🏋️‍♂️ watch this 1,053-pound squat

Today’s newsletter is presented by LMNT. Step up your hydration game with this zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix, and get a free sample pack with any purchase by heading here.

Here’s what we’ve got on your Valentine’s day:

• Try to keep up with Ronnie Coleman’s back workout

• Jesus Olivares breaks records in Sheffield

• Not to be outdone, Amanda Lawrence also broke records in Sheffield

Bodybuilding

Build an Olympia-Worthy Back

Ronnie Coleman is one of the most revered bodybuilders of all time, and a big reason for his success was the enormity and thickness of his back. And if you’re up to the task, you can train just like Ronnie with our look at “The King’s” epic back training routine from his prime. 

Coleman’s back program may look simple on paper, but that is probably just because you’re not next to him while he’s chucking enormous weight around the famed Metroflex gym. Considered one of the strongest bodybuilders to ever live, Coleman liked to perform his routine with heavy weights; be aware of your limitations and select your resistance accordingly. You may never have the biggest back in Olympia history, but that doesn’t mean you can’t train like it.

From Our Sponsor

Stay Salty

You’re training, gaining, and not complaining (much). Nothing quenches your thirst better than a refreshing, electrolyte-packed energy drink, but is there a way to escape those added sugars and artificial ingredients?

Enter LMNT.

LMNT is an electrolyte drink mix that offers all the vital electrolytes you need—without the sugars and questionable ingredients found in other sports drinks.

LMNT prevents and eliminates headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue while supporting a low-carb lifestyle and elevating performance. Kick-start your day, power up workouts, travel with a tried-and-true energy booster…the possibilities are endless, healthy, and delicious.

For a limited time, try all of LMNT’s flavors with a free 8-count sample pack with any purchase. Happy hydrating, friends.

Powerlifting

Where Records Go to Die

Jesus Olivares may not have been able to successfully defend his title at the 2024 Sheffield Championships, but as a consolation, he was able to break the all-time IPF squat record by sitting down and standing up with 478 kilograms (1,053 pounds) on his back.

The IPF classic squat record of 477.5kg previously stood since 2017, but Olivares made the mark a focal point of his meet preparation — and he pulled it off masterfully. After his third squat attempt went up, the rest of the meet didn’t go quite as planned for Olivares, and he missed out on taking the top overall place for the men. This took nothing away from his accomplishment on the squat, though, and you can check in and see his lifts below.

Powerlifting

Where Records Go to Die Harder

Amanda Lawrence came into the Sheffield Championships as Wonder Woman to Jesus Olivares’ Batman. Already an IPF world record holder, Lawrence entered the meet looking for more and was able to score new world records on the squat and total in the 84kg division.

Lawrence set the world record with a squat of 249.5 kilograms (550.1 pounds) on her second attempt and narrowly missed re-setting it on her third. She was able to put together a 647kg total to set that world record but ultimately placed 11th within the scoring system used at Sheffield. See all of Lawrence’s lifts and be sure to bookmark the new world record.

From Our Sponsor

This Valentine's Day, MAJOR FITNESS has brewed a potion of love stronger than Cupid's arrow. Just combine any MAJOR FITNESS power rack and Smith machine with one of their four attachments, and you’ll receive a special Valentine’s Day discount.

So fill your home gym (and heart) while making sure you still have enough cash in your wallet for that someone special....or more equipment.

Everything Else

The Full Sheffield Rundown

• While Olivares and Lawrence may have had the most gaudy performances, a whole host of competitors slapped on a singlet and aimed for the moon at the Sheffield Powerlifting Championships. See the full results here.

• Tap into your inner yogi and start integrating the frog pose into your daily life to open up your hips and get mobile.

• Reebok dropped the Nano X4 onto the market, but does it live up to the shoe brand’s legacy of high-quality, stylish training shoes? Read our review.