Kenneth Owens

Professional Bodybuilder

Kenneth Owens is a professional bodybuilder and U.S. Army Sergeant. When he doesn’t work in the military, Kenneth competes in the most prestigious bodybuilding shows across America.

He’s competed in shows such as the IFBB New York Pro, Arnold Classic, and Wings of Strength Pro, where he impressed everyone with his awesome physique and posing.

Kenneth originally played American football as a kid. However, in a turn of events, he joined the U.S. Army after school, and started with bodybuilding later down the road.

Taking inspiration from the likes of Cedric McMillan and Dexter Jackson, he’s always set his sights high and made sure to see them through.

This is his story:

---

“Initially, I was supposed to go to Georgia Southern on a football scholarship, but I injured myself in the playoff game of my senior year in high school and lost my scholarship. My Aunt is a Brigadier General in the army and my uncle is a retired CSM. Influence from them played a major cell and I have been in love with the military ever since.”

Athlete Statistics

---

“Placing third in my pro-debut at the New York Pro was a high moment for me.”

Accomplishments

Contest History

2018

• New York Pro, Physique: Classic Physique  (5th place)
• Arnold Classic Ohio, Physique: Classic Physique  (8th place)

2017

• New York Pro, Physique: Classic Physique  (3rd place)
• Wings of Strength Chicago Pro, Men’s Classic Physique, (10th place)

2016

• NPC Junior USA, Physique: Classic Men’s Physique Earned Pro Card
• NPC Junior USA, Physique: Classic Men’s Physique B  (2nd place)

---

“Everything doesn’t always go as planned but you still control how you act/react. Today let our actions speak for themselves.”

Biography

From Sports to Military to Bodybuilding

Kenneth Owens grew up playing American football. He also started lifting weights early in his life to stay competitive for his football matches. However, it wasn’t until late 2014 that Kenneth took his weightlifting journey seriously.

It was then, after different phases in his life, including enlisting in the military, that Kenneth decided to set out on a whole new path – bodybuilding. He began his journey in Pensacola Florida, where he was first introduced to Cedric McMillan.

After he saw Cedric, Kenneth was ‘sold’ to the bodybuilding lifestyle. He said; “I saw him and the first thought to come to my mind was ‘I’m going to look like that’.” 

---

Kenneth Owens in his military uniform.

Becoming a Competitive Bodybuilder

After a short period of time, Kenneth fell in love with lifting weights and seeing his body grow. Soon, he took personal coaching and started to develop his physique even further.

Eventually, Kenneth realized he had the potential to become a professional bodybuilder. He soon took the plunge, entering his first ever bodybuilding competition. Here’s Kenneth talking about his early competitive experiences;

“That’s actually a funny subject. I did my first competition back in 2015. My first competition was an INBF show, an all-natural organization. I did men’s physique and didn’t place at all. When I first came into the show I was like “I got this show” and was quickly humbled when I didn’t place at all. I was told I was too big for physique at 170! I thought about never competing again.

Then I realized that organization wasn’t looking for my body type so I switched to NPC. I was going to do physique and shortly after I made that decision classic physique was announced. My coach at the time (rest in peace) said we should jump in so we did head first. I competed in the Border Klash in South Carolina and won my class and the overall.” – Kenneth Owens

Earning The Pro Card

Shortly after winning the Border Klash in South Carolina, Kenneth stepped on the stage at the 2016 NPC Junior USA, Physique Class B. There, he outshined everyone and took the 1st place trophy – and his Pro Card with it.

Kenneth was now qualified to compete in the grand IFBB league, against some of the world’s most formidable bodybuilders. It was a challenge he couldn’t wait to take on.

---

---

Kenneth’s Life as a Pro

Not long after becoming a professional bodybuilder, Kenneth made his Pro Debut at the 2017 Wings of Strength Chicago Pro. He took 10th place that day.

Disappointed with the result, Kenneth decided to take some time off to perfect his physique and posing – aiming to come back stronger.

He spent the next several months training rigorously and watching his diet carefully. He also practiced posing to perfection.

Kenneth’s efforts paid off, as he came back strong to take 3rd place at the 2017 New York Pro.

Continual Pursuit of Greatness

In 2018, Kenneth made appearances in two Pro bodybuilding shows. These were the Arnold Classic Ohio, and New York Pro, where he took 8th and 5th place respectively.

Kenneth continues to improve in his physique, as well as posing. It’s clear he has no plans to stop – aiming to make a name for himself at the biggest of bodybuilding stages in the world.

---

Training

Training For Competitions by Kenneth Owens

Kenneth says he likes training every day, it’s in his “blood.” However, his coach often advises him to slow down to avoid injuries and “overtraining.” 

During the early stages of competition prep, Kenneth typically does cardio 3 days per week. He’ll first do 20 minutes of fasted cardio in the morning, and then have second, 15-minute session after his workout.

The closer he gets to the show, Kenneth will increase the amount of cardio he does. He eventually reaches a point where he does cardio for 4-7 days per week for 80 minutes per day in total. His pace and length of cardio depends on his goals “and few other things,” Kenneth says.

However, Kenneth rarely does more than 40 minutes of cardio per session. He believes that too much cardio at once can put him into a catabolic state where he’ll waste muscle mass.

---

Nutrition

Kenneth usually plans his diet with his coach. This saves him time and helps him avoid making mistakes, since he always has another person overlooking his plan and making sure he meets his macro requirements every day.

When he wants to gain muscle, Kenneth eats 7 small-medium meals per day. This puts his metabolism into ‘high gear,’ allowing him to stay lean while building muscle.

Supplements on Kenneth’s Shelf

During the ‘off-season,’ Kenneth drinks post-workout protein shakes to help him meet his daily protein goal. However, 8 weeks out of the contest, he drops “all protein shakes.” 

The same goes for his pre-workouts; he’ll use them only in the ‘off-season,’ but not when he’s close to the show date.

Other supplements Kenneth takes;

• BCAAs
• Vitamins and Minerals (on occasion)
• Omega 3 fish oils
• Glucosamine
• CLA
• Glutamine

---

Idols and Influences

Kenneth Owens cites Cedric McMillan, Shawn Rohden, and Dexter Jackson as his major bodybuilding influences.

He initially found inspiration for bodybuilding after seeing Cedric’s swole and ripped physique. However, Kenneth says his all-time favorite physique is “Flex Wheeler’s from the English Grand Prix (1999).”

---

What we can learn from Kenneth Owens

Kenneth Owens’ story in bodybuilding is a successful one, and it continues to inspire others who follow his journey. With his amazing physique and growing recognition, who knows what the future holds in store for the American.

Year after year, Kenneth Owens continues to hone his craft in the gym – gaining lean muscle and perfecting his posing. With the same passion, you too can achieve success; whether that’s in bodybuilding, or anything else.