Richard Schoenberger – Profile

Posted on by Josef Eriksson

Richard Schoenberger born 13 november 1965 – Died 20 July 2023

Richard Schoenberger was One Massive Chest. When your chest is wider than your waist and your chest circumference is greater than your height, then you are Richard Schoenberger.

You may have heard of C.T. Fletcher. You may even have seen the famous 1990s video where he trains and benches five reps with 225 kg / 496 lbs. Perhaps you also noticed the incredibly large-chested man standing behind him, hyping him up before the set. A man with a chest circumference approaching 190 cm / 75 inches. That man is Richard Schoenberger.

The Man Behind the Motivation

In C.T. Fletcher’s training clip, Richard can be heard motivating him at 4 minutes and 22 seconds into the video:

“Let’s go big man, come on now. Have some fun, let’s go. Come on big man. Throw it around. Come on, just another stepping stone. Come on now. Let’s go T. Come on big man. Just throw it around. You got this. You got this. Come on, what are you gonna do? There you go. There you go. You got it. Come on T. Come on T. Blow it away, let’s go. Come on.” That man is Richard Schoenberger, and when it comes to pressing strength, C.T. Fletcher was never close to him.

A Raw Bench Press Specialist

Richard Schoenberger was a man who, during the 1990s, dedicated himself to competing in classic (raw) bench press. The 1990s and early 2000s were not kind decades for classic lifting. Equipment had become fully established in all lifts, and whether you lifted raw or equipped was rarely discussed. All that mattered was who lifted the most weight. Richard did not care much about bench shirts or what others thought. He lifted for himself, and his goal was simple: to bench press as much weight as possible without a bench shirt and without doping.

He competed for the first time in 1991, where he also met C.T. Fletcher. The two would go on to become long-time training partners. At that competition, Richard benched 235.8 kg / 520 lbs in the super heavyweight class and won. C.T. Fletcher lifted the same weight in the -125 kg class, which he also won. After that meet, they teamed up and trained together regularly. Schoenberger has stated that he was lifetime drug-free and competed in tested federations without ever failing a test.

From Skinny Teenager to Colossus

Richard did not always look the way he did in his prime. In his early teens, he weighed no more than 75 kg / 165 lbs, which may not sound extremely light, but for a man who would later weigh 165 kg / 364 lbs before the age of 30, it was modest. He began strength training as a sophomore in high school, driven by a desire to become big and strong, and he fully committed to eating and training accordingly. Over the next six consecutive years, he gained roughly 14 kg / 30 lbs per year. His bench press progressed rapidly, increasing by about 14 kg / 30 lbs per year, and as a teenager he was already bench pressing over 200 kg / 441 lbs, including an impressive 193 kg / 425 lbs at just 16 years old, a rate of progress that clearly demonstrated his exceptional potential early on.

During his junior year of high school, Richard injured his knee while weighing around 134 kg / 295 lbs. Despite being encouraged by several people to use steroids to recover faster, he refused, developed a strong aversion to them, and was determined to come back stronger and better without their use. That decision paid off. He earned a scholarship to play college football, achieved straight As academically, and was named Student of the Year upon graduation. After finishing school, he entered his first competition while working at Rockwell International on the Space Shuttle program, which was run out of a recreation center. He won in dominant fashion, and from that moment on, he was hooked on competing. To put his early strength into perspective, his training partner C.T. Fletcher benched 184 kg / 405 lbs at 18 years old.

Breaking 600 Pounds Raw

In 1994, at the age of 28, Richard competed in a USPF powerlifting meet, which at the time was the United States’ IPF-affiliated, fully tested federation. This was an equipped competition, as there was no raw alternative available. To register a total, Richard squatted 62.5 kg / 138 lbs and deadlifted 62.5 kg / 138 lbs. In the bench press, however, he did something extraordinary. He broke the 600 lb barrier, pressing 606 lbs / 275 kg. It was the heaviest bench press of the entire competition, and it was done without a bench shirt.

