RISKY BUSINESS...

BIG CHALLENGES... BIG RISKS... BIG PAY OFF???
Wow...What a 72 hours. I had to prepare an important 10 minute presentation for my BNI Business Group, move POWERSHAPE Personal Training to a new location and of coarse compete in "The WABDL Great Northern Bench Press and Deadlift Championships" in Olympia Washington.(I also had My Master Card stolen but, that is a story for another time). Talk about pressure. How did everything turn out? Here are the details:

The BNI presentation went very well, complete with video high-lights. I am extremely excited to announce that my Business is now up, running and virtually booked solid at an upscale, private, professional Studio: The Georgia Athletic Club. And, as always Powerlifting was the centering force in my life as I competed along with my great friends Nancy and Robert O. This is the Contest details in PRESS RELEASE FORM:

CANADIANS LIFT BIG IN OLYMPIA
A Trio of Canadian Powerlifters had a very successful lifting Tournament in Olympia Washington on the weekend at "The WABDL Great Northern Bench Press and Deadlift Championships"

Nancy Carpenter Bench Pressed 209 lbs. to claim victory in the 148 lbs. Women's Master-Two Division. Carpenter also took home "Best Lifter" honours to cap off a great contest.

Canadian Bench Press Champion Robert O Smith pressed 529 lbs. to win the 308 lbs. Division and "Best Overall" title. Robert O holds the distinction of pressing the all time record for the 60 years plus age group at 579 lbs.

Jody Cranston scored a double victory by winning the Bench Press and Deadlift events in the 181 lbs. Master Divisions. Cranston, who weighed 178 lbs. Bench Pressed 358 lbs. and Deadlifted 574 lbs. for WABDL Canadian Master Records.

With their Championship wins the three Lifters are now officially qualified to represent Canada at the WABDL World Championships in Reno Nevada at the end of October.

I am very proud of everything that has been accomplished recently. It is funny how a Business location change, BNI Presentation and Lifting Tournament can build momentum off of each other. Putting three challenges together certainly creates a huge risk but, when successful, which fortunately these were, pays off a huge reward. Things have never been better.

( Jody Cranston / Contest ).

BULL STEWART.

The Bible of our sport, Powerlifting, is a Magazine called Powerlifting USA. This Magazine sets the standards, keeps the statistics and writes the articles that virtually every Powerlifter reads to keep informed. A few months ago Powerlifting USA started a feature called "The ultimate Top 10". This ranks the Top 10 Greatest All Time Lifters for each Division. When the September/2008 Edition arrived I was both excited and nervous. Excited because I knew they were rating the 242lbs. Division. Bull Stewarts Division. A little nervous because I know, from Boxing, how subjective "Top 10 Lists" can be. Well Bull received his due. Not only was he in The Top 10 but, he was in The Top 5!!! Wow!!! Congratulations Bull on this incredible yet richly deserved honour/achievment. I will be saving this issue of Powerlifting USA for years to come.

(Photo of Champions Bull Stewart and Richard Schuller courtesy of Robert O Smith)
(Jody Cranston / Events)

ONE FOR THE BOOKS. OLYMPIA WASHINGTON.

To view the Press Release of this Article Click HERE.

The Third Annual Pacific Open Bench Press and Deadlift Championships.
The Valley Athletic Club.
September 13th 2008.

If ever a Powerlifting Contest resembled a Pro-Sports "All Star Game", This was the Contest. The amount of Records both attempted and set and the National/World Class lifts completed, for the number of lifters was truly astounding! Go to the The World Association of Bench Pressers and Deadlifters to see all of the statistics to this Tournament and you will be amazed.

How did "The Vancouver Powerlifting Club" perform? Lets go back to when Robert, Nancy and I left from Vancouver on Friday, September 12th and find out. As always the drive to the Border and down the I-5 was a lot of fun, a lot of laughs and time seemed to go by quickly. We all weighed in successfully below our weight Division limits then went to a Mexican Restaurant to replenish.

Thank goodness for "Bottomless" Nachos and Salsa! I think Nancy and I consumed chips and salsa continuously until the Main Courses arrived. Next time Robert has to bring his "A" game to the Dinner Table to keep up. After a great meal and as always, great conversation (it always a great time with Robert and Nancy) it was time to rest relax and get ready for "The Pacific Open Bench Press and Deadlift Championships".

The Vancouver Powerlifting Club reconvened the next morning for Breakfast downstairs at the Hotel at about 7:45 am. After loading up on the perfect pre-contest fuel, by mimicking everything Nancy ate, we were on our way to the contest which was about 5 minutes away.

