The Iron Stronghold gym is holding a two-day showcase of strength and power for its grand opening this weekend.
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Gym founder and owner Dan Dakis is hosting a powerlifting and strongman competition open to men and women.
“Saturday is the powerlifting competition and we’re hosting beginners right through to the advanced lifters,” Dakis said.
A good roll-up of locals will test their mettle against a number of visiting Canberra entrants on the day.
The powerlifting event is a squat, bench press and deadlift with max-weight attempts, but Dakis said competition is open to anyone and everyone.
You can sign up on the day with entry $40 or $60 for both days with events to start at 10am both Saturday and Sunday.
A strong contender for the crown is local Nik Stone, who encourages everyone to have a go.
“There's no better feeling and atmosphere than competing, it's definitely worth the experience and you learn more and more each time, with the support of your whole team there,” Stone said.
“The more you compete, the more you'll have a goal to strive towards and I personally have found that it gives you the best opportunity to get stronger, and develop faster.”
Dakis echoed the sentiment encouraging anyone who was new to the sport to have a go.
“There is nothing to be afraid of, everyone starts somewhere,” he said.
“Don't think you're not ready, don't think you're not strong enough – sign up and have a go.”
Sunday’s event will provide a plethora of challenges in the strongman challenge for both men and women.
“Strongman is much more versatile,” Dakis said. “There is a lot of varied events requiring brute strength, endurance and skill.”
“This will be an epic battle between the locals and Canberra strongmen and women.”
Events include, yoke walk (frame walk) farmers walks, log press and a log loading medley.
“Most are opting to compete in one sport, but some are brave enough to do both,” Dakis said.
“In all my years in the sports I have never seen anyone hold the two sports in a row and have never heard of someone competing in two in the same weekend.
“It's a very new thing and requries a certain amount of mental strength to tackle both days.”
Spectators are more than welcome and entry is free, with the gym offering food and drinks for sale on both days.
Prizes have been donated by supplement company Bulk Nutrients and local hairdressers Arcuthi.
