While many of the best ellipticals can leave an elliptical-sized hole in your budget, the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical delivers the essentials without breaking the bank. If you’re on the hunt for a practical machine that can get both your heart and your arms pumping, the EX-59 checks a lot of the boxes our experts tend to see on pricier ellipticals. Sure, it may lack the dazzling touchscreen of app-integrated models, but you know what else it lacks? Their price tags. 

After decades of experience on over 20 ellipticals, our team knows how to spot a quality elliptical at any price point. For anyone starting a new fitness journey, coming back after an injury, or looking to upgrade their flip phone to… another flip phone, the EX-59 has the essentials necessary to ease into a cardio routine. Check out what our team liked (and didn’t like) about this budget-friendly elliptical in our Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Review below.

Main Takeaways

This budget-friendly machine comes preloaded with five preset programs that offer structured elliptical training.

Though light on tech, this elliptical’s 4.5-inch LCD display keeps track of basic metrics, like time, speed, and calories burned.

Our testing team thinks this machine’s sub-$1,000 price tag makes it a good value for those starting a new fitness journey.

Best Ellipticals Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, as he showcases a few of our favorite ellipticals for home gyms, people stuck at desks, and beginners. Spoiler alert: the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical made the cut.

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Highlights

Whether you’re kickstarting a new fitness journey, recovering after an injury, or have never even seen an elliptical, the Horizon EX-59 is here for you. Both BarBend’s lead video reviewer Jake Herod and another tester, a certified personal trainer, named this budget-friendly elliptical as a top pick for beginners because you’ll be getting a stable machine that offers enough structure, variety, and tracking to help you stride toward your fitness goals.

Our tester on the Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

As Herod mentions in the above video review, the EX-59’s utility is found in its simplicity. “This is a really solid option for beginners, in my opinion, because it’s just pretty basic,” he says. Our other tester agrees that, while you won’t find a glistening touchscreen or premium features like incline, this elliptical is a good starting point. “Anyone new to elliptical training — or exercise in general — should feel right at home on the EX-59,” adds Herod. 

[Related: Best Ellipticals With Incline]

Chief among its pros for our tester was the stability it provided during their workouts. “Unless you were actively jostling this thing, I think it would stay steady for anyone up to its 300-pound user weight capacity,” they said. 

They did, however, have one note about its flywheel. “Typically, I’d like to see at least a 16-pound flywheel on an elliptical,” they said. “But after actually using it for multiple workouts, I think the 14.3-pound flywheel here can help keep it steady enough for most users.”

The flywheel on the Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

Both of our testers think you can count on that stability whether you follow one of the EX-59’s five preset workouts or use your own device to stream one from a fitness app like iFIT. The simple LCD display is more flip phone than iPhone, but can still keep tabs on your stats. “I didn’t love the super basic display, but for the price, it’s not bad,” our tester said. “It still showed me my time, distance, and speed.”

In terms of ergonomics, our tester was pleased that its stride length and cushioned pedals align with more expensive models. With two sets of handlebars, you can also add in the upper body exercise that ellipticals are known for. “Not only do the fixed handles give your upper body a break from pumping the moving arms, they help make it easier to climb up into those pedals,” they said.

Our tester was sure to point out one interesting detail. “So, the lifetime frame warranty and one-year warranty for parts and labor is pretty standard,” they noted. “But it’s odd there is no warranty for the flywheel.” 

However, after a bit of research and factoring in the stability they experienced themselves, they expect it to hold up over time. “After digging around online, it doesn’t look like many users have had any trouble with it,” they said.

Training With the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

The BarBend roster includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and competitive weightlifters. We’ve tested more than 20 of the market’s best ellipticals, scoring each — including the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer — on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including value, footprint, portability, and more. For more information on how we test products, check out the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology.

Resistance Levels

As our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, explains, the resistance range on an elliptical can impact your overall workout experience. “If you want something that can provide you with a way to do high-intensity interval workouts and slow, steady cardio, look for models with more resistance and incline levels,” she says. “If you only intend to do steady-state cardio, you can get away with fewer of each.” 

Our tester adjusting the settings on the Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

Ellipticals tend to feature around 12 or more resistance levels, but as Herod pointed out, the Horizon EX-59 is a budget option that doesn’t quite reach that benchmark. “You have 10 levels of resistance… and there’s no incline or decline settings,” he noted. Since the EX-59 is lacking in this department, our tester — a certified personal trainer — rated its customizations just 2.5 out of 5. 

We think 10 levels should suffice for most athletes — especially those newer to elliptical training — though if you’re interested more in HIIT than steady-state training, you may want to opt for a machine with 12 or more resistance levels. 

Footprint and Portability

When our tester set up the EX-59, they noted that it was a bit longer than most ellipticals they had used. The average elliptical we’ve tested measures between 11 and 13 square feet, and the EX-59 nearly surpasses that at 12.85 square feet. 

“Before I even climbed on, I noticed it seemed pretty lengthy,” they said. “Just make sure you measure, because it’s about 6 feet long.” If you can imagine dropping a standard loveseat into your training space, the EX-59 would be a few square feet smaller. (1) 

The Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

Most ellipticals we’ve tested weigh somewhere between 175 and 220 pounds, making this model’s 145-pound frame below average. “It’s only 145 pounds, so it honestly didn’t feel very heavy moving it around,” said our tester, rating its footprint and portability 4 out of 5. “Plus, the handles on the back helped a lot.”

While they only rolled it around on hard home gym flooring, our tester could foresee issues on plush or soft carpeting. “The transport wheels certainly make it easier, but on soft surfaces like thick carpet, you’d probably meet some resistance,” they noted. “I mean, they’re just tiny plastic wheels. They’ll be fine for a hard floor, but not shag carpet or anything.”

Conveniences

Sometimes the little things can make a big difference. Herod highlighted this machine’s multiple storage options. “You have a cup holder and two other little spots for keys, earbuds case, or whatever you need,” he said. 

The pedals on the Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

Our other tester rated its conveniences 4 out of 5 and appreciated being able to reach these compartments during their workouts. “I loved that there were two little storage trays, plus a water bottle holder in between them,” they noted. Stanley or Yeti fans (like our tester) may take issue with the size of that bottle holder, but it was the right size for small plastic bottles.

Plus, you can plug in your phone to keep the electrons flowing as you work. “I also slotted my phone on the media shelf and with the USB port, I could charge my phone while I used it,” our tester said.

Tech Capabilities

Like any of the best ellipticals under $1,000, it’d be a bit unfair to expect Tesla-level tech from the EX-59, but our tester still thinks it holds its own and rated the technology onboard a 3 out of 5. “The Bluetooth speakers are actually really clear, plus the 4.5-inch display is pretty intuitive,” they noted. “That’s where you can track your metrics, like time, steps, and calories, but also where you choose your workouts.” It also includes heart rate monitoring via pulse sensors in the handlebars. 

