Thursday, June 29, 2017

Aleksey Torokhtiy’s Slow-Mo Training Videos Are the Best Yet

Mike Tuchscherer Finally Hits a 500-Pound Bench Press

Check Out LSU Running Back Derrius Guice’s 650lb Back Squat

There’s no denying that football players are some of the strongest athletes outside of dedicated strength sports. The collegiate and professional level players need ridiculous strength just to hold their own on the field against the opposing 300+ lb linemen. Which brings us to our next video of LSU’s running back Derrius Guice squatting big weight.

On June 23rd, LSU’s strongside defensive end Aaron Moffitt posted a video of Guice’s recent back squat PR. The video below, shows Guice taking a 650 lb back squat for a ride wearing only a belt.

The view of the squat isn’t the best with all of the spotters around Guice. So was the squat the cleanest? No. Was it to full powerlifting depth? Eh, possibly in some federations. Regardless, it’s an impressive squat, especially when you consider the fact that Guice is 5′ 11″ and weighs around 210 lbs.

[Ever wonder why football players wear lifting straps when they Olympic lift? This article helps provide some reasoning.]

This isn’t Guice’s first time squatting big weight though. Back in March, Guice shared a video of himself taking 583 lbs for a ride, and it’s a much cleaner video compared to the 650 lb squat. Once again though, is it to depth? That’s up for viewer discretion.

Football player’s goals are often to move the most weight possible – even if it’s not the cleanest form – to prep their bodies for in-game situations and to achieve maximal strength with their limited training times. This isn’t always ideal in terms of injury prevention, but most players have lifted like this their whole lives, and their goals are different than a dedicated powerlifter.

We’ve seen our fair share of professional football players squatting big weight. Like the time Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce squatted 725 lbs unbelted.

And whether you agree with their form and depth that’s up to you, but there’s no denying the strength these football players possess.

Feature image screenshot from @aarontmoffitt Twitter video. 

The post Check Out LSU Running Back Derrius Guice’s 650lb Back Squat appeared first on BarBend.

Bench Press Exercise Guide – Muscles Worked, Variations, and Benefits

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Wes Kitts Just Broke the American Total and Snatch Records in Training

Wes Kitts has once again shown that he’s one of the best Olympic weightlifters in the United States.

In fact, there’s now an argument to be made that he’s the best American weightlifter in the 105kg class: he just broke the American record in the snatch and the total in training. And it was a fight.

Take a look at the video below of a training session that took place last Friday at California Strength and was just uploaded yesterday. Kitts is one of a few athletes the video follows as they try to max their lifts, and there are a few pretty inspiring feats, including 94kg athlete Shaheen Hashemian snatching 143kg (315.2lb, at the 1.10 mark) and hitting a clean & jerk of 160kg (352.7lb) at the 3 minute mark.

But Kitts broke two American records, but of course, they’re just training lifts, and we’re excited to see if he can replicate this on a competition platform.

We’ve embedded the video below to start at his first attempt at a 175kg (385.8lb) snatch — he misses it twice but hits it on the third attempt, beating his own American record in the lift by one kilogram.

When it came time for the clean & jerk, Kitts was laser focused on hitting 216kg (476lb). The American record in that particular lift is currently held by Wes Barnett with 220kg (485lb), but hitting 216 would show that Kitts has the strength to eclipse the total record. (We saw him clean & jerk 215kg in February.)

We’ve embedded the clip again below to start when Kitts starts his clean & jerk attempts.

The first was “just” a clean, and Kitts dropped it before jerking. But then, with an enormous amount of effort, he makes the clean again and completes the lift.

The 390kg total record that Kitts would have beaten had this lift taken place in competition was set all the way back in 1999 by Wes Barnett at the Weightlifting World Championships in Athens.

Featured image via CaliforniaStrength on YouTube.

The post Wes Kitts Just Broke the American Total and Snatch Records in Training appeared first on BarBend.

Larry “Wheels” Williams Is Temporarily Switching from Powerlifting to Bodybuilding

Paleo Meals to Go Review — Portable, But Is It Tasty?

Tom “The Quad Father” Platz Turns 62 and Is Still Squatting Big Weight

Deadlift Exercise Guide – Muscles Worked, Variations, and Benefits

Monday, June 26, 2017

Learn About Arthur “The Iron-Master” Saxon, a True Strength Visionary

Watch Jenn Rotsinger Deadlift Triple Bodyweight for 23 Reps

Watch Ray Williams’ and Jezza Uepa’s 1,000+ lb Squat Battle

This Sunday concluded the final day of the 2017 IPF Classic World Championships. The last flight of competitors was the highly anticipated men’s 120kg+ weight class, which holds some of the world’s strongest lifters. Two of these lifters include Ray Williams and Jezza Uepa, who are becoming known worldwide for their epic squat strength.

Unfortunately, there weren’t any squats world records set this year, but there were still some insane numbers put up. Williams finished with a 470kg (1,034 lb) raw squat, and Uepa hit 460kg (1,012 lb). Uepa had trouble on his first two attempts and actually got red lighted due to “soft knee” issues.

