By Islam El-Sakka
At the Rogue Invitational in Aberdeen, top strongman competitors revealed that their greatest strength lies not in lifting massive weights but in the mental resilience forged through training.
Mitchell Hooper: Focus as meditation
Canadian strongman Mitchell Hooper, a three-time Rogue Invitational champion and clinical exercise physiologist, said the gym has saved him repeatedly. He described intense focus during training as a form of meditation that provides objective proof of improvement even on the worst days.
Luke Stoltman: From anxiety to confidence
Two-time Europe’s Strongest Man Luke Stoltman said his anxiety nearly vanished when he started training at 16. The Scottish athlete, now 41, still uses gym sessions to prepare for public appearances and emphasizes consistency in what you love as the true measure of strength.
Vulnerability and duty
Stoltman and his brother Tom, also a top competitor, speak openly about their struggles. Luke said he has a duty to himself and his family to keep showing up, both in training and in supporting his brother.
Exercise as a force for good
While not a cure-all, evidence suggests physical activity is a powerful tool for mental wellbeing. The athletes agree that finding an activity that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin and sticking with it can build strength inside and out.