Our testing gripping the pulse sensors on the Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

With five preset programs, like Intervals, Weight Loss, and Distance available on the LCD display, Herod thinks the EX-59 is a great fit for beginners. Our other tester agrees. “The programs are a little basic for more experienced individuals, but I still feel they have some merit, especially for beginners just getting started in home gym training,” they said, rating its programming 3.5 out of 5.

It lacks the kind of immersive touchscreen you tend to see on the high-end models, but Herod made sure to note its device holder. “You also have a built-in tablet and phone holder, which is something I really like,” he notes. “That way you can stream your favorite shows and movies.”

You can also sync your phone with built-in speakers via the EX-59’s Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring you can hear every word (or beat) when streaming content from your device. 

What to Consider Before Buying the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical 

If you’re clueless about what to consider before buying an elliptical, our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, recommends first getting the lay of the land. “Ellipticals, even the simpler, budget-friendly models, are machines with many components, so potential buyers should be aware of what’s considered standard, better, and best when it comes to elliptical specifications.” Consider how the Horizon EX-59 might fit into your life financially, as well as physically before bringing it home.

Value

When surveying the elliptical market, Capritto says it’s important to make sure the features and specs align with the cost. “You’ll pay a lot of money to get top-tier features on an elliptical, just like you will for any other big piece of cardio equipment. While there are plenty of budget-friendly ellipticals available, they won’t check all of the boxes for a lot of people.

The Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

After their time using the Horizon EX-59, our tester rated its value a 4 out of 5 because, overall, it’s a quality machine that can get you moving. “I really think the price is right on this machine,” they said. “It’s a budget-friendly elliptical, so it doesn’t have fancy smart features, but it’s such a sturdy machine. I don’t think anyone starting out on their fitness journey or who doesn’t mind using their own device will be disappointed.”

Programming Options

Before adding the EX-59 to your training space, make sure the five preset workouts — Calorie, Distance, Intervals, Manual, and Weight Loss — will offer enough structure to help you reach your goals. As Capritto notes, high-end ellipticals can offer integration with some of the best fitness apps. “Many ellipticals integrate with fitness programming. NordicTrack and ProForm ellipticals, for instance, can stream iFIT programming,” she says. “If you don’t want to pay for a fitness subscription, you may want to look for an elliptical that has built-in workouts.” 

Available Space

Keep in mind that dropping the EX-59 into your living room or home gym is akin to adding a recliner or loveseat. (1) If you aren’t sure it will fit, Capritto recommends starting by digging out your measuring tape. “This is a good place to start, because you’ll be really frustrated if you buy an elliptical that doesn’t fit in your intended space or, if you need to be flexible with your space, isn’t easy to move,” she explains.

The deck and rollers on Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

The EX-59’s footprint of 12.85 square feet is near the high end of the range of 11 to 13 square feet we typically see for ellipticals. While it features transport wheels, our tester says they may struggle on thicker carpets. 

Assembly

Once you’ve scoped out where your new Horizon EX-59 will live, Capritto says to take into account how you’ll actually put it together. “White-glove delivery and assembly, which costs extra, might be required.” 

The handle on the Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

Our tester also recommends making a plan for the day it arrives. They rated the entire delivery and setup process of the EX-59 a 4 out of 5, but noted that the assembly was a little trickier than normal. “If you can afford it, I’d recommend splurging for the white-glove assembly option,” they said.

Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Vs. The Competition

Stepping into the vortex of home gym equipment can be a daunting task. With so many specs and features to keep track of, laying out the details on multiple machines may help provide a clearer picture of which elliptical is ideal for your fitness level and goals.

The majority of ellipticals we’ve tested fall somewhere between $1,200 and $1,800, making the EX-59 a budget option. Along with the price discrepancy between the EX-59 and the AirGlide 14i and Pro HIIT H14, you’ll notice a wide gap in levels of resistance. Our testers think the 10 levels on the EX-59 are plenty for beginners, but experienced users may appreciate a wider range.

The 300-pound weight capacity of the EX-59 is 25 and 50 pounds shy of the H14 and E25, respectively, but 300 pounds is the industry standard and it should accommodate most users. The same goes for its 18-inch stride length, though taller users over 6 feet may prefer the 20-inch stride length of the E25. (2)

Our tester lifting and moving the Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

The LCD display on the EX-59 also lags behind the large touchscreens on these two high-end ellipticals. Both the AirGlide 14i and the ProForm Pro HIIT H14 are integrated with iFIT, so not only can their touchscreens stream virtual workouts, but their resistance can automatically adjust during select sessions. 

Along with the other budget-friendly model here — the Sole E25 — the EX-59 relies on preset workouts to provide structured training, but both feature tablet holders and Bluetooth speakers if you want to connect your own device. Some of the best online workout programs offer free trials or are completely free. So if you’re out to save some cash on both your elliptical and its low-impact training, the answer might be the screen you’re reading this on.

Places to Buy the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical 

The Horizon EX-59 Elliptical is available on the Horizon Fitness website, as well as Amazon and major retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Customer Experience

When you order the Horizon EX-59, you’ll have the option to upgrade to White Glove Delivery and Assembly and our tester thinks it’s worth the additional cost. Horizon states that after your elliptical ships, it should arrive in 10 to 15 business days.

Warranties

The Horizon EX-59 Elliptical earned a 4.5 out of 5 for its warranty, financing options, and returns from our tester. It comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame, plus a one-year warranty on the parts and labor. You can purchase extended three-year or five-year warranties at checkout for $119.99 and $149.99, respectively. Horizon Fitness offers financing options, as well as a 30-day return policy.

Company Information

Horizon Fitness manufactures some of the best treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and other fitness equipment on the market. Our tester rated Horizon’s customer service 4.5 out of 5 after interacting with their live chat option. “You can use the chat box to basically search the website or ask it to connect you with a living, breathing person.” You can also reach the customer care team at (888) 878-9011 or by filling out the contact form on the website.

In Conclusion

After spending time on the Horizon EX-59 Elliptical, we think it’s great for those who want a no-nonsense cardio machine that can help them work up a sweat without breaking the bank. While it won’t blow you away with a dazzling touchscreen or app-connected virtual workouts, it can just as easily get your heart pumping and upper body moving. Our tester was impressed with the stability this elliptical provided, even at its sub-$1,000 price point.

