Mastering the Hold of Titans: The Hercules Hold Records

Although modern humanity will likely never encounter the trials of strength and stamina faced by the mythical demigod Hercules himself, one competition, originating from the world of Strongman sports, replicates the essence of Herculean challenges. This is none other than the “Hercules Hold.”

The Seeds of Hercules Hold History

The mythological tale of the Pillars of Hercules tells us that when Hercules needed to cross a mountain on his way to the garden of the Hesperides, he used his superhuman strength to smash it into two pieces rather than climb over it. When these two pieces fell into the sea, they formed what we now know today as Gibraltar and Monte Hacho. Since then, these two halves have been known as the Pillars of Hercules.

Our Strongmen may not be smashing mountains, but they are our modern-day Hercules. In this event, they demonstrate their strength by standing on a raised platform in a fixed position, using chains to keep two massive pillars upright. Each pillar weighs 160 kg, and the event ends only when the Strongman can no longer support both pillars.

The Hercules Hold has its roots in the blood, sweat, and iron of Strongman competitions. To truly understand this event, one must peer back into the annals of history. The sport’s origins are as diverse as its participants, with many cultures having their iterations of athletes displaying their physical prowess, from the ancient Highland Games in Scotland to primitive weightlifting in early civilizations.

The modern iteration of the Hercules Hold is a reinterpretation of these age-old contests. Participants must maintain the hold over two hinged pillars, designed to pull away with increasing force, simulating Hercules’s strain in holding apart two mythological beasts. Over time, it evolved into a fan favorite due to its tremendous display of strength and endurance, concepts central to the spirit of Strongman events.

Understanding the Hercules Hold Mechanics

Today’s Hercules Hold is all about a test of grip strength and mental resolve. Athletes stand between two hinged pillars or handles, held arm’s length away from the body. The handles are then released, and slowly but surely, gravity starts pulling them apart. The objective? Hold on as long as possible, grin, and bear the intense strain.

Just possessing brute strength isn’t enough to triumph in this event. It is a test of mind echoing the ancient hero’s resolve. The load on each handle can be up to 350 pounds, and the strongest can withstand it for around a minute – a ticking clock that is both incredibly swift and agonizingly slow to the contenders.

Training for the Showdown for Hercules Hold

Achieving incredible strength and endurance in Hercules Hold requires focused training, strategic approaches, and persistent dedication. Participants must develop a comprehensive strength-building regimen targeting essential muscle groups and building mental resilience. Here are some essential training components for the Hercules Hold:

• Grip strength: Central to Hercules Hold, competitors must develop a strong grip through exercises such as towel pull-ups, dead hangs, and fat-grip implements, in addition to the main gripping exercises mentioned above.
• Shoulder stability: Exercises such as overhead presses, face pulls, and rotator cuff variations are crucial for building robust shoulders while maintaining joint health. Strong and stable shoulders serve as the foundation for enduring the forces exerted by the Hercules Hold.
• Core training: A strong core allows athletes to maintain their balance and body stability during the event. Exercises like planks, cable rotations, and hanging leg raises are important components of preparing for the Hercules Hold challenge.
• Large compound lifts: Total body strength is crucial for strongman events. Including compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and Olympic lifts in a training program supports overall strength development and contributes to specific performance improvements in Hercules Hold.
• Mental preparation: Embracing adversity and building mental toughness is essential for overcoming the physical demands of the Hercules Hold. Visualization, goal setting, and mental techniques like mindfulness can help athletes develop the necessary mental strength to endure the event.
• Cardiovascular conditioning: Although Hercules Hold primarily tests musculoskeletal strength, having better cardiovascular fitness allows athletes to recover quicker between attempts and maintain composure during the hold. Incorporating both low-impact steady-state (LISS) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) helps maximize recovery and performance.
• Mobility and flexibility training: Maintaining healthy joints for optimal range of motion is crucial to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance. Including stretching and mobility exercises as part of the training program helps safeguard the competitors from potential setbacks.

Safety should be a top priority during training. Competitors must use proper lifting techniques, mobility drills, and progressive overloading to ease into their training and minimize the risk of injuries. Building strength focuses on incremental improvements, and a cautious approach is vital to achieve lasting strength gains.

The Apotheosis of Holds: World Records

Now, let’s look at the stories of the two record-setting titans: Mark Felix, and Laurence Shahlaei.

