Wild Physique Unleashed: Journey Into Strength 2012

By Coach Cj Swaby


So training is now in full swing for my first strongman event at the end of July, Bigger Faster, Stronger.   Its been a huge learning curve for me and I'm enjoying the process.

As you may know I've entered the individual and the team event. It almost came to a grinding halt this week when we were a man down. Matt Whitmore of Fitter London was unable to compete as part of the team.  We had less than 6 weeks, plus we are raising money for the worthwhile charity The African Village School and they were depending on us.

After a brief moment of panic, Bj  of Optimal Life Fitness came up with a sterling suggestion, "Why don't we ask Andy Marshall." Andy "The Goat" Marshall runs Mill Hill Combat Academy.  Andy's response? "Pumped to be on board. You know we have to win this thing, it's first or nothing. "  I smiled. Once again its on.

Bj and I decided to get some technical work in on the Log lift.  In the week we headed out to Reflexions gym. This is as far from a global gym as you can get. Chalk, heavy iron and all the strongman toys you could want. Not a whiff of Zumba or a lycra clad body insight. A breath of fresh air.

 They guys were really friendly and accommodating. They showed us where the kit was and left us to it. If we needed anything they were on hand. We got down to the nuts and bolts of our training.



Now that I am getting a better understanding to how my body responds to this type of training, and becoming more technically proficient,  I am allowing myself to enjoy the training more - even the bits that hurt!


With 5 weeks to go, it looks as if the final  team will be more than ready.



If you want to take part, or just come down and support us, you can find out more about the event, Bigger Faster Stronger by clicking HERE. 

To find out more about  the UK based charity The African Village School and the great work they do in Swaziland, click HERE.

Wild Physique Unleashed: Journey Into Strength 2012

By Coach Cj Swaby


With six weeks out until Bigger, Faster Stronger competition at Grinstead. I had booked in a one to one technical training session with the event organiser, Andy "Iron Mac" McKenzie.

If you do not know who Andy McKenzie is, you really should get to know. He is a renowned Strength and Conditioning Coach who walks the walk and dominated the UK Strength and Power Meet in 2010.

The reason for seeing Andy was pretty simple. If I wanted to put in a good performance at the competition I had to make sure my preparation was on point.

I had never experienced the Log lift and I wanted to get expert coaching to ensure that I was not just effective, but also efficient. Thats where Iron Mac came in.


I took the trip to Grinstead to visit the renowned  Training Lab.  As you pull up to the door of the gym you are greeted with a plaque that pretty much sums up Andy McKenzie's training philosophy. " Setting Standards Not Limits". I smiled, it was like coming home.

I entered the gym as was greeted with a tidy gym, that boasts all the toys and none of the gimmicks of commercial global gyms. Power racks, cages, Olympic platforms, ropes, rowers,  Kettlebells, dumbbells (even circus dumbbells), punch bags and most importantly - chalk. Andy gave me the tour, then we got down to business.

Andy is an outstanding coach. He breaks down the technique so that it is easy to get to grips with the fundamentals, and ensures that you can execute it. He does this with charisma and authority.  I picked his brain on various aspects and benefited greatly from his knowledge. The clip below is a great example.

Having had that session with Andy Mckenzie I am now far more confident in my ability and look forward to putting it to the test at Bigger Faster Stronger on 29th July.





You can find out more about Andy McKenzie at www.ironmacfitness.com