I know for a lot of you veterans 225 is not a lot but its a weight i would like to hit.
its not gonna be my primary focus this year as i am aiming for the deadlift and squat challenges ..But it would be the cherry on the cake if i can achieve it!

Ok anyone feel free to join in ..jot down your current best


im at 77.5kg(170) x 1 at moment

ill update as i get better

This sounds interesting. It's not a focus for me right now. But I'm pretty sure I'll still see gains while I'm working out. I'm in.

Not sure what my max is but this was my last workout"

Wide Grip Bench: 10x3 145lbs

I'll probably be checking it in two weeks though.

This is much nearer my level than the 350lb challenge. However, it's still way over what I can actually lift. I just worked out my new plan that I intend to follow after I finish this cut which only goes up to 71.5kg x 5. I might get to 100kg late next year. :eek:

Welcome aboard Nowhereman.
Woodan me and u were quite close when bulking if i remember correctly:)
since i am cutting also now and so are you ..nothing like a bit of healthy competition:lol:..but as i said this wont be the focus of my training deads and squats barbell rows...but hopefully increasing in them will help.

out of interest what program u going onto next?

Welcome aboard Nowhereman.
Woodan me and u were quite close when bulking if i remember correctly:)
since i am cutting also now and so are you ..nothing like a bit of healthy competition:lol:..but as i said this wont be the focus of my training deads and squats barbell rows...but hopefully increasing in them will help.

out of interest what program u going onto next?

I'm going to do the 5x5 I started. I only did less than 4 weeks on it before swapping to the breathing squat program last time. I was a bit all over the place around that time. I think I did starting strength for about 4 weeks, then ABBH for a few weeks until I stuck with the breathing squat program for the remainder of the bulk. This time I'm going to see it out for 12 weeks at least. I programmed by spreadsheet up 16 weeks just incase I'm still making gains. If that is the case based on some very rough numbers I've put in for now I'd be DLing almost 5x150, squatting 5x115 and benching 5x77. In a perfect world of course...

I just tested my theoretical bench max as I seemed to have bags of energy after my workout today. I managed 10x50 which gives me a 1rm of 67 which isn't that far off my old actual 1rm. So not bad after 2 months of calorie deficit and no creatine. I plan to start the strength training at the begining of march. I can't wait. I want to start now but I'm determined to finish of this cut first and get my BF% where I want it before I do anything else.

Have you started your cut already? How's it going so far?

I hit 215 a month or so ago, I don't think I can quite get 225 yet. So, ten pounds to go.

I hit 215 a month or so ago, I don't think I can quite get 225 yet. So, ten pounds to go.

And only 16... I'm such a weed.:doh:

I'm going to do the 5x5 I started. I only did less than 4 weeks on it before swapping to the breathing squat program last time. I was a bit all over the place around that time. I think I did starting strength for about 4 weeks, then ABBH for a few weeks until I stuck with the breathing squat program for the remainder of the bulk. This time I'm going to see it out for 12 weeks at least. I programmed by spreadsheet up 16 weeks just incase I'm still making gains. If that is the case based on some very rough numbers I've put in for now I'd be DLing almost 5x150, squatting 5x115 and benching 5x77. In a perfect world of course...

I just tested my theoretical bench max as I seemed to have bags of energy after my workout today. I managed 10x50 which gives me a 1rm of 67 which isn't that far off my old actual 1rm. So not bad after 2 months of calorie deficit and no creatine. I plan to start the strength training at the begining of march. I can't wait. I want to start now but I'm determined to finish of this cut first and get my BF% where I want it before I do anything else.

Have you started your cut already? How's it going so far?

hi
yes. so far day 14 ..ive been strict 4 days a week (2200cals) and then cheating (upto 4000 kcals)3 days a aweek..ive down 5lbs ...which im happy with ...another 13 to go...im gonna slowly start eliminating these cheat days as i progress.(as the weight loss stalls)
heres the link if u get a chance

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=41038

if i am done by march i might be able to join you on that rippletoe program..as iv never really followed a program..its been like 5 months now of various systems..i just make sure i get in my leg and back days (especially deads /rows and squats) everything else has been secondary.

