💪 Who Were the BEST Bodybuilders of 2023?

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Here's how we're starting 2024: 

• We count down the 10 best bodybuilders of 2023

• See how Men's Open bodybuilder Andrew Jacked trains legs with Classic Physique athlete Larry Wheels

• Find out which foods (if any) actually burn fat

BODYBUILDING

Cream of the Crop

The 2023 bodybuilding season was filled with upset victories and history-making dynasties. Derek Lunsford etched his name in the record books as the first-ever two-time division winner, claiming the Mr. Olympia title from Hadi Choopan this past November after previously winning the 212 Olympia back in 2021. 

Chris Bumstead secured his fifth Classic Physique Olympia championship, while Ryan Terry crafted a comeback story at the Olympia, winning the Men's Physique division for the first time. The year also saw emerging talents like Bikini athlete Aimee Delgado garner significant attention in the sport. 

This past year was one for the record books, and as we reminisce about the exceptional talent who took center stage, we have curated a list of the top 10 athletes who dominated the game.

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TRAINING 

4 Leg Moves for Mass 

Powerlifter-turned-bodybuilder Larry Wheels recently claimed victory at his first Classic Physique bodybuilding show, the 2023 NPC Ultimate Warriors. Soon after, Wheels came extremely close to securing an IFBB Pro Card at the 2023 Amateur Olympia but fell just short as runner-up. Currently, he's honing his skills by training with top athletes in the Men's Open division, hoping to secure his professional card soon.

On December 22, Wheels shared a video on his YouTube channel, where he's seen training his legs alongside Andrew Jacked, who claimed fifth place at the Mr. Olympia in November. The duo only did a few movements but incorporated supersets and other training techniques like drop sets to keep the intensity high. Check out the intense leg workout they are using to add serious mass to their lower bodies. 

NUTRITION

Fat Burning Foods Debunked 

When it comes to dieting, a single Google search can send you down a rabbit hole of claims about certain foods having magical fat-burning properties. However, the truth is that there's little (if any) scientific evidence to back up these claims. If you indulge in foods or beverages often hailed for their fat-burning effects, such as green tea, it's important to understand that no food directly burns fat. 

But while the food you eat doesn't directly burn belly fat, making smart food choices can significantly impact your metabolism and appetite, which does affect weight loss. 

Eating nutrient-dense foods rich in lean proteins, complex carbs, and essential micronutrients like vitamin D and iron — think fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables — will make your fat loss journey much easier. Unlock the science behind weight loss and discover how to nourish your body for a trimmer waistline.

THE DROPSET

New Year’s Plan

• Do you plan to lose weight or build muscle to build your best physique yet in 2024? Here are six science-backed tips to make that happen. 

• Having accountability and a blueprint can make achieving your fitness goals easier. See our review of the weight loss app Noom, which combines psychology with behavioral science to support weight loss. 

• The bent-over row is a must-do exercise to beef up your back. Learn how opting for the cable variation builds your lats and core simultaneously.