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Fix This Back Training Mistake Before It Wrecks You
Tempers are flaring in bodybuilding land. Plus, Lee Priest is roasting Derek Lunsford’s Mr. Olympia conditioning, while Chris Bumstead admits the sport has taken a toll on his health.
Ever wondered why your back days feel more like wasted time than gains? It might be because you’re loading up the bar and rounding your lumbar like a cashew. Poor form, incomplete ranges of motion, and lowering the weight too fast are the usual culprits. This guide details common mistakes like ego lifting, neglecting lower‑back work, and jerking the weights instead of controlling them. It also offers fixes: lighten the load, stay strict with technique, and emphasize full contractions to actually hit the lats. Dialing in tempo and body positioning can turn your row sessions from sloppy to sculpted. [Master Your Back Workouts]
Think “Iron” Mike was built on fancy machines? Think again. His brutal bodyweight regimen included thousands of sit‑ups, squats, push‑ups, bench dips, and weighted shrugs—3,500 reps in all. This article recreates Tyson’s savage circuit for modern lifters, recommending scaled sets of dips, push‑ups, shrugs, and air squats to pump out high‑volume grit without destroying joints. It underscores the boxing legend’s relentless discipline: running at dawn, sparring for 10 rounds, then finishing with calisthenics that would make mere mortals cry. Stick with the plan and watch your conditioning soar along with your mental toughness. [Unleash Your Inner Tyson]
Bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest didn’t mince words when critiquing two‑time Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford’s showing in Vegas. In a candid video, he claimed Lunsford looked more like he was guest posing than competing, and even compared his front lat spread to a “waterlogged beached whale.” Priest argued that Andrew Jacked’s striations outclassed Lunsford’s, urging the champ to spend less time praying and more time on the treadmill. He emphasized that being the best means nailing conditioning on show day, not just relying on past wins. The critique adds spice to the rivalry as fans debate whether the reigning champ will sharpen up next year. [Hear the Brutal Breakdown]
Six‑time Classic Physique Olympia winner Chris Bumstead recently opened up about the toll bodybuilding has taken on his body. After clinching his sixth title and testing the Men’s Open waters at the 2024 Prague Pro, he stepped away to protect his long‑term health. Bumstead admitted he’s endured significant damage and no longer wishes to sacrifice his well‑being for stage glory. He discussed the hidden costs of extreme dieting and training, highlighting kidney issues and overall stress. His candid reflections remind competitors that longevity and quality of life matter more than another trophy. [See Why He Walked Away]
Men’s Open standout Nick Walker is charting his own path after finishing sixth at the 2025 Olympia. In a recent video, he said coaching himself feels like a “nice weight lifted off the shoulders,” freeing him to adjust diet and training without external pressure. He also blasted his former coach as degrading and disrespectful, hinting at conflict behind the scenes. Walker reflected on his favorite stage looks and vowed to refine his presentation for future shows. Expect a more confident, self‑directed Walker who isn’t afraid to call his own shots—and his shots at others. [Watch the Self‑Coached Journey]
Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy just dropped a nugget: Derek Lunsford will step onto the 2026 Arnold Classic stage. In a YouTube chat, he encouraged Martin Fitzwater and Andrew Jacked to join the fray, calling the event a perfect proving ground for those gunning for Olympia contention. El Guindy’s advice to Samson Dauda? Strike while the iron’s hot. With the Men’s Open field deepening, the 2026 Arnold could become a mini‑Olympia preview. Fans already anticipating the matchup between Lunsford, Fitzwater, Jacked, and Dauda now have another countdown on their calendar. [See Who’s In for 2026]
Six‑time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates has weighed in on a spat between exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel and late high‑intensity pioneer Mike Mentzer. Yates dismissed Israetel’s critique with a colorful analogy, saying, “a bag of shit that gets bigger is just a bigger bag of shit.” He argued that Mentzer’s principles were rooted in practical experience and shouldn’t be dismissed by academic theorists. The bodybuilding legend’s blunt defense underscores the ongoing tension between evidence‑based training advocates and old‑school lifters. Whether you side with science or experience, the exchange makes for spicy gym chatter. [Catch the Comeback]
Don’t miss the next big show in strength sports—Rogue is streaming its 2025 Invitational for free on its website and YouTube channel. This article provides the full livestream schedule so you can watch elite CrossFit and Strongman athletes throw down from anywhere. Expect highlight events like the max‑deadlift challenge, the Rogue Record Breakers showcase, and crowd‑favourite strongman medleys. With cash prizes and early qualifiers for next year’s championships on the line, the competition promises fireworks. Grab your snacks, clear your weekend, and tune in to witness PRs and upsets in real time. [Catch the Free Livestream]
If you’re aiming to bulk, cut, or maintain, the Calorie Calculator tool takes the math off your plate. By plugging in your basal metabolic rate and lifestyle details, it delivers personalized daily intake recommendations. The calculator accounts for factors like activity level, goal weight, and metabolic needs to give accurate numbers for losing, gaining, or staying steady. It’s a quick, science‑backed way to ensure you’re fueling enough for performance without overshooting. Stop guessing and start eating with purpose—your macros will thank you. [Dial In Your Daily Calories]
Pablo Llopis drops a shredded physique update three days before NPC Worldwide & IFBB Pro Poland📹💪
Advanced Training Tip of the Day: Post‑Tension Pauses
Turn every rep into a muscle‑building meditation by adding post‑tension pauses. At the bottom of squats, presses, or pulls, hold the stretch position for 2–3 seconds before driving up hard. The pause eliminates momentum, forces your stabilizers to engage, and increases time under tension without adding weight. Use this method with moderate loads for 3–4 sets of 6–8 reps to light up neglected motor units and sharpen the mind‑muscle connection. It’s humbling, but the improved control and strength carryover are worth the ego check.
The Strength Bulletin
A new peer‑reviewed study warns that most people don’t need electrolyte supplements and that overuse can cause imbalances and potentially harmful side effects. [Read the Study]
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