John Haack is one of the most decorated powerlifters of his generation, having shattered many world records in the 90KG and 100KG classes, including the all-time world record raw squat at 365.5 kilograms (805.8 pounds).
Recently, Haack joined fellow elite powerlifter Austin Perkins for a training session during Perkins’ prep for the 2025 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships.
Perkins, who competes in the 74KG class, was crowned the 2024 IPF Best Lifter and won gold via his raw world record total of 836 kilograms (1,843 pounds) at the 2024 IPF Classic World Championships. This was highlighted by an IPF raw squat world record of 311 kilograms (685.6 pounds).
What happens when two record-breaking athletes join forces? They demonstrate their undeniable strength in the big three lifts — deadlift, squat, and bench press.
The duo began with warm-ups for each lift and wore lifting belts, wrist straps, and knee sleeves and used chalk. Here’s how they did.
Deadlift
Perkins and Haack approach their deadlift warm-ups with distinct styles. Perkins prefers to start with heavy weights immediately, while Haack gradually increases the load. For his final warm-up, Haack loaded the barbell with 275 kilograms (606 pounds) for a single.
Perkins started his deadlift session with four 45-pound weight plates on each side, completing a rep in a sumo stance using a mixed grip. Haack loaded the bar with 325 kilograms (716 pounds), performing one slow-controlled rep in a conventional deadlift with a mixed grip. Haack increased to 355 kilograms (782 pounds).
Perkins loaded the bar with 300 kilograms (660 pounds) and took a deep breath before locking it out. Haack lifted 380 kilograms (837 pounds) before they both dropped their weights to increase reps.
Perkins started with 270 kilograms (595 pounds) for a double, with a rest pause between each rep. Haack used the same weights for eight unbroken reps. He pulled another eight reps to finish the deadlift portion of the session.
“Worked up to our top set — 837 pounds — might be around a PR on the stiff bar,” Haack said.
Squat
After their warm-up sets, Perkins squatted 285 kilograms (628 pounds). Haack followed with a successful 305-kilogram (672-pound) rep.
Perkins increased the weight to 305 kilograms (672 pounds) and powered through two reps, with Haack spotting for support. Haack stepped up for his final squat, loading 325 kilograms (716 pounds) onto the bar.
Bench Press
Haack demonstrated a clean bench press despite his shoulder injury. He warmed up with one weight plate on each side of the bar, performing several reps before progressing to two plates.
Haack loaded the bar with 175 kilograms (385 pounds) and completed a rep. He controlled eccentrics, keeping his feet close and pressing through the balls of his feet.
Increasing the intensity, Haack moved to 205 kilograms (451 pounds) and then wrapped the session by progressively adding weight up to 225 kilograms (496 pounds).
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Featured image: @bilbo_swaggins181 on Instagram
