Tag: Strongman
Pavlo Nakonechnyy Withdraws From 2023 Strongman Classic; Gavin Bilton Fills The Spot
The 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic will take place just one week from now, on July 8th, in London, England. So, it is the next big show of the season, with 12 of the world’s greatest Strongmen taking part. However, one exciting participant will not be making it to the competition, despite initially confirming his presence. The man in question is Pavlo Nakonechnyy, as the Ukrainian has announced that he is withdrawing from the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic. The news was revealed by the organizers of the competition on Instagram.
To understand the reason for Pavlo Nakonechnyy’s withdrawal, we have to go back to March of this year, when he competed at the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic. At this competition, Pavlo took part in a deadlift attempt and ended up injuring his knee.
Although it seemed to be something mild at first, this injury forced Pavlo Nakonechnyy to withdraw from the 2023 World’s and Europe’s Strongest Man competitions. Unfortunately, he has still not recovered properly, so he has to withdraw from the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic as well.
Related: 2022 Giants Live World Open & World Deadlift Championships Results — Pavlo Nakonechnyy Wins
Pavlo Nakonechnyy still remains in the lineups for the 2023 Giants Live World Open and 2023 Shaw Classic, both of which will take place in a few months. So, there is still hope that Pavlo can salvage his season, despite missing a lot of major competitions already.
Pavlo Nakonechnyy’s Replacement
From the day that Giants Live revealed the lineup for the 2023 Strongman Classic, they also had a reserve ready for something like this. The man they chose for this role was Gavin Bilton. So, he will now take part instead of Pavlo Nakonechnyy.
Also known as the Welsh Bull, Gavin Bilton is a humongous man, standing at 6’6” tall and weighing over 400 pounds. In addition, Gavin is currently in the best shape of his life so far, especially after winning his first International competition at the 2023 SCL Serbia.
Gavin Bilton was also announced as a replacement for Mateusz Kieliszkowski at the 2023 Shaw Classic. So, his schedule for this season has suddenly become very busy.
At this point in his career, Gavin Bilton has made 23 appearances in International and National competitions. He has won three competitions, but all of them came in the last two years. So, it is obvious that Gavin is just now reaching his peak shape.
Related: Gavin Bilton Victorious At 2021 UK’s Strongest Man, Lucy Underdown Sets New World Record
Although Pavlo Nakonechnyy has shared some impressive lifts on Instagram recently, including a 400-kilogram (880.8-pound) deadlift, he is obviously not ready to perform a full competition. Still, optimism remains that he can get back to his best by August, when the 2023 Shaw Classic is set to take place. On the other hand, Gavin Bilton will try to fill Pavlo’s shoes at the 2023 Strongman Classic and improve his status on the big scene.
Published: 30 June, 2023 | 5:07 PM EDT
73-Year-Old Strongman Legend Beats Larry Wheels In Grip Strength: “Honestly, Blown Away”
Larry Wheels is a freak in all aspects, but he has a particularly strong grip now that he has been arm wrestling for three years. However, even he could not outperform the “old man strength” phenomenon. Still, there is more to the story than that, as the guy Larry Wheels went against in grip strength was none other than the legendary 73-year-old Strongman Odd Haugen. While Odd does not specialize in arm wrestling, his grip strength is out of this world. So, Larry and Odd partnered up for a grip training session with a few custom implements.
Odd Haugen is a very big name in the Strongman world, but his grip strength is still unfathomable. He is nicknamed “The Visegrip Viking” for his remarkable abilities, which have only gotten better as he aged. So, even a superhuman athlete like Larry Wheels could not match Odd’s grip strength, despite being decades younger than him.
Related: 71-yo Strongman Odd Haugen Deadlifts 451lb For Three Reps (VIDEO)
Larry Wheels Takes On Odd Haugen’s Grip
Larry Wheel first revealed what the concept of the videos is and initiated a short conversation with Odd Haugen. He then revealed that the 73-year-old Norwegian man has been training for the past six decades. However, he only focused on grip training when he retired from Strongman.
