🏋️ 10 exercises to build an elite core

In November, some people might look forward to Thanksgiving and a great time with loved ones at a loaded dinner table. At BarBend, we love that, but we're celebrating the unofficial start of bulking season first and foremost.

A year and a half ago, Nick Best tore a lat and seemed out indefinitely. Now, at 54 years old, he's deadlifting incredible weight again, almost as if his injury never happened.

WWE superstar Austin Theory clearly works hard to maintain a physique fit for the ring. He recently gave away some trade secrets to a colleague by breaking down how he builds his piston-like arms.

Every great CrossFitter, regardless of experience, has a strong core. Here is the cream of the crop when it comes to core exercises that'll level up your WOD.

Strongman

Nick Best's Celebratory Showcase of Deadlift Power

Nick Best is one of the most accomplished strength athletes on the planet. And he's dealt with his fair share of injuries, too — the latest being a lat tear about a year and a half ago. Fortunately, his recovery has gone quite well!

Late last month, the now 54-year-old Best (his birthday is Nov. 3) celebrated his latest trip around the sun by deadlifting a massive 272.2 kilograms (600 pounds) from a narrow conventional stance. Oh, sorry. He pulled that weight not once but 16 times. Factor in a torn lat muscle only a year and a half ago, and frankly, we're pretty sure Best is actually built differently.

Best will return to competitive strongman at the 2022 Official Strongman Games on November 11-13, 2022, in Dayton Beach, FL. If this is how the athlete pulls weight just to celebrate joyful milestones, we can't wait to see what tricks he has up his sleeve for Florida.

Pro Wrestling

Austin Theory's Arm Workout is All Fact

Stephen Farrelly, or "Sheamus," has been around the block long enough as a long-time veteran of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). But at the tender age of 44, the WWE superstar wants to uncover every training edge he can find. That's why he enlisted the services of his 25-year-old peer Austin White, or "Austin Theory," to help out.

In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Sheamus is taken through a gauntlet of a so-called "All-Day" arm workout with Theory's guidance. The routine — which features everything from straight bar bicep curls to seated triceps extensions — is part of Sheamus' long-running series entitled "Celtic Warrior Workouts."

It's obvious the pair puts themselves through the wringer. At the same time, it's also clear this workout can turn your arms into tree trunks.

Training Trips

Build the Core of an Elite CrossFitter

Everyone has a different definition of "strong core." To some, it means having a chiseled six-pack. To others, it might simply mean enjoying better balance. If you're a CrossFitter, you want a stable trunk. On that note, don't worry. Even if you're just starting your CrossFit journey (or just want an improved core proficiency), we've got an absolute treat.

Regardless of your specific goals, we've broken down the 10 best core exercises to help you become a better CrossFitter. And yes, in case you were wondering: These exercises work wonders even if you never plan on professionally competing as a CrossFitter. There's truly something here for everyone.

Everything Else

Nathaniel Massiah Discusses His Strength Journey

• We talked to powerlifter/fitness model Nathaniel Massiah and learned a lot about the detailed strength plan for a high-level athlete.

• USA Weightlifting's 2023 North American Open Series is on the near horizon. The organization has diagrammed the 2023 schedule in full.

• Speaking of polishing up your arms, stack those biceps gains with the incline dumbbell curl.