Firing up one of the preset workouts may be just enough structure to keep you on the right track whether you are new to elliptical training or to exercise in general. With Bluetooth speakers and an LCD display to track your stats, it’s not completely tech-averse, although it is geared toward those who value function over flash. If reading our Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Review is the first step on your new fitness journey, we think the approachable price tag and minimalist attitude provide a lot of value.

Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical FAQs

References

Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/

Sydney Bueckert Fitness Trainer CES. (2021, May 19). What is the ideal elliptical stride length to best fit you?. Sunny Health and Fitness. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/blogs/products/best-elliptical-stride-length 

The post Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Review (2024): An Elliptical To Kickstart Your Fitness Journey appeared first on BarBend.

Key Takeaways

The average pair of running shoes has a lifespan of 300-500 miles. 

For someone who runs 15 miles per week, they should replace their shoes every 5 to 8 months.

Running on old shoes increases the risk of injury to muscles and joints.

One study showed a 45% loss of initial shock absorption in running shoes after 500 miles. (1)

When you purchased your pair of Nike Pegasus kicks and loaded up your Strava app to hit the trails, you fell in love with them the instant you tightened the laces and went out for a run. They were the best running shoes you had ever owned in your life. Well, now it’s five months later, and your Pegasus appears to have lost its wings. Your shoes simply aren’t giving you the same quality performance you’ve come to expect from them.

Credit: FOTOKITA / Shutterstock

It’s not your shoes’ fault this is happening. How long do running shoes last, anyway? I’ll take you through the basics. Then, to help you extend the life of your shoes for as long as possible, I spoke with elite running coach and world-class ultra-distance runner Lee Whitaker. Let’s go.

How Many Miles Do Running Shoes Last?

Provided that your running shoes are kept in a safe, dry environment, their staying power is not about how long you own them — it’s about how much you use them. The interaction of the shoe with training surfaces like asphalt, granite, sand, dirt, or the woven polyester of a treadmill belt are what make the difference in how long your shoes last. 

Most estimates of the lifespan of a pair of running shoes are communicated in terms of mileage. Heavy-duty running shoes are presumed to last anywhere from 300 to 500 miles, whereas lightweight shoes last 250 to 300 miles. In both cases, the cushioning of the shoes is gradually breaking down with each use. The weight of the runner, alongside the firmness and abrasiveness of your running surfaces, can also accelerate the wear and tear.

[Read More: How Many Miles Should I Run a Day? Insights From a CPT]

An athlete who runs 10 miles a day three times a week will probably have to replace shoes more often than someone who runs three miles a day every day of the week. However, that formula might change if the person running fewer miles is of a higher weight, if they always run on hard outdoor surfaces, and if they take harder, more aggressive strides.

How To Tell When You Need New Running Shoes

You’re likely to encounter more than one telltale sign that it’s time to replace your worn-out shoes. Most of it will be obvious when you examine your kicks up close. Yet even if you’re in denial that your favorite pair of shoes’ life is nearing its end, your body will register all sorts of hints that your shoes are no longer cutting the mustard.

The Shoe Looks Worn

If your running shoes just can’t hack it anymore, they will probably look at least a little…well, messed up. The bottom of the shoe will likely display the most obvious signs of overuse. If the outsole of your shoe looks like much of it has been worn away, head to the running store and purchase the type of shoe that can hold up to the demands of your workout.

[Read More: The Best Stability Running Shoes, Tested and Trialed by Our Team]

“Your shoes are definitely going to have visible wear,” explains Whitaker. “The bottom of the shoe will get really worn. The shape of the bottom of the shoe becomes very different. You even get some wear in the upper portion, too. It just develops a hole where a seam starts to tear. Eventually, the shoe just breaks down.”

The Shoe Doesn’t Bounce the Same

By design, your running shoes should have a bouncy element to them during your foot strike, in addition to their cushioning. Part of that bounce stems from the midsole — an internal layer of cushioning between your feet and the shoe’s outsole. As the cushioning will break down with repeated use, so will the ability of your shoes to rebound, even if you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker. 

[Read More: The Best Shoes for Treadmill Running, Ran In and Tested by Our Experts]

“One of the things that we’ll feel differently about the shoe is that it will have a dead feeling to it,” states Whitaker. “It simply won’t rebound off the ground as well as it used to. I always like to compare it to a tennis racquet that has loose strings. Before, the ball would bounce nicely off the racquet, but now it just drops to the ground. When your running shoes lose their bounce, then you’re losing much of the advantage that comes from having running shoes in the first place.”

Your Legs Start to Hurt

You may be used to a certain type of muscle fatigue during your runs, but if you suddenly start to feel soreness in odd places, it might be a consequence of worn-out shoes. This is not to be taken lightly, as an absence of cushioning can be a precursor to some more troublesome running injuries. (2) The bottom line is that you don’t want the breakdown of your shoes to lead to a concurrent breakdown in your body.

[Read More: The Best Leg Exercises and Workouts for Stronger Legs]

“A lot of people will start to feel maybe just a little bit of pain, or will sense that something is just not quite right with their knees or their shins,” reflects Whitaker. “That’s because the shoe is starting to wear and it’s not supporting the runner or tracking with their gait the way that it was designed and meant to do. So you start to develop some pain in places where you never had it before. It will usually just show up overnight almost, and that may be a sign that the shoe is not working quite right.”

How To Make Running Shoes Last Longer

Even if you take good care of your shoes, their cushioning will eventually break down and force you to purchase a new pair of shoes. As a man who has burned through every type of racing shoe imaginable, Whitaker has some tremendous tips for how to preserve them.

Rotate Your Shoes

The more time you spend running in a pair of new running shoes, the more rapidly they begin to resemble old running shoes. That’s because the signs of wear on your shoes increase in number and severity with each use. To slow the speed with which symptoms of excessive wear reveal themselves, make room next to your Asics for a pair of Brooks, some New Balance, and maybe even a pair of Adidas.

[Read More: How to Break in Running Shoes: A Running Coach Explains How To Do it Properly]

“I recommend to just about anybody who’s going to run and go through shoes on a somewhat regular basis to rotate through anywhere from two to four pairs of shoes,” explains Whitaker. “Shoe rotation extends the life of any given pair of shoes. It will cost you the same amount over time, and it will certainly extend the life of any individual shoes.”

Run on a Treadmill 

To a certain extent, you can make running shoes last longer if you transfer more of your running workouts over to the treadmill. The shock absorption and smooth surface can lengthen the lifespan of your favorite pair of shoes somewhat, but certainly not indefinitely. Because there are competitive advantages to road running, you’ll need to decide whether it’s worth the sacrifice just to squeeze out another few weeks of use.

[Read More: Running on a Treadmill Vs. Running Outside — Which Is Best for Your Goals?]

