Chris Janek

tankstrainingfacility.com

As a top-ranked super-heavyweight, Chris Janek earned the nickname “Tank.” As a two-time all-state wrestler as well as an all-state, third team all-American football player he received multiple full-ride scholarship offers, choosing to play football for the University of Wisconsin. During his collegiate football career, Janek was a four-year letter winner as well as a two-year starter. He was part of four Bowl Games (two Rose Bowls, in which they won). After college, he furthered his football career with a tryout with the Cleveland Browns and an eight-year career in the now-defunct Arena Football League. He is the owner of Tanks Training Facility in Granite City, Illinois and has devoted himself to multi-ply powerlifting. In 2010, Janek totaled 2660 to win best lifter at the GPC Worlds (in Prague). In 2014, he won first place and best lifter overall at the XPC Finals with a 2725 total.

 
Powerlifting as a Team Sport — The Professional Mindset of Tank's Training Facility
Powerlifting as a Team Sport — The Professional Mindset of Tank's T...
Any successful team needs all of its athletes to be on the same page and shooting for the same goal.
TUESDAY
TUESDAY
Today our powerlifting squad hit rack pulls, deficit deads, then a superset of walking lunges/DB single leg RDL's.  All were done at 10x8 with a short 1 min rest between. Feeling better today.  Start a hockey organization this eve at a 515-615pm time slot.  The team is an elite hockey high school team that has […]
Monday
Monday
Today our powerlifting squad started their next 3 week program.  Again it will be easy to follow and quick with short rest times.  Again this first week we are hitting 10x8 with 1min rest on all movements.  I am keeping it simple and calling these next three weeks the Basic Bitch part 2. As far […]
FRIDAY
FRIDAY
Today our powerlifitng squad hit squats (opposite stance than they normally use), goodmornings, heavy step ups/heavy ab superset.  All was done 10x4 with minute rest.  Everyone got better these last three weeks on the "Basic Bitch workout".  We rotate movements starting Monday for the next three weeks.  Want to bring a crew to the iron […]
THURSDAY
THURSDAY
Today our powerlifting squat hit some BB DECLINE, REV-grip pull ups, then a fun superset of hammer curls and tricep pressdowns.  Everyone is setting gym PR's which is crazy as we have just begun our off season and are simply trying to build some muscle and get back in shape. As far as for my […]
TUESDAY
TUESDAY
Today our lifters hit some front squats, straight leg deads and a fun super set at the end.  This week is getting better on the lower reps but still high on the sets and combo that with a short rest period makes it to be brutal.  One of our top men's 181 lifters came back […]
MONDAY
MONDAY
Our Powerlifting Crew is finishing up our "BASIC BITCH"  workout this week.  It was a very basic but effective 3 week program.  Today they hit all 10x4 with 1min rest, DB BENCH, PULLDOWNS, BB CURLS/push ups super set. I am still waiting on what day this week I will have the procedure.  My plan after […]
FRIDAY
FRIDAY
Got to resume work today on a normal schedule. Feel ok just tired as they wake you up every few hours in the hospital to get updates on you.  Had a great day of work and conversations with the team and clients.  All are supportive while not treating me like a baby. The powerlifitng crew […]
THURSDAY
THURSDAY
Spent the last two days in hospital for tests.  Looks like I caught some virus and it caused a couple leaks around the valves.  They are going to due a small procedure ASAP to correct this.  I was also notified I am being put on a list for a heart transplant.  I am very excited […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our lifters hit some more legs with a short rest.  All are loving it and getting better as they roll. Test came back bad.  Heart function hasn't got any better.  Have to be at the hospital tomorrow for more tests to see what course of action they are going to take.  Patience and stress […]
Monday
Monday
Today our Powerlifitng Squad hit the same scheme as last Monday but with a couple reps shaved off.  DB incline, pull downs, pressdowns and curls superset petted together was on the agenda.  The crew is really responding well to what we are doing and seeing the teamwork is awesome.  Am really happy the direction we […]
FRIDAY
FRIDAY
Today our Powerlifting squad hit squats, good mornings, then a superset of step-ups/heavy ab machine.  These next 6 weeks are going to be very basic on paper but very tough with short recovery and higher rep ranges.  The goal is to get us in shape and pack on some muscle via a lot of reps […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today our powerlifters hit some front squats, good morn, and a fun superset at the end.  The theme is simple but effective to pack on some muscle and get back in shape.  A lot of sets with a great rep range and short rest between sets. Pas far as for myself..........had my cardio echo and […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our powerlifting squad hit three movements for 10x8 with 1 min rest strict.  The third movement is a superset to compliment the first two movements.  I really like this as a switch up from the last prior weeks.  It is tough as hell but if you stick with the rest allowed you are in […]
