Education of a Strong Man

by Atomic Athletic on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 4:07pm ·

“How can I learn to do that?”

Strength events are moments in time that everyone remembers, especially when there is a radio, newspaper or television story associated with it.  Our 2012 Atomic Athletic Great Black Swamp Olde Time Strongman Picnic was no exception.  However, they can be much, much more.

My friend and former training partner, Yasser Ul Haq is busy putting together his first powerlifting event in Pakistan.  While that is cool and certainly the start of something great over there, Yasser made an astute observation.  The event hasn't happened yet and he has already learned a heck of a lot about staging an event.  What he hasn't experienced is all the things he will learn about the education and creation of strength athletes through events.

One of my real business mentors was Vic Boff, the founder of the Association of Olde Time Barbell & Strongmen.  He drummed one vital concept into my head, without an event to showcase the strength athletes, we won't have new strongmen.

Vic was right.  Sure, it seems like an obvious concept, but it's not just the crazy idea of an old performing strongman.  Every year I get athletes coming up to me, before and after the event with one simple question, “How can I learn to do that?”

Some athletes are just at the edge of being able to do a particular feat of strength or an old time strongman lift.  They have the foundational skills, power and strength.  Some athletes are at the very beginning of their journey in strength, but already know where they want to go with it, ie. Travelling Performing Strongman.  Regardless of where you, or the athletes you are coaching, are at, these are some educational suggestions that will help you get to where you want to go.

Try These Out for Size:1. Vic Boff's Bodybuilder's Bible (Don't let the name throw you.  This is the old concept of bodybuilding that Vic grew up with in the 1920's and 1930's) http://www.atomicathletic.com/store/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=BK22 2. Atomic Athletic Garage Gym Guide (I packed this with suggestions from my own experiences and those of my customers.  It's not just a book of lists.) http://www.atomicathletic.com/store/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=BK1000 3. Classic Training Hall Wall Charts http://www.atomicathletic.com/store/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=WC12MA 

I have many more suggestions, but this is where everyone should start, even if they are big and strong.  I think there is something for everyone here.  I will hit on more in the next week.

Live strong,

Roger LaPointe