Is Collagen Protein Effective For Muscle Gains?

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Collagen protein’s popularity is increasing. There is support that it can improve skin, hair, and nail health. (1) But is there any scientific evidence that supports collagen protein promotes hypertrophy?

On Aug. 8, 2024, Dr. Layne Norton, Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences, dove into the efficacy of collagen protein for muscle gains. His analysis is based on a July 2024 randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of collagen, pea, and whey protein concentrate on muscle protein synthesis. (2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFY1H6yGiqgVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Collagen Protein for Building Muscle: Is it a Rip Off?|. Educational Video | Biolayne (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFY1H6yGiqg)

[Related: How Much Caffeine Is in Pre-Workout? (And How Much Is Too Much, According to a Nutrition Coach)]

Participants

The study focused on seniors over 70. Notably, elderly people generally have a weaker muscle protein synthesis response than younger individuals. “It takes more protein in an elderly person to get the same anabolic response as it does in a young person,” explained Norton. 

Diet

The participants were given a baseline diet for the first seven days that met the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein. This diet was continued for an additional week, with the addition of either two 25-gram servings of collagen, pea, or whey protein concentrate.

The researchers employed an advanced technique using deuterated water to measure protein synthesis. In deuterated water, the hydrogen atoms are replaced with deuterium, a heavier isotope of hydrogen. (3)

Featured image Shutterstock/Erhan Inga

Deuterated water allows researchers to precisely measure the rate of new protein synthesis by tracking how deuterium is incorporated into newly synthesized proteins. Scientists can analyze muscle tissue samples to quantify the deuterium present, directly measuring protein synthesis triggered explicitly by the protein source under investigation. 

Results

Whey and pea proteins lead to significantly greater muscle protein synthesis than collagen protein. This is primarily because whey and pea proteins have a higher leucine content than collagen.

A 25-gram serving of whey protein contains 1.68 grams of leucine; pea protein boasts 1.62 grams. Collagen contains 0.7 grams of leucine, less than half the amount in its counterparts.

Whey and pea protein ingestion resulted in similar levels of muscle protein synthesis, surpassing the rate observed during the baseline RDA diet. However, collagen protein didn’t further stimulate muscle protein synthesis, exhibiting a rate comparable to the baseline diet.

To build muscle, collagen is a very poor choice for supplemental protein.

[Related: How to Choose the Best Protein Powder in 2024]

Other Key Findings

While whey protein significantly increased plasma leucine levels compared to pea protein, both sources yielded similar muscle protein synthesis. This suggests that pea protein, a vegan protein source, can be as effective for hypertrophy as whey protein, as long as it contains sufficient leucine.

Norton advises against relying on collagen protein to improve connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails. The body breaks down ingested collagen into individual amino acids, and there’s no concrete scientific evidence that consuming collagen directly influences the synthesis of these specific tissues. (4)

More Nutrition Content

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References

Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 17;11(10):2494. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494. PMID: 31627309; PMCID: PMC6835901.

McKendry, J., Lowisz, C. V., Nanthakumar, A., MacDonald, M., Lim, C., Currier, B. S., & Phillips, S. M. (2024). The effects of whey, pea, and collagen protein supplementation beyond the recommended dietary allowance on integrated myofibrillar protein synthetic rates in older males: a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 120(1), 34–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.05.009

Miller, B. F., Reid, J. J., Price, J. C., Lin, H. L., Atherton, P. J., & Smith, K. (2020). CORP: The use of deuterated water for the measurement of protein synthesis. Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985), 128(5), 1163–1176. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00855.2019

Aussieker, T., Hilkens, L., Holwerda, A. M., Fuchs, C. J., Houben, L. H. P., Senden, J. M., VAN Dijk, J. W., Snijders, T., & VAN Loon, L. J. C. (2023). Collagen Protein Ingestion during Recovery from Exercise Does Not Increase Muscle Connective Protein Synthesis Rates. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 55(10), 1792–1802. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003214

Featured image Shutterstock/Erhan Inga

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Pioneering Wellness for an Aging Population: Colin Milner’s Vision

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In honor of National Wellness Month, Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging, sheds light on wellness and longevity

As we celebrate National Wellness Month, there’s no better time to explore the future of wellness. A visionary in the field of active aging, Colin Milner is the CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and the founder of the active-aging industry in North America. His extensive contributions have earned him recognition as one of “the most innovative and influential minds” on aging by the World Economic Forum.

Athletech News spoke to Milner about the critical trends and innovations that will shape the future of wellness for older adults. He highlights the importance of brain health, intergenerational programs and personalized wellness solutions—offering invaluable insights for fitness professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in this rapidly growing market.

Athletech News (ATN): How do you define “wellness” in the context of active aging? What is the fitness industry getting right and also doing wrong?

Colin Milner (CM): Wellness has become a defining and hot topic, kind of like defining exercise. We all know what exercise is, but everyone wants to put their personal brand or spin on it. The reality is that wellness is the result of the effort we put in. It’s a sense of well-being. Well-being is the end result of wellness, which comes from our ability to understand who we are, accept who we are—our capabilities, passions, identity and capacities—so that we can engage in a purposeful life. That’s the ultimate goal: a purposeful life.

Now, how do we get there? There are different models, but we subscribe to the seven-dimensional wellness model, which looks at the whole person—physical, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, emotional, vocational and social elements of wellness. It’s about addressing the whole person because we’re multi-dimensional beings. We need a multi-dimensional approach.

Many fitness professionals focus too narrowly on fitness alone. It doesn’t cost them anything to expand and grow their business by looking at the whole person and delivering programs around that—like brain health programs, dual-tasking, or addressing the spiritual dimension with yoga, relaxation techniques and meditation. These are part of programming but are often not promoted as such.

credit: International Council on Active Aging

ATN: What key wellness trends or research findings have you highlighted that fitness professionals should be aware of?

