Powerlifter-turned-bodybuilder Larry Wheels sent shockwaves through the bodybuilding community by emerging victorious at his debut Classic Physique bodybuilding show, the 2023 NPC Ultimate Warriors. Wheels ... Continue Reading
The 10 Best Bodybuilders of 2023
The 2023 bodybuilding season was full of tight competitions and standout moments that gave fans plenty to discuss over the past 12 months. We saw long-running dynasties continue on, others end in ... Continue Reading
2024 Arnold Classic UK Rosters Revealed
The 2024 Arnold Classic UK contest is slated for March 15-17, 2024, in Birmingham, England. It is set to take place two weeks after the Arnold Classic US edition in Columbus, OH, marking a big kickoff to ... Continue Reading
Samson Dauda’s Adjusted Leg Training 12 Weeks Out From the 2024 Arnold Classic
After winning the bronze medal at the 2023 Mr. Olympia and attacking a robust rebound diet, Men’s Open bodybuilder Samson Dauda is preparing to defend his title at the 2024 Arnold ... Continue Reading
Vegan or Omnivore Diets – Which Is Better for Cholesterol Levels?
In November 2023, a randomized control trial delving into different types of diets and their impacts on cholesterol levels was published in the JAMA Network Open. Specifically, it ... Continue Reading
Bulking vs Cutting: Are Higher or Lower Reps Better?
Sports Physiologist Dr. Mike Israetel is the go-to training expert on the Renaissance Periodization YouTube channel, often dissecting what the latest research suggests for resistance training. On Dec. 12, ... Continue Reading
2024 IFBB Pro League Schedule Revealed
The 2024 IFBB Pro League contest schedule was released on Dec. 18, 2024. The 2024 season is already underway — it began on Oct. 9, 2023 — with several contests having already occurred and awarded division ... Continue Reading
The BarBend Staff’s Favorite Stories of 2023
The team at BarBend produces a lot of content. Our news and editorial staff work tirelessly, week after week, to bring you the latest developments and most interesting stories in the worlds of strength and ... Continue Reading
How Samson Dauda Diets During a Post-Show Rebound
Bodybuilder Samson Dauda had a successful 2023 season, winning the Arnold Classic in March, the bronze at the Mr. Olympia, and a pair of pro competitions overseas, including ... Continue Reading
Shaun Clarida’s Back Training Leading Into His 2024 Off-Season
Two-time 212 Olympia champion Shaun Clarida relinquished the 212 Olympia throne in 2023 to Keone Pearson, who improved from his sixth-place finish in 2022. On Dec. 11, 2023, Clarida shared a video on his ... Continue Reading
Dana Linn Bailey and Kristen Nun’s Leg Day Superset Tips
On Dec. 7, 2023, the 2013 Women’s Physique Olympia champion, Dana Linn Bailey, published a video on her YouTube channel wherein she partnered with bodybuilder Kristen Nun for a lower body workout. The duo ... Continue Reading
Marcela Mattos Wins 2023 Musclecontest International Nacional Pro Wellness Show
The 2023 IFBB Pro League calendar is complete, with its final contest, the 2023 Musclecontest International Nacional Pro Wellness show, taking place on Dec. 16, 2023, in Campinas, Brazil. Fourteen Wellness ... Continue Reading
2024 Arnold Classic Rosters Released
The 2024 Arnold Classic is set for the weekend of Mar. 1-3, 2024, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. Unlike other IFBB Pro League shows on the schedule, athletes must apply and be ... Continue Reading
Hadi Choopan’s Shoulder Training Post 2023 Olympia
After a year-long reign as the Mr. Olympia champion, Iranian bodybuilder Hadi Choopan relinquished the title to a much-improved Derek Lunsford at the 2023 Olympia. Choopan is already back in the gym ... Continue Reading
2023 Musclecontest International Brazil Nacional Pro Wellness Show Preview
The 2023 IFBB Pro League calendar concludes with the Musclecontest International Brazil Nacional Pro on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Campinas, Brazil. Fourteen pro competitors will face the judges and fans ... Continue Reading
IFBB Pro League Women’s Physique Athlete Kristyn Lia Dies at Age 39
Athletes and fans of professional bodybuilding are saddened and shocked by the unexpected death of IFBB Pro League Women’s Physique competitor Kristyn Lia, who passed away at the age of 39. Her exact time ... Continue Reading
Mr. Olympias Unite — Ronnie Coleman Trains With Phil Heath
Eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman and seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath account for 15 Sandow trophies since 1998. Heath, who dominated in an era after Coleman's retirement, has not ... Continue Reading
Bodybuilder Shaun Clarida Shares His 2024 Plans and Off-Season Leg Training
As a two-time 212 Olympia champion, Shaun Clarida wasn’t thrilled about his second-place finish at the 2023 Olympia to Keone Pearson. Clarida will attempt to reclaim the 212 title ... Continue Reading
Jeff Nippard’s Top 6 Front, Lateral, & Rear Delt Exercises to Build 3D Shoulders
Canadian natural bodybuilder and powerlifter Jeff Nippard utilizes science to build an aesthetic physique. Through his techniques, he’s learned how to cap his shoulders to achieve a ... Continue Reading
Michael Daboul Wins 2023 Musclecontest International Austria Pro Classic Physique Show
Michael Daboul has won the 2023 Musclecontest International Austria Pro. In the eyes of the judges, Daboul was the best of eight athletes representing seven countries in Schwechat, Austria, on Saturday, ... Continue Reading
International Association of Trans Bodybuilders & Powerlifters 2023 Competition Full Results
On Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, trans and nonbinary bodybuilders and powerlifters descended on Atlanta, GA to compete in the annual International Association of Trans Bodybuilders & Powerlifters (IATBP) ... Continue Reading
Dana Linn Bailey’s 4 Meal Prep Tips for Beginners
The 2013 Women's Physique Olympia champion Dana Linn Bailey knows how to lean out for a stageworthy physique or to bulk up during the off-season. The former involves sustaining a caloric deficit, while the ... Continue Reading
The 4 Back Exercises Ryan Terry Trained to Win the 2023 Men’s Physique Olympia
Ryan Terry won the 2023 Men’s Physique Olympia in November 2023, scoring a staggering jump from his seventh-place finish at the 2022 Olympia. A crucial area of improvement in his physique was his ... Continue Reading
Bodybuilder Turned Lawyer Rick Collins Talks Steroids on The Mike O’Hearn Show
Former bodybuilder turned lawyer Rick Collins changed professions to represent fellow bodybuilders in their combat against legal troubles. He joined Mike O'Hearn on the Nov. 17, 2023, episode of The Mike ... Continue Reading