Strongman
Strongman
In the 19th century, the term strongman referred to an exhibitor of strength (before strength sports were codified into weightlifting, powerlifting etc., becoming actual athletic competitions) or circus performers of similar ilk who displayed feats of strength such as the bent press (not to be confused with the bench press, which didn't exist back then), supporting large amounts of weight held overhead at arm's length, steel bending, chain breaking, etc. Large amounts of wrist, hand, and tendon strength were required for these feats, as well as prodigious oblique strength.
In the late 20th century the term strongman changed to describe one who competes in strength athletics - a more modern eclectic strength competition in which competitors lift rocks, tote refrigerators, pull trains, walk while towing an eighteen wheel truck behind them, etc.
Training
Training for strongman involves building overall strength in the gym, and training with competition implements to gain familiarity. In the gym it is necessary to train the entire body for strength, especially with variants of the squat, deadlift, and overhead press. Also important is explosive power, developed by weightlifting-style lifts, and cardiovascular conditioning. Grip strength must also be developed.
Commonly contested events
There are a number of events that make up each competition. The events used in each individual contest vary in order to prevent favoring certain types of competitors.
Farmer's Walk
Competitors carry heavy objects weighing from 275-375 lbs in each hand for a set distance, and compete for the fastest time. A variation involves use of a heavy frame with parallel handles.
Yoke Walk
A yoke, composed of a crossbar and two weighted uprights (normally fridges) weighing about 904 lbs is carried across the shoulders for a set distance.
Loading
Five heavy objects weighing between 220-360 lbs are loaded onto a truck bed or a similar platform over a course of about 50 ft.
Atlas Stones
Five heavy round stones increasing in weight from 220-352 lbs are placed on top of high platforms. The course tends to be about 16-33 ft. long. In recent competitions this is typically the final event.
Duck Walk
A 400 lb pot with a handle is carried, suspended between the legs, over a set course.
Power Stairs
A series of three Duck Walk implements ranging from 400-600 lbs are lifted, step by step, to the top of a flight of stairs.
Truck Pulling
Vehicles such as transport trucks, trams, boxcars, buses or planes are pulled across a 100 ft. course by hand as fast as possible. Also, the vehicles may be pulled with a harness around the shoulders.
Overhead Press
The heaviest possible load is pressed overhead, or a lighter weight is used for repetitions.
Hercules Hold
The athlete stands between two hinged pillars, gripping handles that prevent the pillars from falling to the side. The pillars are held for the longest possible time.
Fingal's Fingers
A series of progressively heavier, hinged poles ("fingers") are lifted starting from a horizontal resting position and flipped over to the other side. The event takes its name from Fingal, a mythological Gaelic hunter-warrior.
Carry and Drag
Two weights are carried to the end of a set distance. An anchor and chain must then be dragged back the same distance.
Car Carry
Standing inside a roof-less, bottom-less car supported by a harness, competitors must carry the car for the maximum distance or shortest time for 25 meters.