Warrior Fit Boot Camp Fitness Fun!

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Through my years of personal training and coaching, I’ve trained clients using different rowers like the Hydrow Wave. I cannot begin to tell you how undervalued this type of machine can be. Using a rower provides a multitude of benefits, such as offering a full-body training stimulus and helping you expend more energy than walking on any of the best treadmills. Because this rowing machine closely resembles rowing on water, it shouldn’t be limited to use in the health and fitness industry — even athletes can benefit from training on it. 

The Breaking Muscle staff, which comprises certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and health and fitness writers who have collectively reviewed hundreds of pieces of gym equipment, has completed dozens of workouts on the Hydrow Wave. In this Hydrow Wave review, we will discuss its top features and why it is one of the most uniquely built rowers currently offered. We will also compare it to other great rowing machines, including Hydrow’s original rower and the Concept2 rower. 

Key Takeaways

• The Hydrow Wave rower is built with electromagnetic resistance to help it feel the closest to rowing on water. It has smooth mechanics and is quieter than other types of rowers, like the Concept2 rower, which runs on air resistance.
• This compact rowing machine has great portability. You can transport and fit it into most workout spaces. This might make it one of the best rowing machines for at-home workouts. 
• The Hydrow Wave provides a ton of technological opportunities to elevate your workout from simply rowing to tackling instructor-led workouts on or off the machine.

Hydrow Wave Rower

4.0

• Dimensions: 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H
• Storage: Stores upright
• Resistance: Magnetic
• Weight capacity: 375 pounds
• Display: 16-inch HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

Check Price

Hydrow Wave Pros

• The Hydrow Wave is built with a more compact frame, and its dimensions are smaller than the original Hydrow rower by 30 percent. It is 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches tall and is lighter in weight to make it easier for portability.
• The Hydro Wave has a high weight capacity of 375 pounds. Other rowers, like the Peloton, only hold up to 300 pounds, which puts the Hydro Wave ahead of the game. 
• The Hydrow Wave is easy to store. You can collapse the screen and tilt the rower vertically, and then use a strap to anchor it to the wall using a wall mount you can purchase separately. This helps prevent the rower from tipping over and causing injury. 

Hydrow Wave Cons

• The Hydrow Wave rowing machine starts at around $1,695, which could be a steep price point for some. Hydrow offers financing for as low as $36 a month, but you would have to finance it for about 48 months, which would be a big commitment. 
• To get the most out of the 16-inch monitor, you need to buy the Hydrow subscription plan for around $44 a month. It is not required, but it does give you access to about 4,000 instructor-led workouts. If you don’t purchase this monthly membership, you can only use the rower in “just row” mode.  
• The warranty is free for only the first year. A two-year warranty will cost $150, and a three-year warranty is $200. In comparison, the Concept2 rower includes a five-year warranty for the frame and a two-year warranty for all other components.

Hydrow Wave Rating

Breaking Muscle’s product testers, which include CrossFit coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers, have tested nearly 20 rowers. We analyzed their build quality, portability, warranties, ergonomics, programming options, resistance settings, and the overall rowing experience. After using each rower for several workouts, we rated it according to our proprietary scoring methodology. Below is how the Hydrow Wave scored.

Hydrow Wave Overview

The Hydrow Wave is built for those seeking an upgraded rowing experience. With its electromagnetic resistance system, this top-tier rowing machine provides a smooth ride and a low-impact workout, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a noise-free exercise session. What sets the Hydrow Wave apart is its compact design, measuring at just 80 inches in length. This makes it an ideal option for individuals with limited workout space.

The Hydrow Wave offers access to a vast library of over 4,000 instructor-led workouts through a monthly subscription. These workouts provide engaging and dynamic fitness sessions tailored to your preferences. For example, if you’re short on time, you can take a quick but effective 10- or 20-minute rowing class.

If you’re looking to elevate your fitness routine with a quieter, space-efficient, and technologically advanced rowing machine, the Hydrow Wave could be the right rowing machine for you. In fact, after testing the Hydrow Wave, our product testers called it a true alternative to the Concept2 rower — but we’ll get more into that below.

Who Should Buy the Hydrow Wave

• Our product testers noted that this rower is great for those who want a quiet rowing machine. This machine is built with electromagnetic resistance and is smoother and quieter than a fan wheel rower. 
• This rower should work well for those who want the guidance of on-demand instructor-led workouts. With Hydrow’s monthly subscription, you have access to 4,000 workouts and counting.

Who Should Not Buy the Hydrow Wave

• People who are on a smaller budget might not want this rower. This rower comes in at $1,695, which is cheaper than the original Hyrdrow but also more expensive than the Concept2 rower.
• This rower might not be a great purchase for anyone who wants flexibility with where they work out. The Hydrow Wave has to be plugged into an outlet, which could limit where you place it in your home gym or workout space. 

Hydrow Wave In-Depth Review

Through our research and firsthand experience with the Hydrow Wave, the expert team at Breaking Muscle is here to provide you with all the insight you need to better understand this rowing device. The Hydrow Wave comes with some amazing features and a smaller footprint to help those with compact spaces keep up with their fitness routines. At a better price tag than its predecessor, the Hydrow Wave high-quality piece of cardio equipment that can cater to everybody, from beginners to advanced athletes. 

Price

The Hydrow Wave rowing machine costs around $1,695. This could be a tough purchase to make, especially for those on a limited budget. However, this is a more budget-friendly option compared to the original Hyrdrow, which costs just under $2,500. The difference in price is due to the Hydrow Wave being a smaller machine and having a smaller monitor, which I’ll discuss below. Concept2 offers their rowing machine at a price point under $1,000, but you won’t get the same technological features you’ll find on the Hydrow Wave.  

Materials, Build, and Construction Quality

The Hydrow Wave rowing machine consists of an aluminum and stainless steel frame with a flat anthracite polymer (a type of plastic) body, as well as high-quality polyester webbing that provides a much quieter ride. It is 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches tall. The dimensions make it smaller and more compact than the original Hydrow, which is 86 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 47 inches tall. At 102 pounds, the Hydrow Wave is also lighter than the original Hydrow, which weighs 147 pounds. 

The Hydrow Wave has the same weight capacity as the original Hydrow: 375 pounds. Considering it is a smaller and lighter machine, the fact that it can withstand the same weight proves it is tough and durable. 

Delivery and Assembly

Delivery for the Hydrow Wave is free. Assembly is easy and straightforward and can be done in about nine steps. Based on our research, most people should be able to put it together within 30 minutes.

According to the Hydrow website, professional assembly is an option as well. The assembly fee is around $249, not including taxes. 

Subscription Options

Our staff at Breaking Muscle was impressed with Hydrow’s subscription offerings. With the subscription, you get an immersive rowing experience via a library of guided workouts. The instructors include Olympians and professional rowing coaches, who row through scenic locations like the Thames in London. Our product testers loved the scenic views and called them beautiful. The list of workouts is also growing, and we think it will be hard to get bored with the class selection anytime soon.

The monthly subscription is $44 a month that gets you access to:

• A library of 4,000 live and on-demand rowing workouts that continues to grow
• Yoga, Pilates, and strength workouts
• Incentives through merchandise, badges, and certificates
• Multiple user profiles so multiple household members can use this rowing machine

When you buy the Hydrow Wave, you get a 30-day free trial. If you don’t like it, Hydrow will pick up the rower for free and provide a full refund (minus the professional assembly service if you paid for it).

If you want some of the perks of the subscription but don’t want to pay for the rower, you can look into the Hydrow app that grants you access to their yoga, pilates, and strength training workouts. You just won’t get access to their rowing classes. This app costs around $20 a month.

Included Workouts

There are no included workouts with the Hydrow Wave. Anyone who purchases the Hydrow Wave rower would need to purchase the subscription as well for a better rowing experience.

That said, without a subscription, you can use the “just row” mode. This mode gives you access to:

• Adjustable drag and resistance settings
• On-screen rowing metrics
• Bluetooth connection for heart rate monitors
• “Hydrow 101” videos to get you started

Ergonomics

Our product testers noted that the seat is comfortable, which is a huge deal for a rower. The handles have a smooth texture that our testers also found comfortable, but they noted that it is tough to maintain your grip once you start sweating.

The pedals are 13 inches long, so they should accommodate most foot sizes. We also liked the slightly angled handlebar, which helped keep our wrists comfortable during our workouts.

Another important thing to discuss is the length. The Hydrow Wave is 80 inches long overall (six inches shorter than the original) with a 52-inch track length. The track is long enough to accommodate a 36-inch inseam, the equivalent of someone who is about 6’3.

Bluetooth Connectivity

For Bluetooth connection, Hydrow recommends WiFi. There is an option for an ethernet connection as well. Smart devices like the iPhone, Apple watch, speakers, headphones, and heart rate monitors can connect to the Hydrow.

To measure your progress on the Hydrow Wave, you can also use the Strava app. This app turns every iPhone and Android device into a sophisticated tracking tool that can also be linked to your smart device and Apple watch. 

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Hydrow Wave doesn’t provide a heart rate monitor, but you can link your own heart rate monitor through Bluetooth to track your metrics. This is a great way to measure your effort and monitor your heart rate effectively and accurately. 

Display and Stat Tracking

The 16-inch touchscreen provides a ton of stats for tracking your workout. This display will show your heart rate in beats per minute (if you link a heart rate monitor), calories burned, distance traveled, strokes per minute, and average strokes per 500 meters to help measure your power output. The harder you row, the higher this number becomes to give you some indication of your intensity. This will also help quantify your calories burned based on power output.

Hydrow Wave Rower Specs

Rower Type

The Hydrow Wave rower uses electromagnetic resistance, which makes it a much quieter option than a flywheel rowing machine like the Concept2 rower. This could be a massive benefit if you do not want a disruptive workout session, especially if you live with other people. I am a parent of three children and I must say, the idea of working out with minimal noise is appealing. My children won’t wake up, and I can continue to work on my own health and fitness. 

Overall Dimensions

The Hydrow Wave is 80 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 43 inches high. This is a smaller rower compared to the original Hydrow, which is 86 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 47 inches high. These dimensions help make it a great piece of home gym equipment for smaller spaces. 

Track Length

The track length, or the amount of space you have to extend your legs fully, of the Hydrow Wave is 52 inches. In comparison, the Concept2 rower’s track length is 54 inches. Both rowers are good options for tall athletes. However, the Concept2 rower may be a better choice for those over 6’4 or 6’5.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of this rowing machine is 375 pounds, which is the same weight capacity as the original Hydrow. Even though this rower is smaller than the original model Hydrow, the fact it has the same weight capacity speaks volumes about its strength and durability. 

Resistance Levels

The Hydrow Wave provides various intensities of computer-controlled resistance, from levels 50 to 300. It automatically adjusts based on how hard you’re working.

The Hydrow rowing machine offers a default drag setting of 104, aimed at simulating the experience of rowing on water, which is recommended for most users. It’s important to know that the drag setting is not a generic difficulty setting, and increasing resistance is not always an effective way to improve your rowing workout. Too much resistance could cause you to use non-ideal rowing form that could be detrimental to your workout. 

