💪 6 Underrated Deadlift Benefits

The United Nations projects the world's population will finally hit 8 billion today. If that doesn't convince your gym to invest in a few more squat racks, nothing will.  

Before we start: This edition of The Ripped Report is presented by Thirdzy. Enjoy deeper sleep and better muscle recovery, thanks to the science-backed ingredients found in Thirdzy's PM Recovery Collagen drink powder. Get 25% off today by using the code BarBendZzz.

No exercise spurs more passionate debate than the deadlift. And whether you love the move or hate it, you can stand to learn more about its many benefits. 

The 2022 Romania Muscle Fest Pro bodybuilding show is in the books, and it featured a big upset in the Men's Open division heading into this year's Mr. Olympia. 

Speaking of the Olympia, Classic Physique competitor Breon Ansley detailed the supersets and trisets he uses while training in a caloric deficit.

TRAINING TIPS

More Reasons to Love the Deadlift

You might know the deadlift as a member of the "big three" powerlifting movements, along with the squat and bench press. This hip-dominant pull from the floor is arguably the purest expression of lower-body strength — but there's a lot to like about deadlifts beyond their ability to boost your power.  

If you're on the fence about whether to start deadlifting, or just want your love of the move validated, we've rounded up some unsung benefits of this gym staple that you should know about. Plus, we've got some form tips and programming ideas to make sure you get the most out of your deadlifts. 

COMPETITION RESULTS

An Olympia Shocker

The 2022 Mr. Olympia is shaping up to be one of the most crowded in recent memory. In addition to Big Ramy's quest for a three-peat, you've got top-tier competitors like Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, Nick Walker, and Hunter Labrada, all looking to crack the top three and make serious noise at the biggest show of the year.

If that's not enough, competitors are still qualifying for the show. And at this past weekend's Romania Muscle Fest Pro, a huge upset shook up the roster even more. At the show, Iran's Behrooz Tabani Abar Ghani shocked the fans in attendance by pulling off the upset victory over pre-contest favorite Brett Wilkin. This win earned Ghani an instant qualification for the Olympia and pushed Wilkin's Sandow hopes to next year.

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OLYMPIA UPDATE

Breon Ansley's Home-Stretch Prep

One competitor who's locked in for the 2022 Olympia is Breon Ansley, who is competing in the Classic Physique division one last time before moving to 212. In a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, Ansley gave an update on his prep and detailed how he utilizes supersets and trisets while in a caloric deficit.

The workout in the video took place early in Ansley's caloric cut to lean out for the Olympia. He says training on fewer calories (read: less energy) involves "embracing the pain" and gutting through some tough days. It's a rare look into the decidedly unglamorous side of Olympia prep when athletes get close to the finish line and the cutting phase is in full effect. 

THE DROPSET

God of Cosplay

• Bodybuilder James Hollingshead is a huge gamer. He's also just plain huge. So it makes sense that he's the perfect person to cosplay as Kratos from the God of War video game series. 

• In yet another Mr. Olympia shakeup, bodybuilder Nathan De Asha announced that he's withdrawing from the show due to a biceps tear. 

• ​​Sal Di Stefano, host of the Mind Pump podcast, recently went on The Mike O'Hearn Show to talk about how the psychological aspect of health and fitness is a more effective tool for people than strictly looking at programming or nutrition plans.

SOUND OFF!

The Other Olympia Divisions

THE RESULTS ARE IN

Ronnie Coleman's Feats of Strength 

In the November 8, 2022, edition of The Ripped Report, we asked which of Ronnie Coleman's famed feats of strength is your favorite. Here's how you voted: 

1. The 800-Pound Squat (37%)

2. 200-Pound Dumbbell Bench Press (31%)

3. 800-Pound Deadlift (18%)

4. 2,300-Pound Leg Press (14%)