CM: Back in 1994, the big news was about restoring strength in older adults, like the important study from Tufts University. But now, we’re talking about things like HIIT training, adventure travel and people living better longer. The term “living better longer” is really catching on because it reflects what we know today—that we can live better as we age, something we didn’t fully realize back then.

One of the trends to pay attention to is the rise of longevity clubs or performance recovery centers. For many years, the question was how the industry would respond to an aging population. The initial response was programs like Silver Sneakers or chair classes, but now we’re seeing a more holistic approach. These longevity clubs are becoming a convergence of many things: a spa, performance center, anti-aging clinic, social club, recovery center, wellness center, learning institute, medical center and therapy clinic all in one. It’s a very different model for the industry.

Another big trend is the shift in the healthcare model. According to a 2021 Deloitte report, by 2040, the focus will move from spending 80% of resources on care and treatment to spending 60% on improving health and well-being. The question is whether we are ready for that shift and whether we have the products and services to meet this new demand. At the heart of this model is the individual—we are going to be responsible for our own health and well-being. This shift creates an incredible opportunity for knowledge sharing, but the question remains: will it be driven by AI or by us? AI is already playing a role in fitness deliveries, and we’ll likely see more of that as we move forward.

The key takeaway is that while longevity is important, the focus should be on living better, not just living longer. Many people, especially baby boomers, prioritize feeling healthier over simply living longer, and this is something the fitness industry needs to understand and cater to.

ATN: What innovative wellness technologies or programs have you encountered that show promise for enhancing the lives of older adults?

CM: We’ve seen some exciting developments in the wellness space, particularly with the incorporation of sensory rooms where you can do things like a class under the stars. This kind of immersive experience is something I think will continue to grow, especially through the use of VR.

In addition to VR, there are organizations developing little robots that can take you on virtual tours of different cities around the world in real-time. There’s practically an app, a map, or a tool for everything you could want today. The assessment process is another area where I see innovation playing a significant role. For instance, the Blue Zones Medical and Wellness Center in Miami looks at a wide range of factors—activity levels, brain health, vitals, lung function and more. The challenge is how to bring all that down to an individual level, especially if people are now responsible for their own health and well-being.

Knowledge is going to be a key driver here. Understanding what’s happening with our bodies will be increasingly important, and technology will ramp this up significantly. We already have rings, watches, and even brain-stimulating devices that track our health. The next big thing, like in the Olympics, could be tracks where every step is monitored. We’re entering a world where everything is being tracked, almost like Big Brother. The real question is, with all this data, what do you use, and what do you sell?

ATN: Looking ahead, what emerging wellness concepts or practices do you believe will become crucial for promoting healthy aging in the coming years?

CM: I believe there will be a significant focus on the brain. We know that we can reverse a lot of strength loss at any stage of life unless there’s a serious underlying condition. However, the brain is different. Once Alzheimer’s sets in, it’s a different story. You might be able to take a drug to slow it down, but the process is already in motion. Reducing the risk factors and challenging cognitive function will become front and center for older people because losing cognitive abilities is one of their greatest fears.

Another emerging concept is the rise of intergenerational programs. Previous generations, like my dad’s, didn’t spend much time with their kids, but now, we want to be more involved. We see this in senior living communities where intergenerational interactions are becoming more common. Bringing older adults into facilities and integrating them into the community—not just training them but making them a part of the center’s culture—is not only beneficial for them but also for society as a whole.

Person-centered solutions will also require more flexibility from trainers and operators. This includes diversity in programs to match the diversity of the population, but also diversity in policies, settings, and marketing. If you’re not delivering a one-size-fits-all program, then your marketing and approach should reflect that.

Equity is another important aspect. Many people don’t have access to wellness programs, and there’s a misconception that wellness costs a lot to deliver. The reality is, wellness as a concept doesn’t cost much. It’s the amenities that drive up the cost. For example, it doesn’t cost much to meditate, to engage socially, or to challenge your brain. The question is, how do we bring wellness to individuals in a way that’s affordable and understandable? It’s about education and helping people earn their health span—a concept we’re going to hear a lot more about in the future.

Connect with other like-minded wellness professionals at the 2024 ICAA Conference & Summit.

The post Pioneering Wellness for an Aging Population: Colin Milner’s Vision appeared first on Athletech News.

The 8 Trends Driving the Supplements Market

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Here’s the trends XRC, a venture capital firm, says will continue fueling the vitamins, minerals and supplement space

Chances are good that if you stroll through the wellness aisle at your local retailer, there’s a plethora of new vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) on the shelves catering to various needs and demographics. From products geared towards female consumers to those looking to lure young buyers with splashy graphics and bright colors, it’s what industry analysts say is an “active space” for both early-stage investors and strategic acquirers. 

But what wellness themes are driving the charge? And what attributes are investors eyeing for in VMS products? A new report from XRC Ventures has the answers.

The venture capital firm conducted a deep dive into the VMS space, which has blossomed as Americans become increasingly health-conscious and content to spend their hard-earned dollars on supplements that promise enhanced performance and recovery. There’s an undeniable energy within the VMS arena, fueled partly by social media-influencers-turned-entrepreneurs who have captured Gen Z’s attention (and wallets) as they launch products to a ready-made audience.

Case in point: Bloom Nutrition, a greens and superfoods supplement brand founded by fitness and wellness influencer Mari Llewellyn, who rose to social media fame with her weight loss journey. After launching Bloom, which quickly went viral on TikTok, major retailers like Target took note, adding the brand to their shelves and online stores. Earlier this year, health and wellness company Nutrabolt (maker of C4 Energy) acquired a 20% stake in Bloom as part of a larger $90 million financing.

