Copywriter, SSSPORTS.COM
SSS Fitness Fest 2016 was a spectacular display of athleticism and health, with a host of fitness enthusiasts, celebrities and professionals gathering to celebrate the pursuit of a healthy mind and body. Amongst the planking challenges, core workouts, cook-offs and pole fitness routines, the event witnessed the sheer strength and adrenaline-soaked power of the Strongman Champions League. Down to its final round, the Strongman Champions League contestants shook the earth with feats of strength, stamina and determination.
Since 2008, the Strongman Champions League has put a spotlight on the world’s strongest men through several grand prix events held across the world. Working in association with the International Federation of Strength Athletes, the Championship holds stage level competitions in different countries where over 100 Strongmen compete to be crowned the world’s strongest man. Broadcast on television in 95 countries, the Strongman Champions League pushes the level of brute strength with events that involve lifting weights, car chassis, tyres, boulders, buses and pulling cars, tractors, boats and even an aircraft.
This year, the World Finals of the Strongman Champions League were held at SSS Fitness Fest, with the top 10 finalists battling it out through fierce competitions of strength. Cars were lifted, rocks were hauled, muscles were flexed and the audience was left stunned. After fighting it out through 16 stages held over the course of the year across 16 countries, it all came down to the final moments at Skydive Dubai. After a blistering series of competitions, Dainis Zageris of Latvia emerged as the 2016 World Strongman Champion, with Poland’s Krzystof Radzikowski in 2nd and Slovenia’s Matjaz Belsak in 3rd places respectively. After the victory podium celebrations, the winners made their way to the Sun & Sand Sports stand for an exclusive photo op with fans, with their phones at the ready for their selfie of the day.
Training for an event like the Strongman Champions League is grueling to say the least and is a combination of diet, exercise and determination. By combining cardio, weights and core exercises as well as a balanced diet, the body builds endurance and strength with every workout. Leaning towards a protein-rich diet helps in muscle building, while food rich in potassium like avocados and bananas reduces the soreness and strain that you’d feel after a workout. By supplementing your workouts with a healthy water intake, the body is better able to manage the strain on your muscles. And ultimately, it is the will to keep hitting the weights, treadmill and mat every day, through the sweat and the pain that makes all the difference.
To help you train the right way, here are our picks of the best workout wear:
Gymshark Seamless Onyx Tank
Rock every workout with the Gymshark Seamless Onyx Tank for men. Featuring a unique chest detail over a seamless knit fabric and a 4-way stretch for mobility, the tank leaves you with just the right amount of comfort for every workout.
Nike Fly Men’s 9″ Training Shorts
The Nike Fly 9″ Training Shorts for men are designed with breathable sweat-wicking Dri-FIT fabric and side motion vents for ventilated comfort and freedom to move. An inside leg gusset offers wide range of motion while a stretch waistband with an interior drawcord gives you a snug, secure fit.
adidas Workout Full-Zip Hoodie
The adidas Workout Full-Zip Hoodie for men is best for outdoor workouts. Made with climalite® fabric, the hoodie keeps you warm and comfy with a full-frontal zip for superior coverage. Ribbed cuffs and hem provide a secure fit while a full-zip with a drawcord-adjustable hood protects you from the elements.
adidas Techfit Base Shards Graphic Tights
The adidas Techfit Base Shards Graphic Tights for men allow you to maximise your workouts with ease. Made with climalite® fabric to keep you fresh all day long, the tights come with flatlocks seams to reduce chafing. The UPF 50+ provides UV Protection and a compression fit reduces muscle vibration.
Nike Train Dynamic Training Shoe
Train non-stop with the Nike Train Dynamic Training Shoe for men. The shoe’s aggressive construction features the strategic rubber pods in the outsole, dual-density Phylon midsole for cushioning and Flywire technology to give you just the push you’re looking for.
Gymshark Element Holdall Bag
The Gymshark Element Holdall Bag is the latest gym bag from Gymshark featuring a massive centre cavity and two side pockets for ultimate storage. Featuring handles as well as an over-the-shoulder strap, the Element Holdall makes room for all that your workout demands.
Strength training is often as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Once you conquer your mind, the body will follow. Remember, you are only one workout away from a stronger you. And when you feel like quitting, think about why you started. Gear up for a stronger you by checking out the latest training products for this season at the Sun & Sand Sports online store.
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