“Shoes would definitely wear less on a treadmill than asphalt or concrete,” says Whitaker. “A shoe would still break down over time and use, but the softer surface would save some wear on the bottom. Still, I doubt that it’s significant enough to matter to most serious runners, at least to the point where they would feel the need to plan around it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Heidenfelder, Jens & Sterzing, Thorsten & Milani, Thomas. (2009). Biomechanical wear testing of running shoes. Footwear Science. 1. 16-17. 

Ryan M, Elashi M, Newsham-West R, Taunton J. Examining injury risk and pain perception in runners using minimalist footwear. Br J Sports Med. 2014 Aug;48(16):1257-62. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-092061. Epub 2013 Dec 19. 

Featured Image: FOTOKITA / Shutterstock

The post How Long Do Running Shoes Last? Plus Tips From a Coach to Help Shoes Last Longer appeared first on BarBend.

If you’re a CrossFitter who loves memes, you’ve probably heard of MakeWODsGreatAgain (MWGA). 

This Instagram account was a go-to for funny, relatable CrossFit content. 

But recently, MWGA got deactivated by Instagram, leaving its fanbase (500k+) wondering, “What happened?”

Immediate Reactions and Community Response

Fans and fellow CrossFit enthusiasts quickly jumped in to express their disappointment and support. 

Supporters flooded the comments, with some saying, “Freedom of speech,” implying that the deactivation was a blow to free expression. John Wooley, MWGA’s creator, always quick with a comeback, responded, “No one infringed on my freedom of speech. Even free speech has consequences.” 

Potential Causes of Deactivation

Some people think a recent meme featuring Donald Trump might be why the account got flagged. This meme stirred up controversy, and some believe it led Instagram to pull the plug on MWGA. 

The incident has many questioning Instagram’s content moderation policies.

Freedom of Speech and Social Media Policies

MWGA’s deactivation sparked a big conversation about free speech on social media. 

Platforms like Instagram have rules to keep things respectful, but finding the right balance between humor and policy can be tricky. 

However, does this meme alone justify the deactivation of the account? I personally don’t believe so…

MWGA’s Future Plans

Despite the setback, MWGA’s creator isn’t giving up. He’s starting fresh with a new account under his real name. “You’ll continue to get memes, but a larger voice from me personally moving forward,” he shared. 

You can follow John Wooley from MWGA here

Smart grocery shopping during a cutting phase is crucial for fueling your body with the right nutrients and staying on track with your calorie and macronutrient goals. Your choices will ultimately determine your success in achieving a leaner, more defined physique.

Fitness content creator Sam Sulek took to his YouTube channel to reveal the dieting secrets behind his dramatic two-month weight loss transformation, including the foods he is eating and avoiding and the most important grocery shopping tips. Check out the video below:

[Related: A Guide to the Best Pre-Workouts, Tested and RD Approved]

Sam Sulek’s Grocery List & Tips

Sulek’s grocery haul comprised lean protein sources, complex carbs, and sugar-free alternatives:

Lean protein sources:

96 percent lean ground beef — Two pounds

Top sirloin steak — One pound

Per Sulek, tracking macros and protein intake is the first step toward achieving your weight loss objective. He advises eating one gram of protein per pound of lean body mass.

If a guy is 400 pounds but 150 pounds of that is from fat mass, he would need 250 grams of protein.

Sulek finds consuming at least a pound of red meat daily improves his energy levels and contributes to his overall well-being. However, he suggests limiting each serving to half a pound, as it provides 45 to 50 grams of protein and is ideal for optimal digestion.

Carb sources:

Keto hamburger buns — Eight pieces

Instant oats

Tortillas

Each keto hamburger bun contains a mere 50 calories, starkly contrasting to the 150 calories in conventional buns. Sulek strategically incorporates these low-calorie alternatives into his meals to avoid cravings and processed foods. 

Unlike traditional wheat flour buns, keto-friendly alternatives are made from dietary fiber. Sulek chose buns containing 21 grams of carbs per slice, with 18 grams attributed to insoluble dietary fiber. Since the human body cannot digest insoluble fiber, it essentially reduces the net carb content of these buns to 3 grams per piece.

When you see how your diet affects your results, it’s hard not to track your macros.

Sulek prefers low-glycemic index (GI) food sources like oats for breakfast, as they ensure a constant energy supply for extended hours and help avoid blood sugar fluctuations and energy crashes. 

During the cutting phase, Sulek primarily relies on red meat to meet his fat intake requirements.

Sugar-free substitutes:

Fat-free shredded cheese

Sprite Zero

The 22-year-old bodybuilder adds shredded cheese to his egg white omelet and salads to manage cravings during a strict diet. He advises against consuming high-sugar foods during a cutting phase, as they can disrupt blood sugar levels and trigger cravings soon after eating.

Sulek suggests choosing zero-calorie versions of one’s favorite sodas or energy drinks. These alternatives allow you to enjoy larger portions without exceeding your daily calorie intake goals.

The Ohio native emphasizes the importance of meal planning and consistent, evenly portioned meals throughout the day to avoid excessive hunger and promote healthier eating habits.

“If your meals don’t promote post-workout recovery or if you are not eating enough food to facilitate muscle growth and maintenance, your diet won’t work in the long term,” said Sulek. 

Sulek anticipates a significant change in his grocery choices when he transitions to the bulking phase. However, the most noticeable shifts will involve the types of carbs and fats he consumes, while the protein sources will remain largely consistent. 

Key Takeaways

Track daily macronutrient and calorie intake

Favor lean protein sources

Pick low GI complex carb foods

Opt for sugar-free alternatives when possible

Eat smaller meals throughout the day during a cut

Featured image: @sam_sulek on Instagram

The post Sam Sulek’s Grocery Tips During a Cutting Phase appeared first on BarBend.

As part of his best and worst exercises YouTube series, fitness professional Jeff Nippard compiled a list of 20 common triceps exercises and ranked them from S-tier, for Super, to F-tier, or fail. 

For an exercise to avoid the pits of F-tier, Nippard says it should fulfill the three following criteria:

High tension on the muscle in the stretched position

Feels good and not painful

Simple and easy progression

The science graduate also considered how effectively each exercise works the three triceps muscles – long or rear head, medial or middle head, and lateral or outer head. 

Check out Nippard’s color-colored triceps exercise tier rating system in the video below:

Note: Nippard discussed the exercises in the following random order and not by their tier list rankings. 

Cable Triceps Pressdown 

Nippard started the list with the most popular triceps exercise and compared three common variations: straight bar overhand, underhand, and rope cable pressdowns. 

Nippard performed one set, each using the same weight and technique. He was strongest on the bar with an overhand grip at 16 reps; the rope was close behind at 12 reps, and underhand produced only 10 reps. 

