T-Nation | Strongman

Core Stability

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:09:00 GMT

Hi there,

does anyone have a solid core stability workout that helps carry over to strongman? My core stability is WEAK as fuck. I don't think i've trained core for almost a year now... neglected.

thanks in advance

'Strongman Training the Poliquin Way' Exercise Questions

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:39:00 GMT

hello guys someone please post a picture or video link explanation of these 2 exercises

1-sandbag load

2-sandbag drag

thanks

Nick Best on My Strange Addiction

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:25:00 GMT

last night him and his family were on that show, crazy stuff I heard from it
Nick eats 12-15 thousand calories a day
His garage is full of strongman stuff it looks awesome
his son who is like 10 deadlifted 135..also his wife is jacked
they go through 12 dozen eggs a week..delicious

Advice for Getting Back into Strongman

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:46:00 GMT

Hey guys! Been reading the forum and learning from the articles for a long time now, finally decided to jump on board the forum because I've got a question that I think can only be answered here.

I want to get back into strongman and actually stand a chance at being competitive.

Back in 2008 I started competing in strongman meets at the tiny size of 155lbs, at 5 foot 11. I'd never trained with weights in my life at that point, all body-weight training. I loved strongman immediately, and that got me jump started on training with weights.

Well after two years of floundering around not having a clue, I got my body weight up to 185lb, and still pretty much sucked at strongman cause for all my trying, I could never press even my own body weight. Deadlift strong, not to much issue with other implements. I'm great at the farmers walk for my size, but pressing? Yeah, not so much.

Then in 2010 I got serious and training with planned intent for two years, got my body wight up to 200lb, and not as lean as i liked, and I still sucked at strongman. I was having difficulty getting my press over 175lb consistently. Everything else was drastically stronger though, but how embarrassing is it to be at the right weight, and can't even move the log off my chest no matter what I tried. It was humiliating.

Last year, 2012, having been utterly frustrated in my inability to press, and not being happy with my not-so-lean self, I gave up, leaned out to a solid 175lb and am going to try my hand at powerlifting this year.

My question is this: I want to keep competing in strongman, but lets face it, no one shows up in the under 175lb class, so I get lumped in with the under 200lb guys. This would be ok if my press was up to snuff, cause I can hold my own in the other events. But I just can't press with them. My best ever press, at a bodyweight of 200lb was 195lb and I barely got that. ALL the pressing in the under 200lb class is over 200lbs, you guys know that, and it's for reps. I just don't stand a chance.

I'm not a top competitor in the other events, I don't pretend to be, but it's fun cause I can perform the feats at the very least. Although with deadlift I was usually in the top three. My first ever strongman meet, having never deadlfited in my life, at a body weight of 155, i pulled 300lb for 14 reps, no straps or belt. Deadlifting is kinda my thing :)

But back to the issue: I was wondering if any one on here had advice for how I could increase my press to the level needed to just be able to have fun at strongman meets. That is, be able to actually press the weight for a handful of reps.

If your curious, I'm stepping over to powerlifting because it's not really that hard to get the squat, deadlift, and bench press up to a level that makes it fun. But the overhead press, why I can't get it to grow is beyond me. Right now I've been excited just to able to press my body weight, barely again, and I'm 175lb!!!!

Please, any advice on this would be VERY appreciated!

Strongman Training Programs

Fri, 10 May 2013 03:53:00 GMT

Hi guys,
iv been training for 3 years now, previously doing hypertrophy training.
At the start of this year i began power-lifting at a new gym. The gym also has substantial strongman equipment ( tires, stones, axles,farmers, yolks,logs). I have also been implementing Strongman training in my programs.
However, i would like a strongman based program, i am unaware as to how i would structure a program,nor am i sure where to start!

My previous training regime:

Monday- Squat Work
Tuesday- Strongman
Wednesday- off
Thursday- Dead-lift Work
Friday- Bench Work
Saturday- Strongman

I am not a beginner! Any intermediate to advanced programs/splits would be appreciated !
Cheers!

