This “Fitness Challenge Series” is a compilation of “challenges” that I have either tried or have seen others try as fun ways to test current levels of fitness. It is NOT intended for use on a large scale with a team of athletes. Additionally I am NOT telling you that you NEED to try these. Some of these challenges will be easy and some will be quite difficult, but almost all will require some level of prior training (meaning if you don’t train frequently now and/or have never trained you should not attempt these challenges “just to try” or “just for fun” as they may lead to serious injury). However, if you are well-trained and want a fun way to test your current fitness and/or want to throw something new in to spice up your training, this series may be worthwhile for you to read.

With all that out of the way, let’s get into this challenge: 500 lb. “Double Deadlift”. I did this one a couple Spring Trainings back. This one is very straightforward. Warm-up as needed until you have 500 lbs. on a barbell. When you’re ready the challenge is simply this: pull the 500 conventional, put it down, switch to sumo, and immediately pull it sumo. Bonus points for no belt, chalk, straps, etc.