Kenny Patterson Benching 660 - Photo Courtesy of Eskil Thomasson

Kenny Patterson Has Held Three World Records
In Three Different Weight Classes Simultaneously

In the bench press there are many "best" bench pressers. All superstar benchers train hard, shatter world records and leave their mark on the sport of benching in one way or another. When many people first became interested in the sport of benching the man they looked up to was Kenny Patterson. What makes Kenny unique is that he was a world record holder before the gear was as helpful as it is today. Kenny has held a total of 15 world records! What makes Kenny even more inspiring as a lifter is that he has held a world record in the bench press in the 275lbs weight class, the 242lbs weight class and the 220lbs weight class all at the same time. Very few men can set a world record in one weight class, yet Kenny as held 3 world records at the same time. Kenny is not done, Kenny Patterson is still a dominating force in the bench press and we look forward to watching him attempt to elevate the bench press to new heights once again. Kenny is a bench press warrior and here at Critical Bench we had the opportunity to talk to this legendary freak of nature and see what he had to say!

1) CRITICAL BENCH: Kenny, it's great to have you here at Critical Bench. Tell the Critical Bench readers about yourself?

I am 33 years old and live in Columbus, Ohio. I have been competing for 19 years and have broken the all-time bench record a total of 15 times in 3 different weight classes. I work as a Special Services Supervisor for a major pet food Manufacturer.

2) CRITICAL BENCH: How is the bench press different today compared to back during the era when you held a World Record in the bench press? What are some of your thoughts about the changes in the sport of benching over the years and what are some of your thoughts about the direction that the bench press is heading?

The bench game today is much more gear oriented. I'm not going to say I'm for the changes in the sport, but it's not up to me to control. You just have to roll with the punches. They don't play football with leather helmets anymore either. You have to progress with technology or you'll get left behind. The one positive is that I believe the people coming into the sport today will have longer careers if they choose to do to the support of the shirts.

3) CRITICAL BENCH: Do you think that the bench press records will keep going up? What do you think the all time best bench press will be in 10 years from now?

I believe they will continue to keep going up as long as the equipment continues to improve, however, at some point I think the human body won't be able to keep up with the equipment resulting in some serious injuries. You already see people trying to handle weights way beyond their capabilities.

4) CRITICAL BENCH: So, what is new in the life of Kenny Patterson? How's your training going these days and how are you training?

Not a whole lot new, still training, trying to get stronger and figure out the equipment.

5) CRITICAL BENCH: What are your future goals?

To total over 2300 @ 220, and to break the all-time bench record in a full meet after squatting. I believe right now that it's 782.

6) CRITICAL BENCH: Looking back at your bench press career, what were your 3 favorite moments?

1st - Breaking the 275 record at the Greatest Bench in America. 712 @ 275 in 1995

2nd - Breaking the 242 record 701 @ 242

3rd - Breaking the 220 record 655 @ 220 These record might not seem like much now, but I actually held the world record in all three weight classes at the same time.

7) CRITICAL BENCH: That's amazing that you held a world record in the 275lbs weight class, 242lbs class and 220lbs class all at the same time! Critical Bench applauds you. What was it like cutting weight and trying to be the best bencher in different weight classes? What weight are you at now?

Losing the weight isn't as hard as I thought it would be. I really had to work hard at staying heavy. From a health Stand point it was definitely a good decision on my part. Currently I'm about 232 and compete at 220.

8) CRITICAL BENCH: You were a big Westside Advocate. Today a lot of bench pressers are big into Metal Militia training, which focuses mostly on lots of volume, lockout work, and technique but has little to do with speed. You have always thought that speed benching was key! What' are your thoughts about Metal Militia training systems?

I take my hat off to Bill Crawford, he has taken to art of using the shirt to a new level. He is remarkable when it comes to working with them, and making them work. He's definitely a shirt guru. To be honest, I have cut out some of the speed work to focus more on using the shirt. And I believe that it's helped tremendously.

9) CRITICAL BENCH: For anyone who wants to become a powerlifter, before they decide to compete in the sport, what message would you like to tell them about the sport of powerlifting?

It's very demanding, very expensive, and more rewarding than anything sport I have ever been involved in.

10) CRITICAL BENCH: Who have been some of the most interesting people that you have met in the powerlifting game?

This isn't a fair question because there have been so many great people that I have been fortunate enough to meet in this sport. Let me list the 3 most influential people:

1st - Louie Simmons - not only one of the best people in powerlifting, but just an all around great person

2nd - Chuck Vogelpohl - most intense person I have met. Huge inspiration to never give up. True warrior.

3rd - George Halbert - great training partner, ferocious competitor

11) CRITICAL BENCH: What was it like training at Westside Barbell?

In one word: INCREDIBLE

12) CRITICAL BENCH: What is your training advice for lifters of all levels?

Figure out what works for you and the goals you are trying to achieve and listen to your body.

13) CRITICAL BENCH: What are the biggest keys for a bigger bench press (RAW)? And what are some of your biggest keys for the shirt bench presser? (Do you have any secrets?)

For RAW benchers I believe you have to work more heavy 3's and 5's and work that much harder on strengthening not only the major muscles but the secondary ones as well. RAW lifters don't have the equipment to rely on when it comes to stability so they have to focus that much more on their own core strength.

For EQUIPPED lifters the key to it all is to figure out the shirt and train hard.

"Both types of lifters need to know when enough is enough and not to over train. I would rather be 5% under trained than 1% over trained."

As far as secrets go, there are none. Train hard and smart. You have to constantly increase your work capacity as you continue to get stronger. Don't have tunnel vision, you have to continually try new things. That doesn't mean all of them are going to work but you have to always look for new ways to shock your body as well as your CNS.

14) CRITICAL BENCH: Kenny, what was your favorite part about being a powerlifter?

You said WAS. I'm not done yet. Ask me that question in another 10 or 15 years.

15) CRITICAL BENCH: Good answer, that's what I wanted to hear. When you do retire how do you want people to remember you?

CRITICAL BENCH: Is there anything else you would like to tell Critical Bench readers?

Yes. To remember that you will only get out of something what you are willing to put in. Everyone needs to keep in mind that this is Powerlifting and there are many different opinions and views on different federations, equipment issues, and drug use. Bashing someone for a choice they make doesn't make you any better than the next person. Enjoy what YOU are doing and let everyone else enjoy what they are doing.

CRITICAL BENCH: Great attitude! If only more lifters had the same mindset. Thanks for the interview and keep training hard.

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