The ONE Exercise Found in Every Bodybuilding Champion’s Plan

Here’s what we have for you today: 

• A look back at 12 of the most underrated bodybuilders of all time

• The one move that should be programmed in everyone’s bodybuilding program

• Our first look at the 2025 Arnold Classic bodybuilding rosters

BODYBUILDING 

Unsung Heroes

Bodybuilding is often defined by its champions. Their names are etched into the sport’s history, becoming synonymous with physical perfection. But what about the athletes who never got their moment in the spotlight? The bodybuilders whose talent went unnoticed or whose best performances never aligned under the bright lights of the Olympia stage. 

Below, we explore 12 lesser-known bodybuilders with physiques so awe-inspiring that their sheer size and presence could leave anyone speechless. Whether they revolutionized the sport, delivered unique performances that stood out, or were simply overlooked by judges, their impact cannot be ignored. It’s time to give these unsung bodybuilding heroes the appreciation they’ve long been due.

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TRAINING 

Bodybuilding’s Most Valuable Exercise 

What is the single most essential exercise for excelling in bodybuilding? Squats? Bench presses? Lat pulldowns? Surprisingly, the one movement found in nearly every champion’s training routine isn’t a heavy compound lift — it’s actually the humble lateral raise.

The lateral raise targets the medial deltoid, one of the three heads of the shoulder muscle. While front deltoids are engaged during overhead pressing, the lateral raise is uniquely effective for isolating and strengthening the medial deltoid. Why is this so critical? Well-developed medial deltoids enhance the shoulder-to-waist ratio, a key factor in achieving the coveted X-frame physique that defines bodybuilding success.

To help you master this essential movement, we’ve outlined the key dos and don’ts to ensure you maximize your progress and get the most out of your lateral raises.

2025 Arnold Classic

Roster Rundown

The 2025 Arnold Sports Festival (ASF) will be held in Columbus, OH, from February 27 to March 2. The main attraction is, of course, the Arnold Classic bodybuilding event.

The 37th edition of the Arnold Classic features seven of the IFBB Professional League’s 11 divisions and is an invite-only contest, meaning athletes had to apply to enter. And to put it mildly, the roster is stacked. We’re talking Derek Lunsford, Brandon Curry, Samson Dauda, and Andrew Jacked — and that's just in the Men's Open division. Find out all of the competitors we know so far.

THE DROP SET 

The Cost of Bodybuilding? 

• How much does it cost to be a professional bodybuilder? Bodybuilding influencer Eric Janicki breaks down the cost of food, supplements, coaching, PEDs, and more. 

• The Wellness division is the newest Olympia competition category. Here’s every winner since its debut in 2021. 

• Targeting your upper back is vital for shoulder development. This is how you do different face pull variations to engage your posterior delts fully.