Current Lifts @83kg
Bench- 125kg
Squat- 155kg
Dead-lift-200kg
Press- 80kg

Yoke (in a Straight Line)

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:49:00 GMT

I'm new to doing strongman stuff, reasonably experienced with powerlifting. When I do yoke I am all over the place. I walk in a straighter line when drunk.

Any suggestion on how improve this either in terms of technique or some bits being stronger? I have no idea where to start on working on this

Strongman Clubs/Gym in Nor Cal

Mon, 06 May 2013 02:46:00 GMT

Does anyone know of any recommendable Strong man clubs or gyms in the bay area?

-Thanks!

Competitive Arm Wrestling

Sat, 04 May 2013 22:18:00 GMT

Figured this would be a good place to put this.

Does anyone here arm wrestle competitively? Or is just really good at it? I always wondered what kind of training would make you really good at arm wrestling. I've always been better than my friends because I do pullups/chinups and lots of grip work, but never really focused on being actually any good. Anyone got any ideas on it?

Tacky Not What I Was Expecting

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:02:00 GMT

Just started doing stones and the tacky I'm using is PR Tacky and it is just hard as a rock. I try and warm it up with warm water, then it comes off in clumps, but it doesn't stay on very well. I've found I get better stick on areas that have had it applied, but it doesn't have any remnants on that part of my palm anymore.

Would I be applying wrong? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Kansas Strongest Man

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:48:00 GMT

Below is the entry form for Kansas Strongest Man. It should be an awesome show with good numbers. I'll be competing and know the promoter personally. Join up or if you're in the area, at least stop by and check it out.

2013 Kansas Strongest Man
(no membership required)
Sponsored by Kansas Army national Guard and Supplement U
May 25th, 20123
Kansas National Guard Training Center
3024 Arnold Ave
Salina, KS 67401

Promoter:Driven Fitness Center and Dino Strength Team
Contact: Scott Tully, 785-826-5940,

Start Time 11:00
Rules 10:45
Weigh ins Friday night at 6PM to 8PM at Driven Fitness Center, Saturday 10:00 to 10:45 at contest Site

Divisions: Open Lightweight, Open Middleweight Open Heavyweight, Masters Open, Teen Open, Women
Weight Classes: Open LW-under 200, Middleweight 201 to 250, Open HW 251+ Masters Open, Teen Open, Women Open

Awards for Top 3 in each weight class, Each competitor will receive a t-shirt, and competitors bag provided by Supplement U.

Entry fee 50.00, you can pay by check, make checks payable to Dino Strength, 1404 South Ninth, Salina KS 67401, or paypal, $5 from each entry will go to a military selected charity.

Events: Log Clean and Press/Axleclean and Press , Masters/Teen 180 log, 200 axle, Open LW 200,220,Middle 230/250, Heavy 250/270

Farmers 75ft staight, Masters/Teen 210, LW 240, MW 270, HW 290,

Dragster Push 50 foot/ Army Duffel carry 50ft, Teen/Master tbd/150, Open LW tbd/200, Middle tbd/225, Heavy TBD/250.

Tire DL for reps Height 13-14" Teen/masters 425, Open LW 500, Middle 575, Heavy 625,

Stones-one stone circle-5 stones Masters/teen 150-280, LW 200-300, Middle 220-330, HW 240-360 to 48"

Entry Deadline and competitors cap, entry deadline is May 11th 2013 or until we receive 30 entries, we will take no more entries after we reach 40

