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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: mesmorph78 on February 28, 2006, 07:06:12 AM

Title: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: mesmorph78 on February 28, 2006, 07:06:12 AM
I was thumbing throgh some back issues of flex...
and came across an article on greg kovacs in this article wee some very high poundage claims...
" 675 pounds for 6 reps and regularly does 585 pounds for 10 reps
other phenomeal training lifts include squats 750 pounds for 15 reps
45 degree leg presses more than 2000 pounds for sets of 20 reps
seated  military preses 405lbs for 12 reps and 495lbs for 5 reps
flat benches 495lbs for 12 reps
seated shoulder dumbell presses 12 reps with 200lbs
barbell rows 585 for 7 reps dumbel curls  with 120 lbs 8 reps
****************************
these are indeed very heavy poundages... which would easily make him the strongest bb ever.... by far.... as these poundages dwarf a lo of colemans lifts...
has anybody seen a video of any of these lifts claimed... if he was that strong the obvious thing to do would be to make a trainin video...
i find some of the lifts questionable...
anybody agree... ???
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: toolarge4u on February 28, 2006, 07:11:26 AM
jfk was shot, we landed on the moon, michael jackson caught on fire  :o
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: BM OUT on February 28, 2006, 07:24:06 AM
Eddy Coan challenged him to a meet without gear for 10,000 dollars a few years back and the guy backed out.His claims are bull.675 on the incline bench.What a jackass.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: BroadStreetBruiser on February 28, 2006, 07:31:29 AM

other phenomeal training lifts include squats 75 pounds for 15 reps


This is amazing to you?
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Matt on February 28, 2006, 07:37:30 AM
This is amazing to you?

He probably meant 750.

In Greg's training video, "Colossus", he benched 585 for reps on the incline Smith machine, but they only edited it in that manner to make it look like that.  On closer inspection, he was only doing 495.

At least the 495 was legit.  After all, if he was using fake plates he would have done the 585.  So 495 for reps on the incline using the Smith machine would be a good indicator of Greg's true strength.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Darren Avey on February 28, 2006, 07:44:06 AM
Of course the claims are true, Greg was powered by the awesome cell tech/Nitro tech stack, this amazing stack was helping Greg bench 600+lbs like it was nothing and he was getting that defined look from hydroxycut. After training Greg would always consume a delicious muscle tech protein bar, which helped him recover for his next intense training session
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: OneManGang on February 28, 2006, 07:46:42 AM
He could probably bench 800lbs without a shirt if he wanted. Due to his palumboistic gut he only have to lift 1/4 inch.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: sarcasm on February 28, 2006, 07:48:32 AM
his best feat of strength was when a Venice Beach cop told him to move his 73 Pinto that he was living in from a fire zone but it wasn't running so he picked up the back end and rolled it like a wheelbarrow 15 feet.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: mesmorph78 on February 28, 2006, 07:56:36 AM
495 on th smith machine it a good lift but not impressive for a guy the size of kovacs...
675 would be 7 and a half plates per side on an olympic bar..
and the article stated he did this with no bench shirt....
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: sarcasm on February 28, 2006, 07:57:59 AM
495 on th smith machine it a good lift but not impressive for a guy the size of kovacs...
675 would be 7 and a half plates per side on an olympic bar..
and the article stated he did this with no bench shirt....
7 plates not 7 and a half, 7 and a half would be 725.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: 240 is Back on February 28, 2006, 08:00:59 AM
his best feat of strength was when a Venice Beach cop told him to move his 73 Pinto that he was living in from a fire zone but it wasn't running so he picked up the back end and rolled it like a wheelbarrow 15 feet.

Greg Kovacs, you have been owned.

If you got wireless internet in your Pinto, you would know this.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Matt on February 28, 2006, 08:02:20 AM
495 on th smith machine it a good lift but not impressive for a guy the size of kovacs...
675 would be 7 and a half plates per side on an olympic bar..
and the article stated he did this with no bench shirt....
He was possibly as strong as Ronnie, but I couldn't imagine him being much stronger than that.  Also, keep in mind powerlifting form is a lot different from bodybuilding form.  I know for sure that I lose more than a few pounds when I need to exercise the control required to meet IPF guidelines.  That is probably a big thing which stopped Greg from competing with Ed Coan.  I'm sure Greg could bury him for a set-after-set workout in the gym.  They train for different priorities and they are both strong in their own ways.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: mesmorph78 on February 28, 2006, 08:06:37 AM
mmm ok 7 plates...
but if he can do this for 6 reps... one has to wonder what his one rep max would be...
also he did militry with 405... for 12 reps...
4 plates on a smith machine does not equate to 405 in my opinion....
so if he did do lke mat say 495 on the smith that isnt really 495 in reality
as smith mchine is easier... pluss u dont have the 20kg olympic bar to balance...
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: BM OUT on February 28, 2006, 09:22:56 AM
Greg Kovacs would have gotten smashed by Eddie Coan in the gym.In his training tape on deadlift day Eddie goes up to 815X1 and 875X1 in the deadlift at 220,then does stiff legs off a block with 600 for 5,then does bent rows with 450X10 with no wrist straps,then does 4 sets of pulldowns,then weighted chins,then rear delts.All these are proceeded by warmup sets.Kovacs would get destroyed by Eddie in every lift on any day.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Dark_Matter on February 28, 2006, 09:25:39 AM
He can't top my 700lb rock bottom squat for 25 reps. No knee wraps  ;D
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: buffbodz on February 28, 2006, 09:54:18 AM
Back in the early days of Muscle Mag when Zolak was still with them, they touted Kovacs as the first and only man who will win the O at 400 lbs. shreaded.  Not too many people laughed and with the pics and the 7 page stories (adds) most young impresionable bodybuilders saw some truth to this.  Bodybuilder's were getting bigger and bigger and Kovics, with all the hype, seemed to be the man to do it.  10 years later we now know it was all hype to sell Muscle Tech products and Kovacs became another bad bodybuilding joke.  He did his job and prob was responsible for selling more Muscle Tech products than anyone in the history of the company.  He is strong as hell, but never amounted to much as a bodybuilder.  He should of went the WWE  route IMO and he'd still be making $$$ shilling MT products.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Scimowser on February 28, 2006, 10:26:11 AM
i still read that article from time to time, not sure on the whole validity or even how close he would come to the munbers. Guys big as fuck though and is as strong as anyone ever has been
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: ignorance on February 28, 2006, 11:28:48 AM
"dumbbell curls 120 lbs for 8 reps"

