ABOUT THE GUEST
Brad Gillingham is an IPF and NSCA Hall of Famer known for historic deadlifting longevity, multiple Masters world records, and decades of elite-level competition.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How Brad organized deadlift training into heavy, medium, and speed exposures.
The role of bar selection, grip work, and belt strategy in sustaining progress.
Practical nutrition and recovery habits for heavy lifting across long training cycles.
How to build a dependable environment for pulls with quality bars, plates, and mats.
KEY TOPICS
DEADLIFT PROGRAMMING — Wave loading, bar speed targets, and conservative jumps on meet day.
TECHNIQUE & EQUIPMENT — Mixed vs. hook grip considerations; belt position; using quality plates and bars for consistent balance.
LONGEVITY — Managing back stress, tracking readiness, and using speed work and accessories to delay fatigue accumulation.
QUICK ANSWERS
Q: How did Brad sustain high-level deadlifting for decades?
A: By rotating stress—heavy, medium, and speed weeks—while keeping technique consistent and adjusting volume based on recovery.
Q: What bar works best for serious deadlifters?
A: A straight, stiff Olympic bar with reliable knurl; consistent sleeve spin and plate tolerances help maintain balance set to set.
Q: How should recreational lifters approach heavy deadlift cycles?
A: Use modest weekly jumps, stop sets when bar speed drops, and keep accessories like rows and RDLs crisp—not grinding.
SHOP THE EPISODE
North American Made 1,500 lb Capacity Olympic Bar — stiff, consistent pull
https://www.ironcompany.com/north-american-made-1500-lb-capacity-olympic-bar?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep47
IRON COMPANY Premium Rubber Bumper Plates — consistent diameter for reliable setup
https://www.ironcompany.com/iron-company-premium-rubber-bumper-plates?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep47
American Barbell Urethane Olympic Grip Plates — dense, tight-tolerance loading
https://www.ironcompany.com/american-barbell-urethane-olympic-grip-plates?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep47
Leather Powerlifting Belts — secure bracing and spine stability
https://www.ironcompany.com/strength-training-equipment/weight-belts?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep47
Weightlifting Mats — traction and floor protection for heavy pulls
https://www.ironcompany.com/rubber-gym-flooring/gym-mats?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep47
FULL EPISODE LIST & RESOURCES
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep47
IRON COMPANY — trusted gym equipment & flooring since 1997
Full episode list & resources:
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Shop Cardio Equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, bikes):
https://www.ironcompany.com/cardio-equipment?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Shop Free Weights (dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells):
https://www.ironcompany.com/free-weights?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Shop Gym Flooring (rubber rolls, mats, tiles):
https://www.ironcompany.com/rubber-gym-flooring?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Shop Strength Training Equipment (benches, racks, cages):
https://www.ironcompany.com/strength-training-equipment?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
Government & GSA Buyers (contract & bids):
https://www.ironcompany.com/gsa-and-cmas-bid-information?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
RAW Articles & Training Guides:
https://www.ironcompany.com/articles?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_all_eps
