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Strongman

Build power like never before

Our Strongman program develops raw, functional, and explosive strength; helping you reach your goals, whilst enjoying unconventional exercises – including tyre flips, sled pushing, yoke carrying, and farmers walks – designed to truly test your abilities. This is a great session for a full-body workout and a fun departure from traditional gym routines!

Let’s lift, flip, and pull some unconventional objects! Whether you’re training for your next competition, want to take your existing strength to the next level, or are new to the gym altogether, this high-energy, action-packed class promises to deliver exercises, equipment, fitness challenges, and results like no other. New members can expect to be welcomed, motivated, and supported by our growing community of strongmen and women – alongside our handpicked team of certified trainers.

Class at a Glance
  • 60 Minutes
  • High Intensity
  • Strength
  • All Ability Levels

Equipment

  • Rigs
  • Pull-Up Bars
  • Kettlebells
  • Dumbbells
  • D-Balls
  • Sleds
  • Tyres
  • Yokes + More

Get seriously strong

Why Choose Strongman?

Our expertly designed classes combine the best of traditional Strongman competitions and training techniques to deliver an ever-changing rota of fun-filled, action-packed workouts. Described as ‘cardio with a (literal) heavy twist’, this Orwell Fitness fixture makes use of innovative ideas, and out-of-the-box equipment to build unmatched strength, stamina, and power.

Discover how Orwell Fitness’ Strongman training can help you join the ranks of the UK’s most powerful, versatile athletes – even if you’ve never lifted before:

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Your Workout, Redefined

All Abilities, All Ages, All Welcome

You don’t have to be fit to start your journey with us. Whether you’re an experienced athlete, complete beginner, or somewhere in between, we’ll work to ensure you become familiar with our facilities, classes, and community in no time.

Stronger Body, Stronger Mind

Exercising in a positive group setting is proven to improve both physical and mental health. Whilst building noticeable strength and muscle may take time, the feeling of accomplishment you’ll get after a class with Orwell Fitness is immediate. Why not commit to both?

Enjoyable Classes, Big Results

Orwell Fitness’ workout programs are constantly re-designed for variation, meaning that with us, you’ll never reach your plateau or get bored. Our expert trainers’ smart design work results in classes and routines that both entertain, and deliver results.

Strength in Numbers

Our Ipswich gym is home to a friendly, growing community of like-minded members committed to support, empowerment, and positivity. Whatever your goals, our members, guests, trainers, and team will work alongside you to help you get across the finish line and beyond.

Accredited Coaching

We put our coaches and personal trainers through their paces. Our hand-selected fitness team is composed of key members chosen for their extensive experience and qualifications, alongside their commitment to our values of positivity, inclusivity, and passion for fitness.

Exceptional Equipment

Our extensive gym space features all of the equipment you will ever need for continued variety in each class you attend - from Concept 2 Rowers, Rogue Echo Bikes and a 34ft rig to tyres weighing in at over 100kg.

Discover your full potential

Meet our Strongman Coaches

Orwell’s Strongman coaches and trainers are at hand to guide you through the ups and downs of your fitness journey. With over 45 years of combined experience in the gym, our hand-selected team of leaders, innovators, motivators, and game-changers find purpose in bringing out the best in each of our members, every session.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS

Are you ready to experience our classes first hand? Complete the form below to claim your free, no-obligation trial.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS

Join Our Community

Orwell Fitness members get more than just a card or key on joining. In signing up with us on a month-by-month or yearly basis, you’ll gain all-inclusive and unlimited access not only to our state-of-the-art gym, instructor-led classes, and purpose-built facilities, but to our growing community of like-minded fitness enthusiasts.

We’re here to cheer you on every step of the way. Whether you’d like to train independently in our open gym sessions, join our five-star rated classes, or team up with an expert personal trainer – Orwell’s first-class facilities, supportive culture, and expert team can help you reach even your most challenging goals.

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FAQs

Everything you need to know about Orwell Fitness. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?

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What is a strongman workout?

Strongman training is based heavily upon the feats seen regularly in Global Strongman competitions – creating trainable and scalable exercises using fun objects such as atlas stones, sleds, and tyres in the place of traditional weights. 

Strongman classes are typically designed to allow participants to develop raw, functional, and explosive strength across a wide range of muscle groups, and are open to both men and women of all levels and abilities. Our coaches believe it’s a great session for a full-body workout and a fun departure from traditional gym routines!

If you’re interested in signing up for Strongman classes, visit our Strongman page to find out more. If you’re brand new to our gym, we encourage you to complete a free, no-obligation trial class to make sure Orwell and Strongman are right for you!

Is strongman a real sport?

Strongman, officially established as ‘Strength Athletics’ in 1977, is both a competitive sport and training discipline. Competitively, Strongman athletes partaking in events such as ‘The World’s Strongest Man’ are required to test their strength and raw power over six to eight ‘categories’ using a variety of unconventional objects such as atlas balls, sleds, and tyres in place of traditional weights.

Strongman training classes are generally more accessible to all levels of strength and fitness than competitions. Their content is based heavily upon the feats seen in international Strongman competitions, and a high level of emphasis is placed on developing strength using unconventional equipment at a scalable level.

Should I do powerlifting or strongman?

Whether you should train in powerlifting or Strongman ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, performance goals, and training style. Both are strength focused disciplines that aim to build a high level of muscle mass, power, and general strength – but one is not better than the other. In fact, their fundamental skills are relatively transferable, meaning those that can’t decide could train in both!