Electrical Requirements

The Hydrow Wave rower must be plugged into a 110v outlet. This may limit where you’re able to put it, as you must always ensure you have an outlet nearby. It doesn’t offer as much flexibility as battery-operated rowers, like the Concept2.

Noise Level

This rower is built with electromagnetic resistance, which provides a smoother and quieter rowing experience than air rowers like the Concept2. 

Portability

The Hydrow Wave has roller wheels at the front of the machine. It weighs just above 100 pounds, and rolling it on a carpet could be a lot harder than someone with wood floors.

Warranty

Hydrow offers a one-year home use warranty on the Wave rower for free. If you want a two-year warranty, it will cost $150. If you want a three-year warranty, it will cost $200. 

Hydrow Wave vs. Concept2

One of the main differences between the Hydrow Wave and Concept2 rower is that the Hydrow Wave uses electromagnetic resistance while the Concept2 uses a fan wheel to provide air resistance. Another big difference is the price. The Concept2 costs just under $1,000, while the Hydrow Wave costs around $1,695.

The price difference can be largely attributed to the technological capabilities of each machine. The Concept2 has a smaller five-inch monitor that provides basic metrics and can’t provide on-demand workouts like the Hydrow Wave can. However, both rowers provide Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to heart rate monitors and other devices seamlessly. 

Lastly, the Concept2 rower has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, whereas the Hydrow Wave has a weight capacity of 375 pounds.

Concept2 RowErg

4.5

• Frame is made of heavy-duty aluminum
• Ergonomic handlebar and seat
• PM5 monitor comes with Bluetooth capabilities
• Accomodates users up to 6’6 and 500 pounds
• Comes with a limited five-year warranty

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Hydrow Wave vs. Peloton

The Hydrow Wave and Peloton rower have some similarities, one of them being their high-definition touch screens. The 23.8-inch Peloton screen is bigger than the Hydrow Wave’s 16-inch screen though. The Peloton screen can also swivel, whereas the Hydrow Wave is fixed. The swivel of the Peloton screen allows you to do workouts off the rower and be able to easily view the monitor. 

Both the Hydrow Wave and Peloton provide subscriptions for thousands of on-demand instructor-led workouts, and both have a similar price point between $42 to $44.  

While the Hydrow Wave has a weight capacity of 375 pounds, the Peloton rower has a lower weight capacity of 300 pounds. The Hydrow Wave is only 80 inches long while the Peloton rower is 94 inches in length. Depending on your body size, this could also indicate which of the rowers you would purchase. 

The Hydrow Wave comes in at about $1,695. The Peloton is just under $3,000, making the Hydrow Wave a much more budget-friendly choice.

Peloton Rower

4.0

• Dimensions: 7’10” L x 24” W
• Storage: Stores upright with the Upright Wall Anchor (included with purchase)
• Resistance: Electronically controlled
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: 23.8-inch 1080p HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

Check Price

Hydrow Wave vs. Aviron

The Aviron is a unique rower compared to the Hydrow Wave. It is a dual air and electromagnetic resistance rower that can provide a better rowing experience. Both the Hydrow Wave and Aviron provide high-definition monitors through which you can follow guided workouts. However, the Aviron’s monitor is the bigger of the two, coming in at 22 inches. 

For guided on-demand workouts on the Aviron, an all-access membership costs either $24 a month if you pay annually (which adds up to $288 upfront), or $29 per month if you pay monthly. This membership gives you access to 500 workouts, which is less than Hydrow Wave’s 4,000 workouts. But Aviron also provides streaming services, games, and other incentives.

The Aviron is only four inches longer than the Hydrow Wave. It weighs 114 pounds, slightly heavier than the Hydrow Wave which is 102 pounds. The Aviron can hold up to 500 pounds, which is much more than Hydrow Wave’s 375-pound weight capacity. The Aviron is around $2,199, about $500 more expensive than the Hydrow Wave. 

Aviron Impact Series Rower

4.3

• Dimensions: 97” L x 21” W x 43” H
• Storage: Folds in half for storage
• Resistance: Air and magnetic
• Weight capacity: 397 pounds
• Display: 22-inch HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Coached workouts, scenic rows, games, virtual competitions

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Hydrow Wave Customer Reviews

On Amazon, the Hydrow Wave has a strong rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reviewers who left positive marks noted that the machine is smooth, perfectly engineered, and as quiet as described. However, many consumers felt the rower was too expensive. 

On TrustPilot, Hydrow had a higher rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. There weren’t many concerns about the rower itself. The only concern was with Hydrow’s customer service. The user noted that they couldn’t figure out a step and called customer service, but couldn’t get in touch with anyone. They had to reach out via email instead, so they couldn’t get the immediate assistance they were hoping for.

On Hydrow’s website, reviewers loved the size and portability of the Hydrow Wave. They loved how lightweight and easy it was to assemble. They were thrilled that Hydrow provided a cheaper and more compact version of the original Hydrow for customers with smaller workout spaces. 

Final Verdict: Is the Hydrow Wave Worth It?

After testing the Hydrow Wave, our product testers called it a true alternative to the Concept2 rower. The Hydrow Wave rowing machine offers a unique and immersive rowing experience, with electromagnetic resistance that closely replicates the feel of rowing on water. While the price point of about $1,695 may be steep for some, the investment is justified by the exceptional build quality, smooth mechanics, and the option to finance it at $36 per month. 

With a subscription plan at $44 per month, you gain access to a vast library of 4,000 workouts. The subscription makes it an attractive option if you seek on-demand instructor-led sessions. However, be aware of the additional cost of the anchor system required for vertical storage. Also, consider whether you want to invest in the subscription for the full range of features. The Hydrow Wave is an excellent choice for those who value a quiet, space-efficient, and technologically advanced rowing machine, particularly if they have a compact workout space and a budget that accommodates its price.

FAQs

The post Hydrow Wave Review (2023): A Certified Personal Trainer’s Honest Thoughts appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Unlike most of his peers in the Men’s Open division, Derek Lunsford entered the 2023 Mr. Olympia weekend having already experienced the thrill of having a first-place medal put around his neck at the biggest bodybuilding show of the year.

Two years removed from capturing the 212 Olympia title in Orlando, FL, Lunsford made history by becoming the first two-division champion in the history of the Mr. Olympia contest. The USA native emerged victorious from a crop of elite competitors headlined by defending champion Hadi Choopan and 2023 Arnold Classic winner Samson Dauda.

[Related: 2023 Mr. Olympia Results: Complete Coverage and Live Updates]

The battle for the prestigious Sandow Trophy started Friday during the prejudging round of the 59th edition of the prestigious contest. Unsurprisingly, Lunsford and Choopan — who both train with legendary coach Hany Rambod — quickly separated themselves from the rest of the pack with their elite conditioning and sheer amount of muscle mass.

Dauda’s sizable frame and imposing physique also stood out during the prejudging phase. And despite speculation about potentially bowing out due to health issues, 2019 Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry showed well during his latest attempt to climb back to the top of the Men’s Open mountain.

Callout One

• Samson Dauda
• Andrew Jacked
• Hadi Choopan
• Derek Lunsford
• Brandon Curry
• Hunter Labrada

Callout Two

• Hassan Mostafa
• Regan Grimes
• Michal Krizanek
• Tonio Burton
• Charles Griffen
• Andrea Presti

Callout Three

• Phil Clahar
• Theo Leguerrier
• Roman Friz
• Justin Shier

Callout Four

• Andrew Jacked
• Brandon Curry
• Michal Krizanek
• Hunter Labrada

Callout Five

• Hadi Choopan
• Derek Lunsford
• Samson Dauda

The final callout featured a dramatic three-person pose-off between Choopan, Lunsford, and Dauda. All three competitors put on terrific showings, though Dauda appeared to tire a bit toward the end. There was still plenty of anticipation about whether Lunsford could unseat Choopan, who displayed plenty of energy while interacting with the crowd during his routine.

Lunsford appeared to have some luck on his side when he earned the nod from the fans by winning the 2023 People’s Champion title and belt. Not long after taking home the fan-voted award, the 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up etched his place in bodybuilding history books by officially earning the 2023 Mr. Olympia title and $400,000.

2023 Mr. Olympia Results

Here’s how the top five shook out for the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest, along with the prize purse by position.

1. Derek Lunsford — $400,000
2. Hadi Choopan — $175,000
3. Samson Dauda — $100,000
4. Brandon Curry — $40,000
5. Andrew Jacked — $35,000

[Related: Chris Bumstead Claims Fifth Consecutive Classic Physique Championship at 2023 Mr. Olympia]

Proving he’s capable of doing whatever’s necessary to get his body into championship shape, Derek Lunsford deserves tremendous credit for becoming the 18th Mr. Olympia. It took a tremendous amount of dedication, diligent dieting, and intense training to construct a physique that convinced the judges to put Choopan in the No. 2 spot in 2023.

Plus, the fact Lunsford accomplished that feat just two years after he asserted his dominance in an entirely different division speaks volumes about his genetic gifts, work ethic, and mindset.

Featured Image: mrolympiallc / Instagram

The post Derek Lunsford Becomes the First Two-Division Champion at the 2023 Mr. Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Chris Bumstead confirmed he’s still at the top of his class by claiming his fifth consecutive Classic Physique title at the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest on Nov. 4, 2023.

The Canadian native put on a dominant showing in front of the judges and fans inside the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, cementing his case as one of the greatest bodybuilders of his generation.

[Related: 2023 Amateur Olympia Results]

Bumstead’s well-proportioned physique and impressive posing routines helped him edge out an impressive field of Classic Physique competitors that featured strong performances from Terrence Ruffin and two-time Classic Physique Olympia champion (2017-2018) Breon Ansley. Once all the athletes showcased their sculpted shoulders, defined abdominals, and shredded backs, the judges made their first decision:

Callout One

• Jae Hun Park
• Wesley Vissers
• Michael Daboul
• Terrence Ruffin
• Mike Sommerfeld
• Vahid Badpei

Callout Two

• Breon Ansley
• Urs Kalecinski
• Roman Rocha Quieroz
• Chris Bumstead

To no one’s surprise, the final callout saw a familiar face square off in an epic posing battle against Bumstead: Ramon Rocha Quieroz. Coming off a huge victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic, he looked fantastic on the Olympia stage, boasting a balanced physique with no apparent weaknesses. Ultimately, though, the 2022 Olympia runner-up fell short for the second straight year in his quest to unseat Bumstead from his throne.

2023 Classic Physique Olympia Results

Here’s how the top five shook out in the 2023 Classic Physique Olympia division:

1. Chris Bumstead – $50,000
2. Ramon Rocha Querioz — $20,000
3. Urs Kelecinski — $12,000
4. Breon Ansley — $7,000
5. Terrence Ruffin — $6,000

[Related: Major Change to Mr. Olympia Qualification System Will Have Immediate Impact on 2023 Contest]

Speaking with Bob Circherillo on stage after his latest Olympia victory, Bumstead revealed that he tore his lat 10 weeks out from the biggest show of the year. Although he initially had doubts about whether he could overcome the setback, he credited the support of his fiancee, as well as legendary trainer Hany Rambod, for helping him maintain a strong mindset throughout his journey to the Olympia.

Four weeks after suffering his lat injury, Bumstead returned to the gym for his first back workout. Just like he did after getting hurt, he wept.

