Tag: powerlifting
Luke Stoltman Wins 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man
Here are the complete results from the 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition.
The 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition took place on Sept. 4 with some of the elite powerlifters in the world vying for the title. Leeds, England was the location of the event and it saw Luke Stoltman take home the championship.
Luke’s brother, Tom Stoltman, was one of the favorites to win the competition but was forced to bow out at the last minute. Stoltman tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to stay in Scotland. The title was able to stay in the family with Luke emerging as the victor.
Stoltman is now qualified for the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition. Oleksii Novikov, who won the 2020 WSM, finished second while Graham Hicks placed third. Novikov was already qualified for the 2022 WSM and Stoltman and Hicks earned theirs by finishing in the top three of the event.
The Europe’s Strongest Man consisted of five events — max log lift, shield carry, axle deadlift, car walk, and castle stones. Below are the full results from the competition.
2021 Europe’s Strongest Man Results
First Place – Luke Stoltman (GBR) — 40.5 points
Second Place – Oleksii Novikov (UKR) — 39 points
Third Place – Graham Hicks (GBR) — 30.5 points
Fourth Place – Rauno Heinla (EST) — 30 points
Fifth Place – Marius Lalas (LTU) — 28 points (T-5)
Sixth Place – Pa O’Dwyer (IRL) — 28 points (T-5)
Seventh Place – Ervin Toots (EST) — 20 points
Eighth Place – Gavin Bilton (GBR) — 12 points
Ninth Place – Johnny Hanson (SWE) — 11 points
Tenth Place – Adam Bishop (GBR) — 1 point
Max Log Lift
First Place – Luke Stoltman — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
Second Place – Graham Hicks — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
Third Place – Oleksii Novikov — 180 kilograms (396.8 pounds)
Shield Carry
First Place – Marius Lalas — 54.2 meters
Second Place – Luke Stoltman — 42.2 meters
Third Place – Ervin Toots — 37.7 meters
Fourth Place – Rauno Heinla — 37.05 meters
Fifth Place – Pa O’Dwyer — 34.85 meters
Sixth Place – Gavin Bolton — 32.1 meters
Seventh Place – Oleksii Novikov — 27.85 meters
Eighth Place – Graham Hicks — 27.4 meters
Ninth Place – Johnny Hanson — 22.3 meters
Tenth Place – Adam Bishop — 7.45 meters
Axle Deadlift
First Place – Rauno Heinla — 9 reps
Second Place – Graham Hicks — 8 reps
Third Place – Marius Lalas — 6 reps
Fourth Place – Oleksii Novikov — 6 reps
Fifth Place – Pa O’Dwyer — 6 reps
Sixth Place – Gavin Bilton — 5 reps
Seventh Place – Luke Stoltman — 3 reps
Eighth Place – Ervin Toots — 2 reps
Ninth Place – Johnny Hansson — 0 reps
Car Walk
First Place – Oleksii Novikov – 11.19 seconds
Second Place – Luke Stoltman – 13.59 seconds
Third Place – Pa O’Dwyer – 16.07 seconds
Fourth Place – Marius Lalas – 16.79 seconds
Fifth Place – Johnny Hansson – 20.6 seconds
Sixth Place – Rauno Heinla – 22.84 seconds
Seventh Place – Ervin Toots – 24.91 seconds
Eighth Place – Graham Hicks – 25.76 seconds
Ninth Place – Gavin Bilton – 7.73 meters
Castle Stones
First Place – Oleksii Novikov — 6 in 18.74 seconds
Second Place – Luke Stoltman — 5 in 20.58 seconds
Third Place – Rauno Heinla — 5 in 21.2 seconds
Fourth Place – Pa O’Dwyer — 5 in 22.23 seconds
Fifth Place – Graham Hicks — 5 in 22.42 seconds
Sixth Place – Ervin Toots — 5 in 23.5 seconds
Seventh Place – Marius Lalas — 5 in 24.76 seconds
Eighth Place – Johnny Hansson — 5 in 48.01 seconds
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Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
Tom Stoltman To Miss 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man
Tom Stoltman will miss the competition because of complications with COVID-19.
Tom Stoltman has become a true force in powerlifting. He won the World’s Strongest Man competition earlier in the year and had a chance to show what he can do on another big stage. It was recently announced that Stoltman will miss some time because of COVID-19.
Stoltman has a YouTube page with his brother, Luke, and this is where he shared the announcement that he will no longer take part in the 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition. He has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be forced to miss some time competing.
“I got COVID yesterday, so on Thursday. I’ve now got it, Thursday night. So for safety I will not be competing during the weekend. I feel like for me, it’s just a cold,” Tom Stoltman said.
