It goes without saying that training to be a strongman competitor, at any level, is a lot of hard work.
To succeed, an individual must have an intense desire to excel at their sport and be dedicated daily to improving their overall strength and conditioning.
A positive attitude and strong will, as well as the devotion of many long hours in the gym are all instrumental in determining the success of a strongman.
We got in touch with Toronto based strongman, Team Barbarian member and this week’s Exercise Toronto athlete of the week, Josh Hewett, to find out a little bit more about his career, future goals and exactly what it takes to be a successful strong man competitor.
Josh, to begin, what are some of the athletic organizations you are associated with?
I’ve been a member of Team Barbarian, since 2006 and a personal trainer at the Sports Medicine Specialists clinic since 2007.
I’ve also been a member of the Ontario Powerlifting Association since 2008.
What is the greatest accomplishment of your athletic career?
In 2002, I qualified for the Ontario’s Strongest Man competition, and finished 8th in the finals. I’ve placed in the top 3 in several other strength competitions, but the Ontario Strongest Man was the highest level contest I’ve entered.
What are some of your short-term athletic goals?
I turn 40 years old this year, and my short term goals are to become stronger, leaner, and more muscular than I have ever been in my life… Period.
What are some of your long-term goals?
1) In the next few years I would like to qualify for the finals at the Ontario’s Strongest Man competition – one more time.
2) I will be publishing my strength training manual this year, which will be entitled “Get STRONG: The Barbarian Strength System.” (Look for it later this year at www.BarbarianStrength.com)
3) I would like to share my knowledge and expertise with a greater number of people by expanding my online business, as well as conduct seminars and clinics.
How did you get involved in strong man competitions?
I started weight training at the age of 17 in order to put some muscle on my 6 foot tall, 150 lb frame.
By the time I was in university I weighed over 240 lbs and decided to compete in powerlifting. I caught the “Iron Bug” and after a few contests I took a shot at strongman training and competition.
My trainer partner at the time, Conor Kelly, and I entered our first strongman contest in PEI in 1998 and I’ve been addicted ever since!
Are there any professional athletes who have been an inspiration to you?
Jon Pall Sigmarsson was a tremendous influence on me growing up. I used to watch him competing in the World’s Strongest Man competitions and was always impressed with his intensity and obvious passion for his sport.
He had a HUGE personality and loved to entertain the crowds as well as win contests. I was also impressed with the fact that he was usually one of the smaller, leaner strongmen but made up for this difference in size by being much faster and more athletic (as well as incredibly strong).
And of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger also influenced me to start working out, as I’m sure he was a major influence on many other young men at that time.
Are there any individuals you know/have met personally, who have been an inspiration to you:
Hugo Girard, who was Canada’s Strongest Man for several years, and competed at the World’s Strongest Man competitions many times. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen him, but he was an inspiration not only due to his incredible strength and power, but also because of his dedication to strength athletics and his willingness to help those who are new to the sport.
My wife is also a great inspiration to me when it comes to meeting any challenge. She has accomplished so much in her life and is a very ambitious person. It’s her positivity and encouragement that motivates me to become a better person every day.
What motivates you to be successful?
Part of what motivates me to be successful is the desire to accomplish something memorable and lasting during my stay on this planet. By the way, success to me involves how you balance your athletic endeavors, family life, business, and spiritual life.
Another motivator that drives me in my workouts and competition is an inner hunger for strength and the need to face and overcome challenges. I believe that by conquering obstacles in training or competition builds mental strength and character, as well as physical strength.
I am also motivated by the desire to be successful as a strength coach and personal trainer. By testing and implementing my strength and conditioning programs myself I can provide better service to my clients. As a trainer it’s important to lead from the front, and I believe that the fact that I still compete makes me a better coach and “teacher.”
What type of training do you do to prepare for a strongman competition?
I typically train in the gym three days per week, for about 60 to 90 minutes each time.
I focus on basic, compound exercises involving the primal movements (squats, deadlifts, presses, rows, chin-ups), and alternate between upper body and lower body workouts.
On the weekends I do a “Strongman” workout with the Team Barbarian group, using implements such as tire flipping, log pressing, Atlas Stone loading, and arm over arm.
I also incorporate some plyometric and sprint work, as well as sled dragging, for general conditioning.
What do you enjoy most about your athletic career?
I enjoy the fact that “strongman” is a unique and challenging sport, which requires one to be physically strong and well conditioned, as well as mentally tough. I also often train in a group atmosphere with like-minded individuals, which is important to me
Also, training with the implements is fun as hell!
Thanks for taking the time to do this Josh, and the best of luck to you.
For anybody who is looking to find our more information about you or contact you, what is the best way?
You can find out more information about me and Team Barbarian at www.teambarbarian.com.
Also, if anyone is interested in following my free e-newsletter, please check out at www.strongerandleaner.com.
Stay Strong!
Exercise Toronto Staff
