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Why Strongman is for you
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Strongman training captured my imagination when I was a kid when it was aired on the Wide World of Sports on a Sunday. I’d watch the strongest men from nations around the world challenge each other in super human feats of strength and sheer will. These impressive men and women would face off across many events where they would compete for the title of World’s Strongest Man / Woman, appearing like Nordic giants or lost Gods from an ancient mythology. Little did I know that these impressions of strength and willpower would influence me for the rest of my life!
Fast forward a little and here we are in 2017, strongman training is becoming more and more popular in gyms across the world as a training mode which elicits exceptional results in both men and women.
What makes this training mode stand out from normal strength & conditioning or hypertrophy training? Why has the popularity of strongman/woman taken off around the world and more importantly, why should you be including this in your weekly training?
Most people simply reply “it makes you strong!” but there is so much more to this mode of training than the mammoth Nordic giants will let on. One of the most significant differences between traditional strength training and strongman is the tools and the movement. More traditional forms of strength and hypertrophy training tend to be static, unilateral, muscle specific in single plans of movement, utilise machines, barbells and dumbbells. Whereas strongman is all about moving odd and challenging objects, through multiple planes, often with compound movements, through gravity (not just against it), and with near maximal weight or volume.
Where a weight lifter or body builder will lift barbells, dumbbells and rep out on pin-loaded machines, a strongman session will see you flip tyres, swing sledgehammers, carry sandbags, kegs, atlas stones and truck axels (sometimes with wheel and tyres attached). Where you may find many gym goers work individual or specific muscle groups to get them stronger, our strongmen and women are recruiting their whole body with compound movements, maximal time under tension and distance travelled.
History of Strongman
Strongman training is nothing new with feats of strength being recoded throughout history, however in the early 19th Century the first Strongmen who resemble what we do today, would perform various feats of strength such as pressing variations, supporting large amounts of weight held overhead at arm’s length, steel bending, chain breaking, animal carrying and more! Large amounts of wrist, hand, and tendon strength were required for these feats, as well as amazing core strength.
By the late 19th century the strongman was becoming common place internationally. Feats of strength would also be an integral part of the first Olympic games. There was quite a bit of money to be made for professional strongmen, who made their living giving demonstrations of strength at country fairs and town theatres. One of the most famous of these strongmen used the stage name Eugene Sandow. Born in 1876, he first gained recognition by repeatedly breaking “test your strength machines” with brute strength.
He achieved international fame in 1889 and by the Chicago World’s fair in 1893, he was making between $1500 and $3500 per week performing feats of strength like carrying a pony over his shoulder, and picking up a barbell with people inside. There were even women involved, most notable Sandwina, claimed to be “The Strongest and Most Beautiful Woman in the World.” Performing for the Ringling Bros. Circus, she bent rods, straightened horseshoes, carried 600 lb cannon on her shoulders, and lifted her 160 lb husband over her head with one hand. Her arrival caused many strongman to sneak out of town.
Who benefits most?
Surprisingly, in the battle of the sexes between men and women to gain the most benefit from this type of training, women win, with women over thirty and those who are menopausal gaining the greatest benefits of all. This has seen a dramatic increase in the numbers of women training strongman style for wellness and in competitions.
The name isn’t the only reason this training makes people strong. It has been well documented that strongman training is extremely effective as a training mode because of its nature of multijoint movements that incorporate large muscle groups and impose a substantial amount of neuromuscular stress. The result of these activities is the release of three times as much testosterone, growth hormone and other acute endocrine responses. This ramps up muscle growth, neurological development (from more neural firing to better proprioception).
Due to the increased lean muscle growth coupled with increased “beta 2” fat receptor stimulation, the body is primed to better breakdown and release stubborn stored body fat as a fuel source. Yes, you get supercharged fat loss from strongman training, and it doesn’t end there. You will also experience improvements to bone density, blood pressure, cardiac health and injury prevention.
Did you know that grip strength (a major component in this training mode), and pinch strength have been shown through a number of studies to strongly correlate with longevity. The better you can make your grip, the better chance you have at living longer! Common sense right, stronger grip means no more falling off cliffs, buildings, or dropping heavy things on your feet, right? Not to mention the general volume and types of activity you need to undertake to attain superior grip strength (lifting and holding heavy things – strongman training!).
