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The 2024 CrossFit Open is fast approaching. While the details for each of the three workouts that comprise the Open won’t be announced until their respective live announcements on the CrossFit Games YouTube channel, the elite athletes that will tackle the Open workouts first are raising the anticipation.

Workout 24.1 will feature Jeffrey Adler, Brent Fikowski, Alex Gazan, and Alexis Raptis on Feb. 29, 2024. One week later, on March 7, 2024, workout 24.2 will feature the head-to-head clash of two-time Fittest Man on Earth® Justin Medeiros and four-time CrossFit Games athlete Colten Mertens.

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[Related: TYR Sport and CrossFit Games Athlete Dani Speegle Release Limited Edition CXT-1 Trainer]

Justin Medeiros

Medeiros made his CrossFit Games debut in 2020 and has had a remarkable career thus far. His four Games appearances comprise three podium finishes, including back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022.

Medeiros’ career-best Open finish worldwide was third place in 2022. His average Open rank since 2019 is 51.5 — a mark of consistency. After a 13th-place finish at the 2023 CrossFit Games — the lowest rank of his Games career — Medeiros is expected to return with a renewed fire in 2024.

Colten Mertens

Mertens made his CrossFit Games debut in 2018, ranking 19th overall. He has competed at the Games every year since 2021, ranking 31st in 2021, 32nd in 2022, and a career-best 18th in 2023.

Mertens has competed in the Open every year since 2017 and has steadily improved his worldwide rank each year. From 2017 to 2023, he progressed his worldwide Open rank year-over-year from 5,923rd to 434th to 403rd to 108th to 18th to fourth to third. If Mertens can continue this progression, he should be a favorite to return to the Games in 2024 and challenge for a top 10 rank.

More CrossFit Content

• Haley Adams Will Compete in the 2024 CrossFit Season
• “I’m So Excited” — Inside the 2024 Adaptive CrossFit Season With WheelWOD’s Kevin Ogar
• YouTuber Will Tennyson Learns the Clean & Jerk the Hard Way From CrossFit Games Champion Mat Fraser

Feature image: @crossfitgames on Instagram

The post CrossFit Open Workout 24.2 Will Feature Justin Medeiros Vs. Colten Mertens appeared first on BarBend.

The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) raw total world record in the 83-kilogram class has fallen. On Feb. 10, 2024, Delaney Wallace was one of 12 male athletes who competed at the 2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships in Sheffield, UK.

Competing against athletes of various weight classes, Wallace’s goal was to score as high a percentage of his weight class’s world record to top the Sheffield leaderboard. Ultimately, three male athletes shattered their weight class’s IPF raw world record, one of which was Wallace, who exceeded Russel Orhii‘s previous world record by 1.5 kilograms.

Below is Wallace‘s full eight-for-nine performance that comprised his new IPF total world record of 842.5 kilograms:

2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships Results — Delaney Wallace, 83KG

Wallace weighed in officially at 82.7 kilograms. The weights below are in kilograms:

• Squat
  • 282.5
  • 297.5
  • 305
• Bench Press
  • 192.5
  • 202.5
  • 207.5
• Deadlift
  • 310
  • 330
  • 335
• Total — 842.5 kilograms — IPF Raw World Record

[Related: Taylor Atwood’s “World Champion Mindset” When Lifting Heavy In Training]

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[Related: Wascar Carpio (59KG) Raw Deadlifts 273 Kilograms in Prep for 2024 Powerlifting America Raw Nationals]

The men’s 83-kilogram class is among the most stacked in professional powerlifting. Wallace’s new IPF total world record is a monumental feat, as Orhii has been a dominant force in the division on the IPF stage for years. Wallace scored a £5,000 award for eclipsing the IPF world record.

Wallace also won £7,500 for his overall bronze medal finish. Despite breaking the IPF total world record in the 83-kilogram class, Wallace broke it by a smaller percentage than Gustav Hedlund and Jonathan Cayco, both 93-kilogram lifters, who broke their class’s IPF total world record.

