Susie-Ann Viirg’s journey into arm wrestling
Susie-Ann Viirg never had a grand plan to take up arm wrestling. In 2013, she went to watch a competition at Salme Cultural Centre, tried her hand at arm wrestling in the expo area and won.
That chance encounter set her on an athletic path with a simple goal: to show that arm wrestling is more than a men’s sport or a bit of fun at a bar.
Name: Susie-Ann Viirg
Age: 28
Height: 173 cm
Why did Susie-Ann Viirg choose arm wrestling?
In truth, Susie-Ann Viirg says she didn’t choose arm wrestling. Arm wrestling chose her.
In 2013, she went to watch bodybuilding and fitness competitions at Salme Cultural Centre. Arm wrestlers also had a stand in the expo area. The offer was simple: win the arm wrestling contest and get free gym passes along with some training gear.
Susie-Ann Viirg had just moved back to Estonia and hadn’t yet chosen a gym, so giving it a go made perfect sense. Who wouldn’t want to work out for free?
Long story short: she won the contest. As she was about to leave with her prizes, one of the arm wrestlers ran after her. He praised Susie-Ann Viirg’s arm wrestling, wanted to try a match with her himself and told her she was strong. Then he suggested she join an arm wrestling club.
Her first reaction was to laugh. Was arm wrestling even a serious sport? After a longer conversation, one remark settled it: if she joined the club, she would officially become Estonia’s first female arm wrestler. That sounded like a title to be proud of. So she joined.
Arm wrestling is more than a show of strength
So what actually happens when two people sit down at the table? From the outside, it looks like brute strength. In reality, arm wrestling is a contest of technique, body position, grip and nerve.
Since then, Susie-Ann Viirg has competed both in Estonia and abroad. She has also worked to raise the sport’s profile. Her message is clear: this is a real sport, not just a contest between men at a bar.
Arm wrestling is better known in other countries than it is in Estonia. The sport has both European and World Championships. This gives it standing and shows that it is more than an impromptu test of strength: it is a sport with established rules and its own approach to training.
Susie-Ann Viirg’s biggest achievement is becoming a 4x Estonian arm wrestling champion. That takes more than a strong arm. It requires consistency, proper technique and a willingness to keep learning even when success doesn’t come straight away.
How does Susie-Ann Viirg train?
Arm wrestling table training takes place once a week. These sessions involve trying out different techniques and moves with another athlete. This is where you find out whether a move you’ve practiced works against an actual opponent.
Susie-Ann Viirg does her general conditioning in the gym. She pays particular attention to her grip, fingers, wrist and forearm. These details may seem minor, but they often make all the difference in arm wrestling.
She uses items such as a towel, fat grips and a trouser belt in her exercises. Training this way makes gripping harder and makes the hand work differently than it would with a standard barbell or dumbbell.
She has also taken part in other sports: athletics, dance, horse riding, Olympic weightlifting and armlifting. This background helps her body move better and builds strength that no single exercise can provide.
Nutrition and recovery
Susie-Ann Viirg keeps nutrition simple. She prepares all her own meals and follows one principle: everything in moderation. Her favorite food is rolled oats for breakfast.
To unwind, she rides her motorcycle. It fits neatly with her outlook: the gym and the competition table demand effort, but the mind needs a break too.
She has mentioned the following supplements:
- Olimp Micellar Casein casein protein (pear-vanilla)
- Olimp whey protein complex (chocolate)
- Olimp BCAA Xplode (fruit punch)
Susie-Ann Viirg’s advice for beginners
If you want to beat a friend at arm wrestling, simply pushing harder won’t be enough. The simple truth is that good arm wrestling starts with your position and brings your whole body into play.
- Pull instead of pushing.
- Use your whole body.
- After you win, do the splits.
The third recommendation is, of course, delivered with Susie-Ann Viirg’s characteristic humor, but the first two are very practical. Arm wrestling involves more than just your arm. Your shoulder, back, core and legs all support the movement.
Her role model is Devon Larratt. Her motivation, however, comes from a bigger goal. Arm wrestling has brought new people, exciting events and opportunities into her life that she had never even dreamed of.
Above all, Susie-Ann Viirg wants more women in Estonia to have the courage to take up the sport. Her goal is to move arm wrestling beyond being a male domain and encourage women to give it a try too.
Follow her activities and adventures:
Website: www.firmafitness.ee
Instagram: 5usie_ann
Facebook: susieannviirg
FAQ: Susie-Ann Viirg and arm wrestling
Is arm wrestling a real sport?
Yes. Arm wrestling competitions take place in Estonia and abroad, and there are European and World Championships too. The sport requires technique, strength, grip and competitive experience.
What does Susie-Ann Viirg focus on most in the gym?
She focuses on overall fitness, with additional work on her grip, fingers, wrists and forearms. These areas are very important in arm wrestling.
Why should women try arm wrestling?
Because the sport is not just for men. Susie-Ann Viirg’s story shows that having the courage to try can lead you to competitions, new people and an entirely new sporting goal.
Author:Turg.Fitness.ee
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