The Rise of Raw Lifting in AAU

During the early 1990s, bench press shirts took over completely, leaving no competitive platform for raw bench pressers. The AAU stepped in and introduced classic lifting as an option. The AAU was not a pure powerlifting federation, but a broader sports organization that included lifting as one of its disciplines. By the mid-1980s, lifting within the AAU had nearly disappeared, but during the 1990s, classic lifting revived the organization.

This provided Richard with exactly what he wanted: a place to bench press to demonstrate pure strength, not skill in handling equipment. The AAU also emphasized drug-tested lifting, which was notable at a time when many federations openly chose not to test.

277.5 kg at 165 kg Bodyweight

The AAU hosted many championships with impressive titles, large trophies, and numerous weight classes. Participation was often limited, but the performances were no less remarkable. At the 1996 AAU North American Bench Press Championships, Richard weighed in at 165.1 kg / 364 lbs and bench pressed 277.5 kg / 611 lbs. The bar exploded off his chest, with a slightly heavy lockout, and the lift was completed with ease.

What made the lift even more impressive was his grip. Richard benched with a relatively narrow grip, not index finger on the smooth, but hands positioned between the rings and the smooth. This was not unique to that lift, it was simply how he benched.

A Young Josh Bryant Appears

At the same competition where Richard pressed 277.5 kg, a young lifter named Josh Bryant made his debut. Today, Josh Bryant is best known as a coach and is currently Julius Maddox’s trainer. Josh competed in the -90 kg class at just 15 years old, bench pressing 140 kg / 309 lbs raw. At the age of 22, he would go on to bench 272.5 kg / 600 lbs raw.

Later Career and Legendary Training Lifts

Richard continued competing throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, frequently pressing between 240 and 260 kg in competition. He has stated that he once pressed 625 lbs / 283.5 kg, though it is unclear whether this occurred in competition or training. Given his verified 277.5 kg lift, it would not be unreasonable to believe. He also benched 615 lbs / 279 kg during a filmed training session for Video Power Magazine in the 1990s.

When Floor Press Didn’t Work

On one occasion, Richard attempted the floor press. In this exercise, the lifter lies on the floor, and the elbows or upper arms contact the ground before the bar reaches the chest. For Richard, however, this did not happen. The bar did not stop because his elbows hit the floor. It stopped because the bar hit his chest.

Keep in mind that Richard neither used nor could use a significant arch, and he benched with a narrow grip. To understand the size of his chest, grip the bar roughly at shoulder width, lie relatively flat on the floor, and observe where the movement stops. That distance, and more, was the depth of Richard Schoenberger’s chest.

Richard’s Best Competition Lift

+125 kg / +275 lbs class
Bench Press: 277.5 kg / 611 lbs Classic (Raw)

Eric Spoto – Profile

Bob Siebold – Profile

Posted on by Josef Eriksson

Bob Siebold was an exceptionally strong bench presser during the 1990s.
He competed primarily in the early to mid 1990s and was extraordinarily talented in the bench press. Unfortunately, he did not regularly compete at the very biggest bench press events of the era, which meant he never received the recognition his strength truly deserved.

He did, however, compete in two major bench press competitions. One of them was Baddest Bench in Texas, a predecessor to Greatest Bench Press in America. Organized by John Inzer, this competition brought together some of the best bench pressers in the world, or more accurately, the best in the United States at the time. Among the competitors were Chris Confessore, Gil Thompson, Ken Lain, who was a true giant, Anthony Clark, and others.

Bob also competed at the large, televised event Greatest Bench Press in America, for which a significant amount of footage still exists. Unfortunately, he bombed out at that competition. It was exactly the type of event that could have given him a major breakthrough and wider recognition.

There was never any doubt about his strength. The issue was that he never fully managed to express it on the competition platform. His best competition bench press was 260 kg. He competed in the 90 kg or 100 kg weight class, and the 260 kg lift was performed in the 90 kg class using a single-ply bench shirt.

Bob competed raw, single-ply, and multi-ply. However, bench press shirts during that era were far less advanced and provided much less carryover than modern equipment. This was clearly demonstrated by Bob Siebold himself.

