Dustin Meaux
Tell us a little about yourself?
I am starting my 10th year as a public Educator and Football / Powerlifting Coach in Victoria, Texas. I have been competing in the USAPL for 6 years. I played football in college and also played professional arena football. I not only love competition, but also the process to set a goal, train with a purpose, and put the best version of myself forward everyday.
Best Lifts Squat: 377.5kg / 832lbs
Bench Press: 317.5kg / 700lbs
Deadlift: 317.5 / 700lbs
What got you into Powerlifting?
I was a coach at a small school in south Texas and I always enjoyed lifting with my athletes. Powerlifting is my way of life, not just a sport that I compete in. I hadn’t competed in a powerlifting meet since high school until some of my athletes started asking when I was going to compete. I had one of my guys even offer to buy me a suit to compete. The thing that pushed me over the edge was another one of my athletes came up to me and said, “Coach, we love competing for you, but we want to compete with you as well”. That day I found a meet, found a couple old suits from a box I had at the school and started training for USAPL Summer PowerFest 2012.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
I have 2. I won the 2015 Rogue Fitness Pro American at the the Arnold Sports Festival which was unbelievable. Then I was selected to represent the USA on the National Team that year at the North American Powerlifting Federation Championships where I tied for the win, and took home Silver on bodyweight. Having the opportunity to represent my country was a unique and humbling experience.
Do you have a favorite powerlifting competition?
USA Powerlifting at the Arnold is by far my favorite. The USAPL continues to expand and share our sport with hundreds of thousands of people in fun and unique ways. Walking out on a stage in front of thousands, doing what you love, with some of the best strength athletes in the world in a privilege and honor.
Do you compete in events other than powerlifting (like strongman)?
I haven’t yet, but I’d be interested if I could get my hands on some equipment.
How do you prepare yourself before a competition?
My training cycles vary from 10 to 20 weeks. Since I am an equipped lifter, the last 8 weeks are almost exclusively using equipment for my core lifts. I aim to hit at least a variation of the squat, bench, and deadlift each training session. My former athletes still come and help me prepare for meets. They will help spot and load and even help with my equipment. The week before a meet is more about mobility and recovery. I utilize cryo therapy, sports massage, and chiropractic. Then I pack up my King Kong bag, and head out.
Do you have any training goals?
Several.
- Squat 1000 pounds. That’s a number that carries mystique. It would be epic to achieve that in competition.
- Make a World Team. The USA has some heavy hitting Super Heavyweight lifters so to lift well enough to make a World Team, I’d be pumped.
Do you have a particular training program?
Not really… I use a modified Sheiko framework but I program to where I am at that point in time. I try to listen to my body and respond accordingly.
Where do you train?
Pure Fitness and Training – Victoria, Texas
How often do you train?
4 – 5 times per week.
Do you ever lose focus/motivation to train, and if so how do you overcome these situations?
I think we all have moments when we fall victim to life in general. For me, a little rest and time away from the gym makes me appreciate it all over again when I step back in.
Do you diet to maintain in a particular weight class?
Negative – Im a Super Heavy Weight guy for life!
Do you have any plans in changing weight classes?
I don’t, as an equipped lifter, if my bodyweight changes a ton, my equipment doesn’t fit how I want it to.
How focused is your diet?
I recently changed some things that I do as far as diet in concerned. For years, I ate on a schedule. 5-6 meals a day, set times, the works. But lately, I have focused my diet to match my training. I just listen to my body. If I’m hungry, I eat and if not, I don’t. But when I do, I try to eat somewhat clean. Lots of meat and cheese and nuts and sorts. Carbs early in the day. Lots of water.
Do you have any food weaknesses?
Pizza
What tips would you have for someone struggling with their diet?
Eat as close to nature as you can, shop for items around the outer walls of the grocery store, do not go to the grocery store hungry.
What’s something fun, or funny, about yourself that people don’t know?
I can play the guitar and sing a little bit.
Do you have any hobbies outside of lifting?
Playing the guitar
What do you love most about powerlifting, and what’s something you would what to change?
I love how inspiring and encouraging the powerlifting community is. It is one of few sports I’ve ever seen or been where competitors whole-heartedly want to see each other succeed and the support is second to none. I love equipped powerlifting. I like it because its not easy. You have to put in tons of time, effort, and energy into understanding how your body functions in equipment, how your Central Nervous System responds, and how to train! So, Id like to see equipped lifting on a larger platform.
What advice would you give to any newbies interested in Powerlifting?
Find a meet, sign up, train, and GO COMPETE. Once you do, the ball will start rolling.
Where/How did you hear about King Kong Apparel?
I was having issues with all my bags ripping because of all the stuff I carry. I went out on a mission to find the toughest bag on the market, and I did.
What made you want to be a King Kong Ambassador?
I appreciate craftsmenship and function of King Kong Apparel. Its obvious that a lot of attention to detail and intentionality goes into the development of our products. I wanted to help represent and grow the brand if it was at all possible.
What do you love most about King Kong Apparel?
Reliablity
What’s your favorite King Kong bag:
My Giant Kong Bag is my workhorse. I carry a ton of stuff to the gym and it literally helps me accomplish my goals.
What’s the first word that comes to mind when I say King Kong Bags?
TOUGH
