Monday Night Muscle Special Guest: Jake Wood
By Shawn Ray Today’s Special Guest, Jake Wood is no stranger to the bodybuilding world, he’s been in the gym since the mid 70’s working out in and around industry greats like Vince Gironda, Don Peters, Rich Gaspari and more following his years of playing football. Co-Host OG Monday Niggt Muscle, Bob Cicherillo sits down […]
Monday Night Muscle features The Return of 10X Ms. Olympia Iris Kyle!
By Shawn Ray It’s been 6 long years since the Queen of Professional Bodybuilding last won her record 10th Ms. Olympia Title in Las Vegas. On this episode of Monday Night Muscle, Iris Kyle shares with hosts Shawn and Bob exactly what she’s been up to in the absence of the Ms. Olympia contest which […]
The Gift, Phil Heath Returns Home!
By Shawn Ray 7X Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath has officially announced his return to the Mr. Olympia stage seeking a record tying 8th Sandow Trophy and join Hall of Fame Greats, Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman this December in Las Vegas as the Greatest Mr. Olympia Winners ever! Phil began his Pro Career by winning […]
Monday Night Muscle: The Original Classic Physique Olympia
By Shawn Ray IFBB Pro League Classic Physique Olympia Champion, Danny Hester was the first athlete to win the coveted title in Las Vegas back in 2016. Danny, an old school throwback to Golds Gym Venice in the early 90’s started out as an all around athlete Boxing, Breakdancing, Bodybuilding and eventually Classic Bodybuilding all […]
MNM- “The Best that Never Were”
By Shawn Ray Episode 3 of Monday Night Muscle details some of the best amateurs that never turned Pro. Bob and I discussed a few athletes of yesterday’s past who by today’s standards would be Pros today. However, back in the day the field was so deep, so talented that these guys were left wanting […]
Monday Night Muscle #2: Hot Topic- Race & Racism
By Shawn Ray Monday Night Muscle Hosts, Shawn Ray & Bob Cicherillo share a passion and history in the sport of bodybuilding that has stood the test of time. We competed as Teenagers as far back as 1984 & 85′ at the NPC Teen National Championships in Detroit, Michigan and Atlanta, GA. and again later […]
All New: Monday Night Muscle TV!
By Shawn Ray The All New “Monday Night Muscle” Bodybuilding & Fitness Show created by founder, Jake Wood is the latest in a string of media outlets designed to educate and inform the bodybuilding and fitness industry with the most current breaking News Items along with Personality Profiles, History, Training Tips, Contest Prep, Results, Diet, […]
NYC IFBB Fitness/Figure Pro Recovers from COVID-19 and Mourns a Family Member
by Maria Allegro Marie has been competing for almost 25 years as an IFBB Pro League Fitness, Figure and Physique competitor. She earned her IFBB Pro Card in 1996 at the Team Universe and is now currently a group fitness manager for Plus One at one of their Fortune 500 clients in NYC and has a successful business, Stage Ready by Marie (coaching fitness/figure/bikini competitors). She is well-known in the […]
Who needs TV?
by Christian Duque Who remembers when bodybuilding was on television, when you could see it on ESPN, Fox Sports Net, or when there was talk of NBC Television covering the 2014 Mr. Olympia? Bodybuilding is a sport that’s well aware of it’s cult-like existence, but which has always had mainstream aspirations. This isn’t a sport […]
Mind Set with Mindi O’Brien
By MINDI O. “Clutch”, “In The Zone”… you hear announcers make that statement across a bevy of sports, but what is that magic formula that puts the elite athlete into “The Zone”? I have always been incredibly passionate as an athlete, striving to improve day after day, competition after competition, trying to find that […]
Olympia Weekend Announces New Venue, New Date!!
