Bodybuilding veteran and coach Marc Lobliner earned the nickname ‘The Machine’. However, the bodybuilder didn’t earn that name because he worked out in the gym like a machine. Instead, Lobliner’s nickname was tied to his ability to operate on “very little sleep.” Yet, the former former powerlifter would get a lot done despite being sleep-deprived. However, he also had age on his side.

Fast forward to today, Marc Lobliner functions quite differently. Despite his age, the bodybuilding coach is “in the best shape” of his life. However, that wouldn’t have happened if he had continued to ignore sleep. The bodybuilder explained the importance of sound sleep and how it not only boosted his performance but also helped him age gracefully.

Sleep is more important than you think: Lobliner

In today’s busy life, sleep is among the first things people sacrifice. While you can function on less sleep, the long-term effects of sleep deprivation can be devastating. “Compared to 10 years ago I haven’t aged all that bad! What’s the secret? Sleep. I never used to get over 5 hours of sleep. Now I average 6-8,” said the bodybuilder. This adjustment changed everything for Lobliner.

“Sleep is a legit PED,” claimed Lobliner. While the bodybuilding coach’s claim might sound a bit exaggerated, he also mentioned the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation. Recounting his experience, Lobliner said that less sleep affected his performance in the gym and messed with his hormones. However, this was just the tip of the iceberg.

“Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, impaired cognitive function, decreased focus and memory, mood swings, irritability, and increased stress,” wrote the former powerlifter. The bodybuilding coach also said he even lost a friend who fell asleep at the wheel while driving. Hence, Marc Lobliner asked his followers to get at least six to seven hours of sleep.

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The fact that sleep has helped Lobliner fight off aging and improved his strength is evident from his recent PR. The bodybuilding veteran set a new dumbbell press PR before New Year’s Eve 2023. He is also not the only one touting the benefits of sleep.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s helpful tips to stave off sleep deprivation

Seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has written about sleep hygiene multiple times in his newsletter, the Arnold’s Pump Club. The bodybuilding great highlighted the fact that people often think they’ll catch up on sleep on the weekends. However, the piling sleep debt doesn’t go away that easily.

Instead, the 76-year-old fitness icon explained that people should take naps. If a person can’t sleep for at least six hours, they should take a nap at some point in the day. Arnie also told people looking to actively improve sleep timings to try adding an hour to their sleep schedule slowly, in what he called the one-hour method.

As bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Marc Lobliner continue to remind us about the antiaging and performance benefits of sleep, there is just one thing to do. Catch up on that sleep you have been missing. 

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