How much can you bench? [Forum Archive]

Pages: 1 2 3 4

How much can you bench?

(CLICK HERE here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: crazy_enough

Ure so politicaly correct Randy!!!

nice change from the "I disagree therefore I must blast you" attitude of a lot of people on here! Must be the steroids...(oops, did I start somehting here!!lol)

Posted by: Randy

Crazy,

Thanks, as I'm not here to place accusations. Why would I do that? I don't care personally who does steroids. Nor do I care if people are posting false number on the board. All my point was is that they are just hurting themselves by doing that, and don't see how people could get satisfaction from this. They know themselves whether it is true or not.

Man...I'm tired of this subject... I think it has been dragged into the ground

.
How's the weather over there in Quebec Crazy?

Posted by: crazy_enough

Nice change of subject there Randy!

the weather here is well..typical canadian weather, cold, icy, snowy...So much fun!!!! Not the great north, but cold enough to keep my "high beams" on throughout my run today!!lol

Posted by: Randy

Brrrrrrrrrrr you run in the ice? I admir you more all the time

.
If you click on my link it will play Rocky for you

I love that song. I recorded it so it can help me get through some of my sticking points

I am from California, the land of sunshine. Although have not had a great deal of it lately. It is starting to get cold over here too. My cold though must be much different than yours though

. I get cold at about 50 degrees. I can workout in the back at 60 and feel pretty good once I'm warmed up by working out. I have been going for walks at night at 40 degrees and is not to bad with eskimo jacket on

.
My relatives are all from West Virginia though. Last time I was there it was snowing, so I do know how that can be. We would always build a fire on the end of the road by the train tracks

Was pretty fun. Then I was in Iowa once where it was minus 40 degrees.....Talk about cold. I had to go to the store so I would walk 5 minutes, then have to go into whatever business I passed by on the way to warm up . Once warm I would continue to the store about 5 more minutes, then walk into another business or store

I did that all the way till I got to the destination. Felt like my ears were literally going to fall off. They hurt from the cold. That was the coldest weather I have experienced.

Posted by: crazy_enough

Right now its -15 celcius here...Im not sure what that is in farehnheit, but its way below freezing point...Sometimes gets to -40 C in january(with the windchill factor).

It should be illegal for people living in warm locations to tell freezing canadians about their nice weather!!lol

Posted by: Randy

What about people from Hawii?
This is one of their typical days...

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy_enough

Right now its -15 celcius here...Im not sure what that is in farehnheit, but its way below freezing point...Sometimes gets to -40 C in january(with the windchill factor).

It should be illegal for people living in warm locations to tell freezing canadians about their nice weather!!lol

Posted by: snoops

Ive been stuck at 295 for months....no matter what I do I cant get to 300.

Posted by: Warren[BigW]

AHAH.. I posted I can Bench in the 420-450 range,and you bet your ass I can. I dont see what anyone would gain from bsing about there 1rm, and why would you want to? I also dont know why anyone would care if someone was Bsing? Does it make you feel weak if you read someone is stronger than you? It shouldn't. I wouldn't call every guy on here that says he can press 400lbs or more a liar .I dont eat that great all the time and I sometimes smoke pot .I have never used roids or anything beside GNC brand whey protein and a multi vitamin. No gay shirts,No strings or rods or magic potions of any kind, and I can Bench well into the 400lb range so WOOPEE FREAKIN Do!

Posted by: BigDyl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warren[BigW]

AHAH.. I posted I can Bench in the 420-450 range,and you bet your ass I can. I dont see what anyone would gain from bsing about there 1rm, and why would you want to? I also dont know why anyone would care if someone was Bsing? Does it make you feel weak if you read someone is stronger than you? It shouldn't. I wouldn't call every guy on here that says he can press 400lbs or more a liar .I dont eat that great all the time and I sometimes smoke pot .I have never used roids or anything beside GNC brand whey protein and a multi vitamin. No gay shirts,No strings or rods or magic potions of any kind, and I can Bench well into the 400lb range so WOOPEE FREAKIN Do!

GOOD FOR YOU! HOW BOUT A MEDAL.. er METAL PLATE UPSIDE THE HEAD!

Posted by: Evil ANT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warren[BigW]

No gay shirts

Posted by: Warren[BigW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDyl

GOOD FOR YOU! HOW BOUT A MEDAL.. er METAL PLATE UPSIDE THE HEAD!

I was making a point. I dont feel as if my bench v.s. my body weight is all that Great, and def not bragging. It will be though.

Damn dude your hostile, you wanna hug or something?

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDyl

GOOD FOR YOU! HOW BOUT A MEDAL.. er METAL PLATE UPSIDE THE HEAD!

Posted by: Evil ANT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warren[BigW]

I was making a point. I dont feel as if my bench v.s. my body weight is all that Great, and def not bragging. It will be though.

Damn dude your hostile, you wanna hug or something?

Um, how much do you weigh? Anybody who can bench over 400 pounds is damn impressive. Shit, anyone who can bench 100 pounds over their own body weight is impressive to me.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by snoops

Ive been stuck at 295 for months....no matter what I do I cant get to 300.

Don't feel bad Snoops... I hit 300, but much more than that and I crash.
This has been my sticking point too for some time now. It seems once you reach that point it is hard to get past it... I am continuing to try though. I have confidence I will do it... just a matter of a bit more time. One thing I found for me is I started doing benching twice a week instead of once that I had done in the past. I feel like I am getting stronger. I will see though within the next 3-6 months how I progress.

Posted by: Evil ANT

Funny, I got stuck at 295, too. Maybe it's a mental thing. Almost every time I went for a 300 I'd start thinking, "good god this is a lot of weight." I'd freak myself out to the point where I'd fail before I even got the bar off the cradle.

Posted by: Warren[BigW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

Um, how much do you weigh? Anybody who can bench over 400 pounds is damn impressive. Shit, anyone who can bench 100 pounds over their own body weight is impressive to me.

