Mr Olympia 2018 Results
The most coveted title in the sport of bodybuilding, the Mr Olympia competition saw its 53rd event this weekend in Las Vegas. It threw up some exciting and controversial results as well as the start of what is no doubt a new generation of aesthetic athlete stars. Though none more shocking than the crowning of a new king of bodybuilding.
Looking to earn his eighth consecutive Olympia title and place himself amongst the hall of famers, Phil Heath has seen his first defeat at the Olympia in seven years. Only Lee Haney and the infamous Ronnie Coleman have managed to secure the record of eight individual titles. Reaching his pinnacle alongside the rise of social media and aided by his featured role in BodyBuilding documentary Generation Iron, Phil has become synonymous with modern day body building and ultimately an icon for the continued rise of the sport.
This year’s champion, Shawn Rhoden has now competed eight times in the contest and has only previously placed among the top three once prior to this year’s victory. At 43 years of age Rhoden is the joint oldest competitor to ever win the title and in doing so collected the highest bodybuilding competition prize fund of to date of $400,000. A figure which in itself demonstrates the enormous growth of the sport and the industry.
Rhoden an excellent role model for the sport in terms of the almost unbelievable conditioning he brings to the stage, but also in terms of positive mental attitude and staggering perseverance. Not only has he managed to deny an eighth consecutive win to a man who has seemed unstoppable at the age of 43, but Rhoden had actually pulled out of a major competition earlier in the year due to severe illness. He pulled out of the 2018 Arnold Classic after suffering near crippling illness from the result of not one but two stomach and bowel ulcers. To come back from this and present the physique which has now earned him the highest accolade in his sport shows incredible strength of character and determination.
Somewhere in amongst all the science, supplements and trends, it can be easy to forget that so much about the sport of bodybuilding in all its forms, is fundamentally down to mental strength, will power and desire. No combination of elements will ever replace the need for genuine hard work and perseverance required to create a body to be proud of.
There is something else unique and potentially controversial about Shawn Rhoden’s win, which judging by the reaction of bodybuilding fans all across the internet is a welcome potential change in direction. Looking at the Mr Olympia line up this year, despite packing some serious muscle, Rhoden has gone on to win overall despite being far from the biggest guy on stage. In recent years and certainly for almost the last decade while Phil Heath has reigned supreme, it has become apparent that Olympia judges were increasingly favouring the ‘mass monsters’. Being drawn to the most beastly physiques on stage and rewarding the ability to carry the most muscle.
There has been a building desire among the bodybuilding community and certainly among fans of the classic era including seven-time winner himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to see the biggest prize in the sport reflect a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette. Whether or not Rhoden’s recent win which has been put down to his extreme level of conditioning, dryness, deep cuts and overall superior symmetry is a reflection of a change in what it takes to win the crown only time will tell.
What is for certain though is that other more arguably aesthetically pleasing categories of bodybuilding including the Physique category are building momentum and continue to attract a following of younger would be athletes. Backed by the rise of Instagram fitness trends and the gym wear fashion industry, physique categories are more popular than ever, and the top athletes are becoming household names among fitness loving millennials.
Coincidently, the men’s physique category also saw a dethroning as four time champ and widely recognised competitor Jeremy Buendia didn’t even manage to place in the top three as he passed his title to newcomer Brandon Hendrickson. Stating in the process that this year would actually be his last competing at the Olympia given his struggles recovering from a nasty pec tear on the road to this year’s competition.
In other results bikini athlete Angelica Teixeira retained her top spot as Bikini Olympia overall winner, making it two in a row for the young American. And as expected Cydney Gillon walks away with first place in the figure category.
Planning tips - setting up a commercial gym – have you thought it through?
Opening your own gym can seem exciting and profitable. The dream of having your own space to improve your fitness and the health and fitness of others. With the fitness...
3 Top Band Stretches For Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a modern day epidemic. There is a misconception that back pain and injury originate from the back itself, when in fact a lot of it...
Could fitness be key to cancer surgery success? 1
A new keep fit regime might be last thing on the minds of many people diagnosed with cancer - but not Harry Johnstone. He faced a daunting regime of scans,...
The Real Definition of Functional Exercise
Throughout 2017, without a doubt- you will see the scene pictured above inside a gym. The functional training craze is well and truly still upon us. Apart from being a...
How to Get the Most Out of HIIT Training
HIIT training is a great way to get in shape quickly. It is intense, it is hard, and it will make you give your own maximum. It will give an...
