🏋️ traditional deadlifts vs. sumo deadlifts — which is better?

Twas the weekend before Thanksgiving, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. A few days of hard work in the gym lay ahead, all so we could prepare for the tremendous spread.

There was speculation that Shaun Clarida might switch from the 212 division to Men's Open at the 2022 Olympia. The superstar bodybuilder finally put those rumors to rest.

In the mood for a viral fitness stunt? Watch these South Korean weightlifters team up for a tandem 617-pound clean & jerk.

Should you do traditional deadlifts or opt for the sumo variation? It's a popular debate among lifters, and we get to the bottom of it in our handy guide.

Bodybuilding

Shaun Clarida Wants a New 212 Crown

After winning the 212 Olympia title in 2020, bodybuilder Shaun Clarida fell just short of a repeat performance during a second-place finish at last year's show. With some athletes like Derek Lunsford — who beat Clarida for the 212 title in 2021 — shifting to the Men's Open division this year, some speculated Clarida might take the same path.

For now, though, this star is staying put.

Earlier this week, Clarida revealed he's returning to his familiar division at next month's Olympia. The main reason for his decision? As he notes in a recent Instagram post, there's some "unfinished business" to attend to.

Weightlifting

A Tandem Clean & Jerk for the Ages

If you've ever tried to do a clean & jerk, you know it takes a lot of coordination. Then, once you have the technique down, it's time to add weight, which adds an entirely different dimension. The normal laws of strength training (and physics?) clearly don't apply to South Korean weightlifters Bak Joo-Hyo (73KG) and Lee Sangyeon (67KG).

Earlier this week, the two athletes completed a 280-kilogram (617.2-pound) clean & jerk. Impressive, right? That's a lot of weight for one person, but what if we told you they did it ... together? That's right. Joo-Hyo and Sangyeon clean & jerked 617 pounds over their heads in unison.

There are incredible, awe-inspiring stunts of strength, and then there's this mind-boggling marvel.

Training Tips

Learn How to Max Out Your Deadlift(s)

Anyone who's ever stepped into a gym knows about the deadlift. This exercise is invaluable for building leg and back strength — but which variation of the deadlift is the best?

Today, we're looking at two versions of the deadlift: the "cheater's" sumo and the "classic" conventional. Both offer their own advantages, and we're breaking each down to help you figure out which one is right for your goals. Plus, you'll get a detailed tutorial of each move and tips on implementing them in your training.

Basically, we've done all the thinking for you — all you have to do is lift the weight.

Everything Else

Keep Tabs on the 2022 Down Under Championship

• Some of CrossFit's elite are in Australia for the 2022 Down Under Championship. Here's how you can watch all the awesome action.

• Need some new gym equipment? Rogue's Matte Black November sale is offering up some seriously deep discounts on barbells, plates, squat racks, and so much more.

• As the winner of two Individual CrossFit Games titles, Justin Medeiros knows a thing or two about overhead strength. He gave the Buttery Bros. some insight on how to do the perfect log lift.

• Want to become a polished weightlifter? Here are eight tips for your first workout.