251lbs Bro

Posted by: Evil ANT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warren[BigW]

251lbs Bro

Okay, you're 250 pounds (about) and benching roughly 450.

You're disappointed in this why? Dude, I'd give my left nut to be able to bench almost two hundred pounds more than my own body weight. I'm insanely jealous of you right now. I'm hoping that with a few more years of dedication and training I'll be able to bench 400, but, hell, I'd be gloating if I could put up 350.

Very good job, man.

Posted by: Mudge

Some people are going to be dishonest here and there, thats just how it is. So if you feel its dishonest and on a forum, big deal, just ignore it.

I question claims of a 515 press and such, but so what really. I'm in the gym and I know my numbers are true, seeing how I have it on video

For me to get to a 405 press was no walk in the park, I am still working on form after all this time but without a shirt I might see 20-25 pounds more tops with a good form coach.

Posted by: Warren[BigW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

I'm not necessarily disappointed, I just see all these guys on the juice and think what if? I never would though, and thanks for the compliment man.

I wish you the best of your hard work.

Posted by: LAM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

I'd freak myself out to the point where I'd fail before I even got the bar off the cradle.

if you are pysically prepared to go for a new 1RM performing the actual lift is about 90% mental...you should be physching yourself up, not out man !

Posted by: dhanks

I'm 5'5" 145lbs. I bench 315lbs reclined about 8 degrees and bench 280lbs flat.

No I am not ripped or very large. My waist is 29" and chest is 40" I have 14.5" arms.

Posted by: Evil ANT

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAM

if you are pysically prepared to go for a new 1RM performing the actual lift is about 90% mental...you should be physching yourself up, not out man !

Yeah, I know what you mean. I have a pretty good group of guys come over on Monday nights and we have "Monday night lift" where we all try for our one-rep max. Lately I've been lagging due to low energy and motivation, so I took the weekend off to rest some. On Monday I walked into the gym totally motivated and full of confidence and ended up getting a great lift in.

I tell ya' though, no matter how hard I try, I totally blow it when I have 300 in front of me. Or should I say, over me. On the way down I'm thinking, "Holy crap, this is a lot of weight, I hope I can do it. Can I do it? I better try hard. Good God this is heavy. I can't do this."

Yup, I'm thinking all that (and more) during the lift. Probably my problem, huh?

From now on I'm definitely going to be a bit less reserved and a lot more aggressive. Instead of saying, "I hope I can bench X weight today," I'm going to say, "Today I am going to bench X weight!"

I found out the problem with my bench anyway. My shoulders are too pussified to handle a heavy bench even though my chest can handle it fine. I'm going to work on my shoulders (and triceps) a lot more and that should be a big help. I'm going to train my ass off and with any luck someday I'll be up there with you greats who can bench over 400!

Posted by: Randy

I want to get all my top lifts on digital video too... Those are the kewl kinds of accomplishments to have preserved to look back on in future years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Some people are going to be dishonest here and there, thats just how it is. So if you feel its dishonest and on a forum, big deal, just ignore it.

I question claims of a 515 press and such, but so what really. I'm in the gym and I know my numbers are true, seeing how I have it on video

For me to get to a 405 press was no walk in the park, I am still working on form after all this time but without a shirt I might see 20-25 pounds more tops with a good form coach.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

"Monday night lift" where we all try for our one-rep max.

That is funny....

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhanks

I'm 5'5" 145lbs. I bench 315lbs reclined about 8 degrees and bench 280lbs flat.

No I am not ripped or very large. My waist is 29" and chest is 40" I have 14.5" arms.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

Funny, I got stuck at 295, too. Maybe it's a mental thing. Almost every time I went for a 300 I'd start thinking, "good god this is a lot of weight." I'd freak myself out to the point where I'd fail before I even got the bar off the cradle.

No shit Evil.... When I'm liftin that much I start thinking ...

hmmmmm if I blow this I could be wearing that bar on my neck and life as I know it would be a thing of the past

Can be scary. If your wrists buckle or something you are in deep Sheiiiiit .

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

I found out the problem with my bench anyway. My shoulders are too pussified to handle a heavy bench even though my chest can handle it fine. I'm going to work on my shoulders (and triceps) a lot more and that should be a big help. I'm going to train my ass off and with any luck someday I'll be up there with you greats who can bench over 400!

Stop benching with the shoulders, much safer.

Posted by: BigDyl

How does one chose which muscle to bench with?

Posted by: dhanks

LOL

No, I do not use any drugs at all. Matter of fact my diet has been horrible this month.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy

Posted by: LAM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDyl

How does one chose which muscle to bench with?

depends on what benching technique you use. the technique used mainly for power is not the same as that when focusing on hypertrophy...

Posted by: westb51

225lbs x 16

Posted by: Evil ANT

Yeah, I know it's not good practice to put the emphasis on your shoulders but it seems to be a bad habit of mine I have a hard time breaking. When I'm done doing heavy benching I can always feel it in my rotator cuffs. That can't be a good thing.

Posted by: Mudge

Its not easy and the shoulders are going to be used somewhat anyway, but you can try to reduce it with proper form (pulling the shoulder blades back and keeping the arms in). Without a tank top or open back shirt though, its hard to keep your back stuck to the bench like this.

I haven't found a way to bench high numbers while having the elbows really close in, that is my own personal sticking point. I am stronger when I bring them out a bit but honestly, I can't recall seeing a raw bencher bring the arms in that much ever.

Posted by: flavoredmonkey

i weigh 130 n i can do 135lb

i just started kinda so dont make fun

Posted by: LAM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flavoredmonkey

i weigh 130 n i can do 135lb

i just started kinda so dont make fun

that's not a bad place at all to start !

you would be surprised how many people out there can not bench their own bodyweight..

