For those who are unfamiliar with Andrey Smaev, his nickname “Russian Hulk” is almost literal and goes beyond simple gym jokes.
Andrey looks like a real-life superhuman capable of unimaginable feats. People say they’ve never seen anybody with such strength.
Despite being built like a tank and weighing between over 150 kgs (or 330lbs), he has gymnast-level agility. He is a rising star and one of the most talked-about athletes in the bodybuilding and lifting circles, thanks to his enormous chest, 26-inch arms, 20-inch forearms (yes, the number is correct), and extraordinary combination of strength and control.
Smaev’s training includes both gym equipment and calisthenics, unlike many heavyweight bodybuilders and strongmen who use exclusively gym equipment like barbells, dumbbells and machines.
Especially incredible are his one-arm pullups that he can do at his enormous size. And that’s one-arm pullups for reps !!!
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Andrey was born in 1998 in Satis, Russia. He started bodybuilding at an early age, using whatever gear he could find. In his early years, he played basketball.
He eventually became interested in calisthenics and lifting after meeting Sasha at his new school. They had relatively limited equipment, parallel bars, and pull up bars, but they kept on training.
By the time he was a teenager, his commitment had already reached a new level. At the age of just 17, he was benching 180 kg for reps and squatting more than 200 kg.
For now, he is not interested in competing and stepping on stage. His priorities include developing himself, gaining strength, and becoming an expert in weighted calisthenics.
Fans aren’t the only ones keeping an eye on it. Recently Larry Wheels went to Russia to meed Smaev and they did an arm workout together. He was impressed by how big Smaev looks in person.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in the world built like you at this bodyweight and as versatile as you,” Larry said to Smaev. Wheels couldn’t contain his admiration.
And while most gym rats dream of pressing 400lbs once, Smaev bench presses 441lb – and makes it look easy. He recently posted a video on social media, where he bench presses 200kg (441lbs) for 25 reps.
In the video, at the bodyweight of about 150 kg (330 lbs), he easily completes 25 clean repetitions. Just raw strength, no drama.
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Fans have described Smaev as one of the most complete strength athletes on social media today due to his combination of raw power and body control; he is a rare “genetic freak” whose limits are yet to be seen.
Related:
How to improve your pull-ups in 8 weeks
Russian Girl Bench Presses 375 lbs ; But Wait Until You Hear Her Voice
