How does a lifelong endurance athlete become a powerlifting champion in just 18 months? For Seattle-based member Josh Debner, the answer lies in goal-setting, determination, and the guidance of an expert coach.
After joining Future in November 2023, Debner began training with Joe McGannon, a competitive powerlifter who coaches across several powerlifting organizations. Although powerlifting was a completely new pursuit for Debner, he quickly discovered a drive to challenge himself in ways he hadn’t before.
Through consistent effort and McGannon’s structured coaching, Debner has now competed in three USPA-sanctioned competitions. He’s placed first in his category more often than not and even broken two state deadlift records—one of which happened to be his own.
Fresh off of setting a new PR at the 2025 PNW Fall Classic VIII, we spoke with Debner and McGannon to explore how this unexpected journey unfolded, and how an athlete can completely redefine their limits in under two years.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Future Fitness: What was your fitness background like before joining Future? Did you always have the intent of training for a deadlift competition?
Josh Debner: I’ve always been more of an endurance athlete – running, biking, Ultimate Frisbee — but I’ve had trouble in the past sticking to any kind of strength programs. I originally joined Future to build a strength training routine and gain some muscle, but I quickly felt the urge to channel that energy into a specific goal.
Joe McGannon: After a few months of general strength training, we started discussing competitions. I slowly started tailoring his workouts to prep him for a mock competition at his local gym. I always say that’s when he caught the “powerlifting bug.”
FF: When did you enter your first meet? What did the training process look like?
JD: I signed up for my first competition in October 2024, with the meet scheduled for February 2025, giving us about four months to train. Joe has a ton of powerlifting experience and accolades, which made me confident he could put together a successful training program.
JM: I immediately put Josh on a four-day-per-week training plan and followed a standard powerlifting peaking approach. He had two upper-body days focused on the bench press, and two lower-body days with an individual focus on squats and deadlifts. We initially emphasized higher volume and workload, gradually tapering both as the competition drew near.
FF: Did the condensed timeline create any challenges?
JM: In an ideal world, we would run through a 12–16 week powerlifting focus plan, and in the off-season, keep things higher volume with a general focus on the competition lifts. But even with the shorter training windows, Josh was able to really dial it in and see measurable outcomes.
FF: Beyond the training itself, what else did you do to prepare?
JD: Meet prep was huge for me. Before that first competition, Joe and I spent a lot of time on video calls going over everything, from the commands I’d hear on the platform to strategizing my attempts. We also reviewed proper warm-ups and what I should eat.
JM: A big part of our prep was refining Josh’s competition-day meal plan. We adjusted his carbohydrate, caffeine, and sodium intake to optimize performance and help prevent cramping.
FF: What happened at that first meet? How did it affect your drive to compete?
JD: I competed as a full-power entrant and placed first in my class. While I’m proud of that — even though I wasn’t competing against many people — the real win was figuring out where my strengths are.
I did the best in the deadlift competition, which inspired me to look up the state record. Had I competed in the deadlift-only competition, I would have set a new record.
FF: You’ve since gone on to compete in two more competitions — both of which have resulted in you setting state deadlift records. When you reflect on your powerlifting journey, what stands out the most?
JD: I’m most proud of setting a goal, being consistent, and reaching it. I started training with Future purely for aesthetic reasons, but powerlifting gave me something to work towards.
FF: What’s the next milestone you’re aiming for?
JM: Right now, we’re prepping for another mock competition at his work gym this November. He wants to set more records there.
JD: It would be pretty cool to deadlift 600 lbs.