I'm in!

Right now I'm at 165lbsx8 is as much as I've lifted, so 225 is a pretty considerable gain. But there is nothing gonna stop me from trying.

And only 16... I'm such a weed.:doh:
I have a pretty ectomorphic physique and genes and I started at a 120 max when I was fourteen, so it can be done. Then again, I also have teenage hormones to my benefit.

I have a pretty ectomorphic physique and genes and I started at a 120 max when I was fourteen, so it can be done. Then again, I also have teenage hormones to my benefit.
120 at 14 is more meso. I started at 135 at 14, so I'd say you're a meso. Ecto would be 95ish, that's where a lot of my friends started.

120 at 14 is more meso. I started at 135 at 14, so I'd say you're a meso. Ecto would be 95ish, that's where a lot of my friends started.
I don't know man. I should add that I did some P90X stuff (age 13-14) before I was doing any serious weight training. I'm definitely not a true mesomorph. My friend is the definition of a true meso. After squatting for not real long he was already squatting in the 300s at a bodyweight of 160. He plays basketball, football, and runs the 400 meter. He can pretty much try any sport and within a year or two he's one of the best. He dunked at 5'8" and he doesn't eat very strict. He's a one in a thousand athlete naturally gifted with incredible fast twitch fibers.

I have a pretty ectomorphic physique and genes and I started at a 120 max when I was fourteen

I weighed about 70 pounds when I was fourteen. I don't think I benched more that 135# until I was 46.

I don't know man. I should add that I did some P90X stuff (age 13-14) before I was doing any serious weight training. I'm definitely not a true mesomorph. My friend is the definition of a true meso. After squatting for not real long he was already squatting in the 300s at a bodyweight of 160. He plays basketball, football, and runs the 400 meter. He can pretty much try any sport and within a year or two he's one of the best. He dunked at 5'8" and he doesn't eat very strict. He's a one in a thousand athlete naturally gifted with incredible fast twitch fibers.

Depends on if he was doing the 400 for a long time beforehand, that will give you enough leg strength to squat in the 300s by itself. I'd put you more on the meso side of the ecto/meso border.

I weighed about 70 pounds when I was fourteen. I don't think I benched more that 135# until I was 46.

So there is plenty of hope. However, I do wish I had started to exercise before the age of 30.

So there is plenty of hope. However, I do wish I had started to exercise before the age of 30.

Well I was pretty athletic until I was 25, then I was sort of athletic until 35, and then quite sedentary until 45 (careers can do that). Well At 45 I decided I needed the most time efficient way of becoming healthy and that turned out to be weight lifting and cardio. As I gained ability in lifting I have needed to resort to cardio less, although if I had more time I would like to do a good deal more cardio. Long story short, I didn't really lift heavy until I was 45, so all my recent progress has been in about three and a half years.

Im in...

Benched 200 for 3 a week or two ago..
Id like to hit 225 for 1 by the end of March... :confused:


:gl:

already hit this a few weeks ago :(

doing close grip bench for your triceps help a lot, and don't forget to set up properly, it makes a big difference

In today's workout I did some wide grip bench.

Wide grips Bench Press
5x3 150lbs
5x3 145lbs

I was supposed to go up 2.5 percent from last week but that would have had me somewhere between 150 and 145. My gym doesn't have 1lbs plates so I decided to lift 150 for half my sets followed by 145 for the second half. This avereges out to the same total weight as 10x3 at 147.5. Not sure if this is the same but that's what I did.

It depends how you bench, the bar should come right to the chest, and ideally hold it for a second or two before raising it.

Of course if you watch in gyms many will put ego and weight plates before proper form - so they'll say they're benching 100kg when they're not at all really - they're only bringing the bar about a quarter of the way down before raising it - that is an absolute joke and is not a proper bench press and they are kidding themselves on.

Eg my bench press is poor, especially as have been on five month cut - can bench 65kg for 10 with sloppy form only bringing bar half to three quarters of way down - absolutely strict form which involves bringing bar to chest and holding bar on chest for a second or two before raising it I'more like only 55kg for 10, it's a big difference in weight but you'll get much better aesthetic chest development from the latter.