by Shawn Ray This years marks a new chapter in the 56 year history of Bodybuilding’s Super Bowl Event of the year. On December 16th the Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend moves to its new home on the Las Vegas Strip at Planet Hollywood, home to the Zappos Theater, where once again History will be made! […]
The Evolving Sport of Bikini
By Camen Haenggi The Sport of Bikini is evolving continuously from the arrival on scene as an amateur making an entrance in the sport all the way to the professional field of competitive athletes that compete the whole year round. Introduction to the physique of our Ms. Bikini Olympia winners have changed almost every single […]
Rest In Peace, Joanna Thomas
by Shawn Ray It’s with a heavy heart that I report the news heard earlier this morning from my colleague in the Bodybuilding Community, Dave Palumbo that former Pro Bodybuilder, Joanna Thomas has passed away in her home country of England. She was the second of three children. Her father is painter and decorator and her […]
Kai Greene: Memories of a Champion
by Shawn Ray It’s been since the year 2016 that I last witnessed Kai Greene in the Victory pose at the Arnold Classic in Brazil. Kai was poised to be the heir apparent to the Mr. Olympia Title when suddenly he was a ghost? The meteoric rise to Mt. Olympus gave the hardcore Muscle fans […]
Chris Dickerson Spotlight
by Shawn Ray The first ever Black Mr. America, Chris Dickerson stood barely 5’6 and weighed less than 200lbs. Chris would go on to compete in four different decades from the 60’s into the 90’s while racking up victories like Mr. America, Mr. Universe and ultimately Winning the Mr. Olympia in 1982 as the oldest […]
Robby Robinson Spotlight
By Shawn Ray Legendary Hall of Fame Bodybuilder and 8X Mr. Olympia, Lee Haney pays his respect to his inspiration growing up as a kid, The Black Prince, Robby Robinson. Lee had the opportunity to introduce his Idol onstage to the fans in 2011 at the Return of the Legends Pro Championships in Miami, Florida […]
Where are They Now- Mia Finnegan
By Shawn Ray Mia Finnegan won numerous Fitness Titles prior to becoming the worlds best in 1995 by way of victory at the first ever Ms. Fitness Olympia Contest in Atlanta, Ga. Mia would go on to become a Personal Trainer, Product Endorser, Mother and Mentor to many would be athletes upon her retirement from […]
Where are They Now: Lenda Murray
by Shawn Ray This native of Michigan began her career in Bodybuilding by earning her Pro Card after winning the 1989 North American Championship following a successful professional Cheerleading and Track & Field background. Lenda would go on to win a record 8 Ms. Olympia Titles and later become a successful contest Promoter/ Ambassador for […]
Where are They Now: Gunter Schlierkamp
By Shawn Ray The German Giant, Gunter Schlierkamp from Germany rose to prominence around 2002 at the Mr. Olympia after trying to break into the big leagues since 1994. Coming from the back of the pack, this former amateur Mr. Universe clawed his way from out of the top 10 in the Mr. Olympia line-up […]
Arnold Classic 32 in Review!
By Shawn Ray Arnold Sports Festival Winners in Review: Pro Bikini, Elisa Pecini Pro Figure, Natalia Soltero Pro Women’s Physique, Natalia Coehlo Pro Fitness, Missy Truscott Pro Men Classic Physique, Alex Cambronero Pro Wheelchair, Harold Kelly Pro Stronman, Hafthor Bjornsson Watch the All New Digital Muscle Media Report for the 2020 ASC 32 on […]
William Bonac Wins 2020 Arnold Classic
By Shawn Ray The 32nd Arnold Classic Winner, William Bonac continued his impressive string of consistent professional showings by recapturing his second Arnold Classic Ohio Title since 2018 holding off the 5X ASC Record Holding Champion, 50 year old Dexter “The Blade” Jackson for the Win! William had just the right amount of conditioning with […]
Arnold Classic Ohio News!