If this hadn’t been the case, then we might have seen completely different results, and Williams and Uepa both could have been pushed a little more. Check out the clips below of all the attempts by Uepa and Williams.

Uepa’s First 425kg Attempt

“Jezza Jezza Jezza! Population of Nauru 10,000, including Jezza…10,002 (laughs),” the announcer says as the crowd begins to get pumped.

Uepa walked out the weight, but never fully locked out his legs and settled, so the chief referee flagged him and made him reset the bar.

Below he walks out the second attempt for his opener, and receives the squat command quickly. He smokes the 425kg, but ends up with two reds and white light making the lift no good. The referees called soft knees again, even though the jury disagreed.

Williams’ First 450kg Attempt

Williams’ 450kg opener was 12kg higher than his 2016 IPF Classic World Championships 438kg squat world record. He absolutely buried this squat.

Uepa’s Second 425kg Attempt

Another walk out issue. Uepa is flagged again for “soft knees” and must rack again. At this point, Uepa hasn’t earned one good lift.

Williams’ Second 470kg Attempt

Williams successfully completely the lift earning three white lights. His speed was incredible out of the hole and only had a slight second of slowing down towards the final lockout.

Uepa’s Third 460kg Attempt

After being flagged twice, Uepa puts 460kg on the bar to claim second place and the silver medal. The 460kg moved like nothing, and Uepa definitely had more in the tank.

Williams didn’t attempt a third squat, as he was already secured the gold.

Whether there were world records set or not, there were still two 1,000lb+ squats that earned gold and silver medals, which is an insane feat for any raw lifter.

I know myself, and many other powerlifting fans, would have loved to see Williams and Uepa push the record a little more, but that wasn’t in the cards for the day. Uepa’s 425kg and 460kg squats both looked strong (along with William’s attempts), but unfortunately the “soft knee” flags on Uepa potentially held back both of these athletes from pushing the record even further.

Feature image screenshot from International Powerlifting Federation IPF YouTube channel. 

The post Watch Ray Williams’ and Jezza Uepa’s 1,000+ lb Squat Battle appeared first on BarBend.

Kettlebell Jerk vs Push Press – Which is Best for Endurance, Strength, and Power?

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Ray Williams Totals 1,090kg to Win IPF World Classic Championship

There was no new World Record for Ray Williams at this year’s IPF World Classic Championships in Belarus, but the American powerlifter easily repeated as champion in a performance that further established him as the world’s top raw superheavyweight powerlifter.

Williams totaled 1,090kg, a full 55kg over second place Jezza Uepa and 100kg ahead of third place finisher Kelly Branton. The total podium — listed below — was a repeat of last year, though all three lifters bested their totals from 2016.

1. Ray Williams, USA, 470kg squat, 242.5kg bench press, 377.5kg deadlift.
2. Jezza Uepa, Naura, 460kg squat, 270kg bench press, 305kg deadlift
3. Kelly Branton, Canada, 420kg squat, 265kg bench press, 305kg deadlift

Video of the full session is embedded below.

Coming into the competition and based on training videos, it looked like there might be a real battle between Williams and Uepa for a new squat world record — and perhaps a total world record as well. Both men have spent the past year topping one another in training and competition squats, pushing the raw squat World Record well above 1,000 pounds.

For context on how fast and far lifters have pushed the superheavyweight numbers, a year ago, a 1,000 pound raw squat was unheard of in IPF competition. This weekend, both Williams and Uepa exceeded that mark — on stage — by comfortable margins.

But it was Williams’ competition at the end of the day, and though he only took a 10kg lead after the squat portion — and was significantly out-benched by Uepa and Branton — the superheavyweight from Mississippi showed his dominance in the deadlift to out-pull both by over 70kg. Williams’ final deadlift was 22.5kg ahead of the next heaviest pullers (two at 355kg) in the session.

Williams attempted a 393kg deadlift on his third attempt but was unsuccessful near lockout. The lift would have extended his own deadlift world record by 0.5kg and his own total world record by 0.5kg.

Featured image: International Powerlifting Federation IPF on YouTube

The post Ray Williams Totals 1,090kg to Win IPF World Classic Championship appeared first on BarBend.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

3 Moves that Break Through Strongman Sticking Points

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe Review

The Do-Win Shoe is relatively well-known in the sport of weightlifting and originally rose to popularity 90s. The Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe originally started as the Pendlay Do-Win, but is now simply the “Do-Win” weightlifting shoe offered on Rogue Fitness.

There are a few attributes that make the Do-Win slightly different than other shoes on the market. For starters, they offer a double strap design, which few shoes currently do. Second, they’re designed to fit a little wider to enhance a lifter’s ability to splay their toes when catching weight. This helps a lifter increase their stability on the platform by allowing them to full grip the floor.

Want to find the best weightlifting shoe for you? Take our weightlifting shoe quiz to find out which brand and model you should try!

How do the Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes stack up against other hybrid models and Olympic lifting specific shoes?

How Much Do the Do-Wins Weigh?

The Do-Win shoe’s weight is around 17 ounces, which puts them in the middle weight range for lifting shoes. 

Image courtesy RogueFitness.com. 