“We’re going to try and stay safe, and then we’re going to be there in Scotland. I have to quarantine until Wednesday or Thursday next week, so I still have a lot of time to train for Scotland. For me, it’s beneficial because I didn’t have the best prep for Europe’s anyway… Sorry that I won’t be there. It’s out of my hands.”
This would have been Stoltman’s first competition since the World’s Strongest Man. There has been a lot of anticipation for his return but fans will have to wait a little longer.
Stolman was supposed to compete during the 2021 Shaw Classic but was one of five competitors to bow out — this includes his brother, Luke. Trey Mitchell ended up coming out on top in the event. He beat out some of the top competitors in the world and it is likely that Stoltman would have been near the top.
Tom Stoltman will not have his sites set on Scotland’s Strngest Man competition. This will take place on Sept. 19. This gives Scottish lifter plenty of time to recover from the virus and get back to where he needs to be to win an event.
While it is a shame that Stoltman will miss the upcoming event, he will be a main factor moving forward. There is no doubt that he will continue to be one of the major competitors in the world.
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Trey Mitchell Wins 2021 Shaw Classic
Trey Mitchell won the second-annual event. Here are the full results.
The 2021 Shaw Classic took place from Aug. 27-28 in Estes Park, CO. Some of the best powerlifters in the world gathered to see if they can dethrone the event’s promoter Brian Shaw, who took home the title in the inaugural event last year. This time around, it was Trey Mitchell who was able to come out on top.
Shaw ended up finishing second with J.F. Caron placing third. The full results were announced on Friday through a video on Shaw’s YouTube page. Even though he finished second, Shaw did not accept any money and he distributed it among the other 15 competitors.
The Shaw Classic was missing some elite names but it was still a noteworthy event. Luke Richardson had to withdraw due to a bicep injury. Tom Stoltman and Luke Stoltman also pulled their names out weeks before the event. Finally, Robert Oberst and Oleksii Novikov were the latest to withdraw from the event.
The contest was completed on Aug. 28 and the competitors split a prize pool of $100,000. Below, you can find the final overall standings along with the money won by each athlete.
2021 Shaw Classic Results
Trey Mitchell — $21,000
Brian Shaw — $15,000*
J.F. Caron — $12,000
Kevin Faires — $9,000
Evan Singleton — $8,000
Aivars Smaukstelis — $7,000
Bobby Thompson — $6,500
Adam Bishop — $6,000
Maxime Boudreault — $5,500
Konstantine Janashia — $5,000
Graham Hicks — $4,500
Žydrūnas Savickas — $4,000
Gabriel Rheaume — $3,500
Gabriel Peña — $3,000
Jerry Pritchett — $2,500
Mikhail Shivlyakov — $2,500
The events were spread out evenly over two days. It began on day one with a max log press, super yoke, bag toss, and car squat with Ford Bronco. Day two continued with the Hummer tire deadlift, medley, circus dumbbell for reps, and Atlas stone.
In the end, it was Mitchell who was able to come out on top at the end. He excelled in the max log press when he completed a 206.3kg (455lb) lift. Mitchell also came in second with six reps in the circus dumbbell for reps.
The Shaw Classic has turned into an elite event with some of the best powerlifters in the world getting together to show who is the best. This time around, it was Mitchell who proved to rise to the occasion.
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Eddie Hall Gives Injury Update And Thoughts On Boxing Match
Eddie Hall shared a video on his YouTube page to discuss different topics.
Eddie Hall is a power lifter known for his incredible deadlift numbers over the years. He has been transitioning into the works of boxing but suffered a setback with a torn bicep.
Hall was set to take on Hafthor Bjornsson but has to postpone the match. Now, Bjornsson will take on Devon Larratt on September 18. In a recent YouTube video, Hall gave an injury update and his thoughts on the upcoming boxing match.
“First thing that sprung to mind is that Devon has done absolutely zero boxing training for the past 15 years. He’s done nothing but arm wrestling. And he’s got what, six weeks notice, maybe less? It’s a tough one. Honestly I think Devon could batter him, I really do. The only thing I’ll say with boxing you’ve got to be fit. That’s the only thing that could let him down,” Eddie Hall said.
Hall and Bjornsson have a history in the powerlifting game. They have battled in World’a Strongest Man competitions and in the art of deadlifting. Hall became the first person to deadlift 500kg before his world record was broken by Bjornsson, who beat it by a single kilogram.
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This added some extra fuel to the boxing match but the world will have to wait for it. Bjornsson is set to meet Larratt, who made a name for himself arm wrestling.
“I never said it coming. Like very random. Big guy. Big strong guy. He’s [Larratt] no stranger to danger and he’ll be up for a scrap. I think that Devon has had a lot more fights in his life, having met him, trained with him and spoke to him. I think he’s used to that kind of environment of being under pressure in front of crowds with him being an arm wrestling stuff as well, close quarters,” Eddie Hall said.
