ACE partners with the Lakeshore Foundation to advance inclusive fitness education, ensuring exercise professionals are equipped to support individuals with disabilities

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Lakeshore Foundation have teamed up to advance education in inclusive fitness. On August 8, 2024, the two organizations announced their partnership, with a focus on creating resources to help exercise professionals and health coaches better serve individuals with physical disabilities.

This collaboration aims to give fitness professionals the knowledge and tools they need to provide safe and effective physical activity options for people of all abilities. The goal is to fill the gaps in current fitness education, making sure that professionals are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, President and CEO of ACE, spoke about the importance of this partnership in promoting a more inclusive approach to fitness. “We’re excited to work with the Lakeshore Foundation on this initiative, which is a big step toward making the fitness industry more accessible to everyone,” Bryant said.

The Lakeshore Foundation, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is well-known for promoting active lifestyles among individuals with physical disabilities. Their experience in creating programs tailored to the needs of people with disabilities will play a key role in this partnership. Amy Rauworth, Chief of Research and Innovation at Lakeshore, emphasized that this collaboration will help ensure that fitness professionals are equipped to effectively support individuals with disabilities.

This partnership fits into ACE’s larger commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the fitness industry. By working together, ACE and the Lakeshore Foundation hope to create a more welcoming environment for everyone, reflecting the ongoing changes in fitness and the need for continuous education.

The partnership between ACE and the Lakeshore Foundation is a crucial step toward better-preparing professionals to serve people of all abilities. With the Paralympics coming up, this initiative is especially timely, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in fitness and the key role of education in achieving that goal. The resources developed through this collaboration are expected to have a lasting impact, helping to make the fitness industry more inclusive and accessible for years to come.

See also: Peloton Unveils Key Insights on Gen Z, Inclusivity in Fitness

The post ACE and Lakeshore Foundation Partner to Enhance Inclusive Fitness Education appeared first on Athletech News.

Every year after the CrossFit Games, the Morning Chalk Up takes a look at who picked up the most Instagram followers during the competition.

Usually, it’s a lighthearted look at the biggest stars and fan favorites from the Games.

This year, however, in light of Lazar Đukić’s tragic death during the swim portion of Event 1, it feels a bit trivial to even bother talking about Instagram followers.

Then again, the entire community is hurting, and we all want to know how the athletes are feeling, grieving, and healing. 

In this sense, Instagram provides a platform for athletes to express themselves and gives us some insights into what happened in Fort Worth. 

Perhaps most importantly, it’s a platform on which they can and are now demanding change. In light of this, let’s take a look at the numbers.

What the Numbers Say

The athlete who picked up the most followers between July 29 and August 8 was Lazar Đukić’s brother, Luka, with 63,059 (a 411-percent increase). Luka withdrew from the competition immediately after Event 1 and took to social media to post a tribute to Lazar.

Lazar Đukić’s account picked up 47,732 followers (a 143-percent increase) and quickly became a place for fans and fellow athletes to post tributes in the comment sections of his most recent posts.

Here is a list of the top 10 after those accounts:

Gui Malheiros: 24,408

James Sprague: 23, 805

Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr: 13,688

Dani Speegle: 11,896

Danielle Brandon: 10,067

Haley Adams: 8,821

Jeff Adler: 8,816

Arielle Loewen: 8,364

Laura Horvath: 7,960

Brent Fikowski: 7,144

One big thing: Five of those 10 athletes withdrew from the competition at some point during the course of the weekend because of Lazar Đukić’s death: Gui Malheiros, Dani Speegle, Jeff Adler, Arielle Loewen, and Laura Horvath.

How Do These Numbers Compare to Other Years?

The numbers are actually quite consistent with last year, when Roman Khrennikov picked up the most new followers with 61,004. Horvath logged the second most at 41,920, and Adler scooped up 35,114 new followers.

