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Front Squats vs. Zercher Squats for Upper Back Strength
And What Actually Builds a Strong Upper Back for Strongman One of the most common questions I get in strength training, and especially in strongman, is which front-loaded squat variation builds the upper back best. Front squats? Zercher squats? Safety bar variations? The honest answer is that it isn’t either/or. It depends on the goal,…
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Hercules Hold Rules, Standards, and Execution in Strongman Competitions
The Hercules Hold is one of the simplest events in strongman on the surface, and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to rules, setup, and execution. At its core, the event tests grip strength and endurance. The athlete stands between two weighted pillars or frames and holds the handles as long as possible…
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What is Strongman and Why Do You Do it?
Strongman is not a workout. It is not a fitness trend. It is not random heavy lifting for social media. Strongman is applied strength. It is the practice of lifting, carrying, pressing, and moving awkward, unbalanced, heavy objects under pressure. Atlas stones. Logs. Yokes. Axles. Sandbags. Farmers handles. Sometimes cars. Sometimes kegs. Sometimes things that…
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Strongman Atlas Stone Technique: Improving Lift Efficiency
Atlas stones are one of the most recognizable and demanding events in all of strongman. They test total-body strength, coordination, positioning, and mental composure in a way almost no other lift can. Success with stones is not just about being strong enough to pick them up. It is about learning to move efficiently from the…
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Getting Started with Strongman Training in San Diego
If you are new to strongman, the first step is exposure. Before the programming, before competition prep, before chasing performance goals, you need to learn the movements, get your hands on the equipment, and understand how the sport actually works. Strongman training starts with: From there, you can move into structured programs, competition preparation, or…
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Equipment Found in a Strongman Gym
A strongman gym is defined by its equipment. While traditional gyms rely heavily on machines and standard barbells, strongman facilities are built around implements designed to develop real-world strength. Strongman Equipment: The Tools That Define the Sport Every piece of equipment serves a purpose: Strongman training is not just about lifting weight. Logs and Axle…
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What Defines a Strongman Gym
Walk into a true strongman gym and you immediately feel the difference. It is not built around treadmills, mirrors, and isolation machines. It is built around performance, movement, load, and effort. The environment is designed for people who want to: A strongman gym is not just a place to work out. It is a place…
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Large, Powerful, and Functional with Strongman Training: The Ideal Hypertrophy
Strongman is not just a test of sheer strength and endurance; it is a powerhouse for muscle hypertrophy, evidenced by the massive physiques of the athletes in the sport. Strongman athletes, both men and women, exhibit tremendous muscle growth, a testament to the effectiveness of their training regimes. This article delves into why strongman training…
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Training for Strongman – With or Without Specialized Equipment
Do you want to train for a strongman contest? Or do you enjoy strongman-style training but aren’t sure how to approach it because you don’t have access to specialty equipment? This is one of the most common barriers people face when entering the sport. Strongman is known for implements such as: These tools are rarely…
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Strongman Saturday Returns
Every so often we need to take a break in the schedule for our Small Group Training Classes. With many Strongman Competitions coming up it is now time to gather the troops and get back to the program. Strongman Saturday returns on September 3, 2022. This weekly Small Group training session is available to all…