A weight of 17 ounces makes this shoe good for a couple different scenarios. While it’s not the lightest shoe on the market, 17 ounces makes for a fairly versatile weight. Some functional fitness athletes tap the Do-Win shoe for performing strength and power based movements in the same workout. Weightlifters also choose this shoe because it was initially made with weightlifters in mind with the help of Glenn Pendlay.

I feel 17 ounces tends to be an okay balance between a light and heavy shoe. A little extra weight can also naturally encourage the lifter to firmly plant their foot, so that could be a positive to a slightly heavier weight.  But for the slower footed lifter, then foot turnover may slow down a bit, but that’s for a very small population.

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe Effective Heel Height

The effective heel height of the Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes is .75 inches or 18 millimeters, which puts this model in the standard .75″ heel category. 

Image courtesy RogueFitness.com. 

The Do-Win shoes are similar to other popular models that offer the .75″ heel. This heel tends to fit a plethora of lifters with different needs and anthropometrics. For beginning weightlifters, a .75″ heel can often be a smooth transition when adjusting to a higher heeled shoe.

A .75″ works in most strength sport scenarios, but there are a few exceptions. If you’re someone who needs a lower heel for powerlifting purposes, or low bar squats, then this heel may be a little high for you. Also, for the weightlifters who excel with a higher 1″ heel, then the .75″ may not satisfy your specific needs.

Heel Construction

The Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes have a hard thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) heel, which is a lightweight non-compressible material often used for its sturdiness and resilience to abrasions.

Image courtesy RogueFitness.com. 

TPU is a commonly used heel in weightlifting shoes because it’s durable, lightweight, and doesn’t compress easily. The Do-Win shoe has a TPU heel designed with a wave-like feature and extra heel support. This is a benefit for weightlifting because any form of heel compression could compromise a lift, especially in the bottom catching position.

The heels on the Do-Wins also have a pillar like structure down the mid-foot and heel, which allow you to the feel the platform pretty well, even though you’re on TPU.

Upper Shoe Material

The upper portion of the Do-Wins is constructed with leather and a breathable nylon mesh. I like the leather because it gives the shoe a little stiffness, and it won’t stretch out as fast over time. Years of lifting will always leave a shoe slightly stretched, so I thought the leather covering the toebox and heel were good additions. Along the arch and mid-foot there’s a breathable mesh, which is also a plus.

Image courtesy RogueFitness.com. 

Most likely a weightlifter will be wearing these shoes for a prolonged period of time, and the mesh will help them remain comfortable and cool. There will be limited slippage from an overly sweaty foot. The only downside to the Do-Wins material is the amount of time it takes to break them in. While the leather is stiff, and eventually breaks into fit perfectly, it’s going to require some time to adjust.

Foot Straps

Something unique about Do-Win that few shoes offer (one of them being the Reebok Legacy Lifter) is the double metatarsal strapping system. There’s a strap covering the bottom and top of the tongue. This is great for ensuring an equally tight shoe. A fully secure foot will be better at avoiding any form of lifting off the ground from excessive flexion.

Another cool aspect of these straps is their velcro strips. Some shoes like the Romaleos 2s have excessive straps that hang on the ground, but the Do-Win has a little overlap so this isn’t an issue. Additionally, there’s double stitching enclosing each strap, so they’ll likely last a while without durability issues.

Image courtesy RogueFitness.com. 

Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes Price

The Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes can be found on Rogue Fitness for $95.00. This is a fair price for a weightlifting shoe offering double straps, a TPU heel, and leather build. Newer weightlifting shoes will typically run you $150.00+, so if you’re interested in a cost efficient shoe, then the Do-Win is a good option.

Final Word

The Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe has had quite the history since its original release. These shoes have had multiple reiterations to perfectly tailor to a weightlifting athlete’s wants and needs. I liked the double straps, TPU heel, and how cost efficient this shoe is. A downside to this shoe

The Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe could be a good option for the lifter needing a standard lifting shoe at a cost efficient price.

Feature image from RogueFitness.com. 

The post Do-Win Weightlifting Shoe Review appeared first on BarBend.

BodyTech Whey Tech Pro 24 Review — A Very Surprising Supplement

Friday, June 23, 2017

Athletic Greens Vs Patriot Power Greens — A Clear Winner?

The -72Kg Women’s Squat World Record Was Just Broken Twice

Check Out These Rogue Fitness Colored Barbells

Oh yes, you read that correctly. We may be seeing Rogue Fitness barbells in new, bright colors in the near future. But how soon?

Rogue Fitness has yet to release an official date of when these barbells would drop, but we can only hope it’s soon, as suggested from Rogue Fitness’s Owner Bill Henniger’s Facebook comments shared below.

There’s also no word on how many colors, which colors, and what barbell models they’ll be released in. The only information we’ve got thus far is the Facebook and Twitter photo above that was shared 17 hours ago.

So far, we’ve only seen the blue and red iterations of the colored bar. We’re also curious which barbell they’ll come in, but our rational guess would be the Rogue Ohio Bar. Information is still a little sparse on these barbells, there has been some suggestion behind their future release, plus information about a few other barbells.

