Taylor Atwood has dominated the 74-kilogram class in the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) for years. A three-time world champion, Atwood set the squat and total world records at the 2019 IPF Classic World Championships (CWC).

At the 2021 United States Powerlifting (USAPL) Raw Nationals, Atwood posted a historic performance that included a 303-kilogram (668-pound) squat and a 340.5-kilogram deadlift for an 838.5-kilogram (1,849-pound) total to top the IPF rankings with 123.42 GL points*.

Since then, Atwood has been hard at work in the gym, focused on regaining his position atop the pack with a “World Champion mindset.” On Jan. 31, 2024, Atwood took to his YouTube channel to share what constitutes a “World Champion mindset,” and chatted with world-champion French team members about their mindsets before a heavy lift:

*The GL point formula is an attempt to compare the achievements of lifters of different body weights.

Atwood talked first to 66-kilogram world champion, Panagiotis Tarinidis amidst a group training session with members of Team France. Tarinidis expressed the feeling of being surrounded by greatness when training amongst such an accomplished team. That spurred him on to be part of that greatness and manifest his potential.

Two-time world champion Lya Bavoil was in the midst of a monster squat session of eight sets of two repetitions at 190 kilograms (419 pounds). Her motivation rises to meet the harder challenges:

The more I am challenged physically, the easier it is mentally.

Counterintuitively, Bavoil said that often, each set seems easier than the last as she fine-tunes her mental approach.

The third world champion that Atwood chatted to was Tiffany Chapon. Chapon, still a Junior, has been Open world champion three times and holds the Open world records in the 47-kilogram class in the squat, bench press, and total. Chapon shared that she visualizes the lift, knowing she is capable of it.

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A post shared by Taylor Atwood (@t_atwood)

Bavoil, Tarinidis, and Chapon will all compete at the 2024 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships in the UK. Tune into SBD Apparel’s YouTube channel on Feb. 10, 2024, to see how their varying mindsets help them in competition.

Atwood is preparing for Powerlifting America (PA) Raw Nationals in Reno, NV, on March 15, 2024. There, he will face off against Austin Perkins for the first time since 2021. Atwood was victorious in that encounter but Perkins has performed extraordinary strength feats in training since.

Featured image: @t_atwood on Instagram

The post Taylor Atwood’s “World Champion Mindset” When Lifting Heavy In Training appeared first on BarBend.

Unleashing Taylor Atwood’s Unbreakable Mindset: Mastering Heavyweights during Training

The Journey of Taylor Atwood

Taylor Atwood, a renowned powerlifter, has not only achieved remarkable success in his career but has also become an inspiration for many aspiring athletes. His unbreakable mindset and ability to master heavyweights during training have set him apart in the world of powerlifting.

The Power of Mindset

Atwood firmly believes that success in powerlifting, or any sport for that matter, begins with the right mindset. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and staying focused on goals. According to Atwood, developing an unbreakable mindset is the key to unlocking one’s true potential.

Setting Realistic Goals

One of the crucial aspects of Atwood’s training philosophy is setting realistic goals. He understands that progress takes time and patience. By setting achievable targets, he avoids unnecessary pressure and maintains a positive mindset throughout his training journey.

Consistency and Dedication

Consistency and dedication are two pillars of Atwood’s training routine. He believes in showing up every day, even when motivation is lacking. By staying committed to his training program, Atwood ensures that he makes progress, no matter how small, every single day.

Progressive Overload

To master heavyweights, Atwood follows the principle of progressive overload. This technique involves gradually increasing the weight lifted over time. By challenging his body with incremental increases, Atwood pushes his limits and continuously improves his strength.

Proper Technique and Form

Atwood understands the importance of proper technique and form in powerlifting. He believes that mastering the fundamentals is essential for preventing injuries and maximizing performance. By focusing on technique, he ensures that he lifts heavyweights safely and effectively.

Listening to the Body

While Atwood pushes himself to the limit during training, he also listens to his body. He understands the importance of rest and recovery in preventing burnout and injuries. By giving his body the time it needs to recuperate, Atwood ensures long-term success in his powerlifting career.

Mental Toughness

Atwood’s unbreakable mindset is built on mental toughness. He believes that powerlifting is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. By training his mind to overcome challenges and setbacks, Atwood has developed an unwavering mental toughness that allows him to conquer heavyweights with ease.

Visualizing Success

Visualization plays a significant role in Atwood’s training routine. Before attempting a heavy lift, he visualizes himself successfully completing it. This technique helps him build confidence and mentally prepares him for the task at hand. By visualizing success, Atwood primes his mind and body for optimal performance.

Surrounding Himself with Support

Atwood recognizes the importance of a strong support system. He surrounds himself with individuals who believe in him and his goals. Whether it’s his coach, training partners, or loved ones, their unwavering support fuels Atwood’s motivation and helps him stay focused on his journey.

Conclusion

Taylor Atwood’s unbreakable mindset and ability to master heavyweights during training have propelled him to the pinnacle of powerlifting. Through setting realistic goals, maintaining consistency, focusing on technique, and developing mental toughness, he has become an inspiration for athletes worldwide. By following Atwood’s principles, aspiring powerlifters can unlock their true potential and achieve extraordinary success in their own fitness journeys.