Powerlifting - Strongman - Sugden Barbell

2nd September 2010 - Posted by Rob This Sunday sees the Olympic Gym in Ashton host the Olympic Dragons Strongman Competition for the second year.

The competition is for 90kg and under competitors, proving extremely popular last year. Many faces from Sugden will be competing or there on the day, so if you're looking for something to do make sure to head down to Ashton.

2nd September 2010 - Posted by Rob Tom Martin finished a respectable tenth position in the 82.5kg category at the IPF Juniors World Championships in Pilsen, Czech Republic.

Martin posted a 727.5kg total, consisting of a 265 squat (made on his third attempt), a 150kg bench press and a gold medal 312.5kg British record deadlift. Well done to Tom!

» View full article.

26th August 2010 - Posted by Rob Sugden Barbell celebrates its 4th birthday today, with the site continuing to develop at a strong pace. The site has grown from approximately 10 members of a local training group to well over a thousand strength enthusiasts from across the globe, with tens of thousands of visits every month.

Thank you to all our sponsors for helping support the growth of the site, as well as the administrators who have helped develop a strong community - and of course all our members and visitors!

16th August 2010 - Posted by Rob We're pleased to welcome our newest sponsor in the form of Athleat. This new business based in Glasgow provides the highest quality meats designed to specifically meet the needs of athletes competing in demanding sports such as powerlifting, weightlifting, strongman and rugby.

The site offers a selection of meats including Beef, Lamb, Pork, Veal and Chicken - as well as a variety of selection boxes.

Athleat are offering all Sugden members a 10% discount on their orders, and can deliver to your home, workplace or gym. There are also further discounts available when you order as a training group.

To find out more about Athleat, please visit Athleat.co.uk.

14th August 2010 - Posted by Rob The Misha Koklyaev seminar that took place at the Glasgow Palace of Arts yesterday saw a variety of heavy lifts from the inspirational Russian weightlifter and strongman.

Koklyaev performed the following lifts for the crowd:

• 400kg x 3 deadlift
• 270kg Behind the Neck Jerk
• 290kg hands-free squat
• 190kg snatch

He also provided a number of entertaining quotes, including:

"Weightlifting is an art. A weightlifter shoots the bullseye of a target 100's meters away. A power lifter brings out this huge cannon..."

Asked if he would ever return to Olympic lifting he replied sadly "It is my dream"

Told of a guy at some airport who squeezed his arms and asked him what he would do with all the muscles he replied "I'll kick your ass".

Thanks little_a for the above

Numerous videos of all the major lifts have already appeared in the comments thread - click through below!

12th August 2010 - Posted by Rob The line up for the forthcoming Worlds Strongest Man 2010 competition has been announced, with a number of notable absentees. Former champions Mariuz Pudzianowski and Phil Pfister are not in the 30 competitors, with the reasons currently unknown.

The UK boasts a strong contingent as usual, with Hollands, Shahlaei, Felix, Westaby and Sadler all making the trip to South Africa. Reigning Britain's Strongest Man Jimmy Marku will not be competing presumably due to the biceps tear he suffered earlier this summer (although Terry Hollands has managed to recover in the same period).

Rob Frampton has been selected as one of the reserves, so potentially there may be upto six British competitors taking part. View the full article to see the line up.

» View full article.

1st August 2010 - Posted by Rob Paul Woods won today's UK's Strongest Man U105 after a dominating display that saw him leading the field from the first event through to the last.

Unfortunately Sugden Member Mark Clegg suffered a full biceps tear on the tyre flip, he is currently heading to Tameside Hospital where he will likely undergo surgery. Everybody at Sugden wishes him a speedy recovery.

Click full story to view the final placings.

» View full article.

29th July 2010 - Posted by Rob Our poll asking "Should there be a strongman federation in the UK" has now closed; with a resounding victory in the "Yes" camp. Whether a federation will be formed remains to be seen.

Moving on, our new poll asks members who their favourite lifting equipment manufacturer is. Powerlifting suits and equipment have become increasingly popular in strongman in recent years - with knee wraps and squat/deadlift suits often being used during events.

The choices include Metal, Titan, Inzer and Other.

20th July 2010 - Posted by Rob Full results of the weekends British Championships are now available.

20th July 2010 - Posted by Rob A post on the Strongman Champions League Limerick Facebook Page suggests that this years Worlds Strongest Man competition is to be held in South Africa.

We will provide confirmation on this as soon as an official statement is made. Get your vuvuzelas ready.

Update - official statement confirms the venue:

Sun City is a luxury resort, situated in the North West Province of South Africa. It is located about two hours' drive from Johannesburg, near the city of Rustenburg. It is surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Pilanesberg and borders the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Qualifiers will be filmed between the 15th and 18th September.
Final will be filmed between the 21st and 22nd September.