Department chair Matt Delmonico sets state records in bench press and deadlift

After 40 years of doing resistance training, Matt Delmonico, professor and chair of the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Kinesiology, felt it was time to test himself in his first sanctioned competition, so he entered the United States Powerlifting Association Rhode Island State Championship on Oct. 17.

Entered in the men’s master’s division (ages 55-59) in the 90-kilogram weight class, Delmonico established state records in the bench press and deadlift. Later in the event, he improved upon his performances, setting the records at 237 pounds in the bench press and a 341 pounds in the deadlift.

“It was time to step onto the platform and challenge myself,” said the 57-year-old Delmonico. “Establishing state records was certainly exciting, but what I’ll remember the most is the experience itself and the people involved.”

The meet attracted 17 male and female competitors from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, ranging in age from 16 to 70 years. It was organized by She Gym Productions and hosted at Irv Fit in Warwick, which is owned by trainer and strength coach Ryan Irving, a 2013 graduate of URI’s kinesiology program.

“It was great to see a former student and an alum from our department being successful in the field,” said Delmonico. Irving was a student in Delmonico’s Introduction to Exercise Science course about 15 years ago.

Delmonico was also delighted to see how much the competitors supported each other.

“While everyone wanted to perform at their best, there was tremendous camaraderie,” said Delmonico, who lives in West Kingston. “Competitors encouraged one another, celebrated successful lifts, and genuinely wanted to see their fellow athletes succeed. It was one of the most positive sporting environments I’ve experienced.”

As a researcher, Delmonico’s work focuses on aging, physical activity, resistance training, body composition, and physical function. He noted that the competition reinforced many of the same principles that guide his research and teaching.

“One of the central messages of my work is that strength training can provide meaningful benefits throughout adulthood and into older age,” Delmonico said. “This experience reinforced that it’s never too late to set ambitious goals, learn new skills, and challenge yourself physically. Consistent training and healthy lifestyle habits can help people perform at a high level across the lifespan.”

For years, Delmonico has demonstrated his knowledge of resistance training in his research and classroom lessons. That knowledge and experience translated to establishing state powerlifting records in his age group.

Because the competition was such a positive experience, Delmonico would like to enter more events. “I would really like to do more of these,” said Delmonico. “I’ll probably do one or two per year, as long as I’m able.”