#364 "I Don't Lift Heavy": The Training Philosophy of a 2300lb Total | Craig Foster
Release Date: 08/12/2025
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Dr. John Rusin is an internationally recognized strength coach, physical therapist, and injury-prevention expert with nearly two decades of elite-level experience working with MLB All-Stars, NFL All-Pros, Olympic gold medalists, and world-record-holding powerlifters. He’s the founder of the Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification (PPSC), the world’s fastest-growing health-first training education system, and the author of Pain-Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter, and Build an Unbreakable Body. His work bridges the gap between high-intensity training and long-term...
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Dave Tate and Tom Sheppard recap 2025 and discuss the seven deadly sins of training. Table Talk Lifetime Limited Crew Membership - This offer will expire on Friday, Jan 9th. Shop EWS Supplements (CODE:ELITE30) - Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Tom and Naomi's new website: Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew Access - Limited Edition Apparel - Programs & More...
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David “Dumptruck Dave” Raymond is a 34-year-old father, stepfather, and grandfather from a small town in Illinois, and one of the strongest 165-lb lifters in the world. He started as a 148-lb lifter, becoming one of the first Americans to squat 600+ pounds at that bodyweight, then moved up to 165, where he squatted 705 pounds and deadlifted 716 pounds in the same meet. Along the way, he’s competed at marquee shows like The American Pro and Power Surge Pro/Am, all while insisting powerlifting is “just a hobby.” Follow David Raymond: ...
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Justin Zottl — Canada’s strongest powerlifter (All-Time Total). From national champion cyclist to 2300+ totals, Justin breaks down winning American Pro 3 three weeks after herniating L5, why standards matter more than hype, and what ABS is doing right on meet production. Follow Justin / Team Zottl: IG: Team Zottl Coaching: (About/Team page): Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew Access - Limited...
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Ben Patrick (Knees Over Toes Guy) — founder of ATG (Athletic Truth Group), coach, and educator turning deep-range knee strength into scalable programs used by athletes, parents, and schools. Website & gear: Instagram: Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew Access - Limited Edition Apparel - Programs & More - TYAO Application - Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: Specialty...
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Protégé of the late John Meadows, Cris has spent over 18 years competing and coaching, helping bodybuilders and serious lifters achieve stage-ready physiques without compromising their joints, digestion, or overall well-being. He now carries the Mountain Dog legacy forward with Mary Meadows—keeping the principles sharp, practical, and brutally honest. Follow Cris: Website: Instagram: YouTube: Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew...
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Stuart Locke is a champion powerlifter, coach, and owner of Kodiak Barbell, which specializes in athlete mentoring, rehabilitation, and individualized programming. He’s also the Director of Strength Sports at Pre-Script and a thought leader on sustainable performance coaching. Stuart's Info: Instagram @stu_kodiakbarbell. Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew Access - Limited Edition Apparel - Programs & More - TYAO...
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On episode 385 of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast Dave sits down with Strength & Conditioning Coaches Colton Razo and Michael Silbernagel. Colton Razo — Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for Track & Field at The Ohio State University. Formerly University of Houston, Bemidji State, SD Mines, Kansas (GA). Frequent presenter at USTFCCCA and T&F education events. Michael Silbernagel — Manager at Sanford Sports (Bismarck) and adjunct professor (University of Mary). Former Head S&C at UMary (built the department), MSCC (CSCCa), USAPL Raw National Champion. ...
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Alex Viada is a coach, educator, and founder of Complete Human Performance (CHP). He’s best known for pioneering the modern Hybrid Athlete methodology—training strength and endurance concurrently without tanking either. We dig into programming (MED, stress consolidation), durability for tactical/functional athletes, pain & injury re-learning, and what’s inside his new book, The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete. Alex Viada Links Website (CHP): Instagram: CHP Instagram: Courses/Master Course: Book (The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete, 2025 –...
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John Ruoppo is an elite American powerlifter, coach, and gym owner based in Massachusetts. He’s the All-Time World Record holder in the 308 lb single-ply squat (1,075 lbs) and has posted best competition lifts of 1,201.5 lb squat, 700 lb bench, and 804.7 lb deadlift, for a 2,560 lb total. John co-owns Evolve Fitness & Training in West Boylston MA with his wife Stefanie—an ex-college soccer player and marathon runner. Together they’ve built a community gym that hosts IPA-sanctioned powerlifting meets and develops lifters of all levels. Before...
info_outlineWe welcome Craig Foster to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!
Craig Foster is one of the most accomplished raw powerlifters in the world today. At just 36 years old, Craig has achieved a massive 2298-pound raw total, placing him among the elite ranks of the sport. With a current position as 4th all-time in the raw squat category, his strength and consistency are undeniable.
Craig has squatted over 1000 pounds 13 consecutive times, with 10 of those being in competition—a testament to both his durability and mental fortitude on the platform. His best squat in wraps is a staggering 1025 pounds, while his raw with sleeves performances have earned him a spot as 29th all-time globally.
Craig’s upper body lifts are equally elite: a 606-pound bench press in competition and a 694-pound deadlift round out his extraordinary total.
Craig's IG: https://www.instagram.com/craig_pawgking_foster/
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