3 Overlooked Exercises to Add 10lbs to Your Bench Press This Summer

While Brian Shaw played tug-of-war with a lion and Keone Pearson revealed a cartoonishly shredded update, the rest of the fitness world had its head down grinding.

July 12, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

If your bench press has flatlined, this three-move power combo might be your shortcut to summer PRs. The lineup: skull crushers to hammer your triceps, banded floor presses to smash through sticking points, and tempo close-grip bench to build explosive drive off your chest. Each movement targets a weak link most lifters ignore—and that’s exactly why they work. Programmed with intent, they can stack real weight onto your bar in just a few weeks. Skip another mediocre press day and try something with impact. [Add Firepower to Your Bench Now!]

Ozempic users, breathe easy—Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t buying the muscle-wasting hype. The seven-time Mr. Olympia broke down the latest GLP-1 weight loss research and explained why your biceps won’t shrink if you train and eat right. Yes, these drugs can cause lean mass loss—but only if you're skipping workouts or skimping on protein. A recent study backs him up: people who resistance trained kept their muscle while dropping fat. The bottom line? You don’t need to trade strength for a smaller waist. [Guard Your Gains With Arnold’s Advice]

Jay Cutler’s Over-50 Training Split Keeps Things Heavy and Simple

At 51, Jay Cutler isn't slowing down—he’s just getting smarter. His current weekly split keeps volume manageable and intensity sharp: chest and calves, arms, shoulders, back, rest, legs, rest. No trap work, minimal cardio, and maximum focus on balance and longevity. He still chases a pump, but recovery rules the game now. This is old-school structure with new-school sensibility, proving you can still train hard without breaking yourself. [Train Like a Legend at Any Age]

Ansley had one foot out the Classic Physique door, but now he’s charging back in. After his plans to switch to the 212 division fell through, the two-time champ announced a full return to Classic for the 2025 Olympia. With Chris Bumstead stepping down, the title is wide open—and Breon wants it back. He's betting on symmetry, detail, and experience to take him to the top once more. Don’t call it a comeback… or do. [Follow Breon’s Road to Redemption]

Forget cables and fancy machines—Lee Priest is all about barbell brutality for back growth. His short but savage lineup includes bent-over rows, T-bar rows, and partial deadlifts, with a sprinkle of full deadlifts for good measure. No fluff, no wasted reps—just compound pressure and volume that leaves you sore for days. According to Priest, this stripped-down strategy is all you need to build width and thickness. Classic methods still win. [Go Old School With Lee’s Back Routine]

Yes, this actually happened. Four-time World’s Strongest Man Brian Shaw faced off in a tug-of-war… against a lion. Mr. Beast orchestrated the wild challenge using a custom cage in South Africa, and Shaw did what few humans ever could—hold his ground against the king of the jungle. It was absurd, intense, and somehow inspiring. Shaw may be retired, but he's clearly still pulling weight. [Watch Brian vs. the Beast Now]

With 14 weeks to go until the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Keone Pearson just dropped a freaky-good physique update. His waist is tighter, his lats are flaring, and his quads are sliced—he looks more like an animated superhero than a human. After winning the 212 title twice, he’s now eyeing a three-peat in Vegas. His posing is already crisp, and the balance is textbook. If this is mid-prep, the final package could be scary. [See the Physique Everyone’s Talking About]

If you feel like the Tin Man every time you squat, your hips might be the problem. This single mobility drill, done daily, can help unlock stuck joints, restore your range of motion, and build control where most lifters are weakest. It’s low-impact but high-reward, especially for desk jockeys or power athletes with cranky hips. No equipment needed, no excuses accepted. Get looser, get stronger. [Unstick Your Hips in 2 Minutes Flat]

Even in retirement, Dennis Wolf looks like he could hop on stage tomorrow. The former Mr. Olympia contender recently shared physique updates showing shredded arms, capped delts, and a lean midsection. But these days, it’s not just about the look—Wolf says he’s prioritizing health, recovery, and joint care. His message to fans: stay consistent, train smart, and don’t neglect your long-term well-being. The Wolf may be done competing, but the fire’s still there. [Stay Shredded the Smart Way]

If your fat-loss plan feels like punishment, Erin Stern’s latest tips might be your solution. The two-time Figure Olympia champ revealed eight simple nutrition swaps that help torch belly fat without cutting flavor or fun. Think: rice for potatoes, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and strategic portion tweaks that stack results over time. Stern’s advice is refreshingly doable and rooted in long-term success, not crash dieting. Burn fat, not joy. [Upgrade Your Fat Loss Game Today]

Tracking macros just got easier. This tool helps you calculate exactly how much protein, fat, and carbs you need based on your body, goals, and activity level. Whether you're bulking, cutting, or staying steady, the calculator delivers tailored numbers with zero guesswork. It’s beginner-friendly and built for real results. Meal prep just got a serious upgrade. [Find Your Perfect Macros in Seconds]

Reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda looks shredded in his latest physique update📸💪

Advanced Training Tip of the Day: Use Long Pauses in the Weakest Range

Stuck at a sticking point? Try adding a long pause—2 to 5 seconds—in the weakest part of your lift. Whether it’s the bottom of a squat or just off the chest in a bench press, pausing forces your muscles to generate raw force without momentum’s help. It builds stability, control, and mental grit all at once. It’s brutal, yes—but it’s also how you make the weak points stronger and turn plateaus into PRs.

The Strength Bulletin

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