🏋️‍♀️ 5 reasons you’re not getting stronger 

Today’s BarBend Newsletter is presented by CoachRx. If you want to design a better training program, check out CoachRx’s free 14-day trial to learn how to coach like the pros.

Here’s what we’ve got today:

• Five common strength training mistakes (and how to fix 'em).

• Everything you need to know about weightlifting belts.

• Tom Stoltman reacts to his WSM runner-up spot.

Today’s edition clocks in at around 720 words, or about a 3.5-minute read. (Not that we’re timing you or anything…)

Training

Get Out of Neutral

Something feels off in your program. You’re not plateauing, but you’re not exactly leaving the gym feeling good, either. While a slowdown in your progress could be due to several factors outside of the gym, you don’t want to discount that you might be making some subtle strength mistakes in your training.

You might be in such a rush to get to the barbell that you’re skimping on your warm-up. Or maybe you need to introduce a little more cardio into your life to boost your endurance.

Whatever’s feeling off about your program, taking a breather to figure out the issue can help you fix it. Check out these common strength mistakes so you can start improving your program.

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Workout Tips

The Benefits of Belts

Weightlifting belts are as common in gyms as horrendous music playlists and chalky handprints on the water fountains. These lifting accessories are geared toward gym-goers of all experience levels, and they work by bracing against your torso and making your back more rigid. This improves your lifting form and helps keep your back safe.

Some lifters swear by these belts, but if you’ve never tried one for yourself, there are a few things you need to know first. In the article below, we cover all the pertinent information about weightlifting belts and how to start incorporating them into your training. So, strap yourself in — it’s time to do some learnin’.

Strongman

Stoltman’s Runner-Up Spot

Tom Stoltman entered the 2023 World’s Strongest Man with history in mind. If the two-time reigning champion (2021-2022) beat his elite strongman peers in Myrtle Beach, SC, over the weekend, he would have become only the third competitor to win three consecutive WSM titles. Instead, he fell short with a runner-up finish to eventual victor Mitchell Hooper. At the very least, the Scottish athlete seems to accept his shortcoming.

On April 24, just a day after the WSM came to a close, Stoltman posted a reflection on his performance to his Instagram. While he didn’t make history, he already appears to be looking ahead to another title shot and more coming strongman greatness.

“I gave everything I had this year!” Stoltman wrote. “Hitting the big dumbbell was a personal goal for myself and I was consistent throughout. I’m very proud … I got told I wouldn’t be getting near the podium at [the 2023 WSM] due to my Arnold [Strongman Classic] performance. I worked hard and gave my all!”

Everything Else

Grease Is the Word

• Ever heard of “grease the groove” training? Find out how this unique approach can give your workouts a real kick in the tuchus.

• WWE Superstars Sheamus and Bron Breakker recently took viewers through a high-rep, high-intensity arm workout. Follow along here.

• Powerlifter Hunter Henderson broke the 227.2-kilogram (501-pound) mark while deadlifting raw in a conventional stance. And, of course, we’ve got a video of it.