You’ve been training hard. You flip a tire like a mad man or pick up rocks like a crazy lady. And it’s about time you put that body and skills to the test against some others. This your guide to get finding a real Strongman contest in your area, signing up, and heading to the show.

Find a Real Strongman Competition

There are real strongman competitions and then there are promotional exhibitions. There’s nothing wrong with a promotional exhibition as a way for someone to go try out some strongman events, but often the events are really fitness/strongman hybrids and light enough that your grandma can feel the burn. I’ve never seen battling rope waves at a real strongman contest. CrossFit gyms will also occasionally hold strongman throwdowns or workouts as well. The WODs might be a good way to try out strongman-ish exercises if you've never had the opportunity or equipment before. The throwdown events often use strongman style exercises mixed with typical crossfit movements. These are lighter than most strongman competitions and tend to have more endurance based events. The best place to find a real contest is currently North American Strongman. There are other sanctioning bodies, but NAS is the largest and most well known for amateur competitors.  On the site click the tab for upcoming contests and simply scroll down looking for a contest that will be held in your area. If you don’t see one, click the link labeled “Chairmen” and contact your local state chairman to find a NAS sanctioned contest. They may even be able to give you some suggestions for places and people to train with.

Register for a Strongman Competition

To register and compete in a NAS sanctioned contest you first have to be a card carrying member. That part’s as easy as following the link for “NAS Membership” filling out the info and paying your dues. Once you’ve done that you’ll receive a membership card in the mail. Then you’ll need to download the registration form for your contest from the “Upcoming Contests” page. Fill out the registration with your name, weight class, and other information, then mail/email it to the contest promoter listed, along with your registration fee by the entry deadline. That’s it you should be on the competitor’s list and all set.

What You’ll Need for a Strongman Competition

The amount of gear you’ll need to compete in a strongman competition varies on personal preference. When I first started, I basically showed up with a couple snickers bars, a pair of Chuck Taylors and said let's rock and roll. But as I’ve competed, I’ve found that the use of wrist wraps and belts can go along way to making you get away with a few less bumps and bruises. Here are some basics you may want to pack in a bag to bring along.

• weight belt
• wrist wraps
• lifting straps
• chalk
• tacky
• a couple towels
• wd40 or goo b gone to take off said tacky with towels
• food, snacks, supplements, maybe something caffeinated
• foam roller or lacrosse ball
• bands or anything extra you like to warm up with
• water or gatorade

Here’s a post about what I packed in my bag for the 2013 Strongman Fitness World Championships.

Train your butt off, rest your butt off, and go kick some butt

This should help you with the logistics to compete in your first strongman competition. The instructions for finding a comp and signing up are simple if you just follow the links on the NAS website. Make sure you’ve got all the things you want for support and warm up during competition packed and ready in advance. The only thing left to do is train hard, recover fully, and go give it your all.

Did you enjoy this article? You should follow me on Twitter @TheBrianTabor