In consideration of your acceptance of this entry, I hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and my assignees, waive and release all rights and damages I may have against Driven, Scott Tully and any and all sponsors of the event, their representatives and assigns, for any and all injuries incurred by me in conjunction with these Contests/ Challenges and in traveling to and from the event. And in further consideration of permission being granted to me to participate in the Contests/ Challenges�????�???�??�?¬ and its related events, I hereby grant Driven, Scott Tully and/or any other approved video or entertainment organization and all of their agents, successors, licensees and assigns, the right to photograph or otherwise reproduce (whether by film, tape, still photography or otherwise) my voice, appearance and name, and to exhibit, distribute, transmit, and/or otherwise exploit any and all media, including without limitation, by means of still photography, motion pictures, radio, television, television motion pictures, video, printing or any other medium now known or hereafter devised, including with respect also to any merchandising, advertising and/or publicity, and the right to use my name and information about me in any connection with any of the foregoing. The rights granted by me hereunder are granted for the entire universe and shall endure in perpetuity and no further compensation shall be payable to me at anytime in connection therewith. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to obligate Driven, Scott Tully and/or any other approved video or entertainment organization, to photograph or otherwise reproduce my voice, appearance or name, or to make use of any rights granted herein. I also understand that the aforementioned rights may be reassigned at any time without further consent. I understand that Driven, Scott Tullyand/or any other approved video or entertainment organization are videotaping and photographing the Event in express reliance upon the foregoing, and I represent and agree that I am free to grant the rights granted to Driven, Scott Tully and/or any other approved video or entertainment organization hereunder. Therefore I affix my signature below:

Name______________________________ Age___________
Address____________________________________________________________
Division__________________________Weight class_______________________
T-shirt Size_______
Signature___________________________

Events:

Log Clean and Press/Axle clean and Press , Masters/Teen 180 log, 200 axle, Open LW 200,220,Middle 230/250, Heavy 250/270, competitior will clean and press both apparatus and can start at either the log or the axle, but they must go back and forth, you can not press same impliment in a row, 75 second time limit. Belt, wraps, chalk allowed.

Farmers 75ft staight, Masters/Teen 210, LW 240, MW 270, HW 290, chalk only grip aid allowed, 60 second time limit, can drop as many times as needed in time limit, have to be carried at same time, no dragging.

Dragster Push 50 foot/ Army Duffel carry 50ft, Teen/Master tbd/150, Open LW tbd/200, Middle tbd/225, Heavy TBD/250. Push Dragster apparatus 50 foot using handles or blocking sled area, clear front of the line and pick up a sandbag and carry back 50 foot, may be shouldered.

Tire DL for reps Height 13-14" Teen/masters 425, Open LW 500, Middle 575, Heavy 625, straps, suits allowed, no sumo stance. No bouncing, must wait for down command.

Stones-one stone circle-5 stones Masters/teen 150-280, LW 200-300, Middle 220-330, HW 240-360 to 48", tacky, arms sleeves allowed, stones must be lifted in order from light to heavy.

Strongman Training for Firefighting

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:28:00 GMT

I want to start doing some strongman training so I can 'beef up' for the fire department. I don't have a whole lot of money, so I'm wanting to build as much as I can. Anybody out there have any tips? What have y'all built?

Brute's NAS Strongest Man V - Hampton, VA

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:11:00 GMT

Just wanted to start a thread and see who all was planning on competing at this. My training partners and I are planning on this for our first strongman competition. It would be nice to meet some fellow T-Nation members!

Brian Shaw @ 2012 WSM

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:29:00 GMT

During the WSM finals telecast, Phil Pfister alluded to Brian Shaw's possible biceps injury as a reason for his sub-par performance. But I never heard anyone �?? including Shaw �?? confirm it. Was that the case? If so, he probably needs to back off on training a bit. Same goes for Derek Poundstone.

Gym Lifts for Stones?

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:20:00 GMT

I was wondering what youall think would be some good gym lifts to translate into picking the stone. I have trouble with it slipping out of my arms. Any advice is appreciated.

Money Involved in Jr. Strongman Comps?

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:03:00 GMT

Just wondering : P

Buying Equipment

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:58:00 GMT

The gym I go to is definitley favored toward bodybuilding, only things for strongman I could use is heavy dumbbells, squat rack, trap bar, benches, and the usual machines. I'm looking to find at least one of the main things event wise, preferably stones. Anyone know the cheapest place to find strongman stuff? Thankfully I live real close to the beach so I need to find some big bags so I can practice the sand bag load race in my yard.

Need Old School Randomness in Modern Strongman

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:45:00 GMT

Where are the log pulls across a river and canoe squats? I understand that Strongman is huge, so there need to be some standard core lifts, but I miss all the random crap.