At one competition where he was aiming for 600 lb, a weight he attempted many times but never successfully completed, he opened with 250 kg. On his first attempt, his bench shirt tore, resulting in a failed lift due to bar descent. He was allowed to repeat the attempt, this time without a shirt. He did not even wear a T-shirt.

This moment exists on video. Bob walks out completely shirtless and raw benches 250 kg after just missing a lift due to a torn shirt. This demonstrates tremendous strength, not only physically but mentally, as well as the ability to recover and perform after such a setback.

Despite the torn shirt, he still attempted 600 lb at that same competition, but failed once again. His best competition bench press therefore remained 260 kg single-ply. In multi-ply, he attempted 268 kg at Greatest Bench Press in America, but failed due to technicalities.

One of his most impressive performances was a 250 kg raw bench press, approximately 551 lb, at a bodyweight of only 88 kg, about 194 lb. In training, he also pressed 600 lb touch-and-go, wearing only a tank top, which is also documented on video.

All of this clearly shows that Bob Siebold was an outstanding bench presser, incredibly strong, and powerful in all upper body movements. He also handled extremely heavy weights in other upper body exercises closely related to the bench press.

Bob Siebold’s Best Competition Lifts

Classic (Raw)

Class –90 kg
Bench Press: 250 kg / 551 lbs

Class –100 kg
Bench Press: 250 kg / 551 lbs

Single-ply

Class –90 kg
Bench Press: 260 kg / 573 lbs

Class –100 kg
Bench Press: 250 kg / 551 lbs

You can read more about supportive powerlifting gear here.

Doyle Kenady – Profile

Posted on by Josef Eriksson

Doyle Kenady, born August 29, 1948, passed away on February 3, 1999.

Today, Doyle is perhaps best known for his deadlift during his career as a competitive powerlifter, but he was phenomenal in all three lifts and an outstanding strength athlete. At World’s Strongest Man 1983 in New Zealand, he placed 7th, despite appearing somewhat unsuited for the event due to his stockier build, standing 178 cm / 5 ft 10 in (70 in) tall and weighing 135 kg / 298 lbs.

Doyle competed at the 1974 World Championships, placing second behind Don Reinhoudt in the super heavyweight class, which at the time was +110 kg / +243 lbs. He totaled an impressive 950 kg / 2,094 lbs, consisting of 365 kg / 805 lbs in the squat, 235 kg / 518 lbs in the bench press, and 350 kg / 772 lbs in the deadlift. It was not until the late 1970s that Doyle truly began to demonstrate his deadlift potential in competition. Like many lifters, his limiting factor was grip strength rather than back or leg power.

At the 1977 U.S. Championships, Doyle entered as the heavy favorite in the super heavyweight class. He had improved significantly over the previous year, and a total exceeding 1,000 kg / 2,205 lbs was expected. Unfortunately, he bombed out in the squat and failed to place. He returned the following year stronger than ever, posting a 1,037.5 kg / 2,288 lbs total, qualifying him for the 1978 World Championships in Finland.

At the 1978 Worlds, Doyle put on a spectacular performance, squatting over 400 kg / 882 lbs, bench pressing 250 kg / 551 lbs, and attempting 402.5 kg / 887 lbs in the deadlift. This would have surpassed Don Reinhoudt’s 400 kg / 882 lbs world record.

Doyle went on to win both his first U.S. National Championship and his first World Championship in 1978. He attempted 402.5 kg / 887 lbs again at the 1979 Hawaii International Powerlifting Championships, but missed the lift. This would not be his last attempt at a deadlift world record in Hawaii. Doyle continued to win several major titles in the sport.

He captured his second U.S. National title as well as the World Championship in 1980, and also won the World Series of Powerlifting that same year. In 1981, he won the super heavyweight division at the inaugural World Games.

Later in the 1980s, after failing to qualify for Worlds through nationals, Doyle focused on record-breaker competitions to chase his long-awaited deadlift record. Attempts at 402.5 kg / 887 lbs became less compelling after 1982, when Dan Wohleber, just 21 years old, pulled the first 900 lbs / 408.2 kg deadlift on December 12, 1982, in the –125 kg / –275 lbs class. Although not officially recognized as a world record, it was the heaviest deadlift ever performed at the time.

