I Gave Up Sugar for 10 Days and The Results Shocked Me

Plus, Sam Sulek is gunning for a 2025 Arnold Classic Amateur spot, Derek Lunsford is rewriting the diet rulebook just weeks before stepping on stage, and Wesley Vissers is bringing back that golden-era chest aesthetic.

Cutting out sugar sounds simple, but what happens when you actually do it? One brave soul ditched the sweet stuff for 10 days and experienced everything from withdrawal-like symptoms to unexpected bursts of energy. While cravings were brutal at first, the results were surprising—better sleep, more stable energy, and even improved mental clarity. But is this a sustainable lifestyle or just another short-term challenge? [Here’s what happened.]

Sam Sulek is wasting no time making waves in the bodybuilding world. He is set to compete at the 2025 NPC Legends Classic and is already eyeing the prestigious Arnold Amateur, which could launch his pro career. Known for his rapid transformation and social media buzz, Sulek’s upcoming performance will prove if he has what it takes to stand among the elite. Will he punch his ticket to the next level? [Watch his journey unfold.]

Three weeks out from the 2025 Arnold Classic, Derek Lunsford is fueling his body in a way that would make most coaches cringe—by loading up on both carbs and fats. Instead of following the traditional high-protein, low-fat approach, the reigning Mr. Olympia contender is leaning into what works for him. Could this be the secret to bringing his best package yet to Columbus? [Take a look at his unconventional prep.]

When it comes to boosting gym performance, should you reach for a fancy pre-workout or stick to old-school black coffee? Arnold Schwarzenegger has weighed in, breaking down the pros and cons of both options. While pre-workouts pack a punch with added ingredients, the Governator argues that coffee might be all you need—without the unnecessary fillers. [See his final verdict.]

Vissers is bringing an old-school aesthetic to the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival, and his latest chest and triceps workout is proof. Emphasizing control, perfect form, and heavy lifts, Vissers is sculpting a physique straight out of bodybuilding’s golden era. If you’re chasing that wide-chested, thick-arm look, this training session is a must-watch. [See how he’s preparing.]

Are you unknowingly holding yourself back in the gym? Jeff Cavaliere has pinpointed nine of the biggest training mistakes lifters make, from poor exercise selection to ineffective recovery strategies. If gains have been slow or plateaus seem impossible to break, fixing these simple errors could be the key to unlocking serious progress. [Here’s what you need to change.]

Creatine is already hailed as one of the best supplements for muscle growth and brain function, but could it also help fight cancer? Arnold Schwarzenegger has tackled this hot topic, citing emerging research on its potential health benefits. While it’s not a miracle cure, early findings suggest creatine might have a protective effect against certain diseases. [Here’s what science says.]

If you want stronger, more defined abs without spending hours in the gym, this seven-day challenge could be the answer. With just five minutes a day, this plan focuses on targeting your entire core with high-impact movements. It’s simple, effective, and designed to fit into any workout routine—no gimmicks, just results. [Start the challenge today.]

Most lifters treat triceps training as an afterthought, but Jeff Cavaliere has the perfect workout to change that. By combining biomechanics and smart exercise selection, his routine targets all three triceps heads for maximum growth. If you want bigger arms, this could be the most efficient way to get there. [Check out the full routine.]

When an eight-time Mr. Olympia steps into your training session, you know it’s going to hurt. Ronnie Coleman recently took Blessing Awodibu through a relentless chest and triceps workout, proving that the old-school intensity still reigns supreme. If you think you train hard, this session might change your definition of effort. [Watch the brutal workout.]

Eddie Hall’s legendary lifts have been a benchmark in strength sports, and reigning Strongest Man on Earth Mitchell Hooper just gave him the ultimate compliment. Reacting to Hall’s greatest moments, Hooper declared him the strongest static lifter of all time—citing lifts that still haven’t been topped. [See what makes Hall’s strength so historic.]

If you want arms that stretch your sleeves, these six exercises should be in your training plan. Covering everything from mass-building compound moves to precision-isolation work, this routine hits every angle of your biceps and triceps. Whether you’re chasing aesthetics or strength, this lineup delivers. [Start training smarter.]

If you think standing all day will magically melt fat, you might want to temper your expectations. A new calculator compares calories burned while sitting vs. standing, and while the difference isn’t massive, it does add up over time. The real key? How you use that extra movement to improve overall activity levels. [Find out how much you’re actually burning.]

Logan Franklin shares a physique update 2.5 weeks ahead of the 2025 Arnold Classic📸💪

Advanced Recovery Tip of the Day: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

If your idea of recovery is a quick protein shake and a half-hearted stretch, it’s time to level up. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is like a turbo boost for healing—think of it as a high-pressure oxygen chamber that floods your body with pure O₂, speeding up muscle repair, reducing inflammation, and even enhancing brain function. Elite athletes swear by it, and research backs up the benefits. The only downside? You’ll feel like you're prepping for a deep-sea dive, minus the cool wetsuit.

The Strength Bulletin

  • A new study finds that leaning back during leg extensions leads to greater quad growth—time to rethink your seat position. [Read the research.]

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