A few Facebook comments on Rogue’s post received a reply from Bill Henniger in regard to the colored bars and other barbell questions customers had. They’re shared below.

One comment said, “Cerakote bars? Like American barbell has had for some time now in a lower priced higher quality bar that doesn’t sound like a cabinet full of dishes dropping when you drop it? Pretty sweet.”

To which Henniger replied, “Bryan – We are using a work hardening process prior to prep and ceramic. We spent a very long time testing and developing something that will take a serious beating both from wear but also steel durability – oh yeah and won’t sound like a cabinet full of dishes dropping.”

Another comment asked, “Will we ever see a stainless Ohio power bar and stainless Ohio deadlift bar?!!!”

Henniger chimed in saying, “We are on it – just waiting on steel to arrive.”

Feature image from Rogue Fitness Facebook page. 

The post Check Out These Rogue Fitness Colored Barbells appeared first on BarBend.

Best Foam Roller Exercises for Hips

Kettlebell Clean and Jerk vs Clean and Press: Which Is Best for You?

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Inov-8 FastLift Weightlifting Shoe Review

Inov-8 is a shoe company that creates and designs multiple types of shoes for a variety of fitness activities. Within their weightlifting shoe line they have a few standout shoes under the “FastLift” model. Their shoes catered towards lifting are known for their cross training and minimalist design.

There are a few things that make the Inov-8 models different from other lifting shoes on the market. First, the FastLift 325 has a .65″ heel, which is great for improving this shoe’s versatility. Second, these shoes weigh around 11.7 ounces, so they’re much lighter compared to other models. The FastLift 370 BOA has a signature double BOA system, and also weigh a mere 13 ounces.

Want to find the best weightlifting shoe for you? Take our weightlifting shoe quiz to find out which brand and model you should try!

How do the Inov-8 FastLift models stack up against other hybrid models and Olympic lifting specific shoes?

How Much Do the Inov-8 FastLifts Weigh?

The Inov-8 FastLift models actually earn their name due to their total weight, as in, each shoe’s individual weight combines to make their model number. The FastLift 325 shoe weighs 11.725 ounces (325 grams), and the FastLift 370 BOAs weigh around 13 ounces. 

Image of Inov-8 FastLift 325 courtesy of RogueFitness.com. 

Both of these models are lighter than other lifting shoes on the market. The FastLift 325 is one of the lightest lifting shoes offered with an elevated heel. This makes it a great fit for those doing functional fitness workouts and need a lightweight shoe. Additionally, the FastLift 370 BOAs are on the lighter end of weightlifting shoes at a weight of 13 ounces.

Light shoes are beneficial for versatility, so there’s never a block like feeling on the foot. Some heavier shoes like the Reebok Legacy Lifters can sometimes feel overbearing, especially if you’re trying to use them for any form of functional fitness workout. The lightweight nature of these shoes may also help a lifter’s foot turnover under heavy weight, but may inhibit one’s ability to firmly plant their foot.

Inov-8 FastLift 325 and 370 BOA Effective Heel Height

The effective heel height of the Inov-8 FastLift 325 is .65″ or 16.5 millimeters, and the Inov-8 FastLift 370 BOA is .75″ or 20 mm. 

Image of Inov-8 FastLift 325 courtesy of RogueFitness.com. 

The norm in today’s lifting shoes is a .75″ heel, and that works for a variety of athlete’s needs and sports. Inov-8 370 BOAs have the normal .75″ heel, which make them a good option for multiple activities. Some athletes use .75″ heels for functional workouts, while others use them for weightlifting specifically. An athlete will have to assess their needs and activities before knowing if the .75″ heel is right for them.

The FastLift 325 has a .65″ heel, which make them slightly different than other lifting shoes. A lower heel will be better in a couple different scenarios. First, a lower heel will make it easier to transition through a variety of movements. It provides stability, but doesn’t change mechanics as dramatically. Second, the lower heel may be better for those who want a pair of shoes for low-bar squats, or have a wider squat stance.

Heel Construction

The Inov-8 FastLift models utilize a high density TPU PowerTruss heel, which is used in other lifting shoe models such as the Adidas AdiPowers and Nike Romaleos

Image of Inov-8 FastLift 370 BOA courtesy Amazon.com. 

TPU heels are the most common heel used in modern lifting shoes. This style heel is durable and dense, so they don’t compress easily under heavy loads. For this reason, a lot of lifters turn to TPU heels when they want a low maintenance, highly durable shoe. Another characteristic that makes a TPU heel beneficial is its lightweight nature, and that’s a key characteristic of the FastLift models. The PowerTruss design of the FastLift models give this shoe a stable pillar base, while keeping the shoe lightweight.

The downsides of TPU heels typically come down to personal preferences. For example, if you’re someone who wants a softer heel, then a high density EVA heel may serve you better. Athletes who want to really feel the platform under them may not like the TPU’s synthetic feeling, and may want to reach for a wood or leather heel.

