Any Strongman Competitors here?

[Garrett Smith]

A buddy of mine and I are planning on attending (watching) the Tucson Highland Games in two weeks (11/1 - 2), to see if it ignites some desire to start training a bit for next year's Games. Gotta go on Saturday to see the Pros...

I figure a steady diet of OL & GS KB training (2 & 1 days/week, respectively) should give a decent base until a couple months out for specific training--if I can find the equipment around town...

One question--when it says the divisions, other than Pro or Masters, are A / B / C , should I assume that "C" is the "lowest" level? If you look at it, the info regarding the comp on their website is pretty sparse.

[Dave Van Skike]

Originally Posted by Allen Yeh

Quick question, when doing bottom up fronts do you rest every rep on the rack or is onl the first rep from the rack and the rest of the reps you just stop in the bottom without unloading?

I've done it both ways and wasn't sure which was the "right" way. Today I did 10 x 3 and the first 6 sets were completely stopped each rep and the last 4 sets I only came off the rack on the first rep and let it touch the rack again on the last.

I know when doing them like rack work...meaning setting the rack at or just below the sticking point, the Dan John wisdom says they're pretty fatiguing and can lead to burnishness if you do it too long.

I do it like box squats. just try to come to a dead stop and delaod without losing tighness...if that makes any sense. deload but keeping the gut compressed. although it would be just as valid to reset every rep but you'd maybe use it this way more sparingly?


Garret, go to the NASGA or SAAA-net.org For the differnt rules. I think all the comps I've looked at include a novice category where you don't even need a kilt.

[Leo Soubbotine]

I'm going to keep my squatting/push pressing/pullup progression going on wednesday and will finish adjust my sat WL session to this:

I. Whatever is on the menu for class: Usually it'll be Snatch variation + Clean & Jerk variation.

II. Press Variation - repetition. Max reps with weight, max reps in a minute - push press, shoulder press, bench.

III. Pull variation - repetition. Max reps DL, tire flip, in a minute etc.

IV. Some Grip variation of pullups or rope climbing.

Should be fun.

[Garrett Smith]

Thanks Dave!

If anyone is interested, rules for the various HG in PDF format here.

Also, a primer on getting started in Scottish Heavy Athletics.

Jacob, I wanted to say that seeing your video, of someone your size (as in, about my size) doing Strongman was quite inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[Ken Urakawa]

Cool stuff. We incorporate some SM stuff with the groups, it's a lot of fun. Now I just need to find a contest with a "super lightweight/5'6"-and-under" category...

[Jacob Rowell]

Thanks Garrett,

My weight is up ~20# from then, and I aim to sit around a lean 200# by the time my next competition rolls around. As had already been said, for every event that favors decent pulling mechanics + height (deadlift and stones), there's something that will favors the squatty fellows (pressing and squats). While we may be at a disadvantage, I think it's a slight one if them time is put into good technique in pressing events as well as speed and conditioning!

[Adam Gagliardi]

anyone been concentrating on thier DL, if so what has worked?

[Jacob Rowell]

I've been doing DL work recently

Pulling twice a week, first day is 5 sets of 3 sets across, band assisted. Starting around 80% and working up 2-3% each week.

Second day, just pulling singles, working up to 85%. Increase 2-3% each week.

We'll find out in a few weeks if it's worked! Shooting for 500, up from 475 @ 190#.

[Adam Gagliardi]

Originally Posted by Jacob Rowell

I've been doing DL work recently

Pulling twice a week, first day is 5 sets of 3 sets across, band assisted. Starting around 80% and working up 2-3% each week.

Second day, just pulling singles, working up to 85%. Increase 2-3% each week.

We'll find out in a few weeks if it's worked! Shooting for 500, up from 475 @ 190#.

How often are you hitting events? i dont think i could get away with more than 1 dl day

[Jacob Rowell]

I'm not right now, kind of an off season for me.

I got my ass handed to me at my last contest, and it was clear that strength not skill, was the deciding factor. So lots of squats and DLs!

When I was training events 1-2 days a week, I was generally pulling once every other week, usually with an axle. Made some OK gains there.