💪 How to Make Serious Bodybuilding Gains With a Smith Machine

Pro tip: If you didn't accomplish your New Year's resolutions in 2022, you can just recycle them again for 2023. Don't worry — we won't tell.

The 2022 Olympia is descending upon Las Vegas this weekend with the gusto of a bus full of slot machine-obsessed retirees. If that doesn't get you hyped, here are some physique updates from eight of the top Mr. O competitors just days before the show. 

The Smith machine is the Rodney Dangerfield of the iron game, but with a few helpful pointers, this oft-disrespected gym staple can yield some big-time gains.

Are you in the market for a weightlifting belt but don't know where to start? Cut down on the guesswork by checking out our expert picks.

MR. OLYMPIA 2022 UPDATE

The Final Countdown to the Sandow

Every year in the days before the Mr. Olympia, most of the major competitors take to social media to give an early peek at the type of physique they’re bringing to the stage that year. Though it's not indicative of exactly what the athletes will look like come showtime (bodybuilders tend to fine-tune until the last moments), these updates give a sense of what to expect at the O.

And like clockwork, some of the top competitors in the sport — like Nick Walker, Hunter Labrada, and Derek Lunsford — posted last-minute physique updates over the past week as we enter the home stretch. There's a lot to be impressed with here, but nothing is set in stone until the final round of judging on December 17.

WORKOUT TIPS

Learn to Love the Smith Machine

The Smith catches a bad rap in some fitness circles. Some say its restrictive design makes it ineffectual for building muscle, while others believe working out with the Smith is tantamount to character assassination in the weight room. If you want to make real strides, you’ve got to head to the free weights. Right? Wrong. 

The Smith machine is a tool like any other gym tool — and with the right know-how, you can use it to build the physique you’ve been dreaming about. Sure, it has its limitations, but there are also some unique perks — such as its versatility — that can’t be topped. 

So shelve your preconceived notions and learn how the Smith machine can boost your gym routine below. 

BUYER’S GUIDE

How to Pick the Right Weightlifting Belt 

Weightlifting belts aren’t necessary for every exercise in the gym, but there are times – like when doing squats and deadlifts – that they can be a game-changer. Belts give you something to brace against and are an easy way to help increase intra-abdominal pressure when lifting a heavy weight to ensure your core muscles stay tight and brace against the belt throughout the lift. 

There’s a good reason why people can deadlift more with a belt than without one — it helps. And if you’re in the market for a belt to help you nail some PRs in the new year, we rounded up our top picks for the best belts in different categories, from sport-specific models to budget-friendly buys. 

EVERYTHING ELSE

Even More Olympia News

• The 2022 Bikini Olympia features four past champs and some talented up-and-comers. Check out our preview of what should be a supremely competitive showdown. 

• First-time Mr. Olympia competitor Derek Lunsford went on The Mike O’Hearn Show to discuss his mindset heading into the biggest show of his career. 

• Michal “Krizo” Križánek didn’t even have a pro card this summer, and now he’s days away from his highly anticipated Mr. Olympia debut. Here’s the chest workout that helped build his thumping physique. 

SOUND OFF!

Your Final Mr. Olympia Predictons 

THE RESULTS ARE IN

Classic Physique Pulls Ahead

In the December 6 edition of the Ripped Report, we asked whether you were looking forward to the Mr. Olympa or Classic Physique contest more this year. Here's how you voted:

1. Classic Physique (56.9%)

2. Mr. Olympia (43.1%)