2024 Sheffield Championships Results Women

1. Agata Sitko (69KG) — 600 Kilograms, 109.3%
2. Prescillia Bavoil (69KG) — 585 Kilograms, 106.6%
3. Carola Garra (69KG) — 582.5 Kilograms, 106.1%
4. Evie Corrigan (52KG) — 481 Kilograms, 103.2%
5. Brittany Schlater (+84KG) — 710 Kilograms, 102.4%
6. Sonita Kyen Muluh (+84KG) — 708 Kilograms, 102.1%
7. Karlina Tongotea (76KG) — 610.5 Kilograms, 101.8%
8. Jade Jacob (57KG) — 519.5 Kilograms, 101.4%
9. Natalie Richards (57KG) — 516.5 Kilograms, 100.8%
10. Tiffany Chapon (47KG) — 431.5 Kilograms, 100.7%
11. Amanda Lawrence (84KG) — 647 Kilograms, 100.3%
12. Noemie Allabert (52KG) — 447.5 Kilograms, 97.3%

Men

1. Gustav Hedlund (93KG) — 895 Kilograms, 100.8% 
2. Jonathan Cayco (93KG) — 890.5 Kilograms, 100.6%
3. Delaney Wallace (83KG) — 842.5 Kilograms, 100.2%
4. Gavin Adin (93KG) — 887 Kilograms, 99.9%
5. Panagiotis Tarinidis (66KG) — 702.5 Kilograms, 98.9%
6. Timothy Monigatti (74KG) — 789.5 Kilograms, 98.7%
7. Carlos Petterson-Grifith (93KG) — 875 Kilograms, 98.5%
8. Anatolii Novopismennyi (105KG) — 925.5 Kilograms, 98.5%
9. Carl Johansson (74KG) — 785.5 Kilograms, 98.2%
10. Kyota Ushiyama (66KG) — 690 Kilograms, 97.1%
11. Jesus Olivares (+120KG) —1,152.5 Kilograms, 96.6%
12. Tony Cliffe (120KG) — 925 Kilograms, 94.5% 

Looking outside the IPF, the all-time world record total in the 83-kilogram class is significantly heavier. Per Open Powerlifting, the current all-time raw total world record belongs to Jawon Garrison, who achieved 915.5 kilograms at the 2023 WRPF The American Pro 2.

More Powerlifting News

• How to Train Powerlifting Once Per Week (And Make it Count)
• 2024 Paris Paralympic Games Medals Revealed
• Zahir Khudayarov Squats 460KG for a Double in Wraps

Featured image: @dlaneywallace on Instagram

The post Delaney Wallace (83KG) Sets IPF Raw Total World Record of 842.5 Kilograms at 2024 Sheffield Championships appeared first on BarBend.

Taylor Atwood has dominated the 74-kilogram class in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) for years. A three-time world champion, Atwood set the squat and total world records at the 2019 IPF Classic World Championships (CWC).

At the 2021 United States Powerlifting (USAPL) Raw Nationals, Atwood posted a historic performance that included a 303-kilogram (668-pound) squat and a 340.5-kilogram deadlift for an 838.5-kilogram (1,849-pound) total to top the IPF rankings with 123.42 GL points*.

Since then, Atwood has been hard at work in the gym, focused on regaining his position atop the pack with a “World Champion mindset.” On Jan. 31, 2024, Atwood took to his YouTube channel to share what constitutes a “World Champion mindset,” and chatted with world-champion French team members about their mindsets before a heavy lift:

*The GL point formula is an attempt to compare the achievements of lifters of different body weights.

Atwood talked first to 66-kilogram world champion, Panagiotis Tarinidis amidst a group training session with members of Team France. Tarinidis expressed the feeling of being surrounded by greatness when training amongst such an accomplished team. That spurred him on to be part of that greatness and manifest his potential.

Two-time world champion Lya Bavoil was in the midst of a monster squat session of eight sets of two repetitions at 190 kilograms (419 pounds). Her motivation rises to meet the harder challenges:

The more I am challenged physically, the easier it is mentally.

Counterintuitively, Bavoil said that often, each set seems easier than the last as she fine-tunes her mental approach.

The third world champion that Atwood chatted to was Tiffany Chapon. Chapon, still a Junior, has been Open world champion three times and holds the Open world records in the 47-kilogram class in the squat, bench press, and total. Chapon shared that she visualizes the lift, knowing she is capable of it.

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Bavoil, Tarinidis, and Chapon will all compete at the 2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships in the UK. Tune into SBD Apparel’s YouTube channel on Feb. 10, 2024, to see how their varying mindsets help them in competition.