Probably the least recognised, yet biggest draw card for participation in strongman/women training is the fun people have. Combine this with the empowerment from lifting strange objects while people cheer you on, the sense of comradery and achievement from overcoming mental and physical barriers you never believed possible has an intoxicatingly addictive effect. Community is a powerful health influencer and why we believe so strongly in it as part of our facility.
How often should you train Strongman?
This style of training is something you should try to include at least once a week or include strongman movements into your regular training sessions to add a little extra stimulus. It has physiological and mental health benefits, social benefits, and directly transfers to real world functionality!
You will never make two trips from the car with the shopping again! You might not need a jack to lift the car and change a tyre! And you’ll never need to get someone else to open a jar for you again! Not to mention the health benefits and way you’ll look!
For any athletes, strongman training will directly improve strength and stability in contact sports, grappling, power sports, fighting sports, and throwing sports, which is why you may find many traditional strongman exercises in athletic performance training, such as loaded carries, sled push and pull, deadlift and overhead throws.
If you want to know more, or give strongman/women training a try, or join our Strongman Club for training and competitions, get in touch and we will happily help you get started.
Author: Coach Vaughan
(Master Coach)
Posted by admin
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀
Most people use barbells for heavy lifts. But what if you could build strength, power, coordination, and endurance—all at once?
𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀.
Instead of isolated lifts, barbell flows transition smoothly between exercises, creating a full-body, high-intensity workout.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿:
🔥 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗺
Moving through different planes of motion sharpens your reflexes, control, and balance.
💪 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 & 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿
Engage more muscles at once while developing explosive transitions. Perfect for fighters, lifters, and athletes.
🧠 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 & 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀
Remembering sequences improves cognitive function, making barbell flows a workout for your body AND brain.
🔥 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝘁 & 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
The continuous movement spikes your heart rate, torches calories, and builds endurance fast.
🦾 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
Flows take your body through full ranges of motion, improving flexibility and stability.
T𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄:
✅ Deadlift → Hang Clean → Push Press → Reverse Lunge → Squat- Reverse Curl: Repeat
🔥 Perform 4-8 reps of each move, flowing through for 3-5 rounds with minimal rest.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁? A complete workout that builds strength, power, endurance, and mobility—all in one seamless sequence.
Are you adding barbell flows to your training? Drop a 🔥 in the comments!
#BarbellFlows #StrengthTraining #AthleticPerformance #BarbellWorkouts #Conditioning #PowerAndMobility #FitnessInnovation #tfwcoffscoast #personalisedsmallgrouptraining #trainingforwarriors #coffsfitness #Coffs #coffsspecialisttrainingteam #bestgymincoffs #fitness #tfw #thedojo #tfwfamilia
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀
Most people use barbells for heavy lifts. But what if you could build strength, power, coordination, and endurance—all at once?
𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀.
Instead of isolated lifts, barbell flows transition smoothly between exercises, creating a full-body, high-intensity workout.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿:
🔥 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗺
Moving through different planes of motion sharpens your reflexes, control, and balance.
💪 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 & 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿
Engage more muscles at once while developing explosive transitions. Perfect for fighters, lifters, and athletes.
🧠 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 & 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀
Remembering sequences improves cognitive function, making barbell flows a workout for your body AND brain.
🔥 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝘁 & 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
The continuous movement spikes your heart rate, torches calories, and builds endurance fast.
🦾 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
Flows take your body through full ranges of motion, improving flexibility and stability.
T𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄:
✅ Deadlift → Hang Clean → Push Press → Reverse Lunge → Squat- Reverse Curl: Repeat
🔥 Perform 4-8 reps of each move, flowing through for 3-5 rounds with minimal rest.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁? A complete workout that builds strength, power, endurance, and mobility—all in one seamless sequence.
Are you adding barbell flows to your training? Drop a 🔥 in the comments!
