Louie Simmons was a powerlifter and strength instructor from the United States. He was born on October 12, 1947.
He had been a powerlifter and coach for almost fifty years.
Simmons founded Westside Barbell and invented various training methods, including the “Conjugate Method.”
He is also recognized for designing reverse hyper-extension and belt squat training equipment.
He was known as the “Godfather of Powerlifting” in the US powerlifting community.
How Did Louie Simmons Die?
On March 24th, 2022, it was announced that one of the sport's all-time greats, Louie Simmons, had died at the age of 74.
Simmons had dealt with kidney troubles and other health issues. Simmons chose to leave the hospital despite the doctor's advice, but the specific cause of death is unknown at this time.
How Did Louie Simmons Rise to Fame?
Simmons grew up in Reynoldsburg and Columbus, Ohio. After being expelled from school, he worked in construction and exercised consistently, entering his first powerlifting competition in 1966.
He would participate in powerlifting for nearly 50 years. Over the age of 50, Simmons was able to squat 920 pounds (420 kg), bench press 600 pounds (270 kg), and deadlift 722 pounds (327 kg).
Over nearly four decades, he was Elite in five different weight divisions.
Simmons is one of just five lifters who has achieved Elite status in five separate powerlifting weight divisions. He achieved Elite status in several power-lifting organizations.
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Simmons actively advocated the use of performance-enhancing pharmaceuticals to gain strength and muscle growth, including his own constant use of anabolic steroids since 1970, telling Joe Rogan in a 2016 podcast,
Louie Simmons Achievements
Louie Simmons has a long list of successes and milestones to his name, both as a competitor and as a coach. Among his most famous accomplishments are:
- Winning numerous national and international powerlifting championships
- Establishing numerous world records in various weight classes
- Coaching a large number of athletes to national and international championships
- Creating and running one of the world's most successful powerlifting gyms Authoring numerous highly-rated books on strength training and conditioning
- Inclusion in the Powerlifting Hall of Fame
In addition to these outstanding accomplishments, Simmons has garnered numerous medals and honours for his contributions to the sport of powerlifting throughout the years.
Louie Simmons Awards
Louie Simmons is a well-known personality in the world of powerlifting, having won numerous honors and accolades for his contributions to the sport. Among the most important prizes he has received are:
- The US Powerlifting Association's Lifetime Achievement Award
- The US Powerlifting Association's Coach of the Year Award
- The Iron Man Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award
- Induction into the Powerlifting Hall of Fame