Also your grip width - I wouldn't get sucked into having a wider than normal grip so you can bench more - only hold your hands where indicated on the olympic bar and you'll get better chest development.


Same principle with squats - you see guys shoving on weight plates for ego, and what do they do - yes a quarter squat if that. An untrained skinny 14 year old could quarter squat 150 kg (Well on a Smith machine anyway), an absolute waste of time. Better off with a third of the weight and going to at least parallel if not slightly below.

Strict form before weight plates and ego every time IMO.

Benched 200 for 3 a week or two ago..
Id like to hit 225 for 1 by the end of March... :confused:


200 for three reps... you are there my man!
Just try it....(with a spotter)
I know the 4 train wheels have a phycological effect...but I'm telling you, if you can do 200 three times, you can get 225 once...:nod:

I know for a lot of you veterans 225 is not a lot but its a weight i would like to hit.
its not gonna be my primary focus this year as i am aiming for the deadlift and squat challenges ..But it would be the cherry on the cake if i can achieve it!

Ok anyone feel free to join in ..jot down your current best


im at 77.5kg(170) x 1 at moment

ill update as i get better

When I was 19 I was a beast. 355 was my personal best. I've worked out off and on for years after that but never tried to max. When my wife and I quit our gym in OCT of last year (I'm 28 now), I was working out with 225 3X10 on the bench and 3 45 plates on each side with the Hammer Strength incline press...for what that's worth.

200 for three reps... you are there my man!
Just try it....(with a spotter)
I know the 4 train wheels have a phycological effect...but I'm telling you, if you can do 200 three times, you can get 225 once...:nod:


:nod: Yeah... them 4 plates really psych you out ...

:confused: .... Might just put on 8 smaller one's and hit it with a spotter :lol:

Today I did 10x3 at 155lbs. I narrowed up my grip and went with a regular bench. I THINK my max is about 190. I'll check it out later in the week.

Hit chest today...

Working my way up to 205lbs hitting it for 1 rep and then maybe 90% of the 2nd.

Mind you i did complete 3 working sets prior to this.. My nutrition was not perfect too! Coming off low carb and boosting my whole grains 2 meals prior..

Excuses ..... Excuses !! :nono:

todays workout

45x15
132x11
154x7
132x8


long way to go...........................will try for a one rep max next week not sure where i am at the moment.

Hit and passed, another member....:tu:

Hit and passed, another member....:tu:

Me too...we need to start an intermediate club...
I can do 225 and am nowhere near the 350 bench club...
Wanna start a 275 or 300?

Me too...we need to start an intermediate club...
I can do 225 and am nowhere near the 350 bench club...
Wanna start a 275 or 300?

300 lbs would be awesome :tucool:

:nod: Yeah... them 4 plates really psych you out ...

:confused: .... Might just put on 8 smaller one's and hit it with a spotter :lol:

Yeah but when you hear the 4 trainwheels clanking as you rip it....it's a great feeling...and great motivation...:gl:

Yeah but when you hear the 4 trainwheels clanking as you rip it....it's a great feeling...and great motivation...:gl:

Man its a good feeling indeed, 300 lbs Barbell Bench Club has been made FYI

Gonna join this challenge. I used to be able to bench 250 my sophomore year of high school then and then I injured my shoulders from a old job I had. My guess my max now is 160ish but I will find out tonight.

I'm in for this. I'm at 190 for 10 so i'm probably already there but i want to rep with it. I have BB bench on Mon or Tues so we'll see what happens.

Was surprised tonight, had a 1 rep max of 185 tonight. Didn't even feel any tweak in my shoulder.

I will post once a week my progress after my chest workout.

i did 240 on the machine on monday, does that count for anything?? :lol:

i did 240 on the machine on monday, does that count for anything?? :lol:

The first day I started going to the gym I managed 75kg on the machines that had there (no free weights, what a gym?). So I thought I was well strong. Then I swapped gyms and could barely manage 40kg with an olympic bar. That put me in my place.

