Currently: 4 Weeks Out from USAPL Cbus Lifting Co. Spring Classic
When I first began transitioning to multi-ply equipped lifting about 5 years ago, I just threw on some briefs and squatted pretty much the same as I did when I was squatting raw (moderate stance with knees coming over mid-foot). I pretty quickly was able to work up to the mid-700s in just briefs and knee wraps, and squat 800lbs in an old suit. Over the next few years, however, I tried to keep adjusting my squat to be done "the right way", and started widening out my stance and sitting back way further. Instead of my squat continuing to rise, it was always hit or miss, and often times my numbers went down.
As more time goes on, I really see the value in adjusting your technique to what suits your individual needs. I've had clients that I've had move their squat stances wider, and I've had clients that I've had move their stance in and perform a more knee dominant squat. While from a physics and leverage standpoint (from an external view), an extremely wide, hip-dominant squat is ideal in equipment; if the lifter's hip structure and strengths don't suit that style, it isn't the right approach. I saw that with myself, and with my clients over the past few years. There will always be a "sweet spot" that is good for the lifter being coached, and while it can be good to try new approaches and technique changes, too many coaches just tell lifters "do this" without taking all the variables into consideration. This is something I've continuing to work on developing in myself (and still have a long way to go, but I'm getting there).
Since competing at XPC Finals in equipment last year, I've been competing in raw meets and working on re-building some areas that I neglected the past several years. I have some goals over the next few years (that I won't all share now), but I have ones for both raw and equipped competition. A big part of this is from a coaching standpoint, for me to experiment and test my methods and philosophy across different situations regardless of equipment/style/federation, so I can be the best coach I can be.
When I do return to the equipped platform, I will be taking a different approach than I did the past few years, and we'll see if it works or not, but that's the challenge - And I look forward to it..
Competitively - My last competition was the UPA Winter Rack Attack on December 17th (competed raw at 220lbs). It was my second meet back transitioning to competing raw, and my goal entering next year is to qualify for a larger raw competition (whether it be at the Arnold or elsewhere).
I'm currently the Fitness Director at Ohio University as well as Event Coordinator for EliteFTS. I'm also involved in coaching and public speaking on topics relating to powerlifting, coaching, education, student development, and mental health.
For Coaching & Programming Questions, feel free to contact me at joeschillero@gmail.com
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