Meet Estonia’s doers: strongman Alvar Kraav

Name: Alvar Kraav. Age: 36. Height: 183.5 cm. Weight: 96kg.

How did you get into your sport?

Around the time I was in eighth grade, I started to enjoy spending time in the gym. With two friends, I spent most of our PE classes there, with the teacher’s permission, while the other students did their regular PE lesson. Since we represented the school at every inter-school competition, it was a privilege for us.

And so my interest grew. At first with a lighter training load, then heavier and heavier, until I discovered the sport of strongman for myself. I went at it “with all the iron” until I overdid it a bit on my shoulders. Then life started making its own corrections — family and kids.

Today I go to the gym for myself and share my experience — how, why and what to do, what works well and what doesn’t.

Greatest achievement

The chance to be the father of two wonderful children.

In sporting terms, I’d say it’s finishing in the top three at the University Strongman for several years and placing in the top 5 in the amateur league.

Other sports I have done

Oh, there are many. Starting from my school days and from early childhood. I started young, as you do — with football. I played it for 6 years, until my legs started to hurt, because my body was young and still developing and the training sessions had a heavy training load.

But soon after that I discovered basketball and handball.

In between, I also tried badminton for half a year, but yes, that’s where it ended — it’s just not my thing.

Basketball and handball — I played both for a couple of years. In handball I was the best at my school for a while. Next came the gym, strongman and kickboxing.

And at the start of my strongman period, I also went to Alar Seim in parallel to practice weightlifting, to build a stronger base, with strongman events in mind.

What motivates you?

Living an active and athletic lifestyle.

Keeping body and mind healthy and active. Both for myself and for my family. So that I can manage everything properly.

How do you relax?

As far away from the city as possible. In the countryside. By the sea, a river or a lake. A classic barbecue, sauna, time spent with family and friends.

Describe your everyday nutrition and the principles you follow

I cook my own meals. Since I do practice so-called heavy sports, I don’t really track calories. Pretty much anything fresh and healthy goes.

What is your favorite food?

The classic: meat, potatoes and a good handful of greens.

Describe your training

Still heavy. But today I feel and listen to my body more than I did when I was young.

In general, I’ve split it into groups: chest/back/legs/arms/shoulders and neck/aerobic (either kickboxing or swimming, etc.).

Which supplements do you take?

• Vitamin complex
• Omega oils
• Protein powders for faster recovery after a workout
• Creatine
• A generous dose of BCAA before a workout

Role models

• EVERYONE’S favorite — Ronnie Coleman. That’s where it all began; his videos were the first ones I watched and started copying.
• The Mountain – Thor
• Eddie Hall

Three tips for anyone who wants to get in better shape

Start! It all begins with starting and getting going. Don’t look for excuses. Start and do it! As they say, “appetite comes with eating.” Everything else will follow on its own. You’ll begin to dig deeper into what to do, who to ask for help, and so on.

Follow my projects and activities

• On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigAlvar
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigalvar
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alvar.kraav

Come and train! ArtGym