Ron Fuller Interview
December 2012 - Ron Fuller
Please introduce yourself. Who are you? How old are you? Where were you born? Etc. Give the readers some background about yourself.
Ron Fuller, I’m 53 years old, I was born in Danbury, CT. which is near New York City on the Connecticut border. I am a retired US Army First Sergeant. My last assignment was teaching ROTC at Georgia Tech and Emory University. My first 3 years I was 11B Infantry, then I renlisted into 13B Field Artillery. Instead of going Airborne Ranger, I decided to be a Master Fitness Trainer Instructor. I retired in 2003.
Where are you located in Georgia and where do you train at?
I live in Forsyth County, GA and train at Quest Gym in Duluth, GA.
What are your hobbies (other than powerlifting)?
I went to a technical high school for carpentry. I have a fully equiped woodworking shop in my garage. I am Distinguished Rifleman with a Presdients 100 tab. I was the manager for the Georgia state highpower service rifle team 2003-2005.
Are you involved in powerlifting in any way besides as a competitor?
I like to be a part of setting up and managing a quality meet. I’m a judge for the drug free World Natural Powerlfting Federation.
Is there anything about powerlifting you would like to change or wish was different?
I wish there were only two Federations. The drug tested and the non tested with Raw, Single and Multi ply divisions.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I played bass guitar in a rock band from 1975-77. I competed in weapons and breaking at the nationals while on my college martials team 1977-82.
What is your occupation? Does it interfere with competing or visa versa?
Curently I am an Operations Manager for a company I developed that travels to peoples homes and work places providing physical therapy, personal training and nutrititon. Most of my business is teaching people how to eat right and exercise to get off cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure medications. I’m a certified professional with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a certified USA Track and Field coach and level I Olympic Weight Lifting coach with 6 other certifications. No, my current occupation doesn’t interfere with training or competing too much.
How did you get into powerlifting and how many years have you been competing?
1991-94 I was stationed near a powerlifitng gym. I lifted in the WNPF, ADFPA and USPF. I started lifting again in 2008.
What are your biggest squat, bench press, deadlift and total numbers?
1994 WNPF SQ-600, BP-380, DL-550, TL-1530 at 181 in those old school light weight lifting suits and shirts. I haven’t put together any respectable numbers as a 198 yet. SQ-630, BP-440, DL-560, TL-1580. Maybe in 2013 I’ll show up.
What titles, records and achievements have you accumulated during your powerlifting career?
I still have the 198 single ply Squat record in the WNPF with a 630. The 2010 WNPF Tournament of Champions light weight winner. 2010 WNPF Master Lifter of the year. Powerlifting watch USAPL ranked #2 in 2010, 2011 in the 198 masters 50-60 single ply. I had a bunch of Sub Master and Military records from 1991-94.
Can you describe your training philosophy and/or a typical training session?
From 2008-11 I would squat, bench and deadlift every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. No assisstance work. Now I Deadlift on Mondays, Bench on Wednesdays and Squat on Fridays with a light bench workout on Saturdays.
Do you compete equipped (squat suit, bench press shirt & deadlift suit) or unequipped (no suits) or both and what weight class(s) and divisions(s) do you compete in?
I only compete in drug tested federations in the 198, master 50-60, single ply.
What is your favorite lift, squat or bench press or deadlift or all three and why?
I think the Squat is the most impressive.
Who is the most impressive lifter you have competed against?
David Ricks, Mike Bridges, and Tee Meyers.
Who do you think is the greatest lifter of all time?
Ed Coan.
When was your last competition & how did it go?
2011 USAPL Masters nationals. The worst meet of my life. I got a message that my father was placed in the hospital the morning of the meet. I was suppose to be in the second flight, at the last minute, we were moved up to the first flight with 30 minutes to warm up. I never had time to reload food after weigh-in. I felt like I let my fellow lifters down. It sucked!
Do you have any upcoming competitions? If so, when and where?
2012 USAPL American Open, 2013 USAPL Masters Nationals and I want to go to the 2013 IPF Masters Worlds.
How do you prepare for an upcoming competition? Describe each aspect that you focus on as you prepare for a competition.
I load high soduim foods to retain water during a training cycle. I program deadlifts on Mondays using an exercise to improve the weakiest part of my pull, the Reverse Band Deadlift set up just below the knee. I work up to a single at 9.0 RPE, then do 3 sets of 3 reps with 80% of my projected max. Wednesday I work up to a heavy single at 9.0 RPE on a 1 board, then I work on lock out with a loose shirt on a 2 board with 3 sets of 3 reps. Friday I Squat by working up to a single at 9.0 RPE, then I do 3 sets of 3 reps with 80% of my projected max. Five days before the meet, I load more water, cut all soduim and eat low carb. 24 hours before the weigh in, I cut all intake to drop over 10 pounds.
Is there anything you will do differently to prepare for your next competition that is different from your last one?
No. How many competitions do you compete in each year?
Two to three.
Who is your greatest competitor/rival and why?
Me. I just try to improve my numbers, have fun and represent.
What advice & tips would you give to a powerlifter that is just beginning? If you are just beginning, what advice have you received from other lifters or coaches?
The advise I would give to a new lifter is surround yourself with experienced knowledgable lifters. Video your lifts to evaluate form. Ask questions. Be consistent.
How has powerlifting changed your life?
Powerlifting is just another check on the bucket list.
Do you stay in touch with lifters you compete against?
Yes, on facebook.
What is your #1 or most prestigious meet you ever competed at in your career?
The WNPF Tournament of Champions, the USAPL Masters Nationals and next year the Worlds!
Do you compete in any other strength sports such as Olympic lifting, strongman, highland games, etc?
No. What is your favorite memory from any powerlifting competition or event?
Enjoy having fun at all of them.
Do you see yourself still competing in ten years? If so, what are your goals for ten years from now?
If I’m still around in 10 years, I just hope to maintain strength.
Do you have any funny or interesting powerlifting stories that you can share with us?
Tee Meyers once told an audience as I was walking onto the platform, “And here’s Ron Fuller, he’s 153 years old!”
Anyone you would like thank for helping you along the way in your Powerlifting career?
Joe Millet was my first helper in the 1991-94. Josh Rohr has been my main helper and everyone at Quest gym.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’ll do my best to represent Georgia and Quest Gym at the Nationals and Worlds in 2013! Whoa!