In 2022, the overall numbers at the top were considerably lower: Dani Speegle picked up the most new followers (37,805), while Mal O’Brien picked up the second most (34,713), and Toomey-Orr got the third most (31,385).

Worth noting: Regardless of how well they do in the competition or whether or not they even finish it, three athletes always do well on Instagram during the Games: Malheiros, Speegle, and Brandon.

In 2021, Brandon gained the most followers during the Games with 77,702 new ones. Malheiros was third with 68,068, and Speegle was 10th with 9,748.

In 2022, as we pointed out, Speegle gained the most followers, while Malheiros picked up 20,896 and Brandon 24,209.

Last year, Brandon picked up the fourth-most followers with 20,735. Neither Speegle nor Malheiros qualified for the Games last year.

The Big Picture

Social media prowess might seem trivial in some ways, especially considering all that has transpired. But we’ve seen that social media can also be a vehicle for positive change. For change to occur, visibility is required, and that can’t be done without followers.

Featured image: Carlos Fleury, @carlitosfleury / Instagram 

The post CrossFit Community Looks to Athletes on Social Media, Aims to Connect With Dukic Family appeared first on BarBend.

The 2024 Iceland’s Strongest Man (ISM) contest occurred on Aug. 10-11, 2024. The competition featured eight of the country’s strongest, including the return of 2018 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Hafthor Björnsson, who won 10 consecutive ISM titles before his competitive retirement in 2020.

After six events — Max Deadlift, Dumbbell Medley, Frame Carry, Sandbag Toss, Husafell Stone, and Stone Over Bar — Björnsson emerged victorious to achieve his 11th ISM title, scoring 45 of a possible 48 points.

2024 Iceland’s Strongest Man Results

Hafthór Björnsson — 45 points

Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 34.5 points

Hilmar Örn Jónsson — 31.5 points

Kári Kristófer Elíasson — 21 points

Kristján Páll Árnason — 17 points

Ísleifur Orri Arngrímsson — 11 points

Gudmundur Helgason — 10 points

Alexander Andersen — Nine points

[Related: Mitchell Hooper Critiques Eddie Hall’s “16,000-Calorie” Strongman Diet]

[Related: 2024 Shaw Classic Open & Strongest Man on Earth Rosters, Events Revealed]

2024 Iceland’s Strongest Man Event Results

Below are the results for each of the six contested events in Iceland:

Max Deadlift

Athletes had three attempts to establish their max deadlift.

Hafthór Björnsson — 380 kilograms

Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 360 kilograms

Hilmar Örn Jónsson — 360 kilograms

Kristján Páll Árnason — 340 kilograms

Alexander Andersen — 315 kilograms

Ísleifur Orri Arngrímsson — 310 kilograms

Kári Kristófer Elíasson — 290 kilograms

Gudmundur Helgason — 275 kilograms

Dumbbell Medley

Athletes attempted to lift three dumbbells weighing 80, 95, and 105 kilograms in the fastest time possible.

Hafthór Björnsson — Three in 32 seconds

Pálmi Gudfinnsson — Two in 13 seconds

Hilmar Örn Jónsson — Two in 14 seconds

Alexander Andersen — One in Seven seconds

Kári Kristófer Elíasson — One in Nine seconds

Gudmundur Helgason — One in 10 seconds

Kristján Páll Árnason — One in 11 seconds

Ísleifur Orri Arngrímsson — no lift

Frame Carry

Each strongman attempted to carry the 350-kilogram frame for distance. They were allowed one drop to regrip.

Hafthór Björnsson — 20 meters

Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 18.9 meters

Hilmar Örn Jónsson — 3.36 meters

Kári Kristófer Elíasson — 13.82 meters

Kristján Páll Árnason — 5.53 meters

Ísleifur Orri Arngrímsson — 1.87 meters

Gudmundur Helgason — 3.45 meters

Alexander Andersen — withdrew

Sandbag Toss

Athletes attempted to toss a 25-kilogram implement for height.