While the road from influencer to fitness and wellness entrepreneur seems like a sure bet, analysts are particularly bullish on specific health themes. As investors look for clinical studies and a strong brand, here are the leading categories from XRC’s Q2 Seed-to-Series A benchmark VMS report:

The Ozempic Effect

Ozempic and other weight loss drugs, which have quickly disrupted the diet industry, have not only helped consumers slim down and gain control of their health but have contributed to the broader destigmatization of weight loss, according to XRC. 

One contributing factor is the name recognition that weight loss medications have brought forth (such as Oprah and other celebrities and influencers). With continued destigmatization, XRC projects that there will be a demand for non-prescription alternatives as well as the need for supplements to address nutrient gaps stemming from weight loss drug use – such as brands like AG1. Supergut, on the other hand, is focused on naturally boosting GLP-1, resulting in a lighter appetite.  

Mushroom Boom

The homeopathic wellness scene has quickly expanded from the aisles of independently owned specialty alternative health stores to Walmart, with nootropics, adaptogens and mushrooms becoming commonplace. 

The wellness boom has introduced the average consumer to a whole new world of products promising sharpened focus, better sleep and stress optimization — and they are on board. Spacegoods is one of the many mushroom brands that have emerged, known for its colorful packaging and catchy product names like “Rainbow Dust.” More recently, Travis Barker’s wellness brand, Barker Wellness, added mushroom gummies to its product line up as it expands into Sprouts grocery stores nationwide.

As XRC points out, interest in mushrooms and adaptogens has grown substantially, and mushroom-based supplements are expected to grow 6x between 2018 and 2027. Notably, XRC says that supplement sales for cognitive health scored the highest sales-growth rates in 2023 — and have staying power.

Femtech Revolution

Until recently, women (who drive over 70-80% of the purchase decisions) have long been neglected in terms of having alternatives to birth control and supportive products related to fertility, menstruation and menopause. 

But the surge in women-related startups in the femtech space leads XRC to anticipate that there could be massive growth, citing Spins marketing insights director Scott Dicker, who said he’d be shocked if there isn’t double-digit growth for women’s health products in 2024.

credit: Supliful – Supplements On Demand on Unsplash

Longevity

Taking steps to support longevity means more than peptide treatments; 45% of American consumers are taking supplements to slow aging. While Gen Z may get all of the attention for their health and wellness quest, XRC points out that it’s the Boomers who are especially interested in finding ways to live longer and thrive.

It’s also becoming easier than ever to custom-create supplement regimens with technology. London-based Bioniq uses AI and bloodmarker data to recommend ultra-personalized supplements to consumers – an approach that has won over investors. The startup recently secured $15 million in an oversubscribed Series B round. 

Pill Alternatives

Gummies have become the most popular supplement form, but new alternatives — such as mints, patches and oral strips — are also emerging for their ease of use, lowered sugar content and faster absorption.  

The Good Patch and the Patch Brand are two of the brands looking to make their mark as convenient ways to get daily doses of vitamins or even a caffeine boost.

Mood and Mental Health

Stress and mental health remain two of the top concerns for American consumers, leading to a market ripe for remedies that combat anxiety. Even beverages that are typically centered on performance are integrating stress-relief ingredients such as ashwagandha. Momentous, a human performance and nutrition company, debuted Elite Recovery this year as a post-workout drink that includes creatine but also ashwagandha to lower cortisol levels. 

Apothékary, a plant-powered and woman-owned business that landed a $500,000 investment from Solidcore founder Anne Mahlum, also offers a line of stress relief products in the form of wine-free tonics. 

credit: Vitalii Pavlyshynets on Unsplash

Performance Nutrition and Hydration

While functional nutrition and hydration certainly aren’t new products, XRC sees a “spate of startups” in the space that target female consumers or offered as low-sugar products. Despite its growth potential, it may be a challenge for companies to carve out a niche.

“While we continue to monitor this rapidly growing category—up 27% in 2023—we believe it’s a competitive space where it’s difficult to find compelling differentiation to truly stand out from the pack,” XRC’s report states.  

One of the latest hydration brands to hit the market is Cadence, a zero-calorie drink that bills itself as the first ready-to-drink mineral salt-based hydration beverage that secured over $100 million in funding.

Beauty from the Inside

Lastly, XRC sees a crossover between beauty and wellness, which led to a 210% year-over-year increase in supplement sales in 2021. While this category hit a snag in 2023 with a 7% decline as consumers became interested in gut health and digestion, supplements are being widely used for improved hair, skin and nails, according to the venture capital firm.

In the meantime, brands like Solluna Glowing Greens are making it easy for consumers to get their vegetables — and their glow.

The post The 8 Trends Driving the Supplements Market appeared first on Athletech News.

Games Athlete Brent Fikowski Highlights CrossFit’s Repeated Failure to Prioritize Safety: “It’s a Pattern of Behavior” 

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Athletes and coaches have begun expressing their anger in the wake of Lazar Đukić’s tragic death last Thursday during the swim portion of Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games.

While a third-party investigation into the death is ongoing, much of that anger is being directed at CrossFit LLC, with many in the sport feeling that Đukić’s death was the final straw in years of living in a secretive culture that feels more like surviving a war than competing in a professional sport. 

“This isn’t war; this is sport. And I feel like we have been trying, for some reason, to find the athletes’ breaking point for too long, and we found it,” Pat Vellner said in an interview with the Buttery Bros. 

“We have been shouting for years about safety concerns, only to be patted on the head and told we’re just being hysterical and complaining. It just feels like it was only a matter of time. We have been pushing athletes in the wrong way,” Vellner continued.

https://youtu.be/SLVuDx5PbeU?si=QJgt2qQoXBKpgLs9&t=61Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Emotional Final Day at the CrossFit Games (https://youtu.be/SLVuDx5PbeU?si=QJgt2qQoXBKpgLs9&t=61)

Similarly, Brent Fikowski, this year’s third-place finisher and president of the Professional Fitness Athletes Association (PFAA), took to Instagram on Tuesday to express his disappointment with CrossFit.

