I have been competitively powerlifting for over 20 years. Within that time I have competed raw, single ply and multi ply. I hold the highest all time total of 1930 at 148, the third highest total of 2045 at 165 and have broken over 35 world records, over 25 of which I still hold. Through the years in this sport I have learned a great deal from various training methods, met and formed long lasting friends, as well as learned the importance of balancing life, work, and training.

Elitefts accepted me as a team member over ten years ago and I am currently the longest standing still competing powerlifter on the site. I appreciate Dave Tate and Elitefts for giving me the opportunity to learn from and teach others through the Q&A and my training log.

In 2005 I opened Orlando Barbell – a 24 hour powerlifting friendly gym. As well as running Orlando Barbell I designed and sell the Home GHR and Doorway Home Gym, wrote the 12 Weeks to a Bigger Bench EBook, and produced the 12Weeks to a Bigger Bench DVD.

My latest contribution was writing the M2 Method EBook, designed to be the quintessential Raw Powerlifting training manual for beginners to advanced lifters looking to get stronger and prevent injury while incorporating the powerlifts.

A couple laps around the building for a warm up

Prehab
PVC rolled on:
Lower back, shifted to right and left
Upper back, shifted to right and left scapula w/hips up
Armpits
Hamstrings
Glutes
Adductors

No, this is definitely not my plan behind the Minimalist Method.

My energy is still lacking due to the breathing issues, so my ability to train is dwindling. Just so you don’t think I’m crazy here’s some evidence from the Johns Hopkins website linking biologics to heart issues:

“Cardiac issues might include exacerbation or a sudden onset of heart failure. If you have sudden swelling of the ankles, shortness of breath, or swelling of the hands let your provider know immediately. Your provider will take a look at the medications and see what could be the cause, some medications can aggravate things like COPD and make them worse while on the medication.”

These are the exact symptoms I’ve been having. When I spoke to my GI regarding the swelling of my hands he said he thought it was due to my autoimmune disease. When we called his office regarding my shortness of breath he said to contact my GP. I really feel like I should have been better monitored while taking these meds.  I shouldn't have had to research to figure it out on my own.  Hopefully once the meds work their way out of my system all of the issues will begin to repair themselves and I’ll be able to work my way back to normal training and increasing my strength again.

Here’s all I felt up to last week:

2/7- Back and Bis

Mid Grip Cable Rows-
135x12
150x12
165x12

Single Arm Cybex Curls-
40x12
50x12
60x12

2/9- Chest and Tris

Cybex Incline Chest Press-
130x12
150x12
170x12

Single Cybex Tricep Extensions-
30x12
40x12
50x12

The M2 Equipped Training Ebook

The M2 Method Raw Training Ebook

The OBB Power Handles

The Affordable and Effective Floor Based Home GHR

Buy your own Doorway Home Gym and never miss out on your accessory work again

12 Weeks to a Bigger Bench EBook

m2-method