Training to be a Strongman Pt. 1/2

So you’re interested in converting from the average gym goer to being a competitive athlete, but what is the time frame for this transition? What variables come into play? Diet and supplementation are a huge part of it as well, and it takes discipline and a plan, but what’s possible?

Well possibilities are nearly endless depending on your current conditioning, daily schedule, and level of discipline that you have. However, we can go through examples, and scenarios that could put you in position to compete in the near future. Generally the hardest part is committing to one goal, and going after it. There can’t be any quit in you, you have to set the goal with full intention on achieving it.

So to make it easy, we’re going to target the sport of strongman/strongwomen. In the United States there is only one sanctioning body for the sport, and you don’t have to worry about multiple organizations of finding an organization that suits you. For example, powerlifting has doesn’t of different organizations, with different rules, requirements, records, etc. In strongman as amateurs we have North American Strongman, and as professionals we have American Strongman Inc. which is owned and operated by the same people, so one set of rules, and one set of records that list the best of the best. Records are motivation, you aim to beat them and that will drive you to train harder. For list of competition that are updated daily you can go to www.nastrongman.com and click upcoming events. You will find competitions that reach nearly every state, and promoters that highlight different events that you can train for. The weights are always listed for each weight class and you can pick a show that you feel comfortable with that works for your strength levels, and time frame.

Now with strongman you have to train with the equipment to familiarize yourself with the proper forms, and techniques to turn your strength into functionality. In my travels I’ve found that nearly every city in the country has a few strongman enthusiasts that have such equipment. The strongman community is so tight knit and supportive that you’ll most certainly be welcomed into the sport. It takes heart, but as long as you try hard you will be met with unlimited support. In Las Vegas for instance, I offer two classes per week that are free of charge to anyone who wants to try a new sport, maybe shock their system, and have some fun. The equipment is around if you look hard enough, and if not there are some great fabricators out there that will make anything you need.

So how long does it take to be competitive? Well let’s say that you go to the gym 4 or 5 days a week, and you’ve been consistent for a year or so. You’ve probably built a good foundation to build on to become better in strength athletics. I think as a base line to compare gym movements to the ability to do strongman you have to consider your current body weight. If you’re under 200lbs for a men’s class I think a deadlift of 400+, and bench of 200+, and a squat over 350 would give you a good base to compete as a light weight. For men over 200 you get into multiple weight classes and requirements. Elite level Heavy weight amateurs will probably handle double those numbers relatively easily, but we’re talking about a seasoned athlete. Okay, so if you’re within those numbers I firmly believe that 3-5 months of training could get you to a competitive level as an amateur. Even quicker with a good coach, and a diet to support your new venture. With a good coaching choice you’ll be set up to achieve your goal, and most likely you’ll get diet and supplementation advice as well. However, part 2 of this article will give you a baseline to get you started and to help support your body properly while turning a hobby into a passion.