Strength sports have a rich history of challenging the limits of human capability. From lifting stones in ancient Scotland to modern-day strongman events, athletes have continuously sought ways to test their power, endurance, and mental grit. Two of the most brutal and awe-inspiring strength events—both of which will be featured in our upcoming Corn Fed Lift-Off on April 12th—are the Conan’s Wheel Carry and the Viking Press.
But where did these tests of strength come from, and why are they true measures of power? Let’s dive into their history, mechanics, and why they should be on your radar if you’re serious about getting strong.
1. The Conan’s Wheel Carry: A Test of Grit & Endurance
If you’ve ever seen a strongman competition, you might have noticed athletes staggering in a near-collapse, clutching a massive metal arm attached to a circular frame. That’s the Conan’s Wheel—a grueling test of strength, endurance, and pain tolerance.
🔹 What is the Conan’s Wheel Carry?
The Conan’s Wheel is a front-loaded carry event where an athlete picks up a heavily weighted implement, typically a fixed bar or chain, and carries it around in a circular motion as far as possible. The weight is held in the crooks of the arms (like a Zercher carry), forcing the athlete to brace their core, breathe under pressure, and fight through the burn.
🔹 Where Did It Come From?
The Conan’s Wheel is inspired by the legend of Conan the Barbarian, a fictional warrior known for his strength and perseverance. In the classic film Conan the Barbarian (1982), Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is shown pushing a massive grinding wheel for years as a test of endurance and suffering. This imagery led to the creation of the event in strongman competitions, where it remains one of the most punishing strength challenges.
🔹 Why Is It a True Test of Strength?
- Full-body endurance – The longer you hold on, the harder it gets.
- Core and upper body strength – The weight pulls you forward, forcing you to brace everything.
- Mental toughness – Unlike a max deadlift, this event requires athletes to push through fatigue and extreme discomfort.
Think you have what it takes? You can put your strength to the test at Corn Fed Lift-Off on April 12th!
2. The Viking Press: A Nod to Ancient Warriors
The Viking Press is another legendary test of strength, often seen in strongman events. It mimics the overhead pressing movements of ancient warriors hoisting massive weapons, shields, and battering rams into battle.
🔹 What is the Viking Press?
The Viking Press is an overhead pressing event using a fixed implement, typically a levered bar with handles. The bar is usually loaded with weight plates, and athletes must press it overhead as many times as possible in a given time frame.
Unlike a traditional barbell press, the Viking Press is mounted on a pivot, which means it eliminates balance issues but forces the athlete to press purely with upper body strength.
🔹 Where Did It Come From?
The name “Viking Press” comes from the warrior culture of the Vikings, known for their unmatched brute strength and battle endurance. Vikings would carry massive shields, swords, and logs across long distances and press heavy objects as part of their training and warfare tactics.
Modern strongman competitions adapted this concept into a fixed pressing event to test an athlete’s overhead power and endurance.
🔹 Why Is It a True Test of Strength?
- Pure pressing power – There’s no cheating; it’s all upper body strength.
- Shoulder and triceps endurance – The goal is to rep out as many presses as possible, pushing muscular stamina to its limits.
- Grip and core stability – Keeping the bar stable under heavy load demands total-body tension.
This April, you’ll have the chance to prove your Viking strength at the Corn Fed Lift-Off—are you up for the challenge?
Why These Events Matter in Strength Training
Both the Conan’s Wheel Carry and the Viking Press aren’t just about being strong; they test how well you can sustain strength under extreme conditions. In a real-world setting, these events mimic functional strength movements, like carrying heavy objects over a distance or lifting something overhead repeatedly.
Even if you’re not training for a strongman competition, incorporating elements of these movements into your workouts can:
✔️ Build real-world strength – Carrying weight teaches your body to brace and stabilize, which translates to better performance in other lifts and daily life.
✔️ Develop mental toughness – These events push you past your comfort zone, forcing you to dig deep and keep going.
✔️ Increase endurance under load – Most strength training focuses on short bursts of effort; these events train you to maintain strength over time.
Ready to Compete? Sign Up for Corn Fed Lift-Off!
On April 12th, we’ll be putting these legendary movements to the test at our third annual Corn Fed Lift-Off! Whether you’re a seasoned strongman competitor or just want to challenge yourself with something new, this event is for you.🔗 Sign up now and secure your spot! CLICK HERE