McCormick Strength Training

08/22/2025

Coaching Insight – Squat Stability

Want a stronger, more stable squat? Start from the ground up.

🦶 Screw your feet into the floor—think “spread the floor” with your stance
🧊 Keep your core braced before you even unrack the bar
🎯 Drive your knees out in line with your toes on the way down and up

The best squats aren’t just strong—they’re tight from head to toe.

Most lifters lose power because they get loose somewhere in the setup. Fix that, and you’ll feel the difference immediately.

Want more in-depth help with your technique, programming, or team training? I offer in-person coaching, team training sessions, and online coaching. Message me to get started. 🤝

Photography: CW PHOTOGRAPHY

08/20/2025

⚡️ Nothing hits like deadlift day. ⚡️
The 2025 USPC Headquarters Iron Showcase wrapped up with huge pulls, gritty lockouts, and lifters leaving it all on the platform. 🏋️‍♂️🔥

🎥 Full deadlift video is now live on the McCormick Strength Training YouTube channel — don’t miss it!

https://youtu.be/WMTpd0-hJh4?si=vvGKSMQB8j3U_7U9

💪 2025 USPC Headquarters Iron Showcase – Deadlift Portion 🏋️‍♂️We’re closing out the USPC Headquarters Iron Showcase with the fan favorite — the deadlift! ...

08/19/2025

🔥 Bench Day = Big Energy! 🔥
The 2025 USPC Headquarters Iron Showcase bench portion brought power, precision, and some huge presses! 🏋️‍♂️💪

🎥 Full video now live on the McCormick Strength Training YouTube channel — check it out and relive every rep!

💪 2025 USPC Headquarters Iron Showcase – Bench Portion 🏋️‍♂️Next up: the bench press — the lift where precision, power, and control meet. Watch as lifters ...

08/18/2025

🔥 Squats. Depth. Power. 🔥
The 2025 USPC Headquarters Iron Showcase squat portion did not disappoint! From first attempts to heavy third lifts, the platform was filled with intensity and PRs. 🏋️‍♂️💪

Full video is now live on YouTube 🎥 — check it out and relive every rep!

💪 2025 USPC Headquarters Iron Showcase – Squat Portion 🏋️‍♂️Welcome to the squat flight of the USPC Headquarters Iron Showcase!This portion of the meet fea...

08/16/2025

Another strong week in the books for MST Powerlifting 🔥

From online lifters crushing their programs to the team pushing big weight in training—we’re building strength, confidence, and consistency every single week.Progress doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when you’ve got a plan, a coach, and a crew behind you.

Want to be part of this? I’ve got spots for in-person, online, and team training. Message me and let’s get started. 🤝

08/12/2025

🕸️💀 Enter… if you dare! 💀🕸️
The 2025 The Zone Halloween Bench Bash presented by MST Powerlifting is rising from the grave on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at The Zone Virden! 🎃 Presented by MST Powerlifting, this frightfully fun event will test your strength… and your costume game.

🧛‍♀️ Events of the Day:
⚰️ Bench Only – $20
⚰️ Bodyweight Bench Press Reps Challenge – $20
⚰️ Both Events – $30

🏆 The strongest male & female lifters will rise to the top and claim 50% off entry to the 2025 MST Powerlifting Christmas Classic Powerlifting Meet & Toy Drive.

🎭 Costumes aren’t just welcome… they’re hauntingly encouraged. Whether you’re Frankenstein under the bar or a vampire chasing PRs, you’ll get your shot at MST Powerlifting Bench Only Records and some monstrous bragging rights.

👥 Meet cap: 30 lifters – when the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.
📅 REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW – Don’t let it vanish into the night!
🔗 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/i6cXvHkDfEFC4nLi6

This competition is NON-SANCTIONED — just pure lifting, spooky fun, and heavy iron. 🕷️

08/11/2025

🎥 Relive the Action! 🎥
From first lift to final deadlift — here’s the entire 2nd Annual 2025 Old Settlers Raise the Bar Powerlifting Meet - Presented by MST Powerlifting in Hillsboro! 💪🔥

PRs were smashed, MST records were set, and the energy was off the charts. Whether you were in the crowd, on the platform, or cheering from home, now you can watch every moment unfold.

🎥 Relive the Action! 🎥From first lift to final deadlift — here’s the entire 2025 MST Old Settlers Raise the Bar Powerlifting Meet in Hillsboro, Illinois! ?...

08/11/2025

📖 MST Record Book Updated! 📖
It’s been a week since the 2nd Annual 2025 Old Settlers Raise the Bar Powerlifting Meet - Presented by MST Powerlifting in Hillsboro, and the record book has now been updated!

From big PRs to new all-time MST records, our lifters continue to raise the standard and push each other to new heights. 💪🔥

Congratulations everyone!

08/08/2025

Want a stronger, more stable bench press in under 10 seconds? Try this 👇

🦶 Tuck your feet back to create leg drive
🧊 Pull your shoulder blades down and together to lock in the upper back
🔒 Stop lifting the bar up out of the rack—pull it out and over

This simple setup change adds tightness, control, and power before you even touch the bar to your chest.

Most lifters don’t fail their bench at lockout—they fail their setup.

Try it next session and let me know how it feels.

Want more in-depth help with your technique and programming? I offer both in-person, team sessions and online coaching. Message me to get started. 🤝

08/07/2025

Huge shoutout to The Zone Virden for capturing this awesome morning session! ☀️

I love working with student-athletes who want to get faster, stronger, and more explosive. Whether it’s off-season prep or in-season maintenance, we’ve got the tools and the space to help you level up. From agility ladders and sleds to tires and plyo work—we train with purpose, and we train to win.

If you’ve got a student-athlete ready to take their game to the next level, reach out! Let’s get to work. 💪

📍 Training at The Zone in Virden, IL & D&D Fitness in Carlinville
📞 DM me or text 217-801-7102 to get started

Personal Trainer Blake has his young athletes outside this sunny morning for some sports performance work! 😎
Remember we have great outdoor space for use in the back lot and the grass lot between The Zone & Sips Coffee Co!
And we have all the tools to help develop athletes:

⚡️ Agility Ladder
📦 Plyo Boxes
⬆️ Mini Hurdles
➿️ Resistance Bands
🚜 Tractor Tires
🛷 Push/Pull Sled
➕️ And more!

08/06/2025

Pictures from the awards ceremony at the 2nd Annual 2025 Old Settlers Raise the Bar Powerlifting Meet - Presented by MST Powerlifting!🏆🥇

Please feel free to tag yourself or add your pictures from meet day in the comments!📸

08/05/2025

Just a few feet away from all the muscle cars at the Old Settlers Car Show, more muscle was on display at the second annual Old Settlers Raise The Bar Powerlifting Meet on Sunday, Aug. 3, in downtown …