The lat pulldown. It’s a favorite among lifters at all levels due to its effectiveness and targeting the all-important latissimus muscles. So it’s no surprise then that strongman Hafþór ‘Thor’ Júlíus Björnsson can be seen knocking out a few reps at the gym. What does cause us to do a double take, however, is the unorthodox position he uses to perform the popular lat-building exercise.

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In this video posted on Björnsson’s Instagram page, you’ll see “Thor” forgoing the machine’s seat, and parking his rear on the floor. Thor sums it up best in just a few words: “Story of my life… #TooBig.”

Story of my life… #TooBig A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Jul 30, 2017 at 10:07am PDT

  However, big does have its advantages as well, especially when trying to lift heavy weight to earn the top spot at the Arnold Pro Strongman competition or become the World’s Strongest Man. Björnsson achieved both of those feats over the past year, and it’s no surprise that his training is only getting more impressive as time goes on. Here are a few of his most awe-inspiring training snaps. Björnsson’s 440-pound strict press makes most gym rats’ squat look like nothing:

 

View this post on Instagram

  HUGE STRICT PRESS PR 200kg/440lbs @larrywheels @stanefferding – This training session was fuelled by: MOUNTAIN MEALS – 8 MEALS FOR $85. FREE DELIVERY!! ORDER NOW: https://excelev8.com/?ref=5 ▶️ 8 Meal Sampler = $85. Free Delivery. ▶️ 2 Bison Monster Mash. ▶️ 1 Deluxe Monster Mash ▶️ 2 Breakfast Scrambles. ▶️ 1 Grass Fed Steak Dinner. ▶️ 1 Wild Caught Salmon Dinner. ▶️ 1 Chicken Dinner. https://excelev8.com/?ref=5 A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Aug 27, 2018 at 8:41pm PDT

His “easy” 880-pound deadlifts are something most lifters could only dream of:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Here’s 400kg/880lbs for 2 reps easy. Feels good to be getting stronger each week now!! @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @larrywheels @nickbeststrongman @jerrypritchettstrongman @black_tom_cruise A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Aug 30, 2018 at 4:20am PDT

On bench, Thor reps out 440 pounds easily for sets of five:

 

View this post on Instagram

  200kg/440lbs 5 reps 3 sets today. • @thorspowergym @thorspowerprogram • Link in bio for tee!! 🔥 A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 11, 2018 at 9:52am PDT

Most people couldn’t squat even half of the 805 pounds Björnsson does for three reps:

 

View this post on Instagram

  365kg/805lbs safety bar squat x 3 reps! @australianstrengthcoach @thorspowergym @thorspowerprogram @stefansolvi @tommigud • 🎥 @kelc33 A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 13, 2018 at 1:38pm PDT

For Björnsson, “getting used to” a heavy yoke on his back entails walking with over 1,000 pounds on his shoulders:

 

View this post on Instagram

  470kg/1035lb yoke today. I’m getting used to having a heavy yoke on my back again to prepare myself for @wusdubai where we will be running with 580kg/1277lb 💪 @thorspowerprogram A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 14, 2018 at 1:38am PDT

Even when it comes to circuit training, Thor goes heavy:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Press medley. Log 165kg, Axle 165kg, Giant Dumbbell 105kg, Stone 95kg. @thorspowergym • 🎥 @stefansolvi A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 15, 2018 at 2:17pm PDT

Even Thor’s spotters have to be strongman-material:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Trying out the 100kg/220lb dumbbells yesterday. Never done them before so it’s a PB!! 👊 @thorspowergym @stefansolvi @petur854 @eythormelsted @bjornthorr @australianstrengthcoach Training program link in bio! 👊 @thorspowerprogram • 🎥 @asrunospv_ifbbpro A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 16, 2018 at 3:04am PDT

Nothing beats Björnsson’s world-record-setting 1,041-pound deadlift at the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival:

 

View this post on Instagram

  472kg/1041lb World Record Deadlift ! • @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @stefansolvi @andrimarinn @andrireyr @kelc33 @vikingtrips @roguefitness @sbdapparel • #yesmen A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Mar 4, 2018 at 4:05pm PST

A “light deload session” for Björnsson features 600-pound squats:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Just a light deload session today with my coach @australianstrengthcoach • 272kg/600lb 3 sets, 2 reps! A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Apr 13, 2018 at 9:52am PDT