Monday
Monday
We started our 6 week off-season program today.  The lifters who competed at the Arnold Classic all hit it today.  I love the way this 6 weeks is set up.  Great time to pack on some muscle and stay strong. The lifters who did the in-house meet are hitting it with us week two next […]
Saturday
Saturday
Today went GREAT!!! We had a round 75-85 spectators and around 40 lifters.  Curt McDonald won the overall men's best lifter at 220lbs and a 123lb female Christina Lazo won overall best women's lifter. Wanted to say thanks to all who helped us host the annual SPF RAW/PRO-AM at TTF.  Want to congratulate our lifters […]
Friday
Friday
Today out lifters kinda did heir own thing again.  We are all setting up for the meet tomorrow.  Looking forward to another great meet tomorrow. As far as for myself I am feeling better than I was last couple days.  The treadmill was tough but not as bad as it was wed.  Looking forward to […]
Thursday
Thursday
Our lifter were all off again today.  Our social powerlifters came in and did a light workout.  I had to get on two of my younger (19yrs old) football players who are doing this meet.  They came in and wanted to do some curls and light reps to get ready for the meet in 2 […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today was slow in our groups.  The group who just competed at the Arnold are taking off this week to rest and recover.  The other group is off preparing to compete this Saturday at our in house meet.  We have 3-5 social powerlifters as we call them still coming in and lifting this week.  They […]
Monday
Monday
XPC Powerlifitng championships at the Arnold.  This meet was (at least day 1) very strict on the squats.  I saw no gifts and no shit it was usapl depth.  A few of our lifters squats got reds and I was in shock but you have to trust the judges.  Saying that everything else was on […]
Friday
Friday
Today our Powerlifters doing the Arnold hit their last warm up or their opener depending on what they needed.  The lifters doing the in house meet hit their heaviest bench of the training cycle.  I am getting pumped to see these guys set it off this and next weekend.
Thursday
Thursday
Today our powerlifters went up to last warm up or opener (depending on what they needed) who are competing at the Arnold.  The crew doing the in house meet went as heavy as they could for three sets (planned 1st, 2nd, 3rd attempt).  All did great.  One of our lifters Andrew missed an easy weight […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our Powerlifters hit a very quick and light upper body workout.  Getting ready for either a last warm-up or opener thurs and Friday is what's on the agenda for squat and bench press.  The other group doing the in house meet March 12th is hitting their heaviest squats and bench press both thurs and […]
Monday
Monday
Today as our last heavy training cycle for our powerlifters competing at the XPC meet at the Arnold Classic.  They worked up to a PR or third attempt in the deadlift.  Kyle hit a 25lb PR and Kristin had a smoke show PR of 30lbs.  Was a great day for all.  The other group doing […]
Friday
Friday
Today our powerlifters hit their first second and planned third attempt on the bench press.  Commands and full comp set up was on the agenda.  Kyle hit a nice PR of 550lbs and Kristin hit a PR of 185lbs.  We deadlift Monday then slow it down till march the 5th.  I like to give the […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today was our heaviest squat session for our powerlifting squad who are doing the Arnold class in a couple weeks. Everyone really came through to help and support. Kyle hit a 25lb PR and Kristin hit a 15-20lb PR both had more left in the tank. Afterwards they did just a couple light movements to […]
Thursday
Today was our heaviest squat session for our powerlifting squad who are doing the Arnold class in a couple weeks.  Everyone really came through to help and support.  Kyle hit a 25lb PR and Kristin hit a 15-20lb PR both had more left in the tank.  Afterwards they did just a couple light movements to […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our Powerlifitng squad hit some DB incline, chest supported rows, pull-a parts and curls.  Was just to get some blood flow while getting prepped for next three training sessions.  Our group getting ready for our in house meet March 12th hit on Monday some heavy deads off 2 mats and all had great success. […]
Monday
Monday
Today our powerlifters came in to basically just break a sweat and stay in tuned.  They did about 50% of their third attempt against bands for deads.  Followed up with some belt walks and just a couple more movements.  Thurs is biggest squat, Friday is biggest bench, next Monday is biggest dead. The usapl meet […]
Friday
Friday
