Amir Ahmed: Athlete of the Month

Amir has been training with us since December 2018. In that time he’s been amazingly consistent, only missing a workout or two due to travel. His consistency has paid off. Amir competed in the 2019 USSF Fall Classic on October 26th. He squatted 300 lbs, pressed 155 lbs, and deadlifted 375 lbs at a body weight of less than 180 lbs.

Tell us a little about yourself…

I grew up in Ohio and moved to Chicago after college. My family and some of my best friends are still in Ohio, so I go back often. No one in my family has seriously weight trained before, so they’re curious about what I do at CS&C.

For work, I’m a financial planner. I used to work in accounting and am still a licensed CPA.

What was your exercise history before joining CS&C?

For the last several years I had been weight lifting on and off, but with no real guidance. After a couple years of that, I developed some minor but recurring injuries, probably from poor technique, and never really progressed. Prior to that I wrestled, and dabbled in martial arts.

How did you end up at CS&C?

I found out about CS&C by searching online for barbell training gyms. I wanted to do barbell training because I enjoyed it and knew it was the best way to get stronger. What made me contact CS&C was that membership includes programming and coaching, which are two things I was looking for. I ultimately signed up for a full time membership because I learned so much in the intro classes – I was very impressed!

What are your current personal bests and where did you start?

What is your favorite lift and why?

Bench press – I feel strongest when I bench and it comes to me more naturally than the other lifts.

How has barbell training made a difference in your life?

It was about 6-8 weeks before I started noticing changes in my strength and physique. Other than being stronger, I generally feel better and healthier.

What would you say to someone who is unsure about starting to barbell train?

I would say that barbell training is one of the best ways to get stronger and that being stronger is always better, in sports and life. I would also point to some examples of people who train at CS&C who’ve made tremendous progress; anyone can achieve great results here.

What does “happy, healthy, strong” mean to you?

Have fun and take good care of yourself. But most importantly, keep setting PRs!

What adventures, events, trips, competitions do you have planned?

I’ll be competing in the Fall Classic in October. This will be my first competition!

What are your goals?

Strength goals: Bench: 103kg for 3×5, Squat: 144kg for 3×5, Deadlift 184kg for 1×5

Professional: Obtain my CFP.

Words to live by

“Mid-foot! Set your knees!”