Nippard explained that bars lock a more stable lift and involve the triceps more. Ropes involve too much forearm stabilization, and reduced triceps focus. If you like rope pressdowns, prioritize form over weight.

Nippard put the overhand bar press down in A-tier, rope in B-tier, and underhand press downs in C-tier. If not for underwhelming long-head activity, bar press downs would be S-tier. 

Overhead Cable Triceps Extension

Overhead extensions pick up where pressdowns fall short in their range of motion. The rear-facing long head is the only triceps muscle that attaches at the elbow and shoulder, so you must get the arms overhead to fully stretch and activate them [in a stretched position]. 

Nippard mentioned a 2023 study where overhead extensions caused 40 percent more triceps growth than pressdowns (1). “Getting that long head into a more lengthened position seems to be doing something important for muscle growth,” says the exercise educator. 

If using a straight bar, Nippard ranks overhead extensions at the highest S-tier. Rope gets an A-tier, although he admits it may be similarly effective. 

Katana Cable Triceps Extension 

Besides feeling like a badass warrior, katana cable triceps extensions are efficient and can help spot imbalances. It hits the triceps separately while training them simultaneously. 

Nippard recommends setting the bar at waist height or slightly higher to angle the arms 30-40 degrees forward in the scapular plane. Many find this position more comfortable. 

Katana extensions require longer setup times and have a slight learning curve. Nippard tentatively placed them in the A-tier while he decided if they should be ranked higher. 

Katana Overhead Extensions Setup Tips

Nippard shared a few pointers for getting into the starting position of Katana overhead extensions. 

Facing the machine, grab the cables with the same side hand and spin 180 degrees with arms overhead.

Start with the cables crossed in front of you then duck forward under your arms.

[Related: A Guide to the Best Pre-Workouts, Tested and RD Approved]

Dumbbell Seated French Press  

Dumbbell French presses are a variation of free-weight overhead extensions that achieve the same long-head benefits. Sitting vs. standing provides more stability and better triceps isolation.

However, using both hands to lift a heavy dumbbell behind your head can feel awkward and hurt your wrists. Because of this, the B-tier is a fair grade for the French press. Nippard occasionally includes them. 

One-Arm Dumbbell Overhead Extension 

Some people prefer one-arm dumbbell overhead extensions as they’re less restricting. You can find the most ergonomic angles, get more range of motion, and detect left-to-right imbalances. Plus, they’re a great option when you only have dumbbells to train with. Nippard places them in A-tier. 

Skullcrusher

Nippard favors barbell skull crushers over all other free-weight triceps exercises. This lying extension creates high tension during the stretch, especially if you arch the bar behind your head rather than stopping it at your face. An EZ curl bar offers more wrist comfort and can maximize triceps tension by holding your arms back at an angle. 

Barbell skull crushers joined the prestigious S-tier; Nippard doesn’t feel as good using dumbbells, so they go one spot below. 

JM Press 

The JM press is a hybrid close-grip press and skull crusher; while some people love it, Nippard gets elbow pain. Plus, it doesn’t stretch the long head like a skull crusher. The scholar doesn’t hate them, though. “I think it’s a solid lift that should have some strength carry over to your bench press,” he reasons. 

Nippard does, however, like the Smith machine version. It locks you into a fixed path, helps isolate the triceps, and prevents the front delts and triceps from taking over. 

The Smith and free-weight JM press get ‘A’ and B-tier placings, respectively.

Cable Triceps Kickback

Changing direction in the literal sense, cable triceps kickbacks are one of Nippard’s two must-have isolation techniques. That’s because peak triceps long head contraction is only attainable with the arms behind you. Nippard prefers doing kickbacks upright, holding a cable machine rail, and leaning back. Although, bent-over cable kickbacks are just as good.

Dumbbell kickbacks are not part of Nippard’s triceps routine, as there’s no tension during the negative. He instead recommends dumbbell overhead extensions as a better free-weight alternative. 

Nippard declared cable triceps kickbacks an A-tier exercise. 

Dips 

Bodyweight dips stimulate the triceps long head with rearward arm motion and train all the pushing muscles simultaneously. Advanced exercisers can also progress using a weighted belt or dumbbell. 

Nippard isn’t as enthusiastic about captain’s chair dips because they irritate his joints, so he gives them a subjective B-tier rating. The bodybuilder feels bench dips are better; however, they’re harder to progress, which gets them C-tier treatment. Machine dips are a solid B-level contender.

Close-Grip Bench Press & Push-Up Variations 

The classic close-grip bench press builds raw overall triceps strength but limits long-head growth. Although they’re still A-tier, close-grip [Shoulder width] push-ups are a bodyweight alternative, but loading is an issue for this C-tier variation. 

Diamond push-ups are more sustainable as the narrower support base makes them harder. Nippard also loves them as a workout finisher and ranks them in B-tier.

Nippard’s Four Triceps Growth Tips 

Presses are important but not enough for long-head gains

You need isolation exercises for maximum growth

Overhead extensions are the best isolation exercise 

Use a variety of shoulder angles (e.g., arms overhead and neutral)

Nippard’s Overall Best and Worst Triceps Exercises

After analyzing 20 popular triceps exercises, Nippard feels cable overhead extensions offer the best all-around triceps gains. “It’s actually been validated as a superior exercise in long-term hypertrophy studies,” he reiterates. Dumbbell kickbacks, while a solid triceps exercise, would be Nippard’s last choice.

Thankfully, no triceps exercises on Nippard’s list were damned to F-tier or even D-tier. So his worst picks are still solid moves!

Featured image: @jeffnippard on Instagram

The post Using Science, Jeff Nippard Ranks the Best and Worst Triceps Exercises appeared first on BarBend.

It’s far from the most controversial thing in the sport to say: Arnold Schwarzenegger is the greatest bodybuilder of all time. A seven-time Mr. Olympia, Arnold helped push bodybuilding into the mainstream first as an athlete, then as a promoter, and finally, as an actor. His first major movie break came in 1977 when the iconic bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron was released. From there came a litany of well-known roles in Terminator, Predator, and Conan the Barbarian.

On seeing Arnold’s physique, countless athletes have asked the same question across decades: How do I look like that? 

Arnold’s physique was built through a workout program that dabbled in powerlifting, bodybuilding, and weightlifting at various points in his training career. What makes Arnold even more unique is how he has changed his training across his life. 

Here, I’ll take you through how young Arnold built his body, how middle-aged Arnold perfected it, and how the current Arnold protects it. 

