Sunday, May 31, 2009

Structured Strongman Training Session Highlights: 30 May 2009 - Strongman Zercher Carry and Powerlifting Club Deadlifts


Now what in the world is a Zercher?
Some type of Unicorn?
Or maybe that's what they call a Zebra in Tolkien's Middle Earth, since Elephants are called Oliphaunts there.
And we all know what a Zephyr is, dont we?

"Huh? Le kong si mi?"

Well if you're clueless on both counts, fret not!

It's Team Iron Behemoths to the rescue!


So, what indeed is a Zercher Squat/ Carry?

The Zercher Squat/Carry was created by Ed Zercher, a famous powerlifter and strongman from the United States, who was a force in the 1930s strength scene there. The tale was that Zercher’s gym at home lacked a squat rack, so he would rack up his barbell on the ground, squat before it, hold it in the bend of his arms and lift the bar with his legs and lower back.

Essentially, it is a combination of the deadlift and squat. The Zercher really hits the entire lower body, back and the core. It is a very good way to improve on your squat and deadlifts and people have been doing it all over the world ever since.

And now, it is Team Iron Behemoth's pleasure to introduce it to you!



The Zercher Carry is its Strongman counterpart done with a yoke or a thick bar and often with more weight than a barbell. Incresingly, more competitions around the world are including it for its test of sheer tenacity. Go Youtube and search "Zercher Carry" you'll see what we mean.


Combating the swinging by increasing their stability. The reward is in getting Stronger.

Our members putting their strength to the test.



So now that you know what are Zerchers and how tricky it might be even for tough guys, come on down for a FREE trial strongman session to see how tough you really are.

Come join us as well if even you're not, and let our structured training sessions make you tougher!

Or come just to catch a zephyr(a gentle breeze) at Hong Lim Park while we put on a show for you.

The Iron Behemoths Half-Time Show


In the interval between our Strongman Session and Powerlifting Club, Van entertains a little girl with a set on the rings.






Powerlifting Club - Deadlifts

Strongman Spotlight

In Today's Strongman Spotlight, we have Ryan.

Ryan, a school teacher, heard about us and came to us seeking a new physical challenge. In a less than 3 deadlift sessions, here we have him standing over a new Personal Record of 105kg. Kudos to him!
It's never a sad thing to be stronger - Check out the smiles!


The Hulk hosted the clinic on Deadlifts today. Sharing a wealth of knoweledge on his favourite lift.

Keeping the spine in neutral alignment and not cocking the head back when lifting, just might pay off down the road.

Below is a mail we received from first timer Andy, a pre-enlistee, who came for our free trial Session and wrote in the next day.

"I have never did a single deadlift in my life before hence i went to strongman training to learn my form well.. Hmm, i can say i gained a lot of knowledge through sam.. he teached us a lot and it's very useful and beneficial i can say.. seriously for example, deadlift i only know got the conventional way.. but sam teached us a new way 'SUMO' way which is more useful to me.. to some ppl it may seems harder, but i prefer the 'sumo' way.. it can lift much more weights and safer for our back! that is very important. Overall, i like strongman training and it seriously boosts one strength alot.. i can see guys like my size lifting much more heavier weights than me.. then i told sam i am ashamed, but he say NO.. u should instead be motivated by them and push as hard as them also.. i will bear that in mind always.. thx sam! =)"

We've only just begun, Andy. Let's get stronger together!



As for the rest reading this,

Start Your Journey Today!

Book your FREE trial session by email or call/sms now!


All are welcome!

Email: teamironbehemoths@gmail.com
Hotline: 91011721




Sunday, May 24, 2009

Structured Strongman Training Session Highlights: 23 May 2009 - Strongman Arm-Over-Arm Sled Pulls and Powerlifting Club Deadlifts

Strongman Arm Over Arm Sled Pulls

The arm over arm vehicle pull is one of the most popular and exciting strongman events you see on TV. It usually involves pulling a medium sized vehicle such as an MPV or a small truck even though there have been contests in the past whereby competitors had pulled a small dinghy up a ramp! This taxing event, like most other strongman events, hits the entire body with emphasis on the grip, arms, back and hips.


The HomeTeamNS Strongman Challenge Final has an arm over arm car pull event. Indeed, the vehicle contested is usually an SUV of over 2 tons. One of our team’s main goals is to thoroughly prepare our members for the HomeTeamNS competition. In this light, we are certainly well equipped to meet the challenges of this event as we can simulate the car pull event equally well, if not better. This is due to the fact that we use a much thicker rope and also because the “car” to be pulled is a plate loadable sled: as we all know, pulling a heavy sled can be harder than pulling a vehicle.

Keith finding out the the above statement the hard way. Our sled has no wheels.



Yoshida went all out pulling it arm-over-arm for 20m.



