Over the last few years, we have witnessed a bunch of people (particularly on YouTube) posting natty or not callouts. I understand they are trying to help people understand that many people who claim “natty status” aren’t really natty and, in fact, using performance-enhancing drugs, SARMS, and steroids to achieve their look. My question is, “Does anyone even care anymore?”

by Matt Weik

I’ve been in the protein bar game for over a decade and I’ve tried just about everything. For a little quick background on myself, I spent about 10 years working for MET-Rx where I sold and ate my fair share of bars from the brand as well as their other brands such as Best Bar Ever, Pure Protein, and Balance Bar. While I enjoyed the bars, I was always after something “different” so I wasn’t always eating a bar. I needed something fresh. Something new. Then MET-Rx came out with their chocolate protein brownie. My mind was blown.

by Christian Duque

Travel is a huge concern for competitors – both at the amateur and pro levels – because of many factors which include scheduling concerns, cost, and convenience. Fans never think about how their favorite competitors make it to all the stages around the world they see them at. Competitors today can really add up the frequent flyer miles. Even athletes who never leave the country, can fly many more times than they can even count on two hands. If we lived in a country the size of Belgium, then competing nationally would just mean a few long car drives – if even that. If you live in the United States, you live in the fourth largest country in the world. The U.S. is pretty much like fifty countries, from small to huge.

by Christian Duque

Don’t miss this action-packed edition of IronMag TV, sponsored by IronMagLabs.com

by Matt Weik

A while back I did a poll on my social media and asked the question if people preferred to use protein powder or RTD protein shakes. To my surprise, it was basically a 2:1 ratio of people who preferred protein powder over RTD protein shakes. Another question I asked them was their reasoning for their decision and I want to share their insight with you and I’m curious to know which side of the fence you’re on.

by Christian Duque

If one thing could be said about the fitness industry, it’s that they have consistently ignored the winningest pro in the history of the sport. 2008 Mr. Olympia and 9x Arnold Classic Champion Dexter “The Blade” Jackson has never gotten much love for the bodybuilding press. No matter how sharp his physique looks or how many titles he has to his name, writers and commentators simply overlook him. Take Jay Cutler’s recent handicapping of the 2020 Olympia. While Cutler did mention Dex, he only did so in passing. That’s kind of the norm when it comes to this decorated veteran of the stage. No one wants to count him out because everyone knows when he brings it and when he’s at his best, there’s no one he can’t beat. At the same time, no one really gets behind him, either!

by Matt Weik

With so much talk over the years about internet bullying and fit shaming, I think we need to take a step back and look at the situation from a different lens. I fully understand that what’s taking place on the internet and social media is downright disgusting. People are being threatened, having their lives be told are in jeopardy, that they wish they would die, that they wish horrible things on their family, etc. But what I want us to think about and consider is the source of this.

by Christian Duque

Here we go again!! Bodybuilding is becoming a sport where toxic attitudes are rewarded with attention and that has got to stop. Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry has been a lightning rod for positivity in the fitness industry; he’s worked hard to grow the sport in what’s easily been the most chaotic year in history. Despite contest postponements and cancellation, gym closures, and stay-at-home mandates, the champ has been a fantastic role model for his fellow pro’s and for millions of fans all around the world.

by Matt Weik

I’ve watched so many supplement brands copying each other, using the same marketing techniques, even the wording on their labels and website are similar. So, how can a supplement brand differentiate itself from the rest of the companies out there? It’s simple, put yourself in the shoes of your consumers. What are they doing? What are they engaging with? Where do they spend their time? If you were paying attention to them, this wouldn’t be an “ah-ha” moment.

by Christian Duque

Fans all around the world have been asking whether #HadiChoopan can stop #BigRamy at the 2020 #MrOlympia. The Persian Wolf brings dense, mature, ripped and balanced muscle to the stage. Choopan may be substantially shorter and lighter than The Egyptian Phenom, but side by side, David can slay Goliath.