Mark Felix: A Deep Dive into His Legacy, Hercules Hold, and other Achievements

Early Life

• Birthplace: Born on April 17, 1966, Mark Felix spent his early years growing up in the lively town of St. George’s, Grenada.
• Migration: At the pivotal age of 23, seeking better prospects, he made a big leap and emigrated to Rishton, Lancashire in England.
• Initial Expertise: Before strongman contests, Felix was dedicated to bodybuilding. Bodybuilding laid down his base, establishing a solid foundation of strength, discipline, and commitment, all of which were instrumental for his future calling.
• Profession: Felix was not always a full-time athlete. He crafted a living working as a plasterer before his athletic career, deploying his superior strength and precision in his craft. This occupation inadvertently developed and fine-tuned his gripping strength and muscular endurance.

Mark’s Strongman Journey

• Strongman Entry: Recognizing a latent passion, Felix embraced the challenge of strongman competitions at the arguably late age of 37. His entry into this hefty world was marked by a swift mastery over heavy weights and challenging apparatus.
• Professional Turn: Felix transitioned from newbie to professional within just a year of first stepping into the strongman arena. He turned pro following the inauguration of the International Federation of Strength Athletes (IFSA) Strongman Federation in 2004.
• From Bodybuilding to Strongman: Shifting his focus from bodybuilding to strongman competitions was a bold move in 2003. Despite beginning his strongman journey later compared to other athletes, Felix quickly established himself as a formidable competitor due to his prior strength training.

Significant Achievements

Mark Felix‘s career showcases an array of significant feats, setting him apart as a master of grip strength and an enduring force in the Strongman world:

• His career took flight with a third-place finish in England’s Strongest Man in 2004, catapulting him into the strongman spotlight.
• In 2005, he clinched the title at the IFSA British Championships, displaying his handling skills across diverse challenges such as the Deadlift, Farmer’s Walk, and the iconic Atlas Stones.
• Felix’s prowess earned him second place in Britain’s Strongest Man in 2006. Proving his unflinching perseverance, he competed in The World’s Strongest Man in the same year, landing a commendable fourth-place position in the finals.
• From 2008 to 2020, Felix was a regular feature in Europe’s Strongest Man competitions, where he seized third place not once, but twice, in the years 2010 and 2015.

Personal Records

Mark Felix’s praise isn’t just limited to his competition success; his awe-inspiring personal records are a testament to his relentless pursuit of strength:

Gym Records

• Squat: Felix displayed his might with a formidable squat of 350 kg or 770 lb.
• Bench Press: His upper body strength is highlighted by a substantial bench press record of 240 kg or 530 lb.
• Deadlift (without straps): Felix demonstrated his raw pulling power with a commanding deadlift of 405 kg or 893 lb.

Competition Records

• Equipped Deadlift: Demonstrating his mettle in a competitive setting, Felix pulled a herculean-equipped deadlift of 420 kg.

Strongman Competition Feats

• Hummer Tire Deadlift (with straps): Felix powered through the Hummer Tire Deadlift raising an astounding 511.5 kg or 1,128 lb at the Arnold Strongman Classic in 2013.
• Hercules Hold: Felix broke the world record for Hercules Hold at the 2020 Europe’s Strongest Man competition, holding the position for an impressive 92.37 seconds, cementing his legacy as a grip strength legend.
• Silver Dollar Deadlift (without a deadlift suit): Felix demonstrated his consistency and durability by lifting 515 kg or 1,135 lb in the Silver Dollar Deadlift at the UK’s Strongest Man competition in 2021.

Mark Felix’s career trajectory resonates with his innate capability to adapt, learn, and continuously redefine his limitations. His grip strength defies his age and surpasses even those competitors more than a decade younger. This enduring strength and legacy in the strongman world have rightfully earned him the title of “The Miracle Man.” Felix represents more than just a holder of the Hercules Hold record; his name will forever be associated as one of the most accomplished, enduring figures in the Strongman community, resonating with the spirit of the sport.

Laurence Shahlaei & Hercules Hold: An Overview of His Life and Achievements

Early Life

• Birth and Heritage: Laurence Cristiaan David Shahlaei was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on Christmas Day in 1982. Laurence’s heritage is beautifully mixed – his father hails from Kermanshah, Iran, while his mother was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
• Education: As a young student, Shahlaei attended Balcarras School. Later, the family moved to the picturesque Stroud, Gloucestershire, where he continued his education.
• The Ascent into Strongman: Laurence began strongman training in 2005 and wasted no time in challenging himself. The same year, he entered his first novice competition, finishing in 8th place, signaling the promising potential for his future in the Strongman arena.

