- Nationality: British
- Height: 1.91m
- Weight: 160kg
Laurence stands at 6″3′, a height us mere mortals would consider tall but a relative dwarf compared to the most recent crop of strongmen. But don’t let this man’s stature fool you as Laurence has been Britain’s Strongest Man in 2012 and 2013. He is considered by many of his peers to have been the most improved athlete within these years. Shahlaei went on to win Europe’s Strongest Man in 2016.
Shahlaei has qualified for World’s Strongest Man eleven times and his best performance behind fellow countryman Terry Hollands in fourth place at WSM 2011. He looked set to contend for a podium position in 2012 but an unfortunately an injury led to him conceding his spot to new boy Graham Hicks.
Laurence is known as having the strongest legs in Britain and constantly performs well in squat events. His talents extend to moving events too, with standout performances in The Farmer’s Walk and The Frame Carry. As far as British strongmen go, Hollands has the better pedigree but Laurence is the up and coming talent and never ceasing to impress with his continual improvement.
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If it all goes tits up, we think Laurence has a future rivalling strongman commentator Colin Bryce. Being articulate, knowledgeable and friendly, what’s not to like?!
Most recent achievement: Laurence Shahlaei’s most recent achievement is setting a new world record in The Car Walk event at Britain’s Strongest Man in 2016. This record was achieved while carrying a VW Beetle weighing in at 460Kg over a 20m distance and this was completed in a time of 11.92 seconds.
Here is the footage of Shahlaei’s world record for this specific Car Walk event:
Laurence Shahlaei Workout Plan
If you aspire to build immense strength and power like Laurence Shahlaei, the formidable British strongman, you’re in luck. Laurence’s dedication and continual improvement have earned him prestigious titles and a reputation for having one of the strongest lower bodies in the sport. If you’re ready to take your training to the next level, consider incorporating elements of Laurence Shahlaei’s workout plan into your routine.
- Compound Lifts: To develop overall strength and power, focus on compound lifts such as the squat, deadlift, bench press, and overhead press. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting muscle growth and enhancing strength gains. Incorporate both heavy lifts and variations to challenge your body.
- Leg Strength: Laurence Shahlaei is renowned for his incredibly strong legs. Prioritize leg exercises like squats, front squats, lunges, and leg presses to target your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Aim for high intensity and progressively increase the weights to continuously challenge yourself.
- Moving Events Training: Strongman competitions often involve moving events such as the Farmer’s Walk and Frame Carry. To excel in these events, incorporate exercises that mimic the movements involved. Perform farmer’s walks using heavy dumbbells or implements like farmer’s walk handles. Use a loaded frame or yoke carry to simulate the frame carry event.
- Core Strength: Strong core muscles are essential for stability and power in strongman events. Include exercises like planks, Russian twists, hanging leg raises, and cable woodchops to strengthen your core. Focus on maintaining proper form and gradually increase the intensity and difficulty of these exercises.
- Event-Specific Training: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in strongman events and dedicate specific training to improve in those areas. For example, if you struggle with overhead pressing, incorporate exercises like log presses, axle presses, and dumbbell presses to develop your upper body strength and technique.
- Cardiovascular Conditioning: Strongman competitions require not only strength but also cardiovascular endurance. Incorporate cardiovascular exercises such as rowing, cycling, or battle ropes into your training to improve your overall conditioning and endurance.
- Recovery and Nutrition: Allow your body sufficient time to recover between intense training sessions to optimize muscle repair and growth. Pay attention to proper nutrition, ensuring you consume adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support muscle development and overall performance.
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 Laurence Shahlaei’s workout plan into your training regimen, you can work towards building impressive strength and power. Embrace Laurence’s drive for continual improvement, and watch yourself make significant strides in your strongman journey.