November Mass-Lift Featured Lifter: Frank Juszynski

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If you’ve been around powerlifting in New England at any point in your life you will probably have come into contact with Frank Juszynski. Frank, a Milford MA native, is one of just a few equipped lifters left in New England. He is probably one of the most humble powerlifters I have ever met and I always enjoy watching him lift at our meets. I look forward to continuing to watch Frank excel, and expect to see him at a National meet sometime soon.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 217137_1035224211645_9595_n

I am originally from Milford, MA.  In the 90’s I was stationed at Fort Hood (Army Vet, Medic, 1992-1998). I am a former special education teacher, personal trainer, weightlifting and track and field coach.  I have two Master’s Degrees and currently am working as a contractual Human Resources Associate.  I can also make a living with my hands in-between assignments.

How did you get into the sport of powerlifting? 

I TRIED to walk on to AIC’s football team.  During the off-season conditioning workouts during the Spring of 1990, Coaches Paul Army and Gerald Azzinarro told me that I would be a better powerlifter and soldier than I would be a football player, so I went home during the semester break and trained at the old Gold’s Gym in Mendon, Massachusetts with two firefighters from Rhode Island who were competitive powerlifters.  Coaches Army and Azzinarro both were rather gracious and giving of their mentorship about conditioning for football which I had applied to my powerlifting training and military preparation.

What weight class or weight classes to you compete in?

With the new weight classes, I lift in the 105’s (231).

What are your best lifts?

Squat of 460, Bench Press of 314, Deadlift of 565

What USAPL National meets have you lifted in and how did you place? 

I got my competitive start in powerlifting in 1995 while I was stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas.  I competed throughout Texas, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Cuidad Juarez, Mexico. I have always lifted equipped because it was how I was taught to lift back wen I was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. I trained under the tutelage of Rob Adkins, a Champion Master lifter from the great state of Texas.  I lifted at the time at his gym, The Fitness America Gym.  Rob taught me how to use the suit and the knee wraps to my advantage.  He taught me (once) to wrap my knees meticulously.  I haven’t deviated from it since.  I always do my own wrapping and stretching and cinching of my suit.  That is because no one else will do it how I need it to be done. I came home from the Army in 1998 and have done meets only in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.  I haven’t done any nationals.  I am content just to be considered a good local lifter.

Where do you train?

I train at Gold’s Gym of Milford, Massachusetts, home of the fabulous, Liane Blyn, the women’s world champion.  Much respect and props to her.

Do you lift with a group/team or by yourself, if so who? 

I would be remiss if I did not credit my very good friend and All-America Division II Linebacker, David Flemming, for having taken me under his strong wing when I was a skinny freshman at AIC.  I used to lift with a group of strong linebackers at AIC, included in this semi-skilled group were Jeff Moore and Brett Fraser.  Cedric Gaddy put up some nice weight back then.  I used to pay attention to what Rick Ortiz was doing with his skilled group.  Lifting in our weight room, which we called “The Dungeon,” was one of the best lifting atmospheres imaginable.  That was the last time that I have had any real training partners.  I haven’t found anyone else that I would want to train with since then, so I go it alone.

What current goals are you trying to accomplish? 

I just want to compete in two meets a year for the rest of my life.  I want to help new lifters and encourage people to participate in this great sport.

What is your greatest moment in powerlifting? 

Telling my parents and friends about a recent accomplishment.

Can you tell us a little about your training routine? 

I am in the gym five days a week.  One day each for heavy bench presses and squats with high weight and low reps, another day each week for medium weights and high repetitions used on the bench press and squats.  Deadlifts has its own day, late in the week, by itself.

Who are your mentors?   

Well, aside from some of the folks that I have previously mentioned, I am at the stage in the game where people new to the sport ask me for my mentorship which I try to give unreservedly. I try to use Rob’s influence by helping younger and less experienced lifters in the gym and at contests.  It is something that I am always glad to do.

Do you have any tips that could help other lifters? 

No shortcuts.  Do it naturally or not at all.

What inspires you to keep training? FINAL_LOGO-state-template

Well, this sport allows me to fight my demons, of which I have many.

What is your favorite music to listen too when your training? 

I prefer to train in silence.  The “Hell Music” that is favored by many of the younger lifters is too distracting for my tastes, I reckon.

Do you compete in any other sports? 

I like to hit golf balls and swing a tennis racket occasionally.

Is there anything else you would like to add?      

Thank you very much for giving me this honor.  I am humbled by it.

Know a local USAPL lifter who is extraordinary? Let us know! Shoot me an email, roy@mass-lift.com and maybe they’ll be the next featured lifter!