Initial Interview, February 22nd, 2005 – Sky-rocketing 220lb WPO lifter.





What are your age, bodyweight and occupation?



I am 31 years old. I train at 232-235 lbs., and compete at 220 for now. I am a regional sales rep. for Cintas Corporation, which is the biggest uniform company in the United States.





What are your best lifts?



My best lifts are 948 lb squat, 696lb bench, and a 799lb deadlift at 220lb. I can't remember my 198lb record, but I know that I squatted over 700lb, benched in the mid 400lbs, and deadlifted 700lb. I try to always look into the future because nowadays if you get caught sleeping someone is going to catch you.





How long have you been lifting and where?



I have been competing seriously since my senior year in college, which was 1994. I started out in the USPF, and since I have done USAPL, IPF, APA, WPA, APF, Ironboy, and now the WPO. I was an olympic lifter for a few years in Colorado Springs, where I was lucky enough to lift at the Olympic Training Center with Shane Hammons.





What style of training do you use?



Westside with my own twist, but believe me I learn from everyone. The Metal Militia has been awesome for benching.





What type of equipment do you use and how do you get the most out of it?



I use Metal all the way now. I did use a Karin's shirt, and I still think they are great, but I had to choose one way or the other. This move has really been good for my bench lately because after figuring the shirt out my bench has rocketed. The Metal Gear has to be broken in like a baseball glove, but once you mold it to your body, there is no substitute. I know a lot of people say, "Yeah, but you are just saying that because they sponsor you." Remember, I could be sponsored by any of the equipment companies, and I went after them.





Who are you?



My life has went through a whirlwind the last three years, but I have learned to trust God and let it all just work out. I have a beautiful 5 year old daughter named Bailey, my girlfriend is Julie Childress, who is trying out for the US Bobsled Team, and is the former Ms. Figure NC.



I know everyone is asking how did you get her, but I am just dang lucky. Last, I have a two year old daughter-dog named Stella the famous Dachshund. These three people are why I live. Nothing really matters outside of them and God.



As far as lifting goes, I started out when I was twelve because of football. I loved lifting weights from the beginning. There is no other feeling like being in control of how strong you make your body. It is like a puzzle, and you spend your whole life putting it together.





Where do you train?



I train at the HOPG in Yadkinville, NC with an incredible group of people. You all are getting ready to hear more from them this year. For example, there are two 220 pounders coming to the Nationals in June, who are both capable of 2300+ (Chris Mason, my long-time training partner, and Tony Atkins). We have a 16 year old who is going to bench 600 at 242 and total over 1800 (Tank Atkins). These are just a few.





Who do you admire in the sport?



Ed Coan, Steve Goggins, Gary Frank, Jesse Kellum, Chuck V., Larry Pacifico, Louie Simmons, etc. The list goes on. But if you ask me who is the greatest of all-time, I say, Steve Goggins or Ed Coan.





How did you start lifting? Did anyone help you coming up?



I didn't have anyone unfortunately, but I did travel four hours sometimes to see Grant Pitts. Later on I met Mike and Linda Higgins, who are now in Idaho, and they really gave me the boost that I needed.





Do you see any up-and-coming lifters you'd like to acknowledge?



In this day and age, there are a lot. I would say my partner Chris "Ox" Mason is one to watch in the 220s with me going up. Kyle Roberts from here in NC also is going to be a terror at 220, and is only 22. Tony Atkins is another from my gym. Pete Holz is a teenager that I work with who is getting ready to turn things upside down at 275. Chris Cooke is a bencher from NC that after one more year will be unbeatable at Superheavy. I know that is big words, but I will stick by that. Chris Clark is another Super from NC that is up and coming. These are just a few, and I know that I am probably forgetting a bunch, so I am sorry in advance.





What lifting technique suits you best in each of the three lifts, and what do you concentrate on most during your lifts?



1. Squat I am a close to moderate stance squatter. I concentrate in staying tight, big chest, and sitting back.



2. Bench- I max my grip out, elbows in, I try to arch, but I am not very successful, and I keep my feet out in front of me.



3. Deadlift- I am conventional. I concentrate on flat back, shoulders behind the bar, and speed.





Please list your training numbers in common movements.



My gym lifts of late have been pretty insane.