Atwood is preparing for Powerlifting America (PA) Raw Nationals in Reno, NV, on March 15, 2024. There, he will face off against Austin Perkins for the first time since 2021. Atwood was victorious in that encounter but Perkins has performed extraordinary strength feats in training since.

Featured image: @t_atwood on Instagram

The post Taylor Atwood’s “World Champion Mindset” When Lifting Heavy In Training appeared first on BarBend.

Australian social media sensation Tom Haviland stands at a colossal 6’8″ and is working toward a body weight of 400 pounds while maintaining a visible six-pack. Unlike his contemporaries, Haviland avoids the limelight, training at his home gym and outdoors without putting his face on camera.

Haviland’s training videos received the attention of podcaster Joe Rogan, who argued that Haviland might be the strongest man in the world. Haviland has trained with the 12-time Australia’s Strongest Man champion Derek Boyer but has never competed in a pro strongman contest.

On Jan. 30, 2024, the reigning World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Mitchell Hooper published a video on his YouTube channel wherein he compared Haviland’s best lifts to his own to determine if Haviland could outperform him if Haviland competed at the 2024 WSM contest, scheduled for May 1-5, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Check it out below:

“Haviland is not just a great deadlifter and bench presser; I’ve seen him do everything,” Hooper said. “I can’t pick out one thing he can’t do really well.”

7 Lifts Comparing Haviland vs. Hooper

Below is how Haviland and Hooper stack up across seven lifts:

1. Yoke Walk

In one of Haviland’s Instagram posts, he carried a 1,200-pound homemade yoke on his shoulders. Hooper has lifted up to 1,350 pounds on the yoke, surpassing Haviland’s best.

Hooper highlighted that Haviland’s equipment was not as stable, implying that Haviland could likely achieve higher numbers with a better kit. However, Hooper concluded that he would likely outperform Haviland in a yoke event in a strongman contest.

2. Bicep Curls

Haviland has a 235-pound barbell biceps curl personal best. Hooper admitted he cannot curl anywhere close to Havliand’s PR, conceding this lift to tie the comparison one to one.

3. Zercher Carry

Haviland performed a 626-pound Zercher carry for two sets of 30 seconds of continuous walking.

“This is basically Conan’s wheel. For context, the WSM weight of the Conan’s Wheel is 440 pounds (200 kilograms),” said Hooper. “I’ve gone up to 500 pounds on the Zercher [carry], and this is another 100 pounds and some off pounds on top of that.”

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Hooper called it a “big 50/50” chance on whether he could match Haviland’s personal best on the Zercher carry. Hooper assessed lift three as a draw.

4. Stone to Shoulder

Haviland has lifted a 275-pound stone-to-shoulder, walked five steps, performed a set of squats, moved it to the other shoulder, and repeated for another set.

“I find it hard just to stabilize while standing [with a stone on the shoulder], never mind squatting,” Hooper said. “But at 120 to 125 kilograms, I think it would be manageable for me.”

Hooper ended this comparison in a draw as well. Predicted record after four lifts: 1-1-2.

5. Deadlift

Haviland pulled a 926-pound deadlift without a suit or a specialized deadlift bar. Hooper hoisted a 981-pound deadlift at the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic, which Hooper won, suggesting a close comparison but leaning towards a draw due to the conditions of Haviland’s lift. Predicted record after five lifts: 1-1-3.

6. Squats

Haviland performed a 692-pound squat for multiple reps. Hooper’s best squat is about 810-815 pounds for a double in knee sleeves, making this another close comparison that Hooper suggests yet another draw. Predicted record after five lifts: 1-1-4.

7. Clean to Zercher Catch and Squat

Haviland has successfully completed a Zercher catch and squat with weights up to 485 pounds. Hooper accepted he could not clean 485 pounds, indicating Haviland would outperform him in this lift.

Image via @tom_haviland on Instagram

“Haviland has got head-to-toe strengths,” Hooper said. “I can’t pick out a thing where I go like, ‘he’s not even close.’” Hooper’s predicted record against Haviland after seven events: 1-2-4.

Hooper concluded that if Haviland were to fully commit to training for the World’s Strongest Man competition, Haviland would not only Haviland contend for the Finals, but potentially win the coveted title. 

