Kyle Kirvay’s presence is felt in the powerlifting and bodybuilding spheres with his consistently heavy monster lifts in competition and in the gym. On March 27, 2022, the IFBB Pro bodybuilder posted a video of himself on his Instagram page, wherein he squatted 310.7 kilograms (685 pounds) for five reps raw. He performed the set while wearing a lifting belt and knee sleeves.
Kirvay went through the first three reps with relative ease while breathing sharply between reps. However, he struggled during the fourth rep, but that didn’t stop him from completing the fifth rep after pausing for a short breather. The 27-year-old bodybuilder’s depth and form during the set were unquestionable. Check it out below:
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In the video, Kyle “Tiger” Kirvay squats using a Duffalo bar in a “high bar” position — meaning the bar is placed high on the trapezius muscle across the top of the shoulders. Per Kirvay, it was his first time using a Duffalo barbell, developed by renowned strength coach and powerlifter Chris Duffin of Kabuki Strength. The curved bar reduces stress on the shoulders, forearms, biceps, and back — improving performance while reducing muscle fatigue and injury risks. A Duffalo bar weighs 55 pounds — 10 pounds more than a standard Olympic barbell.
I didn’t bend the bar, I promise!
Kirvay’s bodyweight at the time of performing this lift was unknown. However, he debuted in the 140-kilogram (308-pound) weight class on Feb. 19, 2022, in the classic raw (with wraps) category at the 2022 USPA Battle at Atilis. He set a national bench press record and three New Jersey state records.
A couple of weeks earlier, on March 15, 2022, the IFBB Pro bodybuilder posted a video on Instagram squatting 495 pounds for 22 reps. According to “Tiger,” it was his first time squatting since setting his 804-pound state record at the 2022 USPA Battle at Atilis. Additionally, it was his first time performing “high-bar squats” in close to three months.
Kirvay earned his IFBB Pro card at the 2018 NPC Universe by taking the overall in the Men’s Open bodybuilding contest. He also took first place in Classic Physique Class D in the same show, winning an IFBB Pro card in both divisions. Kirvay has competed only once in a pro bodybuilding show since earning his IFBB Pro card — a 16th-place finish at the 2020 Chicago Pro. It will be interesting to see if and how he manages to balance competing in pro bodybuilding shows and sanctioned powerlifting meets in the future.
Featured image: @kylekirvay on Instagram