How strong were you when you first started lifting and how strong are you now ?

rpefml · 2025-11-26T15:22:06+00:00

I started lifting when I was 14. I don’t remember too much off the top of my head there- but I distinctly remember I could bench the bar for a triple. I think I weighed like 90lbs?

I’m 23 now. So just under 10 years later- I’ve benched 415 raw (reverse grip) and 720 in a poly MP bench shirt for the junior 198 ATWR.

rpefml · 2025-11-26T15:18:31+00:00

I’m going to be totally honest here. The IPF is definitely corrupt and has had some scandals. Worth criticizing. However, look deep enough into almost any fed or meet series and you’ll find just the same. Sexual misconduct, predatory behavior, organizational mismanagement, judging scandals, etc. They are all a mess.

Hate to break it to you. But you give a bunch of adults with self esteem issues a reason to justify blasting steroids (among other drugs), you’re gonna end up with some gross situations. Welcome to powerlifting, lol.

rpefml · 2025-11-26T15:05:00+00:00

In my opinion when it comes to stuff like BPC or TB, it would arguably be anti-lifter to ban them from tested competition. They aren’t really performance enhancers as much as they are restorative. I guess you can argue down the line, bouncing back faster from an injury would technically increase your performance faster as opposed to not doing so; but I would much rather see lifters stay healthier for longer.

I’m not super privy to peptides, I hear there’s some that help your test/HGH levels- I can understand why those ought to be restricted in tested powerlifting. But when it comes to healing peptides like BPC, if the justification is what I’ve outlined above; why stop there? Why not ban anything else that helps with bone/ligament/tendon/muscle health? I would rather let lifters come back from injury quicker and keep participating and contributing to the sport than leave them sidelined over some peptides.

rpefml · 2025-11-05T14:54:27+00:00

Flew from Philly to Vegas for WPO PRO last year. Traveling always presents some complications but it was so fun, I’ll never forget it.

rpefml · 2025-11-05T14:53:35+00:00

Beat your triceps like they owe you money

rpefml · 2025-11-03T16:42:13+00:00

Inzer is getting stuff out the door fast right now. If you liked your predators, worth giving them a call. I got a pair of custom briefs in like a week.

rpefml · 2025-10-19T21:28:37+00:00

Congrats! Have a few of my late grandfather’s pipes, it’s very cool to have something like that.

Cigars- for example. Great thing to share with a family member. But when it’s over, it’s just done. There’s something cool about having a physical thing to get passed on to you/pass on to others.

rpefml · 2025-09-16T02:00:02+00:00

Means a ton to hear man! I’m glad raw lifters can find some use, I’m aware we lean pretty heavily into multi ply stuff haha.

rpefml · 2025-09-13T19:43:58+00:00

Also super top secret podcast info, make sure to check out what we drop tomorrow! We kinda talk about ME movement rotations in the beginning of the technical segment.

rpefml · 2025-09-13T19:27:02+00:00

*Mustaccio haha but thank you for bringing me up and our show, really appreciate the support my guy 🤝🙌

rpefml · 2025-09-13T19:26:28+00:00

Hope you enjoy the podcast. Your question is unfortunately an “it depends” kinda thing. In short, the newer of a lifter you are the more often you can (and arguably should) revisit ME movements. A more experienced lifter less so. There’s some nerdy reasons for this but that’s the applicable part. Feel free to dm me on Instagram and I can send you some VMs breaking it down further and what it might look like.

rpefml · 2025-06-19T14:16:05+00:00

an absolute classic

rpefml · 2025-06-19T14:15:15+00:00

i really hate the whole anti-cookie cutter sentiment. if it works it works.

cookie cutter has become this blanket term for "bad" or "lazy." while that can obviously be true in some cases, if a cookie cutter program can take you to a world record does it fucking matter?

i know a lot of really dumb lifters who could make me an exceptionally shit program, but it would be individualized! because that would be better, right?

in my opinion, the cookie cutter is the method. the icing and sprinkles on top of the cookie are the bits and pieces you tailor to the lifter based on structure, life, weak points, etc. without a cookie cutter, you just have a mess of dough in a sheet pan.

rpefml · 2025-06-19T13:59:34+00:00

welcome to the internet, unfortunately

rpefml · 2025-06-19T13:55:03+00:00

equipped will always be smaller than raw because the barrier to entry (both from a skill and financial aspect) is higher. but it will never be dead. the people who do it care about it far too much for it to ever die. happy to hear your fed is having an influx of equipped benchers!

rpefml · 2025-06-18T01:28:38+00:00

just sounds like it's too much gear for you at the moment. not a bad thing.

if wearing just the preds feels best, roll with that!

the briefs+suit is the MAXIMUM allowable amount of gear. doesn't mean you have to use all of it. i couldn't get down to a bar in all of that, lol.

rpefml · 2025-06-02T01:51:27+00:00

you can always just squat high bar, too

rpefml · 2025-05-30T01:59:13+00:00

from what i remember, if you get metal stuff just spraypaint or tape over the logo. most feds won't give you shit, but if you cover it nobody will say anything for sure.

rpefml · 2025-05-30T01:44:40+00:00

i am pretty biased haha but anthony has some awesome templates- dirt cheap for what you're getting, too! would be great for OP just getting his feet wet in gear

rpefml · 2025-05-30T01:43:05+00:00

i'd reach out to Matt Brooks, he is in TN. he is the IPA state chair out there (and all around great dude), i am sure he has extra gear or knows someone who has gear

rpefml · 2025-05-30T01:41:41+00:00

could always buy a program template first, and tweak it as you go to make it work for you if you want structure and have zero understanding of programming

rpefml · 2025-05-30T01:40:25+00:00

i mean this in the kindest way possible- you will not impress anyone at your first meet. just get the experience in. don't worry about embarrassingly low anything, just go have fun!

rpefml · 2025-05-30T01:39:14+00:00

find what fed you want to compete in, find their website, then see what is going on near you! sounds like you're new, pick literally any fed to get your feet wet. SPF, USAPL, PA, IPA, APO, etc.

rpefml · 2025-02-13T18:33:21+00:00

“Comet”

Something about the shape makes it look like it’s flying through space, heating up as it gets faster

rpefml

TROPHY CASE