Interview with Strongman Grant Higa

NW Fitness Magazine

Gentle Giant

Interview with Strongman Grant Higa

In our own Northwest lives one of the strongest men on earth. Strongman Grant Higa makes his home here in Washington and trains at Imperial Crossfit in Kent, Wa. Standing at 5’8″ this Hawaiian native is an imposing figure. Flipping tires larger than most cars and tossing kegs over his head are ordinary feats for this Gentle Giant know as “The Higa Monster”…

Q-how long have you been competing in strongman?

Higa-Since 1998

Q-How did you get into Strongman?

Higa- I started out as a power lifter. In 1998 I was invited to a strongman competition in Hawaii and I fell in love with it.

Q-Where do most people train for strongman.

Higa-Many people store train out of units, garages, or warehouses. Strongman equipment is not traditional stuff. It takes up a lot of space and is heavy.

Q-Have you ever had an injury?

Higa- Nothing major. Five years ago I strained my lower back. At 41 years old I train smarter than ever and am in the greatest shape if my life.

Q- What is the mist common injury that you see in others that train strongman style.

Higa-Bicep tears and a lot of torn calyces. Most injuries happen because of inexperience and improper form.

Q-What is your weekly training regimen.

Higa- I train once a week in strongmen events. Which lasts about 2.5 hours. We train in the cold so it takes about 30 min to properly warm up. Three days are spent doing basic lifts and working in core strength. Core strength is important to prevent injuries. I do a lot of work without a belt. I can squat up to 600lbs without a belt. Cardio is important as well. I work on endurance by doing sled pulls at the end of my workout when I am exhausted.