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Amid fears about the spreading coronavirus, spectators will not be allowed at most events at the 2020 Arnold Sports Festival, the massive annual strongman and fitness expo scheduled to be held in Columbus later this week.The 22,000-plus athletes participating in this year’s festival, also known as the Arnold, will still be allowed to compete […]
FIBO Cologne postponed to second half of the year 2020!
by Shawn Ray FIBO, the world’s largest trade show for fitness, wellness and health, planned to be held in April in Cologne, has been postponed to the second half of the year 2020 due to the developments concerning Covid-19. Commenting on the announcement, Silke Frank, Portfolio Director, FIBO Global Fitness Events, said: “This is not […]
Where are They Now- J.J. Marsh
1986 NPC Mixed Pairs USA Winner, J.J. Marsh speaks about his life and times as a professional bodybuilder. J.J. won the 1988 Houston Pro then the 2nd Annual Pro Ironman contests in Redondo Beach,, California to solidify his career and serve notice of his arrival among the worlds best built men. Later, J.J. would go […]
Dexter Jackson Retirement Tour 2020!
By Shawn Ray The hugely successful career and the most consistent bodybuilder of all-time, Dexter Jackson is coming to a close in 2020. Dexter, the former Bantam Weight competitor, eventually would go on to earn his Pro Card by way of winning the 1998 North American Championships and enter his first of 19 Mr. Olympia […]
American Media, LLC Announces Sale of Mr. Olympia and Muscle & Fitness
Digital Muscle Media News- NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark deal, American Media, LLC today announced it has reached an agreement on the sale of the iconic Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend as well as the Muscle & Fitness, FLEX and M&F Hers media brands. The prestigious Olympia Weekend, held annually in Las Vegas, is home to one of the global […]
Where are They Now 2020?
By Shawn Ray This year Digital Muscle Media will be researching and digging through the archives of yesterday’s past champions to help educate today’s athletes and future stars in the sport of bodybuilding and fitness of the way things were. In 2020 we will meet and interview old-school standouts like; Tonya Knight, Chris Duffy, Shane […]
The 2020 Comeback Interview with Johnnie O. Jackson
By Shawn Ray Former Mr. USA, Johnnie O. Jackson took 2 years off after winning the 2018 Arnold Classic South Africa is now a mere six weeks out from competing in the Arnold Classic Ohio! Johnnie, a notorious Powerlifting champion and widely considered strongest pro bodybuilder since Ronnie Coleman, states he feels stronger now than […]
Shaquille O’Neil named 2020 Mr. Olympia Honorary Ambassador
Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend has selected Shaquille O’Neal as its Honorary Ambassador for the 2020 event. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most recognizable athletes, the selection of the Hall of Famer and 4-time NBA champion is part of the Olympia’s ongoing initiative to reach new audiences, while inspiring men and women across all […]
Exclusive Interview with 1983 Mr. Olympia, Samir Bannout
By Shawn Ray The Lion of Lebanon, Samir Bannout shares his personal thoughts about the upcoming 2020 Mr. Olympia Contest as well as the state of affairs regarding Judging. At just 19 years of age, Samir moved to Michigan from Lebanon in order to pursue his dream of becoming the worlds best built man. In […]
Arnold Classics 2020
By Shawn Ray Arnold Schwarzenegger begins the new decade of 2020 in his backyard of Santa Monica, California with some help from a few of the worlds Strongest Men at the 2nd Annual Arnold Strongman Competition Saturday, January 18th on the Santa Monica Pier! This is Star Studded event brought people together last year in […]
Digital Muscle: Bodybuilder of the Decade – Phil Heath
By Shawn Ray Since 2010 Phil Heath’s name has been synonymous with Mr. Olympia until 2019 when he finally took a year off to fully recover from back to back surgeries on his abdomen. Phil’s first Mr. Olympia attempt in 2009 landed him in 5th place, not a bad place to be considering he held […]
The Upset of the Year- Chris Bumstead!
The 2019 Mr. Olympia Weekend was full of surprises, celebrity appearances and fond memories however, one notable event brought The Upset of the Year, Canada’s Classic Physique Winner, Chris Bumstead who defeated Two-Time Defending Champion, Breon Ansley for the win! Shawn Ray 12x Olympia Top 5 Finalist, Pro Bodybuilding Hall of Fame Inductee, International Master […]
Female Bodybuilder of the Year!
