Bodybuilding
Mr. Olympia Contest 2017 Event in Las Vegas
As we head into August, bodybuilding fans and enthusiasts alike are looking forward to the much anticipated 2017 Olympia event in Las Vegas, Nevada! Taking place from September 14 to 17, the Mr. Olympia contest and expo is sure to bring fans from all across the globe for what should be one of the most competitive match-ups we have seen in a while on the main stage.
With Cedric McMillan winning this year’s Arnold Classic and looking better with his signature conditioning and aesthetic appeal, can Phil Heath continue his reign of dominance and become a 7-time Mr. Olympia 2017 winner? And I personally think that Phil heath becomes Mr. Olympia 2017 winner is Or will the tides turn as we’re starting to see a slight favor towards a more “classic” look and have the judges sway their opinion towards McMillan? With about 3 months left for contest prep, it should be exciting to follow everyone into the contest stage and see if history can be made.
Mr. Olympia 2017 Contests
Anything can happen leading up to Mr. Olympia and there is a line-up of great competitors able to score an upset on contest night. Big Ramy is looking freakishly huge with recent footage of him, walking at around 320 pounds in the offseason! Dexter “The Blade” Jackson is always prime to take an upset placing with his consistency with being in shape on contest night and remains a threat - even at the age of 47.
And of course, the big talk this year is the Olympia debut of Sergio Olivia Jr., who is none other than the son of 3x Mr. Olympia winner Sergio “The Myth” Olivia. Can we have the first 2nd generation IFBB bodybuilder win the entire Olympia? It is a long shot, to say the least for this year, but it will be interesting to see how Olivia Jr. gets ready for the stage and time will tell whether he has what it takes to be a future champion.
Mr. Olympia List (taken from contest website this month):
NAME | COUNTRY |
Beyeke, Lionel | France |
Bonac, William | Netherlands |
Curry, Brandon | USA |
De Asha, Nathan | United Kingdom |
Elssbiay, Mamdouh | Egypt |
Heath, Phil | USA |
Jackson, Dexter | USA |
Jackson, Johnnie | USA |
Martinez, Victor | Dominican Republic |
McMillan, Cedric | USA |
Oliva Jr., Sergio | USA |
Osladil, Lukas | Czech Republic |
Rhoden, Shawn | USA |
Williams, Gerald | USA |
Winklaar, Roelly | Curacao |
Coverage of Mr. Olympia will also feature the 212 division, which has a roster of seasoned vets set to make a competitive line-up this year! Flex Lewis is the reigning 5 x 212 Olympia and will surely be tough to dethrone with his dominating size and conditioning set forth every Olympia contest. With the 2017 Arnold Classic casting a few surprises in this division earlier this year, Ahmad Ashkanani is in a position to create even more upsets when he faces Flex Lewis onstage in September.
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Currently qualified 212 Olympia Contestants:
NAME | COUNTRY |
Ashkanani, Ahmad | Kuwait |
Choopan, Hadi | Iran |
Correa, Eduardo | Brazil |
Dixon, Charles | USA |
Henry, David | USA |
Lewis, Flex | United Kingdom |
Raymond, Jose | USA |
Rockell, Ronny | Germany |
Sadek, Milan | Czech Republic |
The Fitness Olympia always puts on a great show in Las Vegas, and Oksana Grishina has won the past 3 Fitness Olympia titles in convincing fashion. Despite being 39 years old, age has not slowed her down and we here at Muscle Mecca predict that Oksana will be a likely 4x Fitness Olympia champion this year.