Arnold’s Training Philosophy

Throughout his training career, Arnold has focused on a set of core principles to build his body: 

Intensity

Focus

Progression

Arnold’s Intensity

From a young age, Arnold embraced hard work within the gym, famously training his legs so hard as a teenager that he was unable to ride his bicycle home and was forced to walk. (1) As he grew in experience, intensity came to mean using a combination of heavy weights for low reps; moderate weights for high reps; and training twice a day with a large number of sets. 

Arnold was renowned for how hard he trained and the length of his workouts, but he was not an advocate of high-intensity training (or HIT, the practice of training to absolute failure using a minimal number of sets). 

Casey Viator, one of the original HIT proponents later recorded a HIT workout with Arnold. The ‘Austrian Oak’ found it so demanding that he eventually quit! Indeed, as strength historian Randy Roach’s claims: intensity ‘is in the eye of the beholder.’ (2) 

Nevertheless, hard work was a cornerstone of Arnold’s approach, and he regularly advised trainees to enjoy the difficulty of their workouts.

[Read More: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s & Phil Heath’s Upper Body Workout at Arnold Sports Festival UK]

Arnold’s Focus

Just as important (if not moreso) was Arnold’s belief in focusing during the workout. For the Oak, this was defined as two things: mind-muscle connection (or feeling the movement through the muscle) and developing a pump during the workout. 

[Read More: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Timeless Bodybuilding Tips]

Combined, these philosophies ensured that he was always able to target the correct muscle group. In particular, Arnold used these approaches to great effect when bringing up lagging or weak muscle groups such as his notoriously weak calves early in his career.

Arnold’s Progression

Arnold’s calves provide a nice starting point for Arnold’s third training philosophy: progression.

This idea, while hardly revolutionary, was something Arnold pushed to the absolute extreme. In 1969, Arnold’s own bodybuilding idol, Reg Park, told him that his calves would only grow when he began doing sets with 1,000 pounds on the calf raise. Arnold took this advice and began to use progressively heavier weights during his training. (1)

The Three Lives of Arnold

Whether he was starting out, at his peak, or as an ‘elder statesman’ of the gym, Arnold has continually preached his pillars of training to aspiring bodybuilders. But Arnold is far from a single-sport athlete. His advice can be applied across strength sports—and he’s got the credentials to demonstrate why.

Arnold’s Early (And Undocumented) Training

Arnold dabbled in a range of strength sports before sticking with bodybuilding. During his younger days, he competed in powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting competitions and—on one occasion—a stone lifting contest, too. 

Alas, there are thus undocumented phases of his training when Arnold used powerlifting and weightlifting programs to prepare him for competition.

[Read More: How Strong Was Arnold Schwarzenegger? We Look Back at the Oak’s Short-Lived Powerlifting Career]

Perhaps because he changed (and became) the face of the sport, much of his autobiographical memories focus on his bodybuilding upbringing. Arnold’s first workouts in Austria were simple full-body programs wherein each muscle group was hit for three sets of ten reps. (1)

Increasing His Volume (And Intensity)

Encouraged by his early progress, Arnold slowly built up his workouts to six times a week, eventually splitting between different body parts. His inspiration at the time came from American bodybuilding magazines and his idol Reg Park. 

It wasn’t until Arnold moved to Germany in 1966 that he really shook up his training program. Training alongside Mr. Europe and Mr. Universe champions, he realized that they all seemed to superset their training—getting more work done in a shorter period. (1)

Enter the Mind-Muscle Connection

It was not, however, until Arnold moved to America in 1968 that his training philosophy truly evolved. Training under the tutelage of Joe Weider and in the now iconic gyms on America’s West Coast (including Gold’s Gym), Arnold continued to grow in size and stature.

Interestingly, he was known for his training simplicity. Former training partner Ric Drasin recalled Arnold’s adherence to basic movements, without a huge amount of variety. What distinguished Arnold from his peers was the time he spent in the gym and the number of sets he dedicated to each muscle. (3) 

[Read More: Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals His Heaviest Lifts Ever]

His philosophy during this time was all about hard work, long sessions in the gym, and focusing absolutely on the mind-muscle connection. Arnold set the standard for how a pro bodybuilder should train in the 1970s and 1980s. Fellow bodybuilding legend Tom Platz recalled everyone doing the ‘Arnold workout’ when he first moved to California. (4)

The basic framework of these workouts has remained despite Arnold’s changing priorities. As a Hollywood star (and even during his time as Governor of California), Arnold continued to train intensely in the gym, albeit at a lower body weight. 

Arnold’s Workouts Over His Career

To give you a taste of how Arnold’s workouts have changed over time, it’s useful to examine his training programs as a beginner; as an elite bodybuilder; and now as an advanced trainee.

Arnold’s Beginner Program

In Arnold: Education of a Bodybuilder, the Oak detailed a program for trainees largely inspired by some of the first workouts he completed. There are ten exercises, each done for three sets of eight to 10 reps with 30 seconds rest between sets (unless otherwise noted). (1)

Bench Press

Wide-Grip Chin-Up

Military Press

Barbell Curl

French Press

Back Squat

Leg Curl

Calf Raise (5 x 15)

Sit-Up (3 x 50)

Wrist Curl (3 x AMRAP)

Arnold’s Olympia Workouts

Arnold’s initial workouts were all about building a muscular base. By the time he was competing in (and winning!) Mr. Olympia titles in the 1970s, he had shifted to fine-turning his physique. This meant a keen focus on each muscle group. 

[Read More: The Arnold Schwarzenegger Workout Split (and How to Modify It)]

He famously achieved this by training twice a day, six days a week! 

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

(Morning) Chest

Barbell Bench Press: 4 x 10,8,6,4

Barbell Incline Bench Press: 4 x 10,8,6,4

Dumbbell Flye: 3 x 10,8,6

Dip: 3 x 15,10,8

Pullover: 3 x 15

(Morning) Back

Weighted Chin-Up: 4 x 10+

Close-Grip Chin-Up: 4 x 10

T-Bar Row: 4 x 15,12,8,6

Barbell Row: 4 x 8-12

(Evening) Legs

Squat: 5 x 20, then 4 x 10,8,6,4

Front Squat: 4 x 10,8,8,6

Hack Squat: 3 x 10

Leg Curl: 4 x 20,10,8,6

Standing Leg Curl: 4 x 10

Straight-Leg Deadlift: 3 x 10

(Evening) Calves

Donkey Calf Raise: 4 x 10

Standing Calf Raise: 4 x 15,10,8,8

(Evening) Abs

Crunch: 3 x 25

Bent-Over Torso Twist: 100 reps per side

Machine Crunch: 3 x 25

Crunch: 1 x 50

On Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday

Shoulders

Behind-the-Neck Overhead Press: 5 x 15, then 4 x 10,8,8,6

Lateral Raise: 4 x 8

Bent-Over Lateral Raise: 4 x 8

Dumbbell Shrug: 3 x 10

Arms

Barbell Curl: 5 x 15,10,8,6,4

Incline Dumbbell Curl: 4 x 8

Concentration Curl: 3 x 8

Skull Crusher: 4 x 15,10,8,6

Cable Triceps Pressdown: 3 x 8

Single-Arm Triceps Extension: 3 x 10

Forearms

Barbell Wrist Curl: 4 x 10

Reverse Wrist Curl: 3 x 10

Calves

Seated Calf Raise: 4 x 10

Abs

Reverse Crunch: 4 x 25

Seated Twist: 100 reps per side

Vertical Bench Crunch: 4 x 25

The Current Arnold Split

Late last year, Arnold revealed his tips for training in his 70s. Training nearly every day, he splits his workouts between 45 to 60 minutes on the bicycle and then short, circuit-style workouts for roughly 30 minutes. 

