13 Jun Byrd: Gear Whore Back At It!

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.

GEAR! OH HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU! I have been doing a fair bit of raw work lately, but now its time to get back into what I enjoy. I have started to break in my briefs, but dont want to push the weights at all. This week I focused on the camber bar so that I would keep my shoulders and pec healthy and could work on sitting back hard into the briefs.

I did 3 working sets starting in the 500s and finished in the low 600s for two sets. I stuck to doubles so that I could work my way down. Depth was better than I expected this early on.

Everything felt pretty good, and weights moved well. Next week I will move to a buffalo bar and see how the weights move from there!

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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