Posted by: Evil ANT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Its not easy and the shoulders are going to be used somewhat anyway, but you can try to reduce it with proper form (pulling the shoulder blades back and keeping the arms in). Without a tank top or open back shirt though, its hard to keep your back stuck to the bench like this.

I haven't found a way to bench high numbers while having the elbows really close in, that is my own personal sticking point. I am stronger when I bring them out a bit but honestly, I can't recall seeing a raw bencher bring the arms in that much ever.

Yeah, when I try pulling my elbows closer as to keep my arms in, I definitely can't lift as much. It throws me off a bit and almost feels like a close-grip bench press minus the close-grip, if that makes any sense to you.

When I lift, I prefer to lift however it feels natural. I let my body dictate what is right and what isn't. After all, every human body is different. What works fine for one person might not for another. The most comfortable I feel on a bench is with my arms out, not in.

Posted by: Mudge

Natural is a good generic rule, but benching dead fish style with big numbers the human body does not like.

Posted by: Evil ANT

Yup, I noticed that after attempting heavy benches. My shoulders were killing me. I'll have to work on my form a bit more so I don't seriously injur myself be unable to bench for a long, long, long time.

Benching safe is better than not benching at all.

Posted by: Randy

Mudge, why do you have a women in your clips displaying dead form?
You should lose the lady and put a man in there ....urrrrr urrrrr urrrrrr Or how does that guy say that on Tool Time?

Posted by: Mudge

You mean pictures right? Its just a page I ran into.

Posted by: Randy

Yeah..I was refering to your pictures.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

Yup, I noticed that after attempting heavy benches. My shoulders were killing me. I'll have to work on my form a bit more so I don't seriously injur myself be unable to bench for a long, long, long time.

Benching safe is better than not benching at all.

This is the correct way Evil >

Posted by: Randy

This is a pretty good article on form Mudge..

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/likness25.htm

Posted by: sgtneo

ive only started doing a proper split on 3 sets of 12 i do roughly 30kg which is about 66 pounds but i dont know whats the most i could lift atm as i would rather concentrate on my work out for while untill i get used to it then i will try and find out my bench max how do you do this just do 1 rep and keep adding weights untill u cant do full bench?

Neo

Posted by: Randy

You do this by first warming up with very light weight, and going through your normal sets progressively. Then as a last set you top off the bar with the amount you think you can lift for your 1RM. (Make Sure you have spotter standing by of course). If you underestimate, then you add weight and try again till you can lift 1RM. If you overestimate, then you remove weight till you can target your 1RM.

If you are new to bodybuilding, then don't worry about your 1RM, it will all come later. Since you're asking how, you must be new to this. I would focus on your normal sets for now..

What are your stats?

Posted by: sgtneo

ok thanks when i start my bench presses is it a good idea to move up a weight then on my last set or should i wait untill im more used to doing bench presses

i think i do about 30kg cant remeber on my first if it was 25 or 30kg think it was 30

Thanks

Chris

Posted by: sgtneo

lol what do you mean by my stats?

i am new

Posted by: Randy

When you are new to bodybuilding, the most important thing is to not think so much about weight, but to focus on proper form and technique. Once you feel comfortable with that then you focus on lifting a light weight so you can do say ... 3 sets of 10 reps.Do that for a while... Then when you feel you want to move forward than after each set add about 10-20 pounds on each side... This is call pyramid . Do first set of 10 reps, then add 10-20lbs, do 8 reps, then add 10-20 more and do 6 reps.. Before you know it you will keep climbing in weight. This is how I did it. There are several methods though. You can use this one, or find others that work well for you. But if you want to build strength, you have to continue to add weight.

Posted by: sgtneo

cheers i do need to learn form i know that much as it was back today and i found the good mornings uncomftable cause not sure where to place bar and just generally wernt sure if i was doing it right

Neo

Posted by: Randy

Try doing good mornings first without any bar or weight..
Get comfortable with the movement before you add the weight.

Posted by: BoneCrusher

Lifting techniques ...

This is good stuff from another IM thread here a few days ago.

Posted by: sgtneo

cheers also my traps were a bit sore from prevoius work out day and placing the bar where i first did made it uncomftable to say the least so i placed it a bit lower down back and that seemed ok but then didnt seem to do much even though i can feel my back has had proper work out (dead lifts were great fun i enjoyed that but i did under arm grip by mistake)

Neo

Posted by: Randy

sgtneo,

Here is a link that may help with your exercises.
I haven't seen BC's, but I know this one is a great one to have as a reference.

Ok, I just checked bc's link and I have always used that as well, it's from abcbodybuilding.com... Both are good references.

http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html

This is the correct link for ABC I believe...
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/animatedexecrcise.php

Posted by: sgtneo

Cheers i have the exrx link but still get advice from arnies left nu as to what excersises to do as some i pick are ok but others arnt great lol

Thanks for help

Neo

i guess there is truth behind calling you the link master then lol

Posted by: Randy

Glad to help sgt....

Yeah, I suppose the name "Link Master" does have some direct coorelation

Posted by: Michael D

I have already posted my bench. A friend of mine has done 505 or 515. Can't remember which one. He is pretty lean. Around 250-260 and 6'6" at the time. If I got it on my cam, could anyone host it?

Posted by: Evil ANT

Hey, thanks for that picture displaying bench form, Randy. That's about how I look doing a bench so maybe my form doesn't suck as bad as I thought it did.

Posted by: Randy

My pleasure Evil, I was hoping that illustration might help.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael D

I have already posted my bench. A friend of mine has done 505 or 515. Can't remember which one. He is pretty lean. Around 250-260 and 6'6" at the time. If I got it on my cam, could anyone host it?

I can host it, let me know if and when its available. Pretty crazy for such a tall guy to be doing double bodyweight.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy

This is the correct way Evil >

Thats the bodybuilder way, which I avoid. However there is only so low you can go without a shirt. I am still trying to find a way to bring my elbows in more.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

I can host it, let me know if and when its available. Pretty crazy for such a tall guy to be doing double bodyweight.