However, the decorated champion said he shed tears for a much different reason.

“I realized I would not have felt that much joy and gratitude if I had quit,” Bumstead said.

Featured Image: mrolympiallc / Instagram

The post Chris Bumstead Claims Fifth Consecutive Classic Physique Championship at 2023 Mr. Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/

Research of the Week

Lower EPA/AA ratio, higher risk of coronary plaque rupture.

Linoleic acid increases pediatric asthma.

Psychosis patients have lower brain creatine and choline.

Seaweed intake protects against metabolic syndrome in genetically vulnerable Koreans.

Obese kids need more omega-3s and antioxidants.

New Primal Kitchen Podcasts

Primal Kitchen Podcast: The Benefits of Medical Marijuana and Psychedelics

Primal Health Coach Radio: Brian Gryn

Media, Schmedia

Ozempic’s effect on food sales.

Layoffs at Beyond Meat.

Interesting Blog Posts

Golfers are using psychedelics.

Social Notes

Should you look at the scale every day?

Everything Else

Genetic profile of the Medieval Rus.

Insulin resistance increases all-cause mortality.

Things I’m Up to and Interested In

Reminder: Malnutrition can be over or undernutrition.

Not surprised: Teens with knee pain who switch to barefoot shoes experience less pain.

Where have I heard this before?: Two meals a day for type 2 diabetics.

Surprising: Blue light reactivates wound healing.

Every time: Elevated glucose and triglycerides linked to depression.

Question I’m Asking

How has minimalist footwear helped (or hindered) your lower body pain?

Recipe Corner

• Chinese garlic green beans.
• Basic sauteed mushrooms.

Time Capsule

One year ago (Oct 28 – Nov 3)

• The Past, Present, and Future of the Primal Mission—What we’re doing.
• Active Recovery Workouts—Stay active to recover.

Comment of the Week

“Mark is 100% correct.
I’m a doctor and I can assure anyone who might be concerned:

Acquired diabetes (as opposed to being born with Type 1 diabetes), does NOT happen secretly or suddenly like cancer might. (Cancer of the pancreas – the insulin producing organ, might suddenly cause diabetes, but that is cancer).

Acquired type 2 diabetes is very definitely something one can look at day by day and know if one is heading towards it or away from it.
Weight loss, lowered blood sugar levels, lower triglycerides, better exercise tolerance and fitness, are all easy, everyday indications that one is reducing the chances of diabetes, not increasing it.

A glucometer purchased cheaply at a drugstore can give great everyday data re our blood sugar response to food and meals, if it’s a real concern. (Just be sure to read about the normals and parameters so the results can be interpreted correctly).

If one is heading towards diabetes, as evidenced by higher blood sugars, significant weight gain, higher triglycerides, etc, then stopping all red meat is NOT going to help that situation.
Increasing exercise, eliminating all sweeteners and simple carbs, and decreasing caloric intake, WILL improve one’s situation and reverse the trend. It really is that simple for acquired type 2 diabetes.

It is a travesty the way the “survey” studies are taken and discussed the same as real, original, double blind experiments with actual measurements and data.

The problem is the average person doesn’t know the difference and can’t really be expected to sit down and learn that while raising a family and working two jobs.

I would expect more of journalists though, because it’s their job and responsibility to report accurately.
It’s so irresponsible what they are doing here.

And I suspect the vegan mega-industries know that and are taking full advantage. I wouldn’t put it past them to even be paying journalists to report the way they do.
These corporations can’t wait to eliminate real meat and take the markets and profits from substituting fake, manufactured, chemical-filled, proteins.
Grrrrr :^{.”

-Nice message.

The post New and Noteworthy: What I Read This Week—Edition 244 appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

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Ritual Vitamins stand apart from most other vitamins available today for their traceable ingredients, simple formulations, and delayed-release capsules. You might think that vitamins packed with megadoses of micronutrients are the best way to go, but Ritual knows better. Unlike their competitors, Ritual only includes micronutrients commonly lacking in Western diets, so your body is more likely to use them. Furthermore, their vitamins are free from common allergens, synthetic fillers, and colorants.

Our Breaking Muscle team of qualified experts, including certified personal trainers, CrossFitters, strength and conditioning coaches, powerlifters/powerlifting coaches, and nutrition experts, have put our heads together to provide you with a comprehensive Ritual vitamins review. We have hands-on experience testing Ritual Essential vitamins designed for both men and women and are eager to share our candid insights regarding taste, aroma, ease of consumption, cost, and effectiveness. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I’ll provide insights into the ingredients and formulations, ensuring you gain the whole picture.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

• Ritual vitamins consist of vegan-friendly traceable ingredients, so you know the source, supplier, and manufacturing location.
• Ritual crafts minimalist, gluten-free formulas, focusing on essential nutrients and avoiding unnecessary additives, artificial ingredients, or common allergens. 
• Ritual vitamins are tailored to different age groups, genders, and life stages. This ensures that individuals can find supplements that align with their unique health and nutrient needs.

Ritual Multivitamins

3.8

• Form: Capsules
• Daily dose: Two
• Cost per serving: $1.10 to $1.30
• Key vitamins and minerals: Varies depending on the formula, but common ones include vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K2, magnesium, boron, and zinc
• Certifications: USP Verified, Non-GMO Project-verified

Check Price

Ritual Vitamins Pros

• Traceable ingredients so you always know the source, supplier, and final place of manufacturing
• Doesn’t include unnecessary ingredients or megadoses of micronutrients you likely already get enough of through food 
• Delayed-release capsules designed for nutrients to reach the most absorptive part of your gut 

Ritual Vitamins Cons

• More expensive than other vitamins that cost less than $1 per serving
• Some customers complain of a fishy smell and taste 
• Some users experience indigestion 

Ritual Vitamins Rating

We rated Ritual vitamins based on Breaking Muscle product tester feedback, customer reviews, verified certifications, and comparison to other similar products.

How Does Ritual Work?

Ritual vitamins are dietary supplements that can help fill nutritional gaps in your diet and support overall health. Ritual offers a range of vitamins tailored to specific age groups and life stages. Each product contains a thoughtfully selected set of nutrients backed by scientific research.

One of Ritual’s key principles is label transparency. The company provides detailed information about the sources of their ingredients and the scientific rationale behind including each nutrient in their products. This transparency helps give customers peace of mind by allowing them to know exactly what they’re consuming. 

Ritual vitamins come in the form of delayed-release capsules. The capsule is intended to stay intact until it reaches your intestines, where it can be better absorbed. The idea behind this is that your body will actually absorb the micronutrients and put them to work. Certain micronutrients won’t absorb as well if released in the stomach. 

Ritual offers a monthly subscription service for consistent customers. This ensures that you consistently take your vitamins, and it’s a convenient way to maintain your nutrient intake while saving a few bucks. You cannot make a one-time purchase without subscribing on the company website. However, Ritual vitamins are also available for sale at Target and on Amazon. 

Multivitamins Offered by Ritual

Ritual Vitamins In-Depth Review

We have compiled a well-rounded overview of Ritual vitamins by leveraging customer reviews, assessments conducted by our trustworthy Breaking Muscle testers, and my experience as a registered dietitian. In this review, we’ll break down the ingredients, cost, taste, and potential side effects, so you have a better understanding of Ritual vitamins. 

Ingredients and Formulation

Ritual vitamins can provide essential nutrients tailored to different age groups, genders, and life stages. They’re free from additives, artificial ingredients, and questionable fillers, and don’t contain mega doses of nutrients you probably get enough of already. For these reasons, we rated formulation a 4.5 out of 5. 

For expecting mothers, Ritual’s prenatal multivitamin includes key nutrients like folate to support the healthy development of the baby’s neural tube and prevent birth defects. It also includes iron. Iron is vital for oxygen delivery in the body and to the growing baby, as pregnant women are prone to deficiency due to increased blood volume. Additionally, the prenatal multivitamin includes Omega-3 DHA to help foster the baby’s eye and brain development.

As we age, we become more susceptible to fragile bones, making vitamin D, magnesium, boron, and vitamin K especially important for men and women over 50. Omega-3s, also included in the multivitamins for older adults, support brain health, help reduce inflammation associated with chronic disease, and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. (1)

While many multivitamins exclude iron due to its potential dangers in excess, Ritual recognizes the higher risk of iron deficiency in women due to menstruation and includes it in their teen girls and women’s multivitamin 18+. However, Ritual omits iron from the multivitamin for women 50+ as postmenopausal women are less likely to experience low iron levels.

Ritual’s multivitamin for men 18+ contains omega-3 DHA, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to fill common dietary gaps, as individuals may not consume these nutrients in sufficient quantities through diet alone. Vitamin D, in particular, holds significance for male athletes who endure increased bone stress from high-impact activities. Vitamin B12 is vital for red blood cell formation, nerve function, and energy metabolism.

RELATED: Weight-Bearing Exercise Leads to Healthier Bones

Many teenagers fall short of essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D in their diets, which may lack variety during this life stage. Ritual’s teen multivitamins for both boys and girls include these nutrients to bolster immune function, support vision, and enhance bone health.

You may notice that Ritual doesn’t include certain nutrients, like calcium, vitamin C, selenium, or copper in their vitamins. This is because you are likely already getting plenty of these nutrients through the foods you eat. Ritual enforces the idea that consumers should only use vitamins to fill nutrient gaps, not to replace a healthy diet. 

Number of Servings

Every bottle of Ritual vitamins provides a 30-serving supply, with each serving consisting of 2 vegan capsules. We consider this fairly standard, so we rated the number of servings per bottle a 3 out of 5. In comparison, Legion and Transparent Labs vitamins offer the same quantity per bottle, while OLLY offers 45 servings, and Utzy Naturals supplies only 20 servings.

It’s worth noting that some competitors may include more pills per bottle, but it’s essential to factor in the serving size. With Ritual, a daily intake consists of just 2 capsules, while Transparent Labs requires 4 capsules per serving.

Price Per Serving

Ritual vitamins run between $1.10 to $1.30 per serving on the company website, which is mid-range compared to other vitamins. For this reason, we rated the price per serving a solid 3 out of 3. Some multivitamins, like OLLY Multi’s, only cost $0.31, but other more expensive options, like Athletic Green AG1, cost a whopping $2.63 per serving. 

Unlike some other vitamin brands, you can find Ritual vitamins on Amazon for a slightly better deal. At the time of writing, the Ritual Essential for Multivitamin 18+ is available for $1.05 per serving. 

Storage Requirements

Ritual recommends keeping their vitamins in the container in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Many vitamins degrade faster and lose effectiveness when exposed to too much heat, light, oxygen, or humidity. 

Consider keeping them on the counter, in a cabinet, or in your gym bag. Leaving them in a place where you will see them daily could help you take them more consistently. 

Taste and Smell

Ritual capsules are mint essenced to make taking a vitamin more enjoyable. Our Breaking Muscle expert tester who tried the Ritual Essential for Women 18+ vitamin found the taste pleasant and prefers the minty freshness over the typical unflavored pill. Another team member tried the Ritual Essential for Men 50+ and found the mint essence to be a bit much when taking them first thing in the morning. 

Most customer reviews on the Ritual website approve of the taste. However, some feel the capsules smell and taste fishy. While Ritual uses a vegan source of omega-3 DHA, some customers taste the algal oil (oil from marine algae) after taking the vitamins.

