When did you start powerlifting?

I started training for power lifting in 2005 and competing in powerlifting meets in 2006.

How did you become interested in powerlifting?

When I was in the gym in college I always saw these guys that were lifting more than people twice their size. One day I got the nerve up to go ask them what their deal was and I have been hooked ever since.

What is your usual weight class?

I like to compete at 198. I might move up to 220 in the future, but for now, 198 is where I think I am the most competitive.

Do you prefer to lift equipped or non-equipped?

For right now, I prefer to lift non-equipped. Like most powerlifters, I don’t have a problem with equipment; I just think it has gotten out of control. I like the safety and extra pounds a squat suit and wraps add, but I have raw goals I would like to meet before I get into equipped meets.

Where do you normally train?

I train at an X-sport in Lombard IL.

What are some of your best lifts?

Best lifts in competition are 475 squat, 300 bench, and 585 deadlift.
Best gym lifts are 495 squat, 315 bench, and 595 deadlift.

What are your current goals?

My current short term goals are to squat 500, bench 315, and deadlift 600 in a raw meet. When I achieve these goals I will be achieving my other goal of breaking a 1400 total.

Beyond those short term goals, I really want to focus on getting my bench to where it should be for a competitive 198 pounder. My long term goals are for a 600 squat, 400 bench, and 700 deadlift.

What is your proudest moment in powerlifting?

My proudest moment was probably winning best lifter and out deadlifting everyone in every weight class at the Midwest Powerlifting Championship in Mt. Vernon. I think that pissed off a few locals (who didn’t speak to kindly about us northern IL lifters on the RAW board before the meet).

Describe your training program:

It is based on the conjugate method that the Westside guys use. Nothing too fancy, just lots of speed work, band work, heavy assistance, stuff like that.

Do you lift alone, with training partners, or a team?

I used to train with partners, but after all of them either moved or flaked out, I found that if I rely on a partner I end up messing up too many of my workouts waiting and working around their schedule. I consider myself a solo act for the most part with a few guys that come in and work out with me occasionally. I know most of the regulars at the gym by now anyway, so finding someone for a spot is really never a problem. I will tell you what though, if I could get an intense training partner that was reliable, I would be all over it. I have a buddy who works the graveyard shift so he can’t come in every day, but whenever he gets in the gym with me, things get crazy. I also have another friend, Bob Sibigtroth, who acts as my coach. Whenever we lift together the energy level gets really insane.

Do you take any supplements? If so, which?

Lets see… glutamine, creatine, NOW whey protein isolate, and ON pro complex gainer.

Any advice for beginners?

Take your time, don’t over train, and eat like you are going to the chair.

What is your favorite lift?

Deadlift with the squat coming a close second

What is your lest favorite lift?

Bench…I swear, if I ever meet the guy who invented this lift……

What are some important do’s and don’ts?

“if you get stuck in a rut, don’t put a needle in your butt” – my buddy Mikey

How do you mentally prepare for a contest?

Put on a sauna suit and pop in “Vision Quest” the night before. The day of the meet I just try to focus and mentally walk thought my lifts. I toss on my headphones, pop up my hoodie, and then its time to get into the zone. Once my name is called and I walk up to bar, nothing else matters in the world besides moving that weight.

What is your favorite “Cheat” food?

Cheat food? This is powerlifting, not bodybuilding! Just kidding, I’m not really sure. I try to eat as clean as I can while keeping my calories up, but I guess I would have to say hamburgers or pizza.

Any favorite quotes or sayings?

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting 'Holy shit...what a ride!'" - Unknown

“The iron never lies to you. You can walk outside and listen to all kinds of talk, get told that you're a god or a total bastard. The Iron will always kick you the real deal. The Iron is a great reference point, the all knowing perspective giver. Always there like a beacon in the pitch black. I have found the Iron to be my greatest friend. It never freaks on me, never runs. Friends may come and go. But two hundred pounds is always two hundred pounds.”
-Henry Rollins

What other hobbies do you enjoy, outside of powerlifting?

My buddy and I build wicked drag cars. Check us out, www.tonybob.com