Tag: powerlifting
Luke Richardson Re-Injured Left Bicep In Recent Training Session
Luke Richardson ruptured the same bicep while lifting Atlas stones.
Luke Richardson has been training for what could have been a big year in 2022. He was ready to compete during the 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man competition but re-injured his left bicep during a training session lifting Atlas stones.
Richardson shared the video on his Instagram page. The first lift was accomplished easily before Richardson injured his arm on the second. You can hear the snap of his bicep when the injury occurred. Richardson knew right away and dropped the stone before going off camera.
“On Friday I re-ruptured my bicep. I don’t often feel sorry for myself, I just accept things and get on with it. But after allowing it plenty of time to recover and to be rehabbed properly it’s a bitter pill to swallow. ⠀⠀To those who have supported me and genuinely wanted to see me do well irrespective of how relevant I’ve been at any given time, I sincerely thank you. I’ll be back, one way or another.”
Luke Richardson won the 2020 Europe’s Strongest Man competition. He has a bright future at just 24 years old but this injury will set him back a bit. Richardson was forced to withdraw from the World’s Strongest Man event last year due to the same injury.
A GoFundMe page was setup to pay for Richardson’s surgery by fellow strongman Graham Hicks. This surgery would cost $6,700 if he wanted to see a top doctor. It did not take long to raise this money as the page collected $8,700 in the first night. Any extra money will go toward rehab and therapy following Richardson’s surgery. He will not visit a doctor who has worked on both Hicks and Adam Bishop.
This is a long recovery for Luke Richardson, who unfortunately knows about rehabbing from this type of injury. Richardson returned to Instagram to thank those who have been part of this process. While it has not been an easy road, Richardson is a promising strongman who can have a long, successful career when healthy.
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5 Ways To Integrate Powerlifting And Bodybuilding
5 Ways To Integrate Powerlifting And Bodybuilding.
The longstanding relationship between bodybuilding and powerlifting has generally been that of a healthy rivalry. But sometimes oppositional thinking can blind one camp to the benefits of the other.
Recently, powerlifting has become increasingly fashionable in the fitness community, and new athletes are rising who are skilled in both powerlifting and aesthetic training, among them are names like Stan Efferding, and Susan Salazar. The following are some of tips for incorporating powerlifting and bodybuilding.
1. Heavy weights, higher reps
Powerlifters prioritize neurological training, but hypertrophy work (6-15 reps) builds a foundation of actual muscle for that training, which is often neglected by powerlifters. Often the weakest link for powerlifter is not their ability to recruit muscular force, it’s the amount of muscle available for recruitment. Bodybuilders often forget that hard, dense muscle and serious thickness is built with heavy weight. He compares Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath: one preferred lifting very heavy and the other didn’t. The difference is clear.
2. Exchange Movements
To the powerlifters, it’s important to to balance the body. A more complete muscular system will minimize injury, increase strength and mobility, and allow the body to optimally recruit firing patterns.
To the bodybuilders, include some compound movements. Low bar squats are one of the best hamstring and glute builders out there. Paused bench press gives your chest and triceps a completely different stimulation and leads to thickness and growth because you’re starting from a dead point in a different firing pattern. And things like sumo deadlifts can take a lot of pressure off the precious low back while being phenomenal lower body developers.
3. Exchange Rep Ranges
Most bodybuilders would benefit from occasionally lowering the rep range to 1-3. A more powerful neurological system will always be a driver of muscular gains.For powerlifters he recommends occasional sessions of over 15 reps. Increased blood flow pulls nutrition into the joints and stimulates growth in slow twitch fibers. It will also help powerlifters walk up long staircases without feeling out of breath.
4. Nutrition
For bodybuilders, we recommend increasing carbohydrate intake. Carbs help strength performance and can be added slowly and safely into any diet if monitored properly. If you care about strength performance, you need carbs. Powerlifters, by contrast, should have focus on proper macros. Just because strength is king doesn’t mean donuts don’t hurt. He recommends baseline of 1.2-1.5g of protein, 1.5-4.0g of carbs, and 0.3-0.6g of healthy fat per pound of body weight.
5. Strategic Periodization
If you want to compete in both sports, strategic programming must be employed year round. Obviously, one doesn’t want to be maxing out 4 weeks out from a show and you don’t want to be doing a ton of accessory volume 4 weeks out from a meet. Everything has it’s place in a strategic and balanced program.
