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- 🏋️‍♂️ Why training your back is the real secret to looking strong
🏋️‍♂️ Why training your back is the real secret to looking strong
PLUS: Skipping Meals Can Backfire After 40

Welcome to your modern fitness daily news report! Every weekday, we break down the trending fitness news, tips, and insider scoops to keep you informed. Each read will be under 3 minutes so that you can stay shredded and thumb through no-nonsense fit-quips. Thanks for reading!
TODAY’S LEVEL UP:
Coach’s Corner: Why training your back is the real secret to looking strong
Did You Know?: Skipping meals can backfire after 40
Question from Our Readers: “What’s the best time of day to work out?”
Fit Trivia: Which 1980s action star was once a professional bodyguard for Muhammad Ali?

Why Training Your Back Is The Real Secret To Looking Strong
When guys think about looking strong, they often zero in on the chest and arms. But if you want that V-tapered, powerful look, your back is the key.
Here’s why:
A wide back makes your waist look smaller, even if your waist hasn’t changed.
Strong lats and traps improve posture, helping you look more athletic.
Training your back balances your physique and prevents injury.
Add these to your routine:
Dumbbell rows
Lat pulldowns or band-assisted pull-aparts
Face pulls (great for posture)
Don’t skip the muscles you can’t see in the mirror; they’re doing the heavy lifting when it comes to how you look and feel.
![]() | FROM RYAN’S DESKYou become what you repeatedly do. Your habits define your character. Don’t rely on potential, rely on action. Thoughts inspire you; actions shape you. Be the guy whose behavior matches his goals. That’s how identity is forged. ![]() |
Did You Know?: Skipping Meals Can Backfire After 40
Intermittent fasting gets a lot of hype, but for guys over 40, skipping meals too often can work against you:
Leads to overeating later (especially at night)
Slows metabolism if protein and calories drop too low
Raises cortisol, which increases belly fat
If you’re going to fast, make sure your meals are still high in protein, and you’re not under-eating over time. Otherwise, your body will fight back by storing more fat, not less.

Question from Our Readers:
“Is there an ideal time of day to work out for men over 40?”
– Derek, 52, Orlando, FL
Great question, Derek.
While the best time is the one you’ll actually stick to, here’s the breakdown:
Morning workouts help build consistency and boost energy all day
Afternoon workouts align with peak strength and body temperature
Evening workouts may help relieve stress, but can interfere with sleep if done too late
Choose based on your lifestyle and stress levels. Just be consistent, and your body will adapt.
Fit Trivia: Which 1980s action star worked as a professional bodyguard for Muhammad Ali before becoming a Hollywood icon?

Answer: Mr. T! Before becoming famous for The A-Team and Rocky III, Mr. T (Laurence Tureaud) was a real-life bodyguard for celebrities including Muhammad Ali and Michael Jackson. His no-nonsense attitude and imposing physique made him a legend before he ever stepped in front of a camera.
![]() | Ryan Engel, Intl. Fat Loss Coach Ryan is a leading fitness coach and one of the most known professionals in the space. He specializes in Body Recomposition and visual body aesthetics and has reached millions worldwide with his powerful messaging. He brings a unique, non-nonsense, yet sophisticated approach to body change. |
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Publisher: Ryan Engel
Editor: Michael Pender
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