Vyacheslav Sharagovich is a Master of Sports in the Republic of Belarus, a real “dinosaur” of armwrestling in our country. His road to the top was full of interesting experiences. It all started back in 1988 at the university, when he’s first heard of armwrestling.

Armwrestling wasn’t very advanced back then, so I won local and national events without any problems – recalls Vyacheslav. – We had no special training, we just fought, worked out all the basic muscle groups, focusing especially on the forearm – bicep curls and wrist curls with barbells. I knew nothing else. In 1997 Anatoly Skodatev showed us how to train armwrestling during the European Championships. Of course, I also had my own variants of exercises, that I’ve come up with on my own. The same year I took 3^rd place in the World Championships. For the next three years I’ve trained the same way, and then I introduced some branched exercises. To tell you the truth, I wish I’ve stayed with what I had! 90 percent of the innovations were just trash that I saw on the Internet.

Vyacheslav is certain that many of the exercises to be found on the internet get you pumped, creating an illusion of power, but this power doesn’t work at the table. The only effective method is trial and error, to find one’s perfect workout.

Diet is very important for a fighter – says Vyacheslav. – Supplementation is too. I use HMB, BCAA , l-carnitine, creatine and joint supplements. The rest is a waste of money. I think many would agree with tme when I say that many supplements are overrated. Vyacheslav is 43 years old, but he works out every day. Many say that more than 3 workouts a week is too much.

Maybe they’re right, but it’s hard to agree with them, looking at Vyacheslav’s list of achievements and titles. Master of Sports, International Class, multiple champion of Belarus, finalist and winner of European Championships, multiple winner of World Championships, winner of Nemiroff World Cup. What’s his secret?

Devoted love of sports! I can’t live without a gym! – says Vyacheslav. When I’m training arms, I do 2-3 specialist exercises for biceps and triceps, 3-4 exercises for back and add something for the chest. My forearm is a little worse – I do 4-5 pronations, as much as I can take. Basic bends – one handed with a small barbell – middle grip (most gyms don’t have the special equipment – laughs). You can do pronations, like Tsyplenov in the Badyuk program. I do basics, I don’t waste time

A turning point in Vyacheslav’s life was winning the WC’s. When you take the top in amateur championships, it’s hard to motivate oneself to work harder – your goal has been reached, after all.

Winning the World Championships left me with a great feeling – says Vyacheslav. – Being a winner is kind of hard, because defending your title is a much bigger thing than winning it. After winning the WC’s I’ve stopped training regularly, I saw no point in paying for tournaments with my own money. This year, however, the “Gazpromneft” company sponsored the tickets to travel to Baku. The “Exponenta” company made very good t-shirts. It’s hard to get a sponsor in our country, that’s why I’m glad for any help.

Not many people know that in 2000, Vyacheslav won the World Championships in left arm, beating Alexey Voevoda. Now he’s preparing for the A1 and the World Championships.

I’m glad that nowadays armwrestling events are on such high levels – says Vyacheslav. – Also many new fighters have entered the scene, specialist machines are being invented and manufactured. Yet I still see no-one I could call and idol.

Artur Grigorian