Hafthór Björnsson — 5.9 meters

Pálmi Gudfinnsson — 5.6 meters

Hilmar Örn Jónsson — 5.3 meters

Kári Kristófer Elíasson — no score

Kristján Páll Árnason — no score

Ísleifur Orri Arngrímsson — no score

Gudmundur Helgason — no score

Alexander Andersen — withdrew

Husafell Stone

Athletes carried the 186-kilogram stone for distance. Scores will be updated when they are made available.

Hafthór Björnsson

Pálmi Gudfinnsson

Hilmar Örn Jónsson

Kári Kristófer Elíasson

Ísleifur Orri Arngrímsson

Gudmundur Helgason

Kristján Páll Árnason

Alexander Andersen — withdrew

Stone Over Bar

Hafthór Björnsson — Two reps (202 kilograms)

Hilmar Örn Jónsson — One rep (202 kilograms)

Kári Kristófer Elíasson — Six reps (160 kilograms)

Kristján Páll Árnason — Five reps (160 kilograms)

Ísleifur Orri Arngrímsson — Three reps (160 kilograms)

Pálmi Gudfinnsson — One rep (160 kilograms)

Gudmundur Helgason — no lift

Alexander Andersen — withdrew

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Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram

The post 2024 Iceland’s Strongest Man Results appeared first on BarBend.

Georgian powerlifter Georgi Gelashvili is relatively new to the international powerlifting scene, first appearing in 2023. However, he is already the sub-Junior (ages 14-19) powerlifting world champion, having won gold at the 2023 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Junior World Championships (JWC) in Cluj Napoca, Romania.

Gelashvili missed first place at the 2023 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Junior Championships (EJC) in Budapest, Hungary, by only three kilograms.

Gelashvili competed on Aug. 7, 2024, at the 2024 EPF European Bench Press Championships (EBC) in Istanbul, Turkey, where he made his first impression on the IPF record books. On his second attempt, he bench pressed 120.5 kilograms, breaking the sub-Junior bench-only world record. Check out the lift below, courtesy of the IPF’s Instagram page:

Lifting without the support of a lifting belt, or even wrist wraps, Gelashvili took the barbell in the maximum width grip permitted in IPF competition, with the forefingers covering the rings. He unracked the bar himself without assistance from the platform crew. On receiving the start command from the chief referee, Gelashvili lowered the bar to his chest, sinking slightly, presumably to be sure of reaching elbow depth.

“Elbow depth” refers to a controversial rule brought in by the IPF at the start of 2023 in order to combat extreme arching. The rule states:

“After receiving the signal, the lifter must lower the bar to the chest or abdominal area whereby the underside of both elbow joints is lowered level with or below the top surface of each respective shoulder joint.”

When the press command came, Gelashvili locked it out with much apparent effort. He subsequently attempted 125 kilograms, but it was too heavy. This performance secured Gelashvili the gold, nearly 30 kilograms ahead of his nearest rival.

2024 EPF European Classic Bench Press Championships Results — Georgi Gelashvili, 53KG, Sub-Junior

Bench Press

110 kilograms

120.5 kilograms — IPF Sub-junior World Record

125 kilograms

Georgian Powerlifting

The Georgian powerlifting team had great success with the bench press in 2024. Temur Samkharadze broke the Junior bench press world record in the 120+KG class twice — once at the 2024 Classic World Championships in Lithuania and again at the 2024 Euro-Muscle Show (EMS) in Amsterdam, setting it at 256 kilograms.

Jaba Sepiashvili got in on the action at the EMS, breaking the Junior world record in the 53KG class with 150 kilograms. He then moved to the 59KG class at the EBC to break the European Junior record with 157 kilograms. Additionally, Levani Giligashvili broke the European Masters 1 (ages 40-49) record in the 74KG class at the 2024 EBC with 180 kilograms. Whatever the Georgian bench press coaches are doing, it’s working.

