4 Ways to Get Stronger Without Lifting Heavier

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Here’s what we’ve got today: 

• 4 strategies to gain more strength without lifting heavier weights

• How Men’s Open bodybuilder Nick Walker is preparing for the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro

• Where will the 2025 Olympia take place?

TRAINING TIPS 

Superhuman Strength 

Building strength isn’t just about lifting heavier weights. Progressive overload, the key to getting stronger, can be achieved in other ways — perfect for those without access to heavier weights or wanting to avoid the strain of excessive loads on their joints. Two-time Figure Olympia champion Erin Stern shares four alternative techniques to boost strength without piling on more plates.

One effective method is increasing your muscles’ time under tension through techniques like pause reps and slow negatives, which challenge your muscles in new ways. She also highlights the benefits of shortening the range of motion during the stretch phase to maintain greater tension on the muscle, promoting growth and strength. 

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TRAINING 

Push It to the Limit 

Men’s Open bodybuilder Nick Walker is preparing to dominate the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro and qualify for the 2025 Olympia. He’s focused on refining his chest, triceps, and delts with a push-day routine that could inspire you to keep your New Year's fitness goals strong. 

After missing the last two Olympias, Walker prioritizes injury prevention by sticking to machine exercises. These moves reduce the risk of injury and provide better muscle isolation for optimal growth. If you want a masterclass in building powerful pecs, triceps, and shoulders, take some tips from the 2021 Arnold Classic champion and see how “The Mutant” stays on top of his game!

BODYBUILDING 

2025 Olympia Returns to Sin City 

Olympia president Dan Solomon confirmed the date and location for the 2025 Mr. Olympia weekend during a recent interview with Terrick El Guindy. The biggest takeaway is that the Olympia will return once again to Las Vegas. This marks the first time the Olympia has taken place in the exact location for consecutive years since the 2020 and 2021 events were held at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center.

Before this, Las Vegas served as the long-standing home of the Olympia from 1999 to 2019. Sin City hosted the event in 2022 and again at the iconic 60th edition of the Mr. Olympia in 2024. Get all the details about the 2025 Mr. O below.

A MESSAGE FROM 6AM CITY

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THE DROP SET 

Groceries on the Cheap

• Fueling your gains like a professional bodybuilder doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out NPC Worldwide bodybuilder Mark Hodson’s grocery shopping tips to save money. 

• The 2025 Arnold Classic is set to take place in Columbus, Ohio, on February 28, 2025. Here’s a preview of the Wellness International division. 

• Creatine is one of the most research-backed supplements for strength and muscle gains. But what’s the difference between creatine monohydrate vs. hydrochloride? 

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