“The Mountain” is prioritizing his restoration as he adjusts to how age has affected his physique.
The 2018 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champ Hafthor Björnsson returned to the professional strongman circuit after a four-year hiatus on the 2024 Arnold Strongman Traditional (ASC), securing a fourth-place end. He has since been prepping for his subsequent main competitors — the 2024 Strongest Man on Earth (SMOE).
In a YouTube video revealed on July 21, 2024, Björnsson shared an inside take a look at his push-day exercise, prioritizing actions which have historically been a problem for him.
Hafthor Björnsson’s Push Exercise
Here’s a snapshot of the high-volume coaching session:
Coaching for Shaw Traditional has not been simple.
Try the video under:
[Related: Strongwoman Sandra Bradley Becomes First Woman to Lift the 154-Kilogram Fullsterkur Stone]
Incline Log Press
Through the low season, Björnsson targeted on heavy compound actions like squats, deadlifts, cleans, log lifts, and Atlas stones. Now, he’s adjusting his coaching program to prioritize his decrease again well being, guaranteeing he can preserve his energy good points whereas mitigating threat of harm.
Björnsson carried out the log press on an incline bench in a squat rack with security straps:
- 62 kilograms (137 kilos) x 3
- 82 kilograms (180 kilos) x 4
- 102 kilograms (225 kilos) x 3
- 122 kilograms (269 kilos) x 3
- 142 kilograms (313 kilos) x 3
- 155 kilograms (342 kilos) x 6 — Two units
Björnsson prioritized full vary of movement, touching the log to his chest with every rep to imitate the strongman log press occasion.
Axle Press
The log elevate and axle press comprise the overhead medley, the second occasion on the 2024 SMOE.
- 61 kilograms (135 kilos) x 5
- 111 kilograms (245 kilos) x 5
- 131 kilograms (290 kilos) x 3
- 146 kilograms (322 kilos) x 3, 6 — Two units
Turning 36 this November, Björnsson is adapting his coaching to accommodate the pure adjustments in his physique’s restoration fee. Whereas he adopted a two-day on, one-day off schedule in his 20s, he now prioritizes relaxation and restoration with a sample of two coaching days, two relaxation days, and an prolonged weekend break.
[Related: 2024 Scotland’s Strongest Man Results]
Monster Dumbbell
The fifth occasion on the 2024 SMOE is the circus dumbbell overhead medley, carried out in a head-to-head format.
- 62.5 kilograms (138 kilos) x 2
- 72.5 kilograms (160 kilos) x 2 — Three units
Björnsson revealed he’s been coping with knee irritation since starting prep for the 2024 ASC. Nevertheless, the ache has subsided, permitting him to ramp up his coaching depth.
Flat Dumbbell Bench Press
Björnsson carried out eight bench press reps with 120-kilogram (265-pound) dumbbells. This accent elevate engages the anterior delts, translating to higher efficiency in push-focused occasions.
Method Ahead
Björnsson hinted at competing on the 2024 Iceland’s Strongest Man (ISM) on August 9-10. He dominated the ISM, securing 10 consecutive titles from 2011 to 2020 earlier than transitioning to skilled boxing.
Björnsson will compete on the 2024 SMOE on Aug. 17-18, 2024, in Loveland, CO, the place he’ll face a stacked lineup that features the reigning WSM champ Tom Stoltman, former WSM champions Mitchell Hooper and Oleksii Novikov, and two-time Shaw Traditional winner Trey Mitchell.
Björnsson will conclude the 2024 season on the 2024 Rogue Strongman Invitational on Nov. 9-10, 2024 in Aberdeen, Scotland. It’s the first time the comp will likely be held exterior america since its debut in 2019.
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Featured picture: @thorbjornsson on Instagram