RELATED: The Best Vegan Protein Powder 

Swallowability

Customers on the company website say Ritual capsules are “easy to take.” Our team members liked that each serving is only two pills per day and that they can take the pills separately or at the same time. Our tester who tried the Ritual Essential for Women 18+ found the pills to be mid-sized and had no trouble swallowing them.

Potential Side Effects

Some customers who take Ritual vitamins complain of indigestion and fishy burps, which may indicate that the capsule has started to break open and release its contents. The “fishy” taste associated with these burps comes from the omega-3 oils, and while they’re certainly not pleasant, there are ways to reduce them. Try taking them before bed on an empty stomach to experience fewer fish burps.

Our Breaking Muscle testers didn’t notice any uncomfortable side effects after taking Ritual vitamins. Ritual intentionally chooses forms of nutrients that are gentle on the stomach and can be taken without food. One customer review on the Ritual website says, “I take these without food and have not even the slightest queasiness.” Even so, some customers could be sensitive to certain ingredients, like iron, that can lead to stomach pain and discomfort.

RELATED: Does Fish Oil Supplementation Impact Recovery

Third-Party Certifications

Ritual vitamins are USP verified, which means they have undergone rigorous testing and verification processes to ensure they meet specific quality and purity standards. You can rest assured Ritual vitamins contain the ingredients listed on the label and are free from harmful levels of contaminants, such as heavy metals. 

These products are also non-GMO verified, meaning they don’t contain genetically modified organisms whose genetic material has been altered.

Lastly, Ritual vitamins are Certified Carbon-Free. The products have undergone an assessment to calculate their carbon footprint. Then, that footprint has been reduced and offset wherever possible. These sustainability efforts show that Ritual makes choices that positively impact the planet. 

Factors To Consider Before Buying Ritual Vitamins

There’s a lot to take into consideration when choosing the best multivitamin for men or women. You’ll want a high-quality product made with essential nutrients but won’t want to neglect other important considerations like cost and personal health concerns. 

Cost

It’s essential to be mindful of your budget, but when it comes to Ritual, price points are consistent across all adult vitamins. Whether you need a prenatal or a men’s vitamin, all cost $39 per bottle on the Ritual website. Teen vitamins are slightly less at $33 per bottle.

As mentioned before, you can find less costly (and more costly) options. Keep in mind that cheaper vitamins may not always provide quality, highly bioavailable micronutrients. On the flip side, more expensive vitamins may be charging you for an excess of micronutrients your body already gets enough of through diet. 

Nutrient Needs

Consider your current life stage when choosing a Ritual vitamin. There are certain nutrients that become more important during specific times of life, and you want to pick a product that fits your needs. For instance, postmenopausal women are at an increased risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. Taking the Ritual Essential for Women 50+ with vitamin D, vitamin K, boron, and omega-3s may help support bone and heart health. 

Additional Health Concerns

Before starting a new supplement, speak with your healthcare provider about your current health concerns. Some vitamins and minerals could interact with medications or medical conditions. For example, someone taking blood thinners may need to avoid taking too much vitamin K because it can counteract the medication’s intended effects. 

Ritual Vitamins vs. Centrum

Ritual and Centrum are both well-known vitamin brands that aim to provide micronutrients to support overall health. Ritual ingredients are traceable and don’t include unnecessary additives or common food allergens. Centrum isn’t as transparent about ingredient sourcing, and the ingredient lists include artificial food coloring and soy (a common food allergen). 

Centrum multivitamins include more vitamins and minerals than Ritual. The Centrum men’s multivitamin tablet contains 24 micronutrients, whereas Rituals men’s multivitamin includes 10. There are several different Centrum multivitamins to choose from, including gummies, tablets, minis capsules, and those with or without omega-3s. Ritual doesn’t offer as much variety and markets fewer products overall.

Centrum Adult Multivitamin

3.7

• Form: Tablets or gummies
• Daily dose: One to two tablets or gummies, depending on the product 
• Cost per serving: As little as $0.06
• Key vitamins and minerals: Varies based on the product, but common ones include zinc, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin D, and vitamin E
• Certifications: N/A

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Ritual Vitamins vs. Thorne

Ritual and Thorne both share a commitment to quality and transparency. Both offer detailed information about their vitamin’s ingredient sourcing, forms, and manufacturing practices. Ritual vitamins are designed to provide nutrients with a minimalist approach and contain fewer ingredients and products. However, Thorne offers a wider range of supplements and micronutrients targeting athletes, including specialized formulations for various health needs, which may include herbal extracts. 

Thorne Comprehensive Daily Multivitamin

4.5

• Form: Capsule
• Daily dose: Two capsules
• Cost per serving: $0.45
• Key vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, chromium
• Certifications: NSF Certified, cGMP-compliant

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Ritual Vitamins Customer Reviews

Customer reviews on Ritual’s website are generally very positive. Most customers like the mint flavor, find the pills easy to swallow, and don’t experience nausea or an upset stomach after taking them. One customer says,” Love the ingredients, technology, research, and concept. Vitamins are smooth. They do not upset my empty stomach. I am a fan of the mint flavor. Not too strong. Tastes and smells good. No complaints.”

Customers who don’t like the vitamins complain of indigestion, smell, and taste. A verified customer writes, “It has such a fishy smell and there doesn’t seem to be enough mint to hide this smell and taste.” Ritual representatives suggest taking the pill before bed to avoid the aftertaste.

Final Verdict: Are Ritual Vitamins Worth It?

Ritual is known for its commitment to transparency, quality sourcing, and offering a minimalist approach to vitamins. Their traceable ingredients and focus on micronutrients you may not get enough of through diet alone appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking a quality supplement. Ritual vitamins are considered a premium brand and come with a mid-range price point, but many people find their delayed capsule design, mint flavor, and quality formulations to be worth it. Consider Ritual if you’re looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense multivitamin and prioritize simple ingredients. 

FAQs

Research

1. Molfino A, Gioia G, Rossi Fanelli F, Muscaritoli M. The role for dietary omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in older adults. Nutrients. 2014;6(10):4058-4073. Published 2014 Oct 3. doi:10.3390/nu6104058

The post Ritual Vitamins Review (2023): A Registered Dietitian Shares Her Thoughts appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend kicked off in Orlando, FL with bodybuilders across multiple divisions trying to convince a set of judges that they deserve to compete at the highest level. Taking place from Nov. 1-2, 2023, the 2023 Amateur Olympia saw several athletes separate themselves from the pack and secure a coveted IFBB Pro League card in the process.

Accomplishing that feat automatically puts them in the mix to compete in pro shows during the 2024 bodybuilding season. And depending on how they perform over the ensuing months, newly-crowned IFBB pros like Men’s Bodybuilding Overall winner Luiz Esteves might just find themselves standing on the Olympia stage at this time next year.

Here are the full results from the 2023 Amateur Olympia:

2023 Amateur Olympia Division-by-Division Results

• Men’s Bodybuilding
• Men’s Classic Physique
• Men’s Physique
• Women’s Bodybuilding Physique
• Women’s Physique
• Wellness
• Fitness
• Figure
• Bikini

2023 Amateur Olympia Men’s Bodybuilding Results

Luiz Esteves took home the title of 2023 Amateur Olympia Men’s Bodybuilding Overall Winner. Brandon Barrow and Marcus Costa also earned their IFBB Pro League cards by finishing first in their respective divisions.

Super Heavyweight

1. Brandon Barrow — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Aliaksandr Biasedzin
3. Derek Dolgner
4. Trey Adcock 
5. Franco Dominguez
6. David Bednar
7. Fedh Johan Karouani
8. Elie Tane Ngnewo
9. Chad Hawkins
10.  Jose Luis Sain
11. Sunday Ezekiel
12. Christian Belvue
13. Ricardo Bengochea

Heavyweight

1. Marcus Costa — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Brandon Medak
3. Jose Rogerio De Lima Avila
4. Rodrigo Alexander Mejuto Ouro
5. Oluwatobi Ishola
6. Adrian Kendrick
7. Dereck Lamontagne
8. Omar Ramos
9. Jacob Pendergist
10. Wilmer Lopez
11. Timothy Terwilliger
12. Alexander Silin
13. Jermaine Henry
14. Lui Zappitelli
15. Jesse Carter
16. Adriano Soares (Tied for 16th)
17. Bernardo Heredia Rodriguez (Tied for 16th)
18. Carlos Rivera (Tied for 16th)
19. Edgar Hernandez (Tied for 16th)
20. Edward Williams (Tied for 16th)
21. Ganbold Ganzorig (Tied for 16th)
22. Muhammed Mustafa Sengul (Tied for 16th)
23. Ruben Marquez (Tied for 16th)

Light Heavyweight

1. Luiz Esteves — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Habib Hamid Albaqsami
3. Ahmed Othman Elzaiat
4. Jimmy Shamar Lene
5. Joey Ray
6. Naser Alnajjar
7. Pushpinder Bharti
8. Julio Farfan
9. Harish Kumar
10. Jose Ponce
11. Sotiri Kagaras
12. Wilson Montana
13. Fidel Sankar
14. Fernando Sardinha
15. Lucian Luca
16. Belisario Berrueta (Tied for 16th)
17. Carlos Aguilar (Tied for 16th)
18. Shannon Mills (Tied for 16th)
19. Juan Carlos Sagastegui Vasquez

Middleweight

1. Corey Darrah
2. Jovany Melchor
3. Gansukh Dorj
4. Kristiyan Baychev
5. John Andrews
6. Piero Di Novo
7. Chisthoper Duran
8. Charles Fortik
9. Ivan Estaban Rincon Sierra
10. Franks Barraza
11. Royner Granados
12. Ahmad Lee
13. Emanuel Velasco
14. Luis Hernandez
15. Hernan Cienfuegos

Bantamweight

1. Renen Henrique Evangelista De Azevedo

Masters 35+

1. Aliaksandr Biasedzin
2. David Bednar
3. Chad Hawkins
4. Alexander Silin
5. Jose Luis Sain
6. Jose Antonio Garcia Ruiz
7. Jermaine Henry
8. Edgar Hernandez
9. Jose Ponce
10. Aram Amin
11. Adriano Soares
12. Charles Fortik
13. Fidel Sankar
14. Fernando Sardinha
15. Lucian Luca
16. Akeksandar Rakocevic (Tied for 16th)
17. Alan Jackson (Tied for 16th)
18. Belisario Berrueta (Tied for 16th)
19. Bernardo Heredia Rodriguez (Tied for 16th)
20. Carlos Rivera (Tied for 16th)
21. Hernan Cienguegos (Tied for 16th)
22.  Joe Sawyer (Tied for 16th)
23. Keith Cathey (Tied for 16th)
24. Robert Madama (Tied for 16th)
25. Shannon Mills (Tied for 16th)

Lightweight

1. Jose Antonio Garcia Ruiz
2. Felix Idelfonso Pineda Hernandez
3. Joe Sawyer

2023 Amateur Olympia Classic Physique Results

Ejike Enwereuzor Jr. emerged as the 2023 Amateur Olympia Classic Physique Overall Winner. Corey Darrah and Justin Bohannon joined the champion in earning their IFBB Pro League cards.

