Delhi couple wins Jerai Strongman competition – here’s how they prepared for it

The couple talk about their strict diet and exercise routine.

The Jerai Strongman competition was recently held in Delhi where several men and women participated to display their strength by taking part in competitions such as mini truck pulling, car lifting, heavy sandbag walk, deadlifting and squatting around 500 Lbs.

The competition was won by a couple Amit Singh in the male category and his wife Purnima in the female category. We spoke to them about how they prepared for it and eventually cracked it. Excerpts from the interview.

How did you prepare for the competition?

We have been preparing for this competition religiously by following a disciplined routine. My wife and I work out together regularly for 2-3 hours in the evening which includes more of legs and shoulders workout.

Exercises like heavy weight squats, military press and push press are imperative for gaining strength as legs and shoulders are the most active muscles used for performing any strongman activity. Strongman is a sport that requires strength, speed and endurance all at once. Therefore, in order to synergize all these we do a lot of cardio like running, sprinting and swimming along with our heavy weight training schedule. We train six days on and one day off for recovery. Our workout regimen is mostly similar.

Our workout schedule includes:

• Regular running
• 100-metre sprint twice a week
• High jumps 4.5 metre
• Twice a week swimming
• Military press with 150 kg weight
• Push press with 175 kg
• Full squats with 250 kg
• Purnima performs push press with 85 kg

What is your diet plan like?

We usually prefer home-made food. However, our diet is slightly higher in calories and protein because of the heavy and intense workout sessions. We incorporate dairy that includes around 6 litres of milk for both of us, 10 whole eggs and chicken in winters. As per the supplementation is concerned, we have whey protein and multivitamins for better performance and recovery.

Women are considered weak as compared to men when it comes to physical strength. Is it possible to be at par with men physically?

I don't think that s true. A human body is way stronger than we expect. Whether it s a man or woman, the real strength lies in one s mind. One needs to be mentally strong first because without that one cannot push their limits to perform any strength-based activity. Women can definitely be at par with men when it comes to physical strength. Also read about - strongest Indian competition in India.

The competition was organised by Jerai, India s largest gym equipment manufacturer, in association with BodyPower India, Asia's largest sport, fitness and nutrition trade exhibition.

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