💪 The BEST Bodybuilding Moments of 2022

The world may slow down before the new year, but The Ripped Report is in midseason form. Gains don't take a holiday after all.

Before we start, today’s newsletter is sponsored by Chirp. If you’re dealing with a stiff neck or tight muscles, the Chirp Wheel is designed to promote recovery. Learn more here.

Is the bent-over barbell row a part of your routine? We’ve compiled everything you need to know about this muscle-building back move.

This year turned the entire bodybuilding world upside down, and we're looking back at the most memorable moments from the past 12 months. Big Ramy is just about 10 days removed from his shocking loss at the 2022 Mr. Olympia — but a recent poll we conducted shows that most fans think he's the frontrunner to win it all again in 2023.

EXERCISE TIPS

Your Key to Back Gains

They say, “you gotta row to grow.” And what they’re (almost always) referring to is the classic bent-over barbell row. This move is ranked right up there with the Big Three powerlifts — squat, bench press, and deadlift — because it’s a comprehensive movement for building size and strength. (Just look at Dorian Yates ripping out a few reps above.)

And in addition to building a wider, stronger back, the bent-over row also plays a huge role in developing a better set of arms. If all that sounds like something you want in on, we're detailing everything you need to know about the move, including the proper form, variations, and more.

FROM OUR SPONSOR

Roll Your Way to Relief

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BODYBUILDING

A Memorable Trip Around the Sun

Physique sports are going strong, whether you’re a casual fan or a diehard competitor. Plenty of memorable moments went down in the sport of bodybuilding throughout 2022: There were surprise victories, stunning defeats, unexpected returns, and several newcomers bursting onto the scene to make a name for themselves.

As the year winds down, it’s worth looking back at some of these moments to remember the highlights from a packed 12 months of fierce competition. And for added convenience, we've compiled the best of the best in the listicle below so you can catch up on the whole year in one place.

FANS REACT

A Ramy Return?

The 2022 Mr. Olympia was supposed to be the competition that further cemented Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay as the most dominant athlete in the Men’s Open division. Instead, Iranian bodybuilder Hadi Choopan put a stop to Ramy’s reign by pulling off the upset win for his first Sandow trophy. And Ramy didn’t just lose his title — he dropped all the way down to fifth place.

A fall like that for a reigning champion is nearly unheard of, but there’s still hope that he can come back and win it all again in 2023. Well, according to some fans, anyway.

In the December 20, 2022, edition of The Ripped Report, fans were asked to vote on who they think will win the Mr. Olympia title in 2023. Not only did Ramy win our poll — he won decisively. Check out the full results below.

THE DROPSET

Diamonds Are a Chest's Best Friend

• The diamond push-up isn’t as easy as it might look, but you’ll sculpt a rock-solid upper body if you do it right.

• Knee sleeves are a must for squat day. Our buyer’s guide ensures you’re picking up the right ones.

• Dumbbell flyes and cable flyes both build your chest, but which one is better? We put them head to head to find out.

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