đŸ‹ïž 7 ways nootropics can fuel your work and workouts

Before we start: Today’s BarBend Newsletter is presented by AIRWAAV. Click here to find out how the AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece can boost your training sessions.

Here’s what’s on deck today:

  • The differences between the seated and standing shoulder press.

  • Fifteen fascinating stats from the 2023 World’s Strongest Man.

  • Seven ways nootropics can improve your work and your workouts.

Training Tips

Take a seat?

Image: Vladimir Sukhachev/Shutterstock

If you’re like us, you’re always down to polish those shoulders into nice, round bowling balls. And one of the best ways to do this is the shoulder press, which has two main variations: seated and standing.

Strength scholars (you heard us) have long debated which version of the move is actually better for your goals. We’re here to put a stamp on this conversation.

If you want strength, you’ll probably perform the standing shoulder press. If you want muscle growth, you’ll probably perform the seated shoulder press. And so on, and so forth. There are a lot of other factors to consider, and we break ‘em all down below:

From Our Sponsor

Your New Secret Weapon in the Gym

Increase strength and muscular endurance with the AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece.

AIRWAAV is a lower-fit mouthpiece that places the jaw and tongue in the perfect position to improve breathing and body alignment during intense exercise. It’s scientifically proven with 15 years of peer-reviewed, published research to:

  • Activate neuromuscular response to improve muscular force during strength exercises

  • Open your airway by up to 25% for improved breathing efficiency

  • Reduce respiratory rate by 20% for improved muscular endurance

  • Reduce cortisol build-up by 50% post-workout for faster recovery

Unleash your best performance and learn why elite athletes from around the globe are turning to AIRWAAV.

Strongman

The World’s Strongest Stats

Image: Courtesy of World’s Strongest Man

The 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) — and Mitchell Hooper’s first title — has come and gone. But we’re not done with this strength spectacle quite yet.

In a new YouTube video, former strongman Laurence Shahlaei and his wife, Liz Mason, broke down 15 stats from the 2023 WSM you might have overlooked. They cover Hooper’s dominance in context, a uniquely international podium, and so much more. There’s clearly more to the biggest contest in strongman than the events at face value.

Nutrition

All About Nootropics

In a market plentiful with supplements hitting various niches across the board, nootropics are relatively new to the scene. But as versatile supplements that can hit more than a few notes, it’s no wonder they’re starting to gain steam.

These so-called “smart drugs” can boost memory, attention, focus, and creativity. Research has also found some nootropics can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and general mood.

There’s a lot more to it than that, and you can learn even more in our handy guide on how nootropic supplements might fit into your routine.

Everything Else

Tia-Clair Toomey’s Killer Instinct

GIF: @TrainingDay on Giphy

Sound Off!

How Do You Press?

Image: MDV Edwards on Shutterstock

How do you do shoulder presses? Pick one below to vote:

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

The Results Are In

Your 2023 WSM Thoughts

GIF: @worldsstrongestman on Giphy

In the April 24, 2023, edition of The BarBend Newsletter, we asked what you thought of the 2023 World’s Strongest Man. Here’s how you voted:

  1. Epic! (39.76%)

  2. Pretty Good (31.32%)

  3. Meh (14.46%)

  4. Awful (14.46%)