Here’s a question about one of the strongest men who ever lived.
Hello,
I was wondering what all you know about the Mighty Atom? Is there
any videos of him? Please let me know.
Thank You!
Lee
Most of what I know about the Mighty Atom I learned from his biography, The Spiritual Journey of Joseph L. Greenstein. Unfortunately, the book is out of print but you can still find some used on occasion like at Amazon, if you’re willing to pay the price.
I have never seen any film of the Mighty Atom performing, though I imagine somewhere some exists.
If you haven’t heard of this man, here’s the short version of his life. He grew up as a sickly little boy and was not suppose to live for very long. Under the tutelage of the circus strongman, Volanko, he became healthy and strong.
Some years after moving to America he got involved in vaudeville performing his various strongman acts. His most famous stunt probably was holding back an airplane from taking off by his hair.
Even is his old age he could bend iron bars that would humble most men. The secret was that the power really is all in the mind. That’s how a small guy like the Mighty Atom is still known as one of the strongest men that ever lived.
Just recently Dennis Rogers put out a new site devoted to the Mighty Atom. Check it out to read even more fascinating stories.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
Filed under Mental Training, Oldtime Strongmen by on Jul 14th, 2008. 4 Comments. 
You can get the Strongman Manifesto now, and discover how to become as strong as you possibly can. If you want to learn how to unlock your strength to the best of your abilities click here to read.
Download it, read it and let me know what you think. You can email me or post your comments down below.
One more thing. If you’re working out later today you might want to read it right before hand. This kind of material has a way of adding that little extra motivation allowing you to push yourself harder.
If you do, you’ll really have to let me know how it goes.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
Filed under Lifting Technique, Mental Training by on Jun 2nd, 2008. Comment.
Part two of the Combat Conditioning Athlete of the Year journey is now up on the site.
Find out more about my training and the contest itself. Most importantly what made the difference and allowed me to come out on top.
Plus you get to see the trophy.In strength,
Logan Christopher
Filed under Bodyweight Exercise, Mental Training by on May 28th, 2008. Comment.
Happy Memorial Day. I hope you had a great time this weekend and on this fine holiday.
While many take it easy on a holiday, I think it’s an even better time for a hard workout. Maybe even an epic challenge of sorts.
There’s a new article on the site dealing one such challenge.
This article covers some of my lead-up training to the Combat Conditioning Athlete of the Year contest that was held just last week.
I’ve been doing these exercises on and off in my various routines for years now but recently I took them to a new level.
The Ultimate Royal Court Challenge was born.
Sincerely,
Logan Christopher
P.S. Part two, talking about the contest will be ready on Wednesday. Until then be sure you read about the Ultimate Royal Court Challenge.
Filed under Bodyweight Exercise, Mental Training by on May 26th, 2008. Comment.
Since returning from LA I have been using my kettlebells in long timed sets. It is devastating work and let me tell you why.
In kettlebell competitions there are two main lifts. You must do the Jerk for 10 minutes straight. The other event is the Snatch for 10 minutes straight.
In case you don’t know what these moves are I will fill you in. If you have ever watched or done Olympic lifting then you will probably get it.
The Jerk is done with two kettlebells resting by your shoulders. Also known as the rack position. With an explosive leg movement you lift the bells upwards then drop down with a second leg dip and lock out the kettlebells overhead. Straighten your knees and you have 1 rep. The goal is as many reps as you can get without setting the kettlebell down.
The snatch is another explosive movement where the kettlebell is swung from between your legs to overhead. Again locked out overhead constitutes a single rep and the goal is as many as possible. You only use one kettlebell here and in competition a single hand switch is allowed. Usually this means five minutes with one hand then five with the other.
There is no magic in the 10 minute number. Five, six, or 20 minutes all work. Competitions are in ten minutes so it is commonly used.
In my eyes the greatest benefit of this training is mental toughness. When you have two kettlebells resting on you and you can feel the pain, where every rep burns, everything in you wants to put those bells down but the only thing stopping you is your decision to keep on going. You may be feeling like this at 6 minutes and still have 4 more to go, each more excruciating then the last.
The sad thing is that sometimes you will lose to this desire of comfort and set the bells down when you could have gone on. But more often than not you push through until the end.
Do you get this benefit from other kinds of training? Absolutely. But some more than others. High rep bodyweight exercises like Hindu squats or hill sprints are good examples. You can always push yourself a little faster, a little longer, or a little harder.
Low rep exercises don’t really build this. Sure you need the mind set to work hard and heavy, but there is a difference when your body is screaming at you to stop but you won’t let it.
The more uncomfortable you are, the more mental toughness you have the chance of building.
The next time you are training keep pushing until you can’t push anymore. Once you’re there reach down deep, use your will power, and keep going.
Grow Powerfully,
Logan Christopher
Filed under Kettlebells, Mental Training by on Oct 9th, 2007. Comment.
