💪 The 7 Downsides of Being Crazy Lean

We're almost a full week into January, and about half those resolutions have already gone bye-bye. But not here, not at The Ripped Report. We RESOLVED to bring you the best bodybuilding and gainz content around, and we're not going anywhere! (*Wolf of Wall Street voice*)

Getting crazy lean is a big part of bodybuilding, but it comes with serious downsides, so think twice before keeping single-digit body fat year-round.

Derek Lunsford is a 212 Olympia Champion and a Mr. Olympia runner-up. That suddenly makes him one of the most accomplished, versatile bodybuilders in recent memory. So why is he skipping the sport's next big comp?

Dr. Jim Stoppani is one of the world's leading researchers on muscle gain. We sat down with him to bust some protein myths, and he outlined why we might need more protein as we age.

Keep reading, keep growing, and keep on keeping on. It's Friday's Ripped Report!

COMPETITION PREP

7 Downsides of Being REALLY Lean

Sure, a strong deadlift is cool, but you know what’s really cool? Six. Pack. Abs. Or eight-pack abs. Just getting super, stupid, crazy lean, bro — that’s what it’s all about. We’re being sarcastic here, but, man, there are a lot of people out there whose holy grail of fitness is a lean, well-defined set of washboard abs.

If you’ve ever asked, “What possible downside could there be to being Hollywood lean?” then you might have some surprises coming. And no, we’re not just talking about the mental toll of tracking every calorie and turning down invitations to eat out.

TOP PROS

Lunsford's Next Move Is Sitting Out

Former 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford shocked the bodybuilding world at the 2022 Mr. Olympia contest, where he finished second to reigning champion Hadi Choopan by a narrow margin of just four points. On January 1, Lunsford appeared on episode 155 of Fouad Abiad‘s Real Bodybuilding Podcast to reflect on his Mr. Olympia debut and share his plans for the 2023 season, which do not include competing at the Arnold Classic in March.

Lunsford intends to focus solely on the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest, in which he has already qualified as the runner-up in 2022. He aims to dethrone Choopan in his sophomore Mr. Olympia appearance by improving his chest and legs — the former of which was an area he wanted to improve upon in 2022. Check out the full interview below, courtesy of the Fouad Abiad Media YouTube channel.

NUTRITION

Dr. Jim Busts Protein Myths

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But 1g of protein/pound of body weight may get Dr. Jim Stoppani showing up in your kitchen.

On a very special episode of The BarBend Podcast, we talk to fitness researcher and bodybuilder Dr. Jim Stoppani, the founder of JYM Supplement Science.

When it comes to influencers in the space, Dr. Stoppani’s resume is almost unparalleled. He’s an active research scientist who has also spent decades in fitness publishing. And he’s a straight shooter, not afraid to separate fact from fiction and to admit when the research is still coming up short on topics in strength.

Stoppani joins us to talk about everything from training myths to protein requirements as we age. Don’t miss out on this conversation with one of the most knowledgeable people in the space.

THE DROPSET

Are You Hemsworthy?

• Chris Hemsworth is one of the fittest people in Hollywood. Credit his exhaustive but rewarding workouts — including this 50-rep challenge he put out for others to match.

• Working toward your first unassisted pull-ups? Bodybuilding champ Dana Linn Bailey can help!

• It wasn't just about looking good at the Olympia Expo back in December. Powerlifter Shane Hunt was LIFTING good and pulled 700 pounds for 11 reps in the deadlift!