Sam Sulek Dominates Debut—Earns Arnold Amateur Spot!

Plus, 15-Minute Morning Workout, Ronnie Coleman is calling his shot on the next Mr. Olympia, Patrick Vellner is stepping away from CrossFit competition, and a former NPC bodybuilder made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

February 17, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Sam Sulek made a statement in his bodybuilding debut, securing victory and earning a spot at the prestigious Arnold Amateur. With his impressive physique and rapid rise in the sport, all eyes are on what’s next for this promising competitor. [Read more about Sam Sulek’s big win.]

If your morning routine involves hitting snooze and stumbling to the coffee machine, it’s time for an upgrade. This 15-minute workout is designed to wake up your body, crank up your metabolism, and keep you energized throughout the day. With a mix of bodyweight movements and high-intensity intervals, it’s a quick yet effective way to boost endurance and strength without stepping foot in a gym. Plus, science backs up the benefits of exercising in the morning, from better fat-burning to improved mental clarity. [Give it a shot here.]

A bodybuilding competitor from Afghanistan made global headlines for all the wrong reasons after intentionally driving his car into a crowd in Germany, leaving 36 people injured. The 30-year-old NPC athlete was reportedly involved in an altercation before accelerating into pedestrians, sparking a major emergency response. Authorities have yet to confirm a motive, but the incident has left many questioning how an elite-level athlete ended up at the center of such a horrific event. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation unfolds. [More on the shocking case here.]

Seven-time CrossFit Games veteran Patrick Vellner has announced he’s stepping away from the competition floor for the 2025 season. After consistently battling among the sport’s elite, Vellner cited the need to prioritize family and personal commitments as key reasons for his decision. While he isn’t retiring just yet, the Canadian star’s absence leaves a significant gap in the men’s division. With veterans making way for rising talent, the 2025 CrossFit Games could mark the beginning of a new era. [See his full statement here.]

When an eight-time Mr. Olympia speaks, the bodybuilding world listens. Ronnie Coleman recently weighed in on Keone Pearson’s potential, boldly predicting that the 212 champ will take the Open Mr. Olympia title within the next two to three years. Pearson has already made waves with his classic shape and razor-sharp conditioning, and Coleman believes his frame is filling out perfectly for the jump to the sport’s biggest stage. If Pearson delivers on that potential, bodybuilding’s next big superstar may already be here. [Read Coleman’s take here.]

If you’re after a back that looks like it was carved from stone, take a page from Lee Priest’s training book. The bodybuilding veteran recently revealed his two go-to exercises for building insane back thickness: bent-over rows and close-grip pulldowns. Priest swears by these movements for packing on dense muscle, emphasizing controlled reps and full contractions. Forget complicated routines—sometimes, old-school basics are the real key to serious gains. [Check out Priest’s full breakdown here.]

Jose Raymond has high praise for Samson Dauda but says there’s one missing ingredient for his physique to reach the next level: ultra-thin skin. The former 212 standout believes Dauda is on the verge of something special but needs to fine-tune his conditioning for the 2025 Arnold Classic. Raymond also shared his thoughts on how Derek Lunsford can edge out Dauda by playing to his strengths. With these insights, the battle for bodybuilding’s biggest stages just got even more interesting. [See Raymond’s analysis here.]

Six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates is reminding bodybuilders that posing isn’t just an afterthought—it’s an art. Yates argues that many athletes today focus too much on size and not enough on presentation, which could cost them major wins. He breaks down why perfecting transitions, angles, and flow is just as crucial as the training itself. If you want to stand out on stage, you better start practicing in front of the mirror. [See what Yates had to say here.]

Three-time Men’s Physique Olympia champ Brandon Hendrickson has locked in his early favorites for the 2025 Arnold Classic. While keeping his own competition plans open—hinting at a possible appearance at the Dubai Pro—Hendrickson named the athletes he believes will dominate the stage. As the division continues evolving, his insights offer a preview of what to expect in the year ahead. [See his predictions here.]

Nick Walker is locked in for the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, but he’s also keeping a close eye on Samson Dauda. Walker noted that Dauda is training with a chip on his shoulder after critics took shots at his wife, fueling his fire for the 2025 Arnold Classic. With both men looking to make statements in the new season, bodybuilding fans are in for some serious on-stage drama. [See Walker’s full update here.]

If boulder shoulders are the goal, these seven trainer-approved exercises will get you there. Targeting all three heads of the delts, this list combines compound and isolation movements to build both size and definition. Whether you’re focusing on overhead pressing or refining symmetry with lateral raises, each movement is backed by expert advice. Say goodbye to shoulder-day guesswork and start lifting smarter. [Get the full list here.]

Eggs have been a dietary debate for decades, and Arnold Schwarzenegger is here to crack the truth wide open. The bodybuilding legend examined the latest research on whether eggs contribute to cardiovascular disease and where they fit into a healthy diet. With conflicting studies and nutritional myths everywhere, Schwarzenegger aims to set the record straight for lifters and health-conscious eaters alike. [See what Arnold had to say here.]

Eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney isn’t a fan of decline presses—he thinks they’re a complete waste of time. Instead, he swears by dips as the ultimate lower-pec builder, calling them an old-school staple that modern lifters overlook. Haney breaks down why dips should be a non-negotiable part of chest training if you want full, thick pecs. [Read Haney’s advice here.]

Not sure how many calories you need to hit your fitness goals? This calorie calculator takes the guesswork out of dieting, helping you dial in the perfect intake whether you’re cutting, bulking, or maintaining. By factoring in age, weight, activity level, and goals, it provides a customized approach to nutrition. Because getting results starts with eating the right amount. [Try the calculator here.]

Sam Sulek punches his 2025 Arnold Amateur ticket by winning the NPC Legends Classic📹💪

Dinner Recipe of the Day: Crispy Chicken Rice Bowl

Craving a dinner that's both crunchy and refreshing? This crispy chicken rice bowl has you covered. Start by breading chicken cutlets and baking them to golden perfection. While they crisp up, cook some brown rice and prepare a medley of veggies—think sautéed zucchini, shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and carrots. The pièce de résistance? A zesty mint sauce that ties everything together with a burst of cool freshness. Assemble your bowl with rice, veggies, and chicken, then drizzle generously with the minty sauce. Dinner is served! [Get the full recipe here.]

The Strength Bulletin

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