Today the squad hit pin presses (about 2-3 board heighth off chest).  They worked up to a heavy double.  Next Friday is their heaviest bench of the training cycle.  Afterwards they hit a lot with dips beings the most sets/reps. Today I hit 20 min on th treadmill and was struggling.  I have been way […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today our powerlifting crew hit squats then some light deadlifts.  Getting the crew prepped for next couple weeks is key.  The lifters we are coming with have all been busting their asses.  We had a few sit out the Arnold due to a lot of issues such as family issues to leaning the team. The […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our powerlifters hit bamboo bar again with some upper body accessory work after.  Was a good day shirt and sweet. Today I was off from rehab.  I am doing every other day treadmill workouts while paying close attention to blood pressure and heart rate.  We started some small improvements around the gym today to […]
Monday
Monday
Today our lifters hit heavy deads up to a PR triple.  Kyle and Andrew willed it both with big PR's.  Both should have big days in March.  After that the group hit around 60% of their projected third attempt on squats just to stay fresh.  Belt walks and some accessory movements were done after. We […]
Friday
Friday
Today our powerlifting squad hit pin presses for upper body.  The pins were set about 1-1.5 boards off the chest.  Heavy do inlcine presses, heavy rows, dips and arms followed up.  Had a couple lifters say how strong they are getting.  Follow the plan and that will happen. Feeling better breathing better.  Using the cpap […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today our Powerlifting squad hit some extra work for the lower body.  Safety squat bar good mornings, glute/ham raises/sled push, and heavy abs was on the agenda.  We went pretty heavy on mon and wanted to still get some work today but not kill them.  Meet is getting close so we have to be smart […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our powerlifters hit some bamboo bar and upper body rep work.  Getting closer to the XPC meet at the Arnold.  Am excited and pissed off at the same time.  We have 5 lifters from the facility competing that Friday.  I am going to coach them all.  Al disappointed I cannot go this year.  I […]
Monday
Monday
Today our Powerlifting squad hit heavy cambered bar squats with knee wraps up to a heavy 5.  This is last week of using specialty bars/bands/chains for our main lifts.  Next week is heavy doubles then following week is heaviest of training cycle.  I leave it to the lifter of doing openers or last warm up […]
Friday
Friday
Today our powerlifters hit heavy upper body for triples.  Kyle stole the show with a 515lb triple at 270lb body weight.  Everyone else hit good Pr's also. I hit some light shrugs then headed to cardiopulmonary rehab.  Very frustrating to walk for 20 min and be completely spent.  Am def ready for this shit to […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today our powerlifting crew hit deficit deadlifts off a 2 inch board.  Afterwards they hit a lot of accessories for lower body.  We have began booking hotel rooms and planning out the trip to Ohio for the Arnold.  Even though we are missing Kayla (family issues) and Chelsea (left the team) we can still do […]
Monday
Monday
Todsy our lifters hit safety squat bar full comp set up full tilt for a triple.  We had a couple guys hit over 500lbs.  For a safety bar squat that is good.  We call the safety squat bar the "ego killer".   After that they hit some zercher harness good mornings, leg curls, then heavy […]
Friday
Friday
Today our powerlifting squad hit heavy football bar 5x3.  Decline barbell and some heavy upper back followed.  It was great to see Kayla who is going through some stuff still sticking with the plan and training to keep her mind occupied.  We lost our 148lb female lifter recently.  She is off the team and doing […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today our powerlifters hit deadlifts against bands.  The tension and weight was significant more than last week.  5x1 was the scheme.  After that assistance work was on he agenda.  Heavy sled pulls with an obscene amount of weight finished up the workout. I did the cardiopulmonary rehab today.  It was more of just a walk […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our powerlifters hit bench press against chains for 5x3.  After that they hit a boatload of upper body assistance work.  As of today we have 6 competing at the Arnold at the XPC powerlifting championships.  Kayla our top female is sitting out due to a family issue. I go to Cardiopulmonary rehab Thursday.  Am […]
Monday
Monday
Today our powerlifting crew hit squats 5x1 against 60-65% of their 1RM and against heavy and mini bands.  After that they hit zercher harness good mornings, leg curls, strap lunges, heavy sled pulls then abs.  Everyone is progressing very well.  I am hoping our top female lifter gets everything squared away and comes to the […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today our squad hit speed deads against bands.  We got some new kettle bells in so we hit heavy swings after.  Our new bells now go up to 126lbs.  After that some hamstring and ab work finished them up. Everyone was sore.  I was expecting this so the lift was shorter.  
