PHIL TYLER PROFILE

An Interview with Phil Tyler in July 2005, discussing his secrets to a great physique and a great bench press and deadlift also.

I first met Phil Tyler about 12 and a half years ago. I noticed right away that he had a muscular physique, and it wasn't long before I was hearing rumors about him lifting big weights. One of our mutual friends told me that he had seen Phil benching 315 for reps. Now that may not seem like much to some of you, but Phil is only 5' 7" and weighed barely over 150 pounds at the time!

Shortly after I heard about that, I invited Phil to come next door to the gym after work so I could see what he could lift in the Deadlift. He was a little reluctant, but I insisted. Phil didn't bring any workout clothes, so he lifted in his Polyester uniform pants and a t-shirt, no belt. He quickly moved up through 135, 225, and 315. So far, it looked real easy for him. I loaded 405 on the bar and waited to see if he could do it. Phil stepped up to the loaded bar, reached down and took his grip, dipped his hips and pulled that 405 up like it was nothing! I couldn't believe it!

Remember, that even though Phil Tyler had been lifting weights, he had never done a maximum single rep on the Deadlift before. I was pretty excited by now. I mean, how often do you come across someone who has this kind of untapped ability and potential? I quickly loaded the bar to 495 and asked him to lift it. Once again, Phil walked up to the bar, took his grip and lifted it up. 5 plates on each side of the bar, at a bodyweight of just over 150 pounds, and in polyester uniform pants without a lifting belt! I would never have believed it if I hadn't seen it.

Ever since then, We have discussed training ideas and tried them out, comparing results. We have both gotten a lot stronger, and he eventually peaked out at about 195 pounds. That is 40 pounds more than when I met him, and trust me, he was still ripped!

I recently took the time to ask Phil Tyler the following questions about his training and background. What follows is the first interview ever done on this true Physical Specimen.

Aaron: When and Why did you begin lifting weights?

Phil Tyler: I began lifting weights in the military to get fit for the base EST Team, which is the equivalent of a civilian police SWAT Team.

Aaron: What sports did you participate in, and with what kind of success, while you were growing up?

Phil Tyler: I was always a Track man. I ran the 100 yard dash, and the 220 also. I played football during my Freshman year, but soon after became distracted by the "ladies", and well, you know. However, in track I was always successful, as was the rest of my family. My success transcended High School, and even in the military I won many awards and local military olympic competitions.

Aaron: What athletes have you admired and tried to emulate?

Phil Tyler: Carl Lewis, Ben Johnson, Muhammed Ali, Emmitt Smith, and of course, for his physique, Terrell Owens.

Aaron: What has influenced your lifting style?

Phil Tyler: To be honest, a friend I met while employed as a Corrections Officer. This guy was a specimen, 6 feet 3 inches, 300 pounds and incredibly strong. He gave me my first taste of Powerlifting and dieting (bulking) and I was hooked. I took his principles and during a period of three months away from work I gained approximately 12 pounds of muscle. I haven't stopped since. Thanks Aaron.

Aaron: That was me you were talking about? I didn't think you were listening to me. Well, I am happy to help. Phil, what is your height and weight?

Phil: At present, I am 5' 7" and weigh 188 pounds, although many people guess 200.

Aaron: What are your best lifts, for a 1 rep max and for reps?

Phil: Bench Press, 425 pounds at 181 lbs bodyweight. Deadlift, 525 at 181. Squat, 515 at 181 also.

Aaron: I see you didn't mention doing squats with 315 for 8 sets of 8 reps with only 1 minute between sets. I think that is pretty impressive! Also you didn't mention that these lifts are done with nothing more than a lifting belt. Okay, next question. Briefly, tell us about your family life.

Phil: I am married to my beautiful wife, Katrina and we have three lovely children, ages 21, 16, and 10. I work in Corrections. I spent 10 years in the United States Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist.

Aaron: What are your training related goals?

Phil: I only set goals that involve health and strength, my job requires it.

Aaron: Is there anyone you would like to thank?

Phil: As I alluded to earlier, I would like to thank Aaron Anderton for opening the door to the arena of Powerlifting and advanced conditioning/dieting. I would not be where I am physique wise, if not for you. I would also like to thank my wife, Katrina, because she has and will always be my main inspiration.

Aaron: Alright Phil, you're making me blush! Thank you for your kind words, and for allowing me to interview you for No Limits Physique. Hopefully, I can get you to give us some of your workouts in the future.

Phil Tyler is an amazing physical specimen, as anyone who has seen him will attest. While he gives me some credit for helping him achieve that level of fitness, I have to say that he trains so hard, that he motivates me to keep improving. If you are interested in learning what has helped him develop into what he is today, keep checking back with us for more and more training, nutrition, and supplement information. Sign up for our free newsletter, the No Limits Physique News too. That way you won't miss any new updates and information!

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