Test One — Saxon Bar Deadlift
The pair then began their first exercise, and it was the Saxon Bar deadlift. This barbell is made to look like a block, so it is impossible to pick it up in any other way except with a pinch grip. Although both men have previously done this exercise, Odd is much more experienced, which is why he gave Larry some tips.
Larry Wheels ended up lifting 120 kilograms (264.5 pounds), heavier than ever before. He then attempted to lift 125 kilograms (275.5 pounds), but the bar slipped from his hands before he managed to pick it up. So, that was his grip strength limit on this exercise. On the other hand, Odd Haugen lifted 125 kilograms (275.5 pounds), but could not go heavier.
“That inspires me, because there is going to be a point in my career when I say, okay, no longer do I feel like a Superhero, I have to pivot… I love two things, arm wrestling and grip training, and I can do that in my 70s,” stated Larry.
Test Two — Circus Dumbbell
The second grip test of the day was the Circus Dumbbell, which often appears in Strongman competitions. However, the Strongmen use two hands to pick up the dumbbell to their shoulder and overhead press it. Instead, Odd Haugen and Larry Wheels tried to pick up an 81.7-kilogram (180-pound) Circus Dumbbell with one arm.
“Last time I was here, Martins (Licis) and I tried it. I was able to do it, Martins was not… Even Brian Shaw tried it and he couldn’t do it,” said Haugen before they commenced the exercise.
Larry Wheels first tried to pick up a 78-kilogram (172-pound) Thomas Inch Dumbbell, but was not able to do it. It was not the case that it was too heavy, but the 2 ⅜” handle was too much for his grip strength. On the other hand, Odd easily picked it up.
Consequently, Larry Wheels was also unable to pick up an even heavier Circus Dumbbell with a thicker handle. However, the 3-inch handle did not stop Odd Haugen who once again displayed his mind blowing grip strength.
“What a Man. Incredible,” said a visibly impressed Larry Wheels.
Test Three — Rollin Thunder
The final test of the grip challenge was the Rolling Thunder. This is basically an attachment for a plated loaded platform. So, with a thick and rolling handle, this piece of equipment is a true challenge for anyone.
For reference, many incredible Strongman athletes like Martins Licis, and arm wrestling athletes like Ermes and Vitaly Laletin, attempted this exercise, and they all lingered around 90 to 100 kilograms (198.4 to 220.5 pounds). Despite this, a 73-year-old Odd Haugen lifted 90 kilograms (198.4 pounds) with both arms consecutively. He could have gone heavier, but chose to stop.
Larry Wheels wanted to try out Odd Haugen in arm wrestling. Due to better technique and experience in the sport, Larry outperformed Odd, but did not push the limits in order to avoid injuries.
“He had me beat on every move we did today. I think the longer we went on, the weaker I was going to get. It was really cool to witness that. Honestly, blown away. Huge inspiration for the next generation to see that you can be 73-years-old and stronger than a World Record powerlifter,” said Larry to wrap up the YouTube video.
Watch the video here:
Related: Larry Wheels Smokes 150-Lb Incline Dumbbell Bench Press for 25 Reps, Shares Ripped Update
It was incredible to see a man stepping into his eighth decade of life outperform one of the strongest people alive. So, Odd Haugen once again proved that anything is possible, as he has done many times throughout his Strongman career. This also cements his status as an iconic athlete, especially since it takes a lot to impress Larry Wheels.
Published: 29 June, 2023 | 5:41 AM EDT
Eddie Hall Tackles Olympic Lifting and Faces a Brutal Challenge
Even though all strength sports revolve around the same principle, they differ substantially in terms of technique. So, Strongman and Olympic Weightlifting are not interchangeable, despite the fact that the goal is to lift extremely heavy weights in both sports. Eddie Hall is the living proof of this, as the 2016 WSM champion definitely does not lack strength, but he still found himself in quite a predicament when he tried Olympic Weightlifting for the first time.
Eddie Hall recently partnered up with a professional Strongwoman, Chloe Brennan, who has some experience in weightlifting. So, her task was to introduce Hall to the basics of the sport and see how well he could perform. Hall recorded the whole process and posted it on his YouTube channel on June 25th. It displayed him attempting both the Snatch and Clean & Jerk events.
