💪 Is This Minimalist Training Program Right for You?

October 28, 2022

Have you ever found yourself checking the macros on the bags of peanuts they give out on airplanes? Just asking for a friend. Anywho, here's Friday's Ripped Report!

Before that goodness: Today's Ripped Report is presented by lululemon Studio, an all-in-one fitness destination offering more than 10,000 workout classes at your fingertips. Right now, use the code LLSTUDIO700 to save $700 on the lululemon Mirror, a home workout device that brings all of lululemon Studio’s offerings to life to help you reach your fitness goals. 

Maybe less is...more? Bodybuilder and powerlifter Jeff Nippard dissects the minimalist training method. Could low-volume, high-intensity workouts help bring new gains?

Young phenom Blessing Awodibu takes arm training cues from seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, and we're all eyes/ears.

Mr. Olympia dark horse candidate Derek Lunsford talks about his posing routine for the big show.

TRAINING

What's With "Minimalist" Training?

Image: @jeffnippard on Instagram

This is a lot more nuanced than "bigger results in half the time!" (Those ads lied, bro.)

Minimalist is not a word usually associated with making life-changing fitness and size gains. It suggests less effort put into workout sessions, but the minimalist training method is actually the process of training smart in a short amount of time.

If you live in the gym and love to rep it out all day long, this might not work for you (although switching up your routine might prove beneficial). However, if you are juggling gym time with a demanding work schedule and family commitments, getting the most out of every minute could be the difference between stagnation and gains.

WORKOUTS

Get Boogieman Arms

Image: @blessing_awodibu on Instagram

After winning the 2022 New York Pro and Indy Pro shows, it might be fair to say Blessing Awodibu is one of the bigger up-and-coming names in bodybuilding. To help further cement his place at the upcoming 2022 Mr. Olympia — his debut in the sport’s flagship contest — he recently enlisted the help of a living legend.

On Oct. 24, 2022, Awodibu posted a video to his YouTube channel where he trained arms with seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Phil Heath.

But this wasn't just a tutorial for Awodibu — throughout the video, Heath doled out training tips everyone can take advantage of on their next arm day. This includes a breakdown of how to do "Heath Curls," a variation of single-arm dumbbell curls that the bodybuilding icon used throughout his career. 

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BODYBUILDING

Derek Lunsford's Approach to Posing

Image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram

Derek Lunsford is one of the most intriguing athletes to watch in the lead-up to the 2022 Mr. Olympia competition. The reigning 212 winner got a special invite to compete in the Open division this year, and he's looking to make some noise in a field that includes the likes of Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, and Big Ramy, who is aiming for his third consecutive win. 

While Lunsford is sure to bring plenty of size to the stage, he's also paying close attention to how he poses. In a video posted to his YouTube channel earlier this week, Lunsford met with his posing coach, IFBB pro Women’s Physique competitor Rachel Daniels, to discuss and critique his Olympia routine. Though Lunsford is now in a far bigger division, Daniels says the aim is for him to still bring grace and style to O.

THE DROPSET

A Little Update From a Strongman Legend

Image: @eddiehallwsm