Strongman Career

• Initial Feats: Within merely two years, the budding strongman entered his first Britain’s Strongest Man (BSM) competition after a triumphant win at the Midlands qualifier.
• Evolving Athlete: Despite suffering a bicep injury in 2007 that forced him to withdraw from the competition, Shahlaei proved his resilience. In 2008, he qualified yet again, ultimately finishing an impressive 4th in the final.
• World’s Strongest Man: His outstanding performance in 2008 made an impression on the strongman community and earned him a spot in the prestigious World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition that same year. Although he did not make the final, his tenacity did not falter.
• Favorite Events and Achievements: Laurence established a deep connection with specific events, such as the Squat for Reps, Farmer’s Walk, and Super Yoke. Throughout his 15-year career, he participated in 55 international competitions, securing victories in 8 of them. Most notably, he won the title of Europe’s Strongest Man in 2016.
• At the 2011 WSM, Shahlaei achieved an impressive 4th place finish and consistently placed within the top 10 multiple times, in 2009, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
• Final Showdown: Laurence signaled the end of his competitive career at the 2021 Giants Live Strongman Classic, clinching a respectable 7th place.

Personal Records

Shahlaei’s numerous records in both powerlifting and strongman competitions are a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for strength-based sports:

Powerlifting Records:

• Squat max: An impressive 380 kg (838 lb) at the 2020 Tattooed and Strong event.
• Bench press max: He pushed through a 227.5 kg (502 lb) bench press at the 2020 Tattooed and Strong event.
• Deadlift max: A massive 385 kg (849 lb) lift in the 2016 Tattooed and Strong competition.
• Total: An astounding combined total of 960 kg (2,116 lb).

Strongman Records:

• Dinnie Stone carries in farmers’ walk style (with the original stones): A World Record distance of 22 ft 4 in (6.81 m).
• Squat: A remarkable 317.5 kg (700 lb) with 12 reps executed during the 2017 WSM.
• Log press: An intense 185 kg (408 lb) lift at the 2011 SCL South Africa event.
• Axle press: Shahlaei pressed 205 kg (452 lb) at the 2010 Giants Live Turkey competition.
• Deadlift: A prodigious 435 kg (959 lb) deadlift during the 2014 Europe’s Strongest Man contest.
• Dumbbell press: 100 kg (220 lb) x 4 repetitions at the 2018 Giants Live North American Open.
• Car Walk: Shahlaei carried a 450 kg (992 lb) car for 20 meters in 11.05 seconds at the 2016 Europe’s Strongest Man event.
• Thor’s Hammer one-arm grip lift: A staggering 113 kg (250 lb) lift at the 2021 Rogue Invitational.
• Captains of Crush: Shahlaei has closed the No. 3 gripper, which has a crushing pressure of 127 kg (280 lb).

Laurence Shahlaei’s journey from being a novice in strongman competitions to becoming a celebrated, decorated athlete is a testament to his natural talent, unwavering determination, and tireless hard work. His numerous records and achievements clearly demonstrate his strength and the invaluable contributions he has made to the strongman world.

Trials of Titans: Training and Diet for Hercules Hold

Each record holder’s journey to the zenith of this event involves a meticulously planned training regime, a disciplined diet, and, in some cases, performance enhancers.

Mark Felix Workout & Diet for Hercules Hold Events:

• Workout Frequency: As a professional strongman, Felix’s training would typically range from 4-6 days per week depending on where he stands in the competition season. Off-season might involve less frequent but heavier sessions, while pre-competition periods could include more frequent but varied training for conditioning.
• Routine: A strongman’s routine involves a mix of compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses, each performed for 3-5 sets of 3-8 reps to build maximal strength. Felix might integrate specific strongman events training, like farmer’s walks or atlas stones, into his weekly routine.
• Grip Training: Mark’s unparalleled grip strength training likely revolves around heavy carries, holds, and pulling exercises with thick handles to mimic the grip challenges of competition. High-rep sets and timed holds could be frequent in his regimen.
• Diet: To fuel such intense workouts, strongmen consume upwards of 5,000-10,000 calories per day, split across multiple meals rich in protein (meats, fish, eggs), complex carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, oats), and healthy fats (nuts, avocado, oils), with vegetables providing necessary vitamins and fiber.
• Recovery: Active recovery such as mobility work, light cardio, and stretching, as well as passive recovery methods like massages, ice baths, and sufficient sleep, would be crucial to Felix’s ability to train consistently.

Laurence Shahlaei and his Training Before Hercules Hold Contest:

• Training Split: Laurence would have likely adhered to a training split that targeted different muscle groups and strongman events across the week, ensuring ample recovery time for each muscle group.
• Cardio and Conditioning: His regimen would include cardio and conditioning work like prowler pushes and sled drags, aimed at maintaining the endurance needed for competition events like the Car Walk.
• Volume and Intensity: Training would likely alternate between periods of high volume (more reps, lighter weights) and high intensity (heavier weights, fewer reps) to build both muscle endurance and peak strength.
• Dietary Regimen: Shahlaei’s diet would be meticulously designed to support both weight management and muscle gain, with a focus on lean proteins, carbohydrates timed around workouts for energy, and healthy fats for hormonal balance and inflammation control.
• Recovery and Physiotherapy: As a strongman and a personal trainer, Shahlaei understands the importance of recovery, likely incorporating active rest days, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation exercises into his routine, especially after sustaining injuries throughout his career.

Steroid Usage of Hercules Record Holders

While there is no publicly available evidence or confession regarding steroid usage by these bodybuilders, many speculate that due to the immense pressure and competitiveness at the professional level, they might have used performance-enhancing drugs to gain an advantage.

Mark Felix Steroid Cycle

According to the opinion of pro bodybuilders and fitness experts, Mark Felix might follow a steroid cycle similar to the following:

1. Testosterone Cypionate: 500-750 mg per week
2. Deca Durabolin: 300-500 mg per week
3. Dianabol: 30-50 mg per day
4. Human Growth Hormone (HGH): 4-6 IU per day
5. Anastrozole: 0.5-1 mg every other day

It is essential to remember that these are purely speculative and not confirmed by Mark Felix or any official sources.

Laurence Shahlaei Steroid Cycle

Like many professional athletes at the top echelons of their sport, Shahlaei may face speculation about steroid usage or performance-enhancing drugs to maintain a competitive edge.

According to the opinion of pro bodybuilders and fitness experts, Laurence Shahlaei might follow a steroid cycle similar to the following:

1. Testosterone Propionate: 400-600 mg per week
2. Trenbolone Acetate: 300-400 mg per week
3. Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate): 200-400 mg per week
4. Anadrol: 50-100 mg per day
5. Arimidex: 0.5-1 mg every other day

Again, it is important to note that these steroid cycles are speculative and not verified by Laurence Shahlaei or any official sources.

Mark Felix: Grip Strength Extraordinaire and Record-Breaking Hercules Holder

Mark Felix etched his name in the annals of strength athletics by delivering an awe-inspiring performance in the Hercules Hold at Giants Live Wembley 2019. The defining moment saw Felix surpass the threshold of human endurance as he shattered the existing world record.

The record-setting event unfolded in Manchester Arena, where Felix, with his exceptional strength and tenacity, took on the challenge of the Hercules Hold. The atmosphere was electric. The crowd was rapt with anticipation, knowing they were witnessing a potential record-setting performance.

Surpassing the one-minute mark, which itself is an extraordinary feat, Felix demonstrated why he is an undisputed titan in this discipline. With Manchester’s support, Felix not only eclipsed the previous world record but raised the benchmark to a staggering new height — achieving 1 minute and 27.52 seconds. This feat was not just a victory of the day, but an embodiment of his longevity and supremacy in the sport.

In this iconic event, age was just a number for Felix. His record-breaking grip is a testament to his prowess and unwavering resolve. An athlete ever-present in the global strongman circuit, Felix illuminated Manchester with a performance that will resonate through the ages, bringing the entire arena to its feet, united in a deafening chorus of admiration and awe.

His record stands as a towering benchmark for aspiring strongmen and is a monumental addition to the annals of strength athletics. The visual encapsulation of Felix’s phenomenal hold, the crowd’s support, and the glorious aftermath can be relived through the following links:

Hercules Hold Champions and Records: The Enduring Strength of Laurence Shahlaei and Mark Felix

Laurence Shahlaei’s ascent in the strongman world from a novice to becoming Europe’s Strongest Man demonstrates his incredible resilience and strength. His ability to overcome injuries and push the boundaries of his personal records, in events like the Car Walk and Thor’s Hammer, leaves an inspiring legacy in strongman history. Mark Felix, with a strongman career that defied age, is particularly renowned for his extraordinary grip strength, exemplified by his world records in Hercules Hold. Starting at 37, Felix’s achievements have proven that age is but a number, and his enduring physical power continues to awe fans and competitors alike.

Both athletes share a commonality in their Herculean strength and perseverance, leaving indelible marks on the sport. The Hercules Hold event, a testament to their gripping capabilities, is a measure of physical endurance and symbolizes the relentless spirit both these men embody. Future generations of strongmen will continue to be inspired by each of them as they retire from the competitive arena, leaving behind a legacy of strength and determination.