I was thinkin the same thing Mudge

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Thats the bodybuilder way, which I avoid. However there is only so low you can go without a shirt. I am still trying to find a way to bring my elbows in more.

I don't really think about it when I lift.. But I believe mine looks a lot like that photo. I just lift the way it feels comfortable to me. My grip stands is about like the picture though when I lift my 1RM. Although I do close grip for triceps from time to time or will also do incline bench as well to hit upper chest.

Posted by: BigDyl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

I can host it, let me know if and when its available. Pretty crazy for such a tall guy to be doing double bodyweight.

Yeah, really. I'm around the same height, and barely do over half of that. That is hard to believe, because I have a good size build, but my arm length is severly limiting. Just watching shorter armed guys, I can see why they are so much stronger, because they have less distance to travel.

Posted by: Michael D

Will do Mudge. He has a vhs of him at a competition putting up 495. No shirt, just elbow wraps. I talked to you about him before Mudge. He has helped me alot. I will get up with him so I can get a clip. I don't know anyone who could convert that to mpeg. I might have to film him myself.

Posted by: Mudge

Elbow wraps? Nothing is allowed on your elbows in a PL competition, only wrists, and ABOVE the elbow.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy

I did it that way for many years because I thought that was the right way, and just flapping your dead fish ass on the bench "felt right." Of course I kept hurting my shoulders but thats life right? I'm glad I know the OTHER way now.

Posted by: Randy

My form looks exactly like how you lifted in your video clip .

Posted by: Evil ANT

Happen to have a link to Mudge's lift, or is the clip no longer available? I've been wanting to see it.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy

My form looks exactly like how you lifted in your video clip .

Hard to really see since its not overhead, I bench pretty low, not high as in the pic.

The link is in my sig dude, it says Clips.

Posted by: Randy

Well today was my bench day so I tried to pay more attention to my form.
It seems that when I lift my elbows are in close to by sides when I lift. They definately are not pointing outward. So I must be doing them right. I took like 3-4 days off due to the weather though and I tell you I felt about 30lbs weaker. It could be the creatine as well since I've been running on my off week. I did 270 for 2 reps.

Posted by: Michael D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Elbow wraps? Nothing is allowed on your elbows in a PL competition, only wrists, and ABOVE the elbow.

What is a PL comp? This was just some local competition where people can win a few bucks. Obviously, not nationally recognized.

Posted by: Mudge

PL = Powerlifting, anything wrapped around the elbows would help extend the arm just like a knee wrap. Its not allowed in benching.

Posted by: Evil ANT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

The link is in my sig dude, it says Clips.

No idea how I missed those before.

Anyway, I downloaded them and watched them all. I have to admit, I was beyond impressed. I also found that your form is practically identical to mine. Only difference is I bend forward a bit more for my rows.

Awesome clips! Thanks a ton for sharing them. I felt bad downloading them and mooching your bandwidth, but, hey, that's what you put them online for, right?

Posted by: Randy

Evil,

Don't feel bad, if you downloaded the clips then you are not mooching Mudge's bandwidth, You are using your own. The only time you use his bandwidth is if you view them directly from his server.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

Awesome clips! Thanks a ton for sharing them. I felt bad downloading them and mooching your bandwidth, but, hey, that's what you put them online for, right?

Posted by: Mudge

Downloading is still bandwidth, but downloading it ONCE and watching it over and over is a single download - where streaming it every time, unless cached, is heavier use. I am not worried about my bandwidth at this time though. I have 15GB xfer per month.

Posted by: Randy

What I'm saying is once the file is downloaded, the file is then being viewed on the clients workstation and not drawing bandwidth from your server.. What really kills servers is when people copy and forward the links that point directly to your server and then several people playing the file ....

Posted by: lilros

never used any gear but am planning to. As of right now, I can put up 295 (weighing just under 160) without a shirt. Have not done that in competition so its not official, but pretty close to it. Damn Sat. Fever, those ur real #s. Pretty impressive!!

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy

What I'm saying is once the file is downloaded, the file is then being viewed on the clients workstation and not drawing bandwidth from your server.. What really kills servers is when people copy and forward the links that point directly to your server and then several people playing the file ....

Yep streaming it over and over versus a single download.

Posted by: tenxyearsxgone

that pic isn't 90% he has to come down another 10 to hit 90 degrees, and still he is about 4-6 " off his chest...I never bench that way and don't think anyone should...you should touch your chest and come up if your a BB , PL come down quick and up as quick as possible almost bouncing the weight...i preferr to do a combo, come down and hit the chest then back up with a supine ( flat ) back ont he bench

Posted by: tenxyearsxgone

mudge excellent clips by the way...whast ur stats and routine?

Posted by: Evil ANT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

I am not worried about my bandwidth at this time though. I have 15GB xfer per month.

Okay, that's all I needed to hear.

I know some server providers suck and charge through the roof if you go over on bandwidth. All of my servers are from ev1servers.net and they're pretty decent as far as providing bandwidth goes. Each server allows at least 800 GB's per month so I generally don't have to worry about exceeding my bandwidth limit.

Whoa! I just slipped into nerd talk there for a moment. Back to macho weightlifting talk, dammit!

Posted by: Rocco32

Correct me if I'm wrong, but PL's don't "bounce" the weight off their chest. You need to touch your chest, stop and then press.

Posted by: tenxyearsxgone

on DE days they hit their chest so fast it gives a bouncing impression

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by rock4832

Correct me if I'm wrong, but PL's don't "bounce" the weight off their chest. You need to touch your chest, stop and then press.

Only in competition with a shirt, shirtless lifters in competition dont have to pause.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenxyearsxgone

mudge excellent clips by the way...whast ur stats and routine?

Routine is in my training log, linked in my sig. 6'1.5" 242 pounds right now.

