Interview With Powerlifter Chris Taylor as told to CriticalBench.com by Ben Tatar - July 2007
Chris Taylor Bench Presses 750 Pounds
Chris Taylor has always been a very successful powerlifter. Even at the young age of 16 years old Chris bench pressed 365 pounds weighting 190 lbs. When Chiris got his hands on a bench shirt he soon bench pressed 650lbs when 800lbs was considered impossible. Ever since then, Chris has been dominant in his benching, squatting and deadlifting. Recently Chris Taylor faced a tragic heart attack. Through the strength of Christ and the help of good doctors, Chris Taylor has recovered and he plans on proving to the world what he can do through Christ. Let Chris Taylor's story motivate you, as Critical Bench goes one-on-one stepping into the career of powerlifting's legend in the making, Chris Taylor.
CRITICAL BENCH: Chris, what is your best bench press?
Chris Taylor: I have officially benched 755 at WPO semis in 05 at 308
CRITICAL BENCH: Very impressive. I heard you had a heart attack. Sorry to hear about that. When did you have a heart attack and how are you recovering?
Chris Taylor: I had a heart attack in June of 06 and I'm getting back slow but I'm coming back strong weighing around 260lbs. After the heart attack, I squatted an easy 915lbs, straps down and just missed 700lbs in my last deadlift meet after my heart attack at 260lbs.
CRITICAL BENCH: Wow that is truly motivating. Chris now that you have experienced a heart attack and recovered, do you think that you will ever break your previous bench max of 755?
Chris Taylor: There is no doubt. I want to bench 800lbs. Then I want to bench press 800lbs at 275 and then at 242lbs.
CRITICAL BENCH: Awesome goals! Chris, in addition to being a big bencher you're a full power guy. What do you plan on squatting and deadlifting by the end of 2007?
Chris Taylor: I want to squat 1000 by the end of this year and deadlift in the 700's.
CRITICAL BENCH: Where do you find the motivation to pull off these extreme feats of strength?
Chris Taylor: My motivation and strength all comes from Jesus Christ who created me for the very purpose to show others what he has made and can do.
CRITICAL BENCH: Chris how's your diet these days? I remember about 5 years ago you drank more than 2 liters of soda everyday and you ate lots of Chinese food. What's your diet like today? Are you much more strict now?
Chris Taylor: Yes, I'm much more strict now. I have to be strict to keep my arteries clear of plague.
CRITICAL BENCH: Chris, you know a lot about training and different styles. What style fits you better, Metal Militia or Westside?
Chris Taylor: Well, it's my own stuff derived from both. Just check out my training thread. http://www.liftism.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1116. You can see my workouts day in and day out there and follow my powerlifting career.
CRITICAL BENCH: Chris, you were always very strong. I heard the first time you touched a bar, you benched 365. Is this true?
Chris Taylor: At my first meet I benched 365 raw at 16yrs old at 190lbs!
CRITICAL BENCH: Wow! That is amazing Chris! Many guys train their whole lives and can't bench press 365 raw! There are many lifters out there who have trained for over 20 years and who weigh more than 250lbs who can't bench 365 raw. You were stronger than many power bodybuilders. Chris, how did it feel to bench 365 at 190lbs at the young age of 16?
Chris Taylor: Well, I didn't know any different at the time how good or bad it was.
CRITICAL BENCH: So what made you decide to use a shirt instead of bench raw after you were benching so much raw at such a young age?
Chris Taylor: I just wanted to bench as much as possible and everyone else was wearing them. That was a long time ago. I'm 34 at the present time of this interview, April 07.
CRITICAL BENCH: Chris, what do you think the raw and shirt bench record will be 10 years from now?
Chris Taylor: Who knows? 5 years ago 800 was impossible Gear and knowledge is obviously different today. I'm much weaker now at raw benching then I was 10 yrs ago, if I only knew then what I know now.
CRITICAL BENCH: Chris, you have had a long journey in powerlifting. Do you have a favorite moment that you would like to share with us?
Chris Taylor: When I came back to total 2,105 3 months after suffering a heart attack.
CRITICAL BENCH: That has to be an incredible feeling. Chris it has been fun interviewing you. Is there anything else you would like to say to everyone reading your interview?
Chris Taylor: First of all I must thank Jesus Christ for restarting my heart and giving me a chance to share in his glory again through the sport of powerlifting. For this I am dedicated to share the gospel and show people the power of God! If your want more insight into my career, read through my log. http://www.liftism.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1116
