20 Jan 1,005lb Squat: Byrd 7 weeks out!

Currently training for the XPC Finals at the Arnold. Working my body weight up to 290lbs and making the cut down to 275 class. I will use the protocols from Brian’s Manual“CUTTING WEIGHT”

As always I am fighting off nagging injuries from my past years of complete dumb ass training.

Saturday put me exactly 7 weeks out from the meet. My body weight is sitting at 284 which is a new high over the last 9 months. This has made for a lot of changes as far as my equipment goes, but all for the better. I have never had the luxury of having gear that fit well.

I am learning a lot this training cycle about how to manipulate and change things more. Yes, you read that correctly. 17 years of competitions and I am still learning new things. I am learning to use my gear more to my advantage, as well as having my straps pulled tight, really for the first time ever. This is causing me to have to work much harder for depth, but with 7 weeks to go, I will be fine come meet day.

Squats
3×5 @ bar
2×5@ 150
1×2@260
1×1@350
1×1@460
briefs on
1×1@640
1×1@730
suit on
1×1@825
1×1@915
1×1@1005

Deadlifts are typically my weakest lift, and my lock out is shit. We have worked on building up my upper back and glutes. Right now the focus is off blocks, working through that stick point, and working my form off the floor.

4in block pulls
405×2
495×2
585×2
675×2
725×2

form pulls
4×1@ 405 with about 1 minute rest.

Overall the best training day I have had so far. I am really pleased with the speed of all the lifts from today. Just need to make this old body hold together, get it to the platform, and see what happens!

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Jonathan Byrd

Jonathan Byrd is a competitive powerlifter, with over 16 years of training experience. Byrd has been ranked nationally for the past 6 years under multiple categories. His total has ranked as high as second nationally in the 275 class. He currently has a best total of 2500lbs. Best individual lifts include a 1040lb squat, a 750lb bench press, and 735lb deadlift. His 1040lb squat ranks him 26th all-time squats at the 308 class. Jonathan currently trains out of Team Samson Gym in Jacksonville, FL. Before powerlifting Jonathan was a college athlete at Methodist University as both an all-conference football player and track athlete. Following graduation he played four years of arena football in various leagues.

Latest posts by Jonathan Byrd (see all)

• Byrd: DAC and some lifting! - May 21, 2018
• Byrd: I Still Lift - May 7, 2018
• Client Spotlight: Jenna Rowe - April 27, 2018