Related: Eddie Hall Shows Off Abs at 385 Lbs in Latest Physique Update: ‘The Cut Starts in 8 Weeks’
Eddie Hall’s First Time Doing Olympic Weightlifting
The first event in which Eddie Hall had to test his skills was the snatch, but he first had to learn some basic movements since Olympic Weightlifting relies on proper technique and explosive power.
To get used to the movement, Eddie Hall first stretched, after which he performed some overhead squats and hip snatches.
“It’s harder than it looks (the overhead squats)… It is very hard.”
After finding out that Chloe Brennan’s PR on the snatch was 60 kilograms (132 pounds), Eddie Hall set his sights on lifting at least that much weight. He ended up snatching 80 kilograms (176 pounds) with a decent technique, but revealed how difficult it is.
“I’m just feeling my shoulder there, envisioning dislocating the shoulder. I just don’t want that in my life today.”
For reference, Lasha Talakhadze holds the World Record in the Snatch event, which stands at 225 kilograms (496 pounds). Upon finding out about this, Eddie Hall was visibly impressed by Lasha’s lift.
“I’d be lucky to deadlift 225 kilograms (496 pounds) right now, let alone get it above my head.”
Surprisingly, Eddie Hall encountered more trouble in the Clean & Jerk due to mobility. Eddie could not properly grasp the barbell in a front squat position due to his stiffness.
“That is why I do the strict press, just to avoid this nonsense.”
It quickly became apparent that Eddie Hall was unable to perform a front squat with the correct form needed for this event. So, he decided to skip practicing the Clean portion of the exercise and focus solely on the Jerk.
The Jerk practice started off poorly for Eddie, but he quickly got on track and nailed the movement.
“It’s safe to say, It’s not for me… Not successful, but the snatch was alright… I can appreciate that (Snatch), but the Clean & Jerk, I think I can work on that for a very long time and not go anywhere.”
Watch the video here:
Related: Strongman Eddie Hall Shows Off ‘Round Pecs’ in Recent Bodybuilding Update
It is not surprising that Eddie Hall was more comfortable with the snatch since he already has experience with a similar movement. In fact, he holds the World Record for the fastest time to lift 30 repetitions of a 60-kilogram (132-pound) barbell from floor to overhead. To set this record, Hall utilized a motion similar to Snatches, but he used his strength to achieve it instead of the proper technique.
Eddie Hall obviously enjoys venturing out into different sports, as this Olympic Weightlifting training session is just a one-off from his Bodybuilding training. Despite being a former Strongman, Eddie Hall plans to compete in a bodybuilding competition in 2024. So, he will continue preparing for his debut with his usual training sessions and leave Olympic Weightlifting behind.
Published: 28 June, 2023 | 12:39 PM EDT
2023 Giants Live World Open Events Revealed — Introduction of Wrecking Ball Hold
The 2023 Giants Live World Open is set to be an exciting show of Strength, with the competition scheduled to take place on September 2nd in Cardiff, Wales. Being one of the major competitions of the season, the 2023 Giants Live World Open will be greeted with excitement, especially now as they have revealed what five events will make up the competition. This includes a brand new event, the Wrecking Ball Hold, which was never seen before in Cardiff.
The 2023 Giants Live World Open will feature 13 athletes, who will complete all five events, while an additional two athletes will take part in just the first event, the Max Deadlift. Although the Max Deadlift will be the main event, all other events will also take place on the same day. The athletes will have little chance to rest, but only the greatest competitors will prevail and fight for the title in the end.
2023 Giants Live World Open Events
Max Deadlift
Dumbbell Ladder
Wrecking Ball Hold
Load & Push
Castle Stones
Related: 2023 Official Strongman Games Events Revealed
Max Deadlift
The first event of the competition will be multi-purpose, as it will also serve as a separate competition of its own. All 15 athletes will perform the Max Deadlift, while many will attempt to set a new World Record as a part of the 2023 World Deadlift Championships. However, for the 13 athletes doing the full competition, the Max Deadlift will bring them points as all other events.
