Stepping into the domain of strength sports, you can’t ignore the sheer power and grit associated with Conan’s Wheel. Titled after the famed character of muscle and might – Conan the Barbarian, this event webbed into the fabric of strength sports, adds an unforgettable thread of intrigue and test of fortitude.
On the surface, Conan’s Wheel might seem like a hefty barbell awaiting the grip of a towering athlete, but in truth, it’s a test of unrivaled endurance and strength. It challenges even the most hardy bodybuilders, demanding not just muscle power but mental stamina. It epitomizes bodybuilding’s fundamental mantra – victory earned through sweat, resolve, and relentless training.
Most importantly, this event carries a certain resonance, a unique battle cry that calls on some of the greatest strength athletes. It’s a legendary platform, where giants pitted against weights unheard of, and lay down stories of extraordinary human strength. These remarkable sagas continue to shape the course of strength sports, pushing boundaries higher and shattering limits wider.
History and Origin of Conan’s Wheel
At first glance, Conan’s Wheel might look like a daunting piece of equipment straight out of a medieval blacksmith’s forge. The truth is not far off. The apparatus is a yards-long bar, tapered at both ends and fits onto a pivot. At the ends of this bar, often named ‘Conan’s Bar,’ are weights that athletes must lift and carry, testing their strength, endurance, and willpower.
The beastly contraption is so named because of its appearance in the movie “Conan the Barbarian,” where muscular protagonist Arnold Schwarzenegger pushes a giant wheel, seemingly endlessly. Translating this cinematic dramatization into the world of strength sports has been a powerful addition, marking the inception of what we now consider a classic test of going the distance.
Origins
A significant portion of the history of Conan’s Wheel is steeped in the lore of the Schwarzenegger saga. The dramatic scene where a young Conan is destined to push a massive wheel sets a precedent for this event. As Conan ages and becomes a muscular warrior over the years he spends pushing the wheel, the symbolic representation of raw strength and stamina comes to life for strength sports enthusiasts.
The notion was implemented when strength sports organizers decided to recreate this scene practically and, admittedly, competently. Thus was born a spectacle unlike any other in the realm of strength sports.
Development and Growth
Through the years, Conan’s Wheel has ascended the ladder of popularity among strength athletes and enthusiasts alike. Originating as a homage to a cinematic sequence, it’s now a vital element in premier strength competitions globally, featuring in events like World’s Strongest Man and the Arnold Strongman Classic.
Adjustments in design, weight limitations, and rules have been a part of its growth story to ensure fairness, competitiveness, and safety. But the core principle remains unchanged: to push one’s physical limits while lifting and carrying an enormous weight. The transformation of this event from a novel idea to a testament to physical power marks an important chapter in the annals of strength sports.
Bodybuilders and Their Engagement with Conan’s Wheel
Conan’s Wheel isn’t for the faint-hearted or those who veer towards the lighter end of weight training. It invites robust strength athletes – bodybuilders often doubling as strongmen – willing to push the boundaries of human strength and endurance.
Persistent training, innate power, and tireless determination are prerequisites for engaging with Conan’s Wheel. It’s an event that attracts bodybuilders who invite intensity, strive for longevity, and are in constant pursuit of empowering their grip, core, and overall strength.
Among these athletes, you’d often find strongmen competitors who routinely lift, pull and carry enormous weights. For these bodybuilders, it is a battlefield where they blend raw power and advanced lifting techniques to muscle the wheel for maximum distance.
Performing under the demanding conditions of Conan’s Wheel is exceedingly challenging. Unlike traditional weightlifting events that test maximal strength, here, sustained power output over time and impeccable weight-handling techniques constitute the cornerstone of successful participation.
Bodybuilder Profiling: Giants of Conan’s Wheel
Mastering the challenge of Conan’s Wheel requires incredible physical prowess, dedication, and discipline. A select few bodybuilders have left an indelible impression in history with their outstanding records and performances in this iconic event. Let’s get into the profiles of two such giants who have conquered the world of Conan’s Wheel.
