🏋️ an NFL legend's staggering bench press

It can be tough to be at your best on a sweltering Friday in the middle of August. So if you want a little kick to get you over the hump, we've got some seriously motivating fitness stories that will help.

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Are you familiar with Joseph Baena? He's the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and he recently took to social media to pay homage to his dad by hitting one of Arnold's classic bodybuilding poses. By the looks of it, the apple doesn't fall far from the "Austrian Oak" tree. 

Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe is unquestionably one of the greatest players of his era — and at 54 years old, he's not letting age slow him down. After seeing how much he's bench pressing nowadays, it looks like he could still play on any given Sunday.

Have you been making steady gains with your pull-ups lately? Here's a fantastic way to take your pull-up game to the next level while ripping up your core. 

Bodybuilding 

Cut From the Same Strength Cloth

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the biggest icons in fitness history. Even though the seven-time Mr. Olympia hasn't competed as a bodybuilder in over four decades, his influence on the sport remains substantial. And it seems like his son, 24-year-old Joseph Baena, wants to follow in the family business. 

In a post on his Instagram, Baena struck Schwarzenneger's iconic 3/4 back pose to honor his dad. If his short caption of "going for it" is any indication, Baena knew exactly what legendary memories he was invoking with this photo.

Though Baena hasn't announced any concrete plans to compete in bodybuilding, he's certainly training like a show is right around the corner. He's in the gym six days a week for two hours per session, and he already seems to have the whole posing thing down. 

Football 

A Hall of Famer's Bench Press

Shannon Sharpe was one of the NFL's best players during the '90s and early 2000s. At the time of his retirement, he held the record for touchdowns, receiving yards, and receptions for a tight end. Eventually, and accordingly, Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. And it turns out the 54-year-old still trains like he's looking for some more gridiron glory. 

A recent clip on Sharpe's Instagram shows the Hall of Famer repping 365 pounds on the bench press with ease. And as you can tell from the picture above, he's got an absolutely shredded physique to boot. Again, at 54 years old. It boggles the mind.

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Training

Take a W With the L-Sit Pull-Up

If you’re looking for a pull-up progression that will roast your core along with your upper back, it's time to try out the L-sit pull-up. This movement does exactly what its name suggests. It combines an L-sit with a pull-up, such that you’re maintaining an L-shape with your body throughout your entire set.

To get this exercise right, you’ll want to be able to comfortably hold an L-sit from a hanging position for at least 30 seconds and be able to do at least 10 to 15 strict pull-ups per set. Then, put these moves together as follows:

• Hop up to grab a pull-up bar with your preferred grip. Settle into a dead hang.

• Pull your shoulders down and away from your ears to engage your upper back.

• Perform a controlled hanging leg raise to bring your straight legs up to parallel with the floor.

• Stabilize your position until any wobbling subsides.

• Keep your core and upper back engaged as you exhale all your air. Brace your core and take a deep breath into your belly.

• Perform a strict pull-up, keeping your legs in their L-sit position. Exhale and take a quick inhale as your chin clears the bar.

• Lower under control.

• Reset your position and repeat for reps.

It’s an evil progression, to be sure, but one that is well worth the time and energy.

Everything Else

A Shaw Classic Shake-Up

• Due to issues with his flight to Colorado, two-time reigning World's Strongest Man Tom Stoltman is bowing out of this weekend's Shaw Classic.

• Few know bodybuilding better than Jay Cutler. The four-time Mr. Olympia made a firm prediction on who he expects in the top five at this year's show.

• Speaking of Arnold Schwarzenegger, here's a comprehensive breakdown on how to get jacked arms like the Terminator.

• Are you trying to stay fit and clean for your fitness goals? You might want to rethink that one slice of pizza.