Dumbbell Ladder
The second event of the 2023 Giants Live World Open will be the Dumbbell Ladder, where the athletes will have to overhead press a series of progressively heavier dumbbells with only one hand. The weights of the dumbbells are not known yet, as more testing will take place to determine what is perfect.
Wrecking Ball Hold
The newest event in the 2023 Giants Live World Open repertoire is the Wrecking Ball Hold. The athletes will climb on a custom platform and grab a bar to which a chain will be attached. That chain will be fixated to a Wrecking Ball on the other end. So, the athletes will pull the bar to lift the Wrecking Ball and hold it in a locked out position for as long as possible.
Load & Push
For the penultimate event of the competition, the athletes will load several implements into a cartwheel and then push it for a given distance. Unfortunately, the details such as weight and distance are currently not available.
Castle Stones
Like in most cases, the Castle Stones will conclude the 2023 Giants Live World Open and reveal who the winner of the competition will be. A series of Stones will be presented to the athletes who will have to lift them onto their platforms. They will start by lifting the lightest stone to the highest platform. Following that, each stone will get heavier, while the platforms will reduce in height proportionally.
Related: Mateusz Kieliszkowski Withdraws From 2023 Shaw Classic; Gavin Bilton Makes His Debut
2023 Giants Live World Open & Deadlift World Championships Lineup
Note: Graham Hicks and Jamal Browner will exclusively participate in the deadlift event, while all the other athletes will compete in both the strongman and deadlift events.
Pavlo Nakonechnyy
Gavin Bilton
Luke Stoltman
Graham Hicks
Rauno Heinla
Adam Bishop
Jerry Pritchett
Konstantine Janashia
Oleksii Novikov
Evan Singleton
Ivan Makarov
Jamal Browner
Maxime Boudreault
Rob Kearney
Trey Mitchell
The stage is now set for the 2023 Giants Live World Open since both the lineup and events have been announced. However, there are still over two months left until the competition. So, the athletes have more than enough time to prepare for the events, especially now that the format of the competition has been revealed.
Published: 28 June, 2023 | 10:18 AM EDT
Mateusz Kieliszkowski Withdraws From 2023 Shaw Classic; Gavin Bilton Makes His Debut
The 2023 Shaw Classic will take place on August 19-20, and will mark the end of Brian Shaw’s professional career. So, it is set to be the most special and emotional competition of the season, which is why Brian is making sure everything is perfect. Also, Brian made sure to choose a perfect 16-man lineup. However, one of his original choices will not be able to attend, as the Polish prodigy, Mateusz Kieliszkowski has withdrawn from the competition.
Brian Shaw initially named 15 athletes for the 2023 Shaw Classic and waited for official confirmation from Mateusz Kieliszkowski who was the 16th man. Unfortunately, despite initially confirming his presence two months ago, Mateusz has now revealed that he won’t compete.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski injured his knee earlier this year and he thinks it will not heal by the time the 2023 Shaw Classic rolls around.
“Unfortunately Mateusz Kieliszkowski doesn’t feel that he will be back in fighting shape by August and has decided to withdraw. We wish him all the best in a full recovery,” stated the caption of Shaw Classic’s Instagram post.
Related: Polish Strongman Mateusz Kielz. Litfs an INSANE 478lbs Stone To Shoulder
Mateusz Kieliszkowski is still young but he has already made a name for himself, having started competing in 2014 at just 21 years old. From then, until 2021, Mateusz took part in 44 International and National competitions, claiming 15 victories in the process.
After suffering multiple injuries in 2021, Mateusz Kieliszkowski did not compete until the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic. His comeback to the sport was very successful, as Mateusz finished in second, only behind Mitchell Hooper. He then took part in the 2023 WSM, but did not qualify for the finals.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski’s Replacement
Coming in to replace Mateusz Kieliszkowski at the 2023 Shaw Classic is Gavin Bilton, also known as the Welsh Bull. Gavin has never competed in Brian Shaw’s competitions. So he will be making his debut in August.
