- Nationality: Icelandic
- Height: 1.91m
- Weight: 130kg
A man with four World’s Strongest Man golds to his name and a further two silvers is one worthy of the history books. Magnusson dominated the sport in the early 1990s before retiring in 2008. He is now the owner of a gym in Reykjavikand, Iceland but often returns to the strongman scene to referee or commentate.
As well as winning the WSM competitions within the earlier days, this old school legend also won Iceland’s Strongest Man eight times between the years of 1988 and 2004. Although Magnusson retired as a strongman, he is looked at as an idol for the modern day strongmen and set the bar on what a true dedicated strongman should be able to achieve within their run!
Along with Mariusz, Jon Pall and Kazmaier; Magnus is considered one of the all-time great strongmen.
Most recent achievement: Magnus Magnusson’s most recent achievement was winning Iceland’s Strongest Man back in 2004. He was definitely the strongman of his time and set good examples for the modern day strongman!
The Legends of Strongman Challenge: Even though Magnusson retired from the strongman sport in 2008, he competed in a one-off event at The Giants Live Strongman Championships in 2019. He battled against fellow strongman legend Bill Kazmaier within the Hercules Hold event. This was spectacular to see two old school legends to come back in the light and battle for one last time. Within this event, the organisers reduced the weight of each pillar by 20kg, which, when thinking about the overall weight of the pillars, really wouldn’t make much difference. Magnusson shocked the crowed by achieving a time of 101.2 seconds holding these gigantic pillars from falling. While Kazmaier could only manage just over 18 seconds. This shows how dedicated and inspirational this old school strongman legend really is!
See also Bill Kazmaier Weight, Height and Stats: Pushing the Boundaries of Strongman Workouts
Here is the amazing footage of Magnusson and Kazmaier the old school legends, battling it out within The Hercules Hold:
Magnus Magnusson Workout Plan Strategy
If you’re looking to gain insights from the training methods of an iconic strongman, Magnus Magnusson, known for his dominance in the early 1990s, you’re in for a treat. Magnus Magnusson’s training plan incorporated a combination of strength, power, and dedication that made him a legend in the world of strongman competitions. Here’s a glimpse into Magnus Magnusson’s workout plan strategy.
- Heavy Compound Lifts: Magnus Magnusson’s training revolved around heavy compound lifts to build overall strength and power. Exercises such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses were key components of his training routine. These lifts engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously and stimulate overall strength development.
- Event-Specific Training: Strongman competitions require athletes to excel in various events with specific challenges. Magnus Magnusson dedicated specific training time to each event, focusing on event-specific exercises to develop the necessary skills, technique, and strength. For example, he would practice log presses, atlas stone lifts, tire flips, and farmer’s walks to prepare for the unique demands of these events.
- Strongman Accessory Movements: Alongside the main compound lifts, Magnus Magnusson incorporated accessory movements that targeted specific muscle groups and improved overall performance in strongman events. These could include exercises like farmer’s walks, yoke carries, sandbag lifts, and keg throws. Varying the weights, distances, and repetitions helped simulate the challenges faced in competitions.
- Grip Strength Training: Strong grip strength is vital in many strongman events. Magnus Magnusson recognized this and included grip-specific exercises in his training routine. Exercises such as plate pinches, thick bar holds, and farmer’s walks with heavy weights helped develop a strong grip, essential for events like farmer’s walks and deadlifts.
- Cardiovascular Conditioning: Magnus Magnusson understood the importance of cardiovascular endurance in strongman competitions. Incorporating cardiovascular exercises like rowing, cycling, or battle ropes improved his overall conditioning and allowed him to perform at a high level throughout the duration of events.
- Mental Toughness and Focus: Strongman competitions require mental fortitude to push through physical challenges. Magnus Magnusson emphasized mental toughness, focus, and discipline in his training. Visualizing success, maintaining a positive mindset, and developing a relentless work ethic were integral parts of his training strategy.
- Recovery and Nutrition: Magnus Magnusson recognized the importance of proper recovery and nutrition for optimal performance. Sufficient rest, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition were key factors in his training plan. Consuming a well-balanced diet with sufficient protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats supported muscle repair, growth, and overall recovery.
It’s important to note that Magnus Magnusson’s training plan was designed for elite-level strongman competitors. Consult with a fitness professional or coach before attempting any new workout program to ensure it aligns with your current fitness level and goals.
By incorporating elements of Magnus Magnusson’s workout plan strategy into your training regimen, you can work towards developing remarkable strength, power, and overall performance. Embrace his dedication, work ethic, and legendary status as you strive to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of strongman.