Byrd: Equipped Lifters are not Strong

Finally broke the 2,500 total mark at the Arnold, but like any lifter I feel there is more left in the tank. Focusing on some offseason goals which include gaining some weight to fill out the 275 class, improving my bench, adjusting some form issues on the squat, and adding more upper back size. The next 8 weeks will focus on raw work and speed. I feel like if I can get those things accomplished I will be looking at another PR total come meet time.

[wa-wps]

You know how many times I have heard that equipped lifters are not actually strong over the years? Shit more times than I can count. I have bounced around the idea for years about taking a training cycle and squatting in wraps or sleeves rather than just working my weak points. Problem is I always get the itch to get back into my gear and jump ship after a few weeks. Right now I am in week 4 and was just coming off a deload in the squat.

Sleeved squats
3×5@150
2×4@240
1×1@330
1×1@420
1×1@520
1×1@610
1×1@660
1×1@720
1×1@785rb

So what stands out to me? I need to work my depth down a little, and my hams are weaker than I like. I am pretty sore from the work, and my knee is not a fan of heavy weights in just sleeves. Im going to do some work in briefs this week and rest for 10 days as we head out to the US Open.

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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.
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