The first day I started going to the gym I managed 75kg on the machines that had there (no free weights, what a gym?). So I thought I was well strong. Then I swapped gyms and could barely manage 40kg with an olympic bar. That put me in my place.
yeah, i know what you mean. having been lifting for quite some time now (going on a year!) I know i can do a decent amount on bench (75kg w/ dbs x10) but I really have no idea what I max out at with a BB. maybe next time i go, i'll see what i can do.

My favourite benching story is this:

I was at my gym benching and I tried my last set. I think I got 2 reps and on the 3rd I couldn't get the bar back up. The bench had 2 sets of hooks to rack the bar on and I managed to get the right side on the lower one but not my left. Then the bar started coming down on my left side as I couldn't hold the weight anymore. Fortunately, I hadn't put the collars on and as the left side came down while the right side was racked all the plates slid off the end. Now with no weight left on it the bar went up easy and I wasn't crushed!

There were only a few people around to think I was stupid.

Pressed 90kg (198) on Monday. Not too far :)

I'll join up! Goal is for 225 by my Birthday, 9/29/08

I just got into BB Bench in the last 2 weeks or so, before that I was using the Hammer Machine. Someone else in this thead mentioned how the free weights put them in place and I agree!!

Week 1: 115 x 5 x 3
Week 2: 125 x 5 x 3, 130 x 5 x 3
This week: 135 x 5 x 3 Estimate 1RM: 155

And to think, I was doing over 170 on the Hammer! That thing should be illegal.

Did ok tonight..

Put up....

135 x 6
155 x 6
165 x 6
135 x 10

Shoulder held up good.

I want in on this. My current best is 170 lbs on a 5X5.

I did ok today, last set was hard...

applicable warm ups then:

140 x 5 x 3

I hate how low that number is.

I have always hated to BB Bench Press. I prefered DB's to BB, and did these for years. I got decent stregth results but never really noticed any changes. About 4 months ago I started to BB Bench Press. When I started my poundage was absolutely PATHETIC!!! I could barely rep out 4 reps at 135lbs. Now 4 months later, last tuesday I reped 185 for 6 reps. Now I know this isnt close to the 225 pound club, but I hope to get there soon. I would like to be able to pump out 2 reps at 225 lbs by the end of April. Wish me Hard Work.

I have always hated to BB Bench Press. I prefered DB's to BB, and did these for years. I got decent stregth results but never really noticed any changes. About 4 months ago I started to BB Bench Press. When I started my poundage was absolutely PATHETIC!!! I could barely rep out 4 reps at 135lbs. Now 4 months later, last tuesday I reped 185 for 6 reps. Now I know this isnt close to the 225 pound club, but I hope to get there soon. I would like to be able to pump out 2 reps at 225 lbs by the end of April. Wish me Hard Work.

What is your max? I suspect it it pretty close to the 225 mark. Congrats on the gain.:tucool:

What is your max? I suspect it it pretty close to the 225 mark. Congrats on the gain.:tucool:

I have never really tried to max out any lift. I always try to get 6-8 reps in for any particular set. I was doing working sets @ 155 for a while on the BP and I wanted to see how heavy I could go, cause 155 was feeling light. So I added 10 lbs, No Probelm, then 10 more pounds, got 5 reps, then I added 10 more pounds, and I repped out SIX. I was absolutely stoked!!! I had figured that my 1-3 RM was around 185 lbs, so I was shocked and pumped when I was able to push is six times.

All that being said, I dont even really know how to work up to a max effort lift. Plus I dont have any reliable spotters, (my wife has been spotting me as of late, but she is only 105 lbs) and I dont have a power rack where I can use safety catches. So max efforts are pretty hard for me to try. Not that I really know how to anyways. But if anyone has advice I'll gladly take some.

i did 147.5 x 5 x 3 today, no sweat. i managed 155 x 5 x 1 earlier this week but it was hella rough and the last 2 were very sloppy, but it was my bodyweight!! so i got my new 1.25lb plates to good use today, took a little weight off and will start making 2.5lb jumps.

biggest acheivement this week, chest wise, was dipping across sets with a 45 lb. plate. not bad for a 155 lb. guy!