Unless you’ve been hiding under a Rock in 2019, it would be hard not to have noticed the resurgence of Women’s Bodybuilding on the landscape of the sport! Wings of Strength and it’s CEO, Jake Wood along with his relentless Team & Staff, have single handily thrust Women‘s Bodybuilding back to the front of the line […]
Digital Muscle Media- 2019 Notables of the Year!
How can we discuss 2019 without noting what Libyan born, Kamal Elgarni accomplished? This 47 year old did the very thing many people thought impossible a few short year ago and that was to become the worlds Best Built 212lb Bodybuilder in the world! This past September in the desert of Las Vegas, Nevada, history […]
Digital Muscle Media: 2019 Bodybuilder of the Year!
By Shawn Ray There’s one simple reason to chose Brandon Curry as BODYBUILDER OF THE YEAR= Winning! Simply put, Brandon has been a study of consistency when it comes to Improving over the years and Winning shows! 2008 NPC USA Championships, 1st 2011 IFBB Mr.Olympia, 8th 2012 IFBB Arnold Classic, 7th 2013 IFBB Arnold Classic […]
Digital Muscle Media: Top Stories of The Year!
By Shawn Ray 10- Where’s Phil Heath? Following 9 consecutive Mr. Olympia appearances that included a run of 7 consecutive victories tying Arnold Schwarzenegger and joining Ronnie Coleman along with Lee Haney as the only four men in the history to lay claim to the title that many times, Phil took a deliberate step off the […]
Digital Muscle Media- Open Men’s Bodybuilding Year in Review
By Shawn Ray Looking back over the year that was 2019, we saw some new faces, comebacks, global expansion and more Pro Cards than ever!Kicking off this past year we all took notice of the arrival of Brandon Curry by winning the 31st, Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio adding that victory to his other two […]
Sharing “The Mind” of guru, Milos Sarcev
by Shawn Ray Milos Sarcev was a very successful professional bodybuilder competing in the early 90’s to mid 2000’s and a gym owner of Kolossium Gym in Fullerton, California from the mid 90’s to around 2004 before the doors closed for good and he moved on to venture into personal training full time. Milos is […]
Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry supports the kids!
November 26, 2019 Mr. Olympia, Brandon Curry along with the wife, Brandy Leaver and kids visited and supported an event held for kids of all ages! No kids left the park without a Free a Toy! Brandon was extra chatty as he mentioned to the kids the importance of staying fit and focus on their […]
“The Real Deal” Chris Cormier Story.
Legendary bodybuilder Broderick Chris Cormier from Palm Springs, California burst into the scene as a Teenage Mr. California Champion in 1987 who would later win titles Mr. California & 1993 Mr. USA which in turn kicked off his Pro Career and world travels competing in a whopping 71 Pro Shows spanning from 1994 to 2006. […]
Jusup Wilkosz RIP
November 19, 2019 Digital Muscle News: Sad news reporting the passing of one of Germany’s Best Built Men, Jusup Wilkosz today. The news broke on social media platform Facebook via his sister Barbara, Arlette & Jochen & family. Jusup Wilkosz (born 1948 – deceased Nov 2019) was a German bodybuilder. He competed in weightlifting before turning to bodybuilding. In […]
Results: 2019 Japan Pro- Niagara Falls Pro
November 17, 2019- Pro Final Results Report: The IFBB Pro League featured two Pro Shows over the weekend in Niagara Falls, Canada and Shibuya, Japan. In Canada, event promoters, Mindi OBrien and Bob Cicherillo presented winners: Pro Bikini: Susana Aramayo Mens 212: Guy Cisternino Mens Classic Physique: Terrence Ruffin Congratulations to these two hardworking former […]
The Sandow – Bodybuilding’s Most Coveted Trophy 🏆
By Brian Bullman The Sandow trophy has been bodybuilding’s ultimate prize as long as I have been alive, and for some years before. We, as 21st Century bodybuilding fans, associate this coveted trophy with the Mr. Olympia contest, which has celebrated its 55th anniversary this year, but the Sandow’s history far exceeds that of the […]