are you for real, I have natural friends who curl 80's with eaz. 120 lbs is a joke if you use steriods for long periods of your life.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: HRDCOR on February 28, 2006, 01:22:17 PM
greg trained in my gym for a few days whilst on tour here and I did wittness him do 50kg DB curls, it was a rather awkard curl as the dbs were long , but he did them , oh and I also watched him do bench with 5 plates aside for like 8 reps or so unassisted and just pumped them out !! he was a huge fucker , and was in his prime , he was super strong no doubting that , actualy the only people who would doubt that is Powerlifters , that is due to the fact they cant accept that alot of bodybuilders can out lift them !!!
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Scimowser on February 28, 2006, 01:59:59 PM
ive only ever seen Levrone curling 100lbers but im sure plenty of others can do it. Matt DuVall is supposedly able to curl 145lbers for 9 reps, the Barbarian brothers did 150's and Onlyme could hammer curl 120's i believe.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: HRDCOR on February 28, 2006, 02:42:39 PM
Quote
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     Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
« Reply #13 on: Today at 09:22:56 AM » Quote 

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Greg Kovacs would have gotten smashed by Eddie Coan in the gym.In his training tape on deadlift day Eddie goes up to 815X1 and 875X1 in the deadlift at 220,then does stiff legs off a block with 600 for 5,then does bent rows with 450X10 with no wrist straps,then does 4 sets of pulldowns,then weighted chins,then rear delts.All these are proceeded by warmup sets.Kovacs would get destroyed by Eddie in every lift on any day.

Dude I think you have just got to accept that there are plenty of guys out there stronger than your self  whom are not competitive power lifters hence have no recorded lifts but day in day out lift extremly heavy weights for there own personal goals and not that for competitive lifting !!
And kovacs was one of those guys , his strentgh feats have been well noted over the years as has many others !!
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Bossa on February 28, 2006, 02:51:08 PM
Dude I think you have just got to accept that there are plenty of guys out there stronger than your self  whom are not competitive power lifters hence have no recorded lifts but day in day out lift extremly heavy weights for there own personal goals and not that for competitive lifting !!
And kovacs was one of those guys , his strentgh feats have been well noted over the years as has many others !!

Then why not accept the challenges presented to him?  If Kovacs outlifts Eddie Coan one of the greatest PLers ever then all the naysayers would be put to rest...and if he really could lift what muscletech was claiming then why wouldn't he? Because its all smoke and mirrors. 
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Captain Equipoise on February 28, 2006, 03:41:14 PM
Some of the lifts may be exaggerated but he does some pretty crazy weight in his training video.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: mesmorph78 on February 28, 2006, 03:54:18 PM
like?
what poundages?
heavier than dennis james... or coleman???
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Hugh G. Reqshun on March 03, 2006, 09:13:33 PM
Kovacs claims to have benched pressed a cow that had fallen on him one time!!! :D

Go figure!
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: benchthis on March 03, 2006, 10:18:48 PM
Kovacs claims to have benched pressed a cow that had fallen on him one time!!! :D
Go figure!

 and ate it
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: benchthis on March 03, 2006, 10:20:00 PM
didnt he also claim to weigh 400 pounds with a ok bf%
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: ARMZ on March 04, 2006, 01:20:52 AM
Yeah, but can he blow up a hot water bottle like Franco?
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Scimowser on March 04, 2006, 03:17:08 AM
is that Nasser with him in that pic? Kovacs is a monster even though hes a shambolic BBer
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Captain Equipoise on March 04, 2006, 09:18:50 AM
From what I remember (saw the video at my friend's house 4-5 years ago) he was maxing out a lot of equipment..he did behind the neck shoulder presses (smith) with 4 plates.. now I don't care what anyone says about it being on the smith, 4 plates a side behind the neck is f**cking INSANE.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Double XL on March 04, 2006, 10:37:10 AM
From what I remember (saw the video at my friend's house 4-5 years ago) he was maxing out a lot of equipment..he did behind the neck shoulder presses (smith) with 4 plates.. now I don't care what anyone says about it being on the smith, 4 plates a side behind the neck is f**cking INSANE.
mo elbasouni said he could do 405lb behind the neck presses for reps on the smith.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: doison on March 04, 2006, 10:52:58 AM
Greg Kovacs is the largest muscular man you'll ever see in person.  It's incredible how much space he takes up. 
Obviously that doesn't translate to the stage, but he is insanely large.  His frame is enormous. 
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Prucnal on March 04, 2006, 12:18:38 PM
I remember meeting the guy in person. He was literally a beast. Men aren't supposed to be that big. He works out at my friend's gym in Mississauga, and although he can't incline what the ads claim, he still can do a ton. The guy was throwing around 200lb dumbells for presses like they were nothing. Hell, he warmed up with 150lb dumbells.