#BarbellFlows #StrengthTraining #AthleticPerformance #BarbellWorkouts #Conditioning #PowerAndMobility #FitnessInnovation #tfwcoffscoast #personalisedsmallgrouptraining #trainingforwarriors #coffsfitness #Coffs #coffsspecialisttrainingteam #bestgymincoffs #fitness #tfw #thedojo #tfwfamilia
🔥 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟰𝟬 – 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺! 🔥
As we hit our 40s and beyond, our bodies don’t recover like they used to. Many Australian men suffer from nagging injuries that limit their ability to work, train, and enjoy life. But here’s the good news: the right exercises and specialist techniques can help you move better, feel stronger, and stay injury-free!
The Most Common Injuries in Men Over 40
🚑 Lower Back Pain – Often caused by weak core muscles, poor posture, and years of improper lifting.
🚑 Knee Pain – poor movement patterns and muscle imbalances, arthritis, or old sports injuries.
🚑 Shoulder Injuries – Rotator cuff strains and impingements are common, especially in desk workers, weekend warriors and tradies.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴
✅ Mobility & Flexibility Work – Gentle stretching and mobility drills keep your joints moving freely.
✅ Strength Training – Building muscle around vulnerable areas (like knees and shoulders) protects against future injuries.
✅ Proper Technique & Coaching – Guided, science-backed exercises ensure you’re training safely and effectively.
At TFW Coffs Coast, we specialize in helping men over 40 regain strength, eliminate pain, and stay active for life. Our holistic approach includes exercise, nutrition, mindset, and expert coaching so you can keep doing what you love—𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸.
💬 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀? 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗠 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽!
#BeyondLimits #TFWCoffsCoast #InjuryRecovery #Over40Fitness #StayStrong #PainFreeMovement #PrehabIsBetterThanRehab #tfw, #tfwfamilia #personalisedsmallgrouptraining #trainingforwarriors
𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟰𝟬: 𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗦 "𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥!"
You might be aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to be weaker.
Most men over 40 assume that losing strength and energy is inevitable—but science tells a different story.
🔬 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵:
✅ Muscle loss is preventable. Studies show that resistance training can rebuild muscle mass even in men over 70 (Fiatarone et al., 1994).
✅ Testosterone levels don’t have to drop dramatically. Strength training has been shown to increase natural testosterone production (West & Phillips, 2012).
✅ Your metabolism doesn’t have to slow down. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest (Wolfe, 2006).
At Training for Warriors - Coffs Coast, we help men reclaim their strength, energy, and confidence through a science-backed approach.
💥 Comment “STRONG” if you’re ready to fight back against aging.
📚 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨:
Fiatarone, M. A., et al. (1994). Exercise training for frailty in elderly men. NEJM.
West, D. W., & Phillips, S. M. (2012). Exercise and testosterone. Eur J Appl Physiol.
Wolfe, R. R. (2006). Muscle`s role in metabolism. AJCN.
#MensHealth #FitOver40 #FitOver50 #Longevity #StrengthTraining #FitForLife #HealthyAging #MuscleOver40 #TrainForLife #NoMoreDadBod #BeyondLimits #StayStrong #WeightTraining #AntiAgingFitness #StrongForMyKids #tfw #bestgymincoffs #Coffs #coffsspecialisttrainingteam #fitness #coffsfitness #tfwfamilia #tfwcoffscoast #thedojo #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #personalisedsmallgrouptraining
🔥 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚(𝗛𝗘𝗥) & 𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘! 🔥
What an absolute privilege it was to coach these incredible women in today’s Strong(her) Class. Week after week, they show up, put in the work, and prove that strength isn’t just about muscles—it’s about resilience, confidence, and pushing through whatever life throws their way. 💪✨
This stage of life comes with challenges, but these warriors aren’t backing down. They’re lifting, sweating, and thriving—rewriting the script on what’s possible. The best part? They’re not just getting stronger in the gym; they’re getting stronger for LIFE. 🚀
To all the women out there who feel like their bodies are changing faster than they can keep up—know this: You are not alone, and you are more powerful than you think. 🔥 Keep lifting. Keep fighting. Keep showing up.
