Herndon achieved his latest training squat while wearing knee sleeves, wrist wraps, and a lifting belt. Such an equipment set-up still constitutes as raw in a powerlifting context. He wrote in his post that he weighed 271 pounds at the time of the lift, meaning the athlete squatted approximately 3.3 times his body weight. Herndon evidently had little trouble with this squat, hitting the hole and rising up quickly without much of a struggle as his spotters on all three sides kept a close watch.

Herndon’s squat is connected to his ongoing preparation for the 2023 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) American Pro 2. That contest is currently scheduled to take place on October 27-29, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Herndon could be seeking a measure of redemption as he did not place at the 2022 iteration, having been disqualified while competing with wraps. In his squat Instagram post, the athlete wrote that he will again compete with wraps at this year’s American Pro.

Herndon has been on a competitive and training tear of late.

In March 2023, during the United States Powerlifting Coalition (USPC) Mid-Atlantic Classic & Regional Championship, the powerlifter squatted 411 kilograms (906.1 pounds) to put himself within striking distance of the 125-kilogram class World Record. Then, in late June 2023, the athlete became the lightest person ever to squat 453.9 kilograms (1,000 pounds) raw with wraps during a performance at the 2023 International Powerlifting Association (IPA) Strength Spectacular.

With months to go before his latest competitive appearance, Herndon has once again inched closer to another hallowed squat mark in the gym.

Herndon technically doesn’t “need” to add another squat record to his growing laundry list of achievements. He already stands atop the 110-kilogram class and seldom loses in full competition. Athletes like him seemingly don’t rest on their laurels, though. They have an interest in writing their name all over the record books.

Featured image: @phillip_herndon on Instagram

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What’s more, according to the database on Open Powerlifting, Herndon’s squat raw with wraps is the second-heaviest of all time in the 125-kilogram weight class. Only Zahir Khudayarov’s World Record squat of 479 kilograms (1,058.2 pounds) from the 2017 Finland Powerlifting Organisation (FPO) WABDL World Cup remains heavier. Herndon wore a lifting belt, wrist wraps, and knee wraps for this massive squatting achievement and won the contest accordingly in the 125-kilogram division. The 2023 IPA Strength Spectacular took place on June 25, 2023, in York, PA.

Here’s an overview of Herndon’s top stats from his first-place performance, which also saw him capture a 226.8-kilogram (500-pound) bench press, a 362.9-kilogram (800-pound) deadlift, and a final total of 1,043.2 kilograms (2,300 pounds):

Phillip Herndon (125KG) | 2023 IPA Strength Spectacular Top Raw with Wraps Stats

• Squat: 453.9 kilograms (1,000 pounds) | Second-Heaviest All-Time
• Bench Press: 226.8 kilograms (500 pounds)
• Deadlift: 362.9 kilograms (800 pounds)
• Total: 1,043.2 kilograms (2,300 pounds)

Herndon adds this notable light body weight squatting achievement to an already impressive reputation of leg power. The athlete is the current raw squat World Record holder in the 110-kilogram class, with a squat of 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds). Herndon also holds the second highest raw squat in the and 125-kilogram class with a lift of 411 kilograms (906.1 pounds). Only Reece Fullwood barely edged him out, breaking Herndon’s record with a 412.5-kilogram (909.4-pound) squat. It’s apparent that Herndon’s dominance and strength transcends across different divisions with different equipment setups.

In the caption of his post, Herndon teased his next sanctioned competitive venture: the 2023 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) American Pro from October 27-29, 2023, in Manassas, VA. Only time will tell what Herndon’s next inevitable jaw-dropping achievement will be with a loaded barbell in on his back.

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On Mar. 18, 2023, during the United States Powerlifting Coalition (USPC) Mid-Atlantic Classic & Regional Championship, Herndon captured a 411-kilogram (906.1-pound) raw back squat. According to Open Powerlifting, the milestone is not only Herndon’s all-time raw competition best, it is the second-heaviest all time for the 125-kilogram (275-pound) weight class. Herndon donned a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps during the groundbreaking achievement. At a body weight of 117 kilograms (258 pounds), well below the weight class cap, he is the lightest athlete to squat at least 408.2 kilograms (900 pounds) raw with sleeves.

Herndon’s World Record adjacent squat in the 125-kilogram division officially surpasses his peer Dennis Cornelius by one kilogram. Per Open Powerlifting, Cornelius recorded the now-broken raw all-time World Record of 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) at the 2017 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Freedom Fitness Classic.

Herndon adds his 125-kilogram class raw squat to a mantel that already features the 110-kilogram record of 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds). Herndon achieved that mark at the 2022 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) The Freaks Come Out At Night. For the time being, the contest marked the athlete’s last appearance in the division before formally transitioning to compete at 125 kilograms.

In addition to his squat records, Herndon notched respective raw all-time competition bests on the deadlift (382.3 kilograms/844 pounds) and total (1,023.7 kilograms/2,257 pounds), while matching his best ever raw bench press (230 kilograms/507 pounds).