Eddie Hall also gave an update on his injury. Since suffering his injury, Hall is back in the gym and rehabbing that arm. He has taken to Instagram to show videos of different exercises he has performed, such as dumbbell work and even some boxing maneuvers.
Despite not having full mobility of his arm just yet, Hall has been able to train different motions. He has been focused on increasing his anaerobic capacity. This is done with movements such as lat pulldowns, incline bench press, seated rows, and more.
Eddie Hall will likely continue to update the public on his injury over the course of rehab. As for the boxing match, many will tune in to watch Bjornsson take on Larratt to see who will come out on top.
The Ultimate Guide to the Sumo and Conventional Deadlift
The Importance of the Deadlift
Very few exercises can compare to the deadlift in terms of its ability to simultaneously develop strength, muscle size, power, and athleticism.
It is clear that the deadlift should be a staple exercise for every athlete and avid gym-goers. However, which type of deadlift should you be performing?
There are many arguments that can be made in favor of both the conventional and sumo deadlift, however, the purpose of this article is not to discuss conventional vs sumo, rather it will provide a guide to both.
It will investigate the kinematics of both movements, help you to understand when to use each stance and provide tips to allow you to establish which stance suits you best.
Kinematic Differences Between the Conventional and Sumo Deadlift
There are a number of apparent visual differences that can be seen between both the conventional and sumo deadlift.
With that being said, both movements have a large number of form similarities including a neutrally aligned spine and head, activated lats and hips, strong grips and engaged core musculature.
The more advanced lifter may be able to pinpoint specific differences between both stances and have a greater understanding of force transfer and muscle activation.
In terms of muscles activated, the sumo places a great demand on the glutes, hips and legs whereas the conventional stance recruits the low back and hamstrings more heavily.
While both lifts activate the same muscle groups, certain muscle groups are activated at different rates.
A recent study found that the rate of activation of the vastus medialis and lateralis (quadricep) were greater during a sumo deadlift.
Similarly, the rate of medial gastrocnemius and tibial anterior activation were significantly different between both deadlift styles (1).
This highlights that both upper and lower muscle groups of the leg are activated in different fashions.
The sumo involves a much wider stance than the conventional which significantly changes the biomechanics of the exercise.
The sumo stance places the trunk in a much more upright position and also alters the position of the thighs (2).
In addition to this, the feet are more significantly turned out and the grip on the bar tends to be narrower in the sumo in comparison to the conventional.
All of these slight technique adjustments contribute toward altering the kinematics of the sumo when compared to the conventional deadlift.
How To Perform the Sumo and Conventional Deadlift
This section will explain how to effectively setup and execute both the sumo and conventional deadlift.
As you will see, once the set-up has been completed, the execution of both exercises are the same.
The Conventional Deadlift:
– Start with feet hip-width apart– Place the feet directly underneath the bar with toes slightly pointed out– Drop down to the bar by pushing the hips back and hinging the knees– Ensure that the hips are higher than the knees– Grip the bar tightly with hands approximately shoulder-width apart– Lift the head, drive the chest up, squeeze between the shoulder blades and brace the core– Drive powerfully through the heels and keep the bar tight to the body– Drive the hips into the bar by squeezing the glutes at the top of the rep– Reverse the movement and drop the bar back to the floor
The Sumo Deadlift:
– Start with feet wider than hip-width– Place the feet directly underneath the bar and turn the toes out (approximately 40 – 45 degrees)– Drop down to the bar by pushing the hips back and hinging the knees– Ensure that the hips are higher than the knees– Grip the bar tightly with hands slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart– Lift the head, drive the chest up, squeeze between the shoulder blades and brace the core– Drive powerfully through the heels and keep the bar tight to the body– Drive the hips into the bar by squeezing the glutes at the top of the rep– Reverse the movement to drop the bar back to the floor
Determining Your Deadlift Stance
For those athletes or highly conditioned individuals, it would be wise to use both deadlift styles in training.
There is a lot to be gained by performing both styles – especially if you have only ever performed one style.
To determine which deadlift stance you should focus on, you can ask yourself a couple of questions that will help to guide you.
Firstly, which style looks and feels most athletic and most natural? Secondly, with which method can you lift the most weight?
If the answer to both questions is the same, it would be wise to stick with that stance.
If you have never performed the deadlift, it is recommended to start with the conventional deadlift first and then move onto the sumo at a later date, if necessary.
Don’t be under any illusions, the sumo stance is equally as challenging as the conventional deadlift, so be prepared to spend time working on it.
If you are beginning to deadlift using a new stance, it is recommended to use a lighter weight and start from the blocks rather than the floor. Over time, gradually work down to the floor.
Doing this will facilitate the process of learning the new technique while simultaneously allowing you to build strength.