Gelashvili will be back on the platform almost immediately. He is on the roster for the 2024 IPF WJC, which is to be held in Malta from Aug. 28 through Sept. 8, 2024.

More Powerlifting Content

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

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Featured image: @theipf on Instagram

The post Georgi Gelashvili (53KG) Breaks IPF Sub-Junior Raw Bench Press World Record appeared first on BarBend.

Best in class: Powerlifter Nicolaas du Preez is one of the strongest pullers you’ve never heard of, and his 405-pound barbell rows prove it.

Most people struggle to maintain proper form when performing heavy barbell rows, but du Preez has the back and ab strength to rip through reps without relying on body English.

Don’t get us wrong, we love a heavy bench press or back squat as much as the next gym junkie, but there’s something special about seeing a set of rows taken to the next level. It’s just got some old-school charm to it. 

Let’s take a look at du Preez’ barbell row technique and see what we can learn from it — once we’re done collecting our jaws from the floor, that is.

Nicolaas du Preez: 405LB Barbell Rows

The barbell row may not be one of powerlifting’s “big three” but world-class strength athletes know how valuable it is as an accessory exercise. On Aug. 8, 2024, du Preez made light work of some heavy rows on social media:

[Related: Best Lifting Straps for Back Workouts]

His extraordinary strength and nearly-impeccable technique earned du Preez props from renowned fitness personality CT Fletcher, who called it “the best form at this weight” he’d seen in a long time.

We’ll say. du Preez relied on lifting straps to haul the bar up and down, and it isn’t quite clear if he had a lifting belt on under his shirt. Other than that, du Preez’s “speed reps” of five in the barbell row are all horsepower. 

Your Takeaway: Lift Faster to Get Strong

du Preez is not a CrossFit athlete and does not compete in a sport with time constraints. On paper, there’s no real reason to rush through your sets (especially your accessory work; you’ve gotta eat your vegetables).

However, du Preez’ performance highlights an underrated aspect of strength training that many intermediate trainees neglect. 

According to a 2014 study by Gonzalez-Badillo et al., (1) lifting weights with maximum velocity builds approximately double the muscular strength than moving slowly.

“strength gains can be maximized when repetitions are performed at maximal intended velocity,” the authors concluded. 

This study was carried out on the bench press, but we think it has validity for back workouts as well. If you want to increase strength, you’ve got to optimize your rate of force development, and bar velocity is an integral aspect.

[Related: Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Lifting Heavy]

However, some exercises don’t mix well with lifting quickly. There’s a strong tendency to start swinging your torso during heavy barbell rows, as the added momentum can help you pull the bar into your stomach.

That’s why du Preez is so impressive — he’s maximizing his force development through speedy lifting without allowing his technique to get sloppy. It’s a recipe for success. 

[Related: Never Start Back Workouts With Pull-Ups]

Who Is Nicolaas du Preez? 

du Preez, 29, is a powerlifter. He competes mostly in raw-with-wraps divisions in the 275 or 308-pound bodyweight categories. According to Open Powerlifting, du Preez’ best raw lifts (sans knee wraps) in the big three are: 

Squat: 815.7 pounds

Bench Press: 540.1 pounds

Deadlift: 865.3 pounds

Total: 2,166 pounds

Which earned him a DOTS score of 564.41. DOTS are used to compare athletes of different statures and divisions against one another. For context, du Preez sits just behind legendary powerlifter and bodybuilder Stan Efferding, whose best DOTS score at 275 pounds is 572.80.

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References

González-Badillo JJ, Rodríguez-Rosell D, Sánchez-Medina L, Gorostiaga EM, Pareja-Blanco F. Maximal intended velocity training induces greater gains in bench press performance than deliberately slower half-velocity training. Eur J Sport Sci. 2014;14(8):772-81. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2014.905987. Epub 2014 Apr 15. PMID: 24734902.