<img src="http://i2.tinypic.com/qplcw5.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by TinyPic">
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Prucnal on March 04, 2006, 12:19:52 PM
(http://i2.tinypic.com/qplcw5.jpg)
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: 240 is Back on March 04, 2006, 12:25:20 PM
(http://i2.tinypic.com/qplcw5.jpg)

That kid's shirt has better aesthetics than ol' Greggy.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Scimowser on March 04, 2006, 01:30:23 PM
mo elbasouni - wasnt he the guy shoulder pressing the 200lbers in Flex a while back?
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: brianX on March 05, 2006, 12:28:17 AM
I don't understand why Greg didnt go into World's Strongest Man if he's so strong?  His physique has all the aesthetic appeal of a hospital waiting room, and besides there is probably better sponsorship money for WSM given that it has a tv contract with ESPN.

Probably because he can't walk ten feet without losing his breath.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Ron Jeremy on March 05, 2006, 03:21:26 AM
Most of his strength claims were made by the people promoting him, not Kovacs himself. He would be a fool to accept Coans challenge. He would be beaten badly as Coan is probably the greatest PL'er ever. Certain athletes (Coleman,Jackson) with some technical work, are capable of 2,200-2,400 totals. I am sure there are more very strong elite BB'ers out there that would do well in PL, it is just not their goal.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on May 30, 2006, 12:53:15 PM
I was thumbing throgh some back issues of flex...
and came across an article on greg kovacs in this article wee some very high poundage claims...
" 675 pounds for 6 reps and regularly does 585 pounds for 10 reps
other phenomeal training lifts include squats 750 pounds for 15 reps
45 degree leg presses more than 2000 pounds for sets of 20 reps
seated  military preses 405lbs for 12 reps and 495lbs for 5 reps
flat benches 495lbs for 12 reps
seated shoulder dumbell presses 12 reps with 200lbs
barbell rows 585 for 7 reps dumbel curls  with 120 lbs 8 reps
****************************
these are indeed very heavy poundages... which would easily make him the strongest bb ever.... by far.... as these poundages dwarf a lo of colemans lifts...
has anybody seen a video of any of these lifts claimed... if he was that strong the obvious thing to do would be to make a trainin video...
i find some of the lifts questionable...
anybody agree... ???
Don't sweat it...its all bullshit. He worked out at the old Gold's Gym in mississauga, ontario owned by Henderson Thorne. All the claims are B.S. He does not do dumbbells, he does all his lifts on the smith machine, he doesn't squat, he does no more then 4 plates per side on the smith for chest and that sucks considering his weight and the muscle mag claims of him doing 7 plates aside. I have been going to the same gym as him for 8 years now and he has done fuck all. Its all hype. Thats it. All he has is his major distented belly.

PB
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on May 30, 2006, 12:57:33 PM
mmm ok 7 plates...
but if he can do this for 6 reps... one has to wonder what his one rep max would be...
also he did militry with 405... for 12 reps...
4 plates on a smith machine does not equate to 405 in my opinion....
so if he did do lke mat say 495 on the smith that isnt really 495 in reality
as smith mchine is easier... pluss u dont have the 20kg olympic bar to balance...
I just recently saw him training shoulders on the smith machine and he does NOT do the behind the neck press. He does front presses and with no more then 2 plates and a quarter per side. Pathetic. That issue of muscle mag showing him do behind the neck press with 495 for a so-called 12 reps is a joke too. If you look carefully the bar is locked on the smith and he is just holding it.

PB
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on May 30, 2006, 01:02:22 PM
greg trained in my gym for a few days whilst on tour here and I did wittness him do 50kg DB curls, it was a rather awkard curl as the dbs were long , but he did them , oh and I also watched him do bench with 5 plates aside for like 8 reps or so unassisted and just pumped them out !! he was a huge fucker , and was in his prime , he was super strong no doubting that , actualy the only people who would doubt that is Powerlifters , that is due to the fact they cant accept that alot of bodybuilders can out lift them !!!
Are you sure about that buddy? I just saw him not to ago at the old Gold's in mississauga ontario doing alternates with 60lb dumbbells. He trains at "Family Fitness" now...oh how hardcore is that?!! All he has is a belly!
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: sarcasm on May 30, 2006, 01:04:20 PM
Are you sure about that buddy? I just saw him not to ago at the old Gold's in mississauga ontario doing alternates with 60lb dumbbells. He trains at "Family Fitness" now...oh how hardcore is that?!! All he has is a belly!
take "hrdcor's" post with a grain of salt, this guy claimed that he could incline barbell press 495 for 5-6reps at 210lbs. and 5'5" ::)
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Naked4Jesus on May 30, 2006, 01:08:33 PM
Kovacs wasn't a powerlifter so it doesn't matter what he lifted in the gym only how he looked on stage which was like sh.itt run over twice.  I doubt Gunter can bench 315 even though he weighs in at over 300 in the offseason yet he's won the GNC and done well at the olympia.  Unless Kovacs was going to compete in the world's strongest man contest it's pointless to be juiced to the gills and throw around heavy weight.  Considering his age, he should bring his weight down, stay fit and lean and call it a day. Maybe even write a book, i.e.  how I got real strong while trying to be a top pro but only managed to acquire Palumboism and make people throw up at shows.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: onlyme on May 30, 2006, 01:14:53 PM
Yeah, but can he blow up a hot water bottle like Franko?

