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Tapering Practices of Strongman Athletes
Paul W Winwood1,2, Mike K Dudson1,2, Daniel Wilson1,2
1Sport Performance Research in New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|January 27, 2018
Summary
Strongman athletes commonly use tapering, reducing training volume by 45% for 8.6 days to enhance recovery and peak performance. Most athletes decrease intensity in the final week before competition.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Strength and Conditioning
- Human Movement
Background:
- Tapering is crucial for optimizing performance in strength and power athletes.
- Limited empirical data exists on the specific tapering practices of strongman athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tapering strategies employed by strongman athletes.
- To provide empirical evidence on strongman tapering practices for coaches and athletes.
Main Methods:
- A self-reported internet survey was administered to 454 strongman athletes.
- Data analysis included breakdowns by sex, age, body mass, and competitive standard.
Main Results:
- 87% of athletes reported using a taper, typically lasting 8.6 days.
- Training volume decreased by 45.5%, with intensity reduced to ~50% in the final week.
- Step taper was most common (52%); deadlifts, yoke walks, and stone lifts required longer recovery.
Conclusions:
- Strongman athletes utilize tapering primarily for recovery and peak performance.
- Common strategies include reducing volume, intensity, and assistance exercises, alongside recovery modalities.
- Inadequate tapering is linked to excessive training load or insufficient duration.
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