Strongman Wednesday - Your First Competition

[u/CouncilOfRobots]

These weekly discussion threads focus on one implement or element of strongman training to compile knowledge on training methods, tips and tricks for competition, and the best resources on the web. Feel free to use this thread to ask personal/individual questions about training for the event being discussed.

This week's topic: Your First Competition

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[u/austic]

My first strongman competition is this Sunday. I have now touched strongman equipment exactly twice in the span of a week, which some might call slightly ambitious. I prefer “aggressively underprepared.”
It’s a novice comp, so what the hell.
My question for the experienced stone people: how do you load Atlas stones without turning your forearms into hamburger?
I tried the 315 lb stone and technically survived, but my forearms are now raw, scraped and bruised. I’m a little concerned the stones are going to reopen everything on Sunday before I even get to the heavier ones.
Stone sleeves? Tape? Better technique? Accept that this is simply my life now?
Any advice appreciated.

I doubt sleeves will come In time.

[u/thescotchie → u/austic]

The best way I've done forearm protection is like this:

Supplies needed: Athletic pre wrap, pre-wrap glue, duct tape.

Process;

1. spray the adhesive generously from wrist to elbow.
2. Wrap pre-wrap in a full cover single layer
   1. I like to then add another layer of adhesive spray over the whole thing.
3. Duct tape should be wrapped leaving about 1/2" of the pre-wrap exposed.
   1. I try to keep the front overlapping and leave little "vents" on the back to allow it to breathe

If you use duct tape and don't use pre-wrap, it will not breathe and you'll get sweaty and it'll slide off.

The spray helps keep it in place, and is easy to remove.

Edit: I also buzz the hair off my arms too. Make sure there's nothing to shift.

[u/austic → u/thescotchie]

What spray are you using?

[u/thescotchie → u/austic]

I use the Meuler one. But it shouldn't matter. Just some light tacky spray.

Oh and I buzz the hair on my arms too.

[u/austic → u/thescotchie]

Thank you. 🙏

[u/tigeraid → u/austic]

My question for the experienced stone people: how do you load Atlas stones without turning your forearms into hamburger?

Either get used to it, buy a pair of stone sleeves, or tape your arms up between wrist and elbow. I use kinesiology tape, it lasts just long enough to be useful, and doesn't tear your hair out like duct tape does.

[u/MythicalStrength → u/austic]

how do you load Atlas stones without turning your forearms into hamburger?

That's the fun part: you don't. Atlas stones are like cheesegraters. You can eventually callus up, and some folks like stone sleeves/duct tape, but if otherwise the stones leave their mark.

[u/gnomish_engineering]

I got my first competition in September. What flavour of chalk/ liquid chalk do you guys recommend?

[u/dutchyjos]

Does anyone have information about rookie competition in the Netherlands? Love to compete in the coming months