“Every year, my trust in the CrossFit Games staff’s ability to run an effective competition erodes more and more. It’s not a secret that many competing athletes resent the organization,” FIkowki wrote.

“Whilst I know that CrossFit does not aim to hurt anybody, when they say ‘safety is our number one priority,’ I simply have not believed this to be true for a long time.”

CrossFit’s priority, Fikowski believes, is “‘the test’ and the creative freedom they wish to exert when inventing these workouts.”

“Athlete safety comes, at best, a paltry second, and this past weekend, that strategy went terribly wrong with the most tragic of consequences,” he added. 

A Look at the Past

Fikowski went on to point to various times he felt athletes got injured or sick because of programming decisions made by CrossFit.

“A knee injury caused by doing a max back squat on a wet wooden platform in the rain [Alex Caron in 2018]; an injury from landing on a coiled climbing rope [Scott Panchik at Semifinals in 2022]; achilles injuries from rebounding box jumps; 36 out of 320 men experiencing pectoral tears in three consecutive weeks of Regionals with no programming alterations; or illness from E. Coli bacteria in a lake,” Fikowski wrote.

He continued: “It’s a pattern of behavior. It’s their repeated attitude to our concerns. We try to provide feedback. They don’t listen.”

One big thing: Becoming sick after swimming in Lake Monona — a lake that often gets closed for swimming in the summer due to high levels of E.coli — was something athletes and their coaches say they came to expect at the CrossFit Games in the Madison years.

“It’s like that every year, [yet]…they still freakin’ do it, so I think it’s time that the athletes say something,” Michele Letendre, Vellner’s coach, told the Morning Chalk Up in 2022. “But athletes don’t want to be on the wrong side… Every single year there are problems with the water. Every single year. Like every time we go to Madison… no local is swimming in the water.”

Underdogs Athletics coach Justin Cotler added: “I mean, c’mon, man. [CrossFit Games] week is hard enough physically and then you’re going to add that on top of it. It just doesn’t make sense. We need to really look out for those athletes. It’s just irresponsible [to swim in that lake],” Cotler said. “It’s just ridiculous.”

https://youtu.be/k5gbY5ptZco?si=HAwfP1kTZYYKZNMl&t=630Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Emily Rolfe: “It was probably e-coli from the swim” in the lake (https://youtu.be/k5gbY5ptZco?si=HAwfP1kTZYYKZNMl&t=630)

About the Texas Heat

In his post on Tuesday, Fikowski also detailed how the PFAA tried to get “more clarity” from CrossFit on the heat they were expecting when the Games moved from Madison to Fort Worth, TX, this year.

In September 2023, CrossFit announced the Games would be held in Texas, and that “95 percent of the events will be indoors,” Fikowski wrote.

In December 2023, the PFAA emailed CrossFit, essentially asking them how many events will be held outdoors, their duration, and the time of the day in order to best prepare to acclimatize to competing in these conditions.

“CrossFit’s answer: ‘We are not releasing event details at this time, but we assure you that athlete safety is our number one priority when considering the climate in Fort Worth,’” Fikowski wrote.

The PFAA then sent CrossFit a two-page document reiterating their concerns in more detail, and CrossFit responded by saying, “A much smaller percentage of events than Madison will occur outdoors.”

Fikowski’s take: “To me, this is a typical indication of CrossFit’s lack of professionalism and interest in collaborating on safety concerns. I kept thinking, is that the best you can do for the athletes? This is the absolute simplest request, we’re not even asking you to keep us out of the heat; we’re just asking, please tell us how often and for how long we will be in the heat….Is the secrecy of your workouts more important than increasing the ability of an athlete to prepare for the heat safely?”

The Big Picture  

For many, Đukić’s death was the breaking point after years of pent-up frustration. For Fikowski, he made his feelings clear: “With the death of Lazar, the trust is gone.”

Still, he said he remains committed to leading the charge to change the culture of CrossFit.

“In the coming weeks, a lot of work needs to be done, and I plan to play a leadership role via the PFAA to keep pushing for change in a sport I know can be so much better in every way, even if my love of competing has dimmed,” he concluded.

More on This Story

CrossFit Community Looks to Athletes on Social Media, Aims to Connect With Đukić Family

“He Was There, Then He Was Gone”: Former Lifeguard Gives Eyewitness Account of Lazar Đukić’s Death

“You Loved the Sport That Didn’t Love You Back”: Luka Đukić Comments on Brother Lazar’s Death

Featured image: @fikowski / Instagram

The post Games Athlete Brent Fikowski Highlights CrossFit’s Repeated Failure to Prioritize Safety: “It’s a Pattern of Behavior”  appeared first on BarBend.

2024 EPF European Bench Press Championships Results

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The European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) held its 2024 European Classic and Equipped Bench Press Championships (EBC) in Istanbul, Türkiye, from Aug. 5-11, 2024.

Three-hundred eighty-eight men and 262 women athletes from 30 European countries gathered in Istanbul to vie for medals, European titles, and international records. Of these 650 bench press specialists, 75 competed in both the classic (more commonly described as “raw”) and the equipped categories, racking up 725 competition starts over seven days.