Having attempted both the conventional and sumo deadlift for an extended period, it should eventually become clear which stance allows you to lift the most efficiently lift heavy weight.
Be aware that it can take time to understand which stance suits you best.
Even if you feel like you have great technique, it may be the case that there are stabilizing and supporting muscle groups that are not quite strong enough yet to facilitate a powerful deadlift.
Given time and patience, these muscles will strengthen and you may then find that the stance you believed to be best is actually inferior to the other.
Conventional and Sumo Deadlift Considerations
It is true that the stance that allows you to lift the heaviest load should be prioritized as lifting the heaviest loads possible, in a safe manner, will certainly have the greatest impact on your strength levels (2).
However, it is also useful to look at the mechanics of the movement as this can often be the key to unlocking pure strength.
With both stances, the bar should move in as straight a line as possible from the floor directly up to the hips. Any deviation from this path will impede performance.
Allowing the bar to drift away from the body will cause the body to expend and waste energy as it fights to maintain control.
However, moving the bar in a smooth, vertical path will preserve energy and therefore has the potential to facilitate performance.
Keeping this in mind, it is important to select the stance that facilitates this most efficient bar path.
Let’s say that you can lift heavier with the conventional deadlift but your technique for the sumo is much cleaner and the bar move more efficiently, it may be worthwhile shifting focus for a time.
A more efficient lift will allow you to train with greater intensity, frequency, and volume – all which have a direct impact on strength gains and muscle growth.
There is no denying that limb and trunk lengths have an impact on deadlift performance.
Research has indicated that those with long limbs may be at a mechanical advantage when it comes to performing the deadlift (3).
Furthermore, another study has found that the conventional style may be more suitable for those with longer torso whereas those with shorter torsos may be better at sumo. (4)
However, there’s nothing that can be done to change your body type.
Instead, your focus should be placed on the things that can be controlled – factors such as attitude, technique, strength levels and muscle size.
The final consideration that must be made is the training goal that you have set for yourself.
For example, if you are a competitive powerlifter, then it would make sense to predominantly focus on the stance that will allow you to lift the heaviest in a competition.
A useful rule of thumb when deadlifting for powerlifting is to use your competition stance 80% of the time and use other variations for the other 20%.
If your goal is to generally improve strength levels then a mixture of both the conventional and sumo deadlift will lead to efficient strength improvements.
3-Day Deadlift Sample Program
The following 3-day program has been designed with the conventional deadlift being the preferred stance. If you perform the sumo, simply swap around the conventional and sumo exercises.
Day
Exercises
Sets x Reps
1
1) Conventional Deadlift2) Front Squat3) Good Mornings4) Leg Extensions
5 x 53 x 53 x 12-153 x 12-15
2
1) Sumo Deadlift2) Back Squat3) Hyperextensions4) Leg Curls
5 x 53 x 53 x 12-153 x 12-15
3
1) Conventional Deadlift2) Barbell Lunges3) Glute Bridge4) Calf Raises
5 x 53 x 63 x 12-153 x 12-15
Final Word
Both deadlift stances will effectively train muscle groups the length and breadth of the body while accelerating strength and power improvements.
While it is true that there are differences between the two deadlift variations, both have their place within a strength program.
If you are unsure which stance suits you, try them both and employ a number of the above tips to help make things more clear.
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References:
1-Escamilla, Rafael F.; Francisco, Anthony C.; Kayes, Andrew V.; Speer, Kevin P.; Moorman, Claude T. (2002-4). “An electromyographic analysis of sumo and conventional style deadlifts”. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 34 (4): 682–688. doi:10.1097/00005768-200204000-00019. ISSN 0195-9131. PMID 11932579.
2-Schoenfeld, Brad J.; Contreras, Bret; Vigotsky, Andrew D.; Peterson, Mark (December 1, 2016). “Differential Effects of Heavy Versus Moderate Loads on Measures of Strength and Hypertrophy in Resistance-Trained Men”. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. 15 (4): 715–722. ISSN 1303-2968. PMC 5131226. PMID 27928218.
3-Lockie, Robert G.; Moreno, Matthew R.; Orjalo, Ashley J.; Lazar, Adrina; Liu, Tricia M.; Stage, Alyssa A.; Birmingham-Babauta, Samantha A.; Stokes, John J.; Giuliano, Dominic V.; Risso, Fabrice G.; Davis, DeShaun L. (2018-11). “Relationships Between Height, Arm Length, and Leg Length on the Mechanics of the Conventional and High-Handle Hexagonal Bar Deadlift”. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 32 (11): 3011–3019. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000002256. ISSN 1533-4287. PMID 29045317.
