What are you benching?

[XXLTank]

Currently I'm bencing 70kgs (154lbs) for 2 sets of 6 reps.

What about the rest of you?

[grywlf]

last workout i did 6 or 7 at 185 i think

[Minotaur]

My best bench has been 215 for 2 or 3 sets of 4. My recent working sets dropped to 185 for 3 sets of 6. I've been doing a pre-exhaust for chest, and my bench has dropped, as the gym owner predicted. I want to get up to 225.

For my size and length of time working out, my bench should be better. But I guess I'm one of those people who are not good benchers. It's not for everyone.

[glammaman2000]

...I got to the point where I could do a couple of reps with 315.It was a personal goal.Haven't done it since.

[brent]

I can do about 4-6 reps at 315 lbs. (143 kg.), but I only go 3/4 of the way down. Lately I've done that heavy set at 295 (134) for about 8 reps with perfect form, as Glamma pointed out that it's all about range on the bench. My chest feels like it's loving the change, although the weight isn't as impressive...

[XXLTank]

Ok I feel like a total dweeb now...

XT

[CelticMuscle]

but I know two people (both in their early twenties) who are a bit stronger than that.

Texas (as we'll call him) comes from Waco and can bench 1RM (and I am not kidding about this figure at all) 500lbs

and Getty (as we'll call the other one) from Gettysburg in PA can bench 550lbs for reps.

[xythan_shadow]

<-- does only 135 for 10 reps.

Wish I could get up to 550 for reps. <insert shocked expression>

[Notbigenuff]

Personal best was 1x at 335 - but that was a few years ago and I've dropped down to using 205 now. Thinking of seeing if I can work my way back up to the 300+ range again...

[built4superspd]

just gettin gback to the gym after a few months off. like you, not up to what i once could do. but it'll come back with some work.

135 x 8
225 x 8
245 x8
225 x 6

also did dips three days later.
sets of 15, 12, 14, 10.
want to get up to over 100 in aggregate.

[bignbuiltyalie]

1 X 8 @ 135
1 X 8 @ 185
1 X 6 @ 205
3 X 6 @ 225
2 X 4 @ 245

My goal was to be able to bench 225 for reps; Im psyched now that I can, especially since the last time I was in the weightroom with some buddies they called me a beast when they saw me throwing around that much iron. My new goal is to be able to bench 275 by the end of the school year.

[UKBeefy]

I presume when everyone is quoting figures here people are adding the weights on either side plus the bar?

If so my max bench is 140kg (60kg each side plus 20kg bar) for 3-4 reps.

[hoosierlifter]

I had never worked out before 1999, and at that time I was 36 and weighed 240#, my best bench then was around 125# (yeah, I looked a big fat wuss). I had set a goal of hitting 300#, even if it was just a 1RM. I've had a lot of down time due to injuries and such, but I did get 280# recently and 275# for 2 reps. One of the trainers at my gym said that going all the way down to your chest increases the risk of shoulder damage, so I do 1/2 to 3/4 reps. Has anyone else heard this?

[glammaman2000]

....definitely increases the risk of shoulder damage.It also increases the risk of getting a big chest.SO;if you want to push a lot of weight,go half-way down.If you want a big chest;drop the weight&go all the way down.Making sure your grip is not too narrow will help protect your shoulders.(There are pressures on personal trainers....how can I avoid a lawsuit?...how can I keep a client dependent on me?...that have nothing to do with getting you BIG!It affects their training&the advice they dispense.We should maybe do a thread on that)

[hulkmuscle]

I've done both, all the day down and to the point where my upper arms just break parallel to the ground, and I have to say that the latter has worked best for me (I also have long arms, so I don't know if that figures into it).

When I did go all the way down, I'd get some strain in my left shoulder; when I started going to parallel (the bar remains maybe 3-4 inches above my ribcage at the bottom), not only did my shoulder stop hurting but thats when my pecs started taking off.

One of my friends is a coach and he also recommends lowering to parallel not only for benches but also for overhead presses in order to protect the rotator structure. On the rare occasion when you might lower all the way (just for variety's sake), be sure to lower the amount of weight used and warm up accordingly.

[hoosierlifter]

While we are on the topic of benchpressing. I always bench with a closed grip, but I see alot of guys benching with an open grip. Anyone know the advantages or disadvantages of either grip? One article I read on benching said to grip the bar and hold it like your life depends on it, actually trying to squeeze the bar. Just wondering if any of you guys have opinions (I know you do) on this subject.

