Iron Culture presented by MASS Ep 368 - Sheffield 2025 Champ Kjell Bakkelund
Mar 5, 2026
Kjell Bakkelund, Norwegian powerlifter and multi-division champion with titles across equipped and raw lifting, reflects on a 19-year career. He discusses covert weight cuts, smarter nutrition and refeeds, and shifting mindset for longevity. Short stories cover scale mishaps, tactical deception for weight classes, and how better prep and coaching transformed performance.
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Hotel Scale Nearly Ruined First Sheffield
- Kjell described how a bad hotel scale and a rushed weigh-in nearly cost him his first Sheffield title.
- He later revealed he actually made weight but the scale error forced last-minute panic and extra steps that worsened recovery and stress.
Movie Sparked a Strategic Comeback
- Watching the F1 movie triggered a mindset shift that made Kjell decide to attempt 66kg again with a different approach.
- He intentionally embraced a low-profile prep, working 'in the shadows' with a plan to prioritize performance over showy dieting.
Don't Be Your Diet In Public
- Do keep diet prep private and avoid making being 'on a diet' your identity while cutting.
- Kjell and Eric both emphasised fewer public diet posts, strategic refeeds, and acting normal to reduce social pressure and cravings.