What do you think of these 5 Ways To Integrate Powerlifting And Bodybuilding? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
Russel Orhii Sets New Squat PR And Unofficial World Record With 755-Pound Lift
Russel Orhii could be looking to build on his world record in the 83kg category.
Russel Orhii has completely asserted himself as one of the top powerlifters in the 83kg category. He has not competed recently but has continued to gain strength and shows it off on social media. Recently, Orhii shared a video of a massive 342.5kg (755lb) raw squat.
This is a new PR for Orhii and an unofficial world record in the IPF. Orhii won the 2021 IPF World Championship in the 83kg category and currently holds the squat and total world record. According to his Instagram, this lift was 22kg (48.5lb) heavier than that of his current record.
“755LBS/342.5KG ???
All time squat PR. I’m fucking hungry.
#GetBetterToday“
Russel Orhii is a two-time IPF World Champion and five-time ISAPL Raw National Champion. In 2021, he set some new PRs in competition and will continue to build upon these numbers. This includes a 323kg (712.1lb) squat and 843kg (1,858lb) total during the 2021 USAPL Raw Nationals. During the 2021 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships, Orhii completed a 333kg (734.1lb) deadlift. His bench press competition PR came back in 2019 with a 195kg (429.9lb) lift.
Orhii has competed in both the IPF and USAPL in his career. For a world record to count as an IPF record, it must be in a sanctioned competition by the organization. This means his world records are actually lower than his competition PRs.
The 2021 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships was the site of both of Orhii’s world records. This includes a 320.5kg (706.6lb) squat and 841kg (1,854.1lb) total.
Russel Orhii will not only focus on powerlifting in 2022 but has plans to compete on the bodybuilding stage as well. His ability to maintain his elite strength while preparing for bodybuilding is extremely impressive. It is unknown when he will make his debut but it is likely to come some time this year. During his training, Orhii has implemented some posing routines and other aspects that will help on stage.
It is clear that Orhii is the top powerlifter in the 83kg category. Right now, it is difficult for other competitors to come close to his lifts. As he continues to transition to bodybuilding, this is a chance for Russel Orhii to show his versatility and overall skill in multiple areas.
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Brian Shaw And Gabriel Peña Team Up For Massive Deadlift Session
Brian Shaw and Gabriel Peña recently shared a huge workout in Colorado.
It has become a tradition and popular style of training when two strongmen get together for a session. In this case, it was Brian Shaw and Gabriel Peña who were able to tea up in Shaw’s home gym in Colorado for a massive deadlift session.
Shaw is a four-time World’s Strongest Man champion who continues to perform near the top of the game. Peña has made a name for himself by pulling some massive deadlifts, using both the barbell and dumbbells. This is where the two got together for a session and Shaw shared the video to his YouTube page.
“Deadlift day is the best day.”
The workout for the two strongmen began with 15 minutes of single-leg Romanian deadlifts and reverse hypers. Shaw’s coach, Joe Kenn, added some chains on a loaded barbell while Shaw and Peña completed mid-shin paused deadlifts. The weight began at 225 pounds and it increased each set by 40 or 50 pounds.
After the paused deadlifts, the lifters moved onto vert pull deadlifts. This focuses on the eccentric part of the lift. The barbell began on blocks and Shawn and Peña pinned their shins against a T-bar. This forced their shins to remain upright and applies more tension to the posterior chain.
“That starting position is what we’re trying to emphasize…If it’s another way to fortify my deadlift…I’ve got an open mind and am ready to learn.”
Brian Shaw and Gabriel Peña focused on the eccentric portion of the movement but also wanted to make sure to work on explosive strength. The workout ended with yoke walks. The duo focused on exercises that will be present during some of the major strongman competitions.
Shaw is not a competitor in the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic. He will plan to compete during the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition. This will take place from May 24-29 in Sacramento. Shaw has a chance to tie Mariusz Pidzianowski for five victories, which is the most all-time. Shaw finished second during the 2021 show. He will also host the third annual Shaw Classic in 2022, which will take place from Aug. 13-14 in Loveland, CO.
Peña was forced to miss the 2020 WSM with a heart issue. He was named an alternate during the 2021 show and could be looking for a big return this year.
