When you think of Strongman, you probably picture enormous athletes lifting Atlas stones, pressing huge logs overhead and pulling ridiculously heavy weights.
And while competitive Strongman certainly involves some impressive feats of strength, there's much more to the sport than that.
Strongman training can be adapted for people of different abilities, backgrounds and experience levels.
At Victory Bespoke Fitness in Bathgate, it's one of our favourite ways to build strength, challenge ourselves and make training a little more interesting.
What Is Strongman Training?
Strongman involves lifting, carrying, pulling and moving different types of equipment.
Unlike traditional gym exercises, which often use barbells and dumbbells, Strongman introduces objects with different shapes, sizes and weight distributions.
Common Strongman exercises include:
Farmers Walks
Carry heavy implements over a set distance, challenging your grip, legs, core and overall strength.
Log Press
Press a specially designed log overhead, developing upper-body strength and coordination.
Sandbag Carries
Lift and carry a sandbag, challenging your whole body while developing practical strength.
Atlas Stones
Lift large round stones onto platforms or over bars, requiring technique, coordination and full-body strength.
Sled Pushes and Pulls
Move a weighted sled to develop lower-body strength and conditioning.
These movements can be scaled to suit different training levels.
You Don't Need to Be Strong to Start
One of the biggest misconceptions about Strongman is that you need to be exceptionally strong before giving it a go.
You don't.
Just like any other form of strength training, you can start with manageable weights and gradually progress as your technique and confidence improve.
Learning how to move the equipment safely and efficiently is far more important than trying to lift the heaviest weight possible on your first attempt.
The Benefits of Strongman Training
Build Full-Body Strength
Many Strongman exercises involve several muscle groups working together.
Carrying sandbags, lifting stones and moving heavy objects challenge your legs, back, core and upper body.
Improve Grip Strength
Farmers walks, carries and other Strongman movements are particularly effective ways to challenge your grip.
Add Variety to Your Training
If you've become bored with your usual gym routine, Strongman offers a different way to challenge yourself.
Develop Confidence
There's something satisfying about learning a movement you once thought was impossible.
Whether it's lifting your first Atlas stone or completing a challenging farmers walk, those achievements can be a real confidence boost.
Train Alongside Others
Strongman has a strong community element.
Training with others, sharing techniques and encouraging each other through difficult lifts can make sessions more enjoyable.
What About Strongwoman Training?
Strongman isn't just for men.
Women compete in Strongwoman events across Scotland and beyond, and the same training principles apply regardless of gender.
Equipment and weights can be adjusted to suit individual strength levels and experience.
Whether you're interested in competing or simply trying something new, there's no reason women can't enjoy Strongman training too.
Thinking About Your First Competition?
For anyone interested in taking things further, a First Timers competition can provide a goal to work towards.
Victory hosts Strongman and Strongwoman competitions, including events designed to introduce new athletes to the sport.
Our Victory's Strongest First Timers competition takes place on Saturday 6 February 2027, giving aspiring competitors something to prepare for.
You don't need to be an experienced competitor to start exploring the sport.
Try Strongman at Victory
At Victory Bespoke Fitness in Bathgate, we're passionate about helping people discover what they're capable of.
Whether you want to develop strength, try new equipment or eventually enter your first competition, our team can help you get started.
Curious about Strongman training?
Get in touch to find out more about training at Victory and how you can begin.
You don't have to compete to train strong.