🏋️ the liver king comes clean

Oxford Dictionaries chose goblin mode — meaning "lazy, slovenly, or greedy" behavior — as its word of the year. If that best describes your weekend, we're here to get you back on track with the best fitness content on the web.

Fitness influencer Brian "The Liver King" Johnson made headlines last week after his history of steroid use was exposed online. In a response video on his YouTube channel, Johnson decided to come clean.

Tiffany Chapon is one of powerlifting's biggest superstars, and she finished 2022 in a fitting way by winning the European Classic Powerlifting Championships.

Tired of leaning on the lat pulldown to build the back of your dreams? We've got 12 alternatives that might work even better.

News

The Liver King Responds to P.E.D. Allegations

Brian "The Liver King" Johnson built a media empire around outrageous fitness stunts and a diet focused on — you guessed it — eating copious amounts of raw organ meat. But the fitness world recently learned that he wasn't being quite honest about how he built his striking physique.

In a video confession posted to his YouTube channel last week, Johnson admitted he has a history of steroid use and is currently on performance-enhancing drugs, despite vehement denials previously. Johnson was prompted to confess after a YouTube video exposé on the channel More Plate More Dates revealed leaked emails where Johnson detailed his P.E.D. history in writing.

Johnson didn't make clear whether he intends to stop or change how he uses steroids. He did, however, apologize for lying by omission, saying, “I am as sorry as a man can be, and all I can do is take extreme ownership right now, be better, and lead myself to a better life as a better human.”

Powerlifting

Tiffany Chapon Captures Another European Title

Tiffany Chapon officially cemented herself as one of the biggest names in powerlifting in 2022. Over the summer, the French powerlifter captured her second straight International Powerlifting Federation World Championship, signifying that she was rounding into form as a dominant athlete. But she wasn't done yet.

Last week, Chapon captured her second consecutive European Powerlifting Federation European Championship. A 407.5-kilogram (898.4-pound) total was enough for her to stand on top of the podium in Skierniewice, Poland.

And, just like after her world title, we thought it fair to wonder: Can anyone take down this powerhouse any time soon? It doesn't seem like it.

Training Tips

12 Back-Building Lat Pulldown Alternatives

The lat pulldown can be a dynamite exercise. It's accessible, relatively easy to perform, and checks off most of the boxes you're looking for when it comes to bolstering back strength. But it's not the end all, be all when building a better back. In fact, it might only be the first step toward your goals. And we've got the other steps covered.

From behind-the-neck pulldowns to different variations of killer pull-ups, we're breaking down 12 excellent alternatives to the staple lat pulldown. If you want to address every last muscle on your back in a new, challenging way, then this workout roadmap might be your best option.

Everything Else

Jamal Browner's Latest Eye-Opening Deadlift

• An all-time World Record holder, Jamal Browner knows his way around a quality deadlift. One of his latest pulling sessions was something to behold.

• During the most recent episode of The Mike O'Hearn Show, the bodybuilder discussed the fallout of the Liver King's confession.

• If you really want to take your back and upper body to the next level, here's an overview of the weighted pull-up. (It's not bad as it sounds.)

Sound Off!

#Goals

The Results Are In!

Rowers Unite

In the November 28, 2022, edition of The BarBend Newsletter, we asked you to vote on your favorite cardio machine. Here are the results:

• Rower (33.6%)

• Treadmill (18.7%)

• Air bike (17.9%)

• Stairmaster (12.5%)

• Stationary bike (10.2%)

• Other (3.9%)

• Elliptical (3.2%)