I get it. Powerlifting and CrossFit haven’t always been besties. We’re more like distant cousins that have to interact twice a year at family functions. You know, the ones who dread interacting for hours leading up to dinner? Subsequently, we spend 45 minutes trying to smile and awkwardly ask how the kids are doing in VPK.
It doesn’t have to be that way, though!
We have much to learn from each other. By doing so, we can make each other better people and athletes. The focal point is education on what makes the individual athlete successful. What do they do differently that makes them excel and how can you integrate that into your routine? Dr. “Squat” Fred Hatfield did that by traveling to the “enemy” Soviet Union to learn from athletes that were dominating the western world. Bringing back the information he learned, Dr. Hatfield established a scientific method of lifting. It was the opposite of just putting weight on the bar until ultimate failure.
This, on a small scale, is what I am attempting to do with the local CrossFit community. I want to bring the knowledge that I’ve spent years studying to the athletes who want to be a better versions of themselves. Learning how to use proper leverages and energy exertion on a power lift will help you become a stronger, healthier and more efficient athlete. Remember, the name of the game is energy exertion. You have to have enough gas to get through the finish line to complete a WOD. By learning a more efficient lift, you conserve energy and do more or finish sooner.
I have almost 15 years of experience in strength and conditioning. From Bodybuilding, military style calisthenics, strongman, powerlifting and sport specific strength training, I’ve personally trained and competed in the entire gamut. I understand what the athlete feels and needs because, as some point, I was probably in their shoes.
So, with that said, I look forward to being able to teach you how to lift faster, stronger and more efficiently. Let’s improve relations between strength athletic sports and help each other learn how to be better athletes.
To learn more about CrossFit ABF’s Powerlifting class, email ryan@crossfitabf.com.
Written by: Donnie Kiernan, B-AS, CPT.
About Donnie Kiernan
8-year combat veteran Donnie Kiernan is the Owner and Trainer of Atlas Strength Training, a Certified Personal Trainer (International Sports Sciences Association) and a United States Powerlifting Association certified judge. Kiernan is currently the Strength and Conditioning Coach for St. Petersburg College’s baseball program and a promoter for both The Tampa Bay Strongman Classic and the Strength Camp Challenge. When not lifting heavy things, Kiernan spends time with his wife and two daughters.
World Powerlifting Congress Records
Squat (previous), Deadlift (previous), Bench Press (current)
American Powerlifting Federation Records
Squat (previous), Bench Press (previous), Deadlift (current)