Our younger members ganged up to take on a 12okg sled. HometeamNS's Tertiary Challenge style.


Good thing about the Sled is that the weight can be catered to all our members. From beginners to veterans, and females too! Strongwoman Shi Qi impresses once again!





Powerlifting Club - Deadlift

After the rigours of the arm over-arm-pull training, we proceeded to have another workshop on the deadlift. Veteran member Yoshida chaired this segment as he shared with the rest how to fine tune technique for better deadlifting performance. Also present was the Big Friendly Giant(2m tall and 125kg) Zdenek aka Nick and his countryman, Tomas. Our members were in thrall with regards to the wealth of knowledge our foreign comrades had got to share with us.


Before we started Deadlifting, we did some Kettlebell work for warms-ups.

The Hulk showing some serious Hip Drive - essential to a Big Deadlift.

Yoshida demonstrating different techniques. All eyes on him - learning.


Glen with the Kettlebell for the first time.



Strongman Spotlight


In the Strongman Spotlight today would be Nick and newcomer,Tomas. Especially awe inspiring was the deadlift training that Nick put in during the workshop. He did multiple work sets with 180kg and the ground reverberated badly each time he set the weight down

Equally impressive was the 120kg PR set by Tomas. Seen here warming up - with a form check by us.

Indeed the team is very proud to have our gentle giants on board!
Come witness the Towers of Czech Power yourself!
Join us every Saturday 12pm at Hong Lim Park (Clarke Quay MRT Exit A).
Call/ text 91011721 to book you FREE trial session now!






Sunday, May 17, 2009

Structured Strongman Training Session Highlights: 16 May 2009 - Strongman Tyre Flips and Powerlifting Club Squat

The funny thing about Strongman Tyre flips is that we never tire from doing it!

You see a giant obstacle of a tyre in your way and there is just an innate, primal urge that stirs within to test your might by lifting it.

In fact, many a passer-by have had their attention arrested so much by the sight of us pitting our strength against a monster tyre that they stop to gawk and stare.


And maybe wonder how they would fare when they are put to it.


"Would I manage to lift it?". They ask in their minds.


With a little bit of encouragement from us, they step up to attempt it and have that burning animalistic question answered.



No Drumroll here necessary.



Of course it turns out well when you have some of the strongest men in the country giving you a spot and some extra tips on technique! We lift it together seamlessly and the cameras phones come out. Snap, snap!



But the real question is can you do it all on your own?



You are asking yourself that right now, aren't you?



It's indeed quite the challenge and in today's Strongman Spotlight we proudly feature our newest member, Si Jun, who took it upon himself to find out after viewing our blog.



Si Jun, 20, fresh out of poly and currently awaiting enlistment into National Service, heard about us and booked his free first-time trial session.


He wanted to feel the mortal challenge of the flipping a Strongman Tyre.


He met the challenge head on, with gusto, and managed to flip the tyre successfully under our watcful eye!


His sense of elation and accomplishment coupled with relief was tangible for all to see.


Well done, Si Jun!


In his own words, he found it "interesting and fun" to do and promptly signed up as our latest member.



Now, many other physical(and mental !) challenges await you here at our training ground, Si Jun.


May you annihilate them as we all get stronger together!


Think you can be like Si Jun or even better?
Don't hesisitate, come down and find out yourself!


And if you don't manage it on your first attempt, we will help you get there!


Simply call/text 91011721 or email teamironbehemoths@gmail.com to book your FREE first-time trial session now!



Next we have our Powerlifting Club Squats, where the already strong legs of Si Jun get to be even stronger...safely.

Keith chaired the session for today sharing tips for his best lift - The Squat.

Squating with the hips and not the knees.


Safe technique was the takeaway for our younger members today. As we put aside the poundages to learn proper form.
Come get Stronger with us Safely this Saturday!
Contact us now!




Sunday, May 10, 2009

47th National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships




Team Iron Behemoths would like to congratulate two of our members, Angelina and Jonas, for their excellent showing at the 47th National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships.
We also would like to give a rousing hand to all who competed and inspired,
and to the SBBF for putting up a great show.
Here are some snapshots of the event.


First up, we have our Behemoth Belle.


Introducing Ms Angelina Tan.


Stepping on stage for the first time.

None would have guessed it with her exuding such confidence and poise.

Ms Bodyfitness 160cm and below Champion.

Looking delicate and dainty next to The Hulk. Yup, Sam has that effect on most people.

Ta - Da ! Fairy tale ending to months of hard work!

Well done, Angelina! We are very proud of you!

Half Time Interval Show

Thanks Nick!
Sam savouring a Czech delight- Homemade Recipe Blueberry pancakes with yoghurt and whipped cream.
Yes, many people did stare and yes it was on purpose!
Yes, yes, yesssssss!