4-Cholewa, Jason M.; Atalag, Ozan; Zinchenko, Anastasia; Johnson, Kelly; Henselmans, Menno (August 1, 2019). “Anthropometrical Determinants of Deadlift Variant Performance”. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. 18 (3): 448–453. ISSN 1303-2968. PMC 6683626. PMID 31427866.
WATCH: Larry Wheels Crushes 827lb Triple Squat
Larry Wheels has been putting up crazy numbers in recent training sessions.
Larry Wheels is known for pulling off eye-popping lifts and he is back at it again. In a recent training session, Wheels destroyed an 827lb squat for a triple — and did it with relative ease.
Wheels is back to training with monstrous weight and has been posting some recent work on social media. For this incredible lift, Wheels took to Instagram to show his recent progress.
“827×3Wait for it… then wait for it again. Then wait for it one more time!@teampersonalrecord“
Larry Wheels spent some time arm wrestling and took on some of the best competitors in the world. This includes Aleksandr “Schoolboy” Toproll, who is one of the best in the world today. The two linked up twice for some memorable events. Now, Wheels seems to have his focus back on powerlifting and is back to moving some unimaginable weight.
An 827lb squat is no joke. Wheels makes this lift look effortless for a triple and there are many aspects at work here. The patience that the 26-year-old has is incredible and he maintains the same form, even with a full-grown grizzly bear on his back.
This is the most recent accomplishment for Wheels. On Aug. 1, he shared a video of a 852lb squat for a double. He has also excelled in other areas such as a 515lb shoulder press and an 875lb sumo deadlift.
The weight that Wheels has been moving recently makes one think that he has big things in mind for the near future. As of now, we know that he plans to compete on Sept. 11 at the IPS Long Island Insurrextion.
This is where Larry Wheels could continue to attempt different personal records. The arm-wrestling journey was exciting but powerlifting is better with Wheels in the game. If his social media is any indication, it is clear that Wheels is back to fully focusing on weightlifting and is doing it in a big way.
Nizami Tagiev Is Critical Of Leroy Walker’s World Record Strict Curl
Nizami Tagiev does not believe Walker’s lift was legitimate.
The strict curl is a lift that used to be used in competition. The competitors’ head, upper body, and butt must remain against a wall while the lift is performed. This has become a popular exercise and one where many powerlifters have been eyeing the world record. On Saturday, Leroy Walker set a new world record with a 114kg (250lb) strict curl but there has been some controversy over it.
Walker beat the previous record set by Denis Cyplenkov in 2019 by a single kilogram. Russia’s Nizami Tagiev believes that Cyplenkov should still hold the record and does not recognize Walker’s lift as legitimate.
Tagiev took to Instagram to explain his reasoning and share a video of him performing a strict curl that is close to the record.
“I don’t wanna be a hater!I just want to say that if everyone compete for the world record then the rules should be the same for everyone.
I believe that LeRoy @lwthemachine is a strong athlete, but I do not recognize his record, just as Denis Tsyplenkov @cyplenkovden does not recognize him. This is not pride or vanity! If I saw a clean rise there, I would strive for it simply and accept the challenge with dignity!There’re too much questions:the elbows are bent too much, the assistants serve the barbell, the grip is narrow, the wall is narrow, honestly I have a lot of distrust of the weights on the barbell.”
It was originally said that Nizami Tagiev had 115kg on the bar when he completed this curl. This would have been enough to beat Walker’s record but it would not have been recognized because it was not confirmed while Walker’s record lift took place during a sanctioned event. Tagiev later confirmed that the weight in the video above was 110kg, not 115kg.
Tagiev continued by sharing criticism on the lift. He mentions how Walker’s elbows are too bent and how the wall and grip are narrow. Tagiev also mentions Cyplenkov and how the former record holder also rejects this lift. He ended his Instagram post with a call to action to judges when looking at lifts in the future — and even got backup from the likes of CT Fletcher, who commented “I totally agree with you.”
“I ask the organizers of the Arnold Classic, @arnoldsports which will be held in March ‘22 in the USA, to be seriously about all of that?? I repeat once again, the rules and judging should be the same for everyone! I am for fair sport and for justice! Respect for all athletes from different countries! And let’s be honest with ourselves firstly!”
Leroy Walker has yet to respond but has already been sharing a new goal on social media. Walker has his eyes on a 275-pound strict curl in the near future. Below, you can see Walker’s record-setting lift. Do you think it is legitimate?
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Leroy Walker Sets World Record With 114kg Strict Curl
Leroy Walker was able to crush the lift and set a new mark.
The strict curl world record is one that has been sought after for years now by many athletes. On Sunday, Leroy Walker became the powerlifter that was able to set a new mark with his incredible lift.
Walker completed a 114kg (250lb) strict curl to set a new world record. This beat the previous record set by Denis Cyplenkov in 2019 by a single kilogram. Walker took to Instagram to share his accomplishment and broke down the process.
