Proper Peaks
Muscle & Fitness|March 2019

2018 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro champ Steve Laureus plays all the angles in building perfectly proportioned biceps.

Michael Berg
Proper Peaks

WHEN YOU FIRST see Steve Laureus’ physique, you’re instantly struck by his incredible X-frame, his wide upper body and well-developed thighs subtly connected by an impossibly small waist.

It’s why Laureus—nicknamed “Mr. Propahhh”— quickly made his mark in the classic physique ranks with a win at his very first pro show, the 2018 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro. Still, the 32-year-old admits he’s not quite satisfied and has work to do in balancing out his upper body with sturdy legs forged through years of intensive soccer in his youth.

What’s never been an issue for him, however, are his biceps. Those progressed quickly as he trained with his father in their makeshift garage gym through high school. “My dad, who had great arms, always told me I needed to work on my biceps, my triceps, my chest. He sang that same song all the time,” Laureus recalls. “From early on, my biceps grew.” Here’s the intensive, four-move workout he’s relied on for years to perfect his peaks.

BARBELL CURL 21S

Starting a biceps session with 21s may seem brutal, but Laureus is undeterred. “I’ve done this workout for years,” he says. “People who have trained with me get done with the 21s and can’t move their arms—and we still have three more exercises to go.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MUSCLE & FITNESSView all
7 Things Fitness Insiders Want You To Know
Muscle & Fitness

7 Things Fitness Insiders Want You To Know

We asked seasoned coaches and trainers in the fitness industry for tips and advice that they wish all their clients and social media followers knew. From dispelling myths about training with injuries to assuming all box gyms suck, your training IQ is all but guaranteed to rise a few points after digesting these tidbits.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020
GRAGE AGAINST THE MACHINES
Muscle & Fitness

GRAGE AGAINST THE MACHINES

Fitness entrepreneur James Grage ditched the gym for resistance band workouts to spend more time with his family. Judging by his results, he won’t be returning anytime soon.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2020
GO TO BED TIRED
Muscle & Fitness

GO TO BED TIRED

Forget brains, talent, or genetics. For Special Forces operator and former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy, hard work is the most important factor to a rewarding life.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2020
FINE ART: CHISELING A COMPETITION-QUALITY UPPER BODY
Muscle & Fitness

FINE ART: CHISELING A COMPETITION-QUALITY UPPER BODY

How physique competitor Osamoje Imoohi shaped his mind and impressive body through fitness.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2020
Light Up Your Legs
Muscle & Fitness

Light Up Your Legs

Juan Morel’s continued quest for bodybuilding’s top prize begins with his killer leg workout.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2020
ROMAN'S SECOND REIGN
Muscle & Fitness

ROMAN'S SECOND REIGN

After being sidelined with leukemia in 2018, WWE Superstar Roman Reigns returned bigger and stronger—both inside and outside the ring.

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2020
COOL RUNNINGS
Muscle & Fitness

COOL RUNNINGS

To break out of his fitness funk, M&F ’s chief content officer, Zack Zeigler, challenged himself to complete a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, and a 24-hour, 30-mile Spartan Race all in a week’s time.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2020
THE FUTURE OF STEROIDS
Muscle & Fitness

THE FUTURE OF STEROIDS

M&F explores the advancements being made to PEDs, emerging drugs, and what this all means for the future of bodybuilding and other sports

time-read
9 mins  |
April 2020
BRAIN FOOD
Muscle & Fitness

BRAIN FOOD

These seven foods will nourish your body and sharpen your mind.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020
THE MODERN RUNNING SHOE...DISSECTED
Muscle & Fitness

THE MODERN RUNNING SHOE...DISSECTED

More innovations have been made in the past decade to the running shoe than ever before, resulting in a product so efficient it was almost banned from all running events. Here are the major changes that have led us to the pinnacle of performance footwear.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2020