What is real strength? That’s the question driving this extraordinary travel journey—one that takes you from the heavy, stone-lifting traditions of Scotland to the relentless world of arm wrestling in Canada, and ultimately into a different way of thinking about power itself.
In the video, Joe HaTTab travels alongside athletes who live and train at the extreme end of “strength”. But the message isn’t just about bigger muscles or heavier weights. It’s about endurance, control, focus—and the inner change that can transform pain into performance.
Strength isn’t one thing
Early on, the video frames strength as multi-dimensional: it can be found in muscles and size, but also in control, grip, and the ability to keep your body working as one. Rather than treating strength as a single measurement, the journey suggests that true power shows up differently depending on the challenge—whether that’s lifting a massive stone, wrestling for position on a table, or sustaining intensity over time.
Scotland: training with Tom Stoltman
Scotland is where the story begins, and the destination isn’t a gym in the ordinary sense—it’s an introduction to strength as tradition, discipline, and record-breaking effort. Joe meets Tom Stoltman, who has carried the title of the World’s Strongest Man three times. The video highlights what makes Tom’s strength remarkable: not only what he can lift, but also the personal journey behind it.
There’s also a notable theme of resilience. Joe shares that he was diagnosed with autism and that, as a child, he struggled to talk to strangers and was told by a teacher he would never be anything in life. As the film unfolds, Tom’s story becomes a powerful parallel—showing how someone can face limitations, refuse to be defined by them, and still reach the highest level of performance.
Atlas stones and the history of endurance
From the Atlas stone context in the strongman world to the heavy, physical tests of the sport, the video explains that the Atlas stone has long been used as a measure of power and endurance in Scotland, with its name inspired by Greek mythology.
Tom also discusses his roots: football was his original goal, and it was his older brother Luke who introduced him to the gym. What followed wasn’t just training—it was a shift in identity. By turning autism from what others saw as a disability into something he can build with, Tom frames “real strength” as both physical and psychological.
Highland Games: strength as heritage
Next, Joe steps into the Highland Games, described in the video as an event held once a year in Scotland. The Highland Games are presented as more than “just a game”—a tradition that traces back hundreds of years, where Scottish warriors tested their strength and readiness.
Training for these events is shown as a long-term commitment (Tom mentions training for around 10 years). And when it’s time for the stone challenge, the video underscores how difficult these lifts are—everyone attempts, but success isn’t guaranteed.
A training day that feels like a test of everything
Joe also experiences strength training through specific exercises, including a frame carry and heavy carry movements that the video describes as ways to measure capability. This isn’t casual fitness; it’s training designed to stress the body, build endurance, and prove competence under real load.
Canada: the “dangerous” world of arm wrestling
In Canada, the focus shifts to a different kind of power: arm wrestling. Joe meets Devon Larratt, presented as one of the greatest arm wrestlers in history. The video frames arm wrestling as a sport of danger, intensity and precision—where success can hinge on grip, tendon strength, and technique rather than brute force alone.
Training in a “secret” basement
Joe describes arriving at a less formal, underground training space—yet it’s treated as the place where the best arm wrestling happens. From 7:00 pm to midnight, Devon and the crew prepare for a match happening about five weeks out.
Rather than relying on flashy equipment, the video emphasises the simplicity of targeted work. Devon explains that his philosophy is to train the muscles, but also to build and protect the tendons that power competition performance.
Technique: knuckles up and everything as one unit
Devon teaches key fundamentals, including the importance of keeping knuckles up and covering the thumb. The video also stresses that the body should move as a single unit—rather than allowing the arm to fail as separate parts.
He describes the idea of attacking weakness and mentions how, if you push in the wrong way, it won’t work—reinforcing that strength is partly about control and smart pressure.
Kung Fu temples and the meaning of inner control
The journey doesn’t stop at strength sports. Before Scotland and Canada, Joe visits Kung Fu temples, where the master offers a contrasting view: gym muscle can be “outside” while “gung” muscle is “inside”. The video connects this to breath, focus, and the way the whole body works together—suggesting a deeper version of strength that extends beyond visible bulk.
So—what is real strength?
By the end, the video pushes you to see strength differently. It’s not just what you can lift with your hands. It’s also what you can control from within—your focus, your endurance, your technique, and your ability to keep going through difficulty.
And that’s the kind of strength that can travel with you. Whether you’re inspired to visit historic sporting traditions, explore training cultures, or simply return home with a renewed mindset, this journey offers more than spectacle—it offers perspective.
Ready to book an experience inspired by this journey?
If you’re looking for a premium, curated trip that blends inspiring people, unforgettable locations and meaningful stories, Sakina Tours can help turn this kind of motivation into an adventure of your own.
- Explore Scotland’s heritage through iconic landscapes and traditions
- Discover travel stories rooted in discipline, craft and performance
- Build confidence through experiences designed to uplift
Contact Sakina Tours to plan your next journey—one that goes beyond sightseeing and into what truly makes you stronger.