Herndon’s recent performance places him fourth in the 125-kilogram all-time total record books, just behind Larry “Wheels” Williams who totaled 1031.9 kilograms (2275 pounds) at the 2017 Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) Insurrextion VI.

Here’s an overview of Herndon’s record-setting performance:

Phillip Herndon (125KG) | 2023 USPC Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship Top Stats

• Squat — 411 kilograms (906.1 pounds) | Second-Heaviest Squat All Time
• Bench Press — 230 kilograms (507 pounds)
• Deadlift — 382.3 kilograms (844 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
• Total — 1,023.7 kilograms (2,257 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best

Now in possession of several raw World Records in two separate divisions, Herndon could theoretically rest on his laurels for a period of time as he recuperates and plans his next display of strength. However, something says this superstar is only just getting started with an eraser and pencil for the record books.

Featured image: @phillip_herndon on Instagram

The post Phillip Herndon (125KG) Squats 411 Kilograms (906.1 Pounds) for Second-Heaviest Squat Ever appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Feb. 4, 2023, Herndon posted a video to his Instagram page of himself capturing a 412.7-kilogram (910-pound) back squat raw during a recent training session. According to the caption of Herndon’s post, the demonstration of leg power is an all-time personal record (PR). Herndon had wrist wraps, a lifting belt, and knee sleeves adorned during the squat — which is considered a raw lift by sanctioned powerlifting standards.

In the same post, the athlete revealed he weighs 265 pounds, meaning, after gaining more muscle, he may compete in the 125-kilogram (275-pound) weight class moving forward. The athlete’s next competitive appearance would officially be his first time competing in the division after beginning his competitive career in the 82-kilogram (181-pound) class in 2013 and spending the past four years at 110 kilograms (242 pounds).

While unofficial, Herndon’s squat is 2.7 kilograms (6.1 pounds) more than the all-time raw World Record in the 125-kilogram weight class, according to Open Powerlifting. That record mark belongs to Dennis Cornelius, who squatted 410 kilograms (903.9 pounds) at the 2017 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Freedom Fitness Classic. Herdon currently holds the all-time raw world record in the 110-kilogram class, with a 395-kilogram (870.8-pound) squat, as well as the 110-kilogram class all-time world record squat with wraps at 435 kilograms (959 pounds).

“Best numbers of prep and lifetime PRs. Just getting started.”

Herndon’s squat PR is likely connected to his ongoing preparation for the 2023 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Ghost Clash 2. The contest is scheduled to take place on Feb. 18-19, 2023, in Miami, FL, and will feature other notable powerlifting stars.

Independent of weight class, here’s an overview of Herndon’s all-time raw competition bests:

Phillip Herndon All-Time Raw Competition Bests

• Squat — 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds) | 110-kilogram All-Time World Record
• Bench Press — 230 kilograms (507 pounds)
• Deadlift — 372.5 kilograms (821.2 pounds)
• Total: 977.5 kilograms (2,155 pounds)

Herndon has been alluding to his place in the WRPF Ghost Clash 2 competition for several weeks now, as most of his Instagram posts have included some reference to it. In that respect, he appears to be a lifter on a mission.

It’s barely been a month into 2023, and Herndon already looks locked and loaded for impressive achievements in the gym and on official lifting platforms. Should he transfer his newest strength accomplishment to Southern Florida later this month, it’ll likely only be one of many significant appearances from the record-setting powerlifter.

Featured image: @phillip_herndon on Instagram

The post Phillip Herndon Squats 412.7 Kilograms (910 Pounds) For New Massive Personal Record appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On July 9, 2022, over Instagram, Herndon shared footage of himself completing a raw 410-kilogram (903-pound) squat during a training session. The mark is roughly 44 pounds more than the current World Record for a 110-kilogram competitor, which Kevin Oak set at the 2020 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Hybrid Showdown II.

Additionally, per the caption of Herndon’s Instagram post, the raw squat feat is 3.6 times his current body weight of 252 pounds. It’s also a 30-pound personal record (PR) for Herndon.

 

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A post shared by Phill Herndon (@phillip_herndon)

[Related: Learn How To Build Strength With Three Key Principles]

Of late, Herndon has been on a mission with his squat.

While training in early May 2022, the American powerlifter captured a 410-kilogram squat in wraps. Then, in late June 2022, Herndon squatted five kilograms (11 pounds) more than the raw World Record. That Herndon is extending the latter training mark by over 30 pounds roughly two weeks later could be a testament to rapid progress with his leg and back strength.

A Clear Focus

Meanwhile, regarding overall achievements, Herndon has an impressive record to lean on.

For example, the athlete broke the Raw with Wraps World Record for the 110-kilogram division at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Coalition (USPC) Mid-Atlantic Classic. Herndon’s 435-kilogram (959-pound) mark surpassed his peer Daniel Misencik, who squatted 432.5 kilograms (953.5 pounds) at the 2022 WRPF Ghost Clash. Misencik had previously exceeded Herndon on the old squat with wraps World Record.