or me
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: brianX on May 30, 2006, 01:40:27 PM
Everyone acts like Ed Coan is the strongest powerlifter ever, but it isn't true. His bench is pretty average for a top powerlifter. I think the most he ever did without equipment was 495. John Kuc and Jon Cole could have easily beaten him.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: sarcasm on May 30, 2006, 01:46:56 PM
Everyone acts like Ed Coan is the strongest powerlifter ever, but it isn't true. His bench is pretty average for a top powerlifter. I think the most he ever did without equipment was 495. John Kuc and Jon Cole could have easily beaten him.
not really, Ed squatted 1019 at 242 and pulled 901 at 220, those are two of the freakiest lifts ever, his bench is mediocre for his weight class at 520-525 but Coan is the best ever.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on May 30, 2006, 01:58:14 PM
not really, Ed squatted 1019 at 242 and pulled 901 at 220, those are two of the freakiest lifts ever, his bench is mediocre for his weight class at 520-525 but Coan is the best ever.

Ed was the man !!
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on May 30, 2006, 01:59:55 PM
Again
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: mesmorph78 on May 30, 2006, 02:02:02 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
look at those huys in the 2nd pic...
as if they could catch the weight if it actually fell off his back
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on May 30, 2006, 02:02:27 PM
Once more
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: brianX on May 30, 2006, 05:38:11 PM
Coan can't squat anywhere near 1000 without equipment, and his 900 deadlift was performed with a "sumo" stance. Kuc, Cole, and Reinhoudt could equal or supass his best conventional deadlift, and would outbench him by 100 lb.

I've also heard that deadlift suits can add up to 50 lb to your deadlift. None of the guys I mentioned ever used anything but wraps and a belt.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: sarcasm on May 30, 2006, 07:11:47 PM
Coan can't squat anywhere near 1000 without equipment, and his 900 deadlift was performed with a "sumo" stance. Kuc, Cole, and Reinhoudt could equal or supass his best conventional deadlift, and would outbench him by 100 lb.

I've also heard that deadlift suits can add up to 50 lb to your deadlift. None of the guys I mentioned ever used anything but wraps and a belt.
Reinhoudt outweighed Ed by 130lbs., Cole outweighed him by 70 and Kuc outweighed him by 50, even Bill Kazmaier said to many witnesses at the APF nationals in 99 that Coan was unreal when he squatted the 1,019.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: IceCold on May 30, 2006, 07:59:44 PM
it sucks for greg bc he is suppossed to be a real nice guy.  most of those claims arent true, but i'm sure he was decently strong.

playboy, just bc you saw greg lift x amount of weight on a particular day, doesnt mean he cant do more.  maybe he was just going easy for a while.


gary frank would destroy ed coan.  but he also outweighs him by A LOT. 

coan will be considered one of , if not the best, pl of all time due to his winning and setting records in multiple weight classes and the lifts he's got for his weight.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: HowieW on May 30, 2006, 08:04:17 PM
I don't understand why Greg didnt go into World's Strongest Man if he's so strong?  His physique has all the aesthetic appeal of a hospital waiting room, and besides there is probably better sponsorship money for WSM given that it has a tv contract with ESPN.

Trust me while he is strong and masive he is not THAT level of pure strength. Perhaps if he just trained for brute power?  Ed Coan, a powerlifting legend challenged him in an open lift off, any lift he wanted , Kovacs NEVER replied and for good reason. I think Kovacs should have gone pure power and striongman, might have been awesome, who knows.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: ieffinhatecardio on May 30, 2006, 08:33:58 PM
Was Kovaks a legitimate 400 lbs. in the off season with a relatively low bodyfat percentage?

Is this confirmed or is it more hype like his lifts were hyped.

I'm having a hard time picturing a 400 lbs. bodybuilder, that's almost a 100 lbs. bigger than Coleman off season. 

It it's true he must have been an absolute giant. Freaky big.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: HowieW on May 30, 2006, 08:37:20 PM
Was Kovaks a legitimate 400 lbs. in the off season with a relatively low bodyfat percentage?

Is this confirmed or is it more hype like his lifts were hyped.

I'm having a hard time picturing a 400 lbs. bodybuilder, that's almost a 100 lbs. bigger than Coleman off season. 

It it's true he must have been an absolute giant. Freaky big.

The numbers in all reas were hyped quite a bit to sell his image and muscletech , etc.
I don't think much of gym lifts as legit, but power lifts in a meet, that is different.
At any rate, while we all agree Kovacs was big and strong it kinda proves that a massive physique is not always a great one.  Howard
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: ieffinhatecardio on May 30, 2006, 08:41:15 PM
The numbers in all reas were hyped quite a bit to sell his image and muscletech , etc.
I don't think much of gym lifts as legit, but power lifts in a meet, that is different.
At any rate, while we all agree Kovacs was big and strong it kinda proves that a massive physique is not always a great one.  Howard

So he wasn't 400 lbs.? If not then how big was he? There are a few shots of him where he looks enormous, clearly over 300, how far over is the question.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Ex Coelis on May 30, 2006, 08:42:10 PM
Was Kovaks a legitimate 400 lbs. in the off season with a relatively low bodyfat percentage?

Is this confirmed or is it more hype like his lifts were hyped.

I'm having a hard time picturing a 400 lbs. bodybuilder, that's almost a 100 lbs. bigger than Coleman off season. 

It it's true he must have been an absolute giant. Freaky big.