The following countries were represented:

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Hungary

Italy

Ireland

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Romania

Serbia

Slovenia

Slovakia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Türkiye

Ukraine

United Kingdom

[Related: Georgi Gelashvili (53KG) Breaks IPF Sub-Junior Raw Bench Press World Record]

[Related: Speed Reps: Nicolaas du Preez Smashes 405LB Barbell Rows]

2024 IPF European Classic Bench press Championships — Open Results

Below are the podium results for each weight category:

Women’s 47KG

Emelie Aslund (SWE) — 95 kilograms

Sara Carter (ITA) — 77.5 kilograms

Nataliia Ivankova (UKR) — 67.5 kilograms

Women’s 52KG

Johanna Kuronen (FIN) — 95 kilograms

Jelena Bijelic (AUT) — 92.5 kilograms

Nataliia Cheremenko (UKR) — 92.5 kilograms

Women’s 57KG

Anna Cicognani (ITA) — 112.5 kilograms

Hanna Buturlym (UKR) — 107.5 kilograms

Zijun Chen (GBR) — 105 kilograms

Women’s 63KG

Elise Rosenborg (NOR) — 115 kilograms

Eldin Kolding (NOR) — 112.5 kilograms

Benedetta Squillante (ITA) — 110 kilograms

Women’s 69KG

Kathrine Forsberg (DEN) — 117.5 kilograms

Andrea Petrek (CRO) — 115 kilograms

Zsanett Palagyi (HUN) — 112.5 kilograms

Women’s 76KG

Vilma Olsson (SWE) — 120 kilograms

Micaela Odling (SWE) — 117.5 kilograms

Michelle Barth (GER) — 107.5 kilograms

Women’s 84KG

Ielja Strik (NED) — 132.5 kilograms

Ankie Timmers (LUX) — 122.5 kilograms

Stephanie Faivre (FRA) — 120 kilograms

Women’s 84+KG

Ágnes Szabó (HUN) — 155 kilograms

Matilda Hjälle (SWE) — 152.5 kilograms

Johanna Laitinen (FIN) — 152.5 kilograms

Men’s 59KG

Frederik Eskil Myrvang (NOR) — 162.5 kilograms

Victor Gaultier (SUI) — 150 kilograms

Dariusz Wzsoła (POL) — 140 kilograms

Men’s 66KG

Tsotne Bezhashvili (GEO) — 182.5 kilograms

Antonio Lores Sanchez (ESP) — 155 kilograms

Giorgi Bejashvili (GEO) — 152.5 kilograms

Men’s 74KG

Eddie Berglund (SWE) — 205 kilograms

Levani Giligashvili (GEO) — 180 kilograms — EPF Masters 1 European Record

Chesney Goossens (BEL) — 175 kilograms

Men’s 83KG

Ivan Chuprynko (UKR) — 210 kilograms

Volodymyr Tsaturian (UKR) — 207.5 kilograms

Genadi Otiashvili (GEO) — 205 kilograms

Men’s 93KG

Josef Eriksson (SWE) — 220 kilograms

Leo Ottinger (FRA) — 217.5 kilograms

Marko Piyadeth Krause (GER) — 202.5 kilograms

Men’s 105KG

Joni Tajakka (FIN) — 230 kilograms

Levani Mtiulishvili (GEO) — 227.5 kilograms

Ashley Liston (GBR) — 222.5 kilograms

Men’s 120KG

Ivan Kryha (UKR) — 227.5 kilograms

Kornel Schauer (HUN) — 220 kilograms

Trevor Jordan (GBR) — 207.5 kilograms

Men’s 120+KG

Markus Patschke (GER) — 252.5 kilograms

Cenk Koçak (TUR) — 247.5 kilograms

Samuel Hajnik (SVK) — 245 kilograms

2024 IPF World Equipped Bench Press Championships — Open Results

Below are the results for each weight category:

Women’s 47KG

Mariia Polianska (UKR) — 90 kilograms

Women’s 52KG

Nataliia Cheremnko (UKR) — 117.5 kilograms

Marcela Sandvik (FIN) — 115 kilograms — EPF Masters 2 European Record

Maria Kojoukhova (FIN) — 115 kilograms

Women’s 57KG

Zuzanna Kula (POL) — 169 kilograms — IPF Open World Record

Hanna Buturlym (UKR) — 142.5 kilograms

Blanka Bartonkova (CZE) — 140 kilograms

Women’s 63KG

Hilde Mikkelsen Haugen (NOR) — 150 kilograms

Elise Rosenborg (NOR) — 142.5 kilograms

Linnea Forslund (SWE) — 137.5 kilograms

Women’s 69KG

Ingvild Hansen (NOR) — 162.5 kilograms

Anna-Eveliina Partanen (FIN) — 142.5 kilograms

Ines Kahrer (AUT) — 137.5 kilograms

Women’s 76KG

Linda Kristensen (NOR) — 162.5 kilograms

Rachel Steedman (GBR) — 157.5 kilograms

Daria Ławniczak (POL) — 157.5 kilograms

Women’s 84KG

Ankie Timmers (LUX) — 200 kilograms

Sofia Kamlund (SWE) — 165 kilograms

Tiina Voho (FIN) — 145 kilograms

Women’s 84+KG

Maria Kemp Jensen (DEN) — 200 kilograms

Matilda Hjälle (SWE) — 200 kilograms

Amalie Chelsea Stok (DEN) — 147.5 kilograms

Men’s 59KG

Frederik Eskil Myrvang (NOR) — 190 kilograms

Dariusz Wzsoła (POL) — 160 kilograms

Oleksandr Ahadzhanian (UKR) — 127.5 kilograms

Men’s 66KG

Mariusz Grotkowski (POL) — 202.5 kilograms

Mykhailo Shablii (UKR) — 185 kilograms

Gheorghe Moise (ROU) — 170 kilograms

Men’s 74KG

Jani Haapamaki (FIN) — 215 kilograms

Alex Fodor (GBR) — 212.5 kilograms

Vladyslav Protsenko (UKR) — 210 kilograms

Men’s 83KG

Raik Guenterberg (GER) — 257.5 kilograms

Andrii Balenkov (UKR) — 255 kilograms

Teemu Hallfors (FIN) — 237.5 kilograms

Men’s 93KG

Mads Friche (DEN) — 302.5 kilograms

Rafał Zalewski (POL) — 297.5 kilograms

Thomas Edvinsson (SWE) — 270 kilograms

Men’s 105KG

Oliver Dahlkvist (SWE) — 320 kilograms

Christian Flueras (GER) — 285 kilograms

Andy Champ (GBR) — 282.5 kilograms

Men’s 120KG

Per Marius Hole (NOR) — 340 kilograms

Markus Ahonen (FIN) — 322.5 kilograms

Markus Glueck (AUT) — 305 kilograms

Men’s 120+KG

Rasmus Mirblom (SWE) — 340 kilograms

Tarmo Parna (EST) — 310 kilograms

Vadym Kvasiuk (UKR) — 302.5 kilograms

Best moments from the 2024 WBC

Zuzanna Kula (POL) breaking an equipped 57KG class bench press world record for the seventh time in 2024

Incredibly close battle in the classic 63KG class, with the top five separated by only five kilograms

Stanisław Mentel (POL) bench pressing 190.5 kilograms at 70 years old

Ielja Strik (NED) taking her 26th European title

Rasmus Mirblom (SWE) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by winning with his only successful lift — his third.

Breakout performance from the Georgian bench press team, winning the men’s classic team award and collecting several Age Class world records

This contest can be watched back on the GoodliftTV YouTube channel.

More Powerlifting Content

Jonathan Henningsson (105KG) Breaks IPF Junior Raw Bench Press World Record

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“A Coin Flip With Death”: Powerlifter Jared Maynard Says Lifting Weights “Saved” Him From Rare Disease

Featured image: @theepf on Instagram

The post 2024 EPF European Bench Press Championships Results appeared first on BarBend.

Gavin Adin (93KG) Eclipses IPF Raw Squat and Total World Records

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Gavin Adin is no stranger to the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) squat world record in the 93KG class. He took it back at the 2024 North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) North American Championships (NAC) in Scottsdale, AZ.

Adin was the 2021 IPF Junior world champion, winning convincingly and breaking the Junior bench press world record along the way. He moved to the Open class in 2022 and has taken many single-lift medals, but he still seeks his first overall podium.

In Scottsdale, Adin squatted the record for his second attempt, but the referees rejected it for insufficient depth. The referees also rejected his subsequent squat at 341 kilograms in a split two-to-one decision. However, after lengthy deliberations, the jury reversed the decision and awarded Adin the squat.

Adin employed knee sleeves and a lifting belt to assist him in the squat but no other supportive equipment. The ascent was a grind, but he locked it out successfully to claim the record.

Adin first broke this world record at the 2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships (SPC), SBD Apparel’s big money meet in the UK. He broke it first with 331.5 kilograms, only to lose it to Carlos Petterson-Griffiths immediately afterward. Adin’s final attempt at 337 kilograms took the record back. Petterson-Griffiths reclaimed it with 337.5 kilograms at the 2024 IPF Classic World Championships in Druskininkai, Lithuania.

That wasn’t the only record Adin broke at the NAC on Aug. 9, 2024: the total world record also fell. It had previously stood at 895 kilograms and belonged to Sweden’s Gustav Hedlund, who set it en route to victory at the 2024 SPC. Adin exceeded it with his second deadlift to achieve a total of 896 kilograms. With his final deadlift, he extended it to 901 kilograms.

Adin wrote in an Instagram caption that he is the first 93KG class lifter to break through the 900-kilogram barrier in IPF history. However, the OpenIPF website lists Jesse Norris achieving 914 kilograms in 2014 at a state-level meet with United States Powerlifting (USAPL) when USAPL was the US affiliate of the IPF. Norris couldn’t claim the world record at the NAPF since they can only be broken at international meets.

2024 NAPF North American Powerlifting Championships Results — Gavin Adin, 93KG

Squat

310 kilograms

341 kilograms

341 kilograms — IPF Open World Record

Bench Press

202.5 kilograms

217.5 kilograms

222.5 kilograms

Deadlift

295 kilograms

332.5 kilograms

337.5 kilograms

Total — 901 kilograms — IPF Open World Record

The 2024 Powerlifting America Raw Nationals will be Adin’s next meet. He faces the tough challenge of making the international team, though, as Brandon Pitre, Jonathan Cayco, and JamaRR Royster will all compete to be the Team USA representative in the 93KG class.

Featured image: @theipf on Instagram

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How Many Calories Are in Derek Lunsford’s 2024 Olympia Shredding Diet?

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Competitive bodybuilders often utilize the “bulk” and “cut” methods to maximize muscle gains and efficiently attain low body fat. 

On Aug. 2, 2024, the 2023 Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford revealed his new diet to get shredded in the lead-up to the 2024 Mr. Olympia on Oct. 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Lunsford detailed his current supplement stack, shared nutrition tips, and laid out his back training:

[Related: Ashley Lynette Jones’ Glute-Building Workout To Try On Your Next Leg Day]

Derek Lunsford: 2024 Olympia Supplement Stack

Lunsford shared all his daily supplements. He’s sponsored by Evogen Nutrition and uses their products: 

Probiotics for gut health 

Cleanse and detox 

Liver support 

Omega 3 fish oils for heart health

Vitamin D

Vitamin C 

Energy and pump pre-workouts 

Intra-workout amino acids

Whey isolate protein powder 

Multivitamin 

“Digestion is one of the most important things,” said Lunsford, emphasizing the importance of probiotics for gut health. “It’s super crucial”.

