After sustaining multiple low back issues the past year, and coming off a terrible showing at the XPC Bench Bash, I'm now I can do what's best for my body. I've recently opened up a new training facility, THIRST, so I'm trying to balance life and training the best I can, with hopes that I can compete in some capacity by the end of 2018.

For programming and coaching inquires, please email SmitleyPerformanceSystems@gmail.com or visit brandonsmitley.com


At the Sunday training for LTTX, I opted to jump in on some benching with David Kirschen and Yessica Martinez. While they were jumping in some shirts, I wanted to see where my raw bench was since it had been a while since I'd gone actually heavy. I was surprised to find that I hit a pretty smooth 325 for a single, with about 5-10 pounds left in the tank. My consistency has definitely paid off, as it's at least let me keep my strength around, even with all the stress I've had lately. I'm sure the extra sleep I got, plus all the food all weekend helped, but I'm going to really try to see if I can pin down a meet and see if I can't hit an all-time PR raw before 2018 is over. Probably going to take some work on my end logistically to make it happen, but given with where I currently am strength wise, I'm in a good place to make it happen.

I had an awesome time coaching and helping at LTTX, and see all my teammates, and meeting new attendees. If you came up and talked to me or reached out in any way, I really appreciate it! Can't wait until the next one!


Items Used in this Training Session

Warm Up Lateral Raises DB Overhead Press Rear Delt Raises DB Bench Press DB Flys DB Skull Crushers DB Rows DB Curls 15 each

A1) Bench Press Worked up to 325x1

B1) Decline Press Machine vs Bands 3x10

C1) Zercher Triceps 4x10

D1) Pressdowns 100 total reps

E1) Reverse Pec Dec 100 total reps


Brandon Smitley
Tagged: Training Log

EliteFTS Table Talk— Where strength meets truth. Hosted byDave Tate, Table Talk cuts through the noise to bring raw, unfiltered conversations about training, coaching, business, and life under the bar. No fluff. No hype. Just decades of experience — shared to make you stronger in and out of the gym.

Join the Crew!

Support us and access premium content monthly!