Adam is our Club Continental Manager; but in addition to this he is also a competing athlete in his own right.
This year Adam has taken part in three competitions around the UK; and his fourth one will be this Sunday 18th November in Caerphilly, Wales.
We talk to him about what it takes to compete and more..!
This is going to be a very basic question to start the ball rolling! What is a Strongman Competition?
“Strongman competitions normally range from 5 and 6 events over the course of the day. They are designed to test static strength, explosiveness and muscular endurance. This means that training has to be adapted to accommodate all these qualities. Strongman competitions differ from other strength sports. It’s not like weightlifting or power-lifting, these only have two and three disciplines respectively. In power-lifting and weight-lifting the athletes have to be very strong in specific movements where as strongman demands a much more general level of strength and fitness”
Why do you compete?
“It’s a question I get asked all the time! There are so many reasons. Most of the exercises in strongman force you to use most of your muscle groups at once. It gives me a focus for my training and goals to strive for. I really enjoy the periodic tests that I put myself under to see how I’m progressing and improving and I thrive on the challenge. The journey that I go on in the training is amazing, it can be several weeks or months in advance, and I can feel my body and mind getting ready.”
So it’s not just because you like to flip tyres, pull trucks and throw balls?
“Perhaps a little (he laughs!) The ‘balls’ you mention are Atlas Stones!”
Most of us grew up watching the World’s Strongest Man on TV, with giants from all around the world moving insanely heavy and awkward objects! How many people will be competing on Sunday and is there a lot of rivalry between you all?
“This one is a Strongest Man Novice competition and there will be 20 people competing. Like any sport, you all go in wanting to do your best. It’s what we train for and it’s a passion. The thing that makes strongman so accessible is that anyone can train for it, which is always exciting to be part of.”
What will the lead up to Sunday look like?
“My family and friends are hugely supportive. They understand that I love a challenge and the chance to push myself to my limits. It can be quite stressful; even though I love it! Although I know that me pushing myself to my limits – can at times push those closest to me to theirs too!
Being in pursuit of excellence and perfection means early mornings and lots of training and ‘fuel’ planning. On Saturday I will eat well all day, really carb up and have a big meal in the evening followed by about 6-8 hours sleep and then a light breakfast in the morning.”
Good luck Adam! Thank you for sharing and happy training!