Stefán Sölvi Pétursson Professional Strongman Interview

Introduction

The following is an interview with world class Icelandic strongman Stefán Sölvi Pétursson, who is a regular entrant at the World’s Strongest Man competition. Stefan is Iceland’s strongest man and his career highlights to date include finishing 4th at the 2010 World’s Strongest Man.

Stefan was born in 1986 and is 6 foot 5 inches tall and weighs 155kg. Please see Stefán Sölvi’s website.

1. What has been the best piece of advice you have received?

That nothing comes for free. If you want something you have to be willing to work for it.

2. Who, or what, has been the biggest inspiration for you?

Jón Páll Sigmarsson who was 4x World's Strongest Man champion is the reason I'm doing the sport of strongman. Many things motivate me in daily life and as an athlete. But mainly I'm just doing what I enjoy doing.

3. How important is nutrition to your success and performance?

Very important. You have to treat your body well and fuel it with high quality foods.

4. Please could you outline your nutrition during a normal training day and then on a match/competition day?

It’s pretty much the same. If anything I eat less on competition day just due to the fact I don't have time. On a competition day I use more supplements.

Meal 1: Protein shake.

Meal 2: Eggs and eggwhites scramble. Whole wheat/grain bread.

Meal 3: Chicken and rice.

Training. Post Workout shake.

Meal 4: Beef and baked potatoes.

Meal 5: Chicken and rice or whole wheat pasta.

Meal 6: Fish (Cod), potatoes or rice.

Meal 7: Protein shake.

5. Please could you outline what a normal day of training involves?

Squat and yoke day: Leg extensions 4 sets. Box squats 5 sets of triples. Super Yoke 5-6 sets of about 15-25m runs. Leg press 4-5 sets of 10 reps. Glute and hamstring raise of 4-5sets of 8-12reps. Foam roller in the end.

6. What advice would you give to anybody wanting to get fit and improve their health?

Nothing is going to happen overnight. Work hard and be true to yourself and your goal. If you want it bad enough and if you work hard enough, you will succeed.

7. From your experience, have you got any tips on how to stay motivated when the training gets tough and challenging?

I just think back and ask myself why I started all this. Then I smile. Then I continue.

8. What has been the highlight of your career?

Finishing 4th at the 2010 World's Strongest Man contest is the highlight. But I'm working hard for a better highlight :)

I would like to say a big thank you to Stefán Sölvi for taking the time and effort to answer these questions and provide an insight into his professional lifestyle, it is much appreciated. I am sure it will provide a useful insight into the life of a professional athlete and help you to pick up some advice and tips that you can use to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

“Together, we’ll achieve your goals”

Matt Swierzynski

E: matt@mattswaz.co.uk

M: 07936654876

W: www.mattswaz.co.uk