Leroy Walker completed the record lift on his third attempt. He seemed to have plenty in the tank — even after failing on his first two attempts at a higher number. Walker began with a 259-pound attempt but could not finish it.
“There are moments you fail in order to appreciate success . This fail was one of those moments. I was actually proud to fail at 259. It meant I was in a great place. 250lbs had been achieved on my 3rd attempt. This was instead of my fourth. I had planned on going 220-230-235 and an attempt at 250 on a fourth,” Walker wrote on Instagram.
“After 230 I felt great and wanted to conserve energy for a shot at the world record. My programming said I was 243-248 ready. You never know until you know.”
This is not the first record that Walker has locked up. Back in June, he set the American strict curl record with a 102.5 (226lb) lift. This is a lift that has also been sought after. Different athletes, such as Larry Wheels and former Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker James Harrison, have been training to put up big numbers in the strict curl.
Now that Leroy Walker has successfully achieved the world record, it is the to build on it. There is a clear sense that Walker will continue to look for a higher number, especially after a couple failed attempts. This will be the new goal for Walker moving forward as he continues to put up eye-popping numbers.
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TJ Marrero Breaks Teen American Record With 283kg Deadlift
The 17-year-old powerlifter bested the previous record by half a kilogram.
Antonio “TJ” Marrero entered the 2021 USA Powerlifting Massachusetts/Rhode Island State Championships looking to make an impact. That is exactly what he did as the 17-year old set a new American deadlift record in the Teen 16-17 (T2) division. Marrero completed a 283kg (623.9lb) deadlift to claim the championship.
Marrero beat the previous record by just half a kilogram. Jacob Waltzer set the previous record during the 2020 USAPL Virginia Winter Wrecker when he deadlifted 282.5kg (622.8lb). This record stood for nine months before Marrero was able to climb on top. Marrero posted the record setting lift on his Instagram account where he makes the lift look rather easy.
TJ Marrero’s performance at this event was impressive all-around. He entered the competition at a bodyweight of 74kg. He totaled 573kg (1,263lb) with his three lifts. The full breakdown was a 180kg (396.8lb) squat, 110kg (242.5lb) bench press, and of course, the record-setting 283kg (623.9lb) deadlift. All three lifts were competition bests for Marrero, who is beginning to make some noise on stage.
This was just Marrero’s third appearance in a sanctioned event. He began competing in March and won gold in his first competition at the USAPL Pittsburgh Spring Classic. Marrero has been making crazy strides in training in a short amount of time as a powerlifter. His numbers will only continue to rise as he progresses in the sport. Along with powerlifting, Marrero also has a passion for bodybuilding.
For what it’s worth, Marrero’s American record is 12 kilograms more than that of the International Powerlifting Federation Sub-Junior division. This features competitors 18 years old and under, which is where Marrero would be if he had competed internationally. France’s Nahel Baali deadlifted 271kg (597.5lb) at the 2019 European Powerlifting Federation European Classic Championships.
The speed at which TJ Marrero is adding weight to his lifts is impressive and shows that there is a bright future ahead as a powerlifter. Whenever he competes again, it will be a must-watch to see if he attempts to break his own record and continue to set a mark that is difficult to reach.
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Best Weightlifting Shoes For Bodybuilding & Powerlifts (Updated 2021)
These weightlifting shoes are great for weight training and bodybuilding to capitalize on all your gains.
For those who lift big, you know how much support you need to continue to thrive inside and out of the gym. What a good pair of weightlifting shoes can do is provide you with something that is comfortable and versatile that also offers great stability and support, especially when you’re under so much weight.
You want to give yourself the best chance at success when you’re at the gym and a solid pair of weightlifting shoes can do just that. Weightlifting shoes are generally hard and flat soled shoes with an elevated heel and straps to allow for adjustability as you seek your desired fit. These bodybuilding shoes are designed to assist in your heavy powerlifts and other forms of training to ensure you remain stable and balanced in efforts to enhance safety and effectiveness of your lifts (1). Once you find a pair that works great for you, there’s no turning back and the gains you seek most will only start to increase.
Here is our list of the Best Weightlifting Shoes for 2021 as we seek to bring you the best when it comes to workout equipment. Don’t settle for anything less than great and this list will provide you with some stellar options from great brands as you look to enhance your training and performance with a great pair of bodybuilding shoes.
Best Weightlifting Shoes For 2021
Best Weightlifting Shoes Overall
The best weightlifting shoes overall will give you the best when it comes to comfort and versatility while still providing great support. A reputable company will produce only top tier products in terms of durability and quality to withstand any workouts.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer is a great overall weightlifting shoe for whatever workout comes your way. The bold new design includes a textile upper for consistent and comfortable air flow to avoid overheating and provide the best feel. The lockdown straps provide for a good all-around fit to match your desired adjustability and the raised heel offers maximum stability. With natural contours, this shoes fits you just right for support and max power with the best position.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer is a great lifting shoe to provide support for your ankles and low back. Good sizing and a snug fit ensures comfort and versatility.