Breakfast — 728 Calories 

Lunsford’s highest-calorie meal is his breakfast of two poultry proteins and slower-digesting carbohydrates. It contains five elements:

250 grams egg whites

Two large whole eggs

3 ounces chicken

80 grams oats 

One scoop of EvoGreens powder

Splenda 

Lunsford’s chicken omelet provides lean protein and healthy fats alongside his chocolate-greens-powder-mixed oats with Splenda.

Lunch — 612 Calories

Lunsford cherishes each fatty and flavorful bite of his only steak meal:

7 ounces sirloin steak

180 grams white rice

Muscle Fit Meals pre-cooks and packages Lunsford’s meats. The steak is weighed out, air-fried, and served with a portion of rice and seasoning.

Derek Lunsford 2024 Olympia Back Workout 

Lunsford started with heavy cable lat pulldowns using momentum and assisted reps to failure.

Lunsford performed barbell rows and partial deadlifts in a power rack, working up to 585 pounds with the aid of his certified “champ-champ Mr. Olympia” stamped lifting belt. He followed with seated rows, machine-pronated grip rows, and seated machine lat pullovers. 

Lunsford’s Workout Supplements 

Before training, Lunsford takes a pre-workout. Depending on the intensity of his training, he includes one to two scoops of amino acid powder.

Consuming a protein shake immediately post-workout is a staple for Lunsford. (1) Research shows an immediate effect on muscle repair when combining protein supplementation with resistance training. Lunsford prefers whey isolate, a purer form of protein powder that may offer benefits over other protein supplement forms. (2)

With these post-workout shakes, especially when dieting for a show; do not waste time getting [it] in.

Lunsford has two scoops of whey isolate or 50 grams of protein right after training. The amino acids in the protein play a key role in muscle growth. 

Post-Workout Meal — 377 Calories 

“You all are going to be so excited about this one,” says a sarcastic Lunsford. The champ knows he can’t have another steak to achieve his most shredded look. His post-workout is a lean, quick-digesting meal composed of: 

Seven ounces of cod 

180 grams of white rice

“[Cod] is the leanest thing you could possibly eat in terms of protein meat,” says Lunsford. The cod supplied a modest 1.83 grams of fat, the only fat in the meal. He adds black pepper and pepper sauce for a spicy kick. 

During his Olympia prep, Lunsford avoids adding fats, as the meat and eggs supply enough. While rice is his primary carb source, Lunsford may add potatoes at some point to change things up. “It’s honestly just easy to eat the rice.”

Lunsford hit the pool for a swim then was back in the kitchen for his next meal. 

Meals 4 and 5 — 528 Calories 

Lunsford eats the same foods for meals four and five — a simple two-ingredient combo:

Seven ounces of chicken breast

180 grams of rice.

Salt and Adobo seasonings were added to Lunsford’s likings. They were not measured.

Dinner — 341 Calories 

Aiming for a high-protein, low-carb, low-fat meal, Lunsford had a modest dinner:

Seven ounces of chicken

One cup of broccoli

Derek Lunsford: 2024 Olympia Calories & Macros

After crunching the numbers, Lundsford’s breakdown of his total calories and macros are as follows:

Calories: 3,346

Fat: 70 grams

Carbs: 270 grams 

Protein: 409 grams 

Lunsford lowers his calories significantly during a shredding phase to drop body fat. He keeps protein high to preserve muscle tissue and remains anabolic during this process. His carbs provide energy for training, while fats help maintain healthy hormones and bodily functions. 

Lunsford recommends this diet as a good base for anyone looking for a consistent meal plan, whether they want to get shredded or gain muscle.

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Is There Such a Thing as Working Out Too Hard in the Gym After All?

Powerlifter Hunter Henderson to Prioritize Pro Bodybuilding

Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram

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Life Time Sets Pricing of Public Offering of 12M Shares of Common Stock

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The premium fitness operator recently raised its full-year revenue guidance

Following a stellar Q2, Life Time is selling 12,000,000 shares of common stock held by the luxury athletic country club operator and certain existing stockholders to the public at $21.75 per share, the proceeds of which will go towards general corporate purposes and possibly debt repayment.

The underwriters in the offering will have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,800,000 shares of common stock from the selling stockholders, according to the fitness operator. The offering is expected to close Aug. 14, 2024.

Life Time won’t receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of the common stock by the selling stockholders.

More than a Gym

The high-end fitness and lifestyle operator recently raised its full-year revenue guidance to between $2.56 and $2.59 billion following another strong quarter that saw continued high member engagement and the opening of three new clubs.

On a call with investors earlier this month, Life Time CEO Bahram Akradi noted that the luxury club — brimming with activities from pickleball to personal training — are viewed as more than just a fitness facility or a health club to Life Time members.

“(Life Time) — it’s everything to our members,” he said. “It’s their social place, it’s their beach club, it’s their programs, it’s their network.”

Akradi also pointed out that LifeTime has managed to score such enthusiasm from prospective members that waitlists to join are commonplace, even with higher-than-average monthly dues of $190 per month.

“These results are with zero salespeople in the company,” he told investors. “We’ve told you guys this for the last three years, but maybe now the results speak for themselves: there’s zero promotions. There’s no advertising for the membership.” 

The premium health and wellness operator is also eyeing continued investment in artificial intelligence, having previously partnered with Microsoft to launch L.AI.C, an AI-powered Life Time member companion housed within the Life Time member app. While the AI will first support basic member needs (such as answering simple questions), Life Time plans to eventually use the advanced technology to create a more personalized experience for members. 

While staying on top of the tech game is a priority for Life Time, it’s certainly not forgetting pickleball. The company, which has steadily invested in the beloved sport in recent years and is now the largest owner and operator of permanent pickleball and indoor tennis courts, just filed a patent to develop Ultimate Pickleball, an improved ball that addresses common complaints, such as inconsistency and lack of durability.   

