💪 Build Muscle After 40 With This Hack

Here’s what we have for you today: 

• How to continue building muscle and gaining strength at 40 and beyond 

• In an exclusive interview, 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia champ Erin Banks tells us whether or not he’s retiring 

• Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, Joseph Baena, has a push workout you need to try 

TRAINING 

Pump Your Way to Ageless Gains 

You can build muscle at any age, but let’s be honest: after hitting 40, those gains don’t come by as easily as they did in your 20s and 30s. Thankfully, innovative training methods like blood-flow restriction (BFR) offer an evidence-based approach to help you continue adding muscle mass and strength as you transition into middle age.

BFR's main selling point in combating age-related effects, such as bone and joint deterioration, is its ability to stimulate muscle growth without needing heavy weights. By constricting blood flow to your muscles using a wrap, bind, or tourniquet, you can achieve significant gains with lighter loads. Discover how to effectively implement this research-backed training technique and understand why it benefits your leg and arm muscles.

BODYBUILDING 

Exclusive Interview With Banks

Erin Banks, the 2022 Men's Physique Olympia champion, aimed to reclaim his title at the 2024 Olympia in Las Vegas. Despite his determination, Ryan Terry retained his championship, while Banks secured a third-place finish for the second year in a row. 

Now that the 2024 Olympia is in the books, Banks sat down with BarBend to reflect on his experience at the event and discuss what lies ahead in his bodybuilding career. 

WORKOUT 

It Runs in the Gene Pool 

If you believe in the influence of genetics on bodybuilding potential, then it's hard to argue that having Arnold Schwarzenegger's genes is a significant advantage.

Schwarzenegger’s son, Joe Baena, is living proof of this. He recently took to social media to share an extensive push workout and show off a physique update. As you’ll see, he’s a chip off the old block (or oak).

Although he hasn't yet stepped onto a bodybuilding stage, Baena’s impressive python arms and incredible V-taper could give other competitors a run for their money. Check out his chest and triceps workout and posing session at the iconic Gold’s Gym Venice.

THE DROP SET 

Open Question

• Can Chris Bumstead succeed in Men’s Open bodybuilding? Samson Dauda isn’t sold quite yet.

• 2024 Classic Physique Olympia runner-up Mike Sommerfeld was sore for five days after trying to go toe to toe with CBum. Listen to the painful consequences he endured trying to out-pose the Classic Physique kingpin. 

• Whey protein isolate is amongst the most popular protein supplements to support muscle growth. Here’s our expert review of the NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate.