KP: Can you give us some background information?

Bob: I was born August 20, 1953 in New York City and lived in Buffalo until 1965 when my family moved to Charlotte, where I live now. I was never athletic as a kid, was small and picked on. I wanted to be athletic so in my 16^th birthday I got a 110-pound weight set from K-mart and started working out with 45 lbs. By the time I was 17 I could put 150 over head and curl 125 at 118-LB bodyweight. I then started training on my own as an Olympic lifter. I wanted to get big …NOW I weigh over 240 at 5' 7". I've been as heavy as 262!!!

KP: How and when did you get started in powerlifting?

Bob: When I went to NC State University there was very little Olympic lifting and with almost no power training I did 185 squat, 145 bench and 255 deadlift at 128 bodyweight, at age 18 in September 1971. Powerlifting seemed fun so I powerlifted when there were no O.L. meets.

KP: What are your best lifts and where have you lifted?

Bob: I have lifted mostly in the southeast and also Washington DC, Iowa and a few other places. My best squat is 630, at 220; bench is 400raw at 205 and 410 at over 240 bwt. My dead (if you have to know is 530). In the Olympic lifts I have done a 230 snatch and 300 jerk at 165. My main claim to fame is that I have lifted in every weight division 132-275!!!

KP: What organizations have you lifted in?

Bob: AAU and 100% RAW but would consider USAPL.

KP: What is your workout regimen?

Bob: I use a typical 4 day a week program; Monday: heavy bench, Tuesday: heavy squat, Thursday: light bench, Friday: heavy deadlift and light squat. We train the basic lifts with little rest between sets, then superset or circuit train assistance exercises. This gives us cardio and helps with stamina. Our workouts seldom last more than an hour.

KP: What does your diet consist of?

Bob: I'm a meat and potatoes person and I do eat my veggies and drink milk. I try to limit carbs and try to avoid sweets, but have trouble!!!

KP: Do you take any supplements?

Bob: Yes, I have always. Now I take creatine, and whey protein, which is mixed in peanut butter to form bars. I do take Glucosamine and chondroitin for the joints.

KP: What type of supportive gear do you wear?

Bob: In training I rarely even wear a belt. I feel that if you use too much gear during practice you will get weak in those areas. I am currently lifting raw so I use none. When I lift assisted I wear wraps for the last 3 or 4 heavy workouts and the suit at least twice. I prefer elastic wraps and use whichever suit (of the many different sizes I have) fits at the time.

KP: What are you view on supportive gear?

Bob: I have lifted assisted only until 2000, then I tried raw so I have done both. Some assistance can be viewed as protection; however, multiple ply, canvas, denim shirts and suits amounts to just cheating. Assistance should be kept to a minimum standard. Who cares if someone squats 900 or benches 700 in a suit of armor? Let’s see what they can really do!!!

KP: What are your views on drug testing?

Bob: I did use steroids from 1973 to 1982, yet did many of my best lifts clean. I never used enough to make a big difference. Those who used enough to really increase performance never lasted long. I used to compete against two brothers who used a lot of drugs. They are long, long gone!!! I am here!!! Many of the heavy steroid users have had health problems. ALL LIFTING SHOULD BE DRUG FREE AND TESTED.

KP: What kind of training equipment do you prefer?

Bob: We use mostly barbells and dumbbells and use machines whenever we want to isolate an area. We work out at the best gym in Charlotte: the Powerhouse 24-Hour Fitness Center has all we need.

KP: How important are training partners?

Bob: Having training partners is as important as weights. ONE or TWO. A training partner can motivate you, spot, help coach, inspire and keep you going as well as keeping you from burning out. Training partners are great for working out routines with. My short-lived comebacks in 1985 and 1989 were short in part to a lack of training partners. Training partners should have equal input in routines. I am lucky; I have had the same T.P. for the past two and a half years. Teen lifter Nathan Desloge has been the best ever!!!

KP: What is your favorite lift?

Bob: The squat, when I was a kid I had weak legs, now it's the best for fitness. A few days after my 46^th birthday I squatted 400 for 20 reps! I sometimes use high reps for fitness.

KP: How does it feel lifting at 47 years compared to when you were in your 20's?

Bob: Not much different, in fact sometimes I train harder!!! When I'm in the gym I feel like I'm in my 20's. But after the workout I am reminded of my age. The muscles can take it, but the joints require extra recuperation. I've tried different workouts and the joints are always the limiting factor.

KP: Thoughts on….?

Bob:

Masters lifting…..We're the toughest of the whole bunch!!!

Bands and chains….Give them a try!

Teens and women….Everyone should be encouraged to participate!!!

The Future of powerlifting…..I would like to see it in the Olympics.

KP: What changes have you seen in powerlifting over 30 years as a lifter?

Bob: I have seen many things change. On the bad side too many federations, abuse of drugs and gear. The good vastly outweighs the bad. I got to see the first teens, masters and women compete. Now grandma can compete. I think that's great that everyone can participate. We are one of the few sports in which one can participate their entire lives.

KP: What memories do you treasure about your lifting career?

Bob: Two stand out most. Entering a meet after almost 10 years absence and seeing many of my old friends there: It was like I never left. And lifting in Washington D. C. at the 100% RAW Worlds then walking all around the city the next day. Got to see the White House and took the tour of the capitol. Must have walked 7 or 8 miles the day after lifting, but it was worth it!!

KP: What are your career goals?

Bob: To set as many records as I can, lift in over 100 meets (I've done 60) and last as long as I can. Maybe another 10 or 15 years.

KP: What is the highlight of your career?

Bob: Just to come back a 45 years old and lift, setting masters records.

KP: What weight class do you lift in and do you hold any records?

Bob: Currently I lift 242 and 275 and hold 15 AAU state and 4 100% raw records.

KP: I hear you have a young fellow training with you. Can you tell us a little about him?

Bob: I took a 13-year-old kid to the gym the first day I started training again. It was great watching him grow into a great lifter in two and a half years he has become Teen National and Junior Olympic champion. Nathan Desloge is a talented lifter and the best training partner.

KP: Do you have any tips for the younger lifters?

Bob: Yes…. Practice good form in the lifts and assistance exercises; also stay away from other sports especially football. Football has ruined many potential athletes…listen and learn.

KP: What are some of your interests outside Powerlifting?

Bob: High power model rocketry, gardening and now Nathan has gotten me into computers.

KP: Who are the people you admire in Powerlifting?

Bob: OLD timers who got it all going. Gene Neal, Don Long, Bobby Pugh, Red Swaim, R.L. Gurley, Ernie Morrison, John Holladay. Right now I admire Michael Neal and Master lifters Jimmy Mullis and Arnold Arrington…I want to be like Arnold when I grow up!!!

KP: Anyone in closing that you would like to mention or thank?

Bob: My mom Evelyn Strauss for all her support and my training partner Nathan Desloge who makes my lifting possible.