🏋️‍♂️ 7 retired NFL stars who are still strong as hell

Today’s newsletter is presented by Lifeforce. You can save over 50% on your initial diagnostic test from Lifeforce this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The savings are only good until December 1, so act fast!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• Seven retired NFL stars who are as strong as ever.

• A look at seven of the most famous gyms in the world.

• Stock up on supplements with some epic Black Friday deals.

• And be sure to scroll to the bottom for a special announcement!

Inspiration

Gridiron Strength

After spending most of your life training for physical perfection, you would be forgiven if a strong urge to plant your butt on the couch and eat cupcakes devours your existence when you hit a certain age.

This is not the case with these seven retired NFL players, who are still strong as hell.

Terrell Owens was always known for his chiseled physique while playing receiver, and he credits his nutrition and dedication for still having a lightning-fast 40-time at close to 50 years old. Similarly, terrifying human being and former linebacker James Harrison’s habit of waking up before dairy farmers to hit the gym may be responsible for having a bench press over 500 pounds. Any way you slice it, these former elite athletes are still forces of nature.

From Our Sponsor

Achieve Peak Performance in the Gym (and in Life)

On a mission to think clearer, get stronger, and live longer? There’s a membership for that. The Lifeforce Membership, that is.

85% of Lifeforce members report improved quality of life in just three months, and that includes more energy, better recovery, and improved body composition, to name a few.

The Lifeforce Membership starts with a comprehensive blood test tailored to health-minded athletes, measuring 40+ essential biomarkers, including:

• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Directly impacts metabolism, energy levels, and muscle health.

• Estradiol: Essential for bone density and muscle preservation.

• Total Testosterone: Key for muscle mass, fat distribution, and overall strength.

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Measures 14 substances in your blood, including sodium, calcium, creatinine, and potassium — all important to your body's overall chemical balance and metabolism.

Special BarBend Offer: Get started today and save over 50% on your initial diagnostic test!

Gym Culture

Where It’s At

Any room full of Nautilus equipment and Bosu balls can be called a gym, but very few will think twice about passing it on the road.

That’s not the case with the seven world-class gyms we’ve rounded up below. Each one evokes a feeling of being star-struck by their sheer size and the endless amount of amenities. Unless you’re extremely lucky, you’ve probably never trained at any of them, but you probably already know all about them.

From the legendary Westside Barbell in Columbus, Ohio, that revolutionized the sport of powerlifting, to the original Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, California, that inspired so many people to try to be like Arnold, these gyms are more than a collection of weights and mats. A visit to any of these havens is a pilgrimage into the modern history of strength training, and this article is a roadmap to the hypertrophic equivalent of The Way of St. James.

Black Friday

Supplement Your Supplement Cabinet

Get ready to be cranked on a pre-workout, slip into a zone of hyper-focus, and work your way into an animalistic state.

No, this isn’t preparation for your next squat session. Black Friday is coming, and you’ll need to bring your A-game to take advantage of all the supplement deals you’re going to devour.

BarBend has everything you need to save on major brands like Swolverine and ONNIT, along with primo advice for keeping track of the constant stream of sales preparing to buffet you on Friday. Make a plan and head into the onslaught fully invested in the knowledge available.

From Our Sponsor

For those of you who've had your eye on AIRWAAV but haven't taken the plunge, now's the perfect time.

When it comes to mouthpiece reviews and selecting the ideal one for your needs, AIRWAAV offers two distinct versions: HIIT and Endurance. Both versions deliver the same performance benefits, but they differ in fit.

AIRWAAV HIIT:

• Offers a relaxed fit that rests on top of the lower teeth.

• Wide bite channel

• Minimizes visible bite marks as it doesn't impress into the teeth (hence the relaxed fit).

• Customization is possible by heating it in the microwave and leaving it in your mouth for two minutes.

AIRWAAV ENDURANCE:

• Provides a tight and snug fit.

• Features a gummy material designed for biting during lifts.

• The patented material shrinks as it cools, creating a custom, locked-down fit.

• Achieving the perfect fit involves heating it in the microwave and biting down firmly, leaving it in for three to five minutes.

AIRWAAV's reviews consistently praise its low-profile design and durability. Furthermore, the significant increase in airflow it provides is recognized as a substantial benefit for athletes across the board.

We are giving BarBend readers an exclusive 25% discount today through the end of November. Use code BARBEND25 at checkout to claim your offer.

Everything Else

A Warm Welcome to Morning Chalk Up

• BarBend is pleased to announce that it has acquired Morning Chalk Up. Since launching during the 2016 CrossFit Open, Morning Chalk Up has been the go-to digital publication for the sport of CrossFit and its community as a whole. As its new owners and operators, BarBend is committed to continuing that legacy. Head here for the full story.

• Keep tight, learn to brace, and start using the single-arm dumbbell bench press to build upper body muscle while squeezing your core and learning to stabilize.

• Even if you’re as old school as a pair of calf-length white socks, you can’t always train hard enough to push past your grip limits. Here are the best lifting straps to help you torch your muscles well after your hands can do no more.