Masters 35+

1. Ruben Marquez
2. Mubarak Mubarak
3. Aram Amin
4. Jobany Melchor
5. Guillermo Diaz
6. Jose Diaz
7. Eric McKown
8. Joe Sawyer
9. Michael Grant
10. Derek Coan
11. Nick Freeman
12. Robert Norton
13. Ricardo Alfaro Pacheco
14. Justin Gaunt
15. Juan Zea

Class A

1. Corey Darrah — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Gustavo Garcia
3. Anthony Craig Jr.
4. Devin Bernardo
5. Jovany Melchor
6. Angello Sanan
7. Alex Atta
8. Dominik Wimmer
9. Felix Idelfonso Pineda Hernandez
10. Robert Paxton Newman
11. Christopher Duran
12. Christopher Cortes
13. Luis Echevarria
14. Joe Sawyer
15. Edgar Monroy
16. Chanceller Johnsson
17. Tyrone Johnson
18. Nathan Spencer

Class B

1. Justin Bohannon — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Arthur Agostinho
3. Nick Roybal
4. Luis Estrada
5. Sergei Zolotarev
6. Gabriel Bettoli
7. Roman Stenko
8. Diego Escobedo Gonzalez
9. Renato Oliveira Costa
10. Eduardo Antonio Salcido Rios
11. Luke Panas
12. Lucas Langus
13. Matt Bernard
14. Rafael Duran
15. Arthur Lieutaud
16. Andrew Davis (Tied for 16th)
17. Derek Coan (Tied for 16th)
18. Eric McKown (Tied for 16th)
19. Guillermo Diaz (Tied for 16th)
20. Jose Diaz (Tied for 16th)
21. Luis Hernandez (Tied for 16th)
22. Ricardo Alfaro Pacheco (Tied for 16th)
23. Tuvshin Jargal Byambaa (Tied for 16th)
24. Ulises Mendoza (Tied for 16th)
25. Diego Gonzales

Class C

1. Ruben Marquez
2. Mike Stevenson
3. Gontse Sechele
4. Victor Almeida
5. Braeden Kardash
6. Alejandro Arango
7. Mubarak Mubarak
8. Edward Williams
9. Ahmad Salboukh
10. Sean Van Horssen
11. Kyle Crum
12. Jose Alvarez
13. Austin Jennings
14. Gang Li
15. Pablo Villa
16. Abdullah Alwahib (Tied for 16th)
17. Donovan Wilson (Tied for 16th)
18. Justin Gaunt (Tied for 16th)
19. Robin Hofer (Tied for 16th)

Class D

1. Ejike Enwereuzor Jr.
2. Larry Williams
3. Danilo Sipovac
4. Joseph McNelis
5. Alireza Shirin
6. Miguel Angel Mata Santoyo
7. Thomas Perez
8. Raghav Sharma
9. Gustavo Garcia
10. Luis Patricio
11. Nick Freeman
12. Douglas Burke
13. Alan Jackson

2023 Amateur Olympia Men’s Physique Results

Amilcar Sotillo claimed the 2023 Amateur Olympia Men’s Physique Overall Winner title and secured his IFBB Pro League card. Plus, Mohamed Lutfalla and Jaydon Goddard earned pro cards by impressing on stage.

Masters 35+

1. Mohamed Lutfalla — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Aram Amin
3. Tarlis Santos
4. Vernon Way
5. Mark Rodriguez
6.  Adriano Souza
7. Maximo Sarraff
8. Neville Campbell
9. Manny Pinon
10. Mark Misdorp
11. Juan Zea
12. Mbae Jean Thierry
13. Andres Lugo

Class A

1. Jaydon Goddard — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Jaiem Sayed
3. Anthony Craig Jr.
4. Daniel Constantin Tuinea
5. Ivo Toledo
6. Eitaro Kurosaki
7. Servulo Junior
8. Dominik Wimmer
9. Mohammed Ibrahim
10. George Moroianu
11. Youseff Saeed
12. Dillon Lakhai
13. Jesus Valasquez
14. Nathan Spencer
15. Eduardo Benoliel
16. Dwayne La Pas (Tied for 16th)
17. Edgar Monroy (Tied for 16th)
18.  Jo Aoki (Tied for 16th)
19. Manny Pinon (Tied for 16th)
20. Miguel Arturo Mengotti (Tied for 16th)

Class B

1. Justin Bohannon 
2. Sebastian Acevedo 
3. Victor Meza
4. Rimon Cotton
5. Omkar Singh
6. Jeremiah Kennedy 
7. Thiago Kassis
8. Jimmy Levy
9. Mohammad Samardzic
10. Derrick Doss
11. John Morales
12. Ahmed Yacine Chibani 
13. Julio Farfan
14. Tuvshinjargal Byambaa
15. Anthony Bredwood

Class C

1. Mohamed Lutfalla
2. Majid Mahir
3. Cristian Nunez
4. Andrew Cselenyak
5. Gonzalo Goy
6. Javier Ahumada
7. Nick Roybal
8. Ruben Rojas
9. Adriano Souza
10. Anderson Moise
11. Neal Cross
12. Zhizhio Zhang
13. Zhihao He
14. Naveen Chandra Kulkarni

Class D

1. Amilcar Sotillo — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Harge-bood Savoir
3. Gabriel Garcia Baez
4. Victor Almeida
5. Chris Conrad
6. Dorian Vranjes
7. Joshua Wayner
8.  Italo Vinicius Santos Damasceno
9. Cole Sweetser
10. Joe Erizer
11. Kevin Santos
12. Takato Morino
13. Maximo Sarraff
14. Enjley Cineus
15. Neville Campbell

Class E

1. Wilson Peralta
2. Vinicius Oliveira
3. Warren House
4. Chace Bourgault
5. Jesus Alberto Verdugo Valle
6. Gang Li
7. Viktor Zetocha

Class F

1. Imash Gulizada
2. Tarlis Santos
3. Luis Felipe Grossi
4. Johnny Diez
5. Akeem Hepburn
6. Darnell Milfort
7. Iskender Abdizhalil-Uulu
8. Julio Lopez
9. Omar Gilbert
10. Gustavo Garcia

[Related: How to Build Muscle: The Training and Diet Guide for Beginners and Advanced Lifters]

2023 Amateur Olympia Women’s Bodybuilding Results

Martina Lopez was named the 2023 Amateur Olympia Women’s Bodybuilding Overall Winner. Fellow contestants Janesuda Akarapreecha and Cristina Driscoll joined her in becoming IFBB Pro League competitors.

Heavyweight

1. Janesuda Akarapreecha — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Leslie Wirsing
3. Mary Sadler
4. Dwan Borjas
5. Katia Silva
6. Casie Wright

Light Heavyweight

1. Martina Lopez — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Chereise M Williams-Hays
3. Nadia Gossett
4. Licia Ferreira

Middleweight

1. Cristina Driscoll — Earned IFBB Pro League card

Masters 35+

1. Leslie Wirsing
2. Chereise M Williams-Hays
3. Nadia Gossett
4. Cristina Driscoll
5. Dawn Borjas
6. Katia Silva
7. Casie Wright

[Related: The Best Bodybuilding Workout for Each Body Part]

2023 Amateur Olympia Women’s Physique Results

Lorraine LaFleur proved to be the 2023 Amateur Olympia Women’s Physique Overall Winner. Elena Heubner and Latoya Moody enjoyed successful showings in Orlando, leaving with IFBB pro cards of their own.

Masters 35+

1. Lorraine LaFleur — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Elena Heubner
3. Cecilee Hilton
4. Jezarel Y Fuentes
5. Cristina Driscoll
6. Rocio Arroyo Sanoja
7. Chereise M. Williams-Hays
8. Dawn Borjas
9. Carmen Zayas
10. Latoya Moody

Class A

1. Lorraine LaFleur
2. Nicole Bless
3. Cristina Driscoll
4. Rocio Arroyo Sanoja

Class B

1. Tina Gleason
2. Jezarel Y Fuentes
3. Doris Gavriluta
4. Chereise M Williams-Hays
5. Katrina Blackburn
6. Dawn Borjas

Class C

1. Elena Heubner — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Robbi Jenkins

Class D

1. Latoya Moody — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Nicola Ricks
3. Cecilee Hilton

2023 Amateur Olympia Women’s Wellness Results

Carla Lorena Banegas was named the 2023 Amateur Olympia Wellness Overall Winner. Juliane Almeida and Carolina Surerus were awarded IFBB pro cards for their impressive physiques.

Masters 35+

1. Juliane Almeida — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Yurisleidy Gallardo
3. Bruna Santos
4. Leticia Mattos
5. Liza Liliana Vera Ramirez
6. Gisela Bala
7. Karina De Souza
8. Juliana Ananias
9. Ludimila Espanguer A Santos
10. Jen Vittori

Class A

1. Carolina Surerus — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Yurisleidy Gallardo
3. Carolyne McGunnigle
4. Christina Lopez
5. Josela Bottarelli
6. Guadalupe Guerra
7. Liz Ramirez
8. Bruna Santos
9. Maria Elena Pavon
10. Alejandra Chaves
11. Luisa Fernanda Perez Ortiz
12. Gisela Bala
13. Maria Barbara Alejandra Boersth Orellana
14. Bailey Vallot
15. Victoria Brindle
16. Jen Vittori (Tied for 16th)
17. Ludimila Espanguer A Santos (Tied for 16th)
18. Molly White (Tied for 16th)

Class B

1. Juliane Almeida
2. Andrea Chahin
3. Natalia Ravanhani
4. Hannah Calkins
5. Kirley Suenia Souza
6. Thais Grice
7. Vanessa Dominguez
8. Mikaela Campbell-Magana
9. Stephania Barrales
10. Maria Rios
11. Margaret Sweeney
12. Sandra Rossana Costa
13. Stephanie Nunn
14. Yorlenis Masis
15. Karina De Souza
16. Landon Shannahan

Class C

1. Cristiane Mendell
2. Glenda Paulina Leon Mora
3. Mia Paillant
4. Dayana Navarro
5. Cristina Rifo
6. Yessica Quintero
7. Leticia Mattos
8. Liza Liliana Vera Ramirez
9. Marina Kryven
10. Jua Nam
11. Allison Vogt

Class D

1. Carla Lorena Banegas — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Pamela Maraldi
3. Vanessa Uribe
4. Nicole Corrigan
5. Rafaela De Oliveira Franciosi
6. Paula Alejandra Suarez Pereira
7. Cassandra Boteler
8. Catherine Bourrie
9. Juliana Ananias
10. Dafiny Resende Diniz
11. Amanda Lai
12. Paulina Paz Caroca Soro

2023 Amateur Olympia Fitness Results

Maria Pro was named the 2023 Amateur Olympia Fitness Overall Winner.

Class A

1. Kerri Harris
2. Amanda Evans
3. Kimberly Prohias

Class C

1. Maria Pro — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Elaine Tai

[Related: 8 Bodybuilding Poses Explained by a Natural Pro Bodybuilder]

2023 Amateur Olympia Figure Results

Camila Lyra topped all competitors in her division by being named the 2023 Amateur Olympia Figure Overall Winner. Erika Torronen and Stefanie Roth left the Orange County Convention Center with their pro cards, too.

