JP CARROLL is instantly making headlines in the World of Powerlifting. He has squatted 1,025 lbs. RAW and he is also on the hunt for a 600 plus RAW bench press.
He is also one of the most massive competitive powerlifters in the world. Let’s step into the journey and into the life of one of the biggest giants and one of the greatest warriors in the weight lifting game, JP the Viking Carroll!!
1) Critical Bench: JP, how did you get started in powerlifting?
JP: I have been an athlete all my life, played hockey in HS and semi-pro football after HS. When I quit playing semi-pro I still continued to work out and I sort of just fell into the sport. I competed in my first powerlifting meet in March of 2013.
2) Critical Bench: What training method do you follow?
JP: I follow the Lilliebridge training method
Editors note: To learn more about the Lilliebridge training method please visit:
http://www.powerliftingtowin.com/lilliebridge-method/
3) Critical Bench: What are your thoughts in regards to training with team Lilliebridge?
JP: Hands down the best raw power lifting team in the world. A great group of guys and girls with a mission of becoming the strongest in our weight divisions. All held together by the best powerlifting coach in the world Ernie Sr.
4) Critical Bench: Where do you train?
JP: Barbell Central the strongest raw gym in the US.
5) Critical Bench: Tell us the members of team Lilliebridge and what they mean to you.
JP: That’s a lengthy list but our intimate circle would be Ernie Sr, Ernie Jr, Eric Lilliebridge, Tom Kallas, Tom Finn Jr., Jon Jursich, Mike Lucia, Jason Colley, Sergio Luna, Dan Bell, Matt Clausen, Tony Chirico, Javier Garcia and there is a whole list of girls and other guys I’m sure who are going to get mad when I didn’t mention them …oops sorry guys.
6) Critical Bench: What does Team Lilliebridge look for in other members?
JP: That’s all in the head of the mastermind coach Ernie Lilliebridge Sr.
7) Critical Bench: Everyone, check out Team Lillie and see if you have what it takes to be part of the team and take your strength to places you never knew it could go! Moving on…JP, you train in the gym on leg day for 6 hours. What are you doing for all that time? 6 hours? Wow!
JP: We have a lot of people on the team , we also squat and dead on same day so between people getting wrapped changing bar weights etc. it can be time consuming . It pays off on meet days we are very used to the long hours in those conditions.
8) Critical Bench: I bet. On top of that, you have 3 kids. How do you make time for powerlifting while being a father?
JP: I only go to the gym 1 day during the week so I can have time for them. I am also lucky to train at a gym where I can bring the kids with so on Saturdays and Sundays all the kids hang out together.
9) Critical Bench: You’re 6’1 and 400lbs. That’s super massive and larger than life. How does your family feel about you being one of the most massive and dedicated powerlifters out there?
JP: With a son on his high school football team he loves it! He’s always bragging on his old man…. My daughter loves it! She wants to follow in my footsteps, so watch out woman’s pl world!!! And my wife holds down the fort while I go play Mr big time powerlifter. Also pays the bills even the food bill, lol. I couldn’t do it with out her!!
10) Critical Bench: JP, what are your 10 tips for a bigger squat and a bigger bench? Give us your 10 tips for each.
JP: I am sooo not the guy for Tips. I am strong but technically sloppy. I am working on cleaning that up though.
11) Critical Bench: OKAY, then tell us what do you think is the biggest mistake that you see other lifters make?
JP: Testing their maxes way too often, also chasing a number (which I’ve been guilty of) and not letting the strength develop over time.
12) Critical Bench: What does your power eating plan consist of to be one of the thickest powerlifters in the world today?
JP: Honestly nutrition is my downfall. I’d say my diet is set up 50/50. Half of my meals are the good stuff pizza , burgers, ice cream. The other half would be chicken, beef, rice black beans veggies etc.
13) Critical Bench: So far during your powerlifting journey list us a powerful moment, crazy moment, favorite moment and a moment that changed you the most.
JP: My most powerful moment was going head to head with Eric Lilliebridge and squatting 1025 raw. A crazy moment would be basically any time I watch Tom Finn Jr. bench press, the guy will bench 600 at 220! A favorite moment honestly would be the day Ernie Sr. asked if wanted to become part of team Lilliebridge. A moment that changed me? When coach pulled 763… I believe with a fully detached pec. He is the epitome of tough!
14) Critical Bench: Those moments are all super extreme! Do you have any funny gym stories you would like to share with us today?
JP: We have a lot of funny stories outside the gym, but when the weight hits that bar we are all business.
15) Critical Bench: Are you going to remember your powerlifting journey?
JP: Just getting started so that’s hard to answer.
16) Critical Bench: Uh oh! This monster is just getting started! We have a super freak beast for a long time to come it seems! So, JP what do people usually say to you being one of the most massive powerlifters? How do guys respond? What about girls? What about kids?
JP: I pretty much stand out like a sore thumb, I feel like I get the freak show whispers and finger points. But most people are pretty cool. Chicks? Well I could use some more of those, can’t we all?! lol!
17) Critical Bench: JP, you will have to teach them how to use their flexibility to shorten the stroke so they can unleash their wild inner beasts like you do! What are your future goals?
JP: Love to get 1,003 squat in the record books and bench 600 raw. Fighting for both of those as we speak.
18) Critical Bench: What is your message for the powerlifting world?
JP: HARD WORK PAYS OFF. I’m in no way, shape or form genetically gifted. Well, my calves are but that’s it. You put in the work and your numbers WILL go up.
19) Critical Bench: What would you like to see change in power lifting?
JP: More women. We have ladies on our team that are AMAZING!! I’d love to see more woman out there chalked up kicking ass!
20) Critical Bench: What are your comments to someone who wants to get stronger but is intimidated by your size or strength?
JP: Get in the chalk box. You gotta mess up a few times and learn some lessons from the iron to get better.
In closing is there anything you would like to say or anyone who you would like to thank?
JP: Ernie Jr. for always being there as a partner and friend . Ernie Sr. for EVERYTHING HE DOES. Jason Colley for keeping me healthy and honestly everyone on the whole team contributes at least something that has made me better and for that I thank everyone.
Interviewed by Critical Bench Reporter Ben Tatar
