2017 World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall was the first person to deadlift 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds). Hall continues to captivate his audience even post-competitive strongman career with his training and feats of strength.
Hall has competed in an indie wrestling show, fought in a pro boxing bout, and even ate the entire McDonald’s menu in one go. On July 21, 2024, Hall shared his chest training with actor, bodybuilder, and star of Those About to Die on Peacock Martyn Ford.
Eddie Hall & Martyn Ford’s Exercises
Below is the chest workout Ford brought Hall through:
- Machine Chest Flyes
- Machine Incline Chest Presses
- Cable Chest Flyes
- Machine Triceps Dips
- Push-Ups
Before the workout, Ford warned Hall that he focuses on time under tension rather than lifting heavy. Check out their intense session below:
[Related: Hafthor Björnsson Bench Presses 265-Pound Dumbbells During 2024 Shaw Classic Prep]
Warm-Up — Seated Machine Chest Flyes
Hall and Ford warmed up on the chest flye machine. Research suggests warming up before intense physical activity significantly enhances exercise performance. (1) As well-read as Hall and Ford likely are, they did not skimp on getting their blood flowing.
The duo emphasized the stretch and squeeze of the pecs via controlled eccentrics and isometric holds. Ford instructed Hall to perform a two-second eccentric, maintain a two-second hold, and then complete a four-second concentric. This constant tension on the pecs primes them for their working sets.
Machine Incline Chest Presses & Cable Chest Flyes
Hall progressively increased the weight while focusing on eccentrics, which is atypical of strongman workouts where athletes typically prioritize moving weight rather than achieving maximal muscular stimulus.
Concluding with drop sets, Hall and Ford incorporated 20-second rest pauses to failure. Frontiers in Physiology highlights how training to failure can enhance muscle growth and strength. (2)
Machine Triceps Dips & Push-Ups
Ford instructed Hall that a slight forward lean and chest protrusion engage the chest more effectively than the triceps machine when performing triceps dips. Together, they executed several repetitions before concluding their session with push-ups.
Turn on the TV
Hall praised the 90-minute session by highlighting his exceptional pump. All 10 episodes of Those About to Die were released on July 18, 2024, on Peacock and on Amazon Prime Video one day later. Ford can be seen in the role of Flamma, the gladiator.
References
- Fradkin, A. J., Zazryn, T. R., & Smoliga, J. M. (2010). Effects of warming-up on physical performance: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 24(1), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c643a0
- Nóbrega, S. R., & Libardi, C. A. (2016). Is Resistance Training to Muscular Failure Necessary?. Frontiers in physiology, 7, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2016.00010
Featured image: @martynfordofficial on Instagram