His arm and shoulder workout, for example, is a series of short, sharp circuits, pushed for high rep sets with little rest. (5) 

Machine Preacher Curl: 1 x 30, 4 x 10-12

Machine Dip: 1 x 30, 4 x 10-12

Overhead Press Machine: 5 x 10-12

Machine Lateral Raise: 5 x 10-12

Machine Rear Delt Flye: 5 x 10-12

What Can We Learn From Arnold?

First things first: your training age, experience, and goals matter! How Arnold trained shifted dramatically across his career. What he did as a beginner no longer served him as an elite bodybuilder and similarly as someone who is now just interested in maintaining his health and mobility. 

At his peak, Arnold did not hit one heavy set to failure like six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates, or push incredibly heavy weights like eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. But he did train with intensity, consistency, and with a focused effort to engage each muscle to the max. 

These tips, which broadly underpin current Mr. Olympia Derek Lunford’s training, continue to hold across the tests of time.

References

Schwarzenegger, Arnold. The Education of a Bodybuilder. Simon and Schuster, 1977.

Roach, R., 2008. Muscle, smoke & mirrors. AuthorHouse.

Drasin, Ric, 2019. ‘Training with Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Austrian Oak.’ Bodybuilding.com, June 12. 

McGough, Peter. 2013. ‘Tom & Arnold.’ Muscular Development, April 3. 

Nelson, Keith. 2023. ‘Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares His Workout Routine at 75.’ Men’s Health, May 24.

Featured Image: UCLA Library Digital Collections + Photo_Doc / Shutterstock

The post How Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Train? A Chronicle of the Austrian Oak’s Favorite Workouts appeared first on BarBend.

The 2024 Miami Muscle Beach Pro will occur on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Miami, FL. It will feature three IFBB Pro League divisions: Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness. If they have not previously earned qualifications, all three contest winners will qualify to compete in the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.

2024 Miami Muscle Beach Pro Rosters

Over 60 pros are on the roster for this event. Their names are below in alphabetical order.

Men’s Physique

Laquintin Alston (Australia)

Brandon Cantallops (United States)

Steven Cao (United States)

Ricardo Cenat (West Roxbury)

Vitor Chaves (Brazil)

Jordan Clark (United States)

Creighton Clingan (United States)

Drew Cullen (United States)

Furkan Er (Turkey)

Brad Estadt (United States)

Fabian Feber (Germany)

Andre Ferguson (United States)

Anthony Greer (United States)

Xavier Jaime Canales (Puerto Rico)

Dennis Kloster (United States)

Paul Lupinacci (United States)

Chris Mantovani (Canada)

Dustin Nahale (United States)

Alessio Sbizzera (Italy)

Tyler Smith (United Kingdom)

Nathaniel Soria (United States)

Deke Walker (United States)

Torre Washington (United States)

Bikini

Maria Acosta (United States)

Gigi Amurao (United States)

Iulia Baba (Romania)

Cejay Banuelos (United States)

Kristiana Brush (United States)

Kate Carroll (New Zealand)

Hope Castelli (United States)

Judith Ceballos Hernandez (Mexico)

Noemi Cosentino (Italy)

Cassandra De La Rosa (Mexico)

Jordan Fisher (United States)

Inna Gavryliuk (United States)

Niccole Guggia (United States)

Brittany Hamilton (United States)

Samantha Houle (United States)

Cherrylyn Ibanez (United States)

Jessica Koston (United States)

Guadalupe Machado (Argentina)

Marina Maliden (United States)

Vanesa Ocana (Argentina)

Karen Orlena (Canada)

Ji Bin Park (South Korea)

Deanna Patterson (United States)

India Paulino (United States)

Myesha Rodgers (United States)

Angela Ruscili (United States)

Nedjie Thompson (United States)

Fallon Wainwright (United States)

Morgan Williams (United States)

Marissa Willmott (United States)

Wellness

Luz Abinuman (United States)

Celeste Chandler (Canada)

Daniela Esquivel (Costa Rica)

Leah Flack (United States)

Rayane Fogal (Brazil)

Taylor Gartenmayer (United States)

Jacqueline Huescas Rios (Mexico)

Joanna Jean (Canada)

Lydia Kebli (France)

Jinhua Liu (China)

Brittany Miller (United States)

Alexis Nicole (United States)

Yami Partridge (United States)

Cassandra Pennington (United States)

Victoria Puentes (United States)

Kimberly Riley (United States)

Ruth Rodriguez (United States)

Yezmin Sagbini (United States)

Kat Williams (United States)

[Related: A Guide to the Best Pre-Workouts, Tested and RD Approved]

Image via @luckylibra213 on Instagram

[Related: The 8 Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders, Tested by Our Experts]

Men’s Physique Athletes to Watch

Below are three Men’s Physique competitors likely to be in contention for the title:

Andre Ferguson

Andre Ferguson is a well-decorated division veteran, including three Arnold Classic wins to his credit. He ranked fourth at the 2024 New York Pro and is the defending champion of this contest. He seeks his 19th career pro victory to qualify for the Olympia for the 10th consecutive year.

Vitor Chaves

Vitor Chaves is coming off back-to-back runner-up finishes at the 2024 Pittsburgh Pro and New York Pro events. He ranked second to Ferguson at the 2023 edition of this show and ninth at the 2023 Men’s Physique Olympia, won by Ryan Terry. The fourth-year pro is trying to earn his third trip to the Olympia.

Drew Cullen

Drew Cullen is coming off a third-place finish at the 2024 Optimum Classic Pro in Shreveport, LA, where Alexander Toplyn won. Cullen is trying to return to the Olympia, hoping to finish in the top 15. He finished the 2023 Olympia tied for 16th place.

Featured Image: @luckylibra213 on Instagram

The post 2024 Miami Muscle Beach Pro Preview appeared first on BarBend.