Posted by: Rocco32

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenxyearsxgone

on DE days they hit their chest so fast it gives a bouncing impression

I've never done that. I always pause before exploding.

Posted by: Rocco32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Only in competition with a shirt, shirtless lifters in competition dont have to pause.

Ok, thanks Mudge.

I find the wider my grip the harder it is to keep my elbows in. But then the narrower my grip the less weight I can handle, LOL.

Posted by: Rocco32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Thats the bodybuilder way, which I avoid. However there is only so low you can go without a shirt. I am still trying to find a way to bring my elbows in more.

I don't understand this statement.

Posted by: tenxyearsxgone

don't pause...why would you pause,,,your breaking your moment...not good physics buddy!

Posted by: Rocco32

You pause to develop explosive strength from the bottom of the movement. You don't use DE days to use momentum.

Posted by: Randy

I think Mudge might have some more to say about his bandwidth

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil ANT

Okay, that's all I needed to hear.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by rock4832

I don't understand this statement.

Much easier for me to keep my elbows in if I bench low on the chest, but there is only so low I can go before losing it. Depending on the shirt, the sweet spot is often very low on the chest making this very easy to do.

Since I bench shirtless for now, like you if I bring my grip in I can keep my arms in easier but it makes the movement too arm intensive. I am still chasing the elusive perfect form.

Posted by: Rocco32

I think I gotcha. So wearing the shirt helps allow to keep arms in and go lower on the chest. I need to get a shirt sometime soon.

Posted by: Randy

The term I'm referring to is hot linking...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Yep streaming it over and over versus a single download.

Posted by: Randy

I never seen a shirt that helped ones bench form

I myself just wear a tee shirt

Quote:

Originally Posted by rock4832

I think I gotcha. So wearing the shirt helps allow to keep arms in and go lower on the chest. I need to get a shirt sometime soon.

Posted by: tenxyearsxgone

you do not pause on DE days, read anything by louie simmons or dave tate

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by rock4832

I think I gotcha. So wearing the shirt helps allow to keep arms in and go lower on the chest. I need to get a shirt sometime soon.

Get 2-3 good spotters who know about them, get someone to teach you how to use one, then go for it.

Gene Rychlak almost lost some teeth during his attempts at hitting 1005, shirts are no joke, and Gene is notorious for getting more out of his gear than anyone else.

Posted by: Rocco32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Wow, now I'm scared LOL. Actually I've joined a powerlifting team here in VA so I'm sure they'd be very helpful helping me learn the shirt. Thanks Mudge!

Posted by: Rocco32

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenxyearsxgone

you do not pause on DE days, read anything by louie simmons or dave tate

I have.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by rock4832

Wow, now I'm scared LOL. Actually I've joined a powerlifting team here in VA so I'm sure they'd be very helpful helping me learn the shirt. Thanks Mudge!

Definitely, its just not something to use alone

Posted by: tenxyearsxgone

the point of DE days is for explosion fast bar speed eccentric and concentric

Posted by: Rocco32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Definitely, its just not something to use alone

Well I'm planning to compete soon and this is a whole new world. LOL.

Posted by: tenxyearsxgone

where do you compete, im in NY i'd like to do 181lb weight class deadlift, i'm currently at 445 but i feel i could go 450 and more with proper training...i know guys probably pull like 600 in my class... any idea?

Posted by: Rocco32

No idea buddy. Like I told Mudge I'm completely new to powerlifting. I'd be competing down in the VA/DC area. P-Funk might be a good guy to PM and ask, he's pretty knowledgable about the goings on in NY since he lives there too.

Posted by: Mudge

First find an organization that you like, THEN find out if they have meets in your area. If you are only doing a meet once a year you can travel a bit, but with the wide variety of rules out there, find an organization first IMO.

Posted by: shortystuf21

Hey, guys im new to this forum thingy iam 15 years old i bench 170 and squat 275 i play football and i play line backer, d-line,and o-line. so wuts ure max?

Posted by: shortystuf21

no offense mudge but y did u show a pic of ure legs lol i dont wanna see that

Posted by: Vince2005

I have a new max bench it's 150 pounds which I think is a pretty good gain from 115 to 150 in four months.I could have done 155 pounds but when I first started to maxout it didn't count.Next goal is 180 pounds in three months hope I can hit it.

Posted by: ph8bringer

I'm 15 yrs old, weigh 75 kilos (160 something pounds) and I can bench 90. (200 pounds.) However, I use a rack to bench 90 kilos, and on a normal bench I can do about 75.

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortystuf21

no offense mudge but y did u show a pic of ure legs lol i dont wanna see that

If you can't stand the sight of a human body dont look, I'm not naked and I show far less than a bodybuilder in competition.

Posted by: AZNracerx1989

i am 15 years old, weigh 124lbs, and bench 140lbs

Posted by: Machher

im 16, BBing for about 1 year of which 6 months i didnt know wth i was doing...

my 1RM is 225 not tooo shabby, i gained 100 lbs on my bench over the summer + 2 months or so. Believe it or not

Posted by: fireball

5'6" 150#
max is 265 and stuck there.

Posted by: BoneCrusher

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

If you can't stand the sight of a human body dont look, I'm not naked and I show far less than a bodybuilder in competition.

Hahahaha ... Mudge did you look at the kid's age?

Hey Shorty welcome to IM. If you want to lose those "get-away-sticks" you're walking around on ask Mudge for some tips instead of telling him to change what he does. He's a good guy and will be one of the most helpful people you will meet here at IM. Good to see you lifting at such a young age. Keep it up!!

Posted by: BigDyl

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneCrusher

"get-away-sticks"

AHAHAHHAHAHAA

Posted by: Hutz

hey man i was skinny back in the day of course u can get up to 150 lbs
justr keep at it work everything to help ur overall look... haha
sound pretty skinny
yeah just work hard n u can do it man
good luck

Posted by: Hutz

ignore tht haha

Posted by: GIZmo_Timme

ahh i love this thread

Posted by: Twin Peak

I won't max anymore, but a week or two ago, I hit 225 for 25 reps on the incline. That was a personal best (never, ever trained in such high rep ranges before).