Upper Shoe Material

Both the FastLift 325 and 370 BOA contain lightweight mesh that make this shoe flexible and breatheable. The upper shoe material is one of the key contributors to why the FastLift is one of the more versatile lifting shoes. They’re flexible, so you won’t have to spend a decent amount of time breaking in leather, or a stiffer shoe. Additionally, the outer mesh allows the foot to breathe, even in more cardio-esque movements.

Image of Inov-8 FastLift 325 courtesy RogueFitness.com. 

The front of the shoe has toe grooves and is constructed a little wider for an athlete’s toes to fully splay in lifts. A lot of lifters like this because it allows them to grip the floor better, plus the toe box will be easily maneuverable in versatile workouts. A downside to this shoe’s material is the long-term durability that comes with it if you’re someone who desires a stiffer, possibly more durable heavier shoe.

Foot Straps

The FastLift 325 shoe comes with your standard upper to mid-foot strap. It’s not as thick as other single strap options like the Position USA models, but it will provide the shoe with a fair amount of security. Since this shoe is designed for versatility, the single strap is great for keeping the shoe’s weight light, and design minimalistic. If you desire a ton of foot security, then you may want to reach for a different model.

Image of Inov-8 FastLift 370 BOA courtesy of Amazon.com. 

The FastLift 370 BOA has a double BOA lacing system. One BOA is on the shoes upper to mid-foot strap and there’s another BOA at the tip of the tongue. BOA lacing systems are often sought out when a lifter wants to minimize the amount of time they spend on tightening their shoes. Additionally, lifters reach for these shoes to create an even level of tightness around the shoe. There’s one downfall of BOA systems and that’s the issue that comes with them progressively loosening up throughout a workout.

Inov-8 FastLift 325 Price

The Inov-8 FastLift 325 weightlifting shoe starts around $160.00 on Rogue Fitness. This price is right in line for what this shoe has to offer. They contain a lightweight mesh, TPU heel, and single strap, so they’re very similar to some of the similarly priced big brand models. If you need a lightweight, affordable shoe with a durable build, then I feel the FastLift 325 is a good option.

Inov-8 FastLift 370 BOA Price

The Inov-8 FastLift 370 BOA varies in price greatly and starts around $80.00 and reaches as high as $200.00 on Amazon. If you’re a fan of .75″ heels and BOA lacing systems, then these shoes are fair for their price compared to the Adidas Leistungs that feature BOA systems. Granted, that’s dependent on if you find this shoe at a discounted price. I feel the price can be fair if you find a discounted pair.

Image of Inov-8 FastLift 325 courtesy of RogueFitness.com 

Final Word

The Inov-8 FastLift models both offer a few key characteristics that make them great shoes for the functional fitness athlete. They’re lighter in weight than most shoes, and are constructed to be both flexible and breatheable. Additionally, the FastLift 325 offers a lower .65″ heel, which can be desirable spec for the athlete needing versatility.

The downfalls of these shoes lie in the same characteristics that make them different. If you want a weightlifting specific shoe, then you might not like the lightweight flexible material that make up the FastLift models. Also, some might find the lower .65″ heel a turnoff, especially if they have trouble with mobility and sitting under weight.

The Inov-8 FastLift 325 and 370 BOA shoes both have a lightweight minimalist design that make them a suitable option for the functional fitness, or weightlifting athlete.

Feature image of Inov-8 FastLift 325 courtesy of RogueFitness.com. 

The post Inov-8 FastLift Weightlifting Shoe Review appeared first on BarBend.

Is Eddie Hall Playing a Role In the New Transformers Movie?

Dumbbell Bench Press – Muscles Worked, Benefits, and Technique

Thursday, June 15, 2017

SBD Vs. Slingshot STrong Knee Sleeves — Which Is Best for Squats?

How Battle Ropes Can Improve Powerlifting and Weightlifting

Deadlift vs Squat – Comparing Strength and Muscles Worked

Why Do Some Lifters Pass Out from Heavy Deadlifts?

The 3 Most Brutal Strongman Training Sessions I’ve Ever Seen

Most strongman training is now very regimented. People have had the sense to pay a coach to program their sessions to follow a path to success — or at least consistent gains. Back in 2004 when I began training the sport, it was very young, and the territory of training was unexplored. There were only a handful of us with full time access to equipment, and Ben Hanson and I may have been the only people writing about it on the internet. (We shared a blog called Chasing Kaz, that is — thankfully — no longer available. It was a side project of author Tucker Max, and our work was edited and had its own site! Very rare back then.) YouTube was just coming online, and the forum at MarundeMuscle.com was where 99% of all strongman information was exchanged.

There was a different feel to the sport a decade ado. A legitimate atmosphere of crazy hung in the air, especially on event days or in contests. Guys were throwing washing machines for distance. A 300 pound Jesse Marunde climbed a ladder with a 250 pound stone on his shoulder (so he could drop it on a TV set), and whatever else could be concocted would be videotaped, converted to digital, then slowly uploaded to show off our dedication to getting radical with insane weights. It was an ever escalating level of who would get crazier with their events training was kind of a thing and honestly, I miss it.

It brought an element of fun to Saturdays, but it did something more important. We tested and found our limits.

Disclaimer: The training ideas I’m about to present to you are neither completely safe or sane.

