About

My name is Travis, I like long walks on the beach, sunsets, and…. HAHA!  …and not taking anything too seriously.  EXCEPT for strength training!

Why should you even think about reading anything on this site?

Basically it boils down to…You can learn from all of my mistakes and save yourself a lot of time, headaches, and save your body some agony. I’ve probably made every mistake known to man when it comes to weight lifting / strength training. Unfortunately, most “mistakes” were discovered either years and years later, or after I injured myself. (Luckily there were only a few minor injuries).

Hopefully my mistakes won’t be yours!

Just to be clear, I don’t just try anything because it looks cool or because I read about it one time. I have spent thousands of hours, and still do spend countless hours, researching and learning before implementing anything new. (Including supplements I take). The interesting part is staying on top of everything because, studies and scientific seems to change from time to time.  Plus, a lot of the “official” data out there is subjective or incomplete because thorough long term studies have not been done.

How do I know what I’m doing is correct? I don’t! But I do know that it gets results.  I’ve been training with weights since I was about 12 years old and have held 2 certifications (ACE & ACSM).  Big whoopity doo on the certifications, but they did teach me a few things.  The biggest thing I’ve learned in all the years I’ve trained is to never stop learning and never think you have a “one size fit’s all” system. (However, I know there are “One size fit’s a lot of people” systems).

What motivates me?  Early on, my main motivation for lifting weights was the fact that I was reeeeally freakin’ skinny!!!  I never did get “big”, but I don’t weigh 155lbs anymore.  (I am 5′ 11″).  Now my primary motivation is to get as strong as possible and help as many other people along the way by introducing them to powerlifting (or at least compound movements) so they’ll learn that doing “bi’s and tri’s” as a primary exercise 2-3 times a week is NOT going to get them “big guns”. LOL

The other thing that motivates me now is hitting 8 times my bodyweight in a powerlifting competition so it’s “official”.  If I weigh in at 175lbs, that’s only 1400lbs total between squat/bench/deadlift.  (The goal is at least; Squat – 500lb; Bench – 300lb; Deadlift – 600lb).  Definitely doable!

MY GYM STATS:
Average Weight: ~178lbs

• Best Squat:  455lbs
• Best Bench: 315lbs
• Best Deadlift: 560lbs

If you would like to see some videos, check em out on the StrengthGuy YouTube channel.  (I am trying to keep this site dedicated to strength “training” help, not just a bunch of crap about “my” progress.)

OK…. Before I forget, let me say, I AM NOT A CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER! I WAS certified and I think there is definitely a place for those credentials and education. However, more times than not, anyone that likes to learn and immerses themselves into strength training will “understand” a lot more than the “Certified” trainer. For example, I thought I was sooo smart and knew sooo much when I had my fancy certifications. Luckily, now I know….You can never stop learning.

I’ll be happy to give my opinion if you ask. But if I make a recommendation and it doesn’t work perfect for you, don’t start whining or complaining or trying to cause problems for me for just trying to help you out. I am not a doctor, or a lawyer, or a physical therapist, or a yogi, or a hairstylist, or a stripper (at least not anymore), or or or…..

If you do cause problems, wellllll….. I may not be able to kick your ass, but I’m sure I could pick you up and throw you in front of a moving bus. heh heh.

Mostly I want people to learn from my mistakes (and there are plenty!).

Obviously… I am focusing specifically on powerlifting, but I include a wide variety of exercises for GPP (General Physical Preparedness) also and really enjoy thinking up new creative assistance work for GPP.

Feel free to circle me on my Google+ Profile

Travis Hlavka (9 Posts)

I may act like a 12yr old a lot of the time, but that's because I have a genetic defect that will not allow me grow up. HOWEVER, I do take strength training and fitness very seriously and I love using what I know to help others reach their fitness goals and avoid the bazillion mistakes I've made in my 25+ yrs of training. Since I don't know everything, I never stop learning. Note: I am no longer a "certified" trainer, but I truly understand more about fitness and health now than I ever did with that official piece of paper.