Lifting the World: How Josh Spurgeon Became a Rising Star in Strongman

[MuscleMadness]

Hey everyone, Muscle Madness here. Today, I want to talk to you about a young powerhouse making waves in the strongman scene—Josh Spurgeon. If you’re into strength sports or just admire grit and hard work, Josh’s story is one to know. This guy has been carving out his lane in the world of heavy lifting, and there’s a lot we can learn from his journey—his background, how he trains, the mindset that fuels him, and what’s next on his path.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings​

Josh Spurgeon didn’t just wake up one day lifting Atlas stones and hauling yokes around. He grew up in a setting that provided him with a strong foundation, surrounded by a sports and fitness culture that nurtured his interest in strength.

Early on, he wasn’t locked into Strongman but explored general fitness and powerlifting first, building raw strength and muscle control. It was through this early phase, combined with the guidance of mentors and supportive gym environments, that Josh discovered the unique appeal of strongman events. This transition wasn’t overnight. It was a process shaped by curiosity, encouragement, and the challenge of mastering complex, event-specific skills.

Breaking Into Strongman Competitions​

The first strongman competitions Josh entered were full of excitement and real challenges. Early contests stretched his limits and revealed his weaknesses. However, he did not back down; he doubled down on his efforts to learn. Setbacks became lessons - deadlift, log press, etc.

Persistence paid off; he began placing well in regional contests, drawing the interest of the strongman community. These initial successes were important milestones in making him a name to watch.

The Training Philosophy Behind the Strength​

​

Josh’s training is no joke. His weekly routine is a calculated balance of heavy compound lifts and event-specific drills that mimic the demands of competition. Deadlifts, log presses, yoke walks—these form the core of his program, with attention to explosive power and endurance.

But Josh knows strength isn’t just about brute force. Recovery strategies, mobility work, and mental conditioning play a huge role in his regimen. He has worked with coaches who bring out his best and integrate unconventional methods that push him past plateaus. His approach is about building a resilient and adaptable athlete who is ready for any challenge a strongman throws at them.

Major Achievements and Turning Points​

Josh’s rise includes some serious highlights—podium finishes at state and national levels, personal records in core lifts, and moments when he stood toe-to-toe with some of the best in the sport. His deadlift numbers, prowess with atlas stones, and speed in farmer’s carries have earned him respect and recognition.

The 2023 Shaw Classic Open was the first major competition where Josh really showed he belonged on the big stage. These are turning points that prove that hard work combined with smart training brings results.

​

Mindset and Motivation​

Strongman is as much mental as it is physical, and Josh understands that better than most. He approaches pressure and competition nerves with calm focus, relying on consistency and resilience to push through the toughest moments.

Pain tolerance is part of the game, and Josh’s mantra often reminds him to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth. Personal goals and a desire to prove doubters wrong fuel his drive—he lifts not just for himself but to build a legacy. That mental edge, the hunger to improve no matter the obstacles, is what separates him from the pack.

The Role of Community and Support​

A support circle surrounds every rising Strongman - and Josh is no exception. His training partners press him every day. Sponsors provide resources and the strongman community rallies behind him.

This support system helps maintain momentum, whether online or at local events. Josh also mentors young athletes and posts his story online to inspire others. The community connection is more than just a backdrop. That is a driving force behind his progress.

What’s Next for Josh Spurgeon?​

Looking forward, Josh has goals that keep him hungry. But now he wants to compete in bigger competitions - maybe Nationals or even the World's Strongest Man stage. He works to expose weaknesses, improve technique, and build the complete package that elite competition demands.

Beyond that platform, Josh sees himself building his brand and contributing to athlete development to ensure his impact as a strongman goes beyond his lifts. That road is demanding, but Josh Spurgeon is up for the challenge head-on.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Who is Josh Spurgeon in the world of Strongman?

Josh Spurgeon is a rising strongman athlete known for his impressive performances and relentless work ethic. He’s quickly gaining recognition through strong competition results and a focused training approach.

Has Josh Spurgeon achieved any major competition milestones?

Yes, he has earned podium finishes at state and national events, set personal records in core lifts, and competed successfully against some well-known strongmen.

What are Josh Spurgeon’s plans in Strongman?

He aims to compete at higher levels, including Nationals and World’s Strongest Man qualifiers, while continuing to develop his skills, build his brand, and contribute to the strongman community.