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- Just 20 Minutes, One Kettlebell: This Metcon Workout Smokes Every Muscle at Home
Just 20 Minutes, One Kettlebell: This Metcon Workout Smokes Every Muscle at Home
Big Ramy’s teasing a comeback, Lee Priest is roasting stage antics, and Ronnie Coleman’s back in the OR—but your abs still won’t train themselves.
This 20‑minute kettlebell metcon is a full‑body blitz that brings the gym home with one tool and EMOM logic. Expect 40‑second all‑out efforts—swings, goblet squats, cleans and presses, renegade rows—followed by 20‑second grips. Repeat the circuit twice for brutal metabolic conditioning that torches calories now and later thanks to post-workout EPOC. Ideal for tight spaces and packed schedules, it boosts strength, endurance, mobility, and grip—all while keeping it efficient and effective. Beginners can start with 8–12 kg, while seasoned lifters may go up to 24 kg. [Crush Every Muscle in 20 Minutes!]
At 77, Arnold maintains that “small, consistent increases in muscle can lead to big changes in fat loss and blood sugar control”—a strategy backed by a meta‑analysis of 122 studies showing a 2–3 percent muscle gain delivered better bodyfat and glucose numbers. His advice? Focus on progressive muscle growth via resistance training, dial-in protein intake, and stay active—stand more, sit less. The former Mr. Olympia still follows this approach daily—meeting protein goals and using simple tweaks to maintain longevity. It’s not about extremes, but steady gains that fuel metabolic health and fat loss. [Harness Arnold’s Muscle-Powered Metabolism!]
Exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel dives into the archives and brings back six retro exercises that once dominated bodybuilding routines—each with biomechanical gold hidden beneath the surface. From Zottman curls to sissy squats, these old-school moves target muscles through unique angles and full ranges of motion often skipped in modern training. Israetel argues that these lifts were abandoned not because they didn’t work, but because they require more control and technique than most are willing to master. He breaks down each one with coaching cues, benefits, and modern tweaks to reduce injury risk while maximizing hypertrophy. The message is clear: if you want a classic physique, you might need some classic moves. [Bring Back the Golden Era Gains!]
Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay may be offstage, but he's far from out of the game. In a recent post, the 2-time Mr. Olympia fired up fans with a cryptic yet powerful statement: “I will be back.” After missing the 2024 season, speculation is heating up about a full-force return in 2025, possibly with renewed coaching and strategic changes. Though he’s been quiet about specifics, the bodybuilding world is buzzing with theories—will we see Ramy reclaim his throne or forge a new path entirely? One thing’s certain: he’s not done yet. [Big Ramy’s Not Done Dominating!]
Bodybuilding legend Lee Priest has a bone to pick with today’s competitors—and it’s not just about conditioning. In a recent critique, he blasted the modern “blocky” look of the standing relaxed pose, claiming it lacks the streamlined flow that defined physiques of the ‘90s. He also took aim at competitors dancing on stage during callouts, calling it distracting and unprofessional. Priest’s gripe? A loss of presentation skills in pursuit of size. His throwback perspective highlights the growing gap between aesthetic symmetry and mass-chasing culture in today’s shows. [Lee Priest Misses the Art of the Pose]
Forget lying down for crunches—this 8-move dumbbell complex keeps you standing and sweating from head to toe. Designed as a non-stop, equipment-light flow, the workout targets abs, legs, shoulders, and arms in a dynamic sequence that spikes your heart rate while building strength. Think thrusters into lunges into rotational presses, all without putting the weights down. You’ll train core stability under fatigue and move through multiple planes of motion, which torches calories while carving out lean muscle. Bonus: it’s joint-friendly and perfect for tight spaces. [Stand Tall, Burn It All]
Six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates didn’t do endless crunches—he followed a brutally efficient bodyweight ab routine influenced by Bruce Lee’s core-focused training. The routine includes high-rep hanging leg raises, static holds and decline crunches done 3–4 times a week with laser focus on contraction and control. Yates swore by training abs like any other muscle: with intensity, but without overtraining. His philosophy? Visible abs are built in the kitchen but fortified in the gym with disciplined reps and smart progression. You don’t need machines—just grit, gravity, and consistency. [Train Your Core Like a Legend]
8-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman remains in stable condition, but his health continues to raise concern after it was confirmed he’ll undergo another surgery to address an “underlying health matter.” While details remain private, his reps acknowledged the situation is serious, though not life-threatening. Coleman’s resilience is legendary—he’s already endured over a dozen back and hip surgeries, each time emerging with trademark optimism and grit. Fans flooded his channels with support, rallying around the bodybuilding icon who redefined mass and mindset. Even off the stage, Coleman continues to inspire. [Stay Strong, Big Ron]
If your fat loss has stalled, it might be time to start thinking in cycles—carb cycles, that is. This 7-day plan alternates high-, moderate-, and low-carb days to keep insulin sensitivity sharp and metabolism firing. It’s not just about manipulating macros, though: the timing of workouts, rest days, and refeed meals is critical to making this protocol work. You’ll train heavy on high-carb days, recover smartly on low-carb ones, and stay leaner while building muscle. The guide also includes sample menus and grocery tips to make sure you don’t end up living on boiled chicken and sadness. [Cycle Smarter, Burn Faster]
What builds more muscle—grinding out reps slowly or going all in with speed and force? A new 30-day comparison put Time Under Tension (TUT) and explosive reps head-to-head. The TUT group focused on controlled 3–5 second eccentrics, while the explosive crew aimed for max acceleration and power. Results? TUT delivered more hypertrophy, especially in slow-twitch fibers and joint stability. But explosive reps reigned supreme for strength and performance carryover. In short, you’ll want both in your training—slow burns to grow, and fast lifts to show. [Pick Your Pace, Pack on Size]
Whether you're trying to build muscle, drop fat, or just survive your next leg day, dialing in your protein intake is key—and this calculator makes it stupid simple. Just plug in your weight, goals, and activity level, and it spits out your daily target in grams, split between meals. You’ll also get tips on food sources, timing, and why 1 gram per pound is a solid rule of thumb (with some nuance, of course). It’s an essential tool whether you’re tracking macros or just winging it with whey. [Find Your Protein Sweet Spot]
Lunch Recipe of the Day: Baked Falafel Sandwiches
Whip up baked falafel by pulsing chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, red onion, panko, tahini, lemon zest and juice, cumin, salt and garlic in a food processor, shaping into patties and baking until golden. Meanwhile, marinate sliced cucumber and onion in olive oil and lemon, toss with arugula, then warm whole‑wheat wraps. Halve the patties and layer on wraps with the arugula-cuke mix, tomato slices, and tahini sauce. Roll burrito‑style, wrap in foil, and enjoy a fresh, protein-packed lunch on the go.
The Strength Bulletin
A new study finds that cutting calories doesn’t compromise strength, power, or brain function, debunking the myth that performance must suffer during a diet. [Lift Smart While Eating Light]
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