Ultimate Pickleball will first roll out exclusively in Life Time clubs this month and will be used at all Pickleball Classic tournaments before becoming available at Life Time’s racquet sports pro shops and online.

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CEO Corner: Co-Founder and CEO of Squeeze Brittany Driscoll

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The massage brand founder is seeking to bring increased customizability and convenience to the wellness landscape

As the wellness landscape becomes increasingly saturated, Squeeze, a new massage brand chain, is differentiating itself with affordable and convenient services. Founded by the same team as Drybar, the massage brand offers app-based bookings and customizable service experiences for no additional fee. Squeeze Massage is currently rapidly expanding across the United States, with dozens of locations in the works.

ATN spoke with Brittany Driscoll, the co-founder and CEO of Squeeze, to discuss her background, vision, and goals for the new wellness brand.

“I began my career in marketing and advertising, working with some of the world’s most renowned consumer brands, including Coca-Cola, Disney, Hilton Worldwide, Barbie, and Hot Wheels,” Driscoll said. She went on to lead marketing for Drybar, where Driscoll was instrumental in opening more than 50 shops and launching the Drybar product line with Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom.

“I was ready for my next challenge and discussed potential ideas with Drybar’s founders, Alli Webb and Michael Landau,” She continued. “After countless discussions and strategy meetings, Squeeze was born in 2017.”

Driscoll saw an opportunity in the massage experience, both for consumers and employees. “On one end, there are low-end discount chains, and on the other, high-end hotels and spas that aren’t feasible for regular use,” she stated. “We created Squeeze to bridge this gap, offering a premium, luxurious experience at an affordable price.”

Squeeze launched in 2019, but quickly faced the challenges of the global pandemic. The brand re-opened in 2022.

credit: Squeeze

Driscoll explained that Squeeze’s app-based approach sets the company apart. “The app makes scheduling seamless, allowing guests to book, set personalized preferences, pay, tip, rate, and review all from their smartphones,” she said. “This ensures a hassle-free experience, where guests can walk in and float out. Each massage is tailored to the customer’s preferences, including focus areas, pressure, music, lighting, and the use of lotion or oil. We also offer complimentary enhancements like deep tissue, heat therapy, percussion therapy, aromatherapy, and prenatal options.”

Squeeze has also been focusing on its franchising strategy. “Potential franchisees, or operating partners as we call them, often discover us through podcasts, online articles, social media, or personal experiences with the brand,” Driscoll said. After franchisees meet pre-qualification requirements, the discovery and evaluation process takes about 6 to 8 weeks. “Once approved, operating partners receive extensive support, including real estate and development guidance, pairing with a designated mentor, and in-person training sessions at our Studio City location,” she said.  

Driscoll’s journey has had challenges, but she relies on her team to drive the business forward. “Building a business from scratch involves constant competing priorities and learning to manage functions I had no previous experience in,” she said. “Fortunately, I have an incredibly hard-working, passionate, and smart team that has helped turn Squeeze into a disruptive, household name.”

She also noted the importance of making deliberate decisions each day. “Every small choice shapes your life, so make thoughtful and deliberate decisions,” Driscoll said. “Don’t give up and stay resilient. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Things are often made to look easier than they are.”

Squeeze has big plans for 2025: the brand plans to double its footprint in the next year. The company also has over 100 new locations in development.

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Digital Health Apps Linked to Significant Lifestyle Improvements

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Research involving over 200,000 participants shows that digital tools can help users take more steps, eat better and sleep more soundly, offering new opportunities for fitness professionals

A comprehensive new study synthesizing data from over 206,000 participants across 47 different studies has highlighted the potential of digital health tools to significantly enhance various aspects of health and wellbeing. The findings are particularly relevant for fitness professionals, who can leverage these tools to support clients in achieving their health goals more effectively.

The study, led by Dr. Ben Singh from the University of South Australia, examined the impact of electronic and mobile health interventions, such as mobile apps, websites, and text messaging, on physical activity, diet, and sleep. The results were compelling, demonstrating that these digital tools can lead to measurable improvements in several key health behaviors:

An increase of 1,329 steps per day

An additional 55 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week

45 minutes more overall physical activity per week

A reduction of 7 hours of sedentary behavior per week

A decrease of 103 calories consumed per day

A 20% increase in daily fruit and vegetable consumption

A reduction of 5.5 grams of saturated fat consumed per day

A weight loss of 1.9 kilograms over 12 weeks

Improved sleep quality and less severe insomnia

These findings are particularly significant in light of the growing global burden of chronic diseases. According to the World Health Organization, one in eight people worldwide now live with obesity, 422 million have diabetes, and cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. 

The study suggests that digital health tools could play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by promoting healthier behaviors.

“With the rise of preventable chronic diseases like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, finding mechanisms that can help reduce people’s risk is important,” says Singh. “Our study found that digital and mobile health interventions can have a positive effect on people’s health and wellbeing, not only helping them to increase their physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior, but also improving their diet and quality of sleep.”

For fitness and wellness professionals, these results underscore the value of integrating digital health tools into their client support strategies. By utilizing apps and other digital platforms, trainers can offer personalized, timely interventions that help clients stay active, improve their diet, and enhance their overall quality of life.

The research also highlights the scalability of digital health interventions, making them accessible to diverse populations and effective across various age groups and health behaviors. This scalability could be particularly beneficial in public health campaigns aimed at reducing the incidence of chronic diseases.

While the study’s findings are promising, Singh emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the specific impacts of these interventions on different demographic groups. Nevertheless, the evidence suggests that digital health tools offer a valuable means of promoting healthier lifestyles, making them an important consideration for fitness professionals looking to enhance their service offerings and support their clients in achieving long-term health goals.

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