As we depend down the times to the 2024 Olympia competitors, most of the combatants are taking to social media to point out how they’re making ready for an important date on the bodybuilding calendar. With $400,000 in prize cash at stake within the Open Division, each coaching resolution is critical enterprise and for Akim Williams, the hammer curl might be key to cashing out in Las Vegas.
The Brooklyn Beast, or BKbeast for brief, is broadly considered one of many strongest bodybuilders on the circuit at present, however that doesn’t imply he throws his weights round with abandon. In truth, Williams has typically been a proponent of low rep quantity as a result of his coach, Ken Thompson subscribed to the idea that this regime helps to construct denser muscle mass. Should you’ve seen Williams’ physique, you’ll be laborious pressed to argue with this method. It additionally seems that the hammer curl is constructing the kind of biceps that might actually influence his probabilities of success on the ‘O’.
Why you must attempt Hammer Curls
“Crushing some biceps and they are growing lol,” wrote Williams, in what can solely be described as a humble understatement to his virtually 240K Instagram followers lately. In truth, the BKbeast’s biceps must be seen with a purpose to be believed: Spherical and thick, with an enviable peak, it’s no marvel that his followers really feel that Williams has among the greatest arms on all the Olympia roster.
Considered one of benefits of the hammer grip is that it lets you raise a heavier load. A conventional bicep curl requires your palms to be dealing with up (also referred to as a supinated grip), whereas in a hammer grip, your hand is turned to the aspect with palm dealing with in the direction of the opposite aspect of your physique. Hammer curls tax your three elbow flexors (biceps brachii, brachioradialis, and brachialis) which means that you may be concentrating on the biceps in your higher arm tremendous effectively right here. Many individuals, particularly heavy lifters like Williams, benefit from the hammer grip bicep curl as a result of the angle feels extra pure than common curls. Additionally, it’s typically much less painful to carry out.
The BKbeast typically opts to hammer his biceps by standing and utilizing an incline bench. He holds on to the bench together with his different hand to maintain his physique steady, isolating the raise for the working arm to it’s factor with out his physique shifting round. Attempt for your self by utilizing a lighter weight for the warmup, and a heavier, decrease rep quantity equivalent to 8 for the working set, permitting you to go heavy and keep within the vary of hypertrophy for muscle constructing identical to Williams. Contract the muscle groups and squeeze on the prime, reaching a deep stretch on the backside.
Akim Williams wowed the judges when he certified for the 2024 Olympia by profitable the Toronto Professional Supershow, and is betting on himself come October 10-12, 2024. “Just be you,” he advised his followers on September 28. “It’s the only advantage you have. Because no one can be you, better than you can.” The BKbeast is trying to convey one of the best model of himself to Sin Metropolis.
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