Getting into the Life and Career of Zydrunas Savickas – Conan’s Wheel Legend
Biography
Born Zydrūnas Savickas on July 15, 1975, in the quaint town of Biržai, Lithuania, the man dubbed the strongest human on earth was destined to leave a colossal mark on the strength sports domain. A champion to his core, Savickas’ journey toward strength sports began early – he claimed his first powerlifting victory on home turf at the tender age of 16, heralding the advent of an exceptional career that was yet to blossom fully.
Through years of tirelessly disciplined training and relentless will, Zydrunas soon found himself on the international stage, debuting at the World’s Strongest Man competition in 1998. This kicked off a path to see Savickas reach the pinnacles of strongman achievement, breaking records, and accumulating many prestigious titles.
Career
- His strongman career took off after he became motivated in 1989 while watching a Lithuanian strongman competition on television.
- Following his newfound inspiration, Savickas began training in powerlifting at the age of 17 and broke all Lithuanian records in his second powerlifting competition.
- He made his debut in professional competitions in 1992, beating more experienced and older contestants in the Lithuanian Strongman Championship.
- In 1998, he claimed his first notable title by winning the “Lithuania’s Strongest Man” contest. Over the years, Savickas won this title 17 times consecutively from 1998 to 2014.
- Savickas has four times World’s Strongest Man champion titles in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014.
- He also holds the record for the most Arnold Strongman Classic wins, with eight titles to his name in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2014, and 2016.
- Savickas was the IFSA Strongman World champion twice in 2005 and 2006.
- He has also participated in various other competitions throughout his career, including Europe’s Strongest Man and the Giants Live events.
- A testament to his strength and determination, Žydrūnas Savickas has set more than 70 new world records during his career in strength sports.
Personal Records
- Savickas’ personal bests in official powerlifting competitions under IPF rules include squatting 425.5 kg, bench press of 265.5 kg, a deadlift of 400 kg, and a total sum of 1090.5 kg, all claimed in the Lithuanian National Championships.
- Savickas’ record in strongman sports includes lifting a log weight of 228 kg and performing 15 lifts of a 329 kg giant barbell squat.
- In addition, he performed a deadlift of 442 kg using the Ironmind S-Cubed Bar at a one-inch deficit.
- He lifted an axle press of 205 kg for two repetitions, set in the World’s Strongest Man 2011 finals.
Legacy
- Savickas’ career in strength sports, spanning over several decades, has left a distinguished legacy.
- With over 84 international victories in significant competitions, Žydrūnas Savickas is considered one of the greatest strength athletes of all time.
- He has had a major influence on the sport throughout his career. He has consistently pushed limits, breaking records, and elevating the standard for upcoming rivals.
- His determination, strength, and performance have made him an iconic figure in the powerlifting and strongman community.
- Žydrūnas Savickas’ openness about his training, charismatic personality, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him respect and a devoted following worldwide.
Training Regimen and Workouts
Zydrunas Savickas has a well-structured training regimen tailored to his needs in strongman competitions:
- Powerlifting Background: Zydrunas Savickas emphasizes the basic powerlifting movements as a core part of his training. This includes:
○ Bench Presses: Zydrunas does these with varying weights according to his training schedule. His personal best is a massive 285.5 kg.
○ Squats: Zydrunas heavily incorporates squats into his workouts, as they are essential to building overall lower body and core strength. His personal best in the squat is an impressive 425.5 kg.
○ Deadlifts: Zydrunas uses deadlifts to strengthen his back and legs. His record for the deadlift stands at 409 kg.
- Overhead Presses: He includes behind-the-neck presses in his training routines to build his shoulder strength specifically. His exceptional overhead press has helped him win many prestigious titles.
