FORT ST. JOHN B.C. — When you step inside The Gym on 100th Street in Fort St. John, the lively atmosphere swells with a mix of rock music and the rhythmic sounds of weights clanging against one another. This local fitness hub serves both the therapeutic and chaotic demands of the community, offering a space where fitness enthusiasts can pursue their goals. Among those striving for greatness here is Alex Lorincz, a passionate strongman competitor from Fort St. John who is preparing rigorously for the upcoming Alberta Strongman Association’s Provincials at the end of June.
Recently, Lorincz etched his name into local history by clinching the title at the 2025 Grande Prairie’s Strongest event on April 5th. His dedication to the sport is palpable, as he trains meticulously during weekends and squeezes in a cardio session mid-week, all while balancing a demanding work schedule. “Still being three weeks out, I don’t want to do too much too soon,” Lorincz notes. “I have to be careful not to burn out so I can train efficiently in the following weeks.”
Strength sports have witnessed a remarkable resurgence in popularity, particularly following the success of competitions like the World’s Strongest Man in the late 1970s. Icons such as Jon Páll Sigmarsson, Bill Kazmaier, and Mariusz Pudzianowski have transformed these events from mere circus acts into mainstream spectacles. For Lorincz, the journey into strength sports began with a childhood curiosity sparked by watching these legendary athletes on television.
“I had to have been a kid,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what I was watching.” His early interests included sports like track and field and basketball, but it wasn’t until his mid-20s that he transitioned from bodybuilding to strongman competitions. “I started getting a little more interested in it,” he says. “I was 24 or 25 and still doing bodybuilding at the time, but I began to appreciate the incredible feats performed by strongman athletes.”
The transition wasn’t immediate. After years of dedication to bodybuilding, Lorincz cited the exhaustive preparations required for contests as a catalyst for his change. “It takes an incredible amount of physical and mental effort. The last time I did it, I was in the best shape I ever was,” he shares.
At The Gym, Lorincz’s equipment bag is reminiscent of a weightlifter’s treasure trove. Amongst weightlifting straps, belts, and shoes, he explains how the COVID-19 pandemic offered unexpected opportunities for functional training. “During Covid, I went to college in Vancouver and came back home. Gyms were closed, so I bought sandbags, which were great for functional weight training.”
As if fate had a hand in his evolving passion, a casual conversation led Lorincz to discover Atlas stones—a key element in strongman competitions. “I thought, ‘maybe I’ll buy a mold,’” he explains with enthusiasm. His connection with a local CrossFit gym enabled him to procure Atlas stones, further fueling his newfound dedication.
His first competitive experience came in 2023 at Williams Lake’s Cariboo Classic. Lorincz’s workout regimen simulates the challenges he will face in competition, including demanding lifts like the hex bar deadlift and the Atlas stone, with weights varying from 220 to 360 pounds. Such high-intensity training sessions blend physical skill with mental preparation. “I spend a lot of time thinking about the contest and visualizing each event,” Lorincz explains, emphasizing the role of mental resilience in performing well.
Diet plays a crucial role in his training focus. Lorincz consumes five to six meals a day, prioritizing protein intake combined with carbohydrates and healthy fats. “For strongman events, you’re eating for performance,” he notes. “Whereas in bodybuilding, you’re focused more on nutrient timing to make your muscles grow.” His ability to squeeze in a few slices of pizza doesn’t hurt, either.
One of the rewarding aspects of the strongman community is its inherent supportiveness. Lorincz has forged strong connections with fellow competitors, allowing him to gain insight and participate in challenges across British Columbia and Alberta. Although he remains an amateur, his aspirations are high; Lorincz dreams of transitioning into a full-time professional strongman, inspired by the achievements of figures like Hugo Girard and Mitchell Hooper, the latter of whom recently made history as the first Canadian to be crowned the World’s Strongest Man.
“I love this,” Lorincz expresses passionately. “Strongman is my hobby, my passion. If I weren’t involved in it, I’d find another intense sport, whether it be CrossFit or basketball.” His relentless drive and commitment make it evident that he’s not only determined to achieve personal milestones but is also committed to elevating the sport within his community.
Looking ahead, Lorincz is preparing for the Alberta Provincials in June, where he’ll compete in Edmonton. The excitement and anticipation he feels are palpable, serving as a reminder of the dedication required to excel in this challenging yet rewarding field. For those interested in following Lorincz’s journey, updates can be found on his Facebook and Instagram pages.
In a world often marked by chaos, the resolve and heart of athletes like Alex Lorincz not only inspire those around them but also help to cultivate a sense of community within strength sports. As he continues to train and prepare for his upcoming competitions, we can all look forward to witnessing his journey unfold at Alberta’s Provincials.
