Illinois Powerlifting

ILLINOIS POWERLIFTING

Illinois Powerlifting Supersite

Welcome Illinois Powerlifters!
	John Dolan Bench Pressing 628 pounds at the Raw Unity meet.

When did you start powerlifting? I started competing in 1995. How did you become interested in powerlifting? I started lifting weights in high school for football and wrestling, Keith Peak and Brian McDonough taught me about lifting. Keith Peak taught me the most important thing about lifting, dedication. Dave Hejtmanek encouraged me to compete after college. What is your usual weight class? Heavyweight Do you prefer to lift equipped or non-equipped? I prefer to lift non-equipped, but I am not a person who has a negative view of gear. I admire all lifters. Where do you normally train? Chicago Fitness Center, 3131 N. Lincoln. Great gym with an awesome atmosphere. I have been in gyms for almost 25 years, this is far and away the best gym I have ever been to. What are some of your best lifts? My best bench in competition is 628 pounds, done at the Raw Unity Meet. I have hit 650 pounds in the gym, touch and go. What are your current goals? Just to keep lifting, as long as you keep lifting hard the numbers will come. What is your proudest moment in powerlifting? I had my picture on a poster for the Raw Unity Meet, my daughter Emily got two copies and hung it on her wall and my sons, J.P. and Jimmys wall, that was nice, having my picture next to Harry Potter and Transformers. Describe your training program: Saturday: Chest Monday: Shoulders Tuesday: Squats Do you lift alone, with training partners, or a team? For years I lifted with Dan Wilson, Jim Zeilinga and Jim Ferguson, we have all moved our separate ways though, so I train on my own. Occasionally I lift with my brother in law Joe, big strong kid though not bright. Do you take any supplements? If so, which? ACT, which is provided to me by BMF Sports, my sponsor. Any advice for beginners? Just lift, stay dedicated, hit the basics and build your foundation. Stay clean, the numbers will come. What is your favorite lift? I compete in Bench only. As far as assistance lifts, behind the head overhead presses. What is your least favorite lift? Deadlifting. I would consider doing a three lift meet if my deadlift wasn’t so horrible, it’s absolutely atrocious. I have a lot of admiration for guys who hit big deadlifts. What are some important do’s and don’ts? Do’s: Especially for guys who compete, appreciate everything that others do for you. Make sure to thank them. My wife constantly supports me, preparing my meals and dealing with me taking time to go to the gym. My mom, sisters (families) and in laws are very supportive of my lifting, even though my mom still can’t watch me lift. My partners at work are also very helpful. Having a supportive 'team' is critical to success. Try to secure a sponsor. I am sponsored by BMF Sports and very thankful for it. Don’ts: Do not have an ego, we’re not curing cancer, we’re lifting weights. How do you mentally prepare for a contest? I don’t really get psyched up. If I work hard in training the numbers will be there. What is your favorite 'Cheat' food? I am a heavyweight, everything is a 'Cheat' food. Cloverhill donuts are an important commodity in my training regiment. Any favorite quotes or sayings? Patting yourself on the back is only a foot away from kicking yourself in the butt. What other hobbies do you enjoy, outside of powerlifting? Spending time with my family and friends.