To the Strongmen...

[slinky]

What do you feel are some of the best benefits of the training?

It develops skill, speed (explosiveness), power, and strength. Everything a functional strength athlete could hope for.

How do you feel that these training methods would help people in other sports (bodybuilding, powerlifting, foot ball, basket ball, etc...)?

It has quite a bit of carry-over to other sports that require the same skills. For bodybuilding, it would develop a more rugged and powerful physique. Power lifting, it would help in devleping that all-important bar speed. For all other sports; speed, explosiveness.

Do you think that strongman training is something that everyone could benefit from?

To some degree, yes. While I mentioned the benefits for bodybuilders in my statement above: I believe a competitive bodybuilder would best focus on hypertrophy in preparation for a contest. Strongman is good for "off season", but should not be the focus for a competitive BB. (I'm saying this, since I've been talking, via email, with a competitive BB who also helps other bb'ers).

Also, strongman training is a great enhancer for other sports. But to be really good at it, you have to FOCUS on strongman training. You know, that funny "sports specificity" thang.


Do you feel that strongman training is helping you to live a longer and more healthy life?

If you treat strongman training as a fun hobby/sport - then yes. I see far too many strongman athletes competing and training "balls to the walls" through an injury. That's not healthy.


What is your favorite thing about strongman?

Simply: the training. Love the training. Can't get enough of it. It's the most satisfying sport I've been involved with. And yes, the comaraderie of all the competitors.

Any other comments or things that you want to add???

Been on a break this past month from strongman training. Can't wait to begin again.

 

[OreoPL]

What do you feel are some of the best benefits of the training?

this is great question in the past few weeks i had been traing events so hard i couldnt go to the gym. well now that i am back in the gym i have noticed a few things. i am deadlifting what was my max almost effortlessly. today i did my max closegrip press for 3 sets of 5 liek nuthin. my stregnth is going up like crazy. and as clint has mentioned, my erectors and legs are growing none stop. i also did some measurments last night. i have gained 1 inch in my arm and 1.5 incehs in my leg in the past 6 weeks since i started. and my weight has gone up and my bodyfat has gone down. and i also have more gpp now. i havnt found any downsides. just alot of good things happening to my body.

How do you feel that these training methods would help people in other sports (bodybuilding, powerlifting, foot ball, basket ball, etc...)?

it can help with many aspects such as gpp to explosiveness to just overall power. and really gets u in shape fast.

Do you think that strongman training is something that everyone could benefit from?

i think anyone can benefit from it but for most peoples goals in life it is not necessary. its actually making my life harder. doing manual labor at work and being sore from the events the day before sucks. but i can see where it could help almost anyone.

Do you feel that strongman training is helping you to live a longer and more healthy life?

i dotn know how its going to affect me in the long run. i dont really feel healthier. i am gaining some good injuries such as tendonitis. my heart rate ahs dropped and so has my blood pressure so i guess those are pluses. i will be able to talk more on the long run in a few years of doing it.

What is your favorite thing about strongman?

it just gives me somethin to look forward to everyweek. a goal in life is always a good thing. keeps my stress down too. and i sleep better now to top it off. and when people see the things i do they are like damn u did that. which puts a smile on my face. and eveyone tellin me i am big and strong is a real ego booster and helps me improve everyweek. even though i am humbled everytime i come on elite it is still nice to hear.

Any other comments or things that you want to add???

strongman training has givin me a new direction in life and has added some happyness to my life and i am thankful for it

 

[ronin67]

I was just curious to those who have done strongman or regular train for strongman...

What do you feel are some of the best benefits of the training?

Definitely helped my endurance/conditioning. My grip strength is now much better than before.

How do you feel that these training methods would help people in other sports (bodybuilding, powerlifting, foot ball, basket ball, etc...)?

If you are involved in MMA or football, then it is great way to develop strength and power.

Do you think that strongman training is something that everyone could benefit from?

Yes, but it may be a little rough for some. Getting people to use free weights is hard enough.

Do you feel that strongman training is helping you to live a longer and more healthy life?

We'll see.

What is your favorite thing about strongman?

It is has given us a break from the typical gym routine. I love flipping tires.

 

[Zander1983]

Let me add a more training related question to the mix:

If there was ONE gym exercise you could chose that had the biggest carry-over into strongman events, which would it be?

 

[OfWolfandMan]

What do you feel are some of the best benefits of the training?
-I dont feel like I have any certain isolated strengths,because every event seems to tax the entire body,so things in the gym,and every day work seem easier.It seems like whenever lifting something,or moving something,Im thinking of it as training,and can see how alot of events(the strength that comes from doing them,and the form learned with practice)carry over to these things

How do you feel that these training methods would help people in other sports (bodybuilding, powerlifting, foot ball, basket ball, etc...)?

Goes along with the answer to the next one

Do you think that strongman training is something that everyone could benefit from?
-It gives a different kind of strength,than what you would get from just doing the normal gym lifts.I think everyone can benifit from throwing in a couple of strongman events in their training.Even if its just as a "finisher"type excercise to end a workout,or for active rest.Ive always felt that football players could really benifit from this
In an interview with Chad Coy,he said that he includes sand bag carries,and farmers walks,when training people at his gym...most of which are not looking into strongman

Do you feel that strongman training is helping you to live a longer and more healthy life?
-I think so.I feel tired after training,but I feel good,and dont walk around feeling like my body is being tore up.

What is your favorite thing about strongman?
95% or more of the people involved are very helpful and friendly.Hearing your competitors,and people that have no idea who you are,encouraging you,and never letting you give up,is for me one of the best feelings.
There are a ton of things that I love and appreciate about this sport,but that is what I like the most

Any other comments or things that you want to add???
Never give up

 

[slinky]

Let me add a more training related question to the mix:

If there was ONE gym exercise you could chose that had the biggest carry-over into strongman events, which would it be?

From a power lifting point of view: deadlifts

From a oly-lifting point of view: cleans (any variation of the clean).

But, strongman requires so many different abilities - that it's really hard to pinpoint.

For instance, we'll be adding kettlebell and club bell training into our regimen; believe that that style of training is going to add heaps to our strongman training.

This is why strongman training is so much fun.

 

[Zander1983]

But, strongman requires so many different abilities - that it's really hard to pinpoint.

Indeed, it was a bit of a cookie-cutter question and I should've stated that assumption

 

[Lord_Suston]

Zander it takes so much more than a single lift, I train my whole body and neglect no part, this means for speed, strength, agility, conditioning, and toughness. Even then Strongman takes it out of me..... If I were going to recommend any liftsd heres is what they would be

1) push press
2)gm's
3)Squats
4)Powercleans
5) Barbell rows

this is just a small list too

 

[Zander1983]

Zander it takes so much more than a single lift

I know, bro

Silly question I guess.

 

[queena_82]

Strongman (woman) gives me motivation. I had a hard time making myself get into the gym and actually pusing myself...usually I wound up running on the treadmill. But now I have alot more motivation to get up and improve my strength.

My favorite things about strongman would probably have to be:
1 seeing just what I am capeable of...I mean actually realizing that I'm stronger than what I thought.
2 the people I've got to meet
3 the rush that you get when actually competing

Theres more but I'de be here all day so those are just a few.