💪 Can Anyone Beat Big Ramy?

We're officially into September, which means the Mr. Olympia show is inching ever closer. You can practically smell the spray tan already! 

Two-time Mr. O, Big Ramy, was recently shown machine pressing 440 pounds for reps during his competition prep. Judging by his physique three months out from the show, another Sandow trophy might be in his future. 

Hunter Labrada is a fount of bodybuilding knowledge, and he took to YouTube to answer some fan questions about working sets and his off-day food intake.

Is squatting every day the key to greater gains or a quick route to serious injury? We break down the pros, cons, and everything in between.

Let's dive into the meat and potatoes (or grilled chicken and broccoli if you're in prep mode) of the day's best reads below! 

OLYMPIA PREP

Big Ramy's Mass-Building Shoulder Workout

Olympia prep is in the air, and leading the charge is none other than Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. The reigning Mr. O has been all over social media recently with coach Dennis James to show off his workouts leading to the big show, and as you’d expect, Ramy's slingin’ plates in stunning fashion. 

A recent training video highlighted the big man’s shoulder day, which involved him repping 440 on the press machine with no issue. And that was just the beginning of his workout.

PRO TIPS

Hunter Labrada Answers Some Burning Fitness Q's

There are few bodybuilders as open about their process as Hunter Labrada. The fourth-place finisher at the 2021 Mr. Olympia regularly takes to his YouTube channel and Instagram page to answer fan questions, share workout tips, and offer glimpses into his life as an elite on-stage competitor.

In a recent Q&A, Labrada went into detail on a number of topics, including how many sets he does per workout, how he eats on off days, and the one pose he'll never hit on stage. 

TRAINING

Can You (and Should You) Squat Every Day?

Along with deadlifts and the bench press, squats complete the Holy Trinity of powerlifting. This staple of leg day isn't just great for growing tree-trunk quads — they're also fundamental for building stronger joints, a more powerful core, and burning some serious calories.

So if squatting once a week is full of benefits, what would happen if you squatted every day? Dr. Merrick Lincoln, an assistant professor of Kinesiology at Saginaw Valley State University, dives deep into whether daily squats could lead to greater gains ... or potential injury.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Is a Ramy Three-Peat Inevitable? 

THE DROPSET

Everything Else Around the Web

• Think the trap bar deadlift is just a beginner's exercise? Not so fast. Here are five key benefits of this valuable compound lift.

• Classic Physique competitor Urs Kalecinski gave fans a look at his enormous physique during his Olympia prep. Think Chris Bumstead is hearing footsteps yet? 

• Bodybuilder James Hollingshead tackled everyone’s favorite subject: Cheat meals! See how he put a burger, fries, and onion rings to work for his goals.