On Saturday, April 10, nine guys and myself gathered at the Durniat Strength gym for a beginners strongman training session.
Patrick McDonough, Jobe Stutzman, Matt Massaro, Spencer Wallace, Jeff Staudt, Zach Coulture, Brent Barbe, Chad Lindsay and Gary Bess all were introduced to strongman training.
We began the day with the Axle Clean + Press. The athletes were shown the conventional clean as well as the continental clean, which humbled many. We started inside with 45kg (99lbs.), a weight that was easily handled by all. We progressed with 10kg (22lbs.) jumps in weight up to 90kg (198lbs.). At 90kg, many were starting to struggle with the 2″ diameter thick bar and the clean but determination paid off and most had success. We then went outside to play with the 217lbs. axle with truck tires attached. The none revolving tires and extra weight proved a mighty challenge, but Spencer and Gary had good success.
We then quickly moved onto the 12″ Log Clean + Press. The empty log weights 110lbs. and everyone again had success with this opening weight. When the weight was moved to 165lbs., strength discrepancies and the awkwardness of the log became apparent. I am sure many will be back to train with the log very soon.
After a short break, we moved onto the atlas stones. Instruction was again given on the best technique to use when lifting and demonstrations were given. The lightest stone I have is 160lbs.. I was very pleased that about everyone was able to enjoy success with this stone and load it on the platform. Some even moved onto the 240lbs. stone which was tremendous for a first day of stone lifting.
With the little energy we had left, we got into tire flipping. Again we started with the lightest tire at 300lbs. and quickly progressed to the 600lbs. tire were solid technique became a necessity. Everyone then tired their hands with the 900lbs. tire. It was flipped and the last of the energy reserves were used.
At the conclusion, Matt Massaro and myself even took a little walk with the 257lbs. mini-Husafelt stone.
It was a great day for all and I’m sure we will see some of these new strongman athletes in a competition soon.
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