💪 10 Proven Benefits of Strength Training

NASA says humans could be living on the moon by 2030. The real selling point? With the decreased gravity, a 1,000-pound bench press would be no sweat.

Today’s Ripped Report is presented by Element 26. If you’re looking for high-quality support during your next PR, Element 26’s NEW Hybrid Leather Belt has a revolutionary design. Featuring a nylon strap stitched onto a leather belt, you get the perfect combination of adjustability and rigidity.

There are more than a few muscle-oriented benefits that come with strength training, and we’re running down 10 of the most important ones every bodybuilder should know. 

Did you know that two Mr. Olympia contests only featured one competitor? Or that the original prize was a bejeweled crown? Those are just a few of the most fascinating facts about the show of shows.

Speaking of the Olympia, the 2022 contest is just weeks away. One of the most prolific bodybuilding coaches thinks this year is all about Big Ramy vs. Nick Walker. 

TRAINING TIPS

Power and Glory

Many modern bodybuilders recognize the importance of training for function and form. And if you're smart about adding strength-focused work into a traditional bodybuilding routine, you'll see plenty of benefits, including more of that muscle you've been after.

Anyone wondering how to fold strength training into a bodybuilding workout plan should check out the article below. We go through the best ways to program a workout that values both aesthetics and strength, while also detailing all the benefits you'll get from upping the weights and boosting your power. Think of it as an early holiday gift for your gains. 

HISTORY

Trivia Tuesday: The Mr. Olympia Edition

The inaugural Mr. Olympia competition took place on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. Larry Scott famously won his first of two consecutive Mr. Olympia titles that day — and for his achievement, the bodybuilding legend was awarded with … a crown? 

If you’re wondering why Scott didn’t take home the Sandow trophy, it’s because that tradition didn’t start until 1977, when Frank Zane became the first recipient of the now-iconic award. That’s far from the only quirk in the history of this venerable bodybuilding contest. What about the infamous 1990 Mr. Olympia, which was the only one to employ a strict drug testing policy? Or the fact that there are twice as many multi-time Mr. Olympia champs as there are one-time winners? 

We're talking about those and other facts you should know about the biggest show in bodybuilding.

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NEWS

Nick Walker’s Date With Destiny?

While there’s no shortage of compelling storylines to watch for at the 2022 Olympia, the main event is undoubtedly Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay's opportunity to win a third consecutive Sandow. But before he can claim victory, Ramy has to contend with a stacked lineup that includes Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, and Hunter Labrada. But the real wildcard this year is Nick Walker, who came in fifth last year and has made big-time improvements in the off-season.

The buzz around Walker is growing, and in a video on James “Flex” Lewis’ YouTube channel, legendary coach and 1989 Mr. Universe Miloš Šarčev said that he thinks Elssbiay and Walker will be the main attraction at the 2022 Olympia. It’s hard to argue his points — we just have to wait until the weekend of December 16 to see for ourselves. 

THE DROPSET

High-Tech Recovery

• Bikini Olympia winner Jennifer Dorie swears by infrared saunas to help her recover following workouts in the lead-up to the 2022 Olympia. 

• For more recovery tips, bodybuilder and powerlifter Stan Efferding went on The Mike O’Hearn Show to talk about how important sleep is to muscle growth.

• And finally, if you want to squeeze another exercise into your routine, we make the case for the dumbbell deadlift. 

SOUND OFF!

Nick Walker at the 2022 Olympia

THE RESULTS ARE IN

Classic Physique Ekes Out a Win

In the November 15, 2022, edition of The Ripped Report, we asked you to choose the Olympia division you're most looking forward to seeing this year other than Men's Open. Here are the results:

1. Classic Physique (22%)

2. 212 (21%)

3. Men's Physique (19%)

4. Bikini (13%)

5. Ms. Olympia (6%)

6. Women's Physique (5%)

7. Fitness (5%)

8. Figure (4%)

9. Wellness (3%)

10. Wheelchair (2%)