Who holds the heaviest bench press world record?

POWERLIFTERS all over the globe are putting their strength to the ultimate test in a bid to break the heaviest bench press world record.

Meet the men and women who are setting the bar higher and earning the honour of holding the record-breaking prestigious titles.

Who holds the heaviest bench press world record?

The current world record set by a man is held by equipped bench specialist, Jimmy Kolb.

The powerlifter set the bar higher with a new equipped bench press all-time world record after pressing 1,320lbs (598.7kg) at the 2022 IPA Pennsylvania State Powerlifting Championships.

Kolb shattered the previous all-time world record bench press by an impressive 190.2 pounds.

The women's equipped bench press record belongs to Rae-Ann Coughenour-Miller from the United States, who lifted 280 kg (620 lb) in 2022.

Who is Jimmy Kolb and when did he set the record?

Prior to earning the world record in February 2022, Kolb has taken part in over 40 sanctioned powerlifting competitions, and has claimed over 30 wins.

One his website, kolbstrong.com, the star lifter said: ''I have been in love with the sport of powerlifting for over 18 years. I currently hold 6 active All Time World Records, including the heaviest single lift in powerlifting history with plans to achieve many more.

''I have met some of the greatest people in the sport and have had the privilege of learning from and lifting beside them. Now that I am out of the US Military, I am focusing my passions on helping others increase their bench press.''

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He added: ''Bench press has been my passion since I first started powerlifting. Like most lifters I started out doing all three lifts and even managed to get a 2410lb total at 218 when I was just 20 years old.

''But soon after that I realized that I didn't enjoy or need the squat or deadlift, and from there my bench only career began. Now it is my goal to help others increase their bench press, whether they are equipped or non-equipped.''

Klob also founded KolbStrong - '' a one stop shop for all things bench press''.

For £9.50 per month, subscribers can join the Klobstrong community to learn from the best bencher in the world.

On his Klobstrong page, he writes: ''Whether you are new to benching or have been around a while, this community is for you to learn and get stronger together. I am here to help YOU, and look forward to providing as much value as I can from week to week.''

And it appears the strongman's busy schedule doesn't stop there - he also the ''Klobstrong Power Podcast'' - which see's him talk all things benching, as well as interviewing young athletes to help get their name out to the world as they begin their powerlifting careers.

Aside from his successful fitness journey, Klob is also lucky in love.

He is married to Kate, who has supported him on and off the platform for the last 12 years, as both his wife and training partner.

Together, the couple have created the Klobstrong scholarship - providing young athletes $1,000 each and a powerlifting goodie box in a bid to help with their powerlifting dreams.

Is benching too heavy dangerous?

Of all the main barbell lifts, the bench press is the most dangerous - especially if you're benching a heavy weight.

If the bar slips from your hands during the lift, the loaded barbell can cause severe injuries - and in the worst cases, can prove to be fatal.

With this in mind, it's of the upmost importance to ensure you always have a spotter around when benching a heavy weight - if you fail a lift, they can quickly assist in getting the barbell off your body.

If you're benching alone it's important to always use a power rack that you can attach safety arms or pins to.

Who holds the heaviest bench press world record?