Fat Gripz or Iron Bull Grips?

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:06:00 GMT

I have just used Fat Gripz original on Press, pull up, close grip and skull crushers...OMG my forearms feel great.

Has anyone ever used Iron Bull Grips, I am thinking of getting the 2.5 and 3inch, they look like they will fit better in your hands.
My thinking is to use the 3inch on all pressing movements and the 2.5inch on everything else. What are your thoughts?

Cheers

Strongman Style Lifts in Classic Gym?

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:56:00 GMT

Hey guys, i'm starting to get intrigued with more strongman-styled training. I can't afford to join a strongman or powerlifting gym. So i was wondering if anybody new some links for example strongman programs involving only classic equipment, not strongman specialized equipment.

My gym that i train at has a squat rack, dumbells that go up to 100lbs, a punching bag a couple of different machines(i never touch the machines) If anyone has some ideas on how to form a strongman training routine, hit me up!

First Contest: How to Prep.

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:57:00 GMT

I decided I want to do a contest although I'm not that strong yet. This http://www.nastrongman.com/...0From%20WEB.pdf

will be in my area this summer. I'll be competing as a lightweight novice so none of the weights look too bad. I'm sure I can get at least a rep on everything except for the stones, which I've never done.

I wonder what advice you guys have on preparing for the contest. I've got about 4 months and I just finished my third cycle of 5/3/1 and am on a deload this week. At this point, do you recommend I continue with some cycles of 5/3/1 for general strength or should I start focusing on specific contest prep.

My thoughts on the events:

Axle clean and press: At 185, I figure I should be able to power clean this and shouldn't have to do any messy stuff with a continental and switching my grip. I want to get some fat grips and practice this since I won't have regular access to an actual axle. If I'm going for reps at 185, how heavy should I train? My 1RM is around 210 on the push press right now.

Deadlift: Not much to say here. It's a deadlift. I am pretty weak at the deadlift though, so I could probably only get 3-4 reps right now at this weight. Since it's light, I figure I'll need a lot more to be competitive. Should I just focus on getting a stronger deadlift and figure that will translate to more reps at a lower (but still pretty heavy for me) weight. I'll have to get straps since I've never used straps before.

Sandbag: I've picked a 190lb sandbag up before so I'm pretty sure I'll get 175 off the ground. I figure for this event I should just practice. How heavy should I practice?

Medley: Yoke and prowler. Is there an advantage to going heavier on the yoke so that 500lbs feels lighter?

Stones: I guess I need to get access to some of these for practice. Any good ways to practice in a conventional gym?

Adding Farmer's Walk to Strength Training?

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:29:00 GMT

If you are doing a strength training routine such as SS or stronglifts and you are doing cardio days can you add farmer's walks on those days? Where to add farmer's walks?

Trouble Taking Off Slater Stone Mold

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:37:00 GMT

I finished filling my Slater Stone a few days ago and I am unable to open it up. I see these metal pieces sticking along the band in the middle but they don't seem to do anything. Ive tried tapping along the band on both sides because I don't remember which side went into which. Thanks.

Recommended Starting Strongman Stats?

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Hey what stats in the gym lifts do you recommend getting in order to have a good base for a beginning strongman?

for example, overhead press/jerk, deadlift, bench press, squat, bent over row or any lift that is important?

Farmers Walk Video

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 12:32:00 GMT

Working on farmers

Training with a Slosh Pipe?

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 11:32:00 GMT

I just read an article by Dan John, and he recommended slosh pipe training. A slosh pipe is a 9 feet PVC pie, with a 6 inch diameter, filled 3/4 of the way with water. Has anyone ever tried training with this, and what types of workouts did you do?

Here is the article:
http://www.T-Nation.com/..._pillar_of_pain

4 Day Holiday and Lost 5kgs

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 01:56:00 GMT

Hi, so for the past 3 weeks i've been doing smolov Jr. for my bench and i started the base mesocycle for my squats. Near the end of the 3 weeks, i had 2 sessions to go but i had to go down south with my friend (she came from america and i haven't seen her for years so we went down for some drinks etc..) i ended up getting really drunk and within the 4 days i probably only ate 1 days worth of food. So when i weighed myself i was 116 KGs, after the little 4 day holiday i weighed in at 111.6 KGs.

