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Try the 3-Minute Burpee Challenge and See If You Stack Up Against the Elite
While Katy Perry was busy reaching new heights aboard Blue Origin, Tom Platz was proving that gravity still doesn't apply to him—nearly 70 and still squatting like it's 1985.
Three minutes—that’s shorter than your favorite song, but long enough to test if your conditioning is pro-level or just pretend. The viral 3-minute burpee challenge, beloved by athletes and feared by mere mortals, demands relentless intensity as elites crank out over 75 reps, leaving lungs burning and egos humbled. Not just an Instagram trend, this explosive test is also a great benchmark to gauge your fitness progression. Fair warning: It’ll feel like the longest three minutes of your life. [Step Into the Pain Cave]
Three weeks from hitting the stage at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, Walker cranked up his quad training to "Mutant"-level intensity. His leg routine—featuring punishing hack squats, screaming leg extensions, and lunges brutal enough to make grown men weep—delivers the kind of pump that makes walking a comedic event afterward. What sets Walker apart isn’t just the exercises but how far he pushes each set, relentlessly going to muscular failure. Even seasoned lifters might flinch watching this quad massacre unfold. [Train Like the Mutant]
Legendary bodybuilder Lee Priest isn’t exactly subtle about peak week—calling it "the dumbest thing ever" might be putting it lightly. Priest argues against the stressful rollercoaster of carb manipulation, excessive dehydration, and last-minute miracle attempts, suggesting a steady, more reliable approach. His philosophy? Be stage-ready well before competition day, eliminating unnecessary stress and guesswork. For competitors drowning in conflicting advice, Priest’s approach might just be the life raft they need. [Ditch the Drama, Keep the Gains]
The U.S. Army just raised the bar for every soldier, announcing gender-neutral fitness standards that promise to make basic training feel a little less basic. The revamped combat fitness test keeps its six grueling events, but minimum requirements now match real-world combat demands—no exceptions. Critics argue it's overly harsh, but proponents see a necessary step toward true combat readiness. Soldiers will now face uniform standards, emphasizing skills like strength, endurance, and agility more relevant to modern warfare than outdated norms. [Drop and Give Us Standards]
If you're aiming for superhero-size muscle gains overnight, you might want to adjust your expectations. Realistically, most lifters will gain between 0.5 to 2 pounds of muscle per month—assuming you're training consistently, eating intelligently, and recovering adequately. A pro dives deeper, breaking down growth rates by experience level, genetic factors, and whether you’re lifting naturally or enhanced. Rather than chasing unrealistic numbers, learn to track your progress effectively to stay motivated. [Grow Smart, Not Fast]
Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler recently revealed he suffered a biceps tear at age 51, but injuries aren’t stopping this bodybuilding legend from hitting the iron. Demonstrating grit, discipline, and adaptability, Cutler took on a fasted back workout despite the setback. This isn't about chasing medals anymore—it’s about preserving passion, overcoming challenges, and staying in the game for life. His journey serves as inspiration for lifters battling their own setbacks, proving the gym is about resilience more than perfection. [Watch a Champion Adapt]
When Hooper spoke up about problems at the 2025 World's Strongest Man, including delayed prize money, poor communication, and restrictive family policies, organizers didn’t just listen—they acted. His candid feedback resulted in significant changes: faster payouts, better transparency, and more inclusive policies for athletes' families. Hooper’s voice didn’t just spark a conversation; it forced the event to raise standards, prioritizing athlete welfare over status quo complacency. [Read the Strongman Shake-Up]
Nearly 70 and still defying gravity, Tom Platz, aka the Quadfather, is squatting heavy loads that could humble lifters half his age. Recently, Platz unleashed a session of squats so intense it left onlookers both inspired and bewildered, questioning their own leg-day routines. His continued dominance isn’t merely impressive—it’s a living testament to longevity, passion, and purpose-driven training. Whether you're 17 or 70, Platz’s workouts remind us intensity and dedication don't have expiration dates. [Witness Quadzilla in Action]
Ahead of WrestleMania 41, WWE superstar Roman Reigns unleashed a fierce upper-body workout designed to showcase strength worthy of the Tribal Chief himself. Blending bodybuilding techniques with wrestling-specific conditioning, his routine included incline presses, high-volume push-ups, and circuits guaranteed to impress crowds and intimidate opponents. This isn’t just for aesthetics; it's about functional strength that survives matches, championship demands, and a relentless schedule. [Smash Your Upper Body Like Reigns]
Herndon delivered a historic feat at the 2025 PLU Ghost Clash 4, squatting an unbelievable 422.5 kg (931.5 lbs) raw, setting a new all-time world record in the 125kg class. Herndon's lift wasn't just impressive—it redefined the limits of what's humanly possible under a barbell. Viewers witnessed a perfect mix of strength, technique, and sheer determination. His record-setting squat is a testament to what dedicated training, relentless preparation, and unwavering focus can accomplish. [Watch the Bar Bend History]
Think you’re strong enough? The advanced pull-up challenge sets the bar at 15 consecutive strict pull-ups for men and at least five for women, representing elite strength-to-weight standards. This article doesn’t just set the challenge—it provides the exact blueprint to crush it, covering everything from technique tweaks to targeted progression exercises. Even if pull-ups currently intimidate you, with consistency and smart programming, hitting these numbers is entirely possible. [Take the Pull-Up Test]
Amazon’s Reacher lead Alan Ritchson just dropped a fresh photo set, and his physique appears carved out of bulletproof glass. The 41-year-old credits heavy compound lifts, calisthenics finishers, and a macro-monitored diet that would make a spreadsheet blush. Broad shoulders, barn-door back, and abs sharp enough to julienne potatoes remind fans that action heroes earn those stunts the hard way. Ritchson squeezes pre-dawn workouts between filming, favoring consistency over crash diets or last-minute heroics. [See the Reacher Ripped Reveal]
Curious about where you stand among the gym-going population? Strength standards offer objective measures, categorizing lifters from beginner to advanced based on core lifts like bench press, squat, and deadlift. While many gym regulars think they’re elite, this reality check helps ground expectations and provides motivation to climb strength ranks intelligently. It’s not about ego; it’s about awareness, goal-setting, and continual improvement. [Check Where You Rank]
Dinner Recipe of the Day: Chicken Biryani
Sauté sliced onions until golden; add ginger-garlic paste, chicken, yogurt, biryani spices, and simmer till fragrant. Parboil basmati rice with spices, then layer it over the chicken in a heavy-bottomed pot. Drizzle saffron-infused milk, sprinkle fried onions and cilantro, cover tightly, and slow-cook on low heat until steam-infused perfection. Rest briefly, fluff gently, and serve hot—takeout who?
The Strength Bulletin
A fresh study just dropped the mic on endless gym marathons, showing muscle gains peak at 11 sets per workout. [Find Your Training Sweet Spot]
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