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Only 5 Supplements Earn Their Keep In Your Stack
Jay Cutler swears by meal timing, Andrea Shaw keeps stacking Rising Phoenix crowns, and Lee Labrada insists the classic 8–12 rep range is still king.
Most bottles promise the moon, but only a few actually move the needle. Backed by research, this guide crowns creatine as the everyday workhorse, complemented by whey protein for convenient recovery, caffeine for reliable performance, beta-alanine to delay fatigue, and nitrates from beets for improved blood flow and pumps. The skip list is just as useful because money saved is progress earned. BCAAs add little if you already hit daily protein; glutamine does not change much for healthy lifters, ZMA only helps if you are deficient, so-called test boosters are mostly noise, and fat burners cannot replace a calorie deficit. Build your stack with intent and cut the clutter. [Upgrade Your Stack Now]
Stuck in neutral. A structured PPL plan shifts you back into drive by training each muscle group twice per week for more quality volume and better frequency. The program outlines week-by-week sessions that emphasize clean form, mind-muscle connection, and gradual progressions in reps, load, and rest to maintain adaptation. The approach pairs training with a measured 500 daily calorie deficit and reports real-world changes in four weeks, including body fat dropping from 18 percent to 11 percent and scale weight moving from 185 to 178 pounds. Expect clearer structure, fewer imbalances, and a plan you can repeat or level up. [Steal The 30 Day Plan]
Four-time Mr Olympia Jay Cutler keeps it simple and consistent. He spaces meals every three hours so protein and carbs are always in the pipeline. One hour before training and one hour after training are his non-negotiables for fueling growth and recovery. The biggest and most calorie-dense meals land around the workout or right after waking to match energy needs with performance. It is not magic timing but smart logistics that make hitting macros and digestion easier day after day. [Eat Like A Pro Today]
Old-school legend Lee Labrada drops science-backed wisdom on what really builds muscle, defined and lasting. His verdict: the sweet spot for hypertrophy is sets of 8-12 reps at about 60-80 percent of your 1RM. Go lower or higher sometimes? Fine. But Labrada says consistency in that moderate range + smart training + good diet = steady, reliable gains. Want definition? Build the muscle, then burn the fat—doing more reps won’t change muscle shape. [Pick Your Rep Lane]
Exercise scientist Mike Israetel takes a hard look at Alex Eubank's form and programming, then tackles the decision to start testosterone in his early twenties. He agrees that a thirty-degree incline can target upper pecs, though he pushes for stricter technique and lighter rows to maximize stimulus with less fatigue. He urges more pullups over pulldowns for better lat lengthening under load. The headline number is a weekly two-hundred-milligram testosterone dose, which he calls high for simple replacement, even if low levels and symptoms made Eubank a candidate. [Watch The Full Breakdown]
This plan centers on whole eggs with added fats and cheese for three days to create a low-carb, high-protein intake that may tamp hunger and nudge ketosis. The article outlines strict rules, like an egg within thirty minutes of waking, and at least six whole eggs per day with added fats and fluids. Potential upsides include appetite control and a short reset for plateaus, yet the cholesterol load can climb well above typical daily limits. It is not for everyone, and medical oversight is wise, especially for those with cardiovascular risks. Short bursts can work, but long-term success still depends on sustainable habits. [See The Egg Plan]
Urs Kalecinski just did the thing: he won his second straight Open title at the 2025 Europa Pro. Judges praised his conditioning, fullness, and balance, especially his back and legs, which gave competitors a tough time keeping up. His posing routine showed maturity and confidence, rounding out a performance that left little room for debate. Behind him were solid showings from the likes of Quinton Eriya and Matthias Hollweck, but Kalecinski made sure the spotlight stayed where it belongs. [Peep the Full Results]
Andrea Shaw proved once again that polish matters just as much as power. She took home her fourth Rising Phoenix title, impressing judges with her sharp lines, symmetry, and presence. Her physique showed fewer weak points than ever—especially in her midsection and glutes, where many hoped to see improvements. Rachael Ward and Helle Trevino pushed hard but fell just short in both conditioning and presentation. Shaw not only walked away with the crown, but she did it without last-minute dramatic changes. [See the Score Sheets]
In an evening full of waist-snatching poses and murderous quarter turns, Alice Marchisio took the top spot at the 2025 Battle of the Bodies. Her back, abs, and quads especially popped under the lights, giving her the edge in symmetries and flow over a strong field. Fans and judges both noted her composure and pacing on stage—something many competitors overlook until the final rounds. She made the night hers, no smoke and mirrors. [Witness Her Walk-Off]
Your muscles need more than hype to grow—they need enough protein, consistent leverage, and enough recovery. This protein calculator helps you dial in the daily grams based on body weight, activity level, goal (lose fat, maintain, or build muscle), and your training frequency. It reminds you that while the often-quoted two grams per kilogram might work for some, many thrive on somewhere between 1.6 and 2.2 grams depending on goals, intensity, and how often you train. Too little and you risk stalling, too much and you waste calories. [Crunch Your Numbers]
Quinton Eriya brought the heat with a sharp posing routine at the 2025 Europa Pro📹💪
Recovery Tip of the Day: Heavy Sled Pulls on Off Days
Dragging a sled on your off days might feel like punishment, but it is sneaky recovery disguised as work. Heavy sled pulls fire up your posterior chain without the joint stress of squats or deads, build insane work capacity, and even pump blood into sore muscles to speed up recovery. Think of it as cardio with benefits: more strength, better conditioning, and no eccentric damage to leave you hobbling. Just load it up, lean forward, and march—it is the kind of grunt work that pays off when the big lifts roll back around.
The Strength Bulletin
A new study shows that you can maintain strength, muscle size, and aerobic power after switching to just one full workout every 7 days for three months following an initial 12-week training phase. [Read the Study]
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