- Strongman Specific: Zydrunas also integrates strongman-specific training into his workout routine. This includes:
○ Tyre flips: These develop both lower body strength and explosive power.
○ Farmer’s walks: This exercise targets overall body strength, focusing on grip, shoulder, and back muscles.
○ Various lifting events: Zydrunas often practices competing events such as log lifts, keg tosses, and Atlas stones as part of his training.
- Training Cycles: Zydrunas employs different training cycles based on time proximity to a competition. In the off-season, he works more on his basic strength by doing more work with barbells and dumbbells. In contrast, as competition nears, he shifts his focus to event-specific training.
Diet Plan
When it comes to diet, Zydrunas Savickas adheres to a relatively sensible meal plan:
- Caloric Intake: The typical daily caloric intake for Zydrunas Savickas is around 5,000 calories. This ensures his body has enough energy to handle his highly physical training routine.
- Protein Intake: He eats a lot of protein to aid in the development and repair of his muscles. Lean protein sources including steak, fish, and chicken fall within this category.
- Carbohydrates: His diet includes a moderate amount of carbohydrates, often sourced from foods like rice, potatoes, and pasta.
- Fats: Savickas includes a healthy amount of fats, often from fish, avocado, and nuts.
Remember, this type of training regimen and diet plan is designed for a world-class strongman and may not be suitable for everyone’s individual fitness goals. When adopting a new fitness or nutrition plan, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified professional
Exploring the Life and Career of Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson – Conan Wheel Champion
Biography
Born in Reykjavík, Iceland, on November 26, 1988, the imposing figure of Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson might never have entered the world of strongman competitions if it weren’t for an untimely ankle injury at the age of 19. This turn of events forced Hafþór to set aside his already promising basketball career and leap into the challenging world of strength sports.
Measuring an impressive 205 cm (6 ft 9 in) in height, Hafþór inherited his towering stature from his parents, with both his father and grandfather also being exceptionally tall. Apart from his awe-inspiring performance as a strongman, Hafþór is also world-renowned for his compelling portrayal of “The Mountain” Ser Gregor Clegane in HBO’s smash-hit series, “Game of Thrones.”
Career
- Before his strongman career, he was a professional basketball player. His basketball career spanned from 2004 to 2008 and he played a total of 32 games for the Icelandic junior national basketball teams.
- Due to a recurring ankle injury, he retired from basketball and shifted his focus to strength athletics.
- In 2010, Björnsson attracted attention in the strongman circuit when he quickly climbed to the Icelandic Strongman Championships, won the event, and earned himself the title of “Iceland’s Strongest Man”.
- Over the years, he competed in and won numerous international strongman competitions, with notable victories including the Arnold Strongman Classic (which he won in 2018, 2019, and 2020), Europe’s Strongest Man (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019), and the World’s Strongest Man (2018).
- In 2018, Björnsson achieved a rare trifecta, becoming the first person to win the Arnold Strongman Classic, Europe’s Strongest Man, and World’s Strongest Man in the same calendar year.
- Additionally, he placed second three times (2014, 2016, 2017) and third four times (2012, 2013, 2015, 2019) at the World’s Strongest Man competition.
- In addition, Björnsson pursued a career in acting. From 2013 to 2019, he played the highly recognized character of Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane on the HBO series “Game of Thrones.”
- In 2023, he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.
Personal Records
- Björnsson’s list of feats is extensive. He holds the world record for a deadlift under strongman conditions at 501 kg, which he set in 2020.
- His other significant personal achievements include a log lift max of 213 kg, a squat max of 440 kg, a bench press max of 250 kg, and a tire deadlift max of 460 kg.
- Perhaps his most publicized feat was at the 2015 World’s Strongest Viking competition in Norway when he broke a 1,000-year-old record set by Orm Storolfsson by carrying a 10-metre-long, 650 kg log for five steps.
Legacy
- With his impressive collection of victories, records, and accolades, Björnsson is considered one of history’s greatest strength athletes.
