đź’Ş Build Muscle the Right Way With This Workout Program

We have lots of leftover chocolate from V-Day, but since we're backloading carbs, those sweet treats will need to wait until after leg day. Just goes with the territory, friends.

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The Arnold Classic is one of the top competitions on the bodybuilding calendar, but it can often get overshadowed by the Olympia. So we highlighted 10 standout performances from the Arnold's storied history.

If you're looking for a reset after time away from the gym — or perhaps training with a friend beginning their own muscle journey — we have a fantastic beginner bodybuilding program for FREE. We're biased, but seriously, this is hot, hot fire for the gains.

Finally, since bodybuilding is a subjective sport, athletes face a mental burden in dealing with judgment on stage. That's vulnerability dialed up to 11! Fortunately, a six-time Figure Olympia Champ is sharing her perspective and advice for building up your mental game.

HISTORY

10 Best Arnold Performances

Image: @kaigreene on Instagram

A stage-ready physique is one thing. A history-making body is a different ballgame.

Today, the Arnold Classic is widely regarded as the most illustrious bodybuilding competition of the year behind only the Mr. Olympia. Over the course of 30-plus years, fans have been treated to no shortage of historic bodybuilding moments at the show, including the arrival of new stars and the redemption of veteran performers.

Below, we explore some of the most memorable performances at the Arnold Classic throughout the years. While divisions like Bikini, Pro Wheelchair, and Classic Physique all compete at the event today, this list focuses solely on the Men’s Open division, which is simply known as the Arnold Classic.

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TRAINING 

The Intro Routine for Maximum Gains

Image Credit: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Something happened. You saw Fight Club recently. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ferocious physique in Predator struck a chord. News of Chris Bumstead’s fourth consecutive Classic Physique Olympia title graced your news feed. Or, perhaps, someone’s physique caught your attention while you were out running errands.

The “why” doesn’t matter — you’ve been bitten by the bodybuilding bug and now you’re on the quest for gains. Motivation is all well and good, but knowing where you want to go is only half the battle. You have to know how you’re going to get yourself there.

That's why we put together the best *darn* beginner bodybuilding routine, whether you're restarting a stalled journey or getting things rolling for the first time.

MENTALITY

Cydney Gillon's Brain Dump

Image via @vytamin_c on Instagram

The six-time Figure Olympia champion Cydney Gillon is amidst her dynasty as a bodybuilding legend. She has more Figure Olympia titles than anyone in history and is still at the top of her game. However, despite being seemingly untouchable atop the Figure throne, Gillon has not lost sight of how she climbed the ladder.

On Valentine's Day, Gillon took to her YouTube channel to offer tips to anyone looking to start their pro bodybuilding career. The big takeaway: “Focus on yourself.” This doesn’t necessarily mean what one might think at first glance. Gillon didn’t mean it from a physique perspective but from a mindset and self-esteem perspective. She dissected what she meant further in the video below:

THE DROPSET

Ultimate At-Home Chest Routine

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