5 Lifts That Outlast Trends and Time

Keone Pearson is testing his limits in Prague, The Rock is shutting down rumors with classic flair, and Hafthor just pulled a world-crushing 510 kilos while Eddie Hall tipped his hat.

Skipping certain movements might feel harmless now—until you struggle to tie your shoes or haul groceries in a decade. A seasoned trainer warns that avoiding these five essential exercises can leave your mobility and grip in shambles. This article reveals the often-ignored lifts that serve as insurance against aging regret and shows you how to master them without breaking your routine. Prepare to future-proof your body with moves that bolster power and resilience. [Future-proof your gains here!]

When Dwayne Johnson appeared leaner than ever at the Venice Film Festival, speculation exploded that he’d quit PEDs. But The Rock wasn’t having it—responding to one critic on Instagram with a curt and confident, “That is 100% not true.” Spoiler: disappearing muscle doesn’t always mean disappearing ethics. Hollywood’s favorite wrestler-turned-action-hero just reminded fans that downsizing doesn’t mean doping. [See how The Rock set the record straight!]

Eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney is the undisputed king of bodybuilding grace—with a “less-is-more” mantra that still resonates. He breaks down the recovery-focused split and protein sources that defined his 1980s reign. Spoiler: a strategic carb load helped him jump from 226 to 232 pounds in a week and perform better than ever. It’s training wisdom from the golden era, still relevant today. [Train smarter with Haney’s wisdom!]

Two-time 212 Olympia champ Keone Pearson is stepping onto the Men’s Open stage at the EVLS Prague Pro—October 25–26—just to test himself. He may drop back to 212 afterward, but the leap speaks volumes: “I don’t run from work,” he says. If anybody’s primed to rattle the Open scene, it’s “The Prodigy”—especially since Ronnie Coleman already pegged him as a future Mr. Olympia. [Watch “The Prodigy” raise the stakes!]

With his Mr. Olympia debut looming October 10–13 in Vegas, Brett “The Butcher” Wilkin is dialing in the details. In a full-day eating breakdown he shared, breakfast kicks off with 200g chicken, 200g white rice, and pineapple to boost digestion and restore glycogen. It’s a glimpse into the disciplined fueling that helped him punch his ticket to Olympia back at the 2024 Legion Sports Fest Pro. [Dig into Brett’s Olympia-ready meals!]

ATHLEAN-X founder Jeff Cavaliere isn’t about vanity—he’s about building bodies that last. He lays out the 10 essential exercises every lifter should keep in their arsenal after 40. Think box squats to nail hip hinge mechanics, reverse lunges that spare your knees, and face pulls that keep your shoulders healthy. It’s a blueprint for aging strong and functional—not hunched and fragile. [Unlock Jeff’s formula for aging strong!]

Kalecinski’s jump to the Men’s Open has the sport buzzing and may be the single most disruptive debut of the season. Aceto called Kalecinski’s victory at the 2025 ProMuscle Italy Pro one of the biggest stories of the year. Aceto noted that Kalecinski arrived more than 30 pounds heavier than his Classic physique and added clear fullness to his pecs, legs, arms, and back. The coach said the added mass made the physique better and that the move to Open looks like the right career move. Aceto urged caution about early comparisons to Yates but admitted the hype is justified, and judges are already calling Kalecinski a superstar. Having dual qualified for Olympia in two divisions, Kalecinski now heads to Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, October 9 to 12, with serious momentum. [Unleash Your Inner Arnold Now!]

Hafthor Bjornsson shattered the deadlift record with a 510-kilogram pull, and rival Eddie Hall—who first hit 500 in 2016—gave credit where it was due. Hall called the lift “just touching the iceberg” for Bjornsson and acknowledged how their rivalry has pushed the sport forward. The moment marked a rare show of respect between two of the sport’s fiercest competitors, cementing both as icons of strength in history. [See Hall’s full reaction here]

Brazilian bodybuilding icon Valter de Vargas Aita—known to fans as Valtinho—was fatally stabbed during a violent altercation with his girlfriend on September 7, 2025, in Chapecó. He suffered multiple wounds to the face, neck, back, and abdomen, and collapsed on the stairwell after attempting to flee. Investigators say the woman involved was already wanted for serious crimes and remains hospitalized under guard, with a temporary arrest sought if she recovers. The bodybuilding community is in mourning as investigations continue. [Read the full story behind the tragedy.]

Trying to hit your daily calories without feeling bloated or sluggish? This handy calculator breaks your total intake into balanced meals and snacks—whether that’s three squares and two bites or a full six-meal day. Plug in your daily target (must be at least 1,200 kcal), set your macro percentages, choose your meal template, and voilà—it serves up a custom plan. The benefit? Sustained energy, better digestion, and muscle-fueling protein distribution that works for lifters and lunch-break warriors alike. [Split your calories the smart way!]

Hadi Choopan is carving up the countdown, just 4.5 weeks from the 2025 Olympia. The former champ’s latest physique update shows he’s bringing razor-sharp condition back to the stage. 📹💪

Lunch Recipe of the Day: Easy Burritos

Whip up this saucy Los Angeles–style burrito in a snap by browning ground beef with chopped onion, cumin, and smoked paprika, then stir in black beans, corn, salsa, salt, and pepper for a creamy, freezer-friendly filling. Spoon the mixture onto warmed tortillas, top with melty cheese, roll ’em tight, and if you want to go pro, give ’em a quick toast on the skillet so the cheese gets blissfully gooey. Portable, satisfying, and meal-prep magic in every bite.

The Strength Bulletin

  • Catch up on the 2025 Global Classic Hong Kong China Pro—Lei Yingqi (Classic Physique), Heng Zhao (Men’s Physique), and Li Shuai (Bikini) emerged victorious and punched their tickets to Mr. Olympia in Vegas. [See who’s headed to the big stage]

Reply

or to participate.