- His unique achievement of winning the Arnold Strongman Classic, Europe’s Strongest Man, and World’s Strongest Man in the same calendar year sets him apart in the field of strongman sports.
- Björnsson has set numerous world records and broken several more, making him a legendary figure within the strongman community.
- His career reflects the modern era of strength competition while his image and reputation have influenced a new generation of strength athletes.
- Even outside the strongman arena, his role as “The Mountain” in ‘Game of Thrones’ has left a lasting impression and contributed to popularizing the sport to new audiences worldwide.
Training Regimen and Workouts
- Safety Bar Squats:
○ Weight: 242 kg
○ Sets: 3
○ Reps: 8
- Stone To Shoulder Lifts:
○ Weight: 194 kg using a natural stone
- Bench Press:
○ Weight: 190 kg
○ Sets: 3
○ Reps: 5
- Cardio Workout Routine:
○ Bjornsson performs a cardio routine every morning of the week, followed by a strongman routine in the afternoon.
Diet Plan
- Breakfast:
○ 3 eggs and 200 grams of chicken
○ A smoothie containing 150 grams of yogurt, 100 grams of berries, and 40 grams of oats
- During Training:
○ Consumption of various meals throughout the day, including quantities of chicken, rice, vegetables, and other protein sources.
- Overall Caloric Intake:
○ Bjornsson was consuming up to 10,000 calories per day at one point. His diet has since evolved, especially with his transition to boxing and subsequent weight loss.
The training and diet details provided above were a reflection of Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson’s routine during his strongman career. His workout and diet routines may have evolved as his focus shifted to boxing. It is important to tailor fitness and nutrition plans to individual needs and goals, so these details should not be taken as one-size-fits-all advice.
Performance in the Conan’s Wheel: An Observation of Strength Sports Legends
Through their monumental performances, both athletes have etched their names in strongman history, redefining the boundaries of the Conan’s Wheel event. This overview aims to shed light on their performances, achievements, and indomitable spirits as a testament to their legendary status in strength sports.
Zydrunas Savickas on Conan’s Wheel
His imposing performance in Conan’s Wheel has cemented his place amongst the greatest.
- Savickas boasts a very successful track record across various strongman events. In Conan’s Wheel, he has consistently shown impressive performance, carrying enormous weights for extended distances.
- Notable performances include his feats during the “World’s Strongest Man” and “Arnold Strongman Classic” events, where the Conan’s Wheel is often featured. Here, Savickas would often out-lift and out-endure his competitors, resulting in superior performances in technique and sheer power.
- Zydrunas Savickas is known for his immense static strength and unparalleled determination, making Conan’s Wheel an event well-suited to his skills. Though exact records specific to Conan’s Wheel are difficult to come by, there’s no doubt that Savickas is amongst the top performers in this event.
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson’s Experience with Conan’s Wheel
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson shares several parallels with Savickas, including effective execution of the Conan’s Wheel.
- Like other strength events, Björnsson has demonstrated exceptional performance in the Conan’s Wheel, showcasing his resiliency and muscular endurance in carrying the heavy burden around the designated range.
- Some of Björnsson’s best moments in Conan’s Wheel can be seen in the World’s Strongest Man competitions where he exhibited an impressive combination of power, balance, and endurance.
- In the 2015 Europe’s Strongest Man competition, for instance, Björnsson managed to cover an incredible distance in the Conan’s Wheel event (weight equivalent to several adult men), contributing significantly to his overall victory in the competition.
- Although, like in the case with Savickas, specific records related to Björnsson in Conan’s Wheel are limited publicly, his performances in these events are widely regarded as indicative of his status as one of the all-time great strongmen.
Both Zydrunas Savickas and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson have displayed remarkable skill, strength, and endurance while participating in the Conan’s Wheel. These athletes show what can be achieved with dedication, technique, and sheer strength – setting the benchmark in the world of strength sports.
