Mike Sommerfeld is preparing for a back-to-back win in the Arnold Classic Physique division in March, but instead of hitting the gym with uncontrolled intensity, this elite bodybuilder is focusing on his form to build massive shoulders. Recently, the man mountain took to Instagram to share what he considers to be the three biggest myths…
Unilateral exercises like the single-leg Romanian Deadlift—aka the RDL— reduce muscle imbalances, strengthen stabilizer muscles, and enhance muscle development. But there are some drawbacks to these types of moves—the biggest possibly being the inevitable wobbles. Once you go heavy, fighting to stay upright oftentimes become a bigger challenge than building muscle. The fix, however, is…
Building a big back is a priority for competitive bodybuilders, so it’s reassuring to hear that technique is more important than genetics when it comes to adding muscle mass. That’s exactly what 2025 Arnold Classic Champion Mike Sommerfeld’s trap row technique asserts in one of his recent Instagram posts, demonstrating the benefits of the back-building…
Walk into almost any commercial gym at peak hours, and you’ll hear it: a sudden guttural grunt slicing through the hum of treadmills and clanking plates. Sometimes it accompanies a heavy deadlift or chest press. Othertimes, a pec deck set that barely warrants a raised eyebrow, let alone a primal yell. So, when is it…
Lifting heavy weights overhead—and keeping it overhead—is challenging. That’s where lockout issues happen. Elbows drift forward, ribs flare, and eventually the press turns into a standing incline bench. The weight still goes up, but the position is gone, along with your power, shoulder health, and much of any long-term progress. Lifters often place the blame…
Depending on who you ask, Reps in Reserve can be a science-backed way to train hard without cutting into your recovery, or a spreadsheet-driven excuse to avoid training hard. So, which is it? If you’ve ever finished a set and thought, “I probably had two more reps left in the tank,” That’s RIR in a…
Bodyweight training keeps bumping into the same criticism: it won’t make you strong. It’s true that at a certain point, you will need external loads to build more strength. But many lifters focus on the shortcomings of bodyweight training rather than its benefits, explains Brad Kolowich Jr. “If you can’t control your own body, you…