Pedrosa GF, Lima FV, Schoenfeld BJ, Lacerda LT, Simões MG, Pereira MR, Diniz RCR, Chagas MH. Partial range of motion training elicits favorable improvements in muscular adaptations when carried out at long muscle lengths. Eur J Sport Sci. 2022 Aug;22(8):1250-1260. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1927199. Epub 2021 May 23. PMID: 33977835.

Featured Image: @nicolass_du_preez / Instagram

The post Speed Reps: Nicolaas du Preez Smashes 405LB Barbell Rows appeared first on BarBend.

The glutes are the body’s largest and most powerful muscle group. They also balance one’s aesthetics and enhance athletic performance. Competitive bodybuilders strive for striated glutes, a hallmark of exceptional muscle conditioning.

On Aug. 7, 2024, the 2024 New York Pro Women’s Open champion Ashley Lynette Jones unveiled her in-prep glute-focused leg training and tips to carve an Olympia-worthy physique. 

Ashley Lynette Jones’ 2024 Olympia Glute Workout

Warm-Up — Walking Lunges & Glute-Ham Raises

Superset — Stiff-Leg Deadlift & Adductor Machine

Superset — Standing Leg Curl & Air Squats

Belt Squat

[Related: The Anatomy of Your Leg Muscles, Explained (and How To Train Them)]

[Related: 12 Best Pre-Workouts]

Warm-Up — Walking Lunges & Glute-Ham Raises

Jones primes her muscles with a walking lunge and glute-ham raise superset. During the walking lunges, she steps diagonally outward to maximize glute and hamstring engagement. 

Jones favors GHD raises for the deep hamstring stretch with each rep, sharpening her mind-muscle connection. She drives her thighs into the machine’s pad and pauses in the fully shortened position. (1)

Superset — Stiff-Leg Deadlift & Adductor Machine

Jones performs stiff-legged deadlifts with the balls of her feet positioned on a squat wedge. She maintains slight knee flexion and pushes her hips and knees back during eccentrics.

Jones chose the adductor machine for this superset since it doesn’t interfere with her stiff-leg deadlift performance. She adopts a deliberate and controlled rep cadence, increasing time under tension (TUT). (2)

Superset — Standing Leg Curl & Air Squats

Jones alternates between seated, standing, and lying leg curls each workout to add variety to her training and ensure overall hamstring development. She begins unilateral exercises with her weaker side to iron out strength imbalances. 

If you notice imbalance, start with your non-dominant side.

Jones transitions to sumo air squats, focusing on achieving depth and a sharp contraction.

Belt Squat

The three-time Olympian favors the belt squat, as the machine’s unique line of pull loads the glutes, hamstrings, and quads while minimizing spinal strain compared to conventional barbell squats.

Jones assumes a wide stance with her torso at 45 degrees to better bias the glutes. She recommends slow negatives.

Road To The 2024 Olympia

Jones aims to ride the momentum from her 2024 New York Pro win to more gold at the 2024 Rising Phoenix on Aug. 24, 2024. She will compete at the 2024 Olympia, scheduled for Oct. 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV. 

Jones began her bodybuilding career in the Figure division in 2019. She transitioned to Women’s Physique in 2021 before finding her stride in the Women’s Open in 2024. This year marks her highly anticipated Women’s Open debut at the Olympia.

References:

Hirono, T., Ikezoe, T., Taniguchi, M., Tanaka, H., Saeki, J., Yagi, M., Umehara, J., & Ichihashi, N. (2022). Relationship Between Muscle Swelling and Hypertrophy Induced by Resistance Training. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 36(2), 359–364. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003478

Burd NA, Andrews RJ, West DW, et al. Muscle time under tension during resistance exercise stimulates differential muscle protein sub-fractional synthetic responses in men. J Physiol. 2012;590(2):351-362. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2011.221200

Featured image: @ivystrong2 on Instagram

The post Ashley Lynette Jones’ Glute-Building Workout To Try On Your Next Leg Day appeared first on BarBend.

