Strength sports collided and collaborated when world-record-holding powerlifter John Haack ventured to Wreck-It Gym in El Segundo, CA, with 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) champion and 2019 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Martins Licis.
Highlights of the session from Sept. 30, 2022, were shown in a video on Haack’s YouTube channel, published on Oct. 3, 2022.
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Haack shared he is in his off-season, which means he won’t compete again in 2022. His goals are to build muscle and improve overall health. He also shared that he will perform more strongman-style training, hence his session at Licis’ gym.
Licis is preparing for the 2022 Rogue Invitational, scheduled to take place on Oct. 28-30, 2022, in Austin, TX. He can be seen in the video performing the Circus Dumbbell Press. Haack locked out 63 kilograms (138 pounds) on his turn.
The video shows Haack working on the log press, where he worked up to a heavy single of 130 kilograms (286 pounds). He attempted to press 142 kilograms (313 pounds) but couldn’t lock it out. Nonetheless, he shared on Instagram that he was pleased since it was his first time training the exercise in eight months.
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Meanwhile, Licis trained on the yoke, walking with 455 kilograms (1,003 pounds) followed by log presses from a shoulder position with 165 kilograms (363.8 pounds) for triples.
“Captain America” also took on the shield carry. He carried the 195-kilogram (430-pound) shield up and down the course twice for a total distance of 120 feet. Haack recapped the workout at the end of the video.
Haack was coming off a historic performance at the 2022 USPA Raw Pro in North Kansas City, MO, where he bench pressed 272.5 kilograms (600.7 pounds) for an all-time world record in the 100-kilogram weight class. He padded his world-record total in that class by squatting 347.5 kilograms (766 pounds) and pulling 410 kilograms (903 pounds) for a total of 1,030 kilograms (2,270.5 pounds).
Licis seeks to defend the Rogue Invitational title he won in 2021 when he also set a Rogue Record Breakers world record in the Thor’s Hammer event by lifting a 136-kilogram (300-pound) hammer by the handle to a standing position.
Featured image: @bilbo_swaggins181 on Instagram