Strong warning from Trainer, David Kalick to competing athletes
November 12, 2019 By David Kalick It was a bitter sweet weekend for Training Coach, David Kalick this past weekend in Long Beach, California as he endured the weekend with a sober and distant look in his eyes while bearing witness to veteran 212 Pro, David Henry win yet another 212 Pro Championship that he […]
IFBB Amateur Olympia & Japan Pro 11-15/16
By Hidetada Yamagishi November 15-16 the Asian Sensation, Hidetada Yamagishi returns to Shibuya, Japan adding to his 2nd year promotion of the Japan Pro a first ever, Olympia Qualifier and 18 Pro Cards up for grabs! Hidetada fresh off his victory in the 212 Korean Pro Championships just celebrated his 1 year Anniversary of Powerhouse […]
2019 Niagara Falls Pro/Am 11/15-16th Canada 🇨🇦
By Mindi O’Brien IFBB PRO LEAGUE- 2CHICKS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS THE NIAGARA FALLS PRO/AM Mindi O’Brien (Canada’s top fitness personality) and Bob Cicherillo (The Voice of Bodybuilding) have partnered up to bring back the Niagara Falls Pro Show! The prestigious 2 day event will be held November 15-16th at the Scotiabank Convention Centre located in the heart of […]
Where are They Now: Tom Prince
November 10, 2019 By Tom Prince In 1997, Tom Prince was crowned NPC Overall National Champion to earn his Pro Card. By 2002 following his last contest appearance at the NY Night of Champions his career would end and a battle with failing Kidneys began. Today, Tom sits down to discuss his Life after Bodybuilding […]
2019 Ironman Games Pro Bikini Final Results
November 9, 2019 By Shawn Ray The first night of the Two Day IFBB Pro League weekend in Southern California is complete with Brazilian Winner, Etila Santiago for the Win! Fresh off her 8th place finish at the Ms. Olympia in Las Vegas this past September Etila simply displayed the “It Factor” and the judges […]
Legion Sports Fest- Long Beach, California
Promoter, Chris Minnes Saturday and Sunday November 9-10th the city of Long Beach comes alive! Contest promoter, Chris Minnes kicks things off on Saturday with a huge Expo and Sports Festival featuring: Pole Fitness, Max Reps to Win, Arm Wrestling, Powerlifting, Pro Seminars, Armored Combat, Kick Boxing, MMA and more!!!!! Saturday, November 9, 2019 10:00 […]
The Mind and The Muscle behind Romania Muscle Fest- Alina Popa
By Shawn Ray Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, it’s hard not to notice what just took place in Bucharest, Romania over the weekend. A Sold Out venue over two consecutive days, a full Amateur & Pro Line-up, 7 IFBB Pro League Pro Card’s handed out and a select few Mr. Olympia 2020 Qualifying […]
Where are They Now: Dennis Newman
By Shawn Ray At the close of 1980’s, Dennis “In-Human” Newman would emerge from obscurity and blast into the homes of many Americans by way of ESPN’s, American Muscle TV! Dennis won the Teenage NPC USA’s and would later add titles, Mr. California and the eventuality Mr.USA in 1994! As quickly as his star began […]
Cedric McMillan Wins Romania Muscle Fest!
Top 3 Breakdown by Shawn Ray: November 4, 2018 After struggling at the Mr. Olympia in September having received the “Special Invitation” to compete, Big Cedric has continued his quest for improvement by hitting the IFBB Pro Circuit raking up victories in both Hungary and Romania! Cedric stated immediately following his win, “Hey man, I’m […]
Romania Muscle Fest November 1-3
Promoter, Tim Gardner NPC WORLDWIDE & IFBB PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE FINALS ROMANIA MUSCLE FEST PRO-AM FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1 •3:30pm LOCATION: WORLD TRADE CENTER / PULLMAN HOTEL @ NEW YORK ROOM Wings Of Strength IFBB Professional League ALL-STAR Seminar featuring !!!FREE ADMISSION!!! Brandon Curry Shawn Ray Lenda Murray Alina Popa Yaxeni Oriquen Sergi Constance. FACE CONVENTION CENTER – NPC […]
Where are They Now?