Renowned as the “Hypertrophy Coach,” Joe Bennett trains elite bodybuilders and shares his training wisdom with those who wish to gain muscle mass. In late July 2024, Bennett offered insights into what he believes are the optimal quad and hamstring exercises for leg day.

IFBB Pro Women’s Figure competitor Melissa Brodsky is among the top-tier athletes under Bennett’s tutelage. Bennett programmed Brodsky’s lower body training, which is comprised of four exercises that aim to maximize muscle growth while minimizing fatigue.

Quad & Hamstring Exercises

Seated Leg Curl

Pendulum Squat

Leg Extension

Lying Leg Curl

Bennett’s exercise selection targets the hamstrings and quadriceps through a comprehensive range of motion.

It’s good practice to prioritize the mid-length first. When you’re freshest, you have the most energy.

Bennett believes that training in the mid-range offers the most opportunity for muscle growth. That doesn’t mean he eschews training in the shortened or lengthened positions, just that he prioritizes the mid-range earlier in workouts.

Seated Leg Curl

Brodsky begins her leg workouts with seated leg curls instead of lying leg curls to prioritize the mid-range of the hamstrings. She moves through her range of motion via slow eccentrics and iso-holds at maximum hamstring extension. (1) Her routine includes several sets of six to eight reps, with Bennett assisting.

Coach’s Tip

Begin with thighs stationary, ensuring the pad is always used.

Pause once the hamstrings reach maximum extension.

Secure a reliable spotter.

Utilize a seat belt for better stability.

[Related: The Anatomy of Your Leg Muscles, Explained (and How To Train Them)]

Pendulum Squat

Melissa transitions to the pendulum squat machine to focus on her quadriceps, emphasizing their elongation. She employs a comprehensive range of motion, complemented by slow concentric movements and iso-holds. Research indicates that integrating isometric holds into workouts can reduce fatigue and enhance joint strength. (2)

Coach’s Tip

When squatting, get the hamstring on the calf (full knee flexion) and pause/

Take the ankle out of the equation — when training a free weight squat, use heel elevation.

Use a wider stance with the toes turned out — slight external knee rotation while squatting for full knee flexion.

Leg Extension

Brodsky executes the leg extension while seated. Throughout the execution, Brodsky presses her glutes firmly against the bench to enhance quad activation. 

Coach’s Tip

For optimal knee health, point the patellas directly forward throughout.

Drive the body into the seat.

Pause at the movement’s peak to further load the quads.

Lying Leg Curl

Brodsky concludes her session by targeting her hamstrings with lying leg curls. Brodsky integrates isometric holds at peak hamstring contraction.

Coach’s Tip

Focus the thighs on the pad (more so than the hips).

Pause when the hamstrings are in their fully shortened position.

Finish with partial reps.

Bennett guides Brodsky through three working sets of each exercise, dedicating six working sets specifically to quads and hamstrings. Bennett views this as substantial volume for each muscle group. He recommends the following tips to manage fatigue: 

Keep warm-up sets intentional but low volume — four to six reps.

No intensifiers — extending sets and pushing oneself past fatigue to failure. 

When training close to failure, use heavy loads with less volume. 

References

Azevedo, P. H. S. M., Oliveira, M. G. D., & Schoenfeld, B. J. (2022). Effect of different eccentric tempos on hypertrophy and strength of the lower limbs. Biology of sport, 39(2), 443–449. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2022.105335

Lum, D., & Barbosa, T. M. (2019). Brief Review: Effects of Isometric Strength Training on Strength and Dynamic Performance. International journal of sports medicine, 40(6), 363–375. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0863-4539 

Featured image: @melbro_ifbbpro on Instagram

The post Only 4 Exercises: How Women’s Figure Pro Melissa Brodsky Trains Legs During Prep appeared first on BarBend.

