Profiles and Interviews → Nathan Ross
| Stats | |
|---|---|
| Height: | 6ft 3in |
| Competition Weight: | 25 stone |
| Off Season Weight: | 25 stone |
| Arms | 22 inches |
| Waist | 46 inches |
| Legs | 34 inches |
| Calves | 21 inches |
Best Lifts: Deadlift 320kg, Bench Press 200kg, Squat 260kg
Which gym do you currently train at? Coliseum Gym, Birmingham
What got you started in strongman? I loved watching all the strongman on TV at Christmas and I remember seeing Mariusz Pudzianowski on TV thinking my god he is huge, I want to be like him after a few years training so I decided to direct myself towards strongman.
Past or present strongman idol and why? Hugo Girard. He was from Canada—I loved his personality and his strength. His strongman video is amazing and I have watched it over and over to get motivated.
Where did you place in your very first competition? I did my first novice one at Body FX Gym in Coventry for Elite Strongman promotions and came 6th out of 12. Since then Dave Meer who ran the show has taken me under his wing and has given me the opportunity to train with him which has been a really big help. He is one of the best strongmen in this country and I’m very grateful for his help and guidance.
Best strongman achievement? So far due to this being my first strongman competing year I would say qualifying for UK strongman north and coming first and beating some top guys who have been around in the strongman scene
Best achievement outside of bodybuilding? Overcoming difficulties in my life which at times I felt I wanted to give up for example my knee injury which I thought I would not have been able to carry on with strongman but due to having a positive mental attitude I have overcome it slowly and it has made me more determined to be the best.
What is your motivation to train and/or compete? I have very good self motivation so I don't find it hard to motivate myself to train but when I do feel I need motivation and focus I think about wanting to be the best at this sport and becoming Britain’s strongest man
| Place the following in order of importance: | |
|---|---|
| Training: | 35% |
| Nutrition: | 35% |
| Rest: | 30% |
| What is your training philosophy? |
|---|
| Keep it simple and control your mind—don't let it control you |
| Favourites! | |
|---|---|
| Favourite body part? | Calves |
| Favourite exercise? | Deadlifts |
| Favourite on season food? | Raw steak |
| Favourite off season food? | Prawn Kormas / KFC bucket |
| Favourite film? | Fallen / Man on Fire |
| Favourite book? | The Oath (by Frank Perriti) |
| Favourite type of music? | Rock |
| Favourite activity away from strongman? | Walking my dog |
| Favourite Item of clothing? | Hoodies |
| Favourite POW! training essential? | The Vanquish PRO Knee Wraps. Awesome support throughout squatting. |
What other sport would you have pursued if you didn’t do strongman? I think I would have pursued body building but I can’t diet to save my life—I love my food too much
Where can you see yourself in 5 years time inside or outside strongman? In 5 years time I hopefully want to be competing professionally in strongman and hopefully be a good contestant for Britain’s strongest man
What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone entering strongman competitively or non-competitively? Take things slow. Never give up. Get a good supportive network around you of fellow strongmen to help and guide you.
Any closing comments? Eat, eat, eat!
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