Gavin Bilton is currently riding a success wave, having recently claimed his first International victory at the 2023 Strongman Champions League Serbia. In addition, he has two National titles to his name as well, having won the 2020 and 2021 UK’s Strongest Man competitions.
In total, Gavin Bilton has taken part in 23 International and National competitions and won three of them. Four appearances came at the World’s Strongest Man competition, but Gavin never made it into the final 10.
Related: Brian Shaw Reveals 10,000+ Calorie Diet Leading Up To His Final Professional Strongman Appearance Ever
2023 Shaw Classic Full Lineup
Trey Mitchell
Mitchell Hooper
Oleksii Novikov
Maxime Boudreault
Kevin Faires
Aivars Šmaukstelis
Evan Singleton
Bobby Thompson
Luke Stoltman
Tom Stoltman
Adam Bishop
Pavlo Kordiyaka
Pavlo Nakonechnyy
Thomas Evans
Brian Shaw
Gavin Bilton
Brian Shaw recently revealed that the 2023 Shaw Classic will also feature arm wrestling matches, grip events, and more. However, the main attraction of the event is still the Strongman competition, and Gavin Bilton, the newest member of the lineup, will do his best to make it awesome. Mateusz Kieliszkowski will still be missed, but there is no doubt that he will continue competing at the highest level once he is recovered.
Published: 26 June, 2023 | 7:38 PM EDT
2023 Official Strongman Games Events Revealed
The 2023 Official Strongman Games (OSG) is back for another year and it brings even more excitement. Featuring the biggest field of athletes, OSG consists of multiple weight and age classes for both men and women. So, it is a true Strongman and Strongwoman festival where everyone will have a chance to prove themselves. Now the events for the 2023 Official Strongman Games have also been revealed on Instagram, giving a hint about what can be expected to happen at the prestigious competition.
After three years of action in Daytona Beach, the 2023 Official Strongman Games are moving to Charleston Coliseum, West Virginia. This change in location was made since the weather almost ruined the competition in 2022. In addition, the competition will now feature two events on each of the three days.
The 2023 Official Strongman Games were previously held in November, but they will now be taking place a bit later than usual, with the action set to take place on December 1-3, 2023.
2023 Official Strongman Games
Stand or Submit Press Medley
Stix and Stone Carry
Deadlift Ladder
Goruck Survival Challenge
Sandbag Toss
Atlas Stone Series
Related: 2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman Lineup Revealed
Day One — December 1st
Stand or Submit Press Medley
Athletes will be given a series of four implements to press in order to achieve the fastest time possible within the 60-second time limit. The weight of the implements is not yet determined, but it will be different for all weight classes.
Barbell with Wagon Wheels
Circus Dumbbell
Safe Yoke (Curved bottom yoke designed for pressing)
Block
Stix and Stone Carry
For the second event of the 2023 Official Strongman Games the athletes will first carry a timber frame for a distance of 50 feet (15.25 meters) down the course. They will then proceed to pick up a set of stones and carry them back for a distance of 50 feet (15.25 meters) for the fastest time within a 60-second time limit. The stones are inspired by the traditional Scottish carrying stones.
Day Two — December 2nd
Deadlift Ladder
Starting off day two of the 2023 Official Strongman Games will be the Deadlift Ladder, an event featured in many major competitions. The time limit will be 60 seconds, while the athletes will attempt to complete five progressively heavier deadlifts as fast as possible.
The rules will be strict for this event, as the athletes will not be allowed to use deadlift suits. They will also have to wait for the down signal from the judge, which will only be given when the athlete achieves full lockout both in the knees and hips.
Goruck Survival Challenge
Although the 2023 Official Strongman Games are a Strongman and Strongwoman competition, the Goruck Survival Challenge will test the athlete’s endurance a bit. This event will still include a very heavy Sand Medicine Ball and other custom Goruck pieces of equipment that are not yet revealed. The athletes will also carry heavy backpacks throughout the event, some of which will exceed 100 pounds. The event will also last anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds.
Day Three — December 3rd
Sandbag Toss
The final day of the 2023 Official Strongman Games will start off with a Sandbag Toss. In this event, the athletes will be given a 60-second time frame in which they must throw six sandbags over a crossbar as quickly as possible. The Sandbags will progressively get heavier.
