-8, 360 pounds, the diet plan for Ford has to be large, especially when bulking.
Martyn Ford Discusses Food Sources During Diet
Martyn Ford sat down with Escape Fitnessto discuss many aspects of his life and career. The topic of his diet plan came up and Ford broke down what foods he prefers.
“My appetite is ridiculous and I’m very carb-sensitive so like sweet potato, oats, rice. I could do three or four thousand calories in a meal easily, if I am not careful.”
Ford continued to discuss how a bulking diet can consist of eight meals and 10,000 calories. The diet changes depending on his goal but if Ford wants to add size, the sky is the limit on what he can eat.
“I’m still doing 4,500 calories dieting so it’s nice because it’s normal. Whereas I’m bulking, if I want to put some size on, I’m up to eight, nine, 10,000 calories.
A typical not training for anything day would be oats an eggs for breakfast. Rice cakes, cottage cheese, fruit, Greek yogurt snacks, nuts, snacks, and then sweet potato, salmon, steak, rice, potato chips but made myself in the oven.”
When packing in this many calories, Martyn Ford is able to do so around the clock and can fit in up to eight meals.
“Just generally, that kind of food is where I’m staying at. About eight meals a dal easily. When I’m growing, I can easily go up to eight meals a day. I’ll wake up starving and eat twice in the night.”
Ford ended the conversation by sharing the supplements that he takes. While bulking, he does not use any as a meal replacement but prefers protein shakes and greens following a workout.
“The big ones that I’d always lean on to will be glutamine, creatine, aminos. If I’m bulking, I’ll have a carb drink intra, post, and then isolate whey. Again, only after I workout. I would never replace food if I don’t need to with a protein shake.”
It is not uncommon to have aches and pains after a workout, soreness can be a sign of a great workout, but can be a nuisance. However, with the right CBD pain relief cream, that soreness may not be as much of an issue.
Many times, we put the work in in the gym, but that is where it stops. Once we’re done in the gym we are done with the workout. Far too often do we neglect the fact that recovery can equally improve our gains for the better, as this is where the muscles will grow back bigger and stronger, but allowing time for recovery also helps work towards relief. CBD pain relief creams are a go to option for you can apply directly on the affected area to target relief and muscle soreness. But, which one do you choose? Checkout our recommended CBD pain relief cream and balm below.
Recovery Defined
As stated above, recovery is one of the most important aspects of training, as it is where the a good portion of progression takes place, and there are many forms of it to be done. Stretching, light cardio, and using other forms of recovery are great, however, the right supplement has the ability to transform your gains for the better, as well as provide you with some quality pain relief. The best CBD pain relief cream for your muscles and joints, especially after a workout, will improve your physical health and performance for better physical upkeep.
What is CBD?
For those of you that are not exactly sure what CBD is, let’s break it down. Cannabidiol, (CBD), is the second most prevalent active ingredient in marijuana, the first being THC. CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana and it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory. CBD is one of hundreds of components in marijuana and it will not cause a “high” without the other ingredients.
How Does CBD Help Recovery?
Now, you may be wondering how CBD helps with your pain relief and recovery. When it is put into a pain relief or cream, many think that the CBD will stimulate your body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively to block and reduce pain. Studies that have tested CBD for chronic neuropathic pain find that it brings multiple benefits to the table. Benefits include:
Reduction of the intensity of pain
Aid in sleep
A decrease in the psychological effects that pain can bring.
Due to the benefits it can bring, CBD is a growing industry and these products have grown in popularity ten-fold. This almost directly results in so many supplements companies now working to produce high-quality CBD supplements, but what you will find is that there are so many options that are just junk. While it is certainly good for you to have tons of options to choose from, it is also daunting because finding the right one takes diligence and research, and most importantly they cost money, which you do not want to waste.
We’re here to help you explore the best CBD pain relief cream for muscle soreness and joint recovery so those post-workout needs are taken care of.
Venga CBD comes in with their Recovery Balm, which is an all-natural, beeswax-based topical CBD for muscles and joints. It is perfect for recovery after your grueling workouts, whether you are a weightlifter, powerlifter, bodybuilder, or average gym goer. The bottom line is that when you go through resistance training, you need to prioritize recovery, and when you use Venga CBD Recovery Balm, your muscles and joints get targeted relief.
