American Strength at USAPL Nationals 2025: Execution Meets Expectation
Atlanta, Georgia — USAPL Nationals 2025
At American Strength, we don’t talk about potential—we set clear expectations and train our lifters to exceed them.
That was on full display at this year’s USAPL National Championships, where two lifters coached by Ken Graack stepped onto the platform and delivered.
Callistus and Earnest didn’t just show up strong—they showed up prepared. Every lift reflected months of intentional coaching, technical refinement, and in-the-gym accountability that defines what we do at American Strength.
Callistus: World Record Bench Press – 247.5 KG (545 LBS)
Platform 4 went silent as Callistus took the bench and crushed a world record 247.5 kg (545 lbs).
That kind of lift doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from:
✔ Training to hold the press command under heavy load
✔ Finding the most efficient bar path under pressure
✔ Building confidence through exacting technique work, session after session
At American Strength, every press is coached to competition standard. The pause isn’t optional. The lockout isn’t soft. And Callistus showed exactly why that matters on the national stage.
Earnest: State Record Total – 635 KG (1,399 LBS)
Squat – 210 kg (463 lbs)
Bench – 160 kg (352 lbs)
Deadlift – 265 kg (584 lbs)
Total – 635 kg | Minnesota State Record
Earnest put together a technically sound, no-fluff meet—and it paid off.
Every lift hit standard. Every lift was earned.
• He trained to hit depth on every squat—because that’s not negotiable.
• He locked out and controlled every bench press—because that’s how you win.
• He held his deadlifts at the top—because the lift isn’t done until it’s done.
These aren't generic programs off an app. This is what happens when an athlete works directly with a coach who sees every rep, corrects inefficiencies, and demands better.
What Sets American Strength Apart
At American Strength, we don’t chase numbers—we coach lifters to move efficiently, powerfully, and pain-free under load.
Every program is individualized. Every session has intent. Every cue is earned.
Coach Ken Graack works with each athlete in person to refine:
✔ Squat depth and positioning
✔ Bench press stability and bar path
✔ Deadlift mechanics, grip, and lockout
✔ Mobility and bracing to stay pain-free through training blocks
✔ Competition strategy, attempt selection, and mental prep
This is how you lift heavy without breaking down. This is how you compete at the highest level and walk away healthy.
Train at American Strength
If you're serious about powerlifting—whether you're new to the sport or ready for your next national meet—this is where you’ll find the right coaching, environment, and standard to reach the next level.
📍 Located in Maplewood, MN
🏋️♂️ Powerlifting Coaching | Programming | In-Person Technique
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