The Contest:
The warm-up area was spacious, we used the Fitness Centre which attaches to the gym where the contest was located and gave our selves a lot of time for a "Stress Free" environment. The warm-ups went off without a hitch, on to the "Third Annual Pacific Open Bench Press and Deadlift Championships", Nancy, Robert and I are ready to lift...

Nancy Carpenter: First Place Bench Press./198 lbs. at 148 lbs. Division, 45 - 49 WABDL Women's Canadian Record. An incredible feat of strength, almost 200 lbs. Nancy is always focused, stoic and of course powerful. A 200 lbs. Bench Press and beyond is hers in the near future. This I promise. Nancy is also the Best Coach I could ever have.

Robert O Smith: First Place Bench Press./545 lbs. at 308 lbs, Division, 65+ Master Men's. To see the real story of Roberts contest go to Benchbozo.blogspot.com to see his two valiant attempts at 600 lbs.on video. Robert is already the strongest Bench Presser over 65 years in the world but, astoundingly Robert seems to be just getting started. 600 lbs. will happen dramatically at the WABDL World Championships this November in Las Vegas.

Jody Cranston: First Place Bench Press./375 lbs. at 181 lbs. Division, Sub-Master WABDL Canadian Men's Record~and~First Place Deadlift/568 lbs. at 181 lbs. Division, Sub-Master Men. First, the Bench Press. I am very happy with 375 lbs., it felt fast and controlled, I know I will be able to do even more in the future. Now, the Deadlift. My final lift, 568 lbs. was solid, almost light...almost. I can't wait to try heavier in the future.

The Aftermath:
I love Statistics, especially good ones like "The Vancouver Powerlifting Club's" for this meet. But, usually the true highlights for any meet lies between the numbers, this tournament was no different. Robert and Nancy's two attempts at over 600 lbs. and 200 lbs. respectively cannot be overstated. I know my tenacious friends and teammates will break those barriers soon. The overall quality of the lifting at this contest was Phenomenal, better lifts then most Federations Nationals. As always the experience was awesome, especially with Robert and Nancy to share it with.

Post Script:
After the tournament I realized that I didn't get my Medals. I was warming up for the Deadlift when the Bench Press Awards Presentation was happening. By the time they were presenting the Deadlift Awards to my division they ran out. They are being mail to me. I told Richard Schuller,(a Multi-National Champion) no problem about the Awards, Leamon Woodley (one of the Great All Time U.S. Lifters) told me "Good Lifting". I said to Richard that means more than any Award..."It certainly does" he said, "It certainly does".

(Pictures Courtesy of Robert O Smith.)
(Jody Cranston / Events).

TAILA"BABYCAKES"CRANSTON

Don't worry about Canada's performance at The 2008 Beijing Olympics. The real Canadian Sports Story is Taila"Babycakes"Cranston accomplishing the incredible feat of 12 "Paddle-Splashes" in 10 seconds.

Although it was "Babycakes" first venture into Water Sports The Mighty Toddler stunned the capacity crowd with her unprecedented success. "Aaaba Aaaba Aaaba" she eloquently stated to Press Row moments afterward, can a Clothing Line or Product endorsements be far behind? Probably not.

Stay tuned for more adventures from Taila"Babycakes"Cranston.

(Jody Cranston / Events).

BOB OWEN-HIGHLAND GAMES CHAMPION!

I would like to congratulate my Good Friend Bob Owen on his Silver Medal at "The 2008 B.C. Highland Games Championships". To place 2nd in a field of over 30 Strength Athletes is an Incredible Accomplishment. Bob is The Strongest Person that I have ever trained with: well over 600 lbs. Deadlifts for Reps.,endless Highland Games Victories, Canada's Strongest Man Television Appearances and the humility/character of a true Champion. I am Proud to have Bob Owen as my Friend.

(Jody Cranston / Events).

PICTURES FROM ALKI BEACH.

The 12th Annual Alki Beach Powerlifting Championships.
(Part 2 Pictures and Postscript)

I am very Proud to call Robert O and Nancy my Friends. Part of what I enjoy the most about competing in these Contests is helping Coach, sort out equipment and give Robert O and Nancy Lift-offs on their Record Breaking Bench Presses. My Father Pat was a Great Man and a Great Sportsman, Coach and Organizer. I know when I help my Friends Robert O and Nancy lift he would be smiling...possibly even more then when I am lifting. I think I'm starting to Understand what is really important. Thanks Dad.

THEY CALL ME...MR.DOUBLE-TRIPLE.

The 12th Annual Alki Beach Powerlifting Championships.

(Part 1 Statistics and Summary)

The Title of this Blog Entry is borrowed liberally from The 1967 Academy Award Winning Motion Picture "In The Heat Of The Night", Starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger.

