At just 14 years old, Landon is already pushing the limits of strength training. Weighing only 115 lbs, he recently benched over 200 lbs at One Gen Jym in Claremont, California, alongside his 16-year-old training partner, Lucas.
Fitness influencer Larry Wheels was there to witness their impressive lifts, offering expert advice and insight into their training.
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Teen Lifters Display Advanced Strength and Technique
Both teens have been training for about two years, relying on YouTube tutorials and self-guided learning to develop their skills. Their dedication is evident—not only in their strength but also in their form, which Larry Wheels praised as “near textbook.”
Landon’s ability to lift nearly double his body weight at such a young age is a rare feat in strength sports. Lucas, slightly older and more experienced, set his sights on a 225-lb bench press during the session.
Despite their young age, both athletes demonstrate a level of discipline and technique that takes most lifters years to refine.
Training Tips from Larry Wheels
Throughout the session, Wheels shared valuable insights on powerlifting fundamentals and how the teens could refine their technique. Key takeaways included:
- Warm-up with intent: Every warm-up set should mimic the final lift to reinforce good habits.
- Perfecting the powerlifting pause: Competition bench presses require a pause at the bottom of each rep, so training should follow the same standard.
- Optimizing leg drive: Rather than pressing straight into the floor, lifters should think of extending their legs forward while keeping their feet grounded. This method maximizes force transfer without lifting the hips.
- Consistent grip placement: Using the barbell’s markings ensures even hand positioning and better control.
These small adjustments can make a significant difference in power output and injury prevention.
How the Teens Train and Fuel Their Progress
Despite their rapid strength gains, Lucas and Landon maintain a structured approach to nutrition to support their performance.
Their diet prioritizes lean protein sources like ground turkey and high-protein snacks, though they allow occasional indulgences.
In terms of training, they typically bench twice a week, which Wheels suggested reducing to once a week for better recovery. Overtraining can lead to stagnation, while a proper recovery period allows muscles to rebuild stronger.
Strength Potential and Future Growth
Without a structured strength program, the teens’ performance varies. Some days, a 205-lb bench press feels easy, while other sessions prove more challenging.
Wheels explained that frequent max attempts can lead to inconsistencies, as the body needs time to adapt.
By following a six-to-eight-week progressive program, both lifters could see significant improvements. Given their age and natural growth potential, Wheels predicted they could surpass 250-300 lbs on the bench press in the near future.
Pushing Limits: PR Attempts and Performance
During the session, Landon successfully lifted 205 lbs, a major milestone for a 14-year-old lifter. Lucas, despite fatigue from a chest workout the previous day, demonstrated solid form and control under heavy weight.
Wheels emphasized the importance of strategic rest periods before attempting a personal record (PR).
He suggested that if they took a two-week break from benching, they could return even stronger and potentially hit new PRs with less strain.
Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
As the session wrapped up, the young lifters reflected on what they had learned—from perfecting leg drive to improving their bench press setup.
Wheels encouraged them to stay disciplined, follow a structured program, and focus on long-term strength gains.
Despite their success, the teens are still early in their journey.
Their original YouTube channel was deleted, but they’re rebuilding their platform from scratch. Wheels urged the fitness community to support their new channel, highlighting their potential as rising stars in powerlifting.
With their impressive lifts and commitment to the sport, Lucas and Landon are already making waves.
As they continue refining their technique and strength, their future in powerlifting looks incredibly promising.
