Community

More in Training

Leg day has always been and will always be the filter of those that say they want it and those that ACTUALLY want it.

Classic physique sensation turned 212 prodigy Keone Pearson qualified for the 2020 Olympia by winning his 212 debut at the Chicago pro. Here he links up with NEW figure pro Samantha Jerring who just arrived from Sweden and is 2.5 weeks out from her own Olympia debut.

Samantha's approach to training is very much with an affinity for the pain and work and love of the process.

"I dont back off. This is what got me here so we go hard all the way to show day."

Keone and Samantha both have an ultra intense and a bit "crazy" approach to training. In this video they warm up with extensions and hit the compound movements ie hack squat and leg presses with full force and go to failure on their top two sets.

Both Keone and Samantha will be in Orlando during the Iron World Tour and Olympia weekend making appearances at Kissimmee Muscle gym and Rival Athletics for training and the team meet ups.

Keone Pearson Leg Day with Samantha Jerring - Olympia Debut

There are good exercises for building arms and there are better exercises for building arms. Regardless of which exercises you choose, how you execute and tracking progress is key to the "gains" over time.

Here Hunter Labrada, Bryan Troianello and Liv Roth link up for what they opt to do instead of taking a rest day - ARM DAY.

Admittedly arms are "boring" for both Bryan and Hunter to train just because they don't require the testicular fortitude that the other major muscle groups require to train all-out, however they are absolutely necessary when preparing for competition ESPECIALLY the Olympia.

There have been Olympians with smaller arms. Those with the meatiest "meat hooks" are the ones remembered to this day. It is no secret, if you have a jaw dropping set of biceps and triceps you more than likely will be remembered in the minds of real bodybuilding fanatics. Good thing Hunter is no slouch when it comes to the arm genetics. The triceps make up about 2/3 of arm mass give or take on the any given individual. Here Hunter works up to an all out dumbbell triceps extension with 90lbs in each hand. The single arm preacher curl is also a favorite which Bryan and Hunter have been using 55lb for a few weeks now.

Check out Hunter and Bryan's training here and stay tuned for more from these guys as we get closer to the big debut and the Iron World Tour Orlando.

The Best Arm Exercises - Hunter Labrada Olympia Debut

Martin Fitzwater threw out some confusion when he blurted out that damn near sacrilegious comment of "I dont really do shoulder presses."

Keone Pearson from Atlanta, Olivia Gravengaard (new Texas transplant) and Martin Fitzwater from Denver all link up for a massive shoulder session. The calories are high and so is the energy.

Martin lead this workout and being so young to turn pro it is no surprise he has a very method to the madness way of training.

They lead off with rear belts to establish the connection and add on a very interesting "intensifier" at the end before going into laterals.

Check out the whole workout and how they implement exercises and why.

MASSIVE SHOULDERS - Martin Fitzwater Keone Pearson & Olivia Gravengaard

More in Destination

Is the motivation and drive internal or from an external source?

These are questions that are valuable to ask yourself when reflecting on your perceived passions and pursuits.

When met with adversity and your motivations and incentives are external, it wont hold up.

Leland Devaughn Jr. in this short excerpt from his interview with Michael Johansson explains his thoughts core values and todays society being a bit externally motivated versus finding out who you are as a person and making sure what you want to do and why lines up with YOUR OWN core values.

Stay tuned for the full Destination LIVE interview with Leland coming soon.

Who Are YOU At The Core - Leland Devaughn Jr.

More in Iron World Tour

On November 29, 2020, Chinese Strongman and GASP athlete Yue Yang successfully challenged the double-arm-support helicopter landing at the Luzhou Aviation Flight Club in Beijing. Yue supported this 1.3 ton helicopter for 16 seconds continuously, setting a new strength challenge record.

Yue Yang is praised as the strongest man in China, and is the only person awarded the title of excellent athlete by the National Sports Administration of China. During this challenge, Yue Yang pushed the platform with his arms, and a 1.3-ton helicopter landed on the platform. He supported the helicopter on the platform with his arms and continued to support it for 16 seconds.

