🏋️ 10 stretches for a stronger neck

We're a little over a week from Thanksgiving. Remember, that second (and third) helping of turkey and mashed potatoes is completely fine as long as you promise that it's all for bulking season. 

Before we start, today’s newsletter is sponsored by Chirp. If you’re dealing with back pain, a stiff neck, tight muscles, or all of the above, a quick roll on a Chirp Wheel can provide the deep massage and invigorating stretch you need to get back in the game. Find out about Chirp’s latest sales here.

Karlos Nasar is a rising weightlifting superstar. And at just 18 years old, he drew a line in the sand with a jaw-dropping 485-pound clean & jerk. 

Before he takes the stage at the Olympia in December, bodybuilder James Hollingshead proved to be the spitting image of the fictional god slayer Kratos from God of War. 

A flexible neck can pay off with incredible dividends in your workout routine. We've got 10 awesome neck stretches to get you started. 

Weightlifting 

Karlos Nasar Teases (and Lifts) Coming Greatness

He might only be 18 years old, but Bulgarian weightlifter Karlos Nasar is no slouch once he gets a stacked barbell in his hands. In advance of next month's IWF World Weightlifting Championships (WWC) in Bogotá, Colombia, the 89-kilogram prodigy put his peers on notice.

During a training session on Friday, Nasar successfully locked out a 220-kilogram (485-pound) clean & jerk. If it were transferred to an official lifting platform, like, say, at the WWC, the clean & jerk would be a Junior and Senior record.

Once again, to be extremely clear: Nasar is 18 years old. We're just as astonished as you are. And we definitely don't envy anyone who has to try and topple him in Colombia. 

Bodybuilding

James Hollingshead is a Perfect Greek God

Last month, bodybuilder James Hollingshead attended the annual MCM London Comic Con while cosplaying as Kratos, the hulking protagonist of the popular video game series God of War. With the latest iteration in the franchise, God of War Ragnarok, releasing last week, Hollingshead fittingly portrayed a character known for his incredible power and musclebound physique.

Beyond the size, the bodybuilder also nailed everything from the character's beard and shaved head to the trademark scowl that never leaves his face.

The athlete's second-ever Olympia appearance is just a few weeks away. We don't know about you, but we wouldn't want to bet against a guy who can successfully resemble a (fictional) Greek god. 

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Training Tips

Stretch Your Neck, Revitalize Your Pulls

It sounds simple in theory, but taking proper care of your neck is no joke. Think about it. Not only does your neck hold up your head throughout the day, but it's also a foundational part of your spine and posture. Anyone who's ever had a tight neck will tell you it's not a fun experience in the least. 

Now, why wouldn't this thought process apply to your exercise? Especially when you work your shoulders or do any overhead movement. If you've got a tight neck but still want to lift and move efficiently, don't worry. We've broken down 10 stellar (and beyond accessible) neck stretches that will unlock plenty in your workout program.

Everything Else

Inside the Mind of a Bodybuilding Household Name

• Want to know what it's like to have a bodybuilder's "champion mentality"? Three-time reigning Classic Physique champ Chris Bumstead will tell you everything.

• Trey Mitchell was the runner-up at the 2022 Strongman Rogue Invitational. In an insightful video, the athlete broke down where he fell just short.

• There was a huge upset in the Men’s Open division at this weekend's Romania Muscle Fest Pro. Find out what went down.

Sound Off!

Pixel Power

The Results Are In!

Swap the Squat

In the November 7, 2022, edition of The BarBend Newsletter, we asked for your favorite leg exercise other than the squat or deadlift. Here's how you voted:

1. Leg press (41%)

2. Lunges (26%)

3. Leg extensions (12%)

4. Other (11%)

5. Hamstring curls (10%)