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Currently qualified Fitness Olympia contestants:
NAME | COUNTRY |
Da Silva, Regiane | Germany |
Foroni, Giorgia | Italy |
Grishina, Oksana | Russia |
Johnson, Tanji | USA |
Jones, Whitney | USA |
Kendall-Williams, Sally | USA |
Khadr, Ariel | USA |
Pajunen, Piia | Finland |
Wagner, Bethany | USA |
Who doesn’t love seeing these ladies onstage?! Though there is a wide talent pool of qualified competitors, Latoya Watts brings a package of perfect shape, symmetry, and one of the most impressive v-tapers we have ever seen in the division that will be hard to stop her from winning the title a 4th time. What do you think guys and gals - does anyone have a chance of beating Latoya?
Currently qualified Figure Olympia contestants:
NAME | COUNTRY |
Calhoun, Andrea | USA |
Dees, Heather | USA |
De La Rosa, Swann | USA |
Fortino, Wendy | USA |
Garcia, Maria | Spain |
Gillon, Cydney | USA |
Grajales, Sandra | Mexico |
Hammermeister, Stephanie | USA |
Ivusic, Ivana | USA |
Jordan, Marlissa | USA |
Lewis Carter, Candice | USA |
Martineau, Laurelle | USA |
Ondrejovicova, Adela | Slovakia |
Pollard, Andrea | USA |
Reyes Padilla, Jessica | Puerto Rico |
Soltero, Natalia | Mexico |
Watts, Latorya | USA |
Wilkins, Nicole | USA |
Yabekova, Martina | Canada |
Zabavina, Natalia | Russia |
With the continuing growth of the sport & more people interested in competing, the Olympia will be featuring more divisions than ever before. Not only will Men’s Physique be featured, but we also have:
- Men’s Classic Physique
- Women’s Physique
- Women’s Bikini
It will definitely be a long weekend of competition in this year’s iteration of the Olympia. As in years past, the main contest stage will be held at the Orleans Arena with the official hotel venue being the Orleans Hotel (off-strip). Book now if you haven’t already - from my past experience, the Orleans gets fully booked by around July!
The bottom line:
The Olympia experience wouldn’t be complete without going to the Olympia Expo, so be sure to check that out too! Featuring not only bodybuilding and physique, but the expo is also packed with contests such as powerlifting, strongman, and even jiu-jitsu. As with every year at the expo, they will also be featuring the “Male Model Search” in which you can win an exclusive contract with a media company by showing up at the expo and proving that you have what it takes to be the next big-time model. Details can be found on the Mr. Olympia website.
By the way, if you want to get your seat to watch the real muscles show, grab your ticket today here
Muscle Mecca signing off for now. We’ll be keeping you posted with continual updates on the Olympia and be providing you coverage as we get closer to September. As always, keep training hard and work on becoming the best version of what you want to be in the gym!
Bodybuilding
Top Video Games for Bodybuilders in 2024
There are several video games that can be great for bodybuilders, combining fitness and fun! Here are some of the best options:
Ring Fit Adventure (Nintendo Switch)
The game uses the Ring-Con and Leg Strap to guide you through various exercises and adventures. It's a fun way to get a full-body workout while playing a game.
Fitness Boxing 2: VR Boxing Remastered (PlayStation VR)
It offers a full-body boxing workout with a variety of punches and combos. It's a great way to improve your fitness while enjoying a virtual boxing experience.
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Just Dance 2024
This popular dance game gets you moving to the beat with a variety of songs and dance routines. It's a fun way to burn calories and improve your coordination.
Zumba Fitness
Burn It Off (Nintendo Wii): This game offers a fun and energetic Zumba workout, perfect for those who enjoy dancing and want to get a good cardio workout.
Yoga for Beginners
If you're looking for a more relaxing workout, yoga games can help improve flexibility and reduce stress. Many of these games offer guided yoga sessions that you can follow along with.
Gym Tycoon
This game lets you build and manage your own gym, complete with various workout equipment and fitness classes. It's a great way to learn about different exercises and how to create effective workout routines.
The Sims 4: Fitness Stuff Pack
This expansion pack for The Sims 4 adds fitness equipment and activities to the game, allowing you to improve your character's fitness and join the athlete career.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
While not a traditional fitness game, this classic game includes bodybuilding activities that can help your character gain muscle and improve fitness.