Posted by: www.rbray.co.uk

I can bench at the moment for 1 rep max 286 lbs but a month or two ago i could only do 220 lbs its probably due to the creatine and testex i have started taking from sportlab

Posted by: Wallsy72

I can bench 275ilbs for 4-6 reps, I weight approx 190ilbs, unsure as to what I could manage for 1 rep, poss 300ilbs+ if I were fresh and by the way thats whilst I'm off the gear

Posted by: Iceman

iI'm 22, 195 LBS.....bench 275 2-3 times

Posted by: rhouzer

Don't know how good my bench is. I'm 18 5'8'' and only 135lb. I can bench a max of 170lb (3 sets of 5 reps) but i rarly use a bench press. I tend to do a lot of push ups. Not a whole lot any more but i tend to now to do sets of 40 (i do a warm up of about 60 push ups) and do about 300 push ups (that is with good form and without rest during sets)

Posted by: titans1854

17, 5'9, 170 lbs and my bench is 235

Posted by: bushroot

26, 5' 10", 225lbs. 295 off the gear, into my 6th week and adding 10lbs. to my max each week.

Posted by: bracewater

24 years old weigh 195lbs, 5' 11" Press 310lbs

Posted by: AnabolicFreak04

I never max but I hit 225 for 31 reps @ a football combine.

Posted by: ATFCanine

20 yrs old, only 175lbs weight, 275 lbs bench. Maybe a lil more. Started my M1T hopefully it'll be around 290-300 after the bottle is gone and weight at 185-190.

Posted by: Animal 05

Im 5'9 and weigh 163, give or take 2 pounds on different days. I can bench 290, but I'm turning some corners and closing in on 3 real quickly. I hit a wall for awhile but I switched up my routine a little bit and I'm rolling again.

Posted by: crazy_enough

Up to 235....Thought I wouldnt hit my goal of 250 for late feb but I just might...arrrr

Posted by: BIGDAVE

I'm 28,252Lbs and my best bench is 415lbs.I hope to do a bit more this year,i'm currently training for a little powerlifting comp in my local gym in a couple of months.

Posted by: Toughman

hi

ive just joined and want to get into shape. im 23 and have never lifted a weight in my life (lol). i just had my first go doing a bench press and only managed to lift 40kg / 88lbs and i think this is poor as i weigh about 180 pounds which is proberly all fat

. i also had ago at upright rows and i managed to lift 56kg / 123lbs

can anyone give me some sort of workout guide for the complete beginer

thanks

Posted by: soxmuscle

Read the stickies. I can't express that enough. Alot of the information your looking for is in those articles. Go for it, man.

Posted by: Mudge

Very very strange to upright row more than you bench, start with working on form.

Posted by: Seanp156

I haven't done a barbell bench for as long as I can remember, but based off of my dumbbell bench presses I would estimate, after my body's used to holding a barbell I could do 160 lbs if I really pushed myself (with a spotter for safety of course).

Posted by: Toughman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

Very very strange to upright row more than you bench, start with working on form.

it might be because im a delivery driver and have to pick up heavy boxes so maybe that muscle gets used more

i thought it was strange myself as i was tryin in out with my mate who has been lifting weights for over 6 months now he could only manage 51kg on the upright rows but lifts almost 75kg on the bench press

Posted by: Tha Don

i'm 20 years old, weigh 90lbs and i can bench 560lbs! (4-5 clean reps)

Posted by: spartan

I'm 29 5'10 and my best lift was 455 on gear when I was peacekeeping in Bosnia 2000

Posted by: BigDyl

Back when i was in Iraq for peacekeeping, i benched 721 LB's for 3 reps @ 0% bodyfat.

Posted by: westb51

One time i was peacekeeping on the moon, and in first gear i did 454lbs, then i hit second and did 540, my rpm's were out of control @ third and i could only lift neil armstrong.

Posted by: simbh

Well , I do my 8 reps with 175lbs ... So my max bench , with mudge's calc link is 217lbs.

Posted by: Tha Don

I was peacekeeping back in the school playground when i was younger, i benched 510lbs!! not bad considering i was only 13 at the time!

Posted by: Mags

I bench 600 kilos, with as many children hanging from the back and sitting on the plates as possible. If i don't bench, i'll do heavy dumbells, but instead of dumbells, i travel to the artic circle (cardio) carve out a huge chunk of ice, bring it back, melt it, get out the two giant wooly mammoths who were fighting each other, and bench them using their tusks as handles.

Posted by: Mags

Sorry, best bench so far is 312lbs for 6reps.Tend to work dumbells though as chest seems to respond better to that.

Posted by: GoPower

Currently at 225#, 395x5 flat bench max set.

Posted by: DbLPLatinum89

19 yrs. old, 6'2'' 195 last benched 335 on the 25th of January.

Posted by: FishOrCutBait

Well... I bench *cough*200*cough*... yeah

Posted by: Calhoun295

I'm 17 and my current weight is 175lbs. I started lifting in October of '04, and I currently bench around 160 to start off, doing 10 reps.

Is this good progress? Should I be doing more?

Posted by: Tha Don

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartan

I'm 29 5'10 and my best lift was 455 on gear when I was peacekeeping in Bosnia 2000

455 on gear?

u fuckin pussy!

Posted by: DbLPLatinum89

Currently weigh 195 at 6'2'' and 6%bodyfat, bench press is at 325.

Posted by: PakNSave_Boy

I weight 179 18yo and i bench 110 KG miximum

Posted by: EvilEvo

20yo
5'8"
155lbs
1RM 215

Posted by: Trusted Employe

i weight 147, 15 and can bench 200

Posted by: Maynard Keenan

455

Posted by: Mudge

I can bench the bar. Of this I am certain.