Pros
Comfortable with natural contours to fit your shape as athletes and lifters
Lockdown straps are sturdy and the raised heel is great for stability
This shoes works especially great with deadlifts
Cons
A bit tight around the toe area for bodybuilding shoes
Not the best for squatting
Price: $131.18 – $340.42
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Men
For those men looking for a quality lifting shoe, looking to those options may seem challenging. The best weightlifting shoes for men will provide the utmost support to protect any weightlifter from potential injuries when under so much weight.
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes are designed specifically for weightlifting and strenuous exercise in the gym. Comfortable, lightweight, and breathable, the innovative design allows for serious ankle support while also being comfortable and versatile. The flat, solid, flexible rubber outsoles are perfect for supporting immense pressure and the quality ensures these will last you a long time no matter the workout you endure.
SEVE Men’s High Top Weightlifting Shoes are designed specifically for weightlifting and are versatile for year round wear. Comfortable and lightweight, these are thick and offer great ankle support.
Pros
Designed specifically for weightlifting and hard exercise
Great ankle support while still being comfortable and versatile
Lightweight and breathable only enhances the effectiveness of these shoes
Cons
Sole is flimsy and the shoe may not be wide enough for some lifters
Price: $84.99
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Squats
The squat exercise requires stellar form to avoid injury and with so much weight on the bar, it is important to have a quality shoe working on your behalf. The best shoes for squats as a weightlifter will allow you stay firm and stable in order to knock out any PRs with ease.
Adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes
Adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes are 100% synthetic and the canvas upper increases durability and stability. A reinforced heel locks the heel in for greater support and lace enclosure allows the locked-in fit to be secured with one strap coming across the top. With a strong, stable base and a sockliner for increased comfort, these lifting shoes from Adidas are the best for squatting as you work towards that new personal squat record.
adidas Men’s Fitness Shoes are lightweight and stable for a great fit. The air mesh collar, tongue, and lining are great for ventilation.
Pros
Great support and reinforcement in the heel for the squat exercise
The lace enclosure offers a snug fit on the top of the foot
Great for squats with the stability support for lifters
Cons
Not much support in the arch and feels to be a tight fit
Price: $129.31
Best Weightlifting Shoes For Powerlifting
Powerlifters need the best in terms of quality for each lift requires the utmost care and attention. Those big powerlifts can seem intimidating, but with the right equipment, like a great pair of shoes, you can get that weight up and see huge gains with your Olympic lifting.
Nordic Lifting Shoes
Nordic Lifting Shoes are great for improving powerlifting performance and heavy workouts. This premium shoe offers good foot support to ensure a powerful workout and greater gains and are built to last under any stress. For those powerlifters or athletes who regularly lift heavy, these can improve posture to promote longevity and keep you physically healthy overall. The smooth, anti-slip sole is designed for maximum stability during all movements to promote the best workout possible.
Nordic Weightlifting Shoes are great for powerlifters to maintain optimal lifting performance. Good foot support ensures a powerful workout and improved posture.
Pros
Perfect for powerlifters and other lifters
Great for working on posture and supporting gains by offering top notch stability
Cons
Heel fit is rather loose and heel height is a bit awkward
The single strap doesn’t provide the best fit across the top of the foot
Price: $89.95
Best Weightlifting Shoes For The Money
Fitness equipment and apparel can get expensive and it can be hard to find good products at affordable prices. The right weightlifting shoes for the money will not break the bank and still give you a quality pair for all your needs.
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer are great for lifting and exercise needs offering a stable feel and great support. A regular fit with a synthetic sole, a strong canvas upper is reinforced with a heel counter. A good base allows for more stable lifts and a nice, flat bottom offers a stiff feel with versatility and comfort. For those looking for a quality shoe with nice support and a good price, this shoe from Adidas may certainly be the way to go for all you lifters.
adidas Men’s Powerlift 4 Cross Trainer is great for lifting support no matter the workout. A synthetic sole and slightly raised platform allow for the best out of your lifts.
Pros
Good stable feel for support and enhanced lifts, like the squat
A stiff feel, it still offers comfort and versatility
Good style and design for performance and aesthetic for lifters
Cons
Won’t work well for running or higher intensity work
Price: $59.99 – $124.99
Best Weightlifting Shoes For CrossFit
Those CrossFit athletes require certain needs given the strain of each exercise. It’s important to know just what you need as a CrossFit athlete because that will determine the type of shoe you buy to increase performance.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer
For those looking for a great CrossFit shoe, Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer combines quality construction with a firm foundation with a level of comfort that is hard to find. Overlapping straps offer a great fit along with the lockdown strap and the shoe’s breathability allows for comfort and less moisture build-up. With a versatility to move but also the comfort of a normal shoe, this weightlifting shoe from Reebok is a great one to get you competition ready.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer can improve your lifts by increasing range of motion. For those serious about lifting, these are great for support and performance.
