Ty first came to Force about 6 months ago looking to improve and learn more about the Olympic lifts. He came through our initial assessment process and started out doing our Weightlifting and Powerlifting group training classes. He had some extreme shoulder mobility restrictions that left him not being able to snatch or overhead squat much more than the barbell, which is one of the most frustrating things when first starting out in the sport. Not just that, but having a 6’3″ frame isn’t the ideal body structure to succeed in Olympic lifting given that the best in the world are typically about 5’6″ on average. However, Ty was eager to learn and was dedicated to succeed in the sport as much as he possibly could.
Fast forward a couple months later and people in the gym started to notice his progress and his consistency in the gym. Ty was constantly getting the question, “Ty, when are you going to join Strength Squad now?!” Ty, at this point still didn’t think he was ready to join. A month later after the constant push from other people in the gym, and more confidence in his own ability to snatch and clean and jerk efficiently, Ty thought it was time to compete in his first Weightlifting meet, which was one of his goals when he first started out at Force. He now thought it would be the best decision to finally join the Force Barbell Strength Squad so he could be put in the best position to succeed in his first meet, and meets that would come in the future.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
In his first Weightlifting meet, Ty put up a 180kg total, hitting a 75kg snatch, and a 105kg clean and jerk. We know Ty still wants more, and is looking to improve that total when he competes again on October 22nd, at the Kings and Queens of kilos Weightlifting Meet at Force Fitness and Performance in Bloomington, IN.
Whether it is making sure people buy a Fit Aid on their way out of the gym, participating in Fit Aid social media challenges, or even trying to get a Force Barbell coach sponsored by Fit Aid, Ty helps create the very entertaining and friendly culture that we want at Force Barbell. He is considered a great friend and teammate in the Force Barbell community, and we couldn’t be more happy he has joined the team.
Here is a little more from Ty…
Force Barbell: Tell us a little about yourself…
Ty: I’m 25 years old. I’m a Sales Representative at MacAllister Machinery in Indianapolis. I graduated from Ball State University in 2014. I moved to Indianapolis in 2015, and I currently live in Fishers with my fiancé and our Goldendoodle. I love food, lifting heavy things, watching/playing sports, fishing/hunting, and being on the lake with my friends and family.
FB: What is your favorite exercise?
Ty: Before Force Barbell, my answer probably would have been curls, skull-crushers, or some sort of arm exercise. After Force Barbell, my favorite exercise is without a doubt the clean & jerk. The clean & jerk, along with the snatch, are the most gratifying lifts when you can successfully hit them. You don’t see athletes at the Olympics trying to curl the most weight, you see them trying to clean & jerk and snatch as much as they possibly can.
FB: Why do you train?
Ty: It’s hard to pick one single reason why I train. I would say that I train because I’m obsessed with being the best I can possibly be. I train because I know every time I step in the gym, I’m making myself better that day. I want to look back, and know that I accomplished things that others couldn’t do. I enjoy being tested, I enjoy setting goals for myself, and reaching those goals.
FB: How long have you been training at Force Barbell, and how’d you get started?
Ty: I started training at Force Barbell in February of 2016. I got started because a majority of my friends are into Crossfit, so I gave it a shot. There were multiple things I didn’t like about it when I first tried it, but I left finding myself wanting to know more about the Olympic lifts. I wanted a gym that would make me better at both the snatch and clean & jerk, and I was lucky enough to drive by Force Barbell one day and meet Tyler.
FB: What were your emotions and feelings when taking that first step?
Ty; I was definitely a little apprehensive about starting. It’s difficult to step out of your comfort zone and try to learn something that you know nothing about. However, I was able to become a lot more confident with the support of the members and coaches at Force Barbell. It is a positive community where everyone has a common goal of being better, and I love having that type of environment to train in.
FB: What were your goals?
Ty: My goals coming into Force Barbell were to compete in a weightlifting competition, squat 400, and to continuously evolve as an all-around athlete.
FB: What goals have you been able to accomplish?
Ty: I was able to go 6 for 6 at my first weightlifting competition, while setting PR’s in both the snatch & clean and jerk.
FB: What advice would you give to a new member or someone looking to get started?
Ty: My advice would be to have an open mind and to not be afraid of failing. We all are going to experience failure, but I believe personally that this has been one of the best environments to fail in, because of how much you learn. All of the coaches at Force Barbell are going to help you through your failures, and give you the right tools to succeed; whether it be weightlifting, powerlifting, etc. [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]