- Nationality: American
- Height: 1.91m
- Weight: 160kg
Born in 1953, and long since retired, Bill is one of the greats of the strongman sport. Not only did he hold the title of World’s Strongest Man three times, Kazmaier was also a world champion powerlifter and professional wrestler. Not a guy to mess with!
There is much speculation that, had Kazmaier continued to compete during the period in which he was allegedly banned from WSM (for apparently being too dominant), he would hold the record for the most WSM wins.
Bill returned to WSM in 1988 but was narrowly beaten to his fifth title by Jon Pall. The following year Bill was injured in competition and subsequently retired. Kazmaier still plays a predominate role in strongman and is often seen commentating for American TV audiences.
Most recent achievement: Bill Kazmaier’s most recent achievement was his noticeable win within The World’s Strongest Man competition in 1982. Although Bill has been retired for many years now, he can still sit back and relax knowing that in his time he managed to achieve this great title of first place.
See also Magnus Magnusson – Unlocking Stats and Inner Strongman: Revealing Workouts Strategy
The Legends of Strongman Challenge: In 2019 Bill came back into the light with his fellow old school strongman Magnus Magusson, to perform one last time at the Giants Live Strongman competition. These two old school competitors battled it out within The Hercules Hold event. 20Kg was taken off of each pillar within this event, but due to how heavy these pillars actually are, 20Kg would not have made much of a difference! Bill managed to hold these majorly heavy pillars up for over 18seconds! For an old school strongman to be competing in such a modern day event, this was not bad at all. Unfortunately for Bill, his fellow legend Magusson took the win with an astonishing 101.2 second hold which is very impressive. But still regardless of who won, this old school legend coming back to compete here just goes to show you are never too old when you’re a strongman legend!
Here is the amazing footage of these great legends performing within the Hercules Hold event:
Bill Kazmaier Strongman Workout Plan
Bill Kazmaier, a true legend in the world of strongman, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his immense strength and accomplishments. If you’re looking to gain insights from his training methods and incorporate them into your own workouts, here’s a glimpse into Bill Kazmaier’s strongman workout plan.
- Compound Lifts: Bill Kazmaier’s training revolved around heavy compound lifts to build brute strength and power. Emphasize exercises such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses. Focus on lifting heavy weights with low to moderate repetitions to develop maximum strength.
- Event-Specific Training: Strongman competitions feature a range of events, each with its unique challenges. Dedicate specific training sessions to practice event-specific exercises, such as log presses, atlas stone lifts, tire flips, and farmer’s walks. Focus on developing the necessary skills, technique, and strength required for each event.
- Explosive Power Training: Strongman events often require explosive power. Incorporate exercises like power cleans, box jumps, medicine ball throws, and kettlebell swings into your training routine. These exercises help develop explosive strength and fast-twitch muscle fibers, essential for events like the tire flip and log press.
- Grip Strength Training: Strong grip strength is crucial in many strongman events. Train your grip by incorporating exercises like farmer’s walks with heavy weights, thick bar holds, and plate pinches. Gradually increase the weights and focus on maintaining a firm grip.
- Strongman Accessory Movements: Include accessory movements that target specific muscle groups and improve overall performance in strongman events. This may involve exercises like yoke carries, sandbag lifts, keg throws, and sled pushes. Vary the weights, distances, and repetitions to simulate the challenges faced in competitions.
- Cardiovascular Conditioning: Strongman competitions demand not only strength but also cardiovascular endurance. Incorporate cardiovascular exercises such as rowing, cycling, or battle ropes to improve overall conditioning and endurance. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can simulate the intense bursts of energy required in strongman events.
- Mental Focus and Determination: Mental fortitude is as crucial as physical strength in strongman competitions. Bill Kazmaier emphasized mental focus, determination, and the ability to push through challenges. Cultivate a strong mindset, visualize success, and maintain a positive attitude during training and competitions.
- Recovery and Nutrition: Prioritize proper recovery and nutrition to support muscle repair and growth. Allow sufficient time for rest and recovery between intense training sessions. Ensure you consume a well-balanced diet with adequate protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to fuel your workouts and aid in muscle recovery.
Remember, it’s important to consult with a fitness professional or coach before attempting any new workout program, especially if you’re new to strength training or strongman events. They can provide personalized guidance based on your current fitness level and goals.
By incorporating elements of Bill Kazmaier’s strongman workout plan into your training regimen, you can work towards developing exceptional strength, power, and performance. Embrace his dedication, tenacity, and legendary status as you strive to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of strongman.