Q&A: Ask Jonathan Byrd

[PhillyDev]

Is it true that you, In Tijuana, once ate 3 full sized Mexicans, while wearing a lucha libre mask, tassled neon green leather jacket, and rhinestone boots, then deadlifted a news paper delivery truck in the process? All while shouting " It puts the lotion on it's skin!!!"???

[J_Byrd]

Originally Posted by MikeM

Best Ab movements. What is most effective and here do you put it?
Also, need some cardio/explosive movement work (Sprints, hills, sled, etc.), where does that go?

As far as abs go, I think planks, weighted set ups, weighted side bends, and leg lifts off the bench are great for getting the core strong!

I would try to place any cardio type work done 2 days before any leg movement day. You could also do any sled pull type stuff following squat or back day. A lot has to do with your recovery and what phase of the program. Could even be done as an auxiliary movement. Forward and backwards walking with it. Lots of ideas and adaptability.

If it was me, and just looking to stay in shape I would do hill sprints. Nothing like sprinting on an incline!!!

[J_Byrd]

Originally Posted by BigJosh

I am just a guy who's goal is to be to be big and strong. I am not a powerlifter nor am I a bodybuilder. Is your program suited toward my goal?

Also, I am currently on a diet geared toward losing fat. I do not always eat this way, I usually eat to gain. Can I do your program while on my fat loss diet or should I wait until I am once again eating to gain?

There is no need to be a powerlifter to run this program. The end result is to be stronger overall, not just the powerlifts. I have trained countless athletes using this same method, including a young man a few years ago who currently just missed the latest Olympic trails. His offseason training still looks very similar.

As far as a fat loss diet goes, it should not affect your training. While I cant say you will not gain "weight" It should be muscle if you are following a solid diet.

[J_Byrd]

Originally Posted by PhillyDev

Is it true that you, In Tijuana, once ate 3 full sized Mexicans, while wearing a lucha libre mask, tassled neon green leather jacket, and rhinestone boots, then deadlifted a news paper delivery truck in the process? All while shouting " It puts the lotion on it's skin!!!"???

Did Pablo tell this story again? The tassles were pink, it was 2.5 mexicans(one was a midget), and I also stole the donkey from the donkey show. Of course after he finished!

[PhillyDev]

Originally Posted by J_Byrd

Did Pablo tell this story again? The tassles were pink, it was 2.5 mexicans(one was a midget), and I also stole the donkey from the donkey show. Of course after he finished!

Not Pablo. The no legged Siberian dude who swears he walked the great wall of china on his hands. No breaks. Pee'd in his mouth when he got thirsty too.

[jemag]

Hey JB,

I have a question about deadlifting. So far I am doing a upper/lower split and on the lower days one day I am doing SLDL and the other day I am doing conventional deadlift. Even though my strength in deadlift keeps going up, every time I am doing some variation of deadlift, my lower back gets stiff pretty quickly. So I can pretty much only do 2 (max 3) working sets of deadlift before it gets really too stiff (seems to be a bit worst on conventional deadlift). The stiffness usually disappears after sitting a couple min on a incline bench or something like that.

So I am wondering, is this normal?

Also as a last quick question, is it normal if my SLDL is significantly stronger than my conventional? (235x5 for conventional, 265x5 SLDL would be my last numbers)

(PS: I hope I'm asking my question at the right place for the BIG e-book win hehe)

[vuleje]

Conventionals vs Sumo deads for raw lifter?

[big_swede]

Hey JB! What do you think is the best squat stance for tall lifters with long femurs?

[RGRthat]

JB
How would you change your basic system for someone who is wanting to try strongman events?
So far I work squat bench and deadlift twice a week and have atleast one, sometimes two days for presses, carries, cleans, and arms.

Also when you are that big how do you tie your shoes?

[Dray]

Hey JB,

Would you say training the standing barbell overhead press (strict, not push) is helpful for a raw powerlifter, in any way? I've heard conflicting opinions...

Note: I obviously have no idea if your program features this lift.