Venga also leaves you with an enhanced soothing feeling you can’t find with ordinary salves. Vega has managed to pack in an incredibly potent dose of CBD into their 1oz and 2oz sizes, which helps give athletes a powerful means to treat body discomfort.
The go-to solution for enhanced recovery and quick relief, Venga CBD Recovery Balm is the perfect answer to help with things like:
Experiencing relief from the stiffness and reduced mobility that can occur after a prolonged or intense period of exercise
Finding comfort in common pain areas such as the lower back, neck, shoulders, and hips
Venga CBD products are also thoughtfully designed to address other common issues you may face after training, such as joint discomfort which includes swelling in areas like the knees, wrists, ankles, and hands
Alleviating discomfort associated with common conditions such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and tendonitis
Price
When it comes to purchasing a product, price certainly is a big deciding factor. Many times, you will see CBD pain relief creams that are outrageously priced, but Venga CBD Recovery Balm comes in relatively fair. There are two options to choose from:
1 oz: $49.99
2 oz: $85.00
While Venga CBD Recovery Balm may not be the cheapest product on the market, you are getting a quality CBD pain relief product that has helped thousands of athletes with their recovery, they even have a five star rating. When you want something quality, chances are the prices will be a little higher, but you have to keep in mind that this is also a product that is cheaper than a lot of other options out there.
Pros
Quality CBD recovery product
Designed for athletes
Targeted pain relief
Cons
Premium priced
Our Verdict
No review would be complete without our input, and we were fortunate enough to be able to try Venga CBD Recovery Balm for a good period of time. After the intense training sessions our team endures at the Generation Iron Training Facility, there is no doubt that we are sore for a few days after. However, out of all of the recovery products we tried, Venga CBD definitely is one of our favorites.
We experienced a soothing feeling and pain relief almost immediately, so we have no complaints. Another thing worth mentioning is there is not a weird smell that you might get with other CBD pain relief creams or balms; Venga CBD Recovery Balm actually smells pretty good. This is one product we highly recommend to get the most out of your recovery.
CBD FAQs
Are there any side effects?
Most people have a well received reaction to CBD, and all THC is removed from Venga CBD Recovery Balm, so you do not have to worry about that.
Can I pass a drug test using CBD?
With Venga, all THC is removed, so you will not have any illegal substances in your system. You also can travel anywhere in the US with it.
When will it work?
Most people notice results within a day or two, but use it consistently for the best results.
CBD Pain Relief Cream Wrap Up
There is no doubt that recovery is important, and CBD is an option that is growing in popularity. With so many CBD pain relief creams, balms, and gels on the market, it can be hard to choose which one is right for you. Our team at Generation Iron can firmly recommend Venga CBD Recovery Balm, and for many good reasons.
Isenmann, E., Veit, S., Starke, L., Flenker, U., & Diel, P. (2021). Effects of Cannabidiol Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Regeneration after Intensive Resistance Training. Nutrients, 13(9), 3028. (Source)
Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. (Source)
Argueta, D. A., Ventura, C. M., Kiven, S., Sagi, V., & Gupta, K. (2020). A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 561. (Source)
Chris Hemsworth and Arnold Schwarzenegger train together.
Popular actor Chris Hemsworth recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of training with his idol legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Extraction 2 and Thor star posted about their training encounter while in Brazil for a Netflix fan event.
Following in the footsteps of action stars before him, Chris Hemsworth has been hard at work diversifying his filmography. Hemsworth has appeared in multiple Marvel films and is set to appear in the action-packed sequel to the Netflix hit Extraction.
When he’s not filming a blockbuster action film, Chris Hemsworth is hard at work in the gym either bulking up to play Thor or pushing his athleticism to the next level to portray characters like Tyler Rake in the Netflix original film Extraction. Hemsworth has shown time in again that he’s a major advocate for fitness. Creating his fitness app Centrfit, Hemsworth hopes to help individuals become their best selves, physically, and mentally.
Like Chris Hemsworth, Arnold Schwarzenegger has a long history of advocating for fitness. A seven-time Olympia champion, Schwarzenegger cemented himself as one of the all-time greats of the sport. After dominating the bodybuilding scene, Schwarzenegger would set his sights on Hollywood next. Making the switch to acting saw Schwarzenegger release a myriad of high-grossing films from the 80s into the 2000s. Schwarzenegger would eventually set his sights on politics where he would become governor of California.