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today we hit speed bench with a good percentage against chains.  After that we fried our upper body.  Rolling triceps, face pulls, abs, curls were all on the menu.   I feel worse today.  Seeing hundreds clients weekly I am bound to catch a cold. Was very happy with the GC kids club session last […]
Monday
Monday
Today our Powerlifting Squad hit speed squats against heavy bands.  Zercher harness good morn off pins, strap lunges, heavy sled pulls followed.  Everyone was sore as hell from what I heard.  Our plan is set and will translate to a PR for all that follow it in March. I have been under the weather for […]
Friday
Friday
Today our powerlifting squad hit heavy upper.  They went to about their opener.  After that the hit a 2-4 board (depending on their ROM) overload for a heavy single around their third attempt.  All performed well.  As of now we have 7 lifters competing at the Arnold in March.  I am going to do everything […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today our lifters hit a heavy opener on squats then a heavy single on a high box.  I am getting away from rev bands as I don't like the uncertainty of the weight taken off at the bottom and the way it sets the lifter in a fixed plane.   Everyone hit their weight good. […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our powerlifters hit upper body rep work.  Next week we add in some speed work.  Tuesday's are always dedicated to reps or speed method upper.  We save Friday for heavy upper.  Everyone is busting their asses for the meets in March. My breathing and fatigue sucks ass. It is pissing me off.  Just want […]
Monday
Monday
Today our powerlifting crew hit deadlifts up their first attempt or a tad higher.  Everyone did great.  Have a few fixable small issues that we need to work on next few weeks.  After that they hit some accessory work and called it a day. I start rehab this week.  I am anxious to see what […]
Third Time’s a Charm or Three Strikes You're Out?
Third Time’s a Charm or Three Strikes You're Out?
After two heart surgeries, I was starting to recover. I was making progress. That's when my cardiologist called with more bad news.
Thursday
Thursday
Today our Powerlifting Squad hit squats and worked up to a PR triple.  They had to beat their previous triple from weeks ago.  So far everyone hit a PR.  I got to spot and watch Kristin and Kayla and both did great.  I just saw Kyle's video and he looked good also.  After squats they […]
Tuesday
Tuesday
Today our Powerlifters hit all sets/reps 5x10.  They hit bench press/BB low rows/pull a parts/dips/curls.  Today was more of a blood flow/rep day.  Friday we go heavy upper. We are hosting a usapl meet feb 13th which just sold out.  The SPF meet March 12th still has some spots open but always sells out.  We […]
Monday
Monday
Today our Powerlifting squad hit heavy deadlifts against bands.  We had them each work up to a PR triple.  After that we hit cambered bar good mornings/leg curls/heavy abs. I have been juggling work with classes and traveling to train athletes as well.  Has been a busy couple weeks.  I am def ready for the […]
FRIDAY
FRIDAY
Merry Christmas to everyone!!!  This is one of my favorite times of the year.  This year especially is important as it is the first holiday since last year I get to celebrate healthy with my family.  My only wish for Christmas is to get healthier and be able to train again and do a meet […]
Thursday
Thursday
Today our Powerlifting Squad hit heavy front squats x5 then flowed up on back squats high volume while working on form.  After that they hit some lower body accessory work.  Was a tough session. I handed out some small gifts to everyone I program for and coach (14).  We had a great crew training in […]
Monday
Monday
Today our Powerlifting squad hit deficit deadlifts, good mornings, and some other lower body based movements.  Everyone did well.  Received news that one of our lifters Chels is sitting out of the Arnold due to injuries and personal matters.  Wish her the best to get back at it. I have my cardiologist meeting tomorrow with […]
Friday
Friday
Today our Powerlifitng Squad hit heavy bench meet conditions 5x2.  Afterwards we worked on some weak points and accessory work.  Everyone did great.  It is great to see everyone come together and bust their ass. My results came back in from the cat scan.  Everything looks great and is healed!!!  I am meeting with the […]

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