Switzerland’s, Jean Pierre Fux 🇨🇭 JP shares some photos with us from years past. 7 AM without any pump in Switzerland just starting the prep for the 97 Olympia. Versus Dorian Yates at the 97 Olympia. Some photos show that I regretfully didn’t know how to pose and how I could destroy any good picture […]
2020 NPC WORLDWIDE Wellness Contests
From the NPC-IFBBPROLEAGUE October 26, 2019 AS PROMISED, WE ARE STARTING TO ROLL OUT INFORMATION ON THE INAUGURAL 2020 NPC WORLDWIDE WELLNESS CONTEST SCHEDULE! – For 2020, there will only be 4 Height Classes Maximum at NPC Worldwide Pro Qualifiers. Not every Pro Qualifier will include the Wellness Division so keep your eyes out on […]
The Return of Ms. Olympia
By Irene Andersen I wanted to post a note welcoming back the female bodybuilders and the Miss Olympia contest to the Olympia Weekend in 2020. After a five year hiatus, the very best of women’s bodybuilding will be back on the main stage in Las Vegas. This is largely due to the efforts of Wings […]
Ms. Olympia from the Ukraine “I’ll beat Cancer!”
By Valentina Chepiga Born in the Ukraine, a part of Soviet Union (USSR) in 1962 behind the Cold War wall, I had met with lots of struggles and challenges. I was a very vulnerable girl and learned to hide many secrets at a very young age. I didn’t like to share with anyone that I […]
Flex Wheeler undergoes Emergency Surgery!
By Shawn Ray The Fabulous, Flex Wheeler- 3X Mr. Olympia Runner-up, 4X Arnold Classic Winner, has been battling a severe Collapsed Vein issue for quite sometime now to no avail. Speaking to him on the phone the other day he revealed to me that he’s a fighter and will deal with his present circumstances the […]
IFBB Pro League Contest Results: Pro Bodybuilding
Here are the contest winners the last two weeks in Hungary & Korea. * Winners Qualify for the 2020 Mr. Olympia Weekend in September: Hungary- Fitparade Classic October 13, 2020 * Winner: Cedric McMillan 2. Nathan DeAsha 3. Lukas Osladil Korea October 20, 2010 * Winner: Nathan DeAsha 2. Juan Morel 3. An Nguyen Winner: […]
Bodybuilding Adaptation
By Lenda Murray, 8 x MS Olympia As I enter the gym to workout I am dialed into a very clear, intense and focused mindset. I always start with a good warm up session. I believe in creating a mind muscle connection before I start training. I am visualizing my workout as I head towards […]
IFBB Pro League Announcement
From the Desk of IFBB Pro League President, Mr. Jim Manion: Shawn Ray 12x Olympia Top 5 Finalist, Pro Bodybuilding Hall of Fame Inductee, International Master of Ceremonies, NPC Contest Promoter, Motivational Speaker, Social Media Influencer, Fitness Journalist ShawnRay.Fitness
Happy Birthday Mr. Olympia!
Happy Birthday Mr. Olympia, Brandon Curry!🥳 From all of us at DigitalMuscle.com Shawn Ray 12x Olympia Top 5 Finalist, Pro Bodybuilding Hall of Fame Inductee, International Master of Ceremonies, NPC Contest Promoter, Motivational Speaker, Social Media Influencer, Fitness Journalist ShawnRay.Fitness
Chasing the Shadow
“Chasing the SHADOW” By Brian Bullman Dorian Yates and I have been friends over the last 2 decades, judging shows and hanging out. However, the effect he has had on my bodybuilding goes back all the way to the 1980’s, 1989 to be exact, when Dorian came to Limerick Ireland to guest pose at a […]
NPC Worldwide expands fast in Brazil!
In less than two years, Brazil has become the NPC’s second largest market. The impressive implementation of shows such as the Olympia Brazil, Arnold Classic South America, Musclecontest Nacional and Musclecontest Brazil have shown to the Brazilian public that bodybuilding can be elevated to the highest level. NPC Executive Director Tamer El Guindy who is […]