Thor Meets The Terminator
With both famed actors contracted with Netflix for multiple projects, Chris Hemsworth and Arnold Schwarzenegger recently collaborated in a hilarious video. The video promoted their current major projects on the steaming platform Extraction 2 and FUBAR.
While making the rounds for a Netflix fan event, Chris Hemsworth and Arnold Schwarzenegger had the opportunity to train together. Posted on Instagram, Hemsworth was ecstatic about the opportunity to train with one of his heroes, Schwarzenegger.
In the post, Chris Hemsworth and Arnold Schwarzenegger stood side by side, likely after their session.
Ya never know who you’ll bump into at the gym! What a dream to train with the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Even Arnold Schwarzenegger commented on the physique of Chris Hemsworth.
“Look at how pumped you are. The delts. The triceps,” wrote Schwarzenegger.
It’s clear that Chris Hemsworth has gained the respect and stamp of approval of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both men are dedicated to fitness and to entertaining others. Two icons, two kindred spirits who have built impressive career resumes while also inspiring those who follow them.
What do you think of Chris Hemsworth training with Arnold Schwarzenegger?
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Ric Flair continues to workout hard and follow a strict diet to this day.
Ric Flairis one of the top professional wrestlers of all-time at any level. After a lifetime of athletic success and keeping his physique in top shape, Flair continues to impress with his workout and diet plan at 74 years old. Recently, Flair discussed how he continues to train to remain in great shape.
Flair was an incredible athlete from early in his life. He was a standout wrestler and football player in high school. He won the state private school wrestling championship in 1966 and 1968. Flair was also recruited to play football by the University of Minnesota.
Flair quickly realized he wanted to create a career in professional wrestling and made his debut in 1972. He bounced around before making his debut in WWE in September of 1991. This is where Flair thrived using his in-ring skill along with charisma and personality on the mic. Flair is recognized as a 16-time World Champion. This consists of being an eight-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and two-time WWF Champion.
After a career that spanned six decades, Flair continues to train at a high level and is open about the programs that he has followed.
Ric Flair’s Training & Diet Plans
In a recent interview from April, Ric Flair shared some of his workout secrets. The legendary wrestler did not miss any days and was determined to get a training session in no matter what.
“I worked out everyday no matter what. If I got up at 4 in the morning, I’d workout at 5. I never missed it.”
A former workout plan for Flair consisted of “500 free squats, pushups, and 30 minutes of cardio” in a session that lasted about an hour and a half.
In July 2022, Flair planned to compete in the ring one more time at the Nashville Fairgrounds. To prepare for his return, Flair used a workout that combined explosive strength and cardio. It looked something like this:
Ric Flair implements a diet plan that is loaded with protein and clean carbs. He has been able to change his ways and described his meal plan in a recent discussion with Men’s Health.
“I used to live by the rule for every pound of bodyweight, you want to have a gram of protein. That’s hard to do. You’d have to eat 20 chicken breasts, two dozen raw eggs a day in the blender. I ate a lot more carbs than I do now.”
Flair explained that he has been able to come up with a new diet plan that is tailored to his goals today.
“I don’t eat much bread. I love pasta but I eat very little pasta and the result of my surgeries I gotta go watch what I eat spicy food will kill me.”
Ric Flair is one of the top wrestler of all-time and it is clear that he continues to train at a high level. While he is not performing in the ring, Flair has shared personal goals involving his cardio and bench press.
“My goal right now is I want to do 10,000 meters on the air dyne bike and I want to bench press 225 by February 25, 24. I want to make sure that as each year goes by, that I can do what I did when I was 23.”
Both drop sets and supersets are two key techniques for breaking through plateaus.
Let us know if this sounds familiar and then we’ll tell you if you need drop sets and supersets. You’re kicking your ass at the gym day after day trying to make a better body for yourself. You put in the work, you push hard, but you suddenly stop making progress. You’re stuck. You’ve hit a plateau.
