Who is CBART?

My name is Christian Bartlett, and I’m from Haugen, Wisconsin—a small northern town of just 200 people. Growing up, I was captivated by the physiques and strength of pro wrestlers and fueled by my love for the Green Bay Packers. Football was my obsession, and I knew everything there was to know about the Packers.

My earliest memories of strength stem from watching my dad in our basement gym. Heavy metal and Tupac blasted as he benched over 300 pounds, often calling on me—barely able to bench a plate myself—to spot him. His strength demanded respect, and I admired every second of it. Then there were the stories of my grandpa: a pizza-loving, beer-drinking, 265-pound overhead pressing machine. He was the kind of man who embodied toughness and strength, leaving no doubt where my love for the iron began.

In college, I connected with Josiah Richardson a Wisconsin strength legend who took my knowledge and training to the next level. Under his mentorship, my strength skyrocketed, and my physique started turning heads. Random strangers at bars would ask me, “How did you get so big?” and “What sport do you play?” That’s when I knew this was my calling.

After deciding college wasn’t for me (I wasn’t about to pay $70,000 for a degree that didn’t align with my passion), I pursued certifications through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), co-founded by the legendary Fred Hatfield, aka "Dr. Squat." ISSA offered me a practical and focused education in the areas I loved most. I earned certifications in personal training, powerlifting, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and online coaching—all of which allowed me to turn my passion into a career.

I now work as a personal trainer in Minnesota, where my no-nonsense, results-driven approach quickly earned me over 20 clients in just a few months. I’ve always believed in seeking wisdom from the best, which led me to connect with Josh Bryant. Josh is a powerhouse in the strength world—the youngest man to bench 600 pounds, author of the Jailhouse Strong series, and coach to over 20 athletes who’ve benched 600+ pounds, including the current all-time raw bench press world record holder. His guidance has been invaluable, taking my programming and training expertise to an elite level.

Inspired by the constant requests for advice on strength and performance, I launched CBART IRON WORKS. From spotting my dad’s 335-pound bench press as a kid to building my own business, I’ve worked tirelessly to bring my dreams to life. I’m here to share my knowledge, passion, and proven methods with anyone ready to embrace the iron and achieve results they never thought possible.