A great variety of people from various industries and companies came to witness the event. There weren't just fitness industry friends but also representatives from the car and train industry to mention some, along with various media. The publishing of this strength challenge triggered a wave of discussion on social media.

After successfully completing the challenge, Yue Yang gave an interview to the media, in which he said that as a practitioner of the Strongman Sports and a spreader of the strength culture, he would always love this sport and continue to help Chinese strength culture to reach the whole world.

During the GASP Iron World Tour China August 2019, Yue Yang signed with GASP as the brands first Chinese athlete.

Chinas Strongest Yue Yang VS 1.3 Ton Helicopter

More in Ambassadors

We bring part of the team to the massive Cowboy Stadium. This structure is symbolic for many reasons. It is in the Guinness book of world records for having the worlds largest video display, hosted most fans at an NFL event with over 105,000 people and has over 3,000 LCD displays throughout the building.

Outside of the physical aspects of the stadiums symbolic nature, it is also symbolic of the saying "if you can dream it, you can do it."

Jerry Jones had the vision to outdo any stadium that had ever existed in history with this endeavor and succeeded in it. It was a massive initiative that nearly doubled in budget from $650 million to over $1 billion. Nevertheless the vision that was Cowboy Stadium was realized and finished in 2009 and is now the standard to which the world rises to when it comes to entertainment, construction technology or creating an ultimate experience.

We take Keone Pearson, Martin Fitzwater, Olivia Gravengaard, Liv Rothenberg, Ian Gaines along with GASP CEO Michael Johansson along for this ride and lesson in vision, having a plan of action and then executing.

Cowboy Stadium - Chasing Greatness

More in Motivation

Everyone determines their own fate. Branch Warren had naysayers his "entire adult life" telling him he's crazy for his pursuits and going against the grain.

"Why don't you get a real job and just be normal."

Usually when you go against the grain, cut your own path in life, or blaze your own trail, it is met with opposition from the "naysayers" as Branch calls them. The opposition comes from a place in people that is envious because they have a desire to think out of the box and possibly even the will, but they lack the guts and courage to take action and realize what they actually want in life. They lack the belief in themselves that they too can do what ever they want, be successful and unapologetic with their decisions.

If normal is living a life with an imposed ceiling limiting your own capabilities, dreams and aspirations and you have acquaintances and even friends and family telling you to fall in line and "just be normal" then you have to ask yourself if normal is the life you want.

Branch Warren - Normal Is The Last Thing I Want To Be

More in Other

I met Rashaad Brooks at Gold’s Gym, Venice and immediately noticed two important things.

First was that he had great genetic potential for this sport, as he has naturally great lines, a small waist, beautiful V-taper and well-shaped muscle bellies. And second, that he was humble, passionate and hungry for knowledge! We became instant friends, and, in my mind, I had hoped that one day I could take him fully under my wing and coach him into the pro ranks – and beyond. Happily, my wish came true as I have been preparing him for the NPC USA Championships for the last 9 weeks (as I write this), and I consider it a blessing to work with such a tremendous athlete – and even more importantly, a true gentleman. I do not know where he will place in his first attempt at earning IFBB status, but after you read this interview, I am sure you will feel just as I do – that Rashaad is already a champion!

Such a pleasure to be doing this interview with you for GASP! Let’s start with the basics. Where are you from, and where do you live now?

Rashaad: I’m honored to do this interview with you Eric. I’m from Los Angeles, CA and still

When did you start lifting weights? What got you into training?

Rashaad: I started lifting at 14 years old (off and on), but began training seriously, and with purpose when I was around 21. I was always a lean/skinny kid but got tired of that look and wanted to build some muscle through weight training.

What or who got you interested in competing? Did you have a mentor in the beginning Are there any bodybuilders that you look up to and perhaps try to emulate?

Rashaad: My friend Moe Burgess got me into competing. Moe was definitely my mentor at the beginning of my journey and continues to push me to this day. As for bodybuilders I admire and look to for inspiration I would have say Frank Zane, Rich Gaspari, and Lee Labrada. There are so many in this sport that I admire and respect as athletes, but I really associate with Rich and Lee, mostly because they have smaller structures similar to myself. When it comes to Zane, I just love his mindset and perspective towards health and fitness in general.

