- Nationality: American
- Height: 1.96m
- Weight: 140kg
Unlike many strongmen, Josh didn’t come into the sport from powerlifting or athletics but instead aspired to be a strongman from the get-go, having been inspired by Bill Kazmaier when he was twelve. He has since managed an impressive three World’s Strongest Man appearances. A fourth WSM was on the cards for 2012 until an unfortunate injury led to him pulling out.
Joshua has been on the strongman scene for a while now but has yet managed to achieve the glory of a podium position at international level. If he can stay injury free he may continue to qualify for WSM. Fingers crossed that he keeps trying rather than turning to the dark side and taking up MMA which is something Thigpen expressed as an option within an interview in February 2012.
For many years now, Joshua has not been seen taking part within these strongman events since his last event in 2011. In 2012 Joshua qualified for the WSM competition, but could not proceed due to a bicep tear! Maybe he has follow his dark side to the world of MMA, but rumour has it, Joshua is training other upcoming strongmen and has created a type of training for these strongmen called “The Cube Method”.
Joshua has since competed in The World’s Strongest Logger Competition and is said to have flew through these events. Whether Joshua will one day return to the strongman sport is anyone’s guess.
Most recent achievement: Joshua’s most recent achievement within the world of the strongman sport is placing 2nd within the Chinas Strongest Man competition, which is incredible considering he is still recovering from his bicep tear (hence the left arm bicep tendon brace). Here is the footage from this event which unfortunately is not with English audio, but you can still see Joshua battling it out within this event:
Joshua Thigpen Workout Strategy for Strongman Success
Joshua Thigpen, a renowned strongman competitor, has developed a workout strategy that has propelled him to success in the world of strongman competitions. If you aspire to follow in his footsteps and unleash your full potential, consider incorporating the following elements into your workout routine:
- Strength and Power Focus: Joshua Thigpen emphasizes heavy compound lifts to build overall strength and power. Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses take center stage in his training regimen. These movements engage multiple muscle groups, promoting functional strength development.
- Event-Specific Training: Strongman events often involve unique challenges like tire flips, yoke walks, and atlas stone lifts. Joshua Thigpen dedicates specific training sessions to simulate these events and develop the specific strength and skills required. Incorporate event-specific exercises into your routine to improve technique and familiarity with the equipment.
- Dynamic and Explosive Movements: To enhance power output and explosiveness, Thigpen incorporates exercises such as box jumps, kettlebell swings, and medicine ball throws. These dynamic movements train the fast-twitch muscle fibers, essential for explosive strength in strongman events.
- Grip Strength and Forearm Training: Strong grip strength is crucial in strongman competitions. Thigpen focuses on exercises that target grip strength and forearm development, such as farmer’s walks, axle bar deadlifts, and plate pinches. Incorporating these exercises will improve your ability to handle heavy loads and maintain a secure grip.
- Core and Stability Work: A strong core and stability are vital for strongman events that require balance and control. Thigpen includes exercises like planks, Russian twists, and single-leg exercises to strengthen the core and improve stability under heavy loads.
- Conditioning and Cardiovascular Training: Strongman competitions demand not only strength but also endurance. Thigpen includes conditioning work to improve cardiovascular fitness, such as sled pushes, battle rope workouts, and rowing intervals. This training enhances overall stamina and ensures you can sustain high-intensity efforts throughout the competition.
- Periodization and Progressive Overload: Thigpen employs a periodized approach to his training, alternating between phases of heavy lifting, hypertrophy, and peaking for competitions. Progressive overload is key, gradually increasing weights, reps, or intensity to continually challenge the body and stimulate growth.
Remember, Joshua Thigpen’s workout strategy is tailored to his specific needs and strengths. Adjust the intensity, volume, and exercises based on your own fitness level and goals. It’s essential to prioritize proper form, rest and recovery, and listen to your body to prevent injuries and optimize performance.