Training to be a Strongman Pt. 2/2

So with any sport on a competitive level the work you put in to training is generally equally matched to the work that is required in the kitchen. We’re on the topic of strongman but this applies to bodybuilding, powerlifting, and any team sport as well too. The body is a machine and it requires consistent maintenance, upkeep, performance upgrades, and T.L.C. to operate at optimal levels. Take food intake, the average American eats fewer than 3 meals per day with the largest meal being dinner. The body doesn’t perform well with this type of regimen, and won’t ever operate at its highest level doing so. It would be like changing your oil once every 2 years in your vehicle, things will break down and fail much sooner.

There are always exceptions, but you need to eat every 3 hours from the point you awake until you go to bed. So assuming you wake up at 8am, and go to bed at 1am you will need 6 meals and probably a small snack each and every day. Every meal needs to be consistently sized with protein, carbs, healthy fats, and green vegetables. Most of your daily carbs will be consumed in your first 4 meals, and you’ll taper off for your last few meals. In addition to your consistent food intake you will want to consume 20-25 grams of protein immediately after you work out and this is generally best done with a protein shake like Gaspari’s Myofusion, or a protein bar like Muscle Sandwich. In addition to protein supplements you should always consider a solid multi-vitamin, fish oils, and additional vitamin C, and B-12. Pre-workout supplements can also be used to help kick you into high gear and push you past you plateaus.

In addition to your daily gym training make sure you train strongman style events at least once a week, because being familiar with strange implements will allow you to dominate in competition. Specifically, train the most well-known events like Log Press, Monster Dumbbell Press, Axle Clean and Press, Farmers walk, Yoke Walk, and Atlas Stones. Try to train Tire flips, and pulling events like Truck Pulls, and Drags. If you don’t have all of this equipment study footage online to learn the form, and improvise in the gym. You can always carry heavy dumbbells to simulate farmers walk, and doing lock out squats and holding the weight on your back for up to 60 seconds will train your body to adapt. Barbell clean and press, and doing single dumbbell presses will help build your foundation, but emulate proper form because you’re going to need it in competition. Besides that, target dead lifts, and squats in your weekly training. Change up your back squats to front squats and vice versa to keep your body guessing.

The amazing thing about setting your goals to compete is the transformation your body will endure will show in the mirror, and you’ll be left with muscle mass and strength that you never would have had by simply going to the gym. You’ll then be able to continue in strength or possibly transition into bodybuilding or any other desired sport. One goal, and achieving can change the rest of your life, and you might find your true passion and calling in life. Good luck!