Bodybuilders can easily be misunderstood as people who make an aesthetic display of near-impossible amount of sculpted muscle mass on stage. However, they are very much capable of putting those muscles to use and that’s exactly what Iain Valliere did 3 weeks before 2021 Arnold Classic!
On September 6, the 2021 Tampa Pro champion posted a video on his Instagram account. The video shows Valliere deadlift 306kg (675lb) with relative ease.
It is a common practice to capitalize on the momentum of weights bouncing off the gym floor before initiating the next rep. Iain Valliere allowing the weights to come to rest before initiating the next rep makes the set all the more impressive.
Iain Valliere’s deadlifts will surely raise a few eyebrows. Three weeks out from the competition, bodybuilders begin to steadily cut down on caloric intake and water consumption. While the practice allows bodybuilders to achieve the shredded look on the D-Day, it also diminishes physical strength to a great extent.
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The 30-year-old, however, was not the least bit concerned with the difficulties of high-intensity training while being on a strict diet. Valliere playfully addressed the concerns about heavy lifting in the caption to his post. Iain Valliere wrote:
“Them: ‘But Iain, why risk it you’re 3 weeks out!?’
Me: ‘and that’s why no one will remember your name’ 😅
7 plates for 5. I just can’t help myself 🤷🏼.”
Whether someone is scheduled to compete or not, lifting 306kg is a herculean task. The video shows Valliere wearing a basic weightlifting belt and used lifting straps – another reason to give Valliere extra credit.
Iain Valliere is not the first bodybuilder to lift heavy ahead of competition. Ronnie Coleman famously deadlifted 800lbs a few weeks before Mr. Olympia 2003, which marked the sixth of his historic eight consecutive wins. Valliere finished at No. 7 in 2020 Mr. Olympia. Let’s hope that the 675lbs deadlifts are a sign that Valliere will improve his standing in the 2021 season.
Iain Valliere is currently training for the 2021 Arnold Classic at Revive Health and Wellness in Stuart, Florida, alongside Chris Bumstead. Bumstead is the current Classic Physique Olympia champion for both 2019 and 2020, and Iain Valliere’s brother-in-law.
Arnold Classic 2021 will take place on September 25, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to the announcement on their social media accounts and official websites, Santa Monica, California was being considered as a probable venue. Originally scheduled for March 2021, the show was postponed to September due to Coronavirus outbreak.
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