1. Squat(fully equipped)-1010

2. Bench(with shirt)-755 almost 785

3. Deadlift-805

4. Squat with just lite briefs- 825

5. Raw Bench w Pause- 535 but real easy

6. 3 Board Bench (w shirt)-855

7. Squat with lite briefs and wraps- 865+65 lbs of chains



These are just a few. I am always going crazy heavy.





What is your training routine?



I do Westside with my own twist. I train four days per week, and my volume is way different than most of my training partners. My body is designed to take a beating, and reacts to heavy weight. I use the conjugate method by always changing my use of bands, chains, weight releasers, etc to accommodate the resistance of my bodies natural strength curve. Day 1 is Dynamic squat/DL, Day 2 is Dynamic Bench, Day 3 is ME Squat/DL, and Day 4 is ME Bench. My workouts run way to long because I talk too much.





What specific exercises do you believe have been effective in increasing your bench squat and deadlift?



Bench-Board Presses, Speed Bench with extreme bands, and Lionoxes. You can see all of workouts at elitefts.com.





Have you ever “plateaued” on any of your lifts and how did you correct the issue(s) causing the halt in progress?



I have pretty lucky to avoid plateau until recently with deadlifts. Jim Wendler from Elite Fitness Systems recommended Zercher Squats, and in three weeks problem solved. You just keep turning over rocks until you find the fortune.





What has gotten you to your current level?



Because I am open-minded! I am always reading and trying new things. Chris Mason and I believe that almost anything will work for three weeks. Lately, it is the support of Julie (remember, my beautiful girlfriend), and my partners at the HOPG (Mike Lovelace, Chris M., Shane Gaydon, Lynn Hodges, Chris Cooke, Chris Clark, and Julie.





Have you ever had any injuries? How do you avoid them in training?



Throughout my entire career including varsity football at Appalachian State, I have only had one major injury, and that was last year at the Arnold Classic. I tore my Quad, but in one month I was squatting 405. My body has an amazing immune system, and recuperation system. I train very heavy, which for most would mean certain injury, but thank God I was blessed with durability.





How do you feel about what you've accomplished so far and what are your goals?



I am never satisfied. If you were around me, then you would know that I am insane about winning. It runs in my family. Before I got back from the GNC Show of Strength, I was thinking about ways to get better. My goals are big, but I guess I will tell you.



1. Total 2600 at 220 will take 2500,

2. Total 2700 at 242 will not take 2600.

3. I want to bench 600 raw at 242.

4. I want to olympic lift one more time to prove my dominance in the strength world.





How do you intend on continuing to progress?



Because I believe in myself, and I surround myself with positive people that I believe in them and they me. The love of my family (Julie, Bailey, and Stella), and with the help of God.





What do you recommend non-elite lifters should concentrate most on in training?



First, find someone who is elite. That has been the biggest help to our up and coming guys in our gym. Second, perfect your technique, stay out of the equipment and get strong. Last, do the little things: eat right, sleep, stretch, do your abs, etc..





Describe your nutritional plan.



I am sponsored by Bulk Nutrition, and that has been a huge push for me. Powerlifting is getting so competitive that you have to find a nitch. Concentrating on my diet has been a blessing. Taking the proper supplements has also been huge. Go to bulknutrition.com to see me diet and my list of supplements. I am also going to start working with Anthony Ricciuto this year.





When and where is your next meet?



My next meet is the Arnold Classic, which will be my last one at 220. It is in Columbus, OH.





Anyone you would like to thank?



The list is long: Julie, Stella, and Bailey for all of the love, Chris and Kristi for being there from the beginning, Bulk Nutrition for the best supplements on earth, Metal Gear for the best gear on earth, Independence Lumber Company in Independence, Va., Hometown Furniture in Jefferson, NC, the whole HOPG Family, Andrew Shatley and my friends at Appalachian Fitness Center, my mom, my dad, my sister Joni, my niece Gia, all of NC, Kieran Kidder for starting the WPO, my friends at North Georgia Barbell, Elite FTS, Jim Wendler for putting up with me, Donnie Thompson and his crew, and all of my fans. Thanks everybody for believing in me. My new website is travismonstermash.com, which will be available by 2-27-05, but you can check it out now. My e-mail is travismonstermash@yahoo.com. I am going to start doing a lot of on-line training, so if anyone wants to get stronger let me know.





Thanks Travis.