Bar Speed

💪 THREE LEGENDS. THREE DIFFERENT BUILDS. ONE THING IN COMMON — YEARS OF HARD WORK.

Larry Wheels, Nick Walker, and Samson Dauda show how different body proportions can create completely different physiques. The numbers in this graphic are a fun comparison, but measurements can vary depending on the source, measurement method, and time of year.

📚 Quick takeaway: Muscle size isn’t just about one measurement. Genetics, training style, nutrition, recovery, and years of consistency all play a role.

Which physique stands out to you the most? 👀💪

1974 vs. 2026: What really changes with age? 💪

Strength training isn’t only about how much weight you can lift—it’s about how you train, recover, and adapt over time.

The goal doesn’t have to be lifting the heaviest weight in the gym. The goal is to keep your body strong and capable for as many years as possible.

Train consistently. Recover intelligently. Adjust when needed.
Strength is something you can build—and maintain—through every stage of life.

The image is a visual comparison and should not be interpreted as a literal representation of the same person or exact training performance.

💪 Arm Size Isn’t Just About Biceps

What makes these measurements interesting is that arm strength and appearance involve much more than biceps circumference.

The graphic compares the listed biceps, forearm, and wrist measurements of Devon Larratt, Akimbo 69 / Maxim Bitarov, and Levan Saginashvili.

A few things stand out:

• Biceps: The listed measurements range from 17.7 in to 24 in.
• Forearms: Forearm size is especially relevant in arm wrestling because the forearm and hand contribute heavily to grip, wrist control, and leverage.
• Wrists: Larger wrist measurements can provide a different structural base for force transmission, although wrist size alone doesn't determine strength.
• Height: The athletes have noticeably different body proportions, showing that measurements shouldn't be viewed in isolation.

Most importantly, circumference does not equal performance. Strength depends on factors such as muscle mass, tendon and joint structure, technique, leverage, training history, grip strength, and neuromuscular coordination.

The numbers shown are reported/listed measurements from the graphic, so they shouldn't be treated as standardized laboratory measurements.

Which measurement surprised you the most? 👇

Mike Israetel on Anatoly’s viral lifting clips 👇

There’s more to a heavy deadlift than the number written on the plates.

Mike Israetel has discussed how exaggerated or staged-looking lifting content can create confusion about what viewers are actually seeing. One important detail is barbell flex: a heavily loaded bar can visibly bend before the plates leave the floor, depending on the bar’s stiffness, load distribution, and setup.

That’s why internet lifting clips shouldn’t always be taken at face value. Visual appearance, plate size, bar bend, and camera angles can all affect how a lift looks on screen.

At the same time, Anatoly’s entertaining gym content has brought a lot of attention to strength training and powerlifting.

The bigger lesson: don’t judge a lift only by how it looks in a viral clip—look at the equipment, technique, loading, and context.

💪 Strength is impressive. Understanding the science behind it is even better.

What’s your take on Anatoly’s lifting videos? 👇

How impressive is a 3× bodyweight deadlift?

Deadlifting three times your own body weight requires an exceptional combination of strength, technique, leverage, bracing, grip strength, and years of structured training. It’s not simply about having big muscles—the deadlift demands coordination from nearly the entire body.

For example, an athlete weighing 80 kg would need to lift around 240 kg to reach 3× bodyweight.

The athletes shown above represent different builds and approaches to strength training. Which one do you think can pull 3× their body weight? 👀

Remember: strength is developed through consistent training, proper technique, recovery, and progressive overload—not shortcuts.

Before the viral Anatoly persona, Vladimir Shmondenko was already building his strength in rural Ukraine. 🇺🇦💪

As a teenager, he started training around age 14 and, without access to a modern commercial gym, improvised with materials such as bricks, wood, tractor parts, and other farm equipment. His early training eventually led him into competitive powerlifting, where he competed as a teenager before becoming known worldwide for his gym videos.

Today, many people know him as Anatoly, the seemingly ordinary gym cleaner who surprises lifters with his strength. But his strength was developed long before the viral videos.

The equipment may have changed. The dedication started early. 🔥

What do you think—could training with limited equipment build serious strength? 👇

💪 SIZE, STRENGTH & LEGACY — THREE GIANTS OF STRENGTH SPORTS

Brian Shaw, Eddie Hall, and Hafthor Bjornsson are three athletes who have left a major mark on the world of strongman and strength sports.

This graphic compares their listed body measurements, including height, chest, waist, biceps, and quads. Keep in mind that measurements can vary depending on the source, time period, and measurement method, so the numbers should be viewed as a visual comparison rather than an official standardized measurement record.

🔥 Different builds. Different strengths. Same relentless pursuit of performance.

Which physique stands out to you the most? 👇

🏋️ HİSYY VS SAM SULIK — STRENGTH & LIFTING COMPARISON

Two different athletes. Two different training journeys. One interesting comparison. 💪

This graphic presents selected bench press, squat, and deadlift numbers for educational and discussion purposes.

Strength numbers can vary depending on training conditions, equipment, technique, rules, and whether a lift was performed in competition or training.

This isn’t about declaring a winner—it’s simply about looking at the numbers and appreciating the work behind them. 🔥

Which lift stands out to you the most?

Respect the athletes. Respect the work. Keep the discussion friendly. 🤝

🔥 RONNIE COLEMAN vs ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER — TWO DIFFERENT ERAS, TWO LEGENDARY LEGACIES

Ronnie Coleman and Arnold Schwarzenegger represent two of the most influential eras in professional bodybuilding.

🏆 Mr. Olympia

Ronnie Coleman — 8 titles (1998–2005)

Arnold Schwarzenegger — 7 titles

🏛️ Arnold Classic The Arnold Classic was established in 1989, after Arnold's competitive Mr. Olympia era. Ronnie later won the Arnold Classic in 2001.

📊 Important note: The “Major Pro Wins” numbers shown in the graphic depend on how competitions are categorized and counted, so they shouldn't be treated as an official standardized statistic without a defined source.

Two champions. Two generations. Two very different approaches to bodybuilding—and both left an unmistakable mark on the sport. 💪

Which era of bodybuilding do you find more interesting: the Golden Era or the Mass Monster Era?

🔥 WHO IS KING OF POUND FOR POUND?

A fun strength & physique comparison featuring Hissy, Sam Sulek, Anatoly, and Andrey Smaev.

But here’s the important part: “pound for pound” isn’t an official title or scientific ranking. Strength can vary depending on bodyweight, exercise, training style, technique, and the specific lift being measured.

This graphic is meant for discussion and education—not to declare an official winner. 💪

👇 If you had to compare them pound for pound, who would you pick and why?