So you want to be an athlete?

**Chase** · 10th November 07, 11:50 AM

Just an update on my training...I'm two-weeks into my routine and have gained 4 lbs so far...For some reason, the pain is harder to get used to, but I'm ok after the warm-ups.

I also increased my calorie (protien) intake and number of meals per day...I'm taking it light so far, just to get the technique and body mechanics to proper form...My trainer is an ex strongman competitor from Romania...He's got me doing my split routine, but he puts emphasis on arm and weight positioning.

One of the hardest things I've added is working with Gymnastic Rings...I'm using my own body weight, but minus any stabilization, I can barely do anything...It's all wobblely, for instance, I can do three sets of ten bench dips (no problem), but can barely do three dips using the rings??? Go figure.

After my strength training is when I start practicing the actual game evolutions...A friend of mine named William McKnight is helping me to build the props...If you're interested, I'll continue to keep you guys up-to-date every once in awhile.

Thanks again for the tips and motivation.

Chase

**Yaish** · 10th November 07, 04:28 PM

Chase said:

One of the hardest things I've added is working with Gymnastic Rings...I'm using my own body weight, but minus any stabilization, I can barely do anything...It's all wobblely, for instance, I can do three sets of ten bench dips (no problem), but can barely do three dips using the rings??? Go figure.

It makes perfect sense. When you use a stable base for the exercise you are only training the 'working' muscles. The related, stabilizing muscles get very little workout at all. If your entire weight training regime consists of very stable bench and machine work you never get those stabilizing muscles.

Traditionally the strongest guys have been workmen - farmers, dock workers, construction, etc... Lifting odd objects, full range of motion stuff really gets the body involved. Thats the type of strength the Highland Games relies on mostly, because it requires your entire body for each event.

**Alan H** · 12th November 07, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Chase

A friend of mine named William McKnight is helping me to build the props...If you're interested, I'll continue to keep you guys up-to-date every once in awhile.

Thanks again for the tips and motivation.

Chase

When you've got the implements put tgether, snap some pics, eh? I'll be curious to see what you come up with.

I visit the Doc tomorrow and will pitch the idea of going back to the gym this week!

**Chase** · 19th November 07, 09:49 AM

Thanks Big H...I've been doing those weightless squats and they've helped out quite a bit...I wear approximately 83 lbs of gear (a 44 lb ballistic vest and a 39 lb load bearing vest to carry extra ammo, etc). This helps in a way, becuase occasionally, I have clients that we protect and their venues are 8-10 flights of stairs, (there's never a really good supply of electricity or elevators that work good in Iraq)...LOL.

Anyway, I've made great progress and wanted to say thanks for the tip.

Chase

**BoldHighlander** · 8th January 08, 04:12 AM

Great thread!
Unfortuantly a lower back (& groin) injury would keep me from competeing

However I'm sending alot of this info to my son (he's 23), whom I'd like to get involved in the heavy events. He's about 5' 9" & built like bull. I think if I could get him out on the field he'd never leave!!

**Yaish** · 8th January 08, 04:07 PM

That's awesome.

The information in this thread is a great start to practice, and check your local area to see if there is anyone he can train with. Nothing beats a hands on teacher, and there is no substitute for competition to help you learn faster.

**SteveB** · 8th January 08, 06:37 PM

This past summer, I went to a festival that had a demonstration of the Games. Those of us that attended kilted were invited to try each of the events. I am 56 and 190 Lbs (should be 150) at 6'1". I work in a Hardware Store tossing 40 Lb bags of concrete mix, 60 Lb bags of sand and 50, and 100 Lb bags of Rock salt and other ice melters during the Winter. I did not qualify on any of the throwing events. I did qualify in the Caber Toss. Four out of twenty of us went on to "compete" in the demonstration event. The judges were great using us to explain to the spectators the rules and techniques. The two experts in the Caber Toss were thrilled and helpful, even when during the competition I had bested them. The camaraderie was great, and I now have a few more friends for it. Participation in the events that I did not qualify were as much and one more fun than even the one I won. One of my "competitors" commented that the hardware experience is what gave me the stability that bore the good results. One judge asked me if i was a "Ringer". This was my first attempt at anything like the Games.
--- Steve

**Yaish** · 8th January 08, 07:25 PM

Great job Steve, Caber is one of the most difficult events to master. That you got it is fantastic. Good job, and don't give up.

**Alan H** · 10th January 08, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by SteveB

This past summer, I went to a festival that had a demonstration of the Games. Those of us that attended kilted were invited to try each of the events. I am 56 and 190 Lbs (should be 150) at 6'1". I work in a Hardware Store tossing 40 Lb bags of concrete mix, 60 Lb bags of sand and 50, and 100 Lb bags of Rock salt and other ice melters during the Winter. I did not qualify on any of the throwing events. I did qualify in the Caber Toss. Four out of twenty of us went on to "compete" in the demonstration event. The judges were great using us to explain to the spectators the rules and techniques. The two experts in the Caber Toss were thrilled and helpful, even when during the competition I had bested them. The camaraderie was great, and I now have a few more friends for it. Participation in the events that I did not qualify were as much and one more fun than even the one I won. One of my "competitors" commented that the hardware experience is what gave me the stability that bore the good results. One judge asked me if i was a "Ringer". This was my first attempt at anything like the Games.
--- Steve

Fantastic! I'm determined that I'm gonna turn one of the competition cabers this year!

**Alan H** · 10th January 08, 01:44 PM

New training regime in the weight room.

I've changed things slightly. I'm in there 2 - 3x a week now. While I still do a lot of core work (sit-up, leg lifts and reverse sit-up) I have changed my leg workouts from pushing heavy weights to explosive strength.

I'm now jumping up to about a 28 inch platform....stand, and jump using minimal arm momentum to get me up there. I do two sets of 12-15 of these.

I also do crouch-jumps on the floor with about 60 pounds (30 pound dumbells in each hand). I hold the dumbells straight down, and crouch, keeping my back straight. I then jump straight up and keep at it until either my heart rate goes up that it's time to stop or I can't clear my feet off the floor.

Both of these should help with caber and WOB

I'm doing a lot of shoulders work, and triceps (bench dips)

I've taken to loading about 60 pounds on the machine that has a cable pulley coming out from the floor.. Our gym has a rope fitting that attaches to the end of the cable. I can lock my fingers under the rubber ends on this rope so that I'm holding it much like how you hold a caber. I adjust the cable until the play starts at about navel level. Then it's two sets of 12-15 fast lifts from navel to nose level. This should help with caber.

Finally, every other workout I'm backing away from all the other equipment and putting a 50 -55 - 60 pound dumbell on the floor. I then lift this, explosively, and haul it up over my head in a motion that approximates the WOB movement. I do this on each arm 10-15 times, one set. This one is a serious heart-rate workout, just like the crouch-jumps with weight.. After this, 42 pounds should feel light!

We shall see, come early February!!!