Death Drag

This is best with a large chain rather than a sled, but not everyone has access to a 700lb piece of boat mooring. Take the heavy drag weight and begin to pull it around a large fixed area. We used the strip mall where our gym was located. Run a time clock and don’t stop until the finish line is crossed. Times were around ten minutes…. Of constant pulling. If you think you’ve got a strong posterior chain, this will confirm if it’s a myth.

Bottomless Cup of Tire Flips

This is simple: Take the heaviest tire and put one guy on their own team and two three or four guys on the other. The single takes every other flip while the the group team takes turns. The goal is for the single to outlast the group. This can go on a while and was brutal when performed.

Andy Decks Prowler Mile

105kg Pro Andy Deck does one of the worst things on the planet. He puts 160 pounds on a push sled and proceeds to take it a mile. Down and back, down and back, down and back. It not only pushes the body to the limits but it tests the ability to stick with something seemingly impossible.

Strongman Contest in a WOD

I had an idea to put a strongman contest together and do it all at once; hence the name of this workout. I’ve posted this on my personal site and I’ve only had one other person follow through with the weights listed. I love this workout, as it tests the big three skills in strongman; the press, the deadlift and the load.

The concept is simple: As quickly as possible, do 10 overhead presses (240 lbs), 5 deadlifts (460 lbs), and 10 stone loads (250 lbs). It may seem like the weights are slightly light for a competitive strongman, but add all of that together, and demon fire burns in every single part of your body. These were the weights I used walking around at 250 pounds so make adjustments based on your weight class.

Wrapping Up

The challenges above aren’t for everyone, and they’re nothing to be taken lightly. But they do encourage us to get creative with training and find something that pushes your group’s limits. Put together a medley based on everyone’s worst events or things people generally dislike. Do some farmers walks up an incline or break out a chain yoke and go for a walk. Step away from the program when you’ve got some free time and get creative.

Maybe even have a beer or two afterwards, your nutritional programmer doesn’t need to know about it.

Editors note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein and in the video are the authors and don’t necessarily reflect the views of BarBend. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.

Featured image: Michele Wozniak

The post The 3 Most Brutal Strongman Training Sessions I’ve Ever Seen appeared first on BarBend.

Kinesiology Taping for Ankle Stability and Sprain

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Green Vibrance vs. Organifi — Is a “Jack of All Trades” Better?

How to Watch the 2017 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships

It’s one of the most eventful times of the year for the sport of powerlifting, as some of the world’s top athletes get ready to compete in the 2017 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, which begin the 14th and go through the 25th.

Luckily, this year there’s a stream of the coverage, and it can be found here.

In past years, there hasn’t always been a live stream, so it’s nice to see the IPF providing content over the next ten days for us all to watch throughout our workdays. Keep in mind, the Championships are being held in Minsk, Belarus, so account for timezone differences. Minsk is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, so adjust your timezone viewing accordingly.

If you’re looking for a specific weight class to watch, or an athlete, then see the attached link below to download the full schedule of events.

This competition hosts the best athletes in every weight class and age demographic. Remember, “classic” for the IPF means raw (belts, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps). Check out the hyped up trailer for this year’s Championships below.

In the last two weeks, we’ve seen a handful of powerlifting’s best athletes share final lifts from their peaking stages on social media, which is only building the anticipation of this year’s championships. One of the bigger showdowns (literally) we recently reported on is the always exciting 120kg+ men’s squat battle between USA’s Ray Williams and Nauru’s Jezza Uepa.

Williams and Uepa both claimed world records last year, and have since posted 1,000+ lb raw squats in training over the last two weeks. Who will further powerlifting’s raw squat world record this year? It’s tough to say.

Yet, this is only one of the epic performances/battles you can expect to see over the course of the next ten days. There are multiple athletes poised to break world records, so stay tuned.

Feature image screenshot from International Powerlifting Federation IPF YouTube channel. 

The post How to Watch the 2017 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships appeared first on BarBend.

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Monday, June 12, 2017

Dimitar Savatinov One-Arm Presses 143kg for New World Record

Could This 3D Tracking Technology Create the Perfect Weightlifter?

As strength sports have grown, so has the selection of technology coaches, scientists, and athletes can use to perfect their lifts. From force plates to infrared cameras, the industry continues to improve on their abilities to create perfect harmony in a lifter’s movements.

A recent video shared on the Olympic YouTube channel shows how the Korean Institute of Sports Science is aiming to change the game of weightlifting. Their goal: using 3D technology that lets a lifter know how much force they’re producing, where their imbalances lie, and every posture in which they can improve upon.

In Sports Science graduate school, we used a lot of force plates, velocity based tools, the Dartfish program, and K-Vests to analyze mechanics, but this program takes those to the next level. Their system basically ties individual tools like force plates, biomechanical analysis programs, and velocity trackers into one.

A few things that make this program a little different that what’s currently out there include the combination of the below elements.

  • Force Platforms
  • Motion Sensors
  • Infrared Cameras

The combination of these movement analysis elements can allow an athlete to break down the amount of force, speed, and time spent in each posture through a lifter’s movement. With this information a scientist, coach, and athlete can compare data to previously established optimal postures/range and create the perfect lift.