#StrongHer #StrengthForLife #Unstoppable #WarriorWomen #BeyondLimits #TFWCoffsCoast #LiftHeavy #PeriStrong #MenopauseWarriors #ResilientAndStrong #StrengthHasNoAge
#trainingforwarriors #thedojo #homeofthediscerningfitnessenthusiast #tfw #coffsfitness #fitness #coffsharboursexercisespecialists #bestgymincoffs #tfwfamilia #Coffs #personalisedsmallgrouptraining
🌅 Rise and Shine with the TFW Familia! 🌅
Look at these jazz hands! 🎷💥 Our crew is out here eating the early worm and getting that huge dopamine hit with their Barbell Complex grind at the crack of dawn! 🏋️♂️🔥
💪 Early mornings = serious gains, serious energy, and serious vibes. This squad doesn`t just wake up — they level up. ⏰
Who needs coffee when you’ve got this much fire before 7AM? 🔥💥
#TFWFam #BarbellComplex #JazzHands #EarlyBirds #MorningHustle #DopamineHits #RiseAndGrind #StrengthAndVibes #FitnessGoals
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗕𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 - 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁? 💪
✅ Expert & Highly Qualified Coaches: Our dedicated Coaches are here to guide you on your fitness journey, offering personalised support every step of the way. 🧑🏫💬
✅ Diverse Workouts: From heart-pumping cardio 🏃♂️ to strength-building sessions 🏋️♀️, we provide a range of classes to keep you motivated and engaged. We plan and care for your health, injury, hormone needs, muscle building and fat loss goals, so you don`t need to.
✅ Inclusive Community: At TFW - Coffs Coast, everyone is welcome! 🙌 We celebrate diversity and embrace individuals of all fitness levels and backgrounds. With our global passports 🌎, you can train almost anywhere in the world, knowing you’re welcome and cared for with the same expertise.
✅ Fun Events: Join us for fitness challenges, themed workouts, and community events 🎉 that make every session exciting and enjoyable.
✅ Results-Driven: Your goals are our goals. We`re committed to helping you achieve and surpass your fitness aspirations. 🏆
✅ Education: We teach you everything you need to know, using the NEWEST cutting-edge science-based protocols and research. 🧬📚 We stay up-to-date with the latest science, literature, and ongoing training to be both the safest and best-educated hands in the business. Our skills, methods, and tools are those you’d typically only find in universities and big city facilities!
Ready to transform not just your body but your entire lifestyle? Join Training for Warriors - Coffs Coast and become a valued member of our fitness family. Let’s crush goals, break barriers, and celebrate victories together! 🔥
#TFWCoffsCoast #TrainWithPurpose #FindYourWarrior #FitnessFamily #CoffsHarbourFitness #BeyondLimits #InclusiveCommunity #SafeTraining #TrainingForWarriors #FitnessGoals #StrengthInNumbers #ResultsDriven #ScienceBasedTraining #CuttingEdgeFitness #WorkoutMotivation #GlobalPassport #EducationMatters #tfwfamilia #fitforlife
“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗳 𝗜 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁? 😬”
The truth is, exercise isn’t one-size-fits-all! At Training for Warriors - Coffs Coast, we believe that working out is all about finding what works for YOU. 💪
𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮:
1️⃣ Mix it up and make it enjoyable: Whether it’s weights, bodyweight exercises, or even cardio, explore what energizes you and keeps you moving forward! You’re more likely to stick with something that feels good and fun. 🏋️♀️
2️⃣ Set achievable goals for yourself: Nothing feels better than progress! Start small, and celebrate each step you take. Consistent, realistic goals are key to building confidence and momentum. 🎯
At TFW - Coffs Coast, our team is here to support and guide you every step of the way. Ready to find your favourite way to train? Drop us a message, and let’s find the right fit for your fitness journey!
#TFWCoffsCoast #FindYourStrength #FitnessMotivation #TrainingForWarriors #CoffsCoastFitness #FitnessJourney #GoalSetting #ExerciseMotivation #tfwfamilia #FitnessTips #CoffsHarbour #MindsetMatters #PersonalTraining #CoffsHarboursExerciseSpecialists #GetStrong #fitforlife