You and I were first introduced at Gold’s Gym, Venice (which is sadly now closed). For most of us who were lucky enough to train there, it was an honor and privilege. What was it like for you to step through those doors each day and to pursue your passion amongst some of the very best in the sport?

Rashaad: Yeah bro, it’s so sad what is happening to the Mecca. I just pray it comes back. I’m

truly blessed to say I have personally seen its last days, for now at least, and got the opportunity to train there. I remember walking through Gold’s doors that first day and literally feeling in awe of the place. I felt the incredible energy immediately. I walked around the whole gym and couldn’t believe how amazing the Mecca was – with so many rooms and the variety of equipment. I remember saying to myself, “even the old people look good here!”

Eric_: When it comes to competing, you have chosen to make your mark in the Classic Physique

division. What made you choose this path as opposed to open bodybuilding?_

Rashaad: I chose classic because it emulates old school bodybuilding - the “golden era.” Plus, I assessed my own physique as I was progressing and realized that I don’t have the genetics or structure for the open class. Trying to hold that much mass would destroy my lines, which I am not willing to do. Maybe one day I could compete in the 212-division, but that’s the highest muscular bodyweight I think my genetics would allow me.

I believe 2020 marked your first victory in the NPC, correct? How did it feel to hear your name called as the victor?

Rashaad: Yes, my brother, my first NPC victory occurred this year at the NPC Cal State. It felt so incredible to have my grind and effort rewarded fairly.

As I mentioned, you and I met at Gold’s and quickly became friends. Every time I saw you, I

tried to push you and make sure you were giving your workouts your all. However, right after your win at the NPC Cal State you asked me to coach you for the USA. This was a thrill for me because I always felt as if you have pro potential and I wanted to help bring it out. How has this prep under my guidance been different than what you have done in the past?

Rashaad: Yes, we connected instantly, and you always to the time to drop some

on me in the gym - and I’m thankful for that. Under your guidance for the USA, I learned

some more things about my body, which certainly was for the better. I’m used to doing six meals training days and five on rest days, but you bumped me to 7 and 6 respectively. Right away I noticed that I had more energy, my muscles remained fuller, and my metabolism started flying. I am definitely coming into the show with both better conditioning and more mass.

You are without a doubt one of the hardest working and most passionate athletes I have

ever known/worked with! Please tell everyone out there what drives you – what makes you bust your ass every single day.

Rashaad: Thanks man - I do my best to always go “balls to the wall” when at the gym. But the

straight up truth is that I just love training. I fell in love with it immediately because of results. With consistency and intensity comes gains. When I see people, who knew me when I was younger and very skinny, they always ask how on earth I go to the point I am at now. I just tell them that once I started, I never stopped!

What do you love most about this sport? Aside from creating an incredible physique, what has this journey done for your life in general? How has it impacted you?

Rashaad: As for this sport I love that it helps build character and just gives you a better attitude about life all around. I also love the people and the energy in the gym. It’s like a big brotherhood, where we all push and support each other – which I just love. I feel like the sport itself welcomed me with open arms, and that I was made to train, diet and be onstage showing my results. I know I belong.

This has been a very difficult year for all of us. The fact that you are even competing is a testament to your ability to overcome adversity. How have you managed to navigate through everything that has been thrown at you in 2020?

Rashaad: Brother, oh my Lord - this year been a total rollercoaster. The NPC Cal State was

postponed twice, but I refused to stop. I think that the real key for me was that no matter what was thrown at me I always remained positive and did not let anything really stress me out. Remember, there is always a solution to any problem. You may have to just work harder sometimes for what you want, but if the opportunity is there, you must take advantage of it and make it happen!

As we do this interview, we are still about 10 days out from the USA Championships. It

is obvious that you are by far in the best shape of your life, so regardless of where you place, you are already a champion – at least, that is how I see it. Whether you turn pro or not this year, I know in my heart that you will soon be a proud member of the IFBB. Tell us what your goals are for the future. What does Rashaad wish to achieve in the sport?

