PRO SECRETS TO 6 PACK ABS

We bodybuilders tend to give short shrift to abdominal training, focusing the lion's share of our time and energy on building bigger pecs, delts, lats, arms, quads and hams. Many of us don't do a damn thing for them until summer is approaching and we suddenly realize we are going to be shirtless at the beach or the pool. You should already know that low body fat levels are essential to display the abdominal muscles, but it's also true that the abs need to be developed or else they're nothing to display! This month, we have compiled some ab-training tips, tricks and routines from some of the best bodybuilders ever. Use their knowledge and experience to help you craft your own perfect 6-pack!

Rafael Brandão THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME!

In the fall of 2017, MD's own Giles Thomas was in San Marino, Italy covering the pro show. Two future stars made their pro debut that day. One was the tank-like Hadi Choopan, and the other was a study in shape and symmetry named Rafael Brandão from Brazil. Giles immediately recognized the vast potential in the young man, and as time went by the rest of the bodybuilding world caught on. Fast-forward to 2022 and "Rafa," as many know him, is one of the best up-and-coming competitors in Open Bodybuilding. We spoke about training with Flex Lewis, the true power and rewards of bodybuilding beyond the superficial muscles, the meteoric rise of Brazilian athletes in the IFBB Pro League, and his first Mr. Olympia coming up later this year.

THE DOCTOR IS IN...Shape!

George Touliatos aka Dr. Testosterone Is Living the Bodybuilding Lifestyle

The Black Swan

This Will Be My Final Year in Classic Physique

THE OHIO POWERHOUSE!

Dean Caputo Is an Industry Legend

The Shed

There really is no "magic" split that is far superior to any other. Work hard, give the muscle groups time to recover between sessions, and you'll do well on any split.

Classic Training Camp

Three-Time Classic Physique Olympia Champion

Big Ron With Big Ronnie Coleman, Eight-Time Mr. Olympia

Ronnie Interviews Shawn Ray

Classic Shawn

10 questions with Shawn Ray

Don't count the butcher out! Brett wilkin still has a world of potential

Bodybuilding fans can be a fickle lot. Brett Wilkin turned pro in Classic and did his first two shows as a 212, hardly making an impact. But when he made his Open debut last summer at the Chicago Pro and came close to defeating Hunter Labrada, who went on that fall to place fourth at the Mr. Olympia, he was being praised to the heavens as being the next big thing. Update photos leading into the 2022 Arnold Classic only cemented that belief, with many feeling he would be the one to push eventual champion, Brandon Curry, the hardest. Alas, it was not meant to be. He failed to deliver on those lofty expectations, ultimately placing sixth out of nine men. In a flash, many labeled him yet another example of being "all hype," and decided he had no future in the sport. I spoke with Brett three weeks later about the Arnold, his new sponsor and a move from Colorado to Florida, and what he needs to do moving forward to ensure he is in contention for the win the next time he gets on stage - as well as when that will be.

Outdoor Ashtrays

Summer means warmer temperatures that invite enjoying your cigars outdoors.

The Young Gentleman of Golf

Justin Thomas, no longer a kid, has emerged as one of the PGA Tour's proven winners

ProCigar Festival Returns to the Dominican Republic

When Cuba and Nicaragua canceled their cigar festivals this year, it seemed inevitable that ProCigar in the Dominican Republic was doomed to suffer the same fate.

Tequila is HOT!

Tequila, particularly on the high end, is the most exciting spirit category in the United States, with unprecedented demand

THE POKER BRAT

Phil Hellmuth has more championship bracelets than anyone in the game as well as a penchant for outbursts and a savvy eye for business

Cool Clubs

You may consider yourself an average golfer, but odds are you're not at least as far as clubs are concerned.

Giant Short Ribs

They're the ribs Fred Flintstone would order.

Cuba's Newest Brand: Romeo Línea de Oro

Habanos has created a super-premium version of Romeo y Julieta

BETTING BILLIONS ON SPORTS

Legal sports betting is spreading across the United States, and by 2025 it's estimated to account for more than $200 billion per year

Dressed to Grill

It's always heartwarming on Father's Day when the kids finally recognize that Dad is he deserves gifts that recognize his rightful status as grill master.

Dundonald Links, Ayrshire, Scotland

If the pandemic had its silver linings they came when hoteliers used the lull to pursue large-scale redevelopment and golf enjoyed one of its biggest annual participation booms in history.

Gin 'n' It

Looking for a new drink that mixes the frontier spirit with Jazz Age naughtiness and even a dash of your choice of modern enhancement? Gin'n'It just maybe it.

My Favorite Cigar

Cigar aficionados describe their smoke of choice

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 50th Anniversary

When Audemars Piguet introduced its Royal Oak in 1972, few could have ever predicted that the revolutionary stainless-steel sport watch with high-end finishing and a price tag to match would become one of the most coveted and hardest-to-get watch models 50 years later.

OEHLER's New System 89 Chronograph

Measuring Bullet Performance Downrange

The Problem with Low Pressure Loads

Bullets & Brass

Measurements for Rifle Handloading

Handy Techniques for Accurate Ammunition

THE BRASS RING

In Range

Semi-custom Bullet Moulds

Mike's Shoot in' Shack

REVISITING THE 6.5 -06 A-SQUARE

Loading New Bullets and Powders