Benching the numbers.

• Position: Finalentry - Todd Robinson - Interview

Todd Robinson is one CPA you don't want to mess with. A principal at Berger Lewis Accountancy Corporation in San Jose, he is also a championship powerlifter We asked Robinson to take a break from work and his powerlifting coaching duties at San Jose State University to discuss accounting and powerlifting--and there is overlap.

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What does the training entail?

Powerlifting is made lip of the squat, bench press and deadlift--performed in that order in competition. Training requires working those main lifts, along with supplementary movements. We do some overhead work and other pulling or rowing movements. In addition to powerlifting, we compete in Olympic-style weightlifting and train for the snatch and the clean and jerk. For my own training I'm lucky In have a big garage, which I've converted into a gym. I have all the equipment I teed, including a power cage so I can't kill myself by missing a lift. This is a weight class sport, so one also has to watch their diet.

How did you lift yourself to success in the sport?

My father was an Olympic-style weightlifter in Wisconsin. We always had training equipment in the basement or garage. I played various sports as a kid. but I enjoyed weight training. I spent a lot of time in track and field, but came back to the weights after I got my master's degree in 1992. My dad taught me a lot back in the day and was my first coach. My brother Don was also a competitive lifter, so we trained together and coached each other.

What was the zenith of your powerlifting career?

I'm most proud of my 185 kilo (407.8 pounds) bench press in competition at more than 50 years of age. 'That's mit the heaviest I've clone, but I think it's the lift readers will identify with the most. A competition bench press must include a It dl pause at the chest, so then. is no bouncing allowed--just straight pressing out from a dead stop. Powerlifting began back in the days of the Amateur Athletic Union and I was lucky enough to win an AAU, national and world championship in the open division in the 181-pound class at the single lilt bench press. I have also won a masters world title by the World Powerlifting Federation in Me 50+ division in the 198 pound class, I try to keep my body weight at under 90 kilos (198 pounds) but during tax seasons I find myself creeping up--as we all do I suppose.

When did you get into coaching powerlifting?

I teach one undergrad accounting course and one master's level taxation...