Rashaad: Honestly Eric, more than anything, I just want to help, inspire and motivate people

I know what an incredibly gracious person you are, so I am sure you have some people

you’d like to thank. The floor is yours…

Rashaad: Thanks coach, you’re amazing as well. I want to thank my good friend and brother, Moe Burgess, for bringing me into this community/sport and accepting me with open arms. I want to thank Jay Cutler and Dave Bourlet for allowing me to be on their platform (Jay Cutler TV on You Tube) and giving me so much exposure. I also want to thank them for doing so much for the sport. And Eric, I also want to thank YOU for being an amazing friend, brother and of course, my coach. Thank you for all that you do and imparting all of your knowledge. We're just getting started!

West Coast Update With Eric Broser - Rashaad Brooks

Johnnie Jackson has made a career of being the hardest worker in the room with him and Branch Warren constantly trying to crush each other in the gym and on stage.

The physique produced from Johnnie's training background and style made him standout among the best and most powerful in the world.

Now Johnnie is leaving the competitive stage after an extensive professional career with 14 Mr. Olympia appearances and 7 professional victories.

Johnnie has partnered with Rob Impastato and Esther Chow from Big Tex Gym and GASP to create the NPLC to bring a new generation of lifters and goal oriented fans of the iron the best quality competitive experience and direction possible.

Stay tuned for 2021. This is a company made by athletes for the athletes!

Johnnie Jackson - Nothing Is Stopping Me

More in IWT Orlando

We blast off from our home base in Dallas and hit the ground running in Orlando for day 1 of our Iron World Tour.

We hit up Kissimmee Muscle Gym immediately after landing and Jonathan Heath McGrael welcomes us and gives us the run down of KMG's history and success.

"People want the community and to be able to connect."

IFBB pros Ahmad Ahmad and Irene Andersen were training 3 days out from the 2020 Olympia and we caught a few words with them in between sets.

After Kissimmee Muscle Gym we haul ass to our home base for the next week and get a tour from GASP and Better Bodies CEO Michael Johansson.

The new headquarters comes complete with a heated pool, home theatre, massive kitchen and game rooms, and 10 bedrooms at over 9000 square feet.

Its only going to get crazier from here. Stay tuned to catch up with everyone competing in the 2020 Olympia.

Starting Off Olympia Week with a Bang - Iron World Tour Day 1

We're looking forward to taking our Iron World Tour to Orlando December 15-22!

Besides supporting our athletes as they step on stage for the Olympia, we want to meet as many of our fitness family, industry friends, and athletes as possible when we are there.

 during our trip, but we will also be going around to see what the local Orlando gym scene has to offer.

Here are our gym times for training meet-ups and we hope to see YOU there:

10:00 am GASP & Better Bodies Meet-Up at Kissimmee Muscle Gym

3:00 pm GASP & Better Bodies Meet-Up at Kissimmee Muscle Gym

3:00 pm GASP & Better Bodies Meet-Up at Rival Athletics Gym

10:00 am GASP & Better Bodies Meet-Up at TBD

Iron World Tour Orlando & Olympia 2020

Work hard play hard is in full swing here in Orlando.

What goes hand in hand with Florida? GATORS! Gators are on the agenda today BUT FIRST we hit up Kissimmee Muscle Gym again for our GASP and Better Bodies meet up and have Jeremy Potvin, Ahmad Ahmad, Irene Andersen, Samir Troudi and Olivia Gravengaard here to meet and train with everyone who is in town for the week and Olympia weekend.

After work hard is play hard. We haul ass to Wild Willys boat tours and cruise the Florida everglades in an airboat. Tons of Gators are in and around the boat and the team gets a thorough education about these American alligators.

Day 2 of the Orlando Iron World Tour produced a massive appetite and GASP CEO Michael Johansson cooks up our favorite wagyu beef from Local Yocal and we end the day with a huge toast to continued success and work hard play hard , NO EXCUSES mentality.

Stay tuned for the rest of the week and following up with all of the world class athletes competing in the 2020 Mr. Olympia.