be a Strongman

Not since the halcyon days of Hercules have we seen brawn to rival the jacked participants of Sat 21’s World’s Strongest Man Super Series at WaMu Theater. Contender Derek Poundstone, who moonlights as a Connecticut police officer, tells us what it takes to be fierce ’n’ mighty.

Illustration: Atsuhiro Saisho

Step 1: Eat a hearty breakfast
Muscle men have Titanic-size appetites. “Your regular food center or super market just won’t do,” says Poundstone. “Instead, find a food wholesaler and pick up eight pounds of steak, several ten-pound bags of frozen chicken, milk for protein shakes and a few dozen eggs—enough to make ten omelettes.”

Illustration: Atsuhiro Saisho

Step 2: Warm up
This is paramount—especially if you’ve been injured before. “We go through practice reps until we’re at 60 to 70 percent of what we feel the weight is going to be during the competition,” says Poundstone, whose warm-up includes power squats and barbell dead lifts. For you, featherweight, three bicep curls with split-pea soup cans will do.

Illustration: Atsuhiro Saisho

Step 3: Flip a cab
You’re no Hulk until you can dribble an automobile. “A Crown Vic weighs about 4,000 pounds!” says Poundstone. “But if you insist, pull the engine and transmission out first.”

Illustration: Atsuhiro Saisho

Step 4: Pulverize a TONY staffer
Hate this article? Like Officer Poundstone tells punks on the street, “My gun is the least of your worries.”

For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com. For more info, go to www.super-series.com.

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