From that point on, Doyle aimed higher than both 900 lbs and 402.5 kg / 887 lbs. He frequently entered Record Breakers competitions, often performing only minimal “token” lifts in the squat and bench press, sometimes as low as 60–65 kg / 132–143 lbs, to conserve energy for the deadlift. Ironically, it was during a competition where he did not hold back in the squat and bench that he finally broke the record.

At the 1986 Hawaii International Powerlifting Championships, then known as the Budweiser World Record Breakers, Doyle squatted 385 kg / 849 lbs and attempted 417.5 kg / 920 lbs. His previous best squat was 415 kg / 915 lbs. In the bench press, he went a perfect three-for-three, finishing with 247.5 kg / 546 lbs.

In the deadlift, he opened with 377.5 kg / 833 lbs, followed by 395 kg / 871 lbs, a competition personal best. In his third attempt, he pulled 410 kg / 904 lbs, which appeared relatively comfortable. He was granted a fourth attempt at 417.5 kg / 920 lbs, but failed. The competition resulted in a 1,042.5 kg / 2,298 lbs total, his second-best ever. With a slightly more conservative squat attempt, he likely would have exceeded 1,050 kg / 2,315 lbs.

After this performance, Doyle’s career gradually declined. He competed a few more times and made additional record attempts but never quite reached the same heights again. There are claims that Doyle squatted and deadlifted 1,000 lbs / 453.6 kg in training. Given his competition bests of 415 kg / 915 lbs in the squat and 410 kg / 904 lbs in the deadlift, this is not impossible. The squat was reportedly done with only knee wraps and a belt, and depth may not have met competition standards.

Doyle, allegedly lifting 1,000 lbs / 454 kg in training.

The deadlift, however, is more legendary. The image often cited is said to depict that lift, which allegedly occurred in 1981, the same year he twice pulled 415 kg / 915 lbs at the Hawaii International Powerlifting Championships. From the image, it appears he may not have been fully locked out, or his grip may have been failing. There are also rumors that he pulled 1,100 lbs / 499 kg with straps in training during the 1980s. While this may have occurred from an elevated position or under special conditions, a 1,100-lb pull from the floor, even with straps, seems highly unlikely.

Doyle’s Best Competition Lifts

Without a lifting suit, using only knee wraps and a belt (early career):

  • Squat: 398.5 kg / 879 lbs
  • Bench press: 251.7 kg / 555 lbs
  • Deadlift: 351.5 kg / 775 lbs
  • Total: 991.5 kg / 2,186 lbs

With knee wraps, belt, and a lifting suit in the squat and deadlift:

  • Squat: 415 kg / 915 lbs
  • Bench press: 255 kg / 562 lbs
  • Deadlift: 410 kg / 904 lbs
  • Total: 1,045 kg / 2,304 lbs

You can read more about supportive powerlifting gear here.

Don Reinhoudt – Profile

How Jonathan Henningsson trained for three world records

Posted on by Josef Eriksson

Jonathan Henningsson broke three junior world records in the bench press across three different weight classes within slightly more than a year. He held all three records simultaneously with a lift of 210.5 kg in the -83 kg class, 225.5 kg in the -93 kg class, and 234 kg as a light -105 kg lifter.

To many, the training behind these achievements appears unclear. However, the methods we used for Jonathan to break these records are the same methods that were later used by Emil Lundgren when he broke Jonathan’s record at the 2025 World Championships in Norway by bench pressing 211 kg.

Technique

The first thing you must understand is that one factor is absolutely crucial for everything else to work: technique. Jonathan lifts with extremely high technical quality, as close to perfect as one can reasonably achieve. The same technical standard was required from Emil Lundgren for the method to work for him as well.

When I first started coaching Jonathan, we initially worked with the program, just like everyone else does. However, we quickly realized that this was not enough. Too much potential is lost with poor execution. Because of this, Jonathan and I met and placed a strong emphasis on technique.