My question is, should i continue with the program from where im at? im suppose to be doing 1RM tests tomorrow and the day after (Squat, then Bench the next day), then after the 1RMs im moving onto the transition phase for the Full 13 week Smolov program, which is Negative Squats, Power Cleans & Box Squats for 2 weeks. As for my Jr. Smolov, im pretty much finished my first cycle.

SO, i've lost 5kgs in weight from this holiday and im thinking i just wasted 3 weeks of solid training (i was pretty much training every day for 3 weeks; benching or squatting). The werid thing is, today when i walked into the gym, i actually pulled a PB in my OHP. Which was crazy because i've lost so much weight? maybe i've kept some strength along with me which is what im hoping.

What are your thoughts? start over? or stay on track.

Thanks in advance!

(edit), i posted this in the wrong section, should of been in powerlifting xD

Strongman Comps in PA?

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Hey strondudes, I'm at a point where I'm starting to think about entering my first strongman comp. Does anybody have a good resource for finding shows in Pennsylvania? Preferably ones with a lightweight division, since I am short and light and there's no way I can roll with the heavies.

Addressing Weaknesses

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:25:00 GMT

Been training for amateur strongman since January, have recently had to give up all contact sports (rugby for 13 years) and have always used the Strongman as an accessory to my gym work for Rugby.

I have long limbs and a short wide torso so my DL is pretty solid, been training it once a week since January with great progress. OHP has recently been getting better but still needs work. My squat is my real weakness.

As my gym whilst at Uni doesn't have strongman equipment I'm building foundational strength to carry over into my events training in the holidays. Does anyone have any tips on getting squats up for people with long legs? My real power seems to be the transfer of power from the glute/hammies into the hip drive/quads, any tips would be greatly appreciated

Current Stats:

Age: 20
BW: 206
DL: 450 for 3 reps
OHP: 225 for 3 reps
Box squat: 331 + 56lbs chains for 1
Front squat (ass to grass): 236 for 3

Help getting started PLEASE

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:50:00 GMT

I have been interested in the strongman comps for a while but I decided that I am going to go for it. I am 6'1 195 lbs My current lifts are not the best by any means.
Clean and Press-210
Deadlift-305
Front Squat-250
Powerclean-255

My routine is as follows
Day 1 Upper
Day 2 Lower
Day 3 Off
Repeat

Day 1 Clean and Press 6-7 sets 1-5 reps
Weighted dips 6-10 reps superset with weighted chins 6-10 4 sets
Incline Bench 3-5 reps superset with row variation 6-10 reps 3 sets
Throw in some vanity arm,medial delt, adn rear delt stuff 3 sets 6-10 reps

Day 2 Deadlift 6-7 sets 1-5 reps
Front squat 5 sets 5 reps
superset of 80# KB Swing with Split Squat holding same KB
core work 4- 6 sets of a mix of exercises including planks, med ball slams, wrestler twists etc

I also go out flip the 300# tire use a home made 185# log for pressing and farmers walk when weather permits. Any tips of critiques is greatly needed. Thank you in advance.

265LBS Pair of Dumbbells

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 00:33:00 GMT

Anyone interested in a pair of properly made dumbbells? These are 265 pounds a piece for a total of 530 pounds.

Team Vanguard Video Thread

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 01:54:00 GMT

Hello all--

Here are a few videos of the group of guys I've been training for the past few months.

A little background on me: I've been training for a long time--about 20 years. I am/was an elitefts sponsored athlete (my archived log is here: http://asp.elitefts.net/...ons&tid=198 ) and have been competing in amateur strongman for 9 years completely natural. This to me is a hobby rather than a lifestyle, but I get great satisfaction doing it for myself and for the trainees.

Strongman or Powerlifting

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 02:34:00 GMT

So obviously there will be some bias to strongman over here but I'm trying to figure out whether I would like to compete in PL or SM and join SPF or NAS. So I've got a few questions that I'd like to ask and figure out which I may be able to excel at and enjoy the most.