THE STATISTICS: -Jody Cranston- 181lbs. Division, 1st Place./Bench Press: 370 lbs.(WABDL) Canadian Record/Deadlift: 557 lbs. Double Bodyweight+ Bench Press and a Triple Bodyweight+ Deadlift. -Robert O Smith- 308 lbs. Division, 1st Place./Bench Press: 562 lbs.(WABDL) World Record. -Nancy Carpenter- 148 lbs. Division, 1st Place/Bench Press: 192 lbs.(WABDL) Canadian Record.

THE SUMMARY: Although I have never been Excited about Lifting Outdoors in the past, and I have Lifted Outdoors, this all changed with this Contest. Thank You Robert O and Nancy for talking me into Alki, I won't miss this Contest again.

Up at 3:15 am. I pick up Robert O and Nancy by 4:20 am and we are on our way! The Ride is smooth with minimal traffic and Border line ups. We arrive at Alki Beach before 8:00 am and weigh in. You know that you are at an Outdoor Meet when Robert O has a weigh-in problem,not his weight, branches from surrounding Trees keep getting in the way of the scale. Time for Breakfast. I've always had problems with what to eat hours before lifting, not any longer. The last few Meets I've left the Menu in the hands of an Expert: Nancy Carpenter. The positive results are immediate, Today's Pre-Contest Meal: Two Poached Eggs, Toast, a shot of Espresso. Perfect. I feel ready to Lift.

~The Bench Press~ The Meet starts on time and the Lifter Flights are short. I feel extremely rushed during my Warm-ups. To add to the challenges the Bench uprights are low, this means I have to do a half lift just to get the Bench into starting position. The Beach has now gotten quite windy. Although those challenges are difficult for a Technique Lifter like myself, The Grizzled Veteran in me knows when I hit the platform it will all be different......or will it.

Time for my Opening Bench Press Attempt: 319 lbs. I have the Bench Up-rights adjusted perfectly and Robert O is my Lift-off Man, also perfect. The bar comes down slow and controlled, than shoots up fast. It feels light. I confidently get up from the Bench already thinking of my Second attempt when I get the News: Two red lights - No Lift. The two side judges said I lifted my butt, which Nancy confirms. I repeat my opener, (text-book strategy) and more determined then ever, nail it: For the Third attempt I lift 341 lbs., it seems surprisingly light.

Time to go for The Canadian WABDL Bench Press Record on my fourth and Final Attempt. 370 lbs, well over Double my Bodyweight!! The "Team" is on. Perfect words of encouragement from Nancy matched by a Perfect Lift-off from Robert O. 370 lbs. Flies up. The Lift is good, no The Lift is Perfect!!

Robert O and Nancy do incredibly well with their Record Smashing Bench Presses. Robert O once again Proves himself to be the Best 65+ year-old Bench Presser on the The Planet by Lifting 562 lbs. with Precise Judging and Technique. I gave Robert O the Lift-offs and believe me, his Lifts would easily stand in any Federation. Nancy Benches 192 lbs. for a WABDL Canadian Record. The fact that Nancy lifted that weight in the 148 lbs. division is Phenomenal. Nancy also doesn't receive any Red lights on any of her lifts. That is nine out of nine White Lights. Awesome!

~The Deadlift~ Like the Bench Press, the warm-ups for the Deadlifts I find extremely difficult, only now there is a Blazing Afternoon Sun to contend with. Being an Outdoor meet, the Deadlift warm-ups are on the grass, anything over 400 lbs. sinks deeper into the Earth! By the time the Bar is loaded to 475 lbs. I have to reach 2 inches farther down to the Bar and therefore pull 2 Inches further up, plus the weights are lopsided. Having said all that, I am really enjoying this meet. The Adverse conditions keep things exciting, interesting.

My opening attempt is 519 lbs. No problem. My second attempt is 557 lbs, seventeen pounds more then Triple my Bodyweight and The Weight flies up fast. I feel ready for more except for one thing, something has really tightened in my Glute-Hamstring Area. Nancy, who is my Deadlift Coach notices that I am limping. After discussing the injury for several minutes, and several strategies, I respect Nancy's expert advise and do not take a Third and Final Attempt (588 lbs.). It's been a Great Meet for all of us, why get injured further, possibly seriously and miss the next one. The Drive home is full of food, stories and laughter. Thank you Robert O and Nancy, this Truly was one for the Books.

(Jody Cranston / Events)

PANTHEON STRENGTH LEGION-JUNE UPDATE!

