Powerlifting Questionnaire - 7/06/05

1. What is your name, age and profession?

Mike Blankenship, 26. I am a Security Manager and Trainer for Discover. I train in CPR, AED, and C.E.R.T. around the Nation as well.

2. Give us a BRIEF lifting history including your best lifts/total.

This is my third year competing in powerlifting. Before that I had worked out on and off since I was 18. I have Bench 352, Deadlift 573, and Squat 370 in a competition.

3. Give us a brief template of your training week.

I have two dynamic days and two heavy days, I follow mostly West Side and Carl Wimmer's advice.

4. What kind of workout did you do when you first got into lifting and how old were you?

I trained like a body builder mostly following Mike Mentzer's routines.

5. What kind of powerlifting workout did you do when you first started competing?

I have always followed (some what) of West Side's routines.

6. What kind of powerlifting equipment (bench shirt, squat suit, etc.) do you use?

Bench Shirt - Titan Fury

Squat Suit – Inzer Z suit

Deadlift Suit – Inzer Z suit

7. What powerlifting equipment would you like to try?

A Rage X shirt, and A Hard Core.

8. What is the best advice anyone has ever given you about lifting?

Work hard and stick to your routine.

9. What is the worst advice you've ever been given?

One rep one set.

10. What is the worst injury you've had and what did you do to overcome it?

So far I have been pretty luck, until recently I find out I have a minor herniated disc. I am still working on overcoming it.

11. What is the worst sticking point (on any on the lifts) that you had to overcome and what did you do to correct it?

So far it has been my bench press. I was stuck at 275 for a while before I broke through. Mostly I trained hard sticking to my routine and over came it. Now I am stuck trying to break the 400 mark. I am confident through my new focus that I will be able to break through by Worlds.

12. What exercises do you believe have increased your bench, squat and deadlift?

Bench Press – Board press, Floor press, Racks.

Squat – Box Squats.

Deadlift – Platforms, and Racks.

13. What does your diet consist of?

Try and eat as much as possible.

14. What kind of supplements do you use?

Protein, and Creatine.

15. Where do you get your training information?

Westside videos and training partners.

16. What changes would you like to see in powerlifting?

More media exposure

17. If you've ever had to cut weight for a powerlifting contest, what did you do?

I have never had to cut weight.

18. Is there anyone you would like to thank?

First I would like to thank my wife and kids for being the most loving and supporting people in my life. Next I would like to thank my training partners Carl Wimmer, Tim Prince, Roger James, and Howard Sheppardson, without their support I wouldn't be competing. Thanks Guys!