Masters 35+

1. Denise Turner
2. Erika Torronen
3. Evelyn Nicole Brice
4. Breanne Freeman
5. Lena Wachendorff
6. Stephanie Herrera
7. Valerie Fennell
8. Rachel Reife
9. Lady Tangarife
10. Heysha Rodriguez
11. Larissa Scholpp
12. Tabitha Medina
13. Nicole Outram
14. Mbae Julie
15. Latoya Moody

Class A

1. Rachel Waugh
2. Stephanie Herrera
3. Gizelle Webber

Class B

1. Breanne Freeman
2. Heysha Rodriguez
3. Alyssa Wienke
4. Gianna O’Rourke
5. Tabitha Medina

Class C

1. Dillon Ryerse
2. Gomes Zanon Roberta
3. Conchetta Deleon
4. Miranda Weiter
5. Tina Gleason
6. Larissa Scholpp
7. Rachel Reife
8. Maria Fernanda Fuentes Ureta

Class D

1. Erika Torronen — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Paula Orozco
3. Valerie Fennel
4. Stephanie Larios

Class E

1. Camila Lyra — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Amanda Spicer
3. Shelby Guillaume
4. Natalia Morrell
5. Emilie Moreau
6. Nicole Outram

Class F

1. Stefanie Roth — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Latoya Moody
3. Denise Turner
4. Evelyn Nicole Bruce
5. Nicola Ricks

2023 Amateur Olympia Bikini Results

Sharon Ramos not only topped all Bikini division competitors but she was also named the Women’s Amateur Overall Winner for the entire contest. Melanie Anderson and Karyse Coley walked away with IFBB Pro League cards for their efforts.

Masters 35+

1. Nathalia Allende
2. Andrea Sierra Pachon
3. Dilru Arachige
4. Diamelys Alejandra Serrano Sucre
5. Amanda Williams
6. Lucia Valdes Fernandez
7. Christiana Bailey-Green
8. U-landa Brone
9. ANdressa De Oliveira
10. Myrian Lorena Borysiuk
11. Lorena Lopez
12. Mellanie Staiger
13. Linda America Gamboa
14. Riva Z Robinson
15. Olga Pargas
16. Angela Mary Erdmann (Tied for 16th)
17. Annika Gorsanova (Tied for 16th)
18. Brooke Caperton (Tied for 16th)
19. Cecilia Rios (Tied for 16th)
20. Daria Macclusky (Tied for 16th)
21. Emma Ascher (Tied for 16th)
22. Heloue Meri Sahdid Vazquez (Tied for 16th)
23. Irina Mezheritskiy (Tied for 16th)
24. Jen Vittori (Tied for 16th)
25. Jessica Franz (Tied for 16th)
26. Kylee Reynolds (Tied for 16th)
27. Martibexis Gill (Tied for 16th)
28. Melissa Hoy (Tied for 16th)
29. Natalie Nall (Tied for 16th)
30. Nidia Nidia (Tied for 16th)
31. Nora Fonai (Tied for 16th)
32. Rainet Lewis (Tied for 16th)
33. Sophia Gabriel (Tied for 16th)

Class A

1. Tetyana Morgach
2. Jessica Neary
3. Zoe Cortes
4. Celestina Sellz
5. Isabel Klamm
6. Marlette Le-Feuvre
7. Fernanda Perales
8. Andrea Rodas
9. Jen Vittori
10. Lexi Francke
11. Victoria Lopez Faya

Class B

1. Melanie Anderson — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Dilru Arachige
3. Ashley Boettge
4. Chaya Keswani
5. Paula Fernandez Gonzalez
6. Jenna Simon
7. Cinthia Toral Arjona
8. Janet Calderon
9. Nora Fonai
10. Rebecca Rivas
11. Lorena Lopez 
12. Michela Zanaglio
13. Zoe Greer

Class C

1. Andrea Sierra Pachon
2. Lisa Reid
3. Jocelyn Roberge
4. Patricia Soares Godoy
5. Maria Fernanda Jimenez Vieyra
6. Jordan Musser
7. Mariah Rokicsak
8. Linda America Gamboa
9. Daniela Diaz
10. Sophia Gabriel

Class D

1. Jessica Moskowitz
2. Julia Ross
3. Ramona Erturk
4. Bayarsaikhan Oyungerel
5. Brittany Gabel 
6. Nayeon Lee
7. Amanda Williams
8. Paulina Perales Ituarte 
9. Christiana Bailey-Green
10. Riva Z Robinson
11. Nataliia Pugach
12. Abigail Strecker
13. Shannon Ahearn
14. Cecilia Rios
    

Class E

1. Nikki Chace
2. Angie Benson
3. Milica Pasic
4. U-Landa Browne
5. Karla Villanueva
6. Unursaikhan Ganbat
7. Virfa Fernandez
8. Fiona Bruce
9. Andressa De Oliveira
10. Maria Belen Varela
11. Cameryn Bell 
12. Renata Beokovic
13. Krisztina Farkas
14. Annika Gorsanova
15. Svetlana Fedkina
16. Adriana Cisnero (Tied for 16th)
17. Alexandria Dye (Tied for 16th)
18. Camila Damas (Tied for 16th)
19. Mallory Dougoud (Tied for 16th)
20. Marissa Sampson (Tied for 16th)

Class F

1. Sharon Ramos — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Jessica Maguire
3. Avernell Modest
4. Romina Dorotea
5. Kin Yee Vanessa Lock
6. Bentley Stevenson
7. Elena Bekirova
8. Ffion Gladwin
9. Samantha Smith
10. Sarah Malta
11. Ashley Bowden
12. Kylee Reynolds
13. Jessica Franz

Class G

1. Rebecca Taylor
2. Genna Stanyer
3. Alexis Retolaza
4. Ashley Jensen
5. Diamelys Alejandra Serrang Sucre
6. Liliana Rondon
7. Myriam Lorena Borysiuk
8. Sophie Brady
9. Maddison Bradley
10. Elizabeth Fischer
11. Emma Ascher
12. Natalie Nall
13. Sakeena Baccas

Class H

1. Karyse Coley — Earned IFBB Pro League card
2. Nathalia Allende
3. Aimee Shearer
4. Lucia Valdes Fernandez
5. Derri Irving
6. Dasha Prisich
7. Guljahon Turdikulova
8. Cassidy Fazio
9. Daria Maccluskey
10. Staci Cash
11. Irina Mezheritskiy
12. Rainet Lewis

You can catch the rest of the Olympia weekend action via pay-per-view for $74.99 by visiting the Olympia Productions website.

Featured Image: amateurolympia / Instagram

The post 2023 Amateur Olympia Results appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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To say Derek Lunsford left a lasting impression at the 2022 Mr. Olympia would be a massive understatement. Transitioning from the 212 division, he made the most of his Men’s Open debut by coming within one spot of capturing the most coveted title in the sport of bodybuilding.

Determined to topple reigning champion Hadi Choopan from his Mr. Olympia throne, Lunsford enters this year’s contest as one of the prohibitive favorites. With his fellow competitors preparing to showcase their physiques during the Nov. 2-5 weekend in Orlando, FL, the former 212 Olympia winner (in 2021) hit the gym with legendary coach Hany Rambod for his final training session before he steps on stage.

Not only did Lunsford share highlights from his chest and triceps workout, but he also provided insight into his diet and mindset in a vlog posted on his YouTube channel on Nov. 1, 2023.

With the most important show of the year right around the corner, Lunsford seems satisfied with how the prep process has gone. Between drinking two gallons of water per day, doubling his dosage of probiotics for digestive health, and being diligent with his diet, the 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up has put himself in a position to make a legitimate run at the title.

“I’ve never actually felt this good right before a show,” Lunsford said. “I just understand how this process goes better now. It’s a combination of growth as an athlete and also mental maturity in terms of not allowing myself to be overwhelmed with stress and anxiety and worry.”

After consuming a pre-workout meal of fish and white rice, he joined forces with Rambod one last time. The workout begins at the 15:20 mark of the video above.

Plate-Loaded Chest Press Machine

Lunsford started the session on the plate-loaded chest press machine. After warming up with a 45-pound (20.4-kilogram) plate per side, he pushed his pecs further by adding a 25-pound (11.3-kilogram) plate on his next set. For his top set, the 2023 Mr. Olympia hopeful worked with 115 pounds (52.2 kilograms) worth of plates per side, making sure to squeeze out the final few reps before moving on to the ensuing chest exercise.

Pec-Deck Machine

Next, Lunsford aimed to stretch and contract his pectoral muscles and serratus anterior using the pec-deck machine. To do so, he made sure to utilize the full range of motion, opening up his chest completely before bringing his arms together at the top of the movement.

Rather than allowing Lunsford to grasp the pec-deck machine’s handles, Rambod reminded his client to keep his hands open so he could get all of his muscle fibers to fire.

Incline Dumbbell Press

Moving over to the dumbbell section of the gym, Lunsford laid down on a bench to perform an incline press. Working with a pair of 50-pound (22.7-kilogram) dumbbells, he maintained a fairly neutral wrist position as he lowered the weight until his elbows formed a 90-degree angle.

Once he let the dumbbells reach chest level, Lunsford drove them back up, making sure to engage his triceps at the top. He only performed two sets of this exercise before switching up his method of blasting his pecs.

Plate-Loaded Incline Press Machine

For another push-based movement, Lunsford hit the plate-loaded incline press machine. An easy warm-up set with a 45-pound plate on each side set the stage for a second set with double the amount of weight.

Although his client could go heavier, Rambod refused to let Lunsford increase the intensity. Instead, he had him perform a third set with the same load to wrap up this portion of the workout.

Cable Crossover / Low-to-High Flye

In a similar movement to the pec-deck machine, Lunsford worked his chest with a classic bodybuilding exercise: the cable crossover. Designed to maintain tension through a long range of motion, this exercise forced the top 2023 Mr. Olympia contender to push a little harder than some of the other exercises.

Rambod changed the angle of attack by dropping the cables down to the lowest setting for a low-to-high flye variation. Lunsford kept a supinated (palms-up) grip as he raised his hands in front of him and squeezed the upper part of his pecs at the top.

Cable Rope Triceps Pushdown

For more triceps work, Lunsford performed several sets of cable rope triceps pushdowns. Again, Rambod kept the load manageable, encouraging his client to push his hands apart and lock out his triceps on every rep. Lunsford maintained a slight forward lean during the exercise to ensure his triceps did all the work.

Single-Arm Triceps Extension

After working both arms with the rope, Lunsford performed single-arm triceps extensions using a handle attachment. This isolation movement allowed the 2021 212 Olympia champion to target the medial head of his triceps while also engaging his obliques.

Standing Calf Raise Machine

The final exercise of Lunsford’s final workout before the Olympia had nothing to do with his upper body. Instead, Rambod had him perform calf raises on a plate-loaded machine. Even though he only used a 45-pound plate on each side, Lunsford achieved a visible pump throughout his lower legs from stretching and contracting his calves from a standing position.

