💪 3 Tips to Build an Epic V-Taper

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Here’s what we have for you today:

• Tips to build the ultimate V-taper for a broader frame and trimmer waist 

• 13 variations to the front squat

• How the Olympia and Arnold Classic are battling over bodybuilding prize money

TRAINING TIPS

Superhero V-Taper 

Achieving a pronounced V-taper can elevate your physique to elite bodybuilding status. This coveted shape is characterized by broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist. And as always, your diet and exercise habits are vital to sculpting this aesthetic. 

To achieve this look, we’re offering up three targeted workouts aimed at the essential muscle groups — the lats, lateral deltoids, triceps, and obliques — to broaden your shoulders and slim your waist. Additionally, we provide nutritional guidance and calorie recommendations to help build that broad, robust frame. 

A MESSAGE FROM PIQUE LIFE

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WORKOUTS

Alts for Whammy Quads

If barbell back squats are the king of all leg exercises, then barbell front squats are next in line to the throne. With the barbell front squat, you’ll hold the barbell either at your fingertips or directly on your shoulders. No matter the configuration, both versions are supported by your front deltoids.

Your ego may take a hit because you’re lifting less weight with a front squat versus a back squat. But the hit is well worth it. Because you’re holding the weight in front of you, your quads, core, glutes, and hamstrings are trained differently than other squat variations. The vertical torso position requires greater core and upper back strength.

Just like with the back squat, you likely can’t jump straight into barbell front squats — and even once you master them, you might want some variation now and again. Whether you’re looking to beef up your quads or looking to learn more advanced front squat variations to crush your training, these variations have you covered.

BODYBUILDING

Show Us the Money

At bodybuilding competitions, size matters. That’s why the world’s two most popular events are ponying up for prestige.

• During the Men’s Open finale, organizers at the 2024 Olympia announced that winner Samson Dauda would take home an all-time-high cash prize of $600,000.

• Months prior, in March, Arnold Schwarzenegger beefed up the first-place reward of the Arnold Classic from $300,000 to half a million dollars starting in 2025.

Even events outside of bodybuilding, such as the rapidly expanding Rogue Invitational, are adding to their piles. Let’s take a closer look at the winnings offered by top bodybuilding competitions and see whether this cold war will affect bodybuilding’s already-heated climate.

THE DROP SET 

Hammer Time

• Dumbbell curls are undoubtedly an effective biceps developer. Learn how opting for a neutral grip allows lifters to use heavier weights with hammer curls.

• Creatine has been touted as an exceptional product for enhancing muscle development and strength gains, but does it help with weight loss? Tune in to what registered dietitians say. 

• The 2024 Musclecontest Pro bodybuilding show took place over the weekend, featuring Ramon Rocha Queiroz in the Classic Physique division. Check out the results.