Ex-Royal Marine in British bench press title bid to help PTSD

A former Royal Marines commander hopes to become British bench press champion.

Ram Pattern, 44, from Somerset, only started competitive weight training a year ago but regularly lifts more than 125kg (275lb).

He started this training to improve his mental health after returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

“This training is very meditative and is a godsend and sanctuary for me,” he said.

Ms Patten, from Frome, struggles with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

Since retiring from the Royal Marines in 2011, Mr Patten has held roles in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and has volunteered as a family court judge.

In an interview with BBC Somerset, he said: “Physical fitness is one of the fundamentals of the Royal Marines and the level of recruits after training is comparable to that of Olympic athletes.”

“Once you leave, you miss that aspect.

“During bench press training, you have to concentrate on all aspects. You have to do it very methodically, because a missed step greatly increases the risk of injury.

“Another aspect that I enjoy is the camaraderie and camaraderie within the sport,” he added.

“The gym is a place where he can really focus and clear his head,” said his wife, Candace.

“It’s always been a really good place for his mental health. Physically getting through what he’s going through mentally and coming back to center a little bit.”

Within six months of starting to practice competitively, Mr. Patten won the Masters division of the Southwest Regional Championships, breaking two records in the process.

He aims to lift more than 200 kg [440lbs]The equivalent of standing piano at the British National Classical Bench Championships on March 2nd.