Meet Strongman Powerhouse Macauley "Big Mac" Tinker!

Macauley Tinker - known in the strongman world as “Big Mac” - has competed in over 60 strength events across Strongman, Powerlifting, and Highland Games since 2016. With multiple national titles, international appearances, and a growing list of records, he's a force to be reckoned with.

When he’s not dominating competitions or coaching athletes around the globe, you’ll find him smashing a Bulk triple scoop shake in record time - seriously, he's the current world record holder.

Want to know how Big Mac fuels the heavy lifts and even heavier goals? Keep reading.

Bulk Nutrients Ambassador Macauley Tinker at an event

Hi, I'm BIG MAC!

I’ve been competing in Strongman since 2016, and to date, I’ve racked up over 60 competitions across Strongman, Powerlifting, and Highland Games. It’s been one wild (and heavy) ride!

Some of my proudest achievements so far include representing Australia internationally at the World Log Lifting Championships in England and the World Strongman Federation Games in Uzbekistan. On home turf, I’ve landed on the Australia’s Strongest Man podium twice (3rd place in both 2023 and 2024), taken out the titles of NSW’s Strongest Man (2023 & 2024), Tasmania’s Strongest Man (2024), claimed victory at the Australia/NZ Amateur Strongman Championship (2024), and qualified for the Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships in Columbus, Ohio.

I’ve also set multiple ground and national records in the Highland Games, particularly in events like the Caber Toss and Weight Over Bar.

When I’m not throwing stones, flipping tyres, or tossing cabers, I coach Strongman athletes across Australia and worldwide through online coaching.

Oh, and just for the record… I’m the undisputed Bulk Nutrients Triple Scoop WPI Shake Scull World Record Holder. (Yes, it’s a thing. And yes - I take it very seriously. My time? A swift 5.64 seconds.)

Recommendations

Here are some of the Bulk Products I love...

Whey Protein Isolate

Why I love it: I've always believed that Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) from a supplement company is very similar to that of ice cream from an ice cream shop - you can always judge a brand based on their chocolate flavour.

How I use it: When I'm not sculling Triple Scoop shakes mixed with water, I'm adding 3 - 6 scoops into my morning strongman smoothie to drink throughout the day.

SportsFuel 101

Why I love it: SportsFuel 101 keeps me going through hard training sessions. Big, heavy strongman event training sessions can often take hours upon hours in the gym at a time, SportsFuel 101 keeps me going for these prolonged training efforts.

How I use it: I mix my sportsfuel with water, and I'll often add a cheeky 15g of Creatine Monohydrate too.

Creatine Monohydrate

Why I love it: Creatine Monohydrate is a staple amongst strongman athletes. It allows for us to tap into much needed energy sources when training for strength & power.

How I use it: I mix mine with water, smoothies, SportsFuel 101 and juice.

Max Sleep

Why I love it: Recovering from aforementioned big, heavy strongman training sessions is something I take very seriously. Max Sleep allows me to increase my quality sleep every night by putting me into deep & REM sleep cycles.

How I use it: I take 3 scoops 60 minutes before bed each night.

BCAA Recovery

Why I love it: BCAA Recovery also helps my body illicit the recovery response it needs (and deserves) during bouts of strongman sessions. Each day I mix BCAA's with water to sip on throughout the day, and it tastes really good.

How I use it: Mixed with water

My Approach to Nutrition

Nutrition plays a massive role in Strongman success, so I stick to a balanced, whole-foods diet to keep my body fuelled and ready to perform. That said, Pizza Friday is a sacred tradition in my house (pepperoni, in case you were wondering).

Average daily calorie intake: Just over 4800.

Are there foods you avoid? Why? I generally avoid processed and fast foods, as they don’t support my performance.

Are there foods you crave? Why? Cravings aren’t really a thing for me - I don’t have much of a sweet tooth (I like to think I’m sweet enough already).

What's your go-to cheat meal? Why? Pizza Friday holds the crown, but I do love a good Guzman y Gomez burrito bowl every now and then - extra chicken, guac, sour cream… and a chicken quesadilla on the side (obviously).

Bulk Nutrients Ambassadors Macauley Tinker getting ready for his Triple Scoop WPI Shake Scull World Record

My Day on a Plate

Here’s what a typical day of nutrition looks like for a Strongman like me:

Breakfast - Strongman Smoothie:

200g dragonfruit
100g oats
60g Milo
60g honey
20g sunflower seeds
20g cacao powder
6 scoops WPI Chocolate

Morning Tea/Pre-Workout:

Sultanas
300ml pomegranate juice
Chobani yoghurt
Babybel cheese
Protein Bar

Intra-Workout:

2-3 scoops SportsFuel 101
10-20g Creatine Monohydrate

Lunch:

175g rice (uncooked weight)
300g chicken
1 tomato or cucumber
500ml orange juice

Dinner:

175g rice (uncooked weight)
300g beef
1 tomato or cucumber
500ml orange juice

(Unless it's Pizza Friday, baby)

Bulk Nutrients Ambassadors Macauley Tinker at the expo

Training Schedule

Current split – Preparing for Australia’s Strongest Man.

Monday - Overheads & Accessories:

Monster dumbbell clean & press
Behind-the-neck split jerk
Lat pulldown
Seated row
Machine press

Wednesday - Deadlift & Events:

Deadlift
Power stairs
Hamstring curls

Friday - Squats & Stones:

Front squat
Sandbag carry
Atlas stones
Quad extensions

Saturday - Overheads & Accessories:

Monster dumbbell clean & press
Bench press
Bent-over row
Tricep extensions

Bulk Nutrients Ambassadors Macauley Tinker winning the Monster Dumbbell Clean & Pres

Latest Results

Do you have any medium/long-term goals you're working towards?

Since 2015, my long-term goal has been clear: win the title of Australia’s Strongest Man. In May 2025, I’ll be taking another big swing at making that dream a reality.

Have you had any exceptional results (in competitions or otherwise) in the last few years? Let us know what they are!