I remember reading about Kovacs in The Anablic Freak column in MD a while back. Jumbo Palumbo called him the only bb to legitimately reach 400 lbs. Apparently Dave spent a lot of time at Kovacs' house. I don't feel like digging around for the issue, but I'm pretty sure he said that Greg didnt even leave the couch to eat; his wife would bring his meals and protein shakes to him, which was quite often.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: ieffinhatecardio on May 30, 2006, 08:50:47 PM
I remember reading about Kovacs in The Anablic Freak column in MD a while back. Jumbo Palumbo called him the only bb to legitimately reach 400 lbs. Apparently Dave spent a lot of time at Kovacs' house. I don't feel like digging around for the issue, but I'm pretty sure he said that Greg didnt even leave the couch to eat; his wife would bring his meals and protein shakes to him, which was quite often.

400 lbs. with a relatively low bf for an off season bodybuilder is insane.

How the hell did he find clothes? He must have busted chairs and toilet seats.

Love him or hate you have to be impressed as hell with 400 lbs.

His food bill must have been huge.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: HowieW on May 30, 2006, 08:56:08 PM
400 lbs. with a relatively low bf for an off season bodybuilder is insane.

How the hell did he find clothes? He must have busted chairs and toilet seats.

Love him or hate you have to be impressed as hell with 400 lbs.

His food bill must have been huge.

I am about as impressed with this as GV's exploding arms. Imagine how gassy he was like that :o
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Old-Skool on May 30, 2006, 09:01:17 PM
To Playboy....you are too young or too stupid to remember Greg back in the day when he put Muscletech on the map. He was an absolute terror in the gym. He does not train like that anymore (hey, we all get older) but anyone around Ontario back in the day would vouch for the poundages. Greg did fifteen reps with what huge men would use as their max single.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: dodger on May 30, 2006, 09:18:57 PM
i've seen and met greg and saw him personally do 4 sets of 17,16,15,15 reps on the incline with 200lb dumbells and also saw him do deadlifts with 8 plates a side for 3 sets of 12 or so-go to super fitness in Niagara Falls,on. or gold's in mississauga,my freind henderson thorne owns it and let him show u how it's done,he really is that massive.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Hedgehog on May 30, 2006, 09:22:56 PM
not really, Ed squatted 1019 at 242 and pulled 901 at 220, those are two of the freakiest lifts ever, his bench is mediocre for his weight class at 520-525 but Coan is the best ever.

Agree.

Sivokon is one of the few PL's who has no weaknesses. Great in all three lifts.

Brian Siders could reach that level, if he avoids getting his back injured again.

YIP
Zack
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: suckmymuscle on May 30, 2006, 10:19:28 PM
  And the truth about Greg Kovacs is...

  Dude is STRONG!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o. Seriously, guys, no Human Being, since the dawn of history, has been as large and strong as Kovacs. His bodybuilding genetics suck, but it is unequalled for sheer size and strengh.

  No man has ever been as massive. I'm using the word "man" loosely, because Kovacs is actually the only Human Being, ever, who could probably challenge a silverback gorilla when it comes to strengh. Not the largest silverbacks, mind you, who weigh up to 600 lbs. These make Kovacs strengh seem like that of a six year-old girl, in comparison(the largest silverbacks might be as strong as 25 men!). But Kovacs strengh is probably a match - or slightly lower - for that of the smallest and weakest silverbacks, who weight around 350-400 lbs.

  I have personally seen Kovacs in the Powerhouse Gym. I have also met, in person, both Dorian and Ronnie. Trust me when I tell you that Kovacs makes both Dorian and Ronnie seem like peanuts, compared to him. When I met him, he was around 410 lbs and his abs were still visible :o :o and Kovacs has weighted ad much as 440 lbs. I saw him do front military presses with five plates a side,USING A BARBELL!!!!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o. And yes, he did incline dumbbell presses with 200 lbs dumbbels, not for one, not for two, not even for four, but for fourteen reps! :o The most shocking detail? When he was about to start the set, he saw some guy he knew and started to talk with him...while hosting the two 200 lbs dumbbells. He just stood there, for a minute or so, while holding 400 lbs as if it were nothing! Leg press? Kovacs has done up to 2 700 lbs for 12, which means that his single is around 3 000 lbs!

  Someone mentioned Coan. Who cares? Coan is a powerlifter, who specializes on a few moves. Coan could probably match or surpass Kovacs on the dead-lift and squat. But that's it. On all other exercises, Kovacs would cream Coan in the pooper big time! Who would win in the incline dumbbell press? Kovacs. The flat bench press? Kovacs. Military press, front and back? Kovacs. Barbell curl? Kovacs. Leg press? Kovacs. Dumbbell row? Kovacs. Barbell row? Kovacs. You get the point: with the exception of one or two highly specialized lifts, Kovacs defeats Coan by a mile! ;)

SUCKMYMUSCLE
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on May 31, 2006, 04:38:45 AM
it sucks for greg bc he is suppossed to be a real nice guy.  most of those claims arent true, but i'm sure he was decently strong.

playboy, just bc you saw greg lift x amount of weight on a particular day, doesnt mean he cant do more.  maybe he was just going easy for a while.


gary frank would destroy ed coan.  but he also outweighs him by A LOT. 

coan will be considered one of , if not the best, pl of all time due to his winning and setting records in multiple weight classes and the lifts he's got for his weight.
[/quote
Well, he must have gotten hurt or injured himself because he's "been taking it easy" for the past 6 years.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on May 31, 2006, 04:45:33 AM
  And the truth about Greg Kovacs is...