Ahead of the 2017 World’s Strongest Man competition, Björnsson pulled a massive truck with some hefty rope:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Finishing strong! Last session before I fly out to Botswana to compete at The Worlds Strongest Man 2017! All is done, I’m ready! Time to kill! @theworldsstrongestman @thorspowergym @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @stefansolvi @andrireyr A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on May 14, 2017 at 9:44pm PDT

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The lat pulldown. It’s a favorite among lifters at all levels due to its effectiveness and targeting the all-important latissimus muscles. So it’s no surprise then that strongman Hafþór ‘Thor’ Júlíus Björnsson can be seen knocking out a few reps at the gym. What does cause us to do a double take, however, is the unorthodox position he uses to perform the popular lat-building exercise.

‘Game of Thrones’ Final Season: Everything You Need to Know About Season 8

Read article

In this video posted on Björnsson’s Instagram page, you’ll see “Thor” forgoing the machine’s seat, and parking his rear on the floor. Thor sums it up best in just a few words:

‘Game of Thrones’ Final Season: Everything You Need to Know About Season 8

Read article

‘Game of Thrones’ Final Season: Everything You Need to Know About Season 8

“Story of my life… #TooBig.”

 

Story of my life… #TooBig A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Jul 30, 2017 at 10:07am PDT

Story of my life… #TooBig

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Jul 30, 2017 at 10:07am PDT

However, big does have its advantages as well, especially when trying to lift heavy weight to earn the top spot at the Arnold Pro Strongman competition or become the World’s Strongest Man. Björnsson achieved both of those feats over the past year, and it’s no surprise that his training is only getting more impressive as time goes on.

Here are a few of his most awe-inspiring training snaps.

Björnsson’s 440-pound strict press makes most gym rats’ squat look like nothing:

 

View this post on Instagram

  HUGE STRICT PRESS PR 200kg/440lbs @larrywheels @stanefferding – This training session was fuelled by: MOUNTAIN MEALS – 8 MEALS FOR $85. FREE DELIVERY!! ORDER NOW: https://excelev8.com/?ref=5 ▶️ 8 Meal Sampler = $85. Free Delivery. ▶️ 2 Bison Monster Mash. ▶️ 1 Deluxe Monster Mash ▶️ 2 Breakfast Scrambles. ▶️ 1 Grass Fed Steak Dinner. ▶️ 1 Wild Caught Salmon Dinner. ▶️ 1 Chicken Dinner. https://excelev8.com/?ref=5 A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Aug 27, 2018 at 8:41pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

HUGE STRICT PRESS PR 200kg/440lbs @larrywheels @stanefferding – This training session was fuelled by: MOUNTAIN MEALS – 8 MEALS FOR $85. FREE DELIVERY!! ORDER NOW: https://excelev8.com/?ref=5 ▶️ 8 Meal Sampler = $85. Free Delivery. ▶️ 2 Bison Monster Mash. ▶️ 1 Deluxe Monster Mash ▶️ 2 Breakfast Scrambles. ▶️ 1 Grass Fed Steak Dinner. ▶️ 1 Wild Caught Salmon Dinner. ▶️ 1 Chicken Dinner. https://excelev8.com/?ref=5

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Aug 27, 2018 at 8:41pm PDT

His “easy” 880-pound deadlifts are something most lifters could only dream of:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Here’s 400kg/880lbs for 2 reps easy. Feels good to be getting stronger each week now!! @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @larrywheels @nickbeststrongman @jerrypritchettstrongman @black_tom_cruise A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Aug 30, 2018 at 4:20am PDT

Here’s 400kg/880lbs for 2 reps easy. Feels good to be getting stronger each week now!! @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @larrywheels @nickbeststrongman @jerrypritchettstrongman @black_tom_cruise

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Aug 30, 2018 at 4:20am PDT

On bench, Thor reps out 440 pounds easily for sets of five:

 

View this post on Instagram

  200kg/440lbs 5 reps 3 sets today. • @thorspowergym @thorspowerprogram • Link in bio for tee!! 🔥 A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 11, 2018 at 9:52am PDT

200kg/440lbs 5 reps 3 sets today. • @thorspowergym @thorspowerprogram • Link in bio for tee!! 🔥

