Two lifters, one epic rivalry
The Tale of the First 1,000lb Bench Press
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Welcome to BarBend
We believe strength is for everyone. That’s why we work hard to bring you the best in strength training, sports, news, analysis, and opinion. And to do that, we’ve teamed up with some of the world’s smartest and most dedicated minds in strength.
CrossFit®, weightlifting, powerlifting, strongman, bodybuilding: We have what you need to stay informed.
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At BarBend, we don’t think one discipline is always superior, and strength is about finding what makes you passionate about training and self-improvement. CrossFit®, weightlifting, powerlifting, strongman, bodybuilding, or something else entirely: We have what you need to stay informed. And if you’ve got a question on a particular topic we haven’t covered, let us know!
Meet Our Editors and Writers
David Tao
Editor and Co-Founder
BarBend’s Co-Founder and Editorial Director, David is a veteran of the health & fitness industry, with nearly a decade of experience building editorial teams in the space. He also serves as a color commentator for both National and International weightlifting competitions through USA Weightlifting.
Jake Boly
Fitness & Training Editor
Jake Boly has served as a writer and editor at BarBend for the last two years. Jake has written over 1,000 articles related to strength sports and currently manages a large team of 14 writers. He obtained his Masters in Sports Science in 2016 from Hofstra University and has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) since 2015.
Nick English
Nutrition Editor
With eight years’ reporting experience on four continents, Nick is a seasoned writer and content producer who focuses exclusively on health and fitness. Starting his career writing on cholera outbreaks in Kenya, he moved to New York City in 2013 and has since been featured in Men’s Health, Vice, Popular Science, Runner’s World, and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Phil Blechman
Staff Writer
Phil has worked for the creative team and as on-air talent for World Wrestling Entertainment, as a narrator for Audible.com with over a dozen titles, and as a producer, director, and playwright in his native New York City. He co-founded IJB Theatrical Productions during his time with The Araca Group. He has a background in personal training and holds a BFA from Syracuse University.
