Profiles and Interviews → Dave Bendle
| Stats | |
|---|---|
| Height: | 5ft 6inches |
| Competition Weight: | 110kg |
| Off Season Weight: | 105kg |
| Chest: | 48 inches |
| Arms: | 18 inches |
| Waist: | 36 inches |
| Legs: | 28 inches |
| Calves: | 17 inches |
| Best Lifts |
|---|
| Bench: 180kg / Squat: 285kg / Deadlift: 220kg |
Which gym do you currently train at? Bray’s Powerhouse Swansea
What got you started in power lifting? I was working in my old gym where I met Jason Rees. Jason is a bench press monster, he convinced me to start competing and that’s where my love for the sport started.
Past or present powerlifting idol and why?
Dave Tate. Dave owns Elite Fitness Systems which is a strength equipment company.
Dave Tate has reached Elite status in power lifting in two weight classes and has turned his knowledge and passion into a very successful company.
Where did you place in your very first competition? I came first in my first competition. BDFPA Welsh Junior Champion.
Best powerlifting achievement? My 285kg squat, my favourite of the three competition lifts.
Best achievement outside of power lifting? My kids. It doesn’t matter to them how training is going. If you’re not careful, power lifting can consume your every thought. My kids really help me keep things in perspective.
What is your motivation to train and/or compete? I love competing and I love being strong, I couldn’t be ‘just’ another gym member. I think competing is my motivation to train, and I need something to train for so I compete.
| Place the following in order of importance: | |
|---|---|
| Training: | 40% |
| Nutrition: | 30% |
| Rest: | 30% |
| Other: | n/a |
| What is your training philosophy? |
|---|
| Don’t be afraid to try something that looks crazy.
Some of the best exercises for power training are the ones that
most people are too afraid to do. I think too many people do the same things over and over again and expect different results. Keep things fresh, change your exercises frequently and log everything. |
| Favourites! | |
|---|---|
| Favourite body part? | Legs |
| Favourite exercise? | Zercher Squats & Chain Suspending Good Mornings |
| Favourite on season food? | Steak (Rare) |
| Favourite off season food? | Pizza |
| Favourite film? | The Dark Knight |
| Favourite book? | Anything training related |
| Favourite type of music? | Metal & Rap |
| Favourite activity away from bodybuilding? | Football |
| Favourite Item of clothing? | Hooded Sweaters (ideal for those of us with no neck) |
| Favourite POW! training essential? | MAX HD Training Belt |
What other sport would you have pursued if you didn’t do power lifting? Probably football, I still try to get the odd game in, plus I coach a junior football team.
Where can you see yourself in 5 years time inside or outside bodybuilding? Following Dave Tate’s example, I’d like to continue to make a name for myself in my sport and develop my business in the same way.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone entering bodybuilding competitively or non-competitively?
The focus you need in this sport will help you in every aspect of your life.
You will make some great friends (the people I’ve met in my time
in the sport have gone on to be my best mates).
Read everything you can get your hands on & don’t be afraid
of overtraining, it happens to everyone.
Attend a few competitions to get a ‘feel’ for the way things are done.
If you are the strongest in your gym it’s time to move on,
you will only get better by training with people who are better than yourself.
Dave Bendle
BDFPA Welsh Powerlifting Champion
WSA Welsh Squat Champion
Dave uses:
“When you’re lifting heavy week-in, week-out you need to have faith in the quality of your workout apparel. This is what I get from POW! Performance Gear.
“POW!’s products have helped me continue my progress in my power lifting endeavours and keep me injury free to increase my longevity in my sport. ”
More Profiles and Interviews
