In December of 2020, Rogue Fitness held an online “50 Cal Challenge” that had competitors compete on Rogue Echo Bikes to burn 50 calories in the quickest time possible. The athletes participating were allowed to do so from any location that allowed access to those bikes. Some people took part in their local gyms while others did so from home gyms and garages. That contest was successful so Rogue is doing another one in 2021.
On February 1st, the Columbus, Ohio, equipment manufacturer announced on their Instagram page that their next online contest would be “The Bear Hug Challenge.” The objective for this event is for the athlete to be freestanding while holding a strongman style sandbag for the longest time possible without losing their grip.
The sandbag carry is a popular event in strongman competitions, but unlike that type of contest, the athletes won’t have to move for this competition. Registration for this challenge will begin on February 5 and the contest will be held from Friday, February 12 through Monday, February 15.
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According to the challenge page on the Rogue website, there are specific requirements of the sandbag that must be met in order to be allowed in the contest.
The sandbag used must be approved before the athlete takes part in the contest. Men will have to hold a 200 pound (90.7 kg) sandbag that has a height of 14 to 17 inches on the ground. The diameter of the top and bottom of the bag must be between 14 and 18 inches, while the circumference of the center must be between 48 and 55 inches.
Female competitors must use a 150 pound (68 kg) bag that has a height between 11 and 14 inches on the ground. The other size requirements are the same as those of the men’s sandbags.
Each athlete will have to submit their own time as well as video of them performing the hold to Rogue Fitness through their Beyond the White Board app.
This online competition is open to all athletes around the world, with a registration fee of $10 (USD) or $30 (USD) if you want a shirt as well. There are prizes available for the top three finishers for men and women.
1st Place – $2,500 (USD) and full strongman bag set
2nd Place – $1,000 (USD) and strongman sandbag shell
3rd Place – $500 (USD) and strongman sandbag shell
As with the 50 Cal online event, there is also a contest for gyms that have the most athletes sign up. The winning gym will receive a Rogue Fitness strongman bag set.
Performing well in an event like the Bear Hug Challenge will require great grip strength as well as a strong core and back. Training for these with strategies similar to a strongman athlete could be considered. Stability in the lower body is also a must. Another key to success could be focusing on both your upper and lower back.
Featured Image: Instagram/roguefitness