Fourteen Men’s Physique competitors will represent 11 nations onstage at the 2024 Thailand Pro on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Pattaya, Thailand. This is a 2024 Olympia qualifying event, meaning the winner will be eligible to compete at the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on the weekend of Oct. 10-13, 2024.

The roster is below, courtesy of the IFBB Pro League:

2024 Thailand Pro Roster

Omer Bahamed (India)

Nur Irfan Bin Ahmad (Singapore)

Michael Bonsu (United States)

Gunseung Lee (South Korea)

Yoon Sung Lee (South Korea)

Mohamed Lutfalla (Bahrain)

Ernie Maranan (Philippines)

Ponpaisan Ruangsangpen (Thailand)

Shogo Sato (Japan)

Jian Song (China)

Anh Tran Tuan (Vietnam)

Ming Chieh Tsai (Taiwan)

Lovish Wahi (India)

Yiming Wei (China)

[Related: A Guide to the Best Pre-Workouts, Tested and RD Approved]

[Related: The 8 Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders, Tested by Our Experts]

Yoon Sung Lee

Yoon Sung Lee was in the 2023 Men’s Physique Olympia contest but finished outside the top 15. He has already qualified for the 2024 Olympia by winning the AGP Pro in Gyeonggi State, South Korea, on Apr. 27, 2024. If the fourth-year pro wins this contest, no Olympia qualification will be awarded. If he does score gold, his spot at the Olympia remains secure.

Yiming Wei

Yiming Wei is coming off a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Kim Junho Classic Pro on May 12, 2024. Before that, he ranked third at the 2024 China DMS Pro. He is in his third pro season and is looking for his first pro win and Olympia qualification.

Ponpaisan Ruangsangpen

The lone athlete representing the host country is Ponpaisan Ruangsangpen. He competed at the 2023 Olympia to finish outside the top 15. He ranked seventh at the 2024 Los Angeles Grand Prix Pro, won by Aundre Benson. This will be Ruangsangpen’s second contest of the 2024 season. His only pro victory came at the 2023 District of Fengshan Kaohsiung Pro. 

Other Notes

This is one of two Men’s Physique shows set to take place on the weekend of June 1-2, 2024. The other is at the 2024 Miami Muscle Beach Pro in Miami, FL, also a 2024 Olympia qualifying event.

Featured Image: @teetee_athlete1 on Instagram

The post 2024 Thailand Pro Men’s Physique Show Preview appeared first on BarBend.

The 2024 Nevada State Championships Bikini division show is on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV. Sixteen athletes will take the stage. The winner will earn a qualification to return to Las Vegas for the 2024 Olympia Weekend on Oct. 10-13, 2024. If the champion is already qualified, no other qualification will be awarded.

The competitor list is below, with names in alphabetical order:

2024 Nevada State Championships Roster

Brooklin Bade (United States)

Alex Carrera (United States)

April Conley (United States)

Erika Devera (United States)

Tina Edsall (United States)

Valeria Fedorenko (Ukraine)

Vanessa Guzman (United States)

Courtney Janecek (United States)

Ashley Kaltwasser (United States)

Yume Kurokawa (Japan)

Alexandra Leeper (United States)

Amanda Rivas (United States)

Sierra Swann (United States)

Alissa Tonelli (United States)

Tina Tran (United States)

Noel Zayour (United States)

[Related: A Guide to the Best Pre-Workouts, Tested and RD Approved]

[Related: The 8 Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders, Tested by Our Experts]

Ashley Kaltwasser

The all-time winningest athlete in IFBB Pro League history has 45 wins going into this show. Ashley Kaltwasser won two of those shows this season and aims to win 50.

This show is in Kaltwasser’s current city of Las Vegas. Not having to travel could serve her well. As a winner this season, a top three finisher at the 2023 Olympia, and a three-time Olympia champion, her spot in the 2024 Olympia is already secured. She is the defending champion of this contest.

Sierra Swann

Sierra Swann finished second to Kaltwasser at the 2024 Optimum Classic Pro on May 25, 2024. This will be the second pro show of 2024 for her. She is trying to qualify for the Olympia for the fourth straight year. She has never reached the top 15 in her three previous Olympia appearances.

Valeria Fedorenko

Valeria Fedorenko has entered two shows in 2024. She placed eighth at the Pittsburgh Pro and fifth at the New York Pro one week later. She has Olympia experience, having placed outside the top 15 in 2022.

Fedorenko had qualified for the 2023 Olympia by winning that year’s Fitness Authority Poland Pro but did not compete in the 2023 Olympia.

Other Notes

This is one of two Bikini division contests on June 1, 2024. The other is at the Miami Muscle Beach Pro in Miami, FL. That contest winner also qualifies for the 2024 Olympia if not already qualified.

Featured Image: @ashleykfit on Instagram 

The post 2024 Nevada State Championships Bikini Division Show Preview appeared first on BarBend.

The 2024 Mid-USA Pro Classic Physique show will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. As of Friday, May 31, 2024, seven IFBB Pro League competitors will participate in this event.

The winner will earn a qualification to compete at the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia, a part of the Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024, if that winner was not already qualified before the show.

Damien Patrick was the champion of this show in 2023 but is not in the 2024 lineup. The full roster, with names in alphabetical order, is below:

2024 Mid-USA Pro Roster

Kirk Anderson (United States)

Louiege Bascog (United States)

Camilo Diaz (Colombia)

Matt Orchard (Australia)

Lamar Shaw (United States)

Jorge Tabet (Spain)

Jeremiah Willies (United States)

[Related: A Guide to the Best Pre-Workouts, Tested and RD Approved]

[Related: The 8 Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders, Tested by Our Experts]

Jeremiah Willies

Jeremiah Willies is the only athlete in this lineup who qualified for the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia. He earned his spot by winning the 2024 Fitworld Pro on Apr. 13, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA.

Willies can keep another athlete from qualifying by winning in New Mexico, but his Olympia qualification remains secure even if he does not win. He ranked second in this contest in 2023.

Camilo Diaz

Camilo Diaz finished one spot behind Willies at the 2023 Mid-USA Pro. Diaz has competed three times in 2024. His best finish was fifth at the Pittsburgh Pro on May 11, 2024. Diaz aims to win and qualify for the Olympia for the second time in his career. His last time on that stage was 2022; he finished tied for 16th place.

Lamar Shaw

This will be Lamar Shaw’s third show of the 2024 season. He ranked seventh at the Charlotte Pro but improved significantly and rose to second at the Optimum Classic Pro in Shreveport, LA. He is in his sixth pro season, looking for his second career win. His first was at the 2022 Warrior Classic.

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Featured Image: @jay_athletic on Instagram

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