[glammaman2000]

...(i.e.,thumbs under).Eventually,you'll get to the point where your chest can take more weight than your wrists.A thumbs-under grip gives you an extra joint for support.It also lines up both bones of your forearm more directly under the bar;so more force goes UP as opposed to out towards your pinkies.I've also seen guys who put more effort into squeezing the bar than pushing it.If the grip is new to you;try it on your warm-up sets&go back to your regular grip with weights where you feel less secure.Eventually;it will feel more natural.(The bar almost never rolls off the heel of your palm&kills you.)

[glammaman2000]

I use a thumbs-under grip for almost all PUSHING movements(chest&shoulder presses,most tricep work)&a closed-grip for all PULLING work(back,biceps,traps).

[BigLittleTim]

Can bench 315lbs. for eight controlled, slow reps.

Of course, I warm up a bit before that.

-BigLittleTim

[muscle_mastah]

It's interesting how we gravitate to bench as a measure of strength. Sadly my bench and equally my chest is still pretty week. I finally reached my goal of 225 this year and can do about 3-4 reps. It's taken a long time to get even there.

I had been progressing much better on deadlifts and reached 415 earlier this year. Just waiting for the injuries to heal so I can get back into them again.

[yobdior]

I think the most impressive lift is the Squat, followed by deadlift, though a huge bench is always inspiring to see.

[seahawk]

Originally Posted by muscle_mastah

It's interesting how we gravitate to bench as a measure of strength. Sadly my bench and equally my chest is still pretty week. I finally reached my goal of 225 this year and can do about 3-4 reps. It's taken a long time to get even there.

I had been progressing much better on deadlifts and reached 415 earlier this year. Just waiting for the injuries to heal so I can get back into them again.

muscle_mastah, congrats on reaching your goal! 225 is one of my goals. There's something nice and even about two 45-lb plates on each side. Of course three on each side works just as well, but baby steps.

[jdhdawg]

I got on a roll this fall and finally got three plates (315lbs). I did it for a single rep in Sep and then two reps in Oct. I haven't tried maxing again since then. Hopefully, I'll catch up with BigLittleTim one day with eight controlled, slow reps!

Muscle Mastah, I'm glad this thread is about benching instead of deadlifts. I'd be too embarrassed to post on that thread!

[hulkmuscle]

Deadlifts rock!

I keep meeting all these competitive bb's who don't barbell bench anymore and they have great chests still. So many of them have fucked up their shoulders. They either use db's or dip. What's up with that?

[wildblue]

I did 315 for 2 (maxing out) and I do 295 for 5 on a regular basis. Not bad concidering I'm only 175 lbs.

[hulkmuscle]

I did 235 for 6 yesterday (plus 4 partials at the end of the set). My max ever was 275 for a single, but that was a couple years ago.

I like ending sets with partials because it engorges the muscle belly with blood and gives you a wicked pump. Used sparingly, they're a great intensity technique that can help you break through plateaus. On legs especially, they've helped me max out a bunch of the leg machines. Try to do them at the point of pre-stretch. It's best if you have a spot to help you rack the weight afterward. I can write more about using these if anyone wants.

[xythan_shadow]

I don't even see why I read this thread.

Now I feel all kinds of weak.

[brent]

Originally Posted by xythan_shadow

I don't even see why I read this thread.

Now I feel all kinds of weak.

Dude, many of us have been lifting hevy for years. You've been at it for months. I'm sure you'll be benching over 300 in a year or so, if you stick with it. it's a LOT of work, but it is worth it in the long run.

[xythan_shadow]

Yeah, I know I have to be patient with it all, but you just can't help but want more and more especially when you're just starting out.

But, you guys do give me something to strive for.

[Minotaur]

Originally Posted by xythan_shadow

Yeah, I know I have to be patient with it all, but you just can't help but want more and more especially when you're just starting out.

But, you guys do give me something to strive for.

I feel ya. But lift heavy for YOU to get results for YOU. I fall into the same line of thinking, that I'm not lifting anywhere near some other guys... even guys smaller than me. But I do the best I can for me.

[seahawk]

Originally Posted by Minotaur

But lift heavy for YOU to get results for YOU.

Well said Minotaur, that's the only way!

[brent]

I have to agree with Minotaur as well. You aren't in the same situation as the other guys in the gym, so don't compare your weights with theirs. Cmpare them with what yu've lifted in the past. I'm sure you'll find it more rewarding, and more encouraging to improve (less intimidating.)

[hoosierlifter]

When I started working out in 1999, one of my goals was to bench 300#. I've had shoulder problems, elbow problems, trouble with my wrists, many things hampering my progress. BUT! I was pretty stoked 2 weeks ago when I got 285# for one good rep and almost 2.