Photo screenshot from Olympic YouTube channel. 

The most interesting aspect of their technology is the 3D imaging that provides an in-depth description of how much force is being produced at any given moment by the lifter’s muscles and joints. From the video, they show an example of a lifter who displaced more weight into their right leg, which the system predicted to be roughly 11 lbs.

That information could be crucial for not only improving performance, but also avoiding a repetitive stress injury over time, which may end up prolonging a weightlifter’s career. Eleven pound doesn’t seem like much, but if you consider a weightlifter’s weekly training schedule, then that 11 lbs can accumulate fast.

What separates this technology from current biomechanical programs is the ability to analyze weight/force exerted in every single movement down to the split second in 3D. Their 3D analysis and real-time feedback could change how a weightlifter perfects and critiques their form to the most finite degree.

What are your thoughts? Could this technology create better weightlifters and prolong careers?

Feature image screenshot from Olympic YouTube channel. 

The post Could This 3D Tracking Technology Create the Perfect Weightlifter? appeared first on BarBend.

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Monday, June 5, 2017

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So You Wanna Be A Powerlifter? Breaking Down the Sport’s Federations

So, you wanna be a powerlifter, but you’re not sure where to start? Over the next 12 weeks Calgary Barbell has teamed up with BarBend to release weekly YouTube videos to guide you to your first powerlifting competition. We’ll cover everything from selecting the federation that’s right for you, the different equipment that’s available, and of course how to properly train, peak and compete in your chosen meet.

Editors note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein and in the video are the authors and don’t necessarily reflect the views of BarBend. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.

Now that you’ve decided you want to compete in a powerlifting meet, the next step is to decide which federation you’d like to compete in. All powerlifting competitions are sanctioned by federations: they organize, host, judge, and track standings and records.

These standards can and will vary from group to group.  For the purpose of this discussion, I’ll break the federations into three categories – the IPF, 100%RAW, and untested federations. Within each of these broader categories is a hierarchy that is comprised of national, regional, provincial/state and local organizations.

The IPF (International Powerlifting Federation)

The International Powerlifting Federation was founded in 1972, and it’s the world’s largest, most cohesive powerlifting federation. The IPF has thousands of members, and has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) via their inclusion in the World Games.

The IPF is split into a number of divisions. In Canada, we have the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU), in the US, there’s the USAPL. Additionally, there are also international bodies like the Commonwealth and North American Powerlifting Federations (NAPF).

Drug testing and clean sport is a large focus of the IPF, and they use the standards and regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). As such, the IPF has anti-doping education programs for its athletes, as well as registered testing pools, out of meet doping tests, and adheres to all WADA testing protocols.

The equipment in the IPF is as follows:

  • Classic – knee sleeves, belt, wrist wraps
  • Equipped (Singly Ply Only) – squat suit, bench shirt, deadlift suit, knee wraps, wrist wraps, belt

The IPF uses a Squat/Bench combo rack, commonly referred to as an ‘ER Rack’, which uses built in bench safeties, but lacks any squat safeties, putting a lot of emphasis on the importance of spotters in competition.  The IPF uses stiff bars (a number of them are sanctioned), and the same bar for all three lifts in a competition.

The IPF has been criticized in some circles — and praised in others — for its strict judging: especially with squat depth standards and long pauses on bench ‘Press’ commands. I have chosen to compete in the IPF and I find it to be well organized, and fairly and consistently judged. (My personal opinion and experience.)

100%RAW 

Prevalent in western Canada and the United States, 100%RAW is a smaller, newer federation. It was founded in 1999 and its presence is steadily growing in Canada and the US. 100%RAW is a drug-tested federation, but is not strictly WADA compliant. (Author’s note: They talk about their drug testing at the above link, but I can only attest to this as having seen drug tests handed out by meet directors as opposed to any official WADA agency.) This affords them the opportunity to use less expensive tests and test more athletes.

100%RAW’s core value is lifting without the use of supportive equipment. It only allows lifters to use a belt and wrist wraps, while knee sleeves/wraps are not permitted.

A similar or identical squat/bench combo rack is used in 100%RAW competitions.  This federation also uses a special squat bar, designed thicker and longer than standard bars, and a deadlift bar, thinner and more easily bent – to the advantage of the lifter.  

100%RAW has held competitions in the Military Press, Strict Curl, and even a Bench for Reps Challenge.

Some have called 100%RAW less competitive due to its smaller roster of lifters and being a relatively new federation – but it is growing quickly!

Untested Federations (IPL, GPC, WRPF, SPF)

While these federations are separate, the rules of competition can be very similar. Included in this category are the Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC), the USA Powerlifting Association (USAPA), and International Powerlifting League (IPL) and others.

These federations are generally not drug tested and lifters can often choose between competing raw with knee sleeves, or raw with knee wraps. These same federations host competitions for those who compete in multi-ply equipment (squat suits, bench shirts, deadlifts suits – but made of multiple plies of material).