Posted by: IamIkari

I'm 24, 6'1", 205lbs. Max 1 Rep is 200lbs. Getting close to my own body weight

Posted by: Naruto81

5' 10" age 23 at 152 lbs. can bench 225 lbs max. do you guys think the only way for me to increase the bench is by gaining weight? i'm stuck!!

Posted by: ihateschoolmt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naruto81

5' 10" age 23 at 152 lbs. can bench 225 lbs max. do you guys think the only way for me to increase the bench is by gaining weight? i'm stuck!!

Size is not a direct corralation of strength.

Posted by: Sapphire

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihateschoolmt

Size is not a direct corralation of strength.

Holy crow! You are 15!! That's awesome! Is that you in your avi? If so, WOW!! Great job!

Posted by: Maynard Keenan

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihateschoolmt

Size is not a direct corralation of strength.

If you want to make bigger gains I would put on some weight.

Posted by: Seanp156

Did 135x6 today...... Sucks compared to other people, but I'm happy with my progress. Never maxed out, but I'm guessing around 160 if I did.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

I can bench the bar. Of this I am certain.

Heh, I'm with ya there

Posted by: ihateschoolmt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapphire

Holy crow! You are 15!! That's awesome! Is that you in your avi? If so, WOW!! Great job!

Thank you, it is me in my avi.

Posted by: ihateschoolmt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynard Keenan

If you want to make bigger gains I would put on some weight.

That is a good idea, but you can get stronger and stay the same weight. Just not at the same rate.

Posted by: Sapphire

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihateschoolmt

Thank you, it is me in my avi.

Awesome! Those 15 year old chickies are lucky!!

Posted by: Sapphire

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihateschoolmt

That is a good idea, but you can get stronger and stay the same weight. Just not at the same rate.

If you want more muscle you need to gain weight...

Me too, I am trying...

Posted by: bio-chem

24 y.o.
170 lbs
6'0"
265 lb max

Posted by: Vince2005

I maxedout today at 180 pounds I reached the goal I set

Posted by: njc

50 pounds.

Posted by: myCATpowerlifts

i can do 210 now! yay for me, and i weigh only 186 now!

Posted by: Mudge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naruto81

5' 10" age 23 at 152 lbs. can bench 225 lbs max. do you guys think the only way for me to increase the bench is by gaining weight? i'm stuck!!

Size helps for a few reasons, but its not a requirement. The world record holder for bench (Gene Rychlak Jr) set his 1005 press at around 370 pounds, but there are guys far lighter in the 242s well into the 700s.

If you want to increase strength, train for strength.

I dont make use of any fancy techniques but progress for me has slowed to the point where I need to make use of them to make jumps in weight similar to what I used to when I was "newer."

Posted by: rangers97

damn! everyone in here for the most part is so young! What I wouldn't give to be 16 again and get into lifting back then...

I am 30 now, going on 31 and only started lifting seriously since I was about 25. I imagine what I could lift if I did start that young, but anyway, yesterday I actually did a personal best of 250x9 and that was after 2 very taxing sets of squats. My goal is to get up to 300 for reps...very possibly I can do 300 for a single now, but I am scared to try

Posted by: ihateschoolmt

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangers97

damn! everyone in here for the most part is so young! What I wouldn't give to be 16 again and get into lifting back then...

Why would you be worried if you had a spot?

Posted by: myCATpowerlifts

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihateschoolmt

Why would you be worried if you had a spot?

He's probably worried because he has a mental block
and if he doesnt get 300 now, it may take him months to do it

Posted by: rangers97

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihateschoolmt

Why would you be worried if you had a spot?

ok maybe if I had a "good" spotter, one who I know could take the weight up in case I couldn't do it at all, ok then I wouldn't be scared

Posted by: rangers97

Quote:

Originally Posted by myCATpowerlifts

He's probably worried because he has a mental block
and if he doesnt get 300 now, it may take him months to do it

very possible, just laying under that much weight when you never did anything close to it before is a little unnerving....

Posted by: smallfry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

1kg = 2.2 pounds, 20kg = 44 pounds

hey man what you quoted on the bottom of the page is true ...

alright i'm a new guy to this program so allow me to introduce myself
you know my username so that is outof the way
the user name is true about my size but is missleading about my strength i am not a cocky bastard like some on here not meaning just anyone who reads this . But anyway
I weight 150
i bench 260
i squatted last year 405 chances are i can't do it now
curl is 125 to 130
sure it sounds crazy but keep in mind that i've been workin out 4 to 5 years

i've train a friend for 4 months he came in there benching 95 pounds and came out benching 200 i wish i could make that kind of jump in bench i don't use any stimulants i don't believe in buyin supplements .... it will mess you up one way or another .
so i've introduce myself i believe that i'll learn something by being in this program and i believe that you can learn something from me .

Posted by: HalfManHalfAmaz

I'm 6'4", 285lbs at 12% BF and bench 515(10 plates and 2 dimes) RAW; no shirt, no spotter, no lift off, no arch for 3 reps. Haven't used gear since college, 9+ years ago.

Posted by: devildog88

Wow! I am 185b lbs and can only bench 290! Been a struggle every since I started lifting 10 years ago. I am completely gear free, never used it! (as is apperant with my bench!)

Posted by: doeslayer

I'm 23, 5"10", 186lbs, can put up 295.

Posted by: Uzi9

Just racked 310lbs for a rep

Posted by: myCATpowerlifts

Quote:

Originally Posted by doeslayer

I'm 23, 5"10", 186lbs, can put up 295.

lol we weight the same, but your bench is 85 lbs more than me

But im only 17

Posted by: MawkieMawk

Just started lifting at the end of September... used to be a long-distance runner....
I am 19, weigh 165-170 lbs. depending.... and maxed out 225 the other day.... yeah boy!