Swedish bench specialist Jonathan Henningsson continued his winning streak at the 2024 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Bench Press Championships. He is in his final year as a Junior (ages 19-23) and is the most of every opportunity before moving to the Open category in 2025.

Henningsson was the lightest lifter in the Junior 105KG class, weighing 98.85 kilograms. Nevertheless, his opening bench press established a 25-kilogram lead on his nearest rival. Henningsson pursued a world record on his third attempt with the Junior European title in the bag. He locked out a 234-kilogram bench press to rewrite the record books.

Henningson visibly pinned his shoulders and lats back, creating a stable platform to bench. Using wrist wraps and a lifting belt for additional support, he self-unracked the barbell. Henningson pressed the barbell out from a light touch on his chest and secured the 105KG class Junior bench press world record.

This isn’t the first time that Henningsson has broken a world record. His incursion into the 105KG class has given him the Junior bench press world record in three weight classes.

Henningson broke the Junior 83KG world record thrice over a nine-month period. The 210.5 kilograms he put up at the 2023 IPF World Bench Press Championships (WBC) in Sun City, South Africa, still stands at the time of this article’s publication. He won his first Junior world title at that contest.

At the 2024 WBC in Austin, TX, Henningsson moved to the 93KG class. He broke the 93KG Junior world record twice at that event and claimed another gold medal after a battle with Canada’s Jeremie Caron. That record still stands at a whopping 225.5 kilograms.

2024 EPF European Classic Bench Press Championships Results — Jonathan Henningsson, 105KG

215 kilograms

225 kilograms

234 kilograms — IPF Junior World Record

It remains to be seen whether Henningsson returns to the 93KG class or grows into the 105KG class. He will move to the Open category in 2025. His top lift of 234 kilograms would have secured the silver medal in the 105KG class at the 2024 WBC.

Equally, Henningsson’s top lift in the Juniors in Texas in the 93KG class was only two kilograms off the gold medal in the Open class. His decision will become apparent at the 2025 WBC in Drammen, Norway.

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Featured image: @theipf on Instagram

The post Jonathan Henningsson (105KG) Breaks IPF Junior Raw Bench Press World Record appeared first on BarBend.

Polish bench press specialist Stanisław Mentel has been a great reminder that age is no barrier to strength. He also dispels the myth that Masters lifters (i.e., those over age 40) have been competing all their lives. He appeared in his first international competition at 54 and won his first international gold at 60. He has since racked up nine masters world titles, both raw and equipped.

Mentel competed at the 2024 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Bench Press Championships (EBC) in the classic (“raw”) 105KG class as a Masters 4 (M4) lifter. Mentel extended the world record on his second lift to 183 kilograms and pushed it another 7.5 kilograms with his final bench to 193.5 kilograms.

The only support Mentel used was wrist wraps. Using the maximum width grip permitted in IPF competition, with his forefingers covering the rings on the barbell, Mentel brought the bar to his chest and waited for the “press” command from the center referee. When the command came, Mentel locked the weight out to claim his fifth world record of 2024.

2024 EPF European Classic Bench Press Championships Results — Stanisław Mentel, 105KG

175 kilograms

183 kilograms — IPF Masters 4 World Record

190.5 kilograms — IPF Masters 4 World Record

In May, he traveled to Austin, TX, to compete at the 2024 IPF World Bench Press Championships (WBC) in the classic and equipped categories. He won both, making him a double world champion.

In classic competition at the WBC, Mentel added an astounding 20 kilograms to the existing world record with his opening attempt of 165 kilograms. He was successful with all three lifts and finished at 182.5 kilograms.

This was the record that Mentel broke on his second attempt at the 2024 EBC and extended further on his third. In less than four months, Mentel has added 45.5 kilograms to the bench press world record.