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 11, 2018 at 9:52am PDT

Most people couldn’t squat even half of the 805 pounds Björnsson does for three reps:

 

View this post on Instagram

  365kg/805lbs safety bar squat x 3 reps! @australianstrengthcoach @thorspowergym @thorspowerprogram @stefansolvi @tommigud • 🎥 @kelc33 A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 13, 2018 at 1:38pm PDT

365kg/805lbs safety bar squat x 3 reps! @australianstrengthcoach @thorspowergym @thorspowerprogram @stefansolvi @tommigud • 🎥 @kelc33

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 13, 2018 at 1:38pm PDT

For Björnsson, “getting used to” a heavy yoke on his back entails walking with over 1,000 pounds on his shoulders:

 

View this post on Instagram

  470kg/1035lb yoke today. I’m getting used to having a heavy yoke on my back again to prepare myself for @wusdubai where we will be running with 580kg/1277lb 💪 @thorspowerprogram A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 14, 2018 at 1:38am PDT

470kg/1035lb yoke today. I’m getting used to having a heavy yoke on my back again to prepare myself for @wusdubai where we will be running with 580kg/1277lb 💪 @thorspowerprogram

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 14, 2018 at 1:38am PDT

Even when it comes to circuit training, Thor goes heavy:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Press medley. Log 165kg, Axle 165kg, Giant Dumbbell 105kg, Stone 95kg. @thorspowergym • 🎥 @stefansolvi A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 15, 2018 at 2:17pm PDT

Press medley. Log 165kg, Axle 165kg, Giant Dumbbell 105kg, Stone 95kg. @thorspowergym • 🎥 @stefansolvi

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 15, 2018 at 2:17pm PDT

Even Thor’s spotters have to be strongman-material:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Trying out the 100kg/220lb dumbbells yesterday. Never done them before so it’s a PB!! 👊 @thorspowergym @stefansolvi @petur854 @eythormelsted @bjornthorr @australianstrengthcoach Training program link in bio! 👊 @thorspowerprogram • 🎥 @asrunospv_ifbbpro A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 16, 2018 at 3:04am PDT

Trying out the 100kg/220lb dumbbells yesterday. Never done them before so it’s a PB!! 👊 @thorspowergym @stefansolvi @petur854 @eythormelsted @bjornthorr @australianstrengthcoach Training program link in bio! 👊 @thorspowerprogram • 🎥 @asrunospv_ifbbpro

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Sep 16, 2018 at 3:04am PDT

Nothing beats Björnsson’s world-record-setting 1,041-pound deadlift at the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival:

 

View this post on Instagram

  472kg/1041lb World Record Deadlift ! • @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @stefansolvi @andrimarinn @andrireyr @kelc33 @vikingtrips @roguefitness @sbdapparel • #yesmen A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Mar 4, 2018 at 4:05pm PST

472kg/1041lb World Record Deadlift ! • @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @stefansolvi @andrimarinn @andrireyr @kelc33 @vikingtrips @roguefitness @sbdapparel • #yesmen

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Mar 4, 2018 at 4:05pm PST

A “light deload session” for Björnsson features 600-pound squats:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Just a light deload session today with my coach @australianstrengthcoach • 272kg/600lb 3 sets, 2 reps! A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Apr 13, 2018 at 9:52am PDT

Just a light deload session today with my coach @australianstrengthcoach • 272kg/600lb 3 sets, 2 reps!

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on Apr 13, 2018 at 9:52am PDT

Ahead of the 2017 World’s Strongest Man competition, Björnsson pulled a massive truck with some hefty rope:

 

View this post on Instagram

  Finishing strong! Last session before I fly out to Botswana to compete at The Worlds Strongest Man 2017! All is done, I’m ready! Time to kill! @theworldsstrongestman @thorspowergym @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @stefansolvi @andrireyr A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on May 14, 2017 at 9:44pm PDT

Finishing strong! Last session before I fly out to Botswana to compete at The Worlds Strongest Man 2017! All is done, I’m ready! Time to kill! @theworldsstrongestman @thorspowergym @australianstrengthcoach @stanefferding @stefansolvi @andrireyr

A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson) on May 14, 2017 at 9:44pm PDT

For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!

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