03 May Byrd: Raw Benching vs Chains

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.

The plan for today is to work on building some raw strength and some top end work for my equipped bench. Everything this week was from the two board, working up to a good set of 3 (was harder than I expected) and then a solid single. I will do the same next week and try to beat the top set of triple and the single.

I finished things up with

3×10 push downs
3×20 dumbbell tri extensions

I was pretty shot after this! I am back to my roots and coaching high school football again. Its making for some really long days right now, but I really did miss it and enjoy the time on the field helping the kids learn and develop.

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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)

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