IPF Age Categories

The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and its affiliates recognize the following Masters age categories in 10-year age bands:

Masters 1 (M1) — age 40-49

Masters 2 (M2) — age 50-59

Masters 3 (M3) — age 60-69

Masters 4 (M4) — age 70 and above

The IPF age categories are based on the birth year rather than the actual birth date, so Mentel passed into the M4 category on Jan. 1, 2024.

The IPF bench press season is over, so Mentel is unlikely to appear on the international platform until the 2025 WBC, held in Drammen, Norway.

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Featured image: @theipf on Instagram

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Functional fitness and CrossFit are all about pushing limits, reducing rest periods, and maximizing power output.

But accurately measuring these critical factors during complex movements has been a long-standing challenge—until now.

A groundbreaking new device promises to change the game by offering precise measurements of resting time, moving time, and power output during functional movements.

This innovation could transform the way athletes train and optimize their performance in CrossFit and similar high-intensity workouts.

The Challenge: Measuring Rest and Power in Functional Fitness

In endurance sports, metrics like power output are relatively easy to measure. For example, rowing on an indoor rowing machine (like the Concept 2) provides clear data on wattage and effort. However, translating this kind of measurement to functional movements—such as burpees, snatches, and toes-to-bar—has been a significant challenge.

These movements involve multiple joints and planes of motion, making it difficult to accurately assess how much work is being done and how long an athlete is resting between efforts. Traditional methods simply haven’t been up to the task, leaving a gap in the tools available to CrossFit athletes and coaches.

Introducing the Solution: A Revolutionary Device

This new solution comes in the form of a small, commercially available Bluetooth device equipped with a heart rate monitor and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). While the hardware itself is not revolutionary, the software powering it is where the magic happens.

Using advanced machine learning algorithms, the software interprets raw data from the device, providing clear and actionable insights. It can accurately measure how much time an athlete spends resting versus moving during a workout and estimate the power output generated during complex, functional movements.

Testing the Device: The Experiment

To test the device’s accuracy, an experiment was conducted comparing power output during an 8-minute all-out row on a Concept 2 machine with an 8-minute adapted Cindy workout (comprising ring rows, push-ups, and air squats).

Surprisingly, the power output for both workouts was nearly identical—216 watts during the row and 215 watts during Cindy. This close correlation suggests that the device can accurately measure power output in functional movements, providing a reliable way to assess and optimize performance across different types of exercises.

Practical Applications: Transforming Training

This device has several practical applications that can significantly enhance training and performance:

1. Rest Time Monitoring:
The device automatically detects when an athlete is resting or moving, allowing for precise measurement of split times during workouts. This data can help athletes optimize their pacing and ensure they’re minimizing unnecessary rest.

2. Power Output Measurement:
By estimating power output during each movement and throughout entire workouts, the device offers insights into an athlete’s overall effort and efficiency. This can help in tailoring training to improve weak areas and enhance overall performance.

3. Weakness Detection:
Over time, the device can track power output across different workouts and movements, highlighting specific weaknesses. For example, an athlete might discover they consistently produce less power during snatches and burpees compared to rowing and wall balls. This data-driven approach allows for targeted improvement in weaker areas.

4. Rep Detection and Accuracy:
Though not the primary focus, the device could also be used to ensure accuracy in movement execution. Advanced AI could detect whether movements like squats or pull-ups are being performed correctly, potentially revolutionizing judging in competitions and online qualifiers.

The Future: Business Opportunities and Development

W Motions, the startup behind this device, is currently in its early stages. The company is seeking collaborators on the business side, as well as potential investors to help bring this innovative product to market. The potential applications of this technology are vast, with a significant market in the functional fitness space.

As the device and software continue to develop, there could be even more features and applications that further enhance its utility for athletes and coaches alike.

Conclusion

This new device represents a significant step forward in the world of functional fitness. By accurately measuring rest, moving time, and power output during complex movements, it provides athletes with the tools they need to optimize their training and performance.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, W Motions is currently open to collaboration and investment. This innovation could be the future of functional fitness training, and now is the time to be part of it.