About Matt Wenning

BIOGRAPHY

MATT WENNING

Matt Wenning is a world-class strength coach, biomechanist, and performance consultant with over two decades of experience developing elite athletes, tactical operators, and high-performance professionals. A three-time world champion powerlifter, Matt is one of only a handful of athletes to total over 2,600lbs in professional competition, holding an all-time world record of 2,665lbs in the 308-lb class and benching over 800lbs in a full powerlifting meet.

He holds a Master of Science in Biomechanics and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Ball State University, where he completed more than 2,500 hours as a graduate assistant in strength and conditioning and conducted research on barbell squat kinematics. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology at Concordia St. Paul with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning, advancing applied research in athlete development, performance optimization, and long-term durability.

Matt has directed over 6,000 troops in strength, conditioning, and wellness for the U.S. Army, including Infantry, Ranger, and Airborne Divisions, and has served as an advisor to the U.S. Pentagon and U.S. Border Patrol. His performance systems have also supported professional sports organizations including the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and San Diego Padres (MLB).

Raised in Indiana by a hardworking, middle-class family, Matt’s journey into strength began through adversity. At six years old, he was struck by a car traveling 50mph, spending two years in full leg casts and rehabilitation that left his legs severely underdeveloped. Four years later, he discovered lifting — and it became the turning point that showed him he could rebuild himself beyond his injuries. At thirteen, after losing his father — a Marine and truck driver — to cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure, Matt turned to competitive lifting as both purpose and outlet. What began as training for football evolved into a lifelong pursuit that inspired academic excellence, graduating with a 3.9 GPA and committing his career to building stronger, more resilient humans.

Today, Matt is the Founder and CEO of Wenning Strength, creator of the Wenning Strength training systems, and a globally recognized coach and educator. He works with athletes, military and law enforcement units, firefighters, executives, youth athletes, and individuals with disabilities — translating high-performance science into real-world strength, durability, and leadership.