I like the aspect of being more versatile with strongman. Instead of 3 static events, there are many. Also, the deadlift is my bread and butter lift and it seems that will correlate to many events more. Also, I'm 6'1, 210 and in my very little experience watching strongman it seems being taller may be of benefit in some events. My grip isn't the strongest, though, but I've also never trained it directly. I've never dropped a deadlift or anything but then again I'm pulling just over 500.

My only problem is that I'm in PT school. I'm looking at close to $100,000 in debt between me and my wife and I don't have access to most of the implements. The gym at school is free and is a pretty decent gym but doesn't have any strongman equipment. I'm thinking I will buy a elitefts stone trainer to be able to work on something close to stones. Hopefully getting efficient at an Oly C&P will help a little bit but I may be able to find some money sometime to get an axle. There is a gym that is 45 minutes away that has a log. Maybe I can make it there once a month or once every 6 weeks.

So what are some opinions? Obviously to be the top of your potential you need the implements and people with experience around you but I don't have that at my disposal. But can I make due and still improve a fair amount performing DL, F Squat, Z Squat, OH Press, etc...?

An Oldie and a Goodie

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:45:00 GMT

Anybody besides me wish WSM would bring back the Fingal's Fingers event? That one truly separated the MEN from the men.

Oldtime Strongman Routine

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:02:00 GMT

What do you guys think of this routine?

Handbalancing Practice
5x3 Squat Cleans
5x3 Squats
5x3 Overhead Presses
3x5 Overhead Press Lockouts
5x3 Weighted Chin-ups or Weighted Rope-climbs
3x3 Zercher Deadlifts
3x5 Rack Pulls

Warren, MI Srongman?

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:42:00 GMT

Ill be in Warren Mi next week for work. Looking to see if there's any people or groups training one evening next week?

Reasonable Super Yoke 1000lb Capacity

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:45:00 GMT

been looking on google not many good options wondering if anyone knows anyone who is trying to get rid of theirs.

World's Strongest Man TV Showings???

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 01:28:00 GMT

I recorded the ESPN telecasts on 12-30-12, expecting to see the qualifying heats AND the finals from 2012. But I only got the heats. Has anyone actually seen the finals on either ESPN or ESPN-2? I've checked the WSM website, but I'm dubious as to its accuracy regarding the television schedule in the United States.

My suspicion is that executives at ESPN consider WSM to be "cartoonish" filler. No more important than spelling bees or hot dog eating contests. Just something cheap to fill air-time, when their competitors have the NFL playoffs or The Super Bowl to show. Tell me I'm wrong.

Gatineau Strongman Group Looking for Members

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 03:40:00 GMT

Tired of your gym and the same old machines? Want to train like the Strongmen seen on TV?

Light weight or heavy weight, we have all the equipment you will ever come across in a strongman competition and we train indoors year round.

We have all the equipment you might need: Logs, Axle, Stones, Sandbags, Sled, Prowler, Olympic bars, Bumper Plates, etc...

We have 6'000 sq ft available every Saturday morning. Join us...

Any one that is remotely interested should come out and try it out. First time its FREE! This is non-profit, after the first time we contribute to pay the gymnasium rental fee.

It's the New Year and what a time for a new challenge. We are always looking for new guys to join us.

You don't need to be huge and incredibly strong to get started. We always warm up with light weights, as the training progresses it gets heavier.

www.hyperforce.net

For Details MSG me

Here's short video. of what actually goes on at Hyperforce Strength Athletics in Gatineau!

Help My Press

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:35:00 GMT

280 Log. Clean feels pretty easy and feels good sitting on my chest but I just can't lock out. I have two weeks to be able to lock this out Ned some help. Thanks.

Skip to about 15 seconds.

Lubbock TX Strongman Gyms?

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:39:00 GMT

I am moving to Lubbock TX in a few months and was wondering if anyone knew of any good strongman gyms or groups of people who are doing strongman out that way? From what I have gathered the pickings are pretty slim...