The Spine Crushing Bale Tote laughs at prior Strongman events, such as the Fridge Carry,  Super Yoke, and Car Walk. In the heaviest strength contest ever, a simple 1,000lb Super Yoke would just not suffice on the Arnold stage. Introducing the event that made the athletes cringe when introduced in 2014: The Bale Tote.




In the first year, Competitors’ first attempted to move the Rogue Bale Tote 10 feet with a load of tires, at a weight of 1227 lb. They then moved to the heavier weight, using bales of cotton, at 1410 lb . Zydrunas Savickas won the event by carrying the 1410 lb yoke 10 feet in 3.87 seconds. In 2015, more cotton was added and the weight was increased to 1500lbs for 15ft. Shaw and Savickas were the only two athletes able to complete the distance, with Shaw beating Savickas’ time by under 2 seconds.

Brian Shaw 1500lb Bale Tote Arnold Classic:



This year, the weight has increased to 1544 lbs and 16ft. The heavier weight and shorter distance change the dynamics of the event compared to other yoke events, which are traditionally lighter weights for distances of 50-100ft, where fast feet and speed win the event. With such a staggering weight, simply completing the course is what will separate the top finishers from those credited with a distance. The athlete needs to have an extremely strong core and a high tolerance for pain. As you can tell by the pain in their expression, the burden they carry across their back is agonizing with every step. Another factor to consider is that there is some give on the stage mats when handling this volume of weight. I remember watching the event from the stage in 2014, and feeling the whole stage move. Fortunately, the event is later in the competition in this year.   In past years being one of the first events, the rest of your performance is drastically altered once your spine has been subjected to carrying 700kg. Thankfully, Strongman Doc Dr. Todd McDougle will be on hand to keep the athletes in one piece.

Zydrunas Savickas has a thick midsection and legs, giving him the perfect structure to carry the bale tote, also making him the favorite to win this event. He won this event in 2014, and was on the way to repeating in 2015 before he misstepped right before the line, allowing Shaw to edge him out.

Brian Shaw won the event last year, and could easily do the same again. Shaw was undefeated in competition in 2015 winning all the major contests. By the looks of his training, he could very well do the same in 2016.

Hafpor Bjornsson nearly completed the course last year, and has only gotten stronger. Thor could complete the course this year and also recently beat Savickas in a Fridge carry for Guinness Book Of World Records:

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Jerry Pritchett ever improving looks strong on the yoke walk:

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Dimitar Savatinov training for the bale tote:

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Mateusz Kieliszkowski may be the smallest and youngest competitor at the Arnold but here he is taking 1200+lbs for a stroll in training:

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Be sure to check out the rest of our Arnold Classic coverage:

Meet the Pros competing at The Arnold Classic
Event 1: The Max Deadlift
Event 2: The Austrian Oak
Event 3: The Cyr Dumbbell