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Unlock Big Gains With Teff, The Ancient Supergrain
From The Rock’s mysterious trim-down and Arnold’s skepticism about miracle peptides to Jay Cutler’s age-defying grind and a study linking bigger biceps to lower diabetes risk, there’s no shortage of muscle gossip this week.
This tiny Ethiopian grain is punching far above its weight in the gym. Teff is naturally gluten‑free, delivers a complete amino acid profile with about 13 grams of protein per cooked cup, and packs more fiber, iron, and calcium than many commercial shakes. In an experiment spanning three months, a lifter swapped all protein powders for teff porridge, pancakes, and flatbreads and reported stronger lifts, better recovery, and fuller muscles. Bonus points: teff grows in harsh climates, enriches soil instead of depleting it, and needs little water. If you’re tired of sugary protein mixes and want something sustainable, teff might be your new secret weapon. [Fuel Your Gains With Teff]
During a candid chat, Joe Rogan and Derek from More Plates More Dates suggested Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s recent downsizing wasn’t for a movie role but for survival. The duo noted that tipping the scales at nearly 300 pounds past 50 is a cardiovascular gamble and speculated he was literally at death’s door. They believe he’s in a “health phase” to add years to his life and that he might quietly bulk up again once his heart cooperates. The conversation also revisited his on‑again, off‑again denials of steroid use and how the modern audience is less tolerant of PED secrecy. Whether you’re Team Rock or Team Reality, the takeaways are clear: size matters, but so does blood pressure. [Hear the Unfiltered Podcast Discussion]
Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t buying the buzz around BPC‑157, the so‑called “Wolverine serum.” In a recent newsletter, he pointed out that there’s only one small human study on the peptide involving 12 participants, while the rest of the data comes from rodents and rabbits. Animal trials show it might speed up muscle and tendon healing, but the former Mr. Olympia warns that the hype has sprinted far ahead of the science. He notes there’s no reliable human evidence, zero long‑term safety data, and the compound is banned by most sports federations. In other words, don’t expect a miracle injection to fix your creaky knees just yet. [See Why BPC‑157 Isn’t a Miracle Cure]
Four‑time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler still grinds seven days a week and looks as diced as ever. His chest session starts with an Arsenal-loaded standing press (three plates per side) before moving to incline J‑bell presses, cable presses, and push‑ups. He credits J‑bells for keeping weight distribution smooth and cables for providing constant tension even when he’s exhausted. After pounding his pecs, Cutler does kneeling rope crunches, incline bench sit‑ups, hanging leg raises, and finishes with standing and seated calf raises plus a 20‑minute treadmill walk. The routine is simple yet relentless—proof that consistency and smart tweaks beat flashy gimmicks. [Steal Jay’s Age‑Defying Workout Plan]
Joe Rogan and Derek MPMD took listeners on a nostalgia‑tinged takedown of the supplement industry’s bad old days. They described the 1990s and early 2000s as a “Wild West” where supplement companies mixed proprietary stimulants, slapped pictures of Jay Cutler and Lee Priest on labels, and charged a premium. Meanwhile, bodybuilders touted secret formulas while quietly running cycles, creating what the hosts call a three‑card‑monte‑level scam. The conversation pivoted to today’s transparency, including speculation that The Rock’s smaller frame signals a PED pause and a changing public attitude toward performance enhancers. If nothing else, the segment proves that trust—but-verify applies to supplement labels too. [Unmask the Secrets of Legends]
A sobering story out of Olinda, Brazil: 55‑year‑old museum director Ronald Montenegro was performing a bench press when the bar slipped, crushed his chest, and led to his death shortly after. The museum canceled its carnival in his honor, and his gym released a statement expressing condolences and noting they provided immediate aid. The incident is a stark reminder that even experienced lifters aren’t invincible—bench press accidents have claimed multiple lives and injuries. Experts like Bob Cicherillo have even called the bench press the single worst exercise because the line between PR glory and catastrophe is razor‑thin. Use spotters, safety bars, and common sense every time you lie under a loaded barbell. [Read the Sobering Story]
Tom Platz, the “Golden Eagle,” believes the real plateau breaker isn’t a magic rep scheme but child‑like enthusiasm for the gym. In a recent interview, he said nothing great was ever achieved without passion and urged lifters to crave their training the way kids crave candy. He suggests timing workouts for when energy peaks and focusing on joy, not just checking off sets. Platz also nods to Lee Priest’s tactical advice: try supersets, change exercise order, or use pre‑exhaust methods, but only if you’re patient enough to see them through. When enthusiasm leads, progress follows. [Learn the Mindset Secrets to Break Through]
Stop guessing how much protein you need. This interactive tool asks for your age, weight, height, activity level, and goals, then spits out personalized daily protein ranges based on CDC and ADA guidelines—plus a higher “nutritionist” recommendation for lifters. Whether you’re cutting, bulking, or maintaining, you’ll see how many grams to aim for and even download a PDF for easy reference. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re eating enough to fuel muscle growth without overdoing it. Consider it your macronutrient compass. [Calculate Your Protein in Seconds]
Streamer‑turned‑sprinter IShowSpeed ditched the headset for a double biceps showdown with Blessing Awodibu and Chris Bumstead📹💪
Recovery Tip of the Day: Nasal‑Only Down‑Regulation Finisher
After your last set, lie on your back, close your mouth, and breathe only through your nose for 2–4 minutes. Inhale slowly, letting your belly expand, then exhale even more slowly; match inhales and exhales to a count of four or six. This down‑regulation practice taps into your parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and cortisol while improving diaphragm function. It’s a quiet way to teach your body to switch from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest,” accelerating recovery between sessions. Make nasal breathing your secret cool‑down weapon.
The Strength Bulletin
A large real‑world study of over 1.3 million adults found that higher lean body mass significantly lowers the risk of developing diabetes in both men and women. [Read the study]











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