By Roger “Rock” Lockridge
Muscle Insider Readers, Supporters, and Colleagues:
Today marks three months in my position as Managing Editor, but my personal connection to fitness goes back over 25 years to the 1990’s. What many people may not know is that prior to my full-time entry into fitness journalism, I spoke and worked as an advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence and child abuse. My priorities were to increase awareness, speak to the issues, help raise funds to agencies that support families, and keep communities informed and connected. The voices of advocates and survivors made profound differences, and those that are still in that space continue to do the same today.
The abilities and skills I used in that role came from the early days of my fitness journey. Daily dedication, commitment to work against resistance, and the discipline of consistency all served me in that role, and I see them being applied every day in many great athletes throughout strength sports and the fitness industry as a whole. That makes sense because regardless of the discipline athletes and fitness enthusiasts follow, or what personal fitness success looks like to them, the common bonds of overcoming resistance, getting better, and being our best selves for those around us is why we are proud to be in the fitness community.
The connections between advocacy and community are going to be profound this month with us. Last month, we launched the first edition of a series on women’s bodybuilding featuring six-time Ms. Olympia Andrea Shaw, who interviewed fellow pro Ranya Temizkan. This month, we will shine another spotlight on the Wheelchair Bodybuilding division. More details on that to come in the near future, but these athletes have incredible stories, and they need to be shared.
Also, in connection with my previous career, April was Child Abuse Awareness Month, and May is National Physical Fitness and Sport Month. Our own Anna Rhymer is courageously sharing her personal story of childhood trauma and how focusing on her physical form helped her move forward and elevate personal standards of excellence despite adversity that she faced through no choice of her own. The benefits of fitness in that story will be backed by science and are sure to inspire many to use the challenge of physical resistance to overcome other resistance and challenges they are facing in life.
We also intend to speak to the now two-time World’s Strongest Man Mitchell Hooper, who reclaimed the title in a very close contest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in late April. As detailed in our coverage of the 2026 World’s Strongest Man, Hooper has reasserted his dominance in the sport. You will be able to catch that soon, over at the Muscle Insider YouTube channel.
Finally, the road to the Mr. Olympia contest will be going through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the 2026 Pittsburgh Pro. The Manion family will be holding the latest edition of their growing event, and some big names will be on the stage. Watch for our preview of the event soon as well as coverage of what is happening in Pittsburgh during that weekend.
Whether you’re just now focusing on a healthier lifestyle, defying age and time with consistent commitment, or you’re fully invested in what’s happening on the bodybuilding stage, Muscle Insider supports you and is proud to be a part of this community.
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