Knockout Home Fitness (Nintendo Switch)
This game offers a variety of boxing workouts that can help improve your strength and endurance.
Gym Simulator 24 (PC)
In this simulation game, you can build and manage your own fitness empire, creating workout routines and managing gym equipment.
Let's Get Fit (Nintendo Switch)
This game focuses on pure workouts, allowing you to set programs and follow along with digital trainers for a customized fitness experience.
Beat Saber (VR)
A popular VR game where you slash blocks to the beat of the music, providing an intense full-body workout.
Synth Riders (PlayStation VR)
This game combines freestyle dance and fitness, offering high-tempo tracks and multiplayer modes for a fun and energetic workout.
Yoga Master (PlayStation)
Designed by professional yoga coaches, this game offers a variety of yoga lessons and poses to improve flexibility and reduce stress.
Les Mills Bodycombat (PlayStation VR)
A martial arts-inspired workout game with a range of workout plans and coaching to keep you motivated.
OhShape Ultimate (PlayStation VR)
This game provides a full-body cardio workout with six sessions and two difficulty levels, designed to engage every part of your body.
These games offer a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts, making them great additions to your fitness routine.
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Bodybuilding
2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts
Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.
The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).
In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions.
These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status
Bodybuilding
Primal Movements: Our Ultimate Guide for Maximum Results
Primal movements are fundamental, natural movements that our bodies are designed to perform. Incorporating these into your training can enhance strength, mobility, and overall fitness. Here’s an ultimate guide to primal development and movements for bodybuilders:
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Understanding Primal Movements
Primal movements are basic, functional movements that mimic the natural actions humans have performed for thousands of years. These movements are essential for developing a strong, balanced, and resilient body. They can be categorized into seven primary patterns:
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- Push
- Pull
- Squat
- Lunge
- Hinge
- Rotate
- Gait (Locomotion)
The Seven Primal Movement Patterns
Push
Description: Involves moving a weight or resistance away from your body.
Examples: Push-ups, bench press, overhead press.
Muscles Worked: Chest, shoulders, triceps.
Pull
Description: Involves drawing a weight or resistance towards your body.
Examples: Pull-ups, rows, bicep curls.
Muscles Worked: Back, biceps, forearms.
Squat
Description: A fundamental lower-body movement where you lower your hips from a standing position and then stand back up.
Examples: Bodyweight squats, barbell squats, goblet squats.
Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.
Lunge
Description: A single-leg movement that involves stepping forward, backward, or to the side and lowering your hips.
Examples: Forward lunges, reverse lunges, lateral lunges.
Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.
Hinge
Description: Involves bending at the hips while keeping a neutral spine.
Examples: Deadlifts, kettlebell swings, hip thrusts.
Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back.
Rotate
Description: Involves twisting or rotating the torso.
Examples: Russian twists, woodchoppers, cable rotations.
Muscles Worked: Obliques, abdominals, lower back.
Gait (Locomotion)
Description: Involves movements that propel the body forward.
Examples: Walking, running, crawling, bear crawls.
Muscles Worked: Full body, with emphasis on legs and core.
Benefits of Primal Movements
Functional Strength: Primal movements enhance your ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently and safely.
Improved Mobility: These movements promote flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of injury.
Balanced Development: By working multiple muscle groups, primal movements ensure balanced muscle development.
Core Stability: Many primal movements engage the core, improving overall stability and strength.
Increased Caloric Burn: Compound movements like these burn more calories, aiding in fat loss and conditioning.
Incorporating Primal Movements into Your Training
Warm-Up: Start with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare your body.
Compound Exercises: Focus on compound exercises that incorporate multiple primal movements.
Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance to continue making gains.
Variety: Mix up your routine to prevent plateaus and keep your workouts interesting.
Recovery: Ensure adequate rest and recovery to allow your muscles to repair and grow.
