Build More Muscle in Half the Time With Supersets

Build More Muscle in Half the Time With Supersets

Cranking out supersets means stacking two exercises back‑to‑back with no chill in between, and researchers have found that it chops 9 minutes off your session and burns more calories than a traditional workout. Pairing movements like flyes before bench press ramps up the pump and forces lagging muscles to catch up, making high‑volume work feel more brutal but more productive. The article walks through pre‑exhaust, antagonist, and circuit supersets, noting that while they save time, they require two stations and impeccable form—beginners who chase strength rather than hypertrophy may want to stick to straight sets. [Try the Superset Blueprint Now!]

Nick Walker Hints at a 2026 Arnold Classic Comeback

The 2025 Mr. Olympia left Nick Walker cold—he landed sixth after misjudging his carb load and admits he looked off on stage. In an honest debrief, he credited Derek Lunsford’s win but argued Hadi Choopan or Andrew Jacked had a case for the Sandow. Walker isn’t sulking; he’s skipping the rest of 2025 to grow and plans to qualify early in 2026, pointing squarely at a potential Arnold Classic return with the biggest purse on offer. [Get Walker’s Candid Take]

No Squats? No Problem - Legs Can Still Grow

Think barbell squats are mandatory? The article argues they’re not; joint pain, mobility limits, or lack of equipment are valid reasons to skip them. Instead, it recommends unilateral and lower‑impact moves like Bulgarian split squats, deficit reverse lunges, backward sled drags, and barbell hip thrusts to build quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Each exercise comes with setup tips—add pauses at the bottom of split squats, or use a belt for stability on sled drags—to maximize tension and minimize stress. [Build Bigger Legs Without Squats]

Ramon Queiroz Plans to Rule Classic Physique (Then Go Open)

Fresh off claiming his maiden Olympia gold medal, Ramon Rocha Queiroz declared he wants to hold the Classic Physique title for at least five years before moving up. The Brazilian star explained that the weight cap limits his frame, and he eventually wants to compete in the Men’s Open division, where there are no restrictions. In 2025, he beat Mike Sommerfeld with better size, fullness, and conditioning, so his confidence isn’t misplaced. A possible 2026 Arnold Classic appearance could be his first test outside the Olympia stage, and fans are already buzzing about how his fuller physique will translate. [Follow Ramon’s Five‑Year Reign]

Strongman Shake‑up: Evan Singleton’s Pec Tear and the Rogue Lineup

Reigning Strongest Man on Earth Evan Singleton tore his pectoral tendon during Eddie Hall’s TV show and will miss the 2025 Rogue Invitational. Surgery and an 8‑ to 9‑month rehab will sideline him, leaving his 2026 season uncertain. In his absence, North America’s Strongest Man, Bryce Johnson—fresh off a silver at the Giants Live Open—steps into the Rogue lineup. Mitchell Hooper, Hafthor Björnsson, Tom Stoltman, and other heavy hitters will still make the invitationals must‑watch, but Singleton’s explosive pressing and sprint events will be missed. [See Who’s Competing at Rogue]

20‑Year‑Old Deadlift Phenom Resets Records

At the 2025 Avancus Houston Prime, 20‑year‑old Nonso Chinye (119.7 kg) pulled an astonishing 415.5 kg deadlift and totaled 988 kg, both unofficial IPF world records. He paired the monster pull with a 355 kg squat and a 217.5 kg bench, beating the previous heaviest IPF deadlift by 4.5 kg and out‑totaling every U120KG record. Competing drug‑tested and using a conventional stance, Chinye has now won eight of 12 meets and is hailed as the next powerlifting superstar. His technique—flat shoes, narrow stance, and a calm setup—invites analysis from coaches. Don’t be surprised if the official records fall once he gets to a sanctioned IPF platform. [Witness the 415‑kg Pull]

Austin Perkins Totals 858 kg and Raises the Bar

Also at Avancus Houston Prime, two‑time IPF world champ Austin Perkins (73.6 kg) set an unofficial U74kg raw total record with a staggering 858 kg total. He squatted 320 kg, bench‑pressed a personal‑best 208 kg, and deadlifted 330 kg en route to 126.318 GL points, beating Joe Borenstein and Meghan Scanlon. Perkins has won 21 of 31 contests and plans to bring this momentum to the 2026 Sheffield Championships. [See Perkins’ Record Day]

Lucas Hatton and Olga Liashchuk Dominate America’s Strongest

The America’s Strongest Man and Woman contest in Las Vegas saw Lucas Hatton win three of six events—including a 252 kg Flintstone Barbell press—to edge Nick Guardione and Austin Hamm. Olga Liashchuk crushed the women’s field by winning five of six events and pressing a massive 143 kg Flintstone Barbell. The competition showcased log presses, carry‑and‑drag races, and deadlift ladders, with both champions displaying balance across strength and speed. [Relive the Strongest Showdowns]

Glasgow Showstoppers: Giants Live Final and Log Lift Challenge

In Glasgow, Luke Richardson clinched the Giants Live World Tour Finals with 54 points after besting Ondrej Fojtu (52) and Andrew Flynn (49.5) across events like the Load & Push and Carry & Drag. The day began with the World Log Lift Challenge, where Jack Osborn—competing solely in the log lift—pressed 222 kg for a new British record, edging Luke Stoltman’s 221 kg. Fojtu’s 220 kg lift set a Junior World Record, while Tom Stoltman managed 200 kg, proving the log is still the purest test of overhead power. [Check Out the Full Glasgow Results]

Jack Osborn’s 222‑kg Log Lift and World‑Record Ambitions

A separate feature profiles Jack Osborn’s 222 kg log lift at the World Log Lift Challenge, a British record that eclipsed Luke Stoltman’s 221 kg. Coached by strongman legend Laurence “Big Loz” Shahlaei, Osborn fought to steady the log before driving it overhead, and now has his sights on Cheick Sanou’s 231 kg world record. Only three men have ever lifted more, highlighting how close he is to rarefied air. [Watch Osborn’s Record Lift]

Are You Younger Than Your Age? Try the Fitness Age Calculator

Fitness Volt’s calculator estimates your “fitness age” using age, height, weight, resting heart rate, waist circumference, activity level, smoking status, and diet quality. Developed from Norwegian University of Science and Technology research, it shows that a lower fitness age correlates with better cardiovascular health and longevity. Plugging in your data returns a personalized score plus CDC and ADA protein guidelines, plus tips like staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and mixing cardio with strength training. It’s a practical tool whether you’re cutting, bulking, or just curious about how your lifestyle stacks up. Use it to set goals and track progress as you head into the new season. [Calculate Your Fitness Age]

Derek Lunsford shares a diced post-Olympia update📹💪

Recovery Tip of the Day: Evening Magnesium + Glycine Stack

Late‑night muscle cramps and restless sleep? A simple cocktail of magnesium glycinate and glycine taken 30–60 minutes before bed can promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and support muscle recovery. Magnesium aids muscle function and nerve transmission, while glycine acts as a calming neurotransmitter; together, they help you drift off faster and stay asleep longer. Start with 200–400 mg of magnesium glycinate and 3 grams of glycine, and monitor how your body responds—then enjoy deeper rest and fresher mornings.

The Strength Bulletin