🏋️ breaking open a crossfit champ's gym bag

We hope you're caught up on sleep, because the strength sports season is about to get hectic. Also, sleep is good for recovery. It's a win-win.

The reigning Men's CrossFit Games Champion, Justin Medeiros, might be poised for greatness in the long haul. The superstar recently shared the equipment he brings in his gym bag when he trains.

We're running out of adjectives to describe the magic Rhianon Lovelace conjures with a loaded barbell. The strongwoman has yet another staggering deadlift World Record to her name.

Regular maintenance of your shoulders, especially as you get older, is vital. We broke down the challenging landmine press, which will help take care of them.

CrossFit

What CrossFit Superstar Justin Medeiros Brings to the Gym

In a couple weeks, on August 3-7, defending CrossFit Games Champion Justin Medeiros will compete in the 2022 CrossFit Games. There, he'll potentially notch a rare feat. Should Medeiros repeat with another title, he'll be on his way to building a new dynasty on the Men's podium. (Mat Fraser, of course, won five straight championships from 2016 to 2020.)

As that contest comes around the bend, Medeiros is assuredly dotting all of his i's and crossing all of his t's. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, the CrossFit star shared what he brings around with him in his gym bag. The contents — like a protein shake — aren't entirely surprising, especially for an elite athlete like Medeiros.

Nonetheless, Medeiros' video is an excellent insight into one of the more overlooked processes for a unique competitor — what they take with them when they go train.

Read more about the gym essentials for a 23-year-old CrossFit Champion.

Strongwoman

Rhianon Lovelace Extends Her Deadlift World Record By 20 Pounds

At this point, Rhianon Lovelace is less a top-tier strongwoman and more a juggernaut — an unstoppable force of strength. With yet another record, she seemingly cannot be contained.

Lovelace outdid herself during the 2022 Berkshire's Strongest Contest on July 16. She managed to deadlift a monstrous 282.5 kilograms (622.8 pounds) for a new World Record. Who did the British athlete surpass, you may ask? Why none other than herself!

Lovelace's previous strongwoman World Record deadlift is 272.5 kilograms (600.8 pounds). That means that the athlete unfathomably extended her mark by 20 pounds (!). Uh, yeah, suffice to say: That's pretty special. In reaction to her new awe-inspiring achievement, Lovelace had some heartening, thoughtful words on her Instagram.

"Meeting so many incredible people starting this weekend opened my eyes to how many people my lifts touch, inspire, and motivate.” Lovelace wrote. “How many believe in me and reminded me that this is so much bigger than me and my feelings. The women I represent fuel my fire and my focus. The pressure can often feel overwhelming. But pressure creates diamonds, and it is a privilege.”

More on Lovelace once again creating diamonds on a lifting platform.

Training

Round Your Shoulders Out With The Landmine Press

Due to their very nature, shoulder injuries can be one of the more common ailments many of us will face. Think about it. Throughout your life, how often are you reaching for or throwing something? There are too many instances to keep track of. Over time, if you're not exercising your shoulders regularly, that use will take its toll. If not addressed with a rigorous movement or routine, you might open Pandora's (Shoulder's) Box.

To help you keep your shoulders healthy, we have a comprehensive guide on the landmine press. Start doing this unilateral overhead pressing movement, and your shoulders will be golden with enough time.

Everything Else

John Haack's Latest Massive Bench Press

• Powerlifter John Haack holds most of the all time World Records records in the Men's 90-kilogram division. A recent huge bench press and string of personal bests might mean more milestones are on the way.

• As a pro bodybuilder, few know more about proper rest to maximize training than Hunter Labrada. The up-and-comer explained exactly what an optimal rest period is.

• Speaking of bodybuilders, Chris Bumstead has a fascinating take on the effectiveness of his stem cell treatments for recovery.

• Before you dive head first into the landmine press, take note of these 11 shoulder warm-up exercises.