Sample Primal Movement Workout
Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.
Workout:
Push: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of push-ups or bench press.
Pull: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of pull-ups or rows.
Squat: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of bodyweight or barbell squats.
Lunge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg of forward or reverse lunges.
Hinge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of deadlifts or kettlebell swings.
Rotate: 3 sets of 15-20 reps of Russian twists or cable rotations.
Gait: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds of bear crawls or sprints.
Cool-Down: 5-10 minutes of static stretching and deep breathing exercises.
1. Warm-Up and Mobility Drills
Start your workout with primal movement-based warm-ups to prepare your body. For example:
- Dynamic stretches: Incorporate lunges with a twist, leg swings, and arm circles.
- Mobility drills: Include exercises like hip circles, cat-cow stretches, and thoracic rotations.
2. Compound Exercises
Add primal movements as the core of your workout. Here’s how you can structure it:
- Push Day: Combine bench presses with push-ups.
- Pull Day: Mix pull-ups with rows.
- Leg Day: Integrate squats and lunges with deadlifts.
3. Supersets and Circuits
Create supersets or circuits that include primal movements:
- Superset Example: Pair squats with pull-ups or push-ups with lunges.
- Circuit Example: Rotate through exercises like kettlebell swings, bear crawls, and Russian twists with minimal rest.
4. Functional Training Days
Dedicate one or two days a week to functional training focused on primal movements:
Sample Functional Workout
-
- Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching.
- Circuit: 3 rounds of:
- 10 push-ups
- 10 pull-ups
- 15 squats
- 10 lunges per leg
- 15 kettlebell swings
- 20 Russian twists
- 30 seconds of bear crawls
- Cool-Down: 5 minutes of static stretching.
5. Active Recovery
Use primal movements on active recovery days to promote mobility and flexibility:
- Activities: Light yoga, walking, or gentle bodyweight exercises like lunges and squats.
6. Progressive Overload
Gradually increase the intensity of primal movements by adding weights or resistance bands:
- Example: Start with bodyweight squats, then progress to goblet squats, and eventually barbell squats.
7. Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to how your body responds to these movements and adjust accordingly:
- Modify: If a movement feels too challenging, modify it to suit your fitness level.
- Rest: Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery to prevent overtraining.
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Sample Weekly Routine for Primal Movements
Monday: Push Day
- Bench Press
- Push-Ups
- Overhead Press
Tuesday: Pull Day
- Pull-Ups
- Rows
- Bicep Curls
Wednesday: Leg Day
- Squats
- Lunges
- Deadlifts
Thursday: Functional Training
- Circuit of primal movements (as outlined above)
Friday: Active Recovery
- Light yoga or walking
Saturday: Full-Body Workout
- Combination of push, pull, squat, and hinge movements
Sunday: Rest Day
By incorporating these primal movements, you’ll enhance your functional strength, mobility, and overall fitness. If you have any specific goals or need further customization, feel free to ask! Happy training.
For optimal performance in primal movements before a bodybuilding competition, consider these supplements:
Pre-Workout Supplements: These can provide energy and enhance performance. Look for products containing creatine, nitric oxide stimulators, and caffeine.
Post-Workout Supplements: Essential for recovery, including protein powders, BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), and multivitamins.
Fat Burners and Metabolizers: These can help in reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Ingredients like green tea extract and L-carnitine are popular.
Adaptogens: Supplements like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea can help manage stress and improve endurance.
Conlusion
Primal movements, which include squatting, lunging, hinging, twisting, walking, pushing, and pulling, benefit from a strong foundation of functional strength and mobility. Ensuring your body is well-nourished and recovered will help you perform these movements effectively.
Incorporating primal movements into your bodybuilding routine can lead to significant improvements in strength, mobility, and overall fitness. By focusing on these fundamental patterns, you can build a well-rounded, resilient body that performs well both in and out of the gym.
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