Brian Shaw and Gabriel Peña showed off their elite strength in this workout and that means they are working to do some impressive things in 2022. It will be interesting to see where the two strongmen go from here.
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Evan Singleton Makes An 855-Pound Deadlift Look Easy For A Double
Evan Singleton is healthy and back to moving some huge weight in the gym.
Evan Singleton suffered a bicep tear in 2020 that kept him out of action for quite some time. It looks as though “T-Rex” is back to full strength and he recently showed it off with some massive deadlifts. Singleton completed two reps of an 855-pound deadlift and made it look easy.
Singleton joined Nick Best for a training session where the two were moving some serious weight. He stepped up to the bar with a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist straps. The plates had to be secured with resistance bands because of the number on each side. Singleton not only completed two reps, he did it with relative ease.
“I can’t express how much I love training with nick. The man is such an inspiration and it’s seriously humbling hearing so e of the kind and motivational words he says to me. They’re appreciated more than you know and I’ll take them all to heart. Thank you so much nick for inviting me out here.P.s. again, the hype up is real and not for the cameras. Proof that I’m kinda hitting g my head really hard lol. Haven’t busted myself open in a while.”
Evan Singleton is not preparing for any competitions in the upcoming months. He is still putting the finishing touches on gaining his regular strength back. Singleton is scheduled to appear at the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition, which will take place from May 24-29 in Sacramento.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2018, Singleton has won three major competitions. He is a former professional wrestler who got a late start in powerlifting. It is clear that he has elite strength and is a threat at each competition. His career began at the 2018 Giants Live North American Open. Singleton won his first major show at this event in 2019.
In 2021, Singleton had his best year winning the Arnold Strongman Classic UK and Giants Live World Open.
Evan Singleton will not compete until the WSM competition but he will attempt to break the Circus Dumbbell world record at the Clash on the Coast Record Breakers on April 22. This is a chance for Singleton to gain some momentum heading into the summer months.
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The 7 Best Weightlifting Belt Exercises For Strength & Support
Boost strength, muscle, and support with a weightlifting belt for these monster exercises.
For serious lifters and athletes looking to stay as safe as possible in the gym, a weightlifting belt is one of those accessories that must be in your gym bag. While there are plenty of exercises you don’t need it for, having a quality belt on standby will better prepare you for those bigger, more monstrous lifts. Able to provide support and stability, while also being versatile and comfortable, the weightlifting belt can take you a long way.
The nice part about a weightlifting belt is that it is a convenient lifting tool that will only work for your benefit. And with our training plans loaded with massive lifts, the choice to protect yourself is a wise one.
We’ve pulled together some of those top exercises for you as a serious lifter to use a weightlifting belt with so you can better protect yourself and see huge gains.
Best Exercises For A Weightlifting Belt
Back Squat
Deadlift
Clean & Jerk
Overhead Standing Press
Front Squat
Barbell Rows
Bench
Back Squat
The back squat is a classic barbell exercise perfect for building strength and size in your lower body. As a great muscle builder, this is traditionally a staple in routines for serious lifters.
Using a weightlifting belt for this exercise allows you to better support your low back when under serious weight so you maintain form and stay physically healthy for heavy squats.
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Back Squat Benefits
Build lower body strength: This exercise works your quads, hamstrings, and glutes for effective muscle growth while also relying on your core for stability and optimal movement.
Increase power and explosiveness: With that increased growth, and the nature of the squatting movement, you can increase power and explosiveness for those sport specific movements and other bigger lifts.
How To Do The Back Squat
Rest the barbell on your traps and shoulders and have your feet shoulder width apart. With an engaged core, bend your knees while keeping your spine neutral, squatting down to your optimal range of motion. Once at the bottom, drive through your feet to return back to your starting standing position.
Deadlift
The deadlift is one of those powerlifting exercises that everyone loves to see huge PRs. A great muscle builder, this also improves power and allows you to maximize pulling movements.
The nice part about using a weightlifting belt is that it protects your back, which is often a casualty of this lift given the load you undergo.
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Deadlift Benefits
Total body strength: This lift builds strength in many muscles, including those upper and lower body ones, while building strength in a position that requires movement from your hips.
Improves functional strength: Given the nature of this movement, it will reduce your chances of injury and work to improve more functional and everyday movements.
