What is your name and where are you from?
Ryan Ballard. Hinton, Oklahoma
When did you start powerlifting and was there a reason for it?
I started lifting in 7th grade and fell in love. I was never bigger than people, but I figured I could be stronger, so that is what drove me. First powerlifting competition was in high school as a freshman in 2002. Started with NASA in 2003-2007. First child was born in 2007, second in 2010. Started competing again in 2013.
What are some of your best lifting accomplishments so far?
I take pride in getting better and beating “myself”. So far I’ve managed to get better in at least one lift each meet since coming back to competition in 2013.
What are some lifting goals that you have set for the future?
I set high goals. Not selfishly, but to push me. I want every 132 lb open record for NASA. Equipped, Raw, Power-sports, bench only, etc…
What kind of training program do you follow?
I switch it up. I don’t get set on one thing. I usually attack what I feel is behind, recently did back 2-3 times a week to strengthen lockout, now I’m hitting some form of squat pretty much every day to increase squat numbers. Front squat, high bar, low bar, pauses, wide stance, medium stance, close stance… I like to be balanced, not special in one lift, but good in all 3.
How long have you been involved with NASA Powerlifting?
2003-2006, and 2013-present.
Can you recall your first NASA powerlifting competition?
High school nationals 2003. 123 lbs first time lifting in equipment. I won surprisingly, but more than anything remember the atmosphere. Remember Ewoldsen being there, Terry, and talking to Rich. It was a packed house.
If you could lift against anybody else heads up in NASA who would it be?
Have also looked up to Ewoldsen. He set the bar for me personally. One day I hope to break past his numbers. As for current lifters, light-weights, Rahul, Michael, and Brett push me. Heavy-weights, Tyson. One day I hope to have 10.0+ coef.
What are some of your favorite moments from being at NASA meets?
I make a new one each meet. I just enjoy being around and learning from other lifters. I can’t remember her name, but a girl squatted close to 500 lbs I believe equipped one time. That’s impressive!
When can we expect to see you step on the platform again?
2/14/16- Natural Nationals
Is there anything else you’d like to let the NASA Powerlifting world know?
I’m not stuck up! lol I’m not a social bird, so I believe I get mistaken at times. I’m working on that. This past year I have been working with youth and eventually accepted the student pastor role, so interacting with people is getting better.