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Fitness

Athlete Journal: Chris Duffin, Entry 14 – Surgery Looming

Elbow surgery seems inevitable, as it is now affecting all pressing movements and grip. Training continues, but a doctor consult is scheduled for next week.

Written by Chris Duffin Last updated on Oct 20, 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to the Athlete Journal of world champion powerlifter Chris Duffin. Follow Chris as he trains and competes in various events over the coming year. Chris’s journal will be posted every Tuesday. You can also read about Chris on his personal website KabukiWarrior.com.

Athlete Journal, Entry 14: Surgery Looming

MONDAY

Bench press

135×10

185×5

225×5

315×5

385×11 – Rep PR here

DB Band Floor Press

#5+100’s x10,10

Bottoms Up Kettlebell Press

53×10

70×10 – possible PR here

53×10

Band Overhead Triceps Extensions

3 sets x 16 Reps

385 lb Bench Press for 11 Reps - Raw Strength #benchpress #strength #workout

WEDNESDAY

Box Squats to 14.5” Foam box

155×5,5

265×5

375×3

485×2

595×1

705×3 – PR to this box height

Single Leg – AFS Leg Press

225×10

295×10,10,12

Inverted Band Ham Curls

#4×30,30,30

Static Holds – Hook Grip

335×30,45,45 (seconds)

705 lb x 3 Raw 14.5" Box Squat – Unmatched Power #squats #rawstrength #powerlifting

THURSDAY

Deep Tissue Massage (been doing this weekly last few weeks)

FRIDAY

Incline Bench

135×20

225×28,13,13

Overhead Tricep Press w/Sled

6 passes x 75 ft.

SATURDAY

Sumo Deadlift

135×5

245×3

335×2

425×2

515×1

605×0,0,0 attempts with hook grip, but having issues

1 arm DB rows – Fairly Strict

150×30,25 ea/arm – first set is PR (no straps)

Chins

50 reps total

OTHER TOPICS:

My left elbow is getting beyond pretty bad. It is obviously affecting any pressing movements, as I can’t even come close to locking it out without mobility work immediately prior and then keeping it extended until I grab the weight. This doesn’t alleviate the pain, it only allows me to actually move my arm, as otherwise my arm isn’t going much past 45 degrees during the day. My surgeon is out of town, but I have an appointment scheduled with him the day after he gets back in town next week.

The elbow is also affecting my grip as well.

About Chris Duffin

Chris is an accomplished powerlifter, coach, and gym owner. He is the world record holder for the raw squat in the 220lb class. He also holds a Guinness World Record for the most weight deadlifted in one minute at 17,010 pounds (42 reps of 405lbs). Chris Duffin is the head coach and co-owner of Elite Performance Center in Portland, Oregon.

Unlike many powerlifers and strength athletes, Chris is also enthralled with all things related to conditioning, nutrition, and supplementation. He is known for his detailed coaching and ability to provide immediate gains for his athletes.

It is not a surprise with Chris’s attention to detail and perfectionism that he is also an academic nerd with an engineering degree and a master's degree in business administration. Many of Chris’s coaching skills and high expectations that push people past their self-imposed limits have made him successful in the business world as well. To support the growth of his training facility, Chris’s full-time employment is as the general manager of an aerospace manufacturing company.

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