To better appreciate their prowess in action, below are some YouTube links capturing the highlights of their performances.
Zydrunas Savickas and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson: An Overview of Potential Steroid Usage
Zydrunas Savickas Steroid Cycle
No publicly available information specifically outlines the alleged steroid regimen employed by Zydrunas Savickas. It’s essential to note that such practices, even when prevalent, come with health risks and legal implications, besides the ethical considerations.
However, some professional bodybuilders and fitness experts posit that strongmen, in principle, might likely follow an intense steroid regimen similar to the one outlined below:
- Testosterone Enanthate/Cypionate (500-1000 mg per week): This acts as the base of the cycle, promoting muscle size and strength gains.
- Deca-Durabolin (400-800 mg per week): This is used for its joint soothing benefits and synergistic effect with testosterone.
- Dianabol (50 mg per day, during cycle kickstart): This potent oral steroid is often used initially for rapid gains.
- HGH (4-6IU per day): Human Growth Hormone could be used for its capability to promote recovery and lean muscle growth.
- Arimidex (0.5-1 mg every other day): This is an aromatase inhibitor, used to control estrogen-related side effects.
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson Steroid Cycle
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson has indeed admitted to steroid use in a public interview, becoming one of the few strongmen to acknowledge it openly. However, he has not specified the compounds or the cycles he used.
Potentially, a strongman at the level of Björnsson’s caliber might follow an advanced performance-enhancing drug routine. Professional bodybuilders and fitness experts speculate that such a cycle could look something like this:
- Testosterone Enanthate/Cypionate (500-1000 mg per week): Forms the base of the cycle for overall muscle size and strength.
- Trenbolone Enanthate (400-600 mg per week): This powerful steroid is known for its muscle-building potential, albeit with noticeable side effects.
- Anadrol or Dianabol (50-100 mg per day): Often used at the start of the cycle for immediate gains.
- HGH (4-6 IU per day): HGH could potentially be part of the cycle for its recovery and lean muscle benefits.
- Aromasin or Letrozole (Dosing dependent on individual side effects): These are used to manage estrogenic side effects during the cycle.
Fundamentally, it’s important to underscore that regardless of these conjectures, steroid usage should not be seen as an easy shortcut to reaching professional-level strength. The professional strength athletes’ immense dedication, strategic training regimens, and dietary discipline ought to receive primary credit for their extraordinary capabilities.
The Significance of Conan’s Wheel Within Strength Sports
Conan’s Wheel is more than just a strength event. It’s a comprehensive assessment that pushes athletes not only physically but also mentally. Its unique combination of testing perseverance, raw strength, and endurance offers unparalleled insights into an athlete’s all-encompassing capabilities. Providing such extremes confirms that strength sports are about muscle power and the comprehensive range of human potential.
Contribution to the Evolution of Strength Sports
Conan’s Wheel has undeniably contributed to the evolution of strength sports. Its unique design and the physical demands it imposes on athletes have inspired many new strength events and challenges. The rise in popularity of such strength competitions demonstrates how the event continues to pioneer and redefine the boundaries of endurance and physical power.
Engaging Spectator Interest
From a spectator perspective, the event provides a thrilling viewing experience, as athletes push their limits in real-time, carrying immense weights for prolonged periods. The emotional engagement and crowd support further fuel an athlete’s motivation, making it a significant event contributing to the fan culture surrounding strength sports.
A Touchstone for Athletes
For athletes, it serves as a touchstone. It provides a platform where, through pushing their boundaries and overcoming physical adversity, they can motivate aspiring athletes, redefining what is thought humanly possible.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the significance of Conan’s Wheel in strength sports is the way it encapsulates what such sports represent: strength, resilience, aspiration, and the human spirit’s ability to surpass limitations. Whether measured by the momentous feats of athletes or the enthusiasm it generates among spectators, it will continue to hold a central place in the heart of strength sports.