How To Do The Deadlift
With your feet hip-width apart, grab the bar with an overhand grip and engage your core. Keeping your back flat the entire time, lift the weight off the floor, keeping the bar in contact with your legs the entire time. Hinging at the hips, pause for a brief moment once extend and lower back to the starting position.
Clean & Jerk
The clean & jerk is a powerful movement where you get that weight overhead quickly and safely. The two parts of this lift are the clean, getting the barbell off the floor, and the jerk, moving that weight into the finish position.
Given that this movement is quick and powerful, a weightlifting belt provides that much needed support to take any load off your back that can cause unwanted pain and injury.
Clean & Jerk Benefits
Better athletic performance: By combining strength and muscular endurance into one quick lift, you work to boost overall athletic performance and ability for other training session or competitions.
Enhance focus and mind-muscle connection: Given the nature of this lift, over time, you will improve focus and mind-muscle connection as you need to nail down form and stay engaged for the entire portion of this exercise.
How To Do The Clean & Jerk
With your feet hip-width apart, set your shoulders over the barbell. Initiate the clean portion of this exercise with an engaged core and neutral spine, pulling the bar up your legs as if it were like a deadlift. For the jerk portion of the lift, once the bar is at hip level, drive your hips and lift the bar across your body, rotating your elbows so the bar lands in a front rack position. Drive up from the squat and as you stay engaged, push the weight overhead. One foot may be set back a bit as you get balanced, but once comfortable, bring that foot in line with the other.
Overhead Standing Press
The overhead standing press is a great exercise to build shoulder strength and build some boulder shoulders to add to your physique. With this being an important lift to keep your core engaged, your back may feel strain as you lift more and more weight.
A weightlifting belt can come in handy here for keeping your core supported and taking some of that strain off your back.
Overhead Standing Press Benefits
Increase shoulder strength: Really build your shoulders with this exercise while also improving mobility by optimizing overhead range of motion.
Improve core stability: Your core is essential for staying stable and grounded and with this lift, you will feel your core getting work done in efforts to improve overall stability.
How To Do The Overhead Standing Press
Set up your bar with the desired amount of weight and stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Grab the bar so it is at about your upper chest and engage your core for stability. When ready, lift the bar overhead, extending your arms and locking them out at the top. Continue this overhead press movement for your desired number of reps.
Front Squat
The front squat is a great compound exercise to strengthen your legs and hips, similar to the back squat, except the bar is in front of you instead of on your back. This makes this lift a little more friendly on your spine yet still effective for building muscle.
A weightlifting belt is perfect for this lift to add stability and reduce even more strain that may hit your low back.
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Front Squat Benefits
Less back strain: Given the nature of the bar being in front, this does reduce back strain so you only feel more supported and able to lift more weight.
Improve leg growth: As a nice complementary lift to other exercises, this will build effective lower body growth, especially in your quads.
How To Do The Front Squat
Rest the bar across your shoulders in the front and tighten your core. Set your hips back as you engaged in the squatting motion, continuing down to your optimal range of motion. Drive through your feet and return back to the top of the lift.
Barbell Rows
Barbell rows are perfect for strengthening your lats as you seek a stronger and wider back. Great for people of all fitness levels, this allows for better posture while also increasing strength.
Using a weightlifting will better help you tackle those strength goals by keeping you more supported as you show your lats some attention.
Barbell Row Benefits
Stronger lats: Working to build better lat strength, you enhance those pulling movements while also building a bigger back.
Better posture: Working muscles often overlooked, this will reduce pain and start to fix that poor posture.
How To Do The Barbell Row
Standing in a medium stance and grab the bar with a neutral grip. Hinging at the waist, pull the bar to your chest. It is important to keep a tight core and neutral spine throughout this movement to alleviate any unwanted pain.
Bench Press
The bench press is another one of those lifts that we just love to see big numbers. Able to increase strength and size in our chest, this works for better pushing movements and can aid in a buff aesthetic.
While it might not be as common to use a weightlifting belt for the bench press, this can help alleviate arching in your back that takes place during really big lifts, thus preventing any unwanted injury that can keep you out of the gym.
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Bench Press Benefits
Stronger pecs: Building bigger and stronger pecs enhances pushing movements while beefing up your physique so others envy you.