The height for all of the men’s weight classes crossbars will be 15 feet (4.6 meters). On the other hand, the height for all women’s crossbars will be set at 13 feet (4 meters).
Atlas Stone Series
The Atlas Stones are arguably the most recognizable Strongman event, mostly because they are the final event of the majority of competitions. This is the case in the 2023 Official Strongman Games as well, as the athletes will be tasked with lifting six progressively heavier Atlas Stones onto the platforms.
The weights of the Stones for each weight class have been decided and can be seen in the picture below.
Related: 2023 Shaw Classic Updates: New Competitor, Arm Wrestling Matches & More Revealed By Brian Shaw
Although the rules and exact weights for some events cannot be decided yet, they will definitely push the athletes to their limits. All six event concepts are amazing, and some are innovative, which makes the 2023 Official Strongman Games one of the greatest competitions in the world. The athletes now have five months to prepare for these six events as well. Athletes will therefore prepare for a fierce battle for the title right up until the last second.
Published: 26 June, 2023 | 5:07 PM EDT
Ivan Makarov Lifts 476-kg (1,049.4-lb) Deadlift Two-Rep PR In Preparation For His Final World Record Attempt
Ivan Makarov has been the main contender for the deadlift World Record for a couple of years now, but he always fell short of the historic mark. However, with the newest update coming from Ivan, it looks like this could be his year. The elite Strongman is specialized in the deadlift, meaning his technique is close to perfect, but he has still managed to find a way to improve. This was seen in a training session performed approximately a week ago, when Ivan loaded up 476 kilograms (1,049.4 pounds) for a new deadlift two-rep PR (Personal Record) and crushed it. He then shared the achievement on Instagram.
Ivan Makarov put on a deadlift suit, lifting straps, and a lifting belt to set a 476-kilogram (1,049.4-pound) deadlift two-rep PR. All of these components are allowed in Strongman, so he will be able to use all of the equipment when he attempts the deadlift in a competition as well.
Watch Ivan Makarov’s lift here:
Related: Strongman Ivan Makarov Pulls an Incredible 483-kg (1,064.8-lb) Deadlift At 2022 Eisenhart Black Competition
Ivan Makarov has dedicated his career to achieving an All-Time World Record Deadlift, but he has yet to accomplish it. Despite falling just short of making history, he remains determined to reach his goal. With time on his side, he continues to strive towards breaking the record. Ivan needs to deadlift over 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds) to break the record set by Hafthor Bjornsson in 2020.
Only two months are left until Ivan Makarov’s next appearance, which will be at the 2023 Giants Live Deadlift World Championships. This competition will take place on September 2nd in Cardiff, Wales. Gathering the 15 greatest deadlifters in the world, the only goal of the competition will be to lock out 505 kilograms (1,113.3 pounds). If anyone succeeds, they will be rewarded with $55,000. So, Ivan is hoping to have the greatest day of his life.
However, Ivan Makarov announced on Instagram that the 2023 Giants Live Deadlift World Championships will be his final competition as a professional athlete. So, this is set to be his final World Record attempt as well. Ivan’s caption was written in Russian. So, the following is a rough translation.
“As many people already know, on September 2nd will be my last performance as a professional athlete, and then a new life, new plans for mega transformation, coaching and blogging.”
Ivan Makarov has also improved his physique alongside his strength, which is evident in countless posts on Instagram, displaying huge back, arm, chest, and shoulder muscles. So, Ivan’s altered training program is obviously doing wonders for him.
Related: Ivan Makarov Pulls 490 kg Deadlift In Preparation For World Record
Ivan Makarov has been taking a significantly different approach this year than he did before. The most notable difference is his activity level, as he has increased his daily steps to 20,000, and implemented other changes into his training and everyday life. We will soon find out if this was just what Ivan needed to break the deadlift World Record, which would also be the perfect way for him to conclude his professional career.