  Dude is STRONG!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o. Seriously, guys, no Human Being, since the dawn of history, has been as large and strong as Kovacs. His bodybuilding genetics suck, but it is unequalled for sheer size and strengh.

  No man has ever been as massive. I'm using the word "man" loosely, because Kovacs is actually the only Human Being, ever, who could probably challenge a silverback gorilla when it comes to strengh. Not the largest silverbacks, mind you, who weigh up to 600 lbs. These make Kovacs strengh seem like that of a six year-old girl, in comparison(the largest silverbacks might be as strong as 25 men!). But Kovacs strengh is probably a match - or slightly lower - for that of the smallest and weakest silverbacks, who weight around 350-400 lbs.

  I have personally seen Kovacs in the Powerhouse Gym. I have also met, in person, both Dorian and Ronnie. Trust me when I tell you that Kovacs makes both Dorian and Ronnie seem like peanuts, compared to him. When I met him, he was around 410 lbs and his abs were still visible :o :o and Kovacs has weighted ad much as 440 lbs. I saw him do front military presses with five plates a side,USING A BARBELL!!!!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o. And yes, he did incline dumbbell presses with 200 lbs dumbbels, not for one, not for two, not even for four, but for fourteen reps! :o The most shocking detail? When he was about to start the set, he saw some guy he knew and started to talk with him...while hosting the two 200 lbs dumbbells. He just stood there, for a minute or so, while holding 400 lbs as if it were nothing! Leg press? Kovacs has done up to 2 700 lbs for 12, which means that his single is around 3 000 lbs!

  Someone mentioned Coan. Who cares? Coan is a powerlifter, who specializes on a few moves. Coan could probably match or surpass Kovacs on the dead-lift and squat. But that's it. On all other exercises, Kovacs would cream Coan in the pooper big time! Who would win in the incline dumbbell press? Kovacs. The flat bench press? Kovacs. Military press, front and back? Kovacs. Barbell curl? Kovacs. Leg press? Kovacs. Dumbbell row? Kovacs. Barbell row? Kovacs. You get the point: with the exception of one or two highly specialized lifts, Kovacs defeats Coan by a mile! ;)

SUCKMYMUSCLE
I guess the bottom line is, can he win a show? Absolutely NOT.As for the strength claims, I was at Golds Gym where he trained and I never once saw him do anything the mags claimed.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on May 31, 2006, 05:05:49 AM
To Playboy....you are too young or too stupid to remember Greg back in the day when he put Muscletech on the map. He was an absolute terror in the gym. He does not train like that anymore (hey, we all get older) but anyone around Ontario back in the day would vouch for the poundages. Greg did fifteen reps with what huge men would use as their max single.
Well sorry to say, but I never ever once saw this happen. I have been training at that same Gold's owned by Henderson since 1998. Not once have I seen a 7 plate incline smith press or a 110lb lateral raise like Muscle Mag says. Now do not get me wrong, he is a huge guy. Very freaky looking. But the strength claims were all a muscle mag hype. He now trains at Family Fitness in Mississauga. A gym were the dumbbells only go up to 100lbs and the biggest guy is 190lbs soaking wet. As for winning contests....well that is another story.

PB
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Petrucci on May 31, 2006, 06:39:38 AM
there is a guy in my gym that dows hammer curls AND alternate curls with 42KG (more or less 90 Lbs)
And my instructor do concentrate curls for 10 with 32 Kg (more or less 70lbs) with easy. I think he could do a lot more than 90lbs on alternate curls, but he tells me he doenst like to go crazy heavy on arms, he do more reps with less weight (reps between 10 and 15 for what i saw him)
When i saw Levrone with 100 dumbell curls i thought it was insane, until i saw this guys in my own gym (that while being big, they are a lot smaller than Levrone). So even if Kovacs can do 120lbs dumbell curls, for a guy of his size and with the kind of AAS he put in his body, i dont find this lift in particular impressive
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: suckmymuscle on May 31, 2006, 03:59:37 PM
there is a guy in my gym that dows hammer curls AND alternate curls with 42KG (more or less 90 Lbs)
And my instructor do concentrate curls for 10 with 32 Kg (more or less 70lbs) with easy. I think he could do a lot more than 90lbs on alternate curls, but he tells me he doenst like to go crazy heavy on arms, he do more reps with less weight (reps between 10 and 15 for what i saw him)
When i saw Levrone with 100 dumbell curls i thought it was insane, until i saw this guys in my own gym (that while being big, they are a lot smaller than Levrone). So even if Kovacs can do 120lbs dumbell curls, for a guy of his size and with the kind of AAS he put in his body, i dont find this lift in particular impressive

  Actually, he does barbell curls with three plates a side, for sets of ten reps! :o :o :o :o But then, since he does front military presses with five plates a side for 12, it doesen't surprise me.

SUCKMYMUSCLE
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on June 02, 2006, 05:21:59 AM
  Actually, he does barbell curls with three plates a side, for sets of ten reps! :o :o :o :o But then, since he does front military presses with five plates a side for 12, it doesen't surprise me.

SUCKMYMUSCLE
Its all B.S. Muscletech hyped it all up so he could sell their products. He doen't do any of the so-called lifts that muscle mag claims he can do. I remember an older 1998 issue of muscle mag with Trish Stratus on the cover. They showed his shoulder workout. He had for plates on the smith doing behind the neck presses. If you look carefully in the pic while he is doing the lift, the smith machine is in the locked position and he is just holding the bar. Meanwhile the last time I saw him train shoulders, he did front presses (not rear) and he had no more then two plates and a quarter per side for 6 reps! Everyone in our gym knows he is a fake and everyone laughs at him. All he has is his sheer mass and his GH belly.

