Don’t figure out form: figure out bracing and hinging. Google “starting strongman hips Don’t lie” for a good article on hinging. This is good for bracing
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Thanks Pwn, just read it, good article and will check my hinge pattern. Interesting his point in what a bad hinge pattern will feel like, deadlift never feeling right and tight hammies, that’s me, so could well be the hinge that’s off.
Seen both of Brian’s breath and brace videos very good stuff, but a good reminder, I need to make sure I’m getting it right on something I’ve not done a lot of.
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I’ve never failed a conventional deadlift on grip, up to a lifetime max of 225kg. I tried a ~ 100kg axle deadlift with wagon wheels before gyms closed again and could barely move it mixed grip. I could zercher deadlift it easier than I could deadlift it. Just to paint a picture.
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Wow, that’s a brutal picture you paint. Looking forward to it!
I agree 100% though. WSM is the first strength sport I was ever exposed to and the only one I’ve ever been interested in.
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Ah yeah, it should be noted that I was discussing axle deads WITH straps. Not a whole lot of promoters go strapless on the axle these days, due to the risk of bicep tears.
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Yup still love it now, just caught up and watched finals of Europes!
Oh, good to know, I know SM has a reputation for that injury (and injuries in general, watching dudes drop 100kg on their heads last night made me cringe a bit, haha) something I’d really like to avoid.
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Yeah, bicep killers in strongman are stones, tires, and the strapless axle dead. Basically, any time you run the risk of trying to curl something stupidly heavy, you can blow out the bicep.
Good to know; probably a bit early yet, but any prevention tips?
Don’t try to curl something stupidly heavy.
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The first part of that statement was practically my personal motto.
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Also remember that this happens a lot less on the amateur level. Less weight and drugs involved. Which is not to say that there are no injuries. Last comp of mine had a partial tear of the latissimus, a biceps tear, a tear of the achilles tendon and a back injury. Other comps have no noteworthy injuries. It’s nothing to be scared of but still to be aware of.
What I liked about the guy with the achilles tendon was that he still went on to do the log press before driving to the ER. He just curled and strict pressed 100 kg because there was no way he could bend his knee. He has competed in strongman champions league back in the day, pretty tough fella.
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That with the aforementioned don’t curl heavy stuff comments… can you imagine if he turn his bicep after the ruptured Achilles!
In for a penny, in for a pound!
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Dunno why I’m just now catching wind of this training log… but I’m in on it now.
Welcome Brett, I’ve just decided on strongman so great timing in your end! I do keep an eye on your log, you are one strong dude particularly given your age - you’ve got a great future.
I’m a bit older coming to strongman but I always take heart at Mark Felix who didn’t start strongman till 37 and is still going strong at 54!
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There’s a fair argument that BECAUSE he didn’t start until 37 he’s able to keep going. Didn’t beat his body to crap in his youth like some other dudes.
But someone shoulda told him it was time to get real…
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Haha for sure, dudes over 30 need to slow down, stop deadlifting and squatting, just stick to some light work on the machines!
Maybe but he’s been competing for closing in 20 years at a very high level. Gotta think he’s gotta slow soon though?
He’s slowing, but doing well still. But that’s what I’m saying: his late start has allowed for a later peak. And I mean, that’s not ALL there is to it: he trains intelligently and keeps things submax, which is most likely a reflection of maturity as well. You take a dude like Kevin Nee that was pushing to the limit so early in his life, and, in turn, got beat up and had to step away.
Yea I see what you mean. I’m starting a similar age, so I hopefully I can avoid some of the pitfalls and have a long, low injury strongman life! (And get to the WSM finals in my fifties…)
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