💪 8 Deadlift Alternatives to Freshen Up Your Workouts

You might want to limber up before starting today’s Ripped Report — we’re covering a lot of ground.

Here’s what’s on tap:

• Eight deadlift alternatives for when you’re in no mood to pull.

• Ten former Olympia champs and bodybuilding underdogs with something to prove in 2023.

• A complete recap of this past weekend’s Toronto Pro Supershow.

EXERCISES

Ditch the Deadlift (for Now)

Deadlifts are one of the best expressions of full-body strength there is – and they aren’t bad for building muscle, either. However, there’s a very specific set of requirements you’ll usually need in order to incorporate deadlifting into your program.

For example, you’ll need access to a barbell, enough plates, and you get bonus points if you have a deadlift platform as well. But if you’re finding it a bit daunting to launch directly into deadlifts from the floor, fear not!

At the core of the deadlift is the hip hinge technique, and harnessing your posterior chain of muscle through the hip hinge can be accomplished by plenty of alternative exercises. Here are eight ways to reap the benefits of deadlifting — without actually having to deadlift.

BODYBUILDING

Redemption Song

The 2022 bodybuilding season was a memorable one for several reasons. New champions were crowned, careers were redefined, and it all culminated in one of the most fiercely contested Olympia weekends in history.

But while the year was exciting from a spectator’s point of view, it wasn’t great for many of the athletes involved. A few former champs took notable tumbles down the rankings in 2022, while some perennial underdogs were left still searching for a high-profile win.

That means the 2023 season — which is really beginning to ramp up this month — features plenty of competitors looking to bounce back in a big way. Here are 10 of them:

SHOW RESULTS

Valliere’s Triumph

After an 11th-place finish at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, it was clear that Ian Valliere was in need of a big performance this summer to give his career a much-needed boost. And that’s exactly what happened this past weekend at the Toronto Pro Supershow.

Valliere came out on top in the competitive Men’s Open division, beating out the likes of Hassan Mostafa and Ross Flanigan. This win punched Valliere’s ticket to the 2023 Olympia this November, where he hopes to improve upon last year’s outcome.

DROP SET

Grip ‘em Close

• Build stronger tris and more upper body strength with the close-grip bench. Here’s the tutorial.

• The 2023 Nevada Pro also went down this weekend. Read the full results.

• Can’t think of a quality protein powder to buy? We’ve got 17 options to choose from.

SOUND OFF!

Does Ramy Have a Chance?

THE RESULTS ARE IN

Do You Compete?

Last week, we asked you whether or not you’ve ever competed as a professional bodybuilder. Here’s how you voted:

1. I have no interest (45.54%)

2. I used to compete (20.46%)

3. I am training for my first competition (19.44%)

4. I currently compete (14.56%)