PB
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: sarcasm on June 02, 2006, 07:09:41 AM
Its all B.S. Muscletech hyped it all up so he could sell their products. He doen't do any of the so-called lifts that muscle mag claims he can do. I remember an older 1998 issue of muscle mag with Trish Stratus on the cover. They showed his shoulder workout. He had for plates on the smith doing behind the neck presses. If you look carefully in the pic while he is doing the lift, the smith machine is in the locked position and he is just holding the bar. Meanwhile the last time I saw him train shoulders, he did front presses (not rear) and he had no more then two plates and a quarter per side for 6 reps! Everyone in our gym knows he is a fake and everyone laughs at him. All he has is his sheer mass and his GH belly.

PB
yeah, you guys laugh at him behind his back but when you're in front of him you ask him if you can load the bar for him and carry his gym bag, hahahaha, sissy.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: bigdumbbell on June 02, 2006, 07:55:47 AM
240  luv ya bro but hearing you write about aesthetics is pretty damn funny
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on June 02, 2006, 10:11:06 AM
yeah, you guys laugh at him behind his back but when you're in front of him you ask him if you can load the bar for him and carry his gym bag, hahahaha, sissy.
I don't think so buddy.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: HUGEPECS on June 02, 2006, 11:05:39 AM
that fool never replies to Ed Coan's offer. we all know Ed would have own his ass all the way to the bank. all these strenght claims are pure bullshit. you wanna show how strong you are, go ahead and have a meet with Coan. otherwise, Greg you're a freaking coward
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Bossa on June 02, 2006, 11:28:11 AM
I dunno about strength claims but I remember pics of Kovacs and an offseason Nasser in his prime (about 320) and Kovacs dwarfed him...I believe the 400 lb offseason claim.  Remember the guy is 6'2" with 10" wrists..he has the frame for size
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: ieffinhatecardio on June 02, 2006, 11:41:29 AM
I dunno about strength claims but I remember pics of Kovacs and an offseason Nasser in his prime (about 320) and Kovacs dwarfed him...I believe the 400 lb offseason claim.  Remember the guy is 6'2" with 10" wrists..he has the frame for size

Perhaps but 400 lbs? Think about how big that is. If it's true he must have been absolutely freaky huge. Must have been a sight to see.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: BM OUT on June 02, 2006, 11:46:20 AM
Ed Coan has squatted 825 for a single with no belt suit or wraps.His 900 deadlift was done in a singlet,not a deadlift suit,and a belt.His best raw bench is 550.This was all done at 220.Please,many bodybuilders are VERY VERY strong and would do VERY well in powerlifting.However,for a guy to say he could rep out 675 on an incline bench is just plain silly.If he could do that,he would go into any bench contest for money and win some cash without even breaking a sweat.Guys like Kovacks and Johnny"Im going to pull 1000pounds" Jackson exagerate their numbers and the funny thing is,they dont have to,their real numbers are impressive enough without the lying.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Bossa on June 02, 2006, 11:49:55 AM
Ed Coan has squatted 825 for a single with no belt suit or wraps.His 900 deadlift was done in a singlet,not a deadlift suit,and a belt.His best raw bench is 550.This was all done at 220.Please,many bodybuilders are VERY VERY strong and would do VERY well in powerlifting.However,for a guy to say he could rep out 675 on an incline bench is just plain silly.If he could do that,he would go into any bench contest for money and win some cash without even breaking a sweat.Guys like Kovacks and Johnny"Im going to pull 1000pounds" Jackson exagerate their numbers and the funny thing is,they dont have to,their real numbers are impressive enough without the lying.

I'm going to pull1000"?!?!?!? Didn't he only manage 815 at the rise of the dead a couple yrs ago?
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on June 02, 2006, 12:05:13 PM
I dunno about strength claims but I remember pics of Kovacs and an offseason Nasser in his prime (about 320) and Kovacs dwarfed him...I believe the 400 lb offseason claim.  Remember the guy is 6'2" with 10" wrists..he has the frame for size
Remember the name of the game is winning shows. He placed dead last at the arnold 2004, dead last at the Toronto Pro show 2004, didn't even finish the GNC show 2003, ditto for the 2001 Night of Champions. There is your "hero".
Also, just because a guy is freaky big that doesn't mean he's strong.
All highly exaggerated. Give it up guys, He was at my gym since it opened in 1996 and I saw first hand along with Henderson Thorne what he does...and its not much.
PB
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Bossa on June 02, 2006, 12:08:53 PM
Remember the name of the game is winning shows. He placed dead last at the arnold 2004, dead last at the Toronto Pro show 2004, didn't even finish the GNC show 2003, ditto for the 2001 Night of Champions. There is your "hero".
Also, just because a guy is freaky big that doesn't mean he's strong.
All highly exaggerated. Give it up guys, He was at my gym since it opened in 1996 and I saw first hand along with Henderson Thorne what he does...and its not much.
PB

I really don't give a shit "playboy" I simply said 400 lbs isn't hard to believe...its you whi si carrying on like a spurned lover...did Greg not return your advances?
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on June 02, 2006, 12:16:38 PM
I really don't give a shit "playboy" I simply said 400 lbs isn't hard to believe...its you whi si carrying on like a spurned lover...did Greg not return your advances?
??? He clocked in @ 360...not 400 and 100lbs of that is his belly jackass. Get your facts straight. He doesn't train at your gym.
PB
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Bossa on June 02, 2006, 12:18:56 PM
??? He clocked in @ 360...not 400 and 100lbs of that is his belly jackass. Get your facts straight. He doesn't train at your gym.
PB


