The Genetics of a Strongman

[Tatyana]

I was just wondering what sort of physique/genetic basis would make a good strongman?

Is it there an optimum height?

Any other things that would really confer an advantage as a strongman, like bigger hands?

I ask this as there is a young man I know who is interested in becoming either a strongman or powerlifter.

 

[Scotsman]

Not sure that there is an optimal physique but a few traits can really help.

Big hands is a plus, longer arms, big strong shoulders, very strong back, etc.

Need to pretty much be over 6' tall but probably not over 6'6".

With the right drive and motivation most of this can be overcome in time. The most important thing is a true passion for the sport.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[Tatyana]

So unlike BBing, being short would be a major disadvantage then.

Would the same apply to powerlifting?

 

[Scotsman]

So unlike BBing, being short would be a major disadvantage then.

Would the same apply to powerlifting?

Yes being short is a major disadvantage when you are trying to load a stone on a 50" platform.

Being short can really help powerlifting because you have less distance to move the weights. The limiting factor then becomes how much weight you can put on.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[champion]

strong grip

 

[Big_BK]

As scotsman said, you want to have big hands to aid with a good grip, most strongman stuff involves a strong grip. Also being short will be bad for most events. A big build would also be an advantage i.e broad shoulders and wide hips gives you a better platform. And obviously the strength to weight ratio. Look at the competition weights from like 3-4 years ago in strongman then look at the ones today, they are ALOT heavier let me tell you!

 

[simm]

Sons of samson volume 2...typical traits for world level strongman...6' and half an inch tall...130kgs muscle mass as opposed to obesity...ted van der parre (ned) won wsm in iceland and he is 7ft tall...ALOT of factors and competition that year also...

 

[osirus_4]

There are weight categories in strongman the same as all other sports. If you want to play with the big boys you need to be one of the big boys. Naturally big as in 6' plus and 240lbs plus before the heavy training begins. Guys that size probably have big hands and shoulders. I know some guys in the 5'8 range that compete in strongman but they train hard to keep there bodies below 215. I believe that is the weight class they compete in. It is either 215 or 225 and under.

 

[Tatyana]

There are weight categories in strongman the same as all other sports. If you want to play with the big boys you need to be one of the big boys. Naturally big as in 6' plus and 240lbs plus before the heavy training begins. Guys that size probably have big hands and shoulders. I know some guys in the 5'8 range that compete in strongman but they train hard to keep there bodies below 215. I believe that is the weight class they compete in. It is either 215 or 225 and under.

I do think it is pretty obvious when someone is naturally big.

I have gained more of an appreciation for the shorter lads with the natural BBing physique.

I was also wondering, how much do steroids factor into the whole strongman competitions?

With BBing they do seem to be important in the IFBB, although, obviously, without the genetics, steroids alone are not going to get you anywhere.

I met Becca Swanson while I was in the States, lovely woman, and one of the world's strongest, it was fairly obvious that steroids had played a part in her success.

 

[b fold the truth]

I was also wondering, how much do steroids factor into the whole strongman competitions?

I met Becca Swanson while I was in the States, lovely woman, and one of the world's strongest, it was fairly obvious that steroids had played a part in her success.

Becca weighed more than 180 lbs with abs before she ever touched a weight. Back when she was doing strongman she was 230 lbs with abs. Her hands were exactly the same size as mine (mine aren't small). Such a wonderful woman but was never invited to the WSW contest because of "beauty appeal".

In Strongman it is similar to looking at the difference between college and Pro athletes...say Football and Hockey as good examples. You go to a college game and see how big the players are and you think that they are huge...till you go to a Pro game and realize what HUGE really is. I'm 6'2", 280+ lbs, size 16 shoe, big hands, long arms, and normally one of the smaller boned guys there. Of course Phil Pfister told me that I belonged in a circus with feet like mine (till I pointed out the size of his hands).

Performance enhancing substances (anabolics are just the tip at the top level of competition) make a difference in your "division" but what takes you UP a complete level is your genetics. Add in your level of commitment and training to the entire package and you get the guys at the top. At ever level you see guys with the same amount of commitment, anabolics, and intensity...but genetics separates them.