Crush Your Age with Push-Ups: A Timeless Fitness Test

Plus, Strongmen are pulling over half a ton, UFC fighters are dropping 40 pounds like it's nothing, and Jeff Seid is trading board shorts for posing trunks.

Think you’re in shape? Here’s a simple but brutal way to find out: match your age in push-ups within two minutes. This old-school benchmark cuts through the fluff—it’s all about raw upper-body strength, muscular endurance, and mental grit. It requires zero equipment and scales naturally with age, making it perfect for beginners and veterans alike. And if you’re pushing 70, you’ve officially earned the right to talk smack at family dinners. [Take the Push-Up Challenge]

Derek Lunsford didn’t just win the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro—he made a statement. Facing off against a stacked lineup that included Nick Walker and Martin Fitzwater, Lunsford brought razor-sharp conditioning, dense muscle, and a stage presence that screamed Olympia-ready. His victory adds serious momentum to his campaign heading into the Mr. Olympia, where expectations are sky-high. The guy didn’t just show up—he shut it down. [See the Full Results For All Divsions]

No gear? No excuse. A veteran coach dropped a lightning-fast ab workout that targets every part of your core in just 10 minutes—no weights, no machines, just gravity and grit. With moves like pendulum tucks, side plank pulses, and plank tap-outs, this routine is ideal for busy lifters or travel warriors craving a real burn. You might not see abs overnight, but you’ll definitely feel them by morning. [Try the Workout]

Strongman powerhouse Mitchell Hooper just locked out a jaw-dropping 525-kg (1,157.4-lb) elevated deadlift while prepping for the 2025 World’s Strongest Man. The pull, done from a 16.5-inch height, highlights both his raw power and laser-focused intent to defend his title. If his training lifts are this intense, the main stage might not be ready for what’s coming. Deadlifting over half a ton? For Hooper, it’s just Wednesday. [Watch the Lift]

UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett completed a grueling 40-pound weight cut ahead of his UFC 314 showdown, trimming down from 190 to 156 pounds without losing his edge. The transformation involved strict dieting, water manipulation, and high-volume training—all while staying mentally locked in. His ability to rebound after the cut and secure a victory speaks volumes about his toughness and discipline. Cutting weight might be brutal, but Pimblett’s willpower cuts deeper. [Read the Full Story]

Jeff Seid, one of the youngest IFBB Pros, is set to make his debut in the Classic Physique division at the 2025 International Asia Pacific PRO/AM Championships. Transitioning from Men's Physique, Seid has focused on enhancing overall symmetry and leg development to meet the division's criteria. He shared a physique update on Instagram, highlighting his carb-up process and final push training session. Fans eagerly anticipate how Seid will fare against top natural athletes in this new category. [Read more about Jeff Seid's debut]

Looking to get beach-ready without a gym membership? This 4-week dumbbell-only program targets key muscle groups, boosts conditioning, and promotes fat loss using just a pair of dumbbells. Designed by a veteran personal trainer, the program emphasizes functional training to achieve a lean, athletic physique. It's time to turn your living room into a fitness studio and unveil that summer body. [Start the Beach Body Blitz]

Endless crunches might burn, but they don't necessarily build a strong core. A seasoned trainer recommends focusing on core stability exercises like the Pallof press, dead bugs, and suitcase carries to engage deep stabilizers and support spinal health. These movements not only enhance core strength but also improve overall functional fitness. It's time to train smarter, not harder. [Discover the core stability exercises]

Carb cycling isn't just for bodybuilders anymore. This 7-day meal plan alternates between high and low-carb days to optimize fat burning, muscle preservation, and energy levels. By strategically adjusting carbohydrate intake, you can enhance workout performance and accelerate metabolism. Say goodbye to diet plateaus and hello to sustainable results. [Explore the carb cycling plan]

Stuck in a workout rut? Pyramid training, which involves varying weights and reps across sets, can reignite muscle growth and strength gains. This method challenges muscles through progressive overload, keeping workouts engaging and effective. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned lifter, it's time to climb the pyramid to peak performance. [Learn about pyramid training]

Protein is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall health, but how much do you really need? This user-friendly protein calculator considers factors like age, weight, and activity level to determine your ideal daily intake. Tailoring your protein consumption can enhance workout recovery and support weight management. Don't leave gains to chance—know your numbers. [Use the protein calculator]

Derek Lunsford continues his winning streak with a dominant performance at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro📸💪

Advanced Training of the Day: Try Iso-Dynamic Contrast Sets

If your muscles are no longer shocked by traditional supersets, it’s time to throw in a curveball—enter iso-dynamic contrast sets. This method pairs a brutal isometric hold (hello, wall sits) with an explosive dynamic movement (think jump squats), forcing your muscles to fire on all cylinders. The result? Increased motor unit recruitment, more time under tension, and a pump so intense your sleeves might file a complaint.

The Strength Bulletin

  • Lucas Coelho clinched the 212 Bodybuilding title, Mustafa Yildiz dominated Classic Physique, and Viktoria Csicsayova dazzled in Bikini at the 2025 Kokeny Classic Pro. [See who brought their A-game in Hungary]

  • Torre Washington and Brittany Ramsey secured their Olympia qualifications by winning Men’s Physique and Women’s Bikini, respectively, at the 2025 Las Vegas Natural Pro. [Catch the full scorecard breakdown]

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