Olympia-Bound Chest and Triceps Workout

Lunsford’s last workout certainly didn’t look as intense as some of his other training sessions leading up to the Olympia. However, that makes sense given the timeline and his need to perform well on stage. Still, you can utilize this chest- and triceps-focused protocol to build muscle and upper-body strength at your own pace:

• Plate-Loaded Chest Press Machine
• Pec-Deck Machine
• Incline Dumbbell Press
• Plate-Loaded Incline Press
• Cable Crossover / Low-to-High Flye
• Cable Rope Triceps Pushdown
• Single-Arm Triceps Extension
• Standing Calf Raise Machine

There’s no doubt Derek Lunsford has the dedication and drive to be the last man standing at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. And even though he and Hadi Choopan both train with Hany Rambod, you can be sure last year’s runner-up has every intention of beating out the defending champion. With an elite physique and the mindset to match, don’t be surprised if Lunsford leaves Orlando with a new achievement on his bodybuilding resume.

Featured Image: Derek Lunsford / YouTube

The post 2022 Runner-Up Derek Lunsford Crushes Final Workout Two Days Out From 2023 Mr. Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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I’m a grandpa now. Twice over. My daughter Devyn has a girl and boy. I have a granddaughter and grandson. Over the last couple decades, it’s represented the single most impactful change in how I view myself in the grand scheme of things—far more even than the sale of Primal Kitchen. I still remember the day I met my granddaughter. Looking down at that little girl, barely aware of anything going on, I realized that something enormous had happened. Things would never be the same again.

We talk a ton about gene expression around here. The entire Primal Blueprint is designed around leveraging the environment to create the best possible stimulus for your genes. Genes turn on and off based on the environmental stimuli they encounter—the food you eat, the sleep you get, the sun you expose yourself to, the exercise you do, the chemicals you interact with. What might look like a “bad gene” on paper can be mitigated, nullified, or even turned into a positive with the right environmental stimuli. And more often than not, emulating an ancestral environment will trigger those positive changes to gene expression and set you up for good health, fitness, and happiness.

If something as simple as the oil you use to cook can alter gene expression, what about meeting your grandkid for the first time? Because having kids yourself is one thing. It’s very cool, extremely transcendent, changes your life, and you’ll never be the same, but there’s a real generational transition of the mind that takes place when your kids have kids.

Your genes finally have a sense of closure. “You’ve made it. You’ve really made it.” Because after all, from a natural selection perspective, having kids yourself isn’t enough. Passing on your genes to the next generation isn’t sufficient. No, your genes want to see themselves carried over to the next-next generation too, just so you “know” that the line will continue. It hasn’t just made it one more generation—it’s made it two more. That presages good things down the line. That’s the promised land for your heritage. You mean to tell me your genes don’t sense the shift?

The first thought is how quickly life passes. It feels like Devyn was 12 only a few years ago and we were attending soccer games, working on class projects and boogie boarding with her brother Kyle at Zuma Beach in Malibu. Now she’s a wife and a mother and on her way to building her own family. The time compression that occurs retroactively in the mind seems almost unfair. Did I give enough? Did I appreciate or enjoy it enough in real time?  And then, of course, here I am now at 70 playing Ultimate Frisbee and standup paddling and fat tire biking and getting after it in the gym. So at another level, my Primal mind fights the reality that I’m a grandfather and that maybe it’s time to back off a bit. Because becoming a grandfather is a big signal that you’ve done your part, fulfilled your role. And then what comes next?

The second thought is how miraculous life is; how this six pound bundle of joy and love came to be a person so quickly and perfectly. I didn’t give it as much thought – or perspective – when my own kids were born. Now all of a sudden it boggles my mind and prompts deeper reflection on the real meanings of life, love, responsibility and purpose. And this from a guy who is all about biology, evolution and epigenetics, and who has always had an answer based purely in science for just about everything.

Holding that little girl made me believe miracles do happen. I still don’t know the provenance of those miracles, I don’t know the source or whether they can be explained in rational terms, but they absolutely exist.

Becoming a grandparent also thrusts new roles upon you. You’re a parent again, but a different sort of parent. You have a new job to do, and you’d better make the most of it and do the best job you can.

Stay fit

You don’t want to be the grandparent that’s relegated to a walker or a hospital bed or a wheelchair, or even just the couch. You want to be the vigorous grandparent who can play with their grandkids. Throwing the football around. Getting down to play tea party. Throwing them in the air, taking them on adventures, going on hikes.

You need to stay fit, stay active, and stay strong. Be neither feeble nor frail.

Pass it down

The classic role of the grandparent is to pass down knowledge. That could be physical know-how—teaching skills like fixing cars, carpentry, or cooking. That could be wisdom—imparting important life lessons and transmitting advice from an age now lost to time.

This is more than tradition and culture. This is the biological role of the grandparent. It’s why grandparents were preserved in the human species. It’s why we don’t just drop dead once we cease being reproductively viable. We still have a role to play, and imparting knowledge and wisdom to our grandkids is it.

Fill that role. You made it this far, which means you have something to pass down to your grandkids. Figure out what that might be, and make it a point to pass it down.

Spoil wisely

One important role of the grandparent is to spoil the grandkids, but you have to do it properly.

Spoil without spoiling. Expose them to the finer, more pleasurable things in life without making them sick of it or overdoing it. You want to make them happy, provide stuff that mom or dad won’t, without over-saturating them. And when you spoil, use only the best quality.

Give high quality ice cream instead of McDonald’s fake ice cream.

Give good chocolate instead of chewy candy that sticks to your teeth.

Watch a classic kid’s movie with them on the couch instead of plunking them down in front of Netflix.

Create a warm environment of peace and solace

“Grandma’s house” is more than a physical space. It’s an emotional one, a barrier from all that is difficult in the world. If a child’s home is both a place to shelter from the world and be challenged to dominate it, where the child trains to rise in the world, Grandma’s house is purely a shelter. Peace and warmth distilled, refined, concentrated. Grandma’s house is just comfortable. comfortable, warm, inviting, and safe.

Be a good parent, too

When you can, take the grandkids for an evening or overnight. Without enough free time to cultivate their marriage, the marriage suffers and the family (your grandkids) suffers. Help out with childcare whenever possible so that your son or daughter have the space needed to keep their marriage strong.

Are you a grandparent? I’d be curious to hear your tips on Primal grandparenting and insights on what the role has meant in your life.

Thanks for reading, everyone.

The post Primal Grandparenting: Tips and Thoughts appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

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REP Fitness has been making a name for themselves for some time now. But when the home gym equipment company launched a new line of barbells in the summer of 2023, we were excited to see how they improved upon their predecessors.

After training with the Double Black Diamond Power Bar for several weeks, we can honestly say that it’s one of our favorite powerlifting barbells. We completed dozens of squats, bench presses, and deadlifts with it and even used it for lifts like overhead presses. In this REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar review, we’ll share our experiences and break down the cost, construction, knurling, and other details of this premium powerlifting barbell.

Key Takeaways

• The Double Black Diamond Barbell retails for around $329.99 to around $449.99.
• As this is a power bar, it features aggressive mountain-style knurling to help you get a secure grip for deadlifts.
• The barbell is available in three options: a Cerakote shaft with Duracout sleeves, a stainless steel shaft with hard chrome sleeves, or a stainless steel shaft with stainless steel sleeves.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar

4.5

• Material: Steel or stainless steel
• Weight: 20 kilograms (44 pounds)
• Weight capacity: 680.2 kilograms (1,500 pounds)
• Tensile strength: 200k PSI
• Loadable sleeve length: 16.3 inches
• Knurling: Very aggressive
• Warranty: Lifetime

Check Price

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Pros

• The Cerakote version of the barbell can be ideal for home gym owners who train in non-temperature-controlled basement or garage gyms. The coating can help prevent rust and corrosion from developing quickly.
• The Double Black Diamond Power Bar comes with a limited lifetime warranty. You can rest assured that REP stands behind the bar’s quality and will rectify any issues that may arise. (For the record, though, we don’t think that’s likely.)
• This Olympic barbell has a high tensile strength of 200,000 PSI. Even for the most elite powerlifters, it should be able to handle any weight you load on it.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Cons

• The Double Black Diamond bar is a power bar with aggressive knurling and is not meant for dynamic lifts like snatches and power cleans. CrossFitters, Olympic weightlifters, and functional fitness athletes should consider a multi-purpose barbell instead.
• All of REP’s barbells are made overseas, so lifters who prefer to buy American-made products may want to look at other brands.
• The price of the Double Black Diamond Barbell is reasonable for the quality you get. But for athletes on a tight budget, a more affordable power bar like the Bells of Steel Powerlifting Bar 2.0 may be a better option.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Specs

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Rating

Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, CrossFitters, and competitive powerlifters, have tested over 80 barbells. After training with them for everything from squats to bench presses to CrossFit Workouts of the Day (WODs), we used a proprietary scorecard system to rank them. Categories that we scored the barbells on include price, tensile strength, knurling, and durability.

Here’s how the REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar scored.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Overview

The Double Black Diamond bar is a newcomer in REP’s barbell lineup. It replaces REP’s Deep Knurl Power Bar EX. The name pays homage to the state of Colorado, where REP’s headquarters are located, and the state’s strong winter sports culture. “Double black diamond” refers to the most challenging ski slopes and is also representative of this barbell’s intensity and toughness.

Like its predecessor, the Double Black Diamond barbell is a power bar meant for the three powerlifts: squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. As such, it features aggressive mountain knurling and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) knurl markings. You can choose from multiple finishes, which offer varying levels of durability. And like other reputable fitness equipment brands, REP offers a limited lifetime warranty on this top-tier barbell.

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar In-Depth Review

While we’ve loved lifting with the Double Black Diamond Power Bar, we realize that it may not be the best barbell for everyone. As mentioned, the aggressive knurling may not suit all styles of lifting, and it’s not the cheapest power bar available. Depending on which finish you get, it may not be completely resistant to rust or corrosion. But its high tensile strength means it can handle super heavy loads, and we think it’s still a good value considering its high-quality construction and how well it performs for powerlifting training.

Price and Value

The REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Barbell costs around $330 for the Cerakote options, around $400 for the stainless steel and hard chrome model, and around $450 for the all-stainless steel version. It’s not too far off in price from the Rogue Ohio Power Bar, which costs anywhere from about $275 to about $415, depending on the finish. However, the Double Black Diamond bar is more expensive than a solid budget barbell like the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0, which costs around $220.

That said, REP Fitness offers free shipping on all orders as of this writing. Considering that shipping a barbell can cost $25 or more, the Double Black Diamond Bar can be a cost-efficient option. Plus, with the durability and excellent performance quality it offers, we think it’s a decent value. We rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars for the price.

Delivery

I’ve bought close to two dozen pieces of home gym equipment over the years and have also received complimentary items due to my job as a fitness writer. Most products arrived perfectly packaged without any damage. However, I’ve received two barbells whose packaging was damaged upon delivery. The bars had knicks and chips on the sleeves and shaft before I even had a chance to use them.

I was happy to hear from our product testers that the delivery of the Double Black Diamond barbell to our warehouse in Springfield, MO, went much more smoothly. The barbell arrived in a cardboard tube with plastic end caps that had remained intact during shipping. The bar was also wrapped in foam and plastic to further protect it from dings and scratches. We scored the delivery process 5 out of 5 stars.

