STRENGTH IN DEPTH
In this new series, we present all the insider info you need to look, feel and act the part in trending fitness pursuits. First up: the strongman scene
WHERE DO I START? 01_
London’s The Foundry is spearheading the rise of ‘modified strongman training’, which focuses on conditioning, rather than ripping phonebooks apart. After that, you can head to Stoke-on-trent’s Strength Asylum, home to Eddie Hall ( right).
02_ WHO’S IT FOR?
Physically? Everyone. You can scale down heavy lifts to match your strength . Mentally, it suits those jaded by the monotony of barbell work, but who hanker after more grit than that of the more photogenic calisthenics crowd.
03_ WILL IT GET ME RIPPED?
Yes, but not only in the obvious, bulkier sense. “The extreme toll it takes on your body makes strongman a potent fat-burner,” says Ben Gotting, co-founder of the Foundry. The EPOC this generates means your body will continue to burn calories long after you’ve dropped your atlas stone.
04_ IS THERE A SIGNATURE MOVE TO MASTER?
It’s drive time. Standing in front of a tyre, push your hips back and get a good grip underneath it. Keep your back straight as you push up through your hips, explosively ( A). Once the tyre is almost vertical, catch it overhand then push it ( B) until it topples over. Get ready to flip again.
05_ DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL KIT?
Flat, stable-soled shoes are your best investment, according to Gotting. Chuck Taylors from Converse are, surprisingly, the all-star choice.
06_ WHAT SHOULD I AVOID?
“You can’t come to the gym and fuck about taking selfies and posting them,” warns Gotting. Strongman training is awkward and without proper form and focus can cause injury. “Have fun, but don’t be the guy who spends more time finding the best lighting for a shot than he does mastering a lift.” Well said, we think.