OK "playboy" hahaha now you know his exact bodyweight hahahaha I can see you now following him around the gym always by chance using the equipment next to him forming mental images for yoiu to go home and beat your meat to hahahahaha gayer than an Elton John vs. Richard Simmons lube wrestling match
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on June 02, 2006, 12:24:27 PM
OK "playboy" hahaha now you know his exact bodyweight hahahaha I can see you now following him around the gym always by chance using the equipment next to him forming mental images for yoiu to go home and beat your meat to hahahahaha gayer than an Elton John vs. Richard Simmons lube wrestling match
You're a retard. As if you know his shit, right? Go hang out with him then so you can discuss how cool it is to place dead last in shows and be the laughing stock of bbdg. Then you can begin to discuss the alien growing out of your guts and after you can preach about how you can bench 765 on an incline bar, but TURN down every challenge thrown your way.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Bossa on June 02, 2006, 12:40:21 PM
You're a retard. As if you know his shit, right? Go hang out with him then so you can discuss how cool it is to place dead last in shows and be the laughing stock of bbdg. Then you can begin to discuss the alien growing out of your guts and after you can preach about how you can bench 765 on an incline bar, but TURN down every challenge thrown your way.

hahahahah animal jealousy hahahahaha the best part is we all know you wouldn't dare say a thing to his face you probably get butterflies in your bread basket just to say "hello Mr. Kovacs" as he walks by and ignores you hahahaha
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on June 02, 2006, 12:45:02 PM
hahahahah animal jealousy hahahahaha the best part is we all know you wouldn't dare say a thing to his face you probably get butterflies in your bread basket just to say "hello Mr. Kovacs" as he walks by and ignores you hahahaha
"Mr.Kovacs" ??? ??? ??? Now that's funny  ;D. Oh i'm extremely jealous. I wish I could place dead last in shows, have false strength claims and a belly that hangs to the floor. What was I thinking?
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Bossa on June 02, 2006, 12:57:04 PM
"Mr.Kovacs" ??? ??? ??? Now that's funny  ;D. Oh i'm extremely jealous. I wish I could place dead last in shows, have false strength claims and a belly that hangs to the floor. What was I thinking?

HAHAHAHA ok "Playboy" oh brother monster unwarrented hatred
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on June 02, 2006, 12:59:55 PM
HAHAHAHA ok "Playboy" oh brother monster unwarrented hatred
Just fax brother. Nothing personal to anyone.  ;D
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Playboy on June 02, 2006, 01:03:23 PM
Just fax brother. Nothing personal to anyone.  ;D
Just facts brother...nothing personal to anyone ;D
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: merf2305 on June 13, 2006, 05:22:42 PM
http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/gregkovacs

This guy is literally a wall of shredded muscle at around 6'2 and 400 pounds in the offseason.

(http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/gregkovacs/gregmassive9.jpg)

I agree.  He is quite a massive man in person---the largest I have ever met, and his hands were so big one of them could literally crush both of mine in a handshake.  He looked much healthier and more good looking before the effects of GH.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Ex Coelis on June 13, 2006, 05:53:18 PM
he should have done Strongman or Powerlifting - if he trained for either he could have done much better. Bodybuilding was just a misguided dream
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Doublemonk on June 13, 2006, 06:07:54 PM
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Jr. Yates on June 13, 2006, 06:31:00 PM
I dunno about strength claims but I remember pics of Kovacs and an offseason Nasser in his prime (about 320) and Kovacs dwarfed him...I believe the 400 lb offseason claim.  Remember the guy is 6'2" with 10" wrists..he has the frame for size
Definatley! I seen a vid of him Incline pressing with a barbell once...I think it was 495 for 10 or something like that. Super strong dude.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: mrsirjojo on June 14, 2006, 02:09:59 PM
Definatley! I seen a vid of him Incline pressing with a barbell once...I think it was 495 for 10 or something like that. Super strong dude.

No wonder. He claimed to be eating 15,000 calories a day at one point. Anyone else find this laughable?

&search=kovacs
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Ex Coelis on June 14, 2006, 06:33:51 PM
No wonder. He claimed to be eating 15,000 calories a day at one point. Anyone else find this laughable?

&search=kovacs

Not really - as I said earlier, Jumbo Polumbo spent some time at his house when Kovacs was over 400 lbs. He ate constantly and had his wife bring him his food rather than get off the couch to get it himself. Someone 400 lbs has to eat a shit load just to maintain the weight.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 30, 2006, 05:37:40 PM
One ton for 20 reps baby " lightweight "
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 30, 2006, 05:39:03 PM
585 for inclines !!
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: LuciusFox on June 30, 2006, 06:29:02 PM
 Greg Kovacs=Rickson Gracie
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 30, 2006, 07:38:12 PM
Greg Kovacs=Rickson Gracie

Good analogy !!
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: IceCold on June 30, 2006, 11:28:59 PM
Good analogy !!

one of the best analogies ever.
Title: Re: Greg kovacs strength claims
Post by: Rhino on June 30, 2006, 11:59:52 PM
I don't understand why Greg didnt go into World's Strongest Man if he's so strong?  His physique has all the aesthetic appeal of a hospital waiting room, and besides there is probably better sponsorship money for WSM given that it has a tv contract with ESPN.

I agree. What a waste of his talents. He could have played football even. His food addiction would have gave him an advantage for strength sports.