Hooper’s next strongman contest will be the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic, slated for March 1-2 in Columbus, OH, where he will defend his title against former ASC and WSM champs Martins Licis and Hafthor Björnsson. Two-time WSM winner Tom Stoltman and 2020 WSM Oleksii Novikov are the other top contenders in the lineup.

Featured image: @tom_haviland on Instagram

The post Mitchell Hooper Thinks Tom Haviland Can Win the World’s Strongest Man appeared first on BarBend.

…

Seven-time reigning Figure Olympia champion Cydney Gillon knows how to tune a physique to compete at the top of the sport. While most bodybuilders who compete on the Olympia stage are enhanced, contest prep can be similar for natural athletes.

On Jan 23, 2024, Gillon shared seven contest prep tips for natural bodybuilders on her YouTube channel based on her nearly two decades of experience in the sport. Learn them below:

[Related: Nick Walker Will Enter the 2024 New York Pro Bodybuilding Show]

Natural vs. Enhanced Bodybuilding Coaching

“If you bring it, you bring it, and that’s the person who will win,” said Gillon early in the video. Determination is critical for success in competitive bodybuilding for both natural and enhanced athletes. Gillon affirms that selecting the right coach to help achieve one’s physique goals is a top priority. For example, coaches who know how to build muscle naturally to the target body composition will benefit natural bodybuilders.

Per Gillon, one size doesn’t fit all. Patience is required for effective physique gains. Recognizing weaknesses and being objective about them can help maintain a healthy mentality for the years required to achieve bodybuilding success. Gillon’s running training lasted for four years to establish a base of conditioning and power to support her bodybuilding training before entering competitions.

Gillon acknowledged genetics’ role in bodybuilding as it pertains to muscular development — another nod toward why proper coaching and strategic programming are necessary to offset any genetic shortcomings an athlete might have.

Image via @vytamin_c on Instagram

[Related: Rubiel “Neckzilla” Mosquera Is Out of the 2024 Arnold Classic]

Supplementation, Sleep, & Stress 

Gillon said many factors play equally valuable roles in contest prep. In addition to training, proper supplements for recovery, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and balancing gut health are all critical for performing at 100 percent.

Creatine is Gillon’s number one supplement for recovery, followed closely by hydration and glutamine to support her running and cardio volume. Gillon consumes amino acids early in the off-season and tapers them off a few weeks before a show to refine her aesthetics. For physiological and mental stress, Gillion relies on herbal supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, and adaptogens.

Gillon built the requisite muscle in the correct proportions for Figure competitions using amino acids and creatine in combination with correct coaching, recovery, and supplementation. 

Contest Prep Length

Some athletes achieve better results from a long-term prep of a year or longer; others see results six months or fewer. Depending on how one feels mentally during a diet or with ramped-up cardio, adding or shaving prep months between shows can impact metabolism and body composition.

Cutting & Bulking Tips

Gillon implored athletes to avoid crash diets when cutting before competition. She believes that crash diets create too challenging of an environment for the body to maintain the muscle roundedness that looks good on stage.

Image via @vytamin_c on Instagram

Additionally, excess cardio can flatten certain body parts, like the glutes. Therefore, she recommends keeping cardio brisk, not blistering, especially when cutting calories. The type of cardio can also impact the body. Steady-state cardio might not create enough energy expenditure, while HIIT might be too exhausting. Gillon urged not to exert the body into a catabolic state (when the body breaks down its muscle; opposite of anabolic).

Losing body fat at a prep’s end is the goal. Supplementation and the proper cardio/diet (read: calories in vs. out) are the most significant contributing factors. For Gillon, BCAAs and EAAs worked best during a cut.

Post-show, Gillon recommends reverse dieting — gradually increasing caloric intake to boost metabolism. Adjusting gradually can help correct hormone imbalances created by aggressive dieting and cutting.

Gillan’s closing IP was to be goal-focused rather than gratification-focused.

More Bodybuilding Content

1. These Are the 10 Best Dumbbell Exercises for Bodybuilding
2. How to (Properly) Combine Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Training
3. The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Own Bodybuilding Workout Plan

Featured image: @vytamin_c on Instagram

The post Cydney Gillon’s Contest Prep Tips for Natural Bodybuilders appeared first on BarBend.