Fun fact — the hack squat machine wasn’t named for its rule-breaking potential in the weight room. While you can’t hack through the firewalls of physiology (you still need to eat well, recover properly, ... Continue Reading
These Are 8 of the Best Lower Ab Exercises Out There, Seriously
Everyone has their take on ab training. A powerlifter might say that all you need are heavy squats and pulls. Gymnasts work only with their body weight and are often shredded to the bone. And, for better ... Continue Reading
Try These Cable Chest Workouts on Your Next Chest Day
From push-ups to bench pressing, there’s a high probability that you’ll see some serious pectoral fixation every Monday at the gym. Each lifter has their own routine for when international chest day comes ... Continue Reading
How to Do the Spider Curl for Bigger, Better Arms
In a way, Peter Parker kind of cheated. Not everyone can suffer a bug bite and wake up the next day with their goal physique — and superhuman senses. But, regardless, if you want to build arms that can ... Continue Reading
5 Tips to Manage Stress During the Holidays From a Certified Wellness Coach
The holidays are upon us. And while you may have goals to maintain around nutrition and fitness, the very nature of this season is conspiring against you (at least it feels that way). Parties, the ... Continue Reading
Lu Xiaojun Provisionally Suspended Due to Apparent Anti-Doping Rule Violation
On Dec. 22, 2022, the International Testing Agency (ITA) announced that it notified three-time Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Lu Xiaojun of China of an apparent anti-doping rule ... Continue Reading
These Are 5 of the Best Powerlifting Athletes in 2022
The sport of powerlifting is one that requires an incredible amount of diligence, patience, finesse, and — of course — strength. The five athletes on our list possess these qualities in spades. They have ... Continue Reading
7 of the Best Bodybuilding Athletes in 2022
Bodybuilding fans had a lot to chew on in 2022. In the sport’s most high-profile division — Men’s Open — a slew of new competitors burst onto the scene, signaling that the next generation of physique ... Continue Reading
A Look Back at Olga Liashchuk’s 2022 World’s Strongest Woman Victory
The 2022 World's Strongest Woman (WSW) contest took place over two days from Nov. 12-13, 2022, in Daytona Beach, FL. After seven events — Viking Press, Farmer's Walk, Deadlift, Sandbag to Shoulder, Car ... Continue Reading
Here’s Every American Weightlifter Who Has Won an Olympic Medal
If you’ve ever picked up a barbell and hoisted it over your head, dreaming of greatness, you’ve probably fantasized — at least for a moment — about the Olympics. The pinnacle of any weightlifter’s career, ... Continue Reading
5 of the Best Weightlifting Moments in 2022
Weightlifting happens fast. Often, the most significant moments in the sport are measured in milliseconds rather than minutes. That said, a lot goes beyond the competition platform that shapes the ... Continue Reading
5 of the Best Weightlifting Athletes in 2022
Sports are only as good as the athletes that play them. With no one on the field, the ball doesn’t move; the same idea holds as true in weightlifting as in any other sport. After all, the barbell can’t ... Continue Reading
7 of the Best CrossFit Athletes in 2022
It's hard enough to possess elite strength, speed, or endurance. CrossFitters need to build up to all of these traits and then maintain them for the duration of their entire careers — which can span over a ... Continue Reading
5 of the Best CrossFit Moments in 2022
In a sport where intensity and mystery are par for the course, it isn't easy to hone in on a handful of exciting moments. However, the sport of CrossFit in 2022 saw enough loaded barbells, organizational ... Continue Reading
How to Do the Diamond Push-Up for Bigger Triceps and a Stronger Lockout
The diamond push-up is a very popular variation — and not just because its name suggests riches in gains. It may be a basic calisthenics exercise on the surface, but chip away at it and you’ll see that ... Continue Reading
Dumbbell Flyes vs. Cable Flyes — Which Is Better for Your Needs in the Gym?
Building your chest takes more than the bench press. If you’re in the midst of crafting a picture-perfect workout routine, you’re probably going to make a pit stop at the pecs at some point. Plug in your ... Continue Reading
How to Do Lunges: Proper Form & Variations
The lunge — arguably one of the best leg exercises you can do in the gym — builds leg muscle, strength, and coordination. Few movements are as adaptable and easy to program or perform. There are many ... Continue Reading
Your Complete Guide to Bodyweight Training
The first image that comes to mind when you think about getting stronger may well be of barbells and going hard in the squat rack. That’s certainly one way to do it. You can also get absurdly strong with ... Continue Reading
What Happens if You Don’t Eat Vegetables?
In all likelihood, you spent your childhood being told — in no uncertain terms — to eat your broccoli and spinach. Whether you grew up hating them or just don’t feel like you have enough time to work them ... Continue Reading
2022 America’s Strongest Man and Strongest Woman Results — Bobby Thompson and Victoria Long Victorious
Las Vegas, NV, was the eye of the storm for strength sports on Dec. 16-17, 2022. Not only was the 2022 Olympia weekend crowning a new Mr. Olympia in Hadi Choopan, but the 2022 America's Strongest Man (ASM) ... Continue Reading
Here’s How Much Money Was Won at the 2022 Olympia
The 2022 Olympia weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Dec. 16-18, 2022, was a lucrative event for the new Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan. He won a whopping $400,000 grand prize for winning the most significant title in ... Continue Reading
International Weightlifting Federation Announces Results of Athletes’ Commission Elections
The structure of weightlifting's governance has changed. On Dec. 16, 2022, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) released a presser detailing the results of its historic Athletes' Commission ... Continue Reading
2022 Mr. Olympia Results — Complete Official Scorecards
The 2022 Olympia weekend in Las Vegas, NV, held from Dec. 16-18, 2022, has come to a close. The weekend was filled with expectations coming to fruition, such as six-time Figure Olympia champion Cydney ... Continue Reading
2022 Mr. Olympia Results — Live Updates & Coverage
Editor's Note: The 2023 Olympia is underway. Tune into BarBend's 2023 Mr. Olympia results page for complete coverage and live results. The 58th edition of the famed Mr. Olympia bodybuilding show, ... Continue Reading