The Debut of the Rogue Strongwoman Invitational: Sam Belliveau Shines with Event Win
At the inaugural Rogue Strongwoman Invitational held in Aberdeen, Scotland, Sam Belliveau, the four-time Canada’s Strongest Women champion (2021-2024) and world record holder for the circus dumbbell clean and press (185 pounds at the 2024 Arnold Strongwoman Classic), secured an impressive eighth-place finish overall. Belliveau’s standout performance included a win in the fifth of six events.
To prepare for this debut competition, Belliveau trained extensively with her fiancé, Maxime Boudreault, the 2022 Canada’s Strongest Man and 2021 World’s Strongest Man bronze medalist. Their training regimen consisted of six sessions per week, focusing on developing Belliveau’s strengths.
Boudreault, a proponent of the lat pulldown with a neutral (hammer) grip, believes this exercise mimics the demands of the log press. Belliveau, on the other hand, emphasizes a slower execution of lat pulldowns to maintain constant tension on the lats, which optimizes muscle growth. Barbell bent-over rows are also a staple in their training, targeting the lower lats depending on the line of pull and degree of hip hinge.
“Our backs are important for so many little accessory works, especially for our main lifts: yoke, deadlift,” Belliveau explained.
To further isolate the back, they sometimes utilize the Smith machine, which reduces the need for stabilization compared to free-weight alternatives.
Boudreault emphasizes the importance of adjusting their training based on the competition schedule and specific preparation needs. Typically, they compete in seven to eight events each year, with the Rogue Invitational being a top priority.
Approximately 8-12 weeks before a competition, Belliveau and Boudreault ramp up the intensity of their training. During the off-season, they focus on improving their weaknesses.
“To get ready for a comp, probably 12 weeks out. I’ll deload a week prior to the show,” Boudreault shared.
Boudreault also advises that training lighter can be beneficial, as it helps prevent burnout and injuries. He recommends balancing the routine, incorporating speed exercises and heavy lifting, and always leaving two to three reps in the tank to avoid failure on the main lifts. Accessory exercises are crucial, as they contribute to overall strength development.
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