Even though this meant taking a significant step back in load, Jonathan did what was required. Where many others would have given up, he kept going. For most lifters, it is mentally challenging when weights that previously felt light suddenly feel heavy, or when they can no longer perform as many reps. This reaction is understandable if you do not understand the underlying reason.

The reality is that the weight itself is not heavier. Instead, the position you now have to assume and maintain is far more demanding. A more efficient technique will eventually provide better carryover to your one-rep max, but it also demands more from the lifter. It is not the act of lifting that feels harder, but the tension required to establish and maintain the position.

This distinction can be difficult to grasp, but once you understand it and trust the process, there is a lot to gain. I explained this as clearly as I could to Jonathan, and he did not merely accept it, he fully committed to it.

Over the following months, Jonathan trained consistently using this new technique, despite lower weights, more demanding sets, and a higher perceived effort. After a few months, he returned to his previous level and shortly thereafter surpassed it. From that point on, we continued moving forward without hesitation.

If you want the next step, the training, to work properly, you must first solve the technical aspect.

Key points to strive for:

  • Establish a stable and advantageous position
  • Maintain that position through all repetitions
  • Perform every repetition with strict execution
  • Train with high intent

Training

In the lead-up to these three world records, we primarily rotated between three training methods, each assigned to its own session. All of these sessions are represented in the Junk Volume Kings & Queens program.

Session one consisted of sets of ten reps with wave-loaded weights.
Session two consisted of sets of twenty reps or more.
Session three consisted of one or more max-rep sets.

During certain periods, session three was limited to a single max-rep set followed by a few 20-rep sets at 100 kg. On top of this, individual adjustments were made for competitions, illness, pain, vacations, or when Jonathan broke his leg and had to train with his feet elevated.

Two clear deviations from the standard setup were that Jonathan often used a medium grip on the first session of the week, and that the overall training loads were significantly lighter than one would expect for a 234 kg bench presser.

According to Junk Volume guidelines, three max-rep sessions should be performed at around or above 70 percent. Jonathan was very rarely above 70 percent. The total number of repetitions performed above 80 percent in an entire year was 102, including five competitions. Roughly one quarter of all lifts above 80 percent were therefore performed in competition.

His average training load was 48.4 percent of an estimated touch-and-go one-rep max of approximately 245–250 kg. This makes the effective percentage even lower. The average weight used in training was 113.2 kg, and the most frequently used weight was 100 kg.

What people miss

What many people miss with this type of training is the integrity of execution. Jonathan is, by nature, a fairly comfort-oriented person, but when it comes to how he benches, he is far ahead of most.

After the technical review, Jonathan did not learn what was right or wrong. He learned how things should be done. It took months before he surpassed his previous one-rep max, because the focus was on making every repetition correct.

The goal was never just to complete sets, but to execute them properly. Jonathan understood this fully.

The same applies to accessory work. When Jonathan understands the purpose of an accessory exercise, he performs it with extreme precision. JM Press is a clear example. However, his back training has not always been executed with the same consistency, despite its importance for a stable bench press.

I do not interpret this as Jonathan doing too little. Instead, I see it as him committing fully where he believes the greatest transfer exists. Being “all in” on everything is not realistic. If you try to do everything perfectly, focus and energy become diluted, and you risk not giving enough to the areas that demand it most.

Have others succeeded using this method?

Jonathan is unique, but he is not alone. Axel Samuelsson, Emil Lundgren, and several other men and women have reached the world stage using the same principles.

I have coached over 20 men to bench press 200 kg or more and more than 12 women to bench press 100 kg or more. In addition to direct coaching, many lifters have reached these milestones through structured programs such as 10×10, BT2, and Junk Volume.

What should you do from here?

My general recommendation is to first establish a technical standard. Either run Basic Bench with two sessions per week or 10×10 with three sessions per week. Then test your max while maintaining high technical quality and bring that max into Junk Volume.

All of these programs are available along with instructional and demonstration videos where I show and explain exactly how each exercise should be performed.