Will a Force Meter Help Brian Shaw Dominate in Arm Wrestling?
Four-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Brian Shaw has recently ventured into arm wrestling, a new sport he’s finding a passion for. As he adjusts to this new competition, Shaw has revealed a unique device that he hopes will help him excel in arm wrestling: a force meter. This innovative tool is designed to overload the eccentric, allowing Shaw to develop the strength and resistance he needs to succeed in the sport.
A Unique Device
The force meter, created by Dr. Wade Miller, is a one-of-a-kind machine that requires two people to function. One person rotates the crank to create the eccentric force, while the athlete training resists that force. The device displays the amount of force the athlete is resisting, providing valuable feedback for Shaw’s training.
How it Works
The force meter helps Shaw combat the force generated by his opponent in an arm-wrestling match. By maximizing resistance against the force meter, Shaw hopes to translate this strength to the arm-wrestling table. He performs short superset training before practicing arm wrestling with his training partners on the force meter.
Will It Work?
The logic behind the force meter’s creation is supported by research. Overloading the eccentric has been shown to improve muscle volume and performance, even more so when applied to unilateral training. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that unilateral eccentric overload training increased muscle thickness and power in athletes (1).
Off to a Strong Start
Shaw is already seeing positive results from his use of the force meter. He recently won a match against Eddie Hall in December 2024, a promising sign for his future performance in arm wrestling.
More Strongman Content
If you’re interested in more strongman-related content, be sure to check out our other articles on the sport.
References
- Núñez, F. J., Santalla, A., Carrasquila, I., Asian, J. A., Reina, J. I., & Suarez-Arrones, L. J. (2018). The effects of unilateral and bilateral eccentric overload training on hypertrophy, muscle power and COD performance, and its determinants, in team sport players. PLOS ONE, e0193841. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0193841
FAQs
Q: What is a force meter?
A: A force meter is a device that measures the amount of force an athlete is resisting, helping them develop strength and resistance.
Q: How does the force meter work?
A: The force meter requires two people to function. One person rotates the crank to create the eccentric force, while the athlete training resists that force.
Q: Is the force meter a one-of-a-kind device?
A: Yes, the force meter is a unique, custom-made device created by Dr. Wade Miller.