The Undisputed Strongest Athletes at Pantheon once again moved some Big Iron on June 7th, here are The Highlights:

Bob - Did Military Presses and Power-Cleans well over 300lbs.

Jody - Deadlifted 555lbs. for a Fast Single Rep. Then Deadlifted 500lbs. 5 times for a Burn-out Set.

Scott - Inched up an Astonishing 400+lbs. Bench Press.

Ian - Deadlifted a Personal Best 365lbs. Thats an Amazing 30+lbs. Improvement after only 2 Months of Training!!!

Pete - Lifted well into The 300's and I Predict will be Deadlifting Over 400lbs. soon.

Another Great Day for The Power Crew at Pantheon! New Personal Records being set in a Competitive Atmosphere. Next Session The 1st Saturday in July Downstairs. Be There!!!

(Jody Cranston / PSL)

TAILA "BABY CAKES" CRANSTON - MY ANGEL!!!

The Strength World was stunned as Taila "Baby Cakes" Cranston performed an awesome feat of Power: Deadlifting the back end of a "Dora The Explorer" Grande Piano with a Double Overhand Hook Grip. The Mighty-Mite excitedly exclaimed to the anxiously awaiting Press"Gabba Gee Gee Ya Ya"! This looks like just the beginning for "Baby Cakes". More to follow.

(Jody Cranston / Events)

THE PANTHEON STRENGTH LEGION.

The first monthly work-out of the Pantheon Strength Legion was an overwhelming success with almost 10 powerful athletes showing up for the strength challenge. Here are some of the deadlift highlights.

Bob - Opened the session with an effortless 605 lbs triple. Incredible especially considering this was after an hour of power cleans.

Jody - Deadlifted 550 lbs (over 3x bodyweight) for a fast double.

Scott - Pulled an easy 500 lbs and looked very powerful well into the mid 500's.

Ian - Deadlifted 3 plates for 3 reps for 3 strong sets.

Albert - Lifted close to 300 lbs, then pulled 225 lbs for an iron-willed 12 reps!

Pete - Who's previous best was 335 lbs lifted 350 lbs for a triple!! That's just the type of day this was. New records, awesome atmosphere!!

Justin - Deadlifted a fast 455 lbs, then closed the show with a jaw dropping 405 lbs for 10 reps!!

The Pantheon Strength Legion trains the first Saturday of every month at 1:00PM downstairs at the PAC.

(Jody Cranston / PSL).

2007 WABDL Washington State Championships

Robert O. Smith writes about my record setting bench press of 366lbs or double bodyweight lift on September 15, 2007.

My Pal. Jody Cranston benched a GREAT 366, double bodyweight lift, for a WABDL Canadian National record ! he lifted off in the bench for me all day, and then Deadlifted at the end of a very long day! ---plus he made the 5 hour drive home !! -- we had help from Starbucks Double espressos, and very loud 50's Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis tunes on the road home!!

Cranston Sets New Powerlifting Standard

Richmond's Jody Cranston pressed twice his weight to earn top marks
From the Richmond Review...
Cranston sets new powerlifting standard
Richmond's Jody Cranston set a WABDL Canadian Bench Press powerlifting record last weekend in Olympia, Washington .

The personal trainer pressed 358 pounds (twice his bodyweight) to earn first-place honours in his [181]-pound weight class.

Cranston was also victorious in the dead-lift portion of the tournament which qualifies him for the world championship to be held in Reno, Nevada this November.

Jody Cranston Sets Record at Great Northern Event in 2006

WABDL Great Northern Bench Press and Deadlift Championship, Olympia, WA, 2006. Jody Cranston dead lifts 562lbs at a weight of 175lbs or 3 times his body weight.
Here he is bench pressing over 2 times body weight setting WABDL Bench Press Record 368lbs at 175lbs body weight.

Fame West 2006

Nancy Lockington, of Purely Natural Fitness, writes about my successful effort to deadlift 500lbs 9 times at Fame West, April 2006.

We had the pleasure of witnessing our Guest Performer, Jody Cranston's incredible strength by deadlifting 500lbs...9 times. A first time feat for Jody, and an excellent one at that!!

The entertainment continued when WNSO's 1st World Pro Fitness Champion, Ocean Bloom energizing the stage with her award winning routine. A true Pro in action!!!

I would like to thank the WNSO/FAME staff Chris Batista and Shannon Lucier for joining us in Vancouver to help provide a "top-notch" show.

In addition, the team of volunteers where definite an asset to the event and we couldn't have done it without them...thanks guys!!!

Thanks Nancy!

Jody Cranston Deadlifts 585lbs in Tacoma 2004

Jody deadlifting 585lbs in Tacoma 2004...