David Spitdowski
David and I first met when I saw his custom plate refurbs and they were a thing of love and beauty. We’ve been talking back and forth ever since as he has continued to build his company from an idea and a hustle, to a legitimate business that is changing people’s lives. David has competed in sanctioned meets alongside the GGC over the past couple of years all while coming back from injury and building one of the more badass and well-equipped private training studios (In his garage) on the planet!
I’m excited to talk to David today, as he is a badass lifter, coach, and all around dude.
Alright David, tell us a little about yourself
My name is David Spitdowski Jr. I was born and raised in Savannah, GA and now reside in Atlanta, GA.
For most of my life I competed in gymnastics. Started at the age of 4 and competed for 20 years before retiring after my 2013 season. In 2007, I received a scholarship to the university of Nebraska. This sport shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up I went to summer camp at International Gymnastics Camp in the Pocono Mountains near Stroudsburg, PA. During my time at this camp, I got to work with so many different coaches from all over the world. By 14, I knew I wanted to be a coach. Early morning training sessions before high school and late evenings getting ready for competitions taught me early on about consistency and hard work. I did suffer multiple stress fractures in my lower back, tore left and right labrums in my shoulder, partially torn patella tendon and too many to count sprained ankles. These injuries taught me that if I wanted to achieve my goals I needed to adapt. That’s the BIGGEST lesson I took away from the sport.
At 18 years old I asked my parents for a personal training and nutrition certification for Christmas. This is where my coaching journey in the fitness industry began. I worked for local gyms in Savannah before moving to Atlanta in 2010 to work for the ECHL as a junior strength and conditioning coach. August 2012, I decided to start my business Spitz Fitness. Spitz Fitness has been my passion and full time job since then.
Tell me about your lifting experience.
I’ve competed in one NPC mens physique and then transitioned into powerlifting in 2015. I have been competing in the USPA since Oct 2015. Primarily I competed in the 67.5kg/148lb weight class where at one time had the IPL Bench Press world record in 2016.
2017 I was involved in a car accident which took me out of competing until August 2021 which was in the 75kg/165lb class. I currently hold the GA State Bench Press record. My next and last competition is going to be the 2022 USPA Nationals.
What do you plan to do with competing off your plate?
I plan to shift all the time it takes to prep and train for a meet over to the continued growth of Spitz Fitness.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have now worked with 500+ clients with goals ranging from weight loss to national champion powerlifters. Spitz Fitness has grown from me driving all over Atlanta training clients out of their condos and homes to now having online clients in 10 countries, 2 full time employees, and my garage gym where clients can have 1 on 1 and semi private training sessions. Also in 2021, I started a powerlifting team that meets several times a month for team practice. I love helping others achieve their goals. It’s by far my favorite thing I get to do every day!
How did you get involved in the garage gym community?
I had a small home gym from 2015-2018. In 2019 I bought a new home which had a large 2 car garage and ultimately knew exactly what I wanted to do with it! I transitioned all my clients to my own gym. I’m all about having more toys per square foot than a large commercial gym.
I have been training solely at home since 2018. I started with the basics. Squat rack, adjustable bench, Olympic bar with weights. A few random dumbbells.
Now I have a Multi-Unit, Squat rack with a built in belt squat, multiple barbells and specialty bars, DBs, adjustable bench, flat bench, ER Rack, Custom restored Ivanko lb plates, KG plates, plus so many attachments and other toys.
Are you eyeing down any new toys for the gym?
If I had more room I would buy a leg press/hack squat combo.
Do you train by yourself?
90% of the time yes. 10% is with friends and the powerlifting team
Pros and cons of lifting at home?
Pros can lift at any time that fits my busy schedule.
Cons lifting alone during powerlifting prep isn’t always the easiest.
Lets talk about the Garage Gym Competition…
I heard about it from Garage Gym Life Media. John told me about it and I was hooked since then. I loved the idea of everyone having an opportunity to compete.
What brings you back for 2022?
I’ve been prepping for 2022 USPA Nationals and it was my heavy singles week so it couldn’t have been at a more perfect time for me!
How many years have you participated?
3 years. The first two years I was just planning to do the GGC for fun with not much of a prep. This year was a full 12 week block leading into the meet.
What brought you back each year?
Always striving to be 1% better every day.
How did you approach the GGC each year? With goals? Specific peaking and programming?
I do all my own programming and get feedback from coaches I know and respect about my form. I set to push myself as hard as I could this year. Just since my August 2021 meet, I added 105lbs to my total.
What has been the key pieces to your success, in the GGC and lifting in general?
Always adapt when things don’t go to plan. You can always make progress somewhere.
What motivates you to lift, day after day, year after year?
As I’m getting older and injuries are starting to bother me daily, I will be transitioning away from as heavy of singles and focus more on longevity and health. I need to improve my mobility so that I can start doing some gymnastics again for fun at trampoline gyms and open gym sessions.
What do you think of when you eye down a big lift?
Move the weight as fast as possible without forgetting my cues.
Favorite personal record song to listen to?
Headspace by Fame on Fire
What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
I’m here on this earth to help people achieve their goals. If you are looking to lose weight, get stronger, improve your form, nutrition for powerlifting or other athletic sports, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help.
How are you preparing for the next Garage Gym Competition?
GGC has passed and I was able to add 105lbs to my total from my last meet in August. I’m planning do to the 2nd one later this year but solely for fun with my team. I’d love to have 5-10 lifters all do it.
You can find more on David and his coaching services here:
Facebook David Spitdowski
Website www.Spitzfitness.com