A training plateau can be one of the most frustrating aspects of bodybuilding. You feel like you lost control. No matter what you do, you aren’t seeing the change that you so desperately desire. You keep working hard, keeping grinding, stick to that rigid schedule but just can’t seem to make it happen. What do you do?
Well, we have two methods that can help you bust through that plateau and start giving you those awesome gains again: drop sets and supersets. We’re sure you’ve heard of these techniques before. They aren’t mind blowing new tricks, but they are an important part of a bodybuilder’s arsenal when you find yourself stuck. Knowing how to perform these and when to perform these, plus knowing just what they can do for your gains will make all the difference in the world.
Let’s talk drop sets and supersets and explain what these two techniques can bring to your workouts and those plateau bursting goals. With the right approach to your training and maximizing the best for your gains, you will better see those training wants and needs for the best results.
What Is A Training Plateau?
A training plateau is when your training stalls out and there isn’t much progress. When we work out, our muscles get used to those exercises over time, so eventually they start to anticipate what’s coming and growth starts to stall out (1). This can be devastating for our gains and will only hurt us in the long run.
If you aren’t one to want to change up your routine totally, although you need to eventually, there are ways to sort of cheat the system that can really burst through plateaus so you see those gains you want most. Here is where drop sets and supersets come into play and these will work wonders for you as you look to break plateaus and increase muscle growth and overall gains.
Drop Sets & Supersets For Busting Through
It’s time to talk drop sets and supersets. As two of the most effective ways to burst through a training plateau, these will work wonders when added to your routine for the best gains and overall results.
Drop Sets
So, let’s say you can’t seem to move up in weight anymore. You push and push but always seem to hit failure within a work set. What do you do? Drop sets are a great way to keep stressing your muscles and increasing your strength so you continue to push and push past that plateau (2).
Drop sets are a technique where you drop weight after you reach failure during a particular exercise and continue to add reps to the workout. For example, let’s say you hit failure with dumbbell shoulder presses at 10 reps. Drop some weight and then do 10 more reps. Then after that, drop a few more pounds and do another 10 reps. What this does is keeps the muscle working, but since it was to failure, you need to drop weight so you can actually lift the weight.
This way, even if you hit your limit, you can keep pushing further and further until even the slightest amount of weight is killing you. And by doing this, you can continue to push yourself without sacrificing form, keeping your workout safe and allowing you to continue to grow even when all hope seems lost.
There is no specific or magic number to drop when you perform this technique. The key is to be able to drop enough weight so you can complete another set to the point of almost failure. By constantly pushing yourself, constantly stressing your muscles, and hopefully constantly breaking past that plateau you will see better results so come training and competition time, you will tackle any and all of those wants and needs.
Supersets
Does your workout consist of a traditional body part training split? Are you starting to hit that wall? Then maybe it’s time to start incorporating supersets into your routine. A superset consists of pairing two movements that normally work opposing muscles (deadlifts and squats for example) and the point is to complete one set of each exercise one after the other without rest to create one “superset.”
Supersets are nothing new and anyone familiar with hardcore exercising should already know what it is. But maybe you aren’t including them in your workout. If you’re stuck, maybe you should reconsider.
Supersets are great at getting a pump, when your muscle tissue becomes so filled with blood that your muscles literally look like they are about to explode. All bodybuilders want to gain that pump and a superset is the perfect way to get it. You can also save time in your workout because you are limiting rest and allowing yourself to just plow right through any workout (3).
A superset will get every last bit out of your muscles in a workout. It will take you to new levels and hopefully push you past the limits that have been preventing you from making progress in the gym so you see the best results possible.
Wrap Up
When it comes to your training and performance, drop sets and supersets are exactly what you need to see the best gains possible. By working to eliminate any muscle confusion, and take down those dreaded training plateaus, these two approaches to training are perfect for seeing the best gains possible. You work hard inside and out of the gym and should be rewarded for all that hard work. Place drop sets and supersets into your routine today and see how these can transform your results.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
Frontiers (2016). “Overcome strength-training plateau with accentuated eccentric loading”. (source)
Schoenfeld, B.; et al. (2018). “Can Drop Set Training Enhance Muscle Growth?”. (source)
Weakley, J.; et al. (2017). “The effects of traditional, superset, and tri-set resistance training structures on perceived intensity and physiological responses”. (source)
