Ben Eisenmenger, a former competitive strongman from Northern Kentucky, has had a compelling journey into the world of strongman competitions, his training, and his unique experiences in the sport.
Ben’s interest in weightlifting began in childhood, inspired by his father’s admiration for Arnold Schwarzenegger. As a teenager, Ben was encouraged to try shot put and discus, where his natural strength helped him break records in high school and earn a spot on his college track team. However, Ben felt something was missing and sought a new challenge. He stumbled upon a strongman competition and decided to try it out, despite being humbled by the experience. This first setback sparked a deeper passion for the sport, and Ben became determined to improve.
Strongman competitions test athletes' strength and endurance with events like lifting massive logs, carrying kegs, and even deadlifting cars. Ben recalls how training for these events was difficult, as few gyms had the specialized equipment for strongman training. He had to get creative, building his own gear and traveling to different locations to train for events. Over time, his passion for strongman grew, and he eventually won Kentucky’s Strongest Man title twice and a national title in his weight class.
Diet played a crucial role in Ben’s success. As a middleweight competitor, he had to carefully manage his food intake to maintain strength without gaining too much weight. His typical breakfast included around 60 grams of protein, 100 grams of carbohydrates, and about two and a half pounds of food, including eggs, potatoes, bacon, and buffalo sauce. Though retired from competition, Ben still follows a similar diet out of habit.
Ben also shared some lighthearted moments from his strongman career, including using his strength to impress dates—he jokingly admits that lifting boulders and picking up his wife were part of his charm. Now retired, Ben trains other weightlifters and powerlifters at his gym, passing on the lessons and skills he’s gained over the years.
Ben’s story highlights the dedication and passion required for competitive strength sports, as well as the lasting impact they can have on an athlete’s life, even after retirement.
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