The Importance of Home Gym Maintenance
Ever since we experienced the pandemic on a global level, our entire daily dynamic also experienced some serious changes. A remote lifestyle became our reality and we switched to a...
Strength and Conditioning Exercises You Can Do at Home
Whether you're a fitness expert or just starting out, you don't need a gym to build strength and improve your conditioning. Home workouts can be just as effective as training...
Understanding the Basics of Fitness: the Benefits of Resistance Training vs. Strength Training
What is the best way to improve your body's strength? Is it lifting weights, doing push-ups and pull-ups, doing deadlifts, or something else entirely? Well, all of these forms of...
What Is the Best Low-Impact Cardio Workout?
When it comes to cardio workouts, there is a myriad of exercises you can choose from. High-impact exercises like running and jumping have long been hailed for their effectiveness, but...
6 Tips for Easing Into Your Fitness Routine Post-Injury
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="A woman spraying a cooling spray on a person's foot." src="https://www.flexequipment.com.au/assets/images/woman-holding-person-s-foot.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 800px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span...
3 Reasons Rowing Is the Perfect Full-Body Workout
One of the most important aspects of rowing is that it provides a full-body exercise that improves your cardio health while strengthening most major muscle groups. For this reason, the...
A Comparison Guide of the Different Types of Cardio Workouts
Whether you're pounding the pavement in your running shoes, spinning away on a bike, or engaging your entire body in a rower, each type of workout offers its own unique...
Run or Ride? - How To Get the Most Out of Each Workout Session
When it comes to cardio workouts, two popular options stand out: running and riding a bicycle. Both activities provide excellent cardiovascular benefits, but there are significant differences. The choice between...
Stretching and Flexibility: Why You Should Incorporate Stretching into Your Exercise Program
The significance of this dynamic duo goes far beyond the familiar tales of improved posture and enhanced joint mobility. It contributes to every facet of exercising, from better performance...
The Benefits of Resistance Training for Women: Dispelling Myths and Encouraging Strength
Resistance training for women is just as beneficial as it is for men. This type of training is a versatile exercise regimen that builds strength, defines muscles, and enhances...
Sports-Specific Training: Tailoring Workouts for Different Athletic Pursuits
<p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">This tailored methodology hones in on the unique demands and skills of a particular sport, encompassing physical conditioning...
Why Having Walking Shoes Is Important and How to Choose Them
When it comes to our daily activities especially walking we aren’t always mindful of the shoes we wear. Deepening on the occasion or our daily routine we can wear anything...
The Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Effective Workouts in Less Time
<p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">On our voyage, we'll discover the fascinating concept of HIIT, including what it is, how it works, and...
6 Tips for Staying Consistent with Your Fitness Routine: Overcoming Obstacles and Excuses
The answer is easy - consistency. However, achieving consistency is not easy. And that’s why we wrote this article. We will provide 6 practical tips for how to stay...
Yoga and Pilates Equipment: Enhancing Your Practice with Props and Accessories
Yoga and Pilates practitioners are frequently on a journey of self-discovery, seeking balance, oneness, and calm within themselves. Yoga and Pilates are fantastic because they can be done by people...
Treadmill Buying Guide
With the winter months upon us, you may not want to venture outside to walk or run. Luckily, Flex Fitness Equipment has you covered. We offer excellent deals on high-quality...
Working out with Hex Dumbbells
Are you looking to get a quick workout in at home? Perhaps you travel a lot for work. Flex Fitness Equipment has the perfect piece of equipment for you. Hex...
How to Make Your HIIT Workouts More Mindful
We all love a good sweat fest. The biggest issue associated with HIIT is that it doesn’t to offer a sense of “mindfulness”. HIIT by definition is intense, fast, high...
The 5 Best Instagram Accounts to Follow for Female Fitness Inspiration
Getting (and staying) fit and healthy are two of the major goals many of us aspire to, but getting there can sometimes be harder than we think – particularly when...
5 Reasons why Crumb Bumpers are Better!
Armortech V2 Crumb Bumper Plates are a new generation of bumpers! But what makes these mysterious plates so special? Extreme Durability Our crumb bumpers are constructed from a dense virgin...
How To Get the Most Out of Your Cardio Workout
The hum of treadmills, the whirring of exercise bikes, and the rhythmic sound of rowing machines set the stage for transformative workouts. However, to tap into their full capabilities,...
Speed vs. Incline: A Guide to Treadmill Exercises
Two common adjustments that can significantly impact treadmill workouts are increasing speed and adjusting incline. While both modifications enhance the intensity of your workout, they do so in distinct ways,...