Increase pressing power: Boost pressing power for other lifts and sport specific movements vital to your training and performance success.
How To Do The
Lie on the bench with your feet planted on the floor. Grab the bar with your hands a little more than shoulder-width apart. Arch your lower back slightly. While this is debated, an arched lower back can help keep the spine neutral and the back tight. Lift the bar off the rack and gently lower to your chest as you breathe in. Your forearms should be about 90 degrees from the ground as you touch your chest and with your feet planted on the ground, initiate the upward movement to return to the starting position.
Benefits Of A Weight Lifting Belt
The benefits of a weightlifting belt far exceed the potential downsides people think of when debating on using on. While a weightlifting belt may seem cumbersome to use, equipment companies today have started relying more on feedback to make these belts as accessible and comfortable as possible.
Benefits of using a weightlifting belt include:
Offer support and stability: These belts are not braces and will work to support your core when lifting heavy weight. Taking a load off your back, they can increase stability for better range of motion and an increased sense of control (1,2) while providing good intra-abdominal pressure and core support for those heavy lifts.
Prevent injury: By taking strain off certain areas, like your low back, you protect yourself against injury and work to reduce unwanted pain with the increased core support.
Allow for bigger lifts: With the increased support and stabilization, you can better tackle those lifts by putting on more weight for increased gains with proper form (3).
Comfortable and versatile: They are comfortable around your waist and versatile for optimal movement so you aren’t restricted when working on specific exercises and heavier lifts.
What To Look For In Weight Lifting Belts
Finding the right weightlifting belt can be challenging but the right one is out there. To start, consider whether you want a high-quality leather belt or a nylon one. A leather belt is a very popular choice and will provide great support for your core and low back during those heavy lifts.
Nylon lifting belts are more flexible and versatile but may not give you the same support as a leather belt. It really depends on the load and on you deciding between a leather belt or nylon but both will provide for the same width for the entire belt regardless when used with heavy weights.
Also, consider the point of attachment for your lifting belts being a prong stainless steel buckle, lever, or Velcro strap. Velcro will typically be associated with a nylon belt and the other options allow for more convenience and a snug fit, dependent on your style of belt and if you want Velcro belts for that extra support. It is really a personal preference.
Why A Lifting Belt Is Worth It
A lifting belt is worth buying, whether they be leather belts or nylon belts, because these are perfect for serious athletes or recreational athletes. With increased intra-abdominal pressure you get just the right amount of support to tackle any big lifts.
Made from quality materials, you will see why powerlifting belts, or those used by bodybuilders, work to keep you safe and why wearing a belt only works for your benefit. With helpful tips out there for how to properly use a lifting belt, you will better tackle these exercises above and work to boost your gains and all-around performance.
Check out our list of the Best Weightlifting Belts for more great lifting products for total support and gains!
Wrap Up
Weightlifting belts have the ability to boost your gains and allow for those bigger lifts. By keeping you supported and more stable, you allow yourself the opportunity to lift more weight to see that increase in strength you want most with excellent core support with higher weight. Without fear of injury, the right weightlifting belt will give you more confidence when under so much weight, increase core strength for better balance, and provide the ability to tackle maximal loads while wearing a belt. These exercises are perfect for using a weightlifting belt and you will see those results you want most with the right belt in your gym bag.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References
Miyamoto, K.; et al. (1999). “Effects of abdominal belts on intra-abdominal pressure, intra-muscular pressure in the erector spinae muscles and myoelectrical activities of trunk muscles”. (source)
Finnie, S.; et al. (2002). “Weight Lifting Belts: Motivations For Use”. (source)
Zink, A.; et al. (2001). “The effects of a weight belt on trunk and leg muscles activity and joint kinematics during the squat exercise”. (source)
15-Year-Old Morgan Nicholls Deadlifts 525 Pounds For A Triple
Morgan Nicholls is one of the prodigies in powerlifting.
When someone says age is just a number, they are usually talking about getting older. In the case of Morgan Nicholls, it can be used because of his incredible strength at such a young age. Th 15-year-old powerlifting prodigy recently showed another impressive lift when he pulled 238kg (525lb) three times in a recent training session.
Nicholls stepped up to the weight with a lifting belt and wrist straps. He dominated the first two reps before having to work hard to complete the third. After locking out three reps, he dropped the weight and had another big-time lift under his belt.