The 26-year-old Herndon wouldn’t be sitting in a potentially fruitful time of his career if he wasn’t a well-rounded powerlifter. As far as a competitive resume, Herndon has won 23 of 33 powerlifting contests as both a Junior and Open competitor. If that weren’t eye-opening enough, he has missed the top three in only five instances.

Here are Herndon’s top powerlifting competition lifts, according to Open Powerlifting:

Phillip Herndon | Top Competition Lifts

• Squat — 435 kilograms (959 pounds) | Wraps
• Bench Press — 230 kilograms (507 pounds) | Raw
• Deadlift — 369 kilograms (813.5 pounds) | Raw
• Total — 940 kilograms (2,072 pounds) | Raw

At the time of this writing, Herndon has a winning streak of nine straight competitions. Herndon’s last loss came at the 2019 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) The Tribute. He still attained second place at the contest.

 

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A post shared by Phill Herndon (@phillip_herndon)

[Related: The Best Bodyweight Workouts For Muscle, Strength, Conditioning, And More]

Per Herndon’s social media, his next contest will be the 2022 WRPF American Pro. That competition will occur in Manassas, VA, on July 29-30, 2022. Depending on whether Herndon elects to lift raw or with wraps, he’s looking primed to take first in either category. Notably, according to Open Powerlifting, the athlete has competed raw just once throughout his career.

Whatever competitive decision Herndon inevitably makes, he could soon wrap a World Record around a streak 0f 10 straight wins.

Featured image: @phillip_herndon on Instagram

The post Watch Phillip Herndon (110KG) Squat 40 Pounds More Than The Raw World Record appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

For context, Herndon already owns the all-time heaviest squat of 435 kilograms (959 pounds) in the 110-kilogram weight class. He did not disclose his weight for the lift, but Herndon has consistently competed at 110 kilograms as a professional in recent years.

Check out the squat below, courtesy of Herndon’s Instagram profile:

 

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A post shared by Phill Herndon (@phillip_herndon)

[Related: Powerlifter Tiffany Chapon Squats 166 Kilograms (366 Pounds), Exceeds IPF World Record Again]

Herndon’s powerful squat while wearing wraps appears to be a part of ongoing training for his next competition. As he notes in his Instagram post, the powerlifter will participate in the 2022 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) American Pro this late July.

If hefty squats such as this are what Herndon brings to the table, then he might be in great shape for the meet.

Herndon at a Glance

At 26-years-old, Herndon is technically smack dab in the prime of his career. There are plenty of potential achievements still on the horizon if he pursues them accordingly. That said, Herndon has been a competitive powerlifter, in some capacity, for nearly a decade. The American athlete began his career in Junior meets in his native Pennsylvania in 2013 and has hit the ground running ever since.

Notably, Herndon set the current squat with wraps all-time world record at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Coalition (USPC) Mid-Atlantic Classic in early April. His mark bested Daniel Misencik (110KG), who squatted 432.5 kilograms (953.5 pounds) at the 2022 WRPF Ghost Clash this past February — who also previously topped Herndon’s old top figure.

Here’s a rundown of some of the more notable recent results from Herndon’s career:

Phillip Herndon | Notable Career Results

• 2018 International Powerlifting League (IPL) Philadelphia Fit Expo (Wraps) — First place | Open
• 2018 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Iron City Pro/Am (Wraps) — First place | Open
• 2018 USPA Yuletide Slay Full-Power Classic (Wraps) — First place | Open
• 2019 WRPF Kern US Open (Wraps) — Third place | Open
• 2019 USPA The Tribute (Wraps) — Second place | Open
• 2019 Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS) Raw Dawg Nationals 8 (Wraps) — First place | Pro Open
• 2019 International Powerlifting Association (IPA) National Powerlifting & Bench Press Championships (Wraps) — First place | Pro Open
• 2020 USPA Pioneer Open (Wraps) — First place | Open
• 2020 Metal Militia (MM) National Championships (Wraps) — First place | Pro Open
• 2020 USPC Virginia State Championships (Wraps) — First place | Open
• 2021 RPS NJ and North American Championships (Wraps) — First place | Pro Open
• 2021 WRPF Kern US Open (Wraps) — First place | Open
• 2021 USPA Pennsylvania State Championship (Raw) — First place | Open
• 2022 USPC Mid-Atlantic Classic (Wraps) — First place | Open

 

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[Related: Learn How To Build Strength With Three Key Principles]

The American Pro is Next

Herndon will enter his next competition on a current streak of nine straight wins. At the same time, given his recent training focus, it’s not a stretch to assume he will also try to extend his squat with wraps record.

The 2022 WRPF American Pro will take place on July 29-30, 2022, in Manassas, VA.

Featured image: @phillip_herndon on Instagram

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