Klokov Equipment Men's 20KG Olympic Bar Review By Garage Gym Reviews 1
After putting the Klokov 20 KG Weightlifting Bar by Klokov Equipment through a combined 23 workouts including clean and jerks, snatches, squats, and deadlifts, we believe that the Klokov Bar...
What Are the Most Effective Cardio Workouts for Burning Fat?
In the pursuit of shedding excess fat and attaining a leaner physique, cardio workouts are the go-to. These exercises not only boost heart health but also effectively burn calories, leading...
Tips for Improving Cardio Health and Burning Fat
However, an effective fitness routine is not as simple as sitting on your favourite type of exercise bike every once in a while. Yes, every little bit helps, but you...
Tips and Tricks: Setting Up A Home Gym
Setting up a home gym can be just as daunting as joining your local fitness centre, but by following a few simple tips setting up your own fitness area at...
What’s Better for Weight Loss? - Cardio vs. Weight Training
Globally, in fitness circles and online communities, folks often buzz about whether lifting weights can really help shed pounds. The short answer? Yes. But let's not stop there. Gone are...
How To Structure a Strength Workout for Muscle Gains
If you went to a gym and simply started working out on machines randomly, without any structure, you would not be seeing much muscle growth. While all workouts are beneficial...
How To Build Strength and Endurance at the Same Time
Typically, most workouts focus on endurance or strength training, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work on both at the same time. The only issue is the effectiveness of the...
New Monster Distribution and Sales Centre now OPEN!
Dear Flex Fam, We’re pleased to provide further updates and announce the opening of our New Distribution and Sales Showroom. NOW OPEN - Wangara Sales and Distribution Centre Our New...
Mr Olympia 2018 Results
The most coveted title in the sport of bodybuilding, the Mr Olympia competition saw its 53rd event this weekend in Las Vegas. It threw up some exciting and controversial results...
How You Can Achieve Your Fitness Goals by Working Out from Home
There has never been a better time to get fit than today. So if you think that your quest for fitness is being hampered by your busy lifestyle and responsibilities...
Crossfit Athlete Gracie Walton is a Rising Star!
She’s Beauty And She’s Grace. She’s Lifting All The Weights! Gracie Walton was always setting the bar high and today she is here to inspire us all with her unique...
CrossFit: Is it for you?
CrossFit gyms, or boxes as they are called, are popping up all around the world. The CrossFit Games are shown on the ESPN networks and are sponsored by Reebok. On...
Best CrossFit Resources for Your Personal Fitness
Crossfit has become one of those fitness things everyone knows about and is trying out, from actors like Channing Tatum, to probably even your next-door neighbour. However, it isn’t just...
The Complete Crossfit Garage Guide
One of the best ways you can stay fit is to stay physically active by engaging in an exercise routine and following a training philosophy like CrossFit. You may have...
So, You Haven't Been Introduced to CrossFit Yet?
Now one of the most popular fitness regimens in the world, CrossFit was created to help redefine fitness and provide a measurable, functional, actionable way to get fit and stay...
CrossFit Equipment Guide: Must-Have Gear for CrossFit Workouts
To unlock the full potential of your CrossFit journey, having the right equipment in your arsenal is essential. Whether you're a seasoned CrossFitter or just starting, the right gear can...
Fitting Out your CrossFit Garage or Affiliate
Whether you’re setting up your Garage Gym or your own Affiliate, the list of equipment doesn’t change. If you’re stuck and not sure what to prioritise or what you need,...
Assault Bike Workouts for Weight Loss and Lean Muscle Mass
If you’re looking for a workout that will push you to your limits and help you burn some serious calories, an assault bike workout is for you. In this blog...
The Most Efficient Exercise Ever! Rowing
A lot of people complain that they can’t get fit because they do not have enough time. On top of this, a lot of people don’t know what to do...
Common Workout Mistakes People Make at the Gym
It is always a good time to join a gym. Not because the summer is on the way, not because you want to look good at a New Year’s Party....
The Importance of Rest for Recovery
Moving every day is vital to maintaining optimum physical and mental health, increasing brain function, circulation, energy, mood and strength. But striking the right balance with an exercise routine that...
High Intensity Interval Training: How Much is Too Much?
What is HIIT? High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is the workout of the moment and has been growing in popularity for the last few years. Not only is it an...
Keeping Fit This Winter
While winter is upon us, that’s no reason to sit inside and hibernate like the bears. There are several ways you can keep fit this season and not have all...