Firstly, be sure to look into what classes are available to you locally. Powerlifting training is generally a more popular or common offering, as most gyms already have the equipment required for its training style. On the other hand, not too many gyms have the tyres, sleds, and atlas stones needed to run a Strongman class. 

If you have access to both, consider your training objectives and preferences. Would you like to lift as much as possible using a set number of lift styles and low reps? Powerlifting is most likely the discipline for you. If you enjoy more diverse training and want to build functional strength beneficial to real-world scenarios, you’ll probably enjoy Strongman.

Still can’t decide? Our coaches recommend booking a training class in each to get some hands-on experience.

Is strongman a full-body workout?

Strongman competitions and training aim to deliver a highly effective full-body workout – though some classes may focus on specific muscle groups in a set ‘program’, designed to offer variety over time. 

The exercises performed during Strongman training typically require the simultaneous use and stress of a wide range of muscle groups, typically stimulating muscle growth across the entire body with time and dedication as an ‘adaptive response’ to high levels of stimulation.

If you’re interested in signing up for Strongman classes, visit our Strongman page to find out more. If you’re brand new to our gym, we encourage you to complete a free, no-obligation trial class to make sure Orwell and Strongman are right for you!

Is strongman training safe?

Strongman is a safe sport when trained and performed responsibly, and with correct form. Your gym, training facility, or coach should work to ensure their training sessions and competitions operate as safely as possible.

The loads lifted during a Strongman session can be very heavy, particularly where experienced participants are involved; meaning injury is always a risk. This risk should be mitigated by way of proper training and procedures. 

To ensure you’re training as safely and effectively as possible, particularly if you’re new to the Strongman scene, our coaches highly recommend booking a trial class led by a certified trainer in order to establish your abilities, limits, and goals. In addition, you should always be sure to warm up effectively, work within your limits, and train with a spotter.

Can women do strongman training?

Strongwomen are absolutely welcome to take part in Strongman training at Orwell Fitness. Our training classes have an excellent mix of participants of all genders, ages, and ability levels, all of whom have one thing in common; a passion for fitness. 

If you’d like to join them and are new to our gym, we highly recommend claiming a free trial session, during which you’ll get to experience a class of your choice first hand, whilst our accredited coaches work to get to grips with your goals, fitness levels, and general ability. 

To discover more about our Strongman classes, read above, or visit our membership page for more free trial information.

Can you build muscle with strongman training?

Effective and continued strength training is one of the best ways to build muscle. Strongman training takes this one step further by using unconventional workouts to build full-body strength and power.

Our expertly designed Strongman training programs blend both compound and functional movement patterns with uniquely heavy weight loads. Whether flipping tyres, carrying D-Balls, or performing deadlifts, we’ll ensure each of your major muscle groups is thoroughly challenged – resulting in dramatic gains in strength, power, and grip developed as an adaptive response to good stress.

What are the benefits of strongman training?

Strongman training offers a uniquely fun and hugely functional way to build strength – but its benefits go far beyond bigger muscles:

  • Increase Strength and Power

Strongman training programs blend both compound and functional movement patterns with uniquely heavy weight loads – resulting in dramatic gains in strength, power, and grip. 

  • Burn Calories 

Strongman’s high-intensity, full-on nature works through calories quickly and effectively – balancing muscle gains with full-body fat-burning to create a lean physique perfect for lifting. 

  • Build Muscle Mass

Strongman exercises create the perfect conditions for the steady rebuilding of muscle tissue; safely encouraging muscles to grow rebuilt bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. 

  • Prevent Injury

Strongman’s rigorous and sustainable training methods work to build lasting connections between the muscular and central nervous systems, strengthening key injury-prone areas, and improving overall functional movement. 

  • Improve Mobility 

The strongman program is designed to improve range of motion, movement, and mobility – taking into account both posture and form.    

  • Make New Progress 

Thought of by many as a highly effective program addition for those at a plateau, Strongman offers out-of-the-box exercises and equipment that challenge muscles in a brand new way, demanding progress and improvement across strength, mobility, and power.  

  • Build a Strong Foundation 

The Strongman program is designed to establish, consolidate, and improve transferable skills critical to overall fitness; helping you feel and move your best in any situation.

What type of training is strongman?

Strongman training focuses heavily on functional strength. Described by many as strength training with a dash of cardio this fitness fixture makes use of innovative ideas, and out-of-the-box equipment to build unmatched strength, stamina, and power transferable to real-life tasks and situations. 

The exercises performed during Strongman training typically require the simultaneous use and stress of a wide range of muscle groups, typically stimulating muscle growth across the entire body with time and dedication as an ‘adaptive response’ to high levels of stimulation. As a result, the overall body composition and muscle mass of Strongman participants is often ideal for their ability level and age. 

To find out more about Strongman training, read above.

What do strongmen do for abs?

Strongman’s unconventional exercises are unusual in that they consistently and simultaneously target a wide range of muscle groups, including the core and abs, typically stimulating muscle growth across the entire body with time and dedication as an ‘adaptive response’ to high levels of stimulation. This consistent targeting of the entire body assists greatly in making Strongman competitors amongst the strongest in the world, and in building hugely functional strength. 

A a result, the program doesn’t have a huge number of ab-specific exercises, however, Strongmen often complete ab roller exercises, loaded carries, crunch varieties, and weighted planks as supplements to their full-body workouts.

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