Posted by: goal_500_bench

Quote:

Originally Posted by HalfManHalfAmaz

I'm 6'4", 285lbs at 12% BF and bench 515(10 plates and 2 dimes) RAW; no shirt, no spotter, no lift off, no arch for 3 reps. Haven't used gear since college, 9+ years ago.

I believe you.......

Posted by: HalfManHalfAmaz

Quote:

Originally Posted by goal_500_bench

I believe you.......

Lifting at 4 in the morning, I have no choice. How do you think I got it up in the first place? If I hadn't, I probably would've been pinned for 20-30 minutes, easy. I'm usually the only one there, aside from the guy at the front desk, until around 5. Ask anyone at X-Sport Fitness

(formerly Powerhouse Gym) on Elston about the BIG, Black guy with the pierced nipples and the Atlas tattoo on his back.

Posted by: BiggerNstronger

I found this thread and the RESPONSE to this thread pretty funny when on another thread it seems like the bench press is the "most over-rated" excercise that we all do. Anyone who lifts for a while or knows someone who lifts asks or gets asked the same question: "how much ya' bench?". ANyways, I have recently put up personal bests in the bench after not doing ANY actual barbell benchpressing for at least a year if not longer because of shoulder problems. I was fairly unfamiliar with the "feel" of the barbell so I took it easy....135 to warm up (too light), I then went to 225 and did it 15 times, I then jumped to 285 and did it 10 times and then jumped to 315 and did it 3 times. I was PUMPED! Ive never been big into supplements and alot of the other stuff guys preached about in the gym either but I just barely started using creatine 2 weeks ago and Im hoping for some big gains in ALL areas of my lifting, not just bench. My goal is to bench 375 for at least one rep by June 1st.

Posted by: HalfManHalfAmaz

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiggerNstronger

ANyways, I have recently put up personal bests in the bench after not doing ANY actual barbell benchpressing for at least a year if not longer because of shoulder problems. I was fairly unfamiliar with the "feel" of the barbell so I took it easy....135 to warm up (too light), I then went to 225 and did it 15 times, I then jumped to 285 and did it 10 times and then jumped to 315 and did it 3 times.

BiggerNstronger

I was exactly the same way. I was never a big bencher(I have loooong arms). I tore up my shoulder in a motorcycle accident and hadn't benched in 2+ years. Id been doing, flys, pushups and some rotator work in rehab. I put 225 on the bar and threw it so fast and easy it scared me, the bar almost flew out of my hands. When all was said and done that day, I got 365 up for 2 reps. It took a while to get used to the feel of HEAVY weight on the bar, but once that happened, I never looked back. It actually makes me wonder if the strength was always there and I could have done it years ago, or if it was the rehab that did it.

Posted by: BiggerNstronger

HalfmanHalfAmaz.....Interesting. I had some shoulder problems that I felt were FROM flat bench and military press so I quit both of those completely. I have "excercise" that I do that are basically the same as the ones they give for people who are recovering from rotator cuff probs. I have been feeling good so I figured I would give it a try. Its ON now...I may have to set a higher goal sooner...400 by July 15th? Im going for it.

Posted by: tommyboy11

24 years old, 6 ft tall, 205 pounds, did 315 3 times the other night man that made me happy, i hope to 1rm 345 by the end of may

Posted by: Uzi9

Dont wanna keep posting my Increases but just lifted 315lbs for 5 reps

since I have come back from a 2 month lay off I just dont stop growing.

Gonna bench 405 by summer...... NO PROBLEMO! LIGHT WEIGHT!

Posted by: Maynard Keenan

I want 500 real bad....im at 455 now and have been for a while. I constantly go up on dumbbells but for some reason not on barbell. I like incline better.

Posted by: Uzi9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynard Keenan

I want 500 real bad....im at 455 now and have been for a while. I constantly go up on dumbbells but for some reason not on barbell. I like incline better.

whats your stats

Posted by: Maynard Keenan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uzi9

whats your stats

Im 6'1" 265.....been lifting 12 years. Learned everything by trial and error.
at about 12-13% bodyfat.

Posted by: Uzi9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynard Keenan

Im 6'1" 265.....been lifting 12 years. Learned everything by trial and error.
at about 12-13% bodyfat.

Do you post in the anabolic section??

Posted by: Maynard Keenan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uzi9

Do you post in the anabolic section??

no not yet. do you?

Posted by: njc

I just put up 55 lbs. I think ill add some 2 and a halfs and go for 60 in a couple of months.

Posted by: westb51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynard Keenan

I want 500 real bad....im at 455 now and have been for a while. I constantly go up on dumbbells but for some reason not on barbell. I like incline better.

what size dumbbells are you pushing?

Posted by: njc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudge

I dont make use of any fancy techniques but progress for me has slowed to the point where I need to make use of them to make jumps in weight similar to what I used to when I was "newer."

Man what is that qoute in your sig. all about

Posted by: Tha Don

Quote:

Originally Posted by njc

Man what is that qoute in your sig. all about

lol, you talking about Leon? don't ask, we don't want him getting news of this and ruining this thread too! however it would be funny to know what he benches, considering he is the strongest on these forums

Posted by: fletcher6490

I've been lifting for 2 months now
I'm 22 weight 144 lbs and height 5'7"

I don't ever max out because I don't have a spotter but I put up 195 for 8 the other day.

So maybe 235 - 255

I will have to try maxing out next week

Posted by: donmega

Hey just replying to the threat on how much you can bench and at present i,m 25 years old i weight in at 189 pounds and i can bench 275 lbs at 4reps and my working weight at present is 235 lbs at 8 reps i,m not on any supplements as the present time but am taking iso pro protine witch i credit to my results but if any one can tell me if there are any REALLY good supplements to take just to give me a added boost so i can maybe claim my goal of 300 lbs before next Christmas much appreciated and look really good this summer thank everyone and keep up the good work

(CLICK HERE here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

How much can you bench?

Article Archives

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60