Most of these federations use what’s called a monolift; a type of squat rack where the hooks that hold the bar are moved by a lever once the lifter stands the weight up, eliminating the need for the lifter to walk the bar out. These racks also allow the use of safety catch chains, which can be seen as a useful feature when squatting 1000+lbs, a feat commonly seen in multi-ply lifting!

In the past, these federations have caught some flack for loose judging – high squats, questionable deadlift lockouts, and quick press commands on the bench. That being said, a number of these federations have recently become more consistent with standards and reffing calls, potentially due to internet backlash from a number of incidents.

The best way to find out more about these federations is to do some research yourself! I’ve included in this article a number of links to the websites of each of the federations I’ve talked about – look into these federations and decide which one suits your needs. From there, you can go about choosing a meet.  

In our next video, we’ll talk about raw/classic lifting vs equipped lifting, so be sure to subscribe to the Calgary Barbell YouTube channel and stay tuned to the BarBend news page!

The post So You Wanna Be A Powerlifter? Breaking Down the Sport’s Federations appeared first on BarBend.

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Sunday, June 4, 2017

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CrossFit Games Meridian Regional Recap: Holte, Gudmundsson Win, Aegidius Makes Return

One of CrossFit’s most hotly contested Regional competitions ended with excitement and heartbreak on Sunday in Spain. When the dust settled, many familiar faces long associated with the CrossFit Games qualified out of the Meridian Regional, while several members of the sport’s newer elite were left on the outside looking in.

2011 and 2012 CrossFit Games Champion Annie Thorisdottir had a consistent weekend — and two Event wins — to finish third and punch her ticket back to the Games, where she first competed as a teenager in 2009. Thorisdottir needed to finish top six on Event 6 in order to secure a spot, and she went on to finish in first, just three seconds ahead of fellow Games Champion and second place overall finisher Samantha Briggs.

Kristin Holte finished in 1st overall, and her worst Event finish on the weekend was 5th.

On the men’s side, Games veterans Bjorgvin Karl Gudmundsson and Jonne Koski took the top two spots. Finishing in fifth place — the last qualifying spot — was now three-time Games competitor Frederick Aegidius, who had failed to qualify since 2013. When the final men’s spots were announced, Aegidius had an emotional celebration with girlfriend Thorisdottir, which was captured by cameras on the venue floor. (We’ve embedded a video of that announcement at the end of this article).

Individual Games veterans Lukas Hogberg (6th) and Rasmus Andersen (9th) finished outside of qualification.

The Top 5 standings for Women, Men, and Teams are listed below:

Women:

1. Kristin Holte
2. Samantha Briggs
3. Annie Thorisdottir
4. Jamie Green
5. Thuridur Erla Helgadottir

Men:

1. Bjorgvin Karl Gudmundsson
2. Jonne Koski
3. Jason Smith
4. Lukas Esslinger
5. Frederik Aegidius

Team:

1. CrossFit JST
2. CrossFit Fabriken
3. CFXY
4. Maspuls Spartans
5. CrossFit Reykjavik

Featured image: CrossFit Games on Facebook

The post CrossFit Games Meridian Regional Recap: Holte, Gudmundsson Win, Aegidius Makes Return appeared first on BarBend.

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Chris Spealler to Make Return at the 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games

Opinion: Why the 2017 World’s Strongest Man Controversies Are Overblown

CrossFit Games Atlantic Region Day 1 Recap: Bridgers Leads, Ben Smith in Trouble?

The CrossFit Games Atlantic Regional is normally one of the toughest qualification spots for any athlete, but after Day 1 in 2017, one former Games Champ and multi-time podium finisher looks to be facing his toughest-ever test.

As the 2015 Reebok CrossFit Games Champ (and last year’s second place finisher), it’s easy to assume Ben Smith will qualify for the sport’s biggest stage every year, just as he’s been doing since he was a teenager. But after two events, Smith finds himself tied for 19th overall in the Atlantic — well behind his younger brothers Alec and Dane, who sit in 10th and 14th places, respectively.

Other Games veterans like Noah Ohlsen and Nathan Bramblett are positioned in the top 5 after two events, with Travis Mayer, Jacob Anderson, and Daniel Petro all within striking distance. John Cotley currently leads Ohlsen, holding onto first by twelve points after his Event 2 win.

On the women’s side, Emily Bridgers and Cassidy Lance-McWherter hold the top two spots. Bridgers has been a dominant force in this region for a number of years, and it looks like she came into this competition in top form.

We’ve embedded archived footage Individual Event 1 below in this article.

The Top 5 standings for Women, Men, and Teams after Day 1 are below:

Women:

1. Emily Bridgers
2. Cassidy Lance-McWherter
3. Whitney Gelin
4. Caroline Dardini
5. Breona Evans

Men:

1. John Cotley
2. Noah Ohlsen
3. Jake Berman
4. Nathan Bramblett
5. Ryan Elrod

Team:

1. CrossFit Dwala
2. 336 CrossFit
3. Hustlehard CrossFit
4. CrossFit Balance
5. 12 Labours Lions

Featured image: @CrossFit® on YouTube

The post CrossFit Games Atlantic Region Day 1 Recap: Bridgers Leads, Ben Smith in Trouble? appeared first on BarBend.