Bottom line: Although the study does not, as the researchers claim, provide evidence for the efficacy of strongmen training as body composition
improvers, the two regimen are in fact equally effective in improving strength
and performance variables.
If you are more into increases your 1RM squat
and deadlift (ES = 0.66), change of direction (COD) turning ability and total
COD time, horizontal jump, and sled push performance you should gravitate
towards traditional training. If, on the other hand, you are looking to improve
your 1RM bent over row, 5 m sprint performance and COD acceleration, strongmen
training should be your first choice.
If we assume you actually
do the facilitative cardio sessions (I assume the lazy study participants
didn't because it wasn't controlled), you may even achieve the same improvements
in body composition (-0.4% body fat) on the strongman regimen. Furthermore we
should not forget: Abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym (learn
more) - without reliable data on the quantity & quality of the food the
subjects consumed the changes in body composition are hard to ascribe (solely)
to the different training regimen.Reference:
- Winwood, PW, et al. "Strongman versus traditional resistance training
effects on muscular function and performance." Journal of Strength and
Conditioning Research (2014). Publish Ahead of Print. DOI:
10.1519/JSC.0000000000000629