Pros
Firm foundation but provides great comfort and versatility for lifts, like the squat
Breathability allows for comfort as well
Cons
Tight in the toes and where the laces start to thread, it can dig into the foot
Price: $122.66 – $234.00
Benefits Of Weightlifting Shoes For Bodybuilding & Olympic Lifting
The benefits of weightlifting shoes will make you consider investing in a pair, or even upgrading your current pair, so you get the most out of your workouts.
Increased support: These can increase support by providing better traction for your grip to the floor, as well as supporting the foot and the ankle during those big lifts and Olympic lifting (2).
Ankle support: Provide a secure, snug fit around your ankle so you can develop mobility and power without putting it in a vulnerable position.
Ensure safety of lifts: Work to protect against injury that can keep you out of the gym and hitting PRs during your Olympic lifting and barbell training.
Raised heel: Helps with things like flexibility and mobility while also giving you a more comfortable posture with some of these lifts.
Boost confidence & style: Looking good is half the battle and a great pair of lifting shoes can increase your confidence as you look like a pro with a stylish pair.
What Else To Know About Weightlifting Shoes
Ideal Heel Height
The standard heel height for a lifting shoe is about .75” but many shoes also go up to an inch (ideal for Olympia lifting) and even down to .6”-.65”, which are more beneficial for deadlifts. But .75” is a good height for weightlifting in general (especially squat type movements) and is versatile for most lifting activities. So, you could say it’s like a hybrid since the heel isn’t low or particularly high either. Now, certain physical attributes, goals, movement, and lifting technique will ultimately determine which height you decide to go with. So, there’s no perfect one-size-fits-all shoe option for every individual. But, chances are, most people would benefit from using a standard weightlifting shoe with a .75” lift.
Different Heel Types
There are weightlifting shoes with wooden, stacked leather, plastic, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). These materials are very durable and provide a very stable and solid base which you need in a weightlifting shoe which athletic shoes do not provide.
Strap System
Most weightlifting shoes have laces by default but straps (one or two) are often included for additional security. When lifting heavy, you want your ankles and feet to be as secure and stable as possible since they are the base. The choice to have one or two straps really comes down to how secure you prefer your lifting footwear to be. Two will result in maximum secureness but it’s not always necessary. And some shoes have a BOA tightening system which allow you to turn a dial to get a tighter fit.
How We Choose
Our list is comprised of weightlifting shoes we believe will give you the best when it comes to quality, support, longevity, and price. These brands are great and take pride in their products and care of the consumer. While some of these brands are more expensive than others, we believe the quality and longevity of these shoes are matched by comfort and versatility they provide to your lifts. The support these shoes have will enhance your comfort in the gym and allow you to focus on other things aside from your safety.
FAQ Section
What is the best weightlifting shoe?
Reebok Legacy Lifter Li Cross Trainer. This shoe is a bold new design that is comfortable to provide for the best feel. The straps ensure a good fit and the natural contours will match your foot perfectly. These are designed for and will improve support and maximum power.
What are the benefits if I use a weightlifting shoe versus a normal shoe?
What you’ll get out of a weightlifting shoe is something designed for and geared towards weightlifting. When it comes to support, comfort, durability, and use, these shoes are created to help with those big lifts from an elevated heel to provide better traction on the sole. You are working to give yourself better support when under the bar.
How do I decide which shoe is right for me?
This may take some trial and error because each fit is unique to the individual but look for a shoe that fits nicely without being too tight. It is possible to have a snug fit that still allows for movement. Also, look for what you want to use it for. If you’re into CrossFit, look into something geared towards that. Same with powerlifting and bodybuilding. With so many options, it is possible to match one that will work for you perfectly.
Wrap Up
Weightlifting shoes are great to use in the gym to ensure comfort, versatility, support, and longevity as you seek to pack on muscle and work towards that shredded aesthetic. Looking into a pair of lifting shoes will only improve your training and performance and is a great idea if you don’t own a pair. This list contains high-quality and amazing weightlifting shoes to help you towards your goals so check it out today and see which one’s will work best for you.
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References
Legg, Hayley S.; Glaister, Mark; Cleather, Daniel J.; Goodwin, Jon E. (2017). “The effect of weightlifting shoes on the kinetics and kinematics of the back squat”. (source)
Sato, Kimitake; Fortenbaugh, Dave; Hydock, David S. (2012). “Kinematic changes using weightlifting shoes on barbell back squat”. (source)