Behemoths with 'Uncle'! Big respect!




Ladies and Gentlement,
it is time once again for The Jonas Tam Show!

Jonas Asis Tam - Mr Singapore 1st Runner Up
Classic lines from the 65kg Weight Class Champion.


Most muscular pose from a most deserving Champion!


With the 'Jonas brothers' and the rest of the family. Smiles all around.


Throwing the thumbs up in celebration!
And throwing Jonas over the shoulder for another mandatory Victory Lap.

Long may it continue. Many more laps to go.

Structured Strongman Training Session Highlights: 9 May 2009 - Strongman SuperYoke and Powerlifting Club Bench

G'Day Mate, we have a special from down under in today's Strongman Spotlight.
Introducing Lee Rasmussen,

His training partners include the current Western Australia's Strongest Man, Daniel Macri, and New Zealand's Strongest Man competitor Sam Aickin. At 88kg, he's the lightest of the 3 (Dan is 155kg), but what a grip he has! Lee specialises in grip strength, having just been certified as a Mash Monster #3 closer: http://www.mashmonster.com/ (his name's right down the bottom).

Having heard about us Behemoths through a martial arts instructor, Lee, who trains Strongman in Perth, emailed us and we arranged for him to join us for today's session.
The Strongman SuperYoke and Powerlifting Club Bench
Lee impresses on the Strongman SuperYoke, a staple in their training down under as well.
Lee joining in our Powerlifting Club segment where our members come weekly to learn and to share tips and techniques. This time, it came from Down Under!
And now for the feature,
Our latest toys, the Heavy Grip Handgrippers, ranging from a "Beginner-100lbs" to the "Grip Monster-350lbs"- recently brought in for our members to test and increase their grip strength, were given a masterclass by Lee.


From the basics of 'setting' the gripper with proper placement to 'pulling the trigger' and making an official close, Lee gave our members a clinic with his awe-inspiring demonstration of the above and all the finer points in between.


Members taking away valuable lessons in grip stregth from an expert which will in turn translate us having a stronger grip!
Once again, all of us here would like to extend our gratitude to Lee for his expert advice, keen participation and strong friendship.

Lee had one more trick up his sleeve though,
Don't worry, we cleaned up after. But what awesome grip strength!



Over here at Team Iron Behemoths, we speak the international language of strength, of which there are no barriers. We invite everyone, whatever your strength level , to come and get stronger!

So join us for a free trial session!

Simply email teamironbehemoths@gmail.com or call/text 91011721 for enquires or to book yours now!
We welcome you with open 20 inch arms!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Structured Strongman Training Session Highlights: 2 May 2009 - Strongman Farmer's Walk and Powerlifting Club Deadlifts



We had another mainstay for Today's session -The Farmer’s Walk

Many people have a bitter-sweet relationship with this lift.

One might find it the most grueling of all events but yet it is also the most satisfying when one manages to hit personal bests with it…

And if you manage that feat, then you've earned a spot in our -

Strongman Spotlight




Kevin nailing a never before 90kg-a-side.

Bettering his lifts with us by the session, we know Kevin is capable of much more.



Indeed, two of our members, Kevin and Lee rose to the occasion and hit all time bests this week. Kevin completed 90kg in each hand rather effortlessly.

In the same vein, Lee nailed 80kg for three crisp sets as well.


Their outstanding performances affirmed the truism of strongman training: “Practice makes better.”


As a matter of fact, both Behemoths were struggling with such loads only a while ago. Kevin and Lee, you have certainly come a long way since...therefore you two deserve to be in the Strongman Spotlight for this week!

Lee getting a pesonal best of 80kg-a-side for 20m.



And to show it was no fluke, he repeated the feat twice! Well done, Sir!



Next we have our Powerlifting Club,

The Lift of The Day was the Deadlift and despite being zapped by the farmer’s walks earlier, our members still put in a great showing.

Kevin is a bonafide member of the 3 Cookie-a-side Club. A Cookie here weighs 20kg by the way.




And Lee is getting closer to it by the week. The improvement is remarkable!


Before the actual lifting, Samuel "The Hulk" Lim recapped the fundamentals with regards to technique once again. The Behemoths lapped up the information as they were very interested to learn.

Perhaps it was the tips just being shared and put in practice (or it was just the fact that he is a strong boy), we have a new member in the Three Plate Club,Zhan Wei,as he lifted 160kg easily.

Glen also deserved an honourable mentioned as he too hit 3 plates with the sumo stance for the first time.


But the day belonged to Kevin and Lee.


Make the day yours!

Come join us for a free trial session!

Simply email teamironbehemoths@gmail.com or call/text 91011721 to book yours

.....and Feel the Rush!