Construction, Materials, and Coating

The Double Black Diamond Bar has a 29-millimeter shaft. This diameter is common in power bars. Some, like the Original Texas Power Bar, have a 28.5-millimeter diameter. But according to our product testers, 29 millimeters is the gold standard.

When ordering the Double Black Diamond Bar, you can choose from three finishes: Cerakote (which comes in black, blue, green, or red color options), stainless steel with chrome sleeves, or stainless steel with stainless steel sleeves. The Cerakote bars have Duracoat sleeves, which makes them harder, more corrosion-resistant, and less susceptible to scratches and scuff marks from plate inserts.

Regardless of which finish you choose, you’ll get a bar with smooth sleeves. I generally prefer barbells with ribbed sleeves because I don’t use collars often, and the ribbing helps keep my weight plates in place. But when I trained with the Double Black Diamond Bar at our testing facility in Springfield, MO, I did appreciate how easy it was to slide plates on and off it. I also loved how the end was beveled. The beveling made loading plates a breeze because I didn’t have to perfectly align the plate inserts with the end of the sleeve.

One thing I love about the Double Black Diamond Bar is the endcap design. The black endcap boasts raised silver lettering with the REP name and a double diamond outline. It’s a small but unique touch that gives the barbell a high-end aesthetic. Similarly, REP also added etching with its logo and the bar’s name to the inside of the collars. These characteristics may not seem like much, but the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail help this bar stand out from its competitors.

All in all, this barbell gets 4 out of 5 stars for its construction quality.

RELATED: Best Weight Benches

Knurling

As this is a power bar, the Double Black Diamond Bar features powerlifting knurl marks as specified by the IPF. This means it has single knurl rings and a small area of center knurling. The knurl rings act as a reference point for where to place your hands when bench pressing, while the center knurl helps keep the barbell on your back for back squats.

The knurling itself is very aggressive. It’s a mountain-style knurling, meaning it has a diamond-shaped pattern with sharp, pointy peaks. Mountain knurling is common in power bars because it offers a superior grip for deadlifts. However, power bars with mountain knurling aren’t the most comfortable to lift with, especially for new lifters, because of how aggressively they dig into the hands.

On the other hand, if you’re already used to lifting weights and have calluses built up on your palms, the knurling on the Double Black Diamond Bar may not bother you as much. I have calluses on my hands from years of lifting weights and doing pull-up bar exercises in CrossFit WODs. When I trained with the Double Black Diamond Bar, I definitely noticed the stickiness and grippiness of the knurling, but I wasn’t in a ton of discomfort.

In addition, REP uses higher teeth per inch (TPI, the number of visible teeth per inch on the barbell) than other companies use on their power bars. The mountain pattern is also less pointy than what you’d find on other power bars. Essentially, you get a solid grip but don’t have to worry about tearing your skin during every deadlift workout. For these reasons, we rated the knurling 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength refers to how much weight a barbell can hold before it fractures. It’s measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A high tensile strength is important in a power bar, especially for lifters who can squat, bench press, and deadlift hundreds of pounds. In general, the higher the tensile strength, the more abuse a barbell can handle.

REP’s Double Black Diamond Bar has a tensile strength of 200,000 PSI. Other barbells we’ve tested and reviewed have higher tensile strengths. For instance, the Rogue Ohio Power Bar has a 205,000 PSI tensile strength. On the other hand, the tensile strength of the Double Black Diamond Bar is higher than more economical barbells, like the Performance Series Power Bar from Titan Fitness. Titan’s power bar only has a tensile strength of 165,000 PSI.

For these reasons, we rated the Double Black Diamond Bar 4.5 out of 5 stars for its tensile strength.

Rotation System

The rotation system refers to the mechanism a barbell uses for its sleeve rotation. Some barbells use bearings to rotate their sleeves, and others use bushings. Bushings are more common in powerlifting bars because they don’t spin as quickly or smoothly. For slower, more grindy lifts like the squat, bench press, and deadlift, slower rotation is beneficial because the barbell will feel more stable.

The Double Black Diamond Bar utilizes bronze bushings. The bushings offer some spin, but it’s not as significant as what you’d find on an Olympic weightlifting bar, like REP’s Alpine Weightlifting Bar. But since a low amount of spin is exactly what we’d hope for in a power bar, we scored the rotation system 4 out of 5 stars.

RELATED: Best Bumper Plates

Versatility

As mentioned, the Double Black Diamond bar is a power bar. It’s not a multi-purpose bar like REP’s Colorado bar or Rogue’s regular Ohio bar. While it’s great for powerlifting, it wouldn’t be suitable for the dynamic movements you’d find in CrossFit. The aggressive knurling won’t be comfortable on your palms during movements where the barbell may rotate in your hands frequently, like thrusters or push presses.

Also, because the barbell only has single IPF knurl marks and does not conform to International Weightlifting Federation (IWF standards), it’s not ideal for Olympic weightlifting (snatches and clean and jerks). We only gave it 3 out of 5 stars for versatility since we don’t recommend using it for anything other than powerlifting. A high-quality, all-purpose bar with medium knurling and dual knurl marks may be more suitable for strength sports that utilize more explosive barbell movements.

Durability

We’ve only had the all-stainless steel Double Black Diamond Bar at our testing center for a couple of months. So far, it has held up well. But in our experience, REP’s stainless steel bars tend to rust quickly. We’ll have to let more time pass to see if the Double Black Diamond Bar starts to rust or if it continues to look pristine.

Even so, we rated the bar 5 out of 5 stars for durability. As mentioned, the barbell is also available with a Cerakote finish. Other Cerakote barbells we’ve tested, like Rogue’s Cerakote Barbell, have lasted for more than six months without rusting. This is despite daily use and being stored in non-temperature-controlled rooms. Plus, REP also offers a limited lifetime warranty on all of its barbells. A company wouldn’t offer this type of guarantee if it didn’t truly stand behind its products.

RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar vs. Rogue Ohio Power Bar

In terms of specs, the REP Double Black Diamond Bar and the Rogue Ohio Power Bar are similar. They both have a 29-millimeter shaft diameter, a center knurl, and IPF knurl marks. Their total length and loadable sleeve length are nearly identical. The stainless steel versions of both bars boast a 200,000 PSI tensile strength, but some of the Ohio Power Bar versions have a 205,000 PSI tensile strength.

The Ohio Power Bar is slightly more affordable. The cheapest version starts at around $295, whereas the Double Black Diamond Power Bar starts at just under $330. REP offers free shipping on all purchases while Rogue does not, but depending on where you live, the Ohio Power Bar may still end up being cheaper.

Like REP’s power bar, Rogue’s Ohio Power Bar comes in multiple finishes. There’s a Cerakote shaft coating (which is available in black, blue, red, or green), black zinc, bare steel, stainless steel, or e-coat. In our experience, Rogue’s stainless steel doesn’t rust as quickly as REP’s. If you desire a stainless steel power bar, you may want to go with the Ohio Power Bar.

On the other hand, if knurling is more important to you, we’d recommend the Double Black Diamond Power Bar instead. One of our expert product testers, who’s tested hundreds of pieces of gym equipment, says he prefers the knurling on the Double Black Diamond Power Bar. For him to say that is a big deal. Up until recently, the Ohio Power Bar’s knurling was his favorite out of all the power bars he’s trained with.

Rogue Ohio Power Bar

• Material: Steel or stainless steel
• Weight: 20 kilograms (44 pounds)
• Weight capacity: 680.2 kilograms (1,500 pounds)
• Tensile strength: 200k to 205k PSI
• Loadable sleeve length: 16.25 inches
• Knurling: Very aggressive
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty against bending

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REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar Customer Reviews

Since the REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Bar was just released this past summer, there aren’t many reviews on it yet. The customers who have left reviews have been satisfied with the construction quality. Those who bought Cerakote versions of the bar noted how vibrant the colors look in person. Customers are also pleased with the knurling; many have said that it’s grippy and sharp but not overdone.

Buyers who chose the stainless steel barbell left comments about issues with corrosion. However, it appears that REP has fixed these issues and offered to replace those barbells.

Final Verdict: Is the REP Fitness Double Black Diamond Power Bar Worth It?

All in all, we consider the Double Black Diamond Power Bar one of the top power bars on the market. If you’re a powerlifter who has some extra cash to spend and you’re looking for a top-notch barbell, this one could be for you. It’s made to IPF specifications and boasts IPF knurl marks and a 29-millimeter diameter. We loved the feeling of the knurling, as we found it sharp and grippy but not as uncomfortable as other power bars we’ve tested. That said, we still wouldn’t recommend it for CrossFit or Olympic weightlifting. For more of an all-purpose barbell that can handle more explosive and dynamic lifts, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

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The post REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar Review (2023) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Even “The Mutant” is human.

Unfortunately for Nick Walker, his Olympia journey has already come to an end due to a hamstring tear he suffered while training for the most important bodybuilding show of the year. Despite his best efforts, the third-place finisher at the 2022 Mr. Olympia could not overcome an injury that occurred at the worst possible time.

With the 2023 Olympia weekend about to get underway in Orlando, FL, from Nov. 2-5, Walker announced his decision to bow out of the contest via an Instagram post on Oct. 31, 2023.

Although he looked stage-ready on the surface, the 2021 Arnold Classic winner revealed his hamstring remains a major issue.

“I tried to push through it. I tried to do whatever I could and get whatever treatment I could, but it just gradually got worse,” Walker explained. “It did not progress in any way, shape, or form. Me and my team thought it was best that we just pulled out because we knew there was just no shot of us placing top-three at this point, or higher. And we do not want to drop placing.”

Of course, recent changes to the Olympia Qualifying System stipulate that only the top three finishers in the 2023 Mr. Olympia automatically secure a spot in the 2024 contest. Even though Walker finished behind only Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford in the Men’s Open division a year ago, he surely would have faced an uphill battle to fend off the likes of 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda and 2019 Mr. Olympia winner Brandon Curry for third place on one fully healthy leg.

After delivering the news to promoters and officials, the 2021 Arnold Classic winner said he received nothing but support from IFBB Pro League president Jim Manion and Olympia owner Jake Wood.

“They asked me if I ever needed anything and that just makes me proud to be part of this organization,” Walker said.

Moving forward, there are major ramifications for everyone involved. Walker faces a tough task to recover from a torn hamstring and remind everyone why he was considered one of the top contenders to take home the Mr. Olympia crown in 2023. Meanwhile, his absence opens the door even wider for someone like Dauda, Curry, or even Hunter Labrada, who took home the 2023 Tampa Pro Men’s Open title in August, to punch their ticket to next year’s show with a top-three finish.

After all, with Walker, two-time Mr. Olympia champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, 2022 Bigman Weekend Pro winner Brett “The Butcher” Wilkin, and 2023 Toronto Pro Supershow winner Ian Valliere all withdrawing for various reasons, the stage won’t be quite so crowded (or competitive) with a few big names missing.

Although it would be easy for Walker to view his setback negatively, he showed impressive resolve and inner strength when speaking about what’s next.

“If I learned anything from this is that anything can happen at any given second,” he explained. “But it’s how you handle it; it’s what you do that defines who you are and the character you will become.”

Featured Image: nick_walker39 / Instagram

The post Untimely Setback Forces Nick Walker to Withdraw From 2023 Mr. Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.