Published: 25 June, 2023 | 8:47 PM EDT
Eddie Hall Shows Off Abs at 385 Lbs in Latest Physique Update: ‘The Cut Starts in 8 Weeks’
Strongman legend Eddie Hall is determined to make a statement in his 2024 bid as a bodybuilder. In a recent Instagram post, Hall shared a cement-cracking 385-pound physique update with visible abs and revealed he will start to cut weight in eight weeks.
Eddie Hall is a man of many talents. He held the heaviest deadlift world record before his rival Hafthor Bjornsson took the honor from him in 2020. Looking to settle their differences, Hall and Bjornsson agreed to a boxing match in 2022. It was a strange but exciting affair that saw Bjornsson get his hand raised via unanimous decision.
Hall, who is known for his eccentric personality and competitive nature, decided to try out bodybuilding. Following the performances of four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead and former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay at 2022 Mr. Olympia, Hall was inspired to compete.
In preparation for his big debut, Hall has taken part in various training sessions and posing seminars. In May, the famed strongman joined professional posing coach Emma Heineman for a routine. And judging by some of his updates, Hall plans to bring a beastly package to the Classic Physique division soon.
Eddie Hall Tipping Scales at 385 Lbs, Says ‘Cut’ Starts in 8 Weeks: Fans React
The strongman-turned-bodybuilder Hall revealed he was weighing 385 pounds and shared that he will start cutting weight in two months.
“The Cut starts in 8wks⏰ 385lbs@theposingpro ?” Eddie Hall shared.
Fans were immediately taken aback by Eddie’s update, especially considering that he has visible abs at almost 400 pounds.
@eddiehallwsm via Instagram
Surprisingly, Eddie Hall isn’t the only famous strongman to give bodybuilding a try. Larry Wheels will also test the waters in the Classic Physique division. Despite his inexperience in the new sport, Larry’s coach mentioned that he believes Wheels can be competitive against the world’s best using only testosterone replacement therapy.
Eddie Hall has taken calculated measures before stepping on a bodybuilding stage. Earlier this year, he teamed up with seven-time 212 Olympia Flex Lewis for a rare bodybuilding versus strongman collaboration. They trained arms together and shared respective physique updates afterward.
Aside from bodybuilding ventures, Eddie Hall is known for his massively successful YouTube channel and social media presence. He reacts to painful gym fails, and teams up with other fitness influencers. One of the last times fans saw ‘The Beast’ in action, Jesse James West pranked him by pulling a ton of fake weights.
RELATED: 76-YO Sylvester Stallone Launches Eddie Hall Over Bar in ‘Expendables 4’ Trailer
While it certainly looks like an uphill climb for Eddie Hall as far as bodybuilding goes, a competitor of his stature and determination should never be counted out or underestimated. Fans will have a better idea of his targeted physique in eight weeks when he begins cutting weight.
Published: 23 June, 2023 | 4:55 PM EDT
2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman Lineup Revealed
The sport of Strongman has been on a higher level for over a decade now, but its female counterparts have been struggling to break onto the scene. However, anyone who has watched a Strongwoman competition can testify that their performances are nothing short of mind-blowing. So, Giants Live, arguably the biggest Strongman organization in the world, has decided to give a platform to these impressive women and arrange the 2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman competition. It will take place on September 30th in Doncaster, England. With three months left until the competition, Giants Live has revealed the 12-woman lineup for the competition.
This 2023 Giants Live Britain’s Strongest Woman competition will feature numerous World’s Strongest Woman champions, as well as World Record holders. This comes due to the fact that Giants Live has one of the greatest reputations in the world. In order to maximize the excitement of this event, they have selected 12 of the strongest women available.
2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman Lineup
Donna Moore
Andrea Thompson
Rebecca Roberts
Rhianon Lovelace
Claire Myler
Ayshea Ullah
Lucy Underdown
Emmajane Smith
Chloe Brennan
Annabelle Chapman
Katie Smith
Kate Connolly
Related: Strongwoman Nadia Stowers Lands 690-lb Long Bar 13-Inch Deadlift PR
2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman Preview
Standing at 6-foot 4-inches tall, Rebbeca Roberts is usually the tallest Strongwoman in the lineup, which can prove to be useful on some events. The Welsh Wonderwoman was crowned as the 2021 World’s Strongest Woman. In addition, Rebecca recently won the 2023 UK’s Strongest Woman, but this competition was not organized by Giants Live.