“Heavy Deads ☠️ today – ended up tripling my max but had to leave a little blood on the platform to get the third one ? top set 525×3”
Morgan Nicholls is currently a high school student who excels on the football field. He is a two-way player that can be seen at running back or middle linebacker. At 15 years old, powerlifting is nothing new to Nicholls. He burst onto the scene at the age of 12 and continues to make significant progress with his lifts.
Nicholls is the son of Chad Nicholls, a bodybuilding coach and nutritionist who has worked with some of the best of all-time. This includes eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman and reigning two-time champ Big Ramy. Morgan’s mother, Kim Chizevsky Nicholls, won four consecutive Ms. Olympia titles during her career from 1996-1999. She was named to the IFBB Hall of Fame after what was a legendary career.
In 2020, Morgan Nicholls made his only appearance at a competition during the SPF GP Summer Slash. He won gold in the Teen 13-15 division and 90kg category. He set official PRs of 204.1kg (450lb) squat, 147.4kg (325lb) bench press, and 206.3kg (455lb) deadlift. This was for a total of 557.9kg (1,230lb). Not a bad showing from a 13 year old.
This competition was two years ago now and Morgan Nicholls has continued to beat his PRs. This will only continue as he matures and gets older. To this point, Nicholls has shared his massive lifts on social media. His gym PRs feature a 226.8kg (500lb) squat and 188.2kg (415lb) bench press. This deadlift of 525 pounds is his current PR and he was able to do it for three reps. For reference, his squat and bench press PR would be world records in the 90kg category and Teen 13-15 division.
Morgan Nicholls continues to be a phenom in powerlifting and a name that will be around for a long time. It is unknown when he will take the stage next but we do know that if he competes, it will be a must-see event.
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Different Types Of Deadlifts You Should Be Doing
5 Different Types of Deadlifts You Should Try
Deadlifts are a compound (multi-joint) exercise which helps in building muscle mass and strength. Just like with the squats, people gravitate away from performing the deadlifts since they can exhaust you completely in a couple of sets.
While there are many different variations of deadlifts, most people stick with the conventional deadlifts leaving a lot of gains on the table. You should perform the deadlifts at the beginning of your workouts as it pre-exhausts your back and you don’t have to perform other heavy compound exercises later in your workouts when you’re fatigued.
1. Sumo Deadlifts
Sumo deadlifts should be a welcome change from the conventional deadlifts. Like the sumo squats, the sumo deadlifts involves placing your feet at a wider stance with your hands inside of your feet.
Since the sumo deadlifts decrease your range of motion, you can lift heavier weights. The main focus muscle groups while performing the sumo squats are your quads, hams, and glutes. While doing this exercise make sure you’re not lifting the weights with your back, your legs should be your focus muscle group.
2. Romanian Deadlifts
Romanian deadlifts are also known as stiffed legged deadlifts. They target your hamstrings and most people prefer doing this exercise on their leg day. You should maintain a slight bend in your knees while performing this exercise.
Bring the barbell down by pushing your hips back while keeping your back straight. Keep your legs stiff and focus entirely on your hamstrings. Think of your hams as chains used to lift and lower your upper body.
3. Deficit Deadlifts
Deficit deadlifts are used to increase the range of motion while performing the deadlifts. You follow the conventional deadlift form and grip while performing this variation. The only difference is, you stand on an elevated platform.
Deficit deadlifts can be a great exercise if you want to bring up your legs as there is a lot of leg recruitment in this exercise. Since you have to pull the bar through a greater range of motion, proper leg drive is essential.
4. Snatch Grip Deadlifts
The snatch grip deadlifts are a type of an Olympic exercise. In this exercise, your hands take on a wider grip like you would take while performing a complete Olympic snatch. This exercise works your hamstrings.
The snatch grip deadlifts will give you a stronger base for performing the Olympic snatch. You should increase the weights on the barbell incrementally as lifting heavier weight than you can handle can cause a back injury.
5. Chains and Bands Deadlifts
Chains and bands deadlifts will test what you’re made of. Bands and chains put added tension and weight at the top of the deadlift, which forces you to concentrate on the lock-out position. Lifting with chains and bands on the barbell will put extra tension on your core.
