Phillip Herndon - Image via @phillip_herndon
Instagram
The squat is considered one of the “big three” lifts in powerlifting and is a highly respected exercise in the strength and fitness community. The ability to perform a heavy squat requires a combination of strength, power, technique, and mental fortitude, making it a true test of overall athletic ability. The sight of a lifter successfully squatting a heavy weight is often met with applause and admiration from onlookers. One of those is definitely Phillip Herndon, since he is one of the greatest pound-for-pound squatters in history. This is especially the case now, as Herndon just completed a massive 910-pound (412.8-kilogram) squat in his most recent training session.
Phillip Herndon’s recent 910-pound (412.8-kilogram) squat has sent shockwaves throughout the powerlifting community for good reasons. It was not only a personal best for Herndon, but it has also unofficially broken the All-Time World Record in the U125KG weight class for raw squats. The current record holder is Dennis Cornelius, having squatted 903.9 pounds (410 kilograms) at the 2017 USPA Freedom Fitness Classic. So, this World Record has stood for six years, but it seems that Herndon will break it soon enough.
Herndon’s recent 910-pound squat was a raw lift by powerlifting standards, as he only used a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps.
“Best numbers of prep and life time PRs
Just getting started. Welcome 275s 😈😈”
Apart from the squat, Phillip Herndon also displayed his 500-pound (226.8-kilogram) bench press and an 848-pound (384.6-kilogram) deadlift in the same Instagram post. These represent his greatest lifts from the entire preparation for the upcoming competition.
Phillip has been a top competitor in the 110-kilogram weight class for three years, but his recent move to the 125-kilogram weight class has allowed him to make significant gains in his lifting numbers. The increase in muscle mass has given him an advantage in lifting heavier weights, and his 910-pound squat, as well as the bench and deadlift, are a testament to how much improvement he has made already. In addition, Phillip revealed that his exact bodyweight is 265 pounds (120.2 kilograms), which means he can still put on around 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of body mass before he reaches the limit of this weight class.
Phillip Herndon has competed in 39 sanctioned powerlifting competitions so far, coming out victorious on 26 occasions. Despite competing professionally for almost a full decade, Herndon is just 27-years-old. It is likely that he will achieve a lot more victories and world records in the future.
Phillip Herndon’s Raw Competition PRs
Squat: 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds) — (2022 WRPF The Freaks Come Out At Night) — U110KG All-Time World Record
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Phillip Herndon’s name is written on the 2023 WRPF Ghost Clash 2 roster, which is where he will compete next. This competition is set to take place on February 18-19, in Florida. The top prize is $5,000, and Herndon plans to try to break some World Records in the process.
Vedad is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, who is especially passionate about all things Strength related. Vedad loves to write about strength sports just as much as he likes to train. Worked hard to gain his knowledge, but is still in a constant chase for improvement.