Another woman that has recently put up a performance was Lucy Underdown who competed at the same competition as Rebecca Roberts. Although she lost by one point, Lucy did set a new 305-kilogram (672.4-pound) Deadlift World Record at the 2023 UK’s Strongest Woman competition.
Andrea Thompson is another favorite for the title at the 2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman competition, as she is no stranger to winning major titles, having won the 2018 World’s Strongest Woman.
An interesting, but realistic title contender at the 2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman competition will be Rhianon Lovelace. Known for record-breaking feats of strength, Rhianon will be competing against much heavier opponents. She usually competes in the 64-kilogram weight class, which is where she won two World’s Strongest Woman competitions.
Although every single one of the 12 competitors could push through to the top, Donna Moore is still rounding up the top five picks for the competition. However, these picks are in no specific order, so Donna could easily become the champion of the 2023 Giants Live Britain’s Strongest Woman competition. Donna is one of the most iconic Strongwoman athletes in history, which she justified with three World’s Strongest Woman titles.
Related: Strongwoman Rhianon Lovelace Hits 320-kg (705-lb) 15-inch Axle Deadlift; 5x Her Bodyweight
It is nice to see that Giants Live is making an effort to improve the sport of Strongwoman, as this could truly be the beginning of something amazing. This sport was also featured at the Arnold’s Sports Festival alongside Strongman and turned out to be one of the most exciting title shows of the year. So, hopefully, something similar will happen at the 2023 Britain’s Strongest Woman competition.
Published: 22 June, 2023 | 5:58 PM EDT
Strongman Eddie Hall Shows Off ‘Round Pecs’ in Recent Bodybuilding Update
Even though he’s not recording a deadlift record or a feat of strength, strongman legend Eddie Hall still knows how to wow an audience. In a recent Instagram post, Hall flashed an upshot of his pecs in a physique update and called out his future rival, Chris Bumstead.
Hall is ready to flex his muscles as a bodybuilder in 2024. Earlier this year, the former strongman champ revealed his plan to switch to the new sport. He said he was inspired by four-time Classic Physique Olympia Bumstead and former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay. Despite his weight exceeding that of a baby elephant, ‘The Beast’ said he wanted to pack on some more meat and then ‘do a trim’ for his first show. And based on his latest chest selfie, he’s getting closer to that big debut.
Hall tagged Bumstead in his post, and the Classic Physique Olympia king gave him some love. He sent him two melon emojis to cheer him on for his bodybuilding dream. Hall, who keeps getting more ripped, has been sharing his progress and even some posing videos before his big day.
Topless Eddie Hall Takes Internet by Storm with Risque Pec Update
Check out Eddie Hall’s update below, which prompted several fans to give their two cents.
“Move over @cbum – Ebum is coming 2024…” Eddie Hall wrote.
Instagram @eddiehallwsm
When Eddie Hall isn’t showing off his voluminous pecs, he’s entertaining a crowd. He recently took part in an Expendables 4 trailer appearance. During the action-packed montage, Sylvester Stallone launched the 35-year-old strongman over a metal bar. Given Sly’s age of 76, fans were flabbergasted by his strength as tossing a man of Hall’s size is no easy feat.
Whether he’s reacting to painful gym fails or being pranked by Jesse James West with fake weights, Hall’s eccentric personality makes for some interesting interactions. Unafraid to laugh at himself, Hall knows how to catch a fan’s interest, and he especially knows how to keep it.
RELATED: Strongmen Brian Shaw and Eddie Hall Crash Planet Fitness for Hilarious Leg Workout
Eddie Hall is a man of many talents. He can lift heavy things, make funny faces, and show off his chest. He’s also ready to take on the bodybuilding world in 2024, where he plans to battle with the winningest Classic Physique talent in the world, Chris Bumstead.
Published: 16 June, 2023 | 2:01 PM EDT