You will experience added resistance at the top of the movement since the chains are completely off the ground and the bands are stretched to the max. The added resistance will be taken off the barbells as you lower the weights. If you practice deadlifts with bands and chains, you’ll feel much more stable when you’re doing straight weight.
Which is your favorite deadlift variation? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
Tamara Walcott Announces World Record Deadlift Attempt After 650-Pound Lift
Tamara Walcott recently completed a lift that would set a new world record.
Tamara Walcott continues to show massive feats of strength during training sessions. This has continued recently as she prepares to hit the stage once again. While deadlifting, Walcott crushed a 295kg (650lb) lift, which is 14 pounds heavier than the official world record in the 90kg category, which she currently holds.
Walcott took to Instagram to share her recent lift and her future plans. There is no doubt that she has what it takes to build on her record and now she just has to do it on an official stage.
“Everyone counted me out in the beginning …. I was not the best but I worked the hardest… I use to be the kid that got picked last based on my looks then end up being a valuable asset!!! Count me out if you want I’m depositing it as fuel !!!!!”
“Stay tune as I work towards Breaking my own ATWR. FOR THE HEAVIEST WOMENS DEAD LIFT IN THE NEXT 8 days …. And just remember silence is d deafening don’t hate appreciate, give it your all and you CAN DO IT TOO JUST LIKE”
Tamara Walcott will compete at The Ghost Clash on Feb. 13. This is where she could load up the bar with the weight needed to set a new mark. This would break the record of 288.5kg (636lb), which she set during the 2021 WRPF The Bucked Up Showdown.
During this event, Walcott completed a 265kg (584.2lb) squat and 165kg (363.8lb) bench press. This was before her record-setting deadlift. Combined, the total was 718.5kg (1,584lb), which was the second heaviest all-time.
Walcott burst onto the scene in 2018 when she competed in her first sanctioned event. Since then, she has made an appearance in seven shows and has six victories. It is unknown what the world record attempt will look like but Walcott will certainly set a new mark. She has a chance and the strength to become the first woman to complete a raw 300kg (661.4lb) deadlift.
Tamara Walcott has become one of the best powerlifters in the women’s division. If she is able to set a new deadlift mark, even reaching 300kg, she will only continue to build her legacy. There will be plenty of eyes on her and her lifts during The Ghost Clash.
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2022 Europe’s Strongest Man Lineup: Luke Stoltman Prepared To Defend Title
Luke Stoltman headlines an impressive lineup for the 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man.
The 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man competition is quickly approaching. The list of competitors has been released and Luke Stoltman leads the group as the reigning champion of the event.
This competition will take place on April 2 at First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. The full lineup has been released and it is full of well-known names from around the world.
2022 Europe’s Strongest Man Lineup
Kelvin De Ruiter
Graham Hicks
Konstantine Janashia
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Pavlo Kordiyaka
Evgeny Markov
Eythor Melsted
Oleksii Novikov
Luke Richardson
Aivars Smaukstelis
Luke Stoltman
This is a stacked list of competitors with many having a chance at winning the title. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main athletes to watch.
2022 Europe’s Strongest Man Competitors To Watch
Luke Stoltman
When Luke Stoltman steps on stage, no matter the competition, he is a threat to win the event. He won the Europe’s Strongest Man competition in 2021 and was featured in other big events, such as the World’s Strongest Man and 2021 Giants Live World Open. Heading into the event, Stoltman has been training hard with his brother and reigning World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman. He is the favorite to repeat during the event this year.
Oleksii Novikov
Oleksii Novikov was second to Stoltman at this competition a year ago. He won the 2020 World’s Strongest Man competition and remains an elite name in the sport. Before taking the stage in England, Novikov will have a chance to compete at the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic. This is where he can see where he measures up heading into Leeds.
Graham Hicks
Graham Hicks is an interesting name to keep an eye on. He has been in strongman for years now but has been dealing with a groin injury. Hicks was forced to withdraw from the Britain’s Strongest Man because of it. This is an injury that he has been dealing with for over a year now but has been able to train with it. Hicks won bronze at the 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man and will be a factor if he is at full strength.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Mateusz Kieliszkowski is no stranger to this competition and it will be his this straight since returning from an injury. He injured his tricep but was able to recover and compete at the WUS Dubai (2nd place) and Rogue Invitational (4th place). Now, he will have a chance to add the Europe’s Strongest Man title to his resume.
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