Lucy Underdown: The Strongman Phenomenon

Lucy Underdown is one of the most dominant athletes in the world of strength athletics. In 2021, she set the record for the first-ever 300kg (661.4 pounds) female deadlift in a competitive setting. Last year at the World Deadlift Championships, she became the first woman to deadlift an impressive 318kg (700 pounds) without using lifting straps or a suit for support.

To make her record even more impressive, Underdown dedicated herself to a strongman deadlift program, aiming to improve her technique, strength, and overall performances.

Lucy Underdown Has Learned To Enjoy Ever Moment of Competition

No matter the caliber of athlete, nerves and anxiety are natural. Underdown has come a long way in understanding her anxiety and has a refreshing approach to competition – enjoying every moment.

“I’ve come to accept that my performance only directly affects me and no one else, and I do the sport because I enjoy it. The more I enjoy myself, the better I do. So, I’ve just decided now when I compete to just enjoy every moment and opportunity that comes my way,” says Underdown.

Another factor has been the strong community that supports and motivates competitors like Underdown. Throughout the sport, she cherishes the camaraderie, emphasizing that it’s easy to appreciate the hard work each athlete puts in after each competition.

Becoming Britain’s Strongest Woman

Underdown’s unassuming nature belies a formidable strength athlete. Trained as a police officer, she found solace in the sport as a reprieve from the stresses and pressures of her job, but never expected to succeed on the international stage.

Workout 1 -Deadlift day

 

Warmup: 5mins on bike increasing resistance each minute
Banded glute bridges
Hartman glute bridge
Hamstring curls: 3 x 10 increasing weight each set
Deadlift:  work up to 3 singles at around 300 kg minimal rest
Romanian deadlifts:  3 x 5 220 kg
GHD Sit-Ups:  3 x 12
Back extensions:  3 x 12

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Workout 2 – Events Session

 

Warmup: 5mins cardio steady state
Single leg wall sit isometrics: 2 sets 30 secs left leg 30 secs right leg
12” deadlift: 6 x 2 x 240 kg
Yoke walk 20 meters: 3 sets at 230, 240, and 250 kg
Farmers Walk:  1 set 120 kg for 20 meters
Atlas stone: heavier triple lap and loading approximately 130 kg(no tacky)

Conclusion:
Lucy Underdown’s journey illustrates that with dedication, adaptability, and a bit of humility, anyone can become a champion. Remember that the journey is everything and that every moment during a competition is an experience worth enjoying.