Count me in, 225lbs is 100kg right? thats a target i set myself a while ago but have never reached.

current 1RM barbell bench-82kg

last tuesday I reped 185 for 6 reps.

185 x 6 puts you really close to 225 x 1.
You should just try and max out to see where you are...:nod:

Got 225 today. I had done 175 on a 5x5 on Monday, and wanted to see how heavy I could go. 225 was it. I couldn't top it... yet.

Got 225 today. I had done 175 on a 5x5 on Monday, and wanted to see how heavy I could go. 225 was it. I couldn't top it... yet.

Nice lifting! :tucool:

185 x 6 puts you really close to 225 x 1.
You should just try and max out to see where you are...:nod:


Yeah I checked exrx.net 1RM calculator and it says my max is about 215. So this most recent Tuesday I deceid to try 205. Pushed it for 1 1/2 reps. I am eventually going to try for a 205 3RM before I attempt a 225 1RM. Next Tuesday I am hopeing for a 205 x 2 reps.

PS I got a new Hammer Strength Power Rack last week. It is a BEAST! So I feel safe doing all my lifts now. :tu:

Done, finally.
Bench Press: 2x1@225

Done, finally.

Nice lifting. It's always nice to see the bench go up for a guy who does as well rounded a workout as yours.

Nice lifting. It's always nice to see the bench go up for a guy who does as well rounded a workout as yours.
Thanks, it was real nice after being stalled for so long. My bench press is by far my weakest of the "big three".

I'll jump in on this, last week I did 250 for 6 reps, according to the max calculator my 1 rep max should be about 285 to 290 and I currently weigh in at 175lbs. Hoping to hit 300 by the end of the year, and my long term goal is 315. :bb:

I'll jump in on this, last week I did 250 for 6 reps, according to the max calculator my 1 rep max should be about 285 to 290 and I currently weigh in at 175lbs. Hoping to hit 300 by the end of the year, and my long term goal is 315. :bb:
You probably want to take a look at this thread.

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=41568

Thanks, it was real nice after being stalled for so long. My bench press is by far my weakest of the "big three".

Me too. But it goes up from time to time. I think I'm due for an increase in the next few months. I don't worry about that anywhere near as much as the leg stuff though. That's where I think the whole body progress is.

Doing max BP tonight - shooting for 230. Last best was 3 x 5 @ 185.

Wierd, I went down in strength in this weeks chest session. I'm not sure how that happened. I have been cutting for so long that I think the strength gains I have been making are slowly starting to slip. This week I wanted to just push heavy weights for reps without trying to max. I was only able to work up to 180 x 5. WTF?!? Thats 5lbs lighter and one rep less than 2 weeks ago. Next week I am gonna try a trick a buddy of mine told me to help with BP. I am gonna load 225 on the bar urack it and hold it up as long as I can, basically an iso exersice. Then rack the weight, rest for 3 mins and do 1/4 to 1/3 reps (if possible) with the weight. This will be at the end of my normal workout. (Yes, I will keep the safety bars well above my chest, as I have never tried this much weight. I just hope I can even unrack the weight.)

Same here, last night:

2 x 7 @ 95
1 x 5 @ 135
1 x 5 @ 155
1 x 1 @ 175
1 x 1 @ 185
1 x 0 @ 195

I broke my form and got the bar over my face instead of on the nipple line, but I struggled so hard to push it out I burned myself out. Dropped back and did:

3 x 5 @ 160
and decline
3 x 5 @ 145

Congrats on reaching 225 Pete!

I'm still in on this challenge but I haven't done any earth shaterring workouts. I'm not really eating at surplus so my gains aren't that huge.

I did an incline bench ME lift of 135, which is a record for me.

I also did 3 sets of max reps at 95lbs.

95lbs 30x, 12x, 7x

I'm doing WS4SB and this is first lift for the RE day. Does anyone know if there I benefit more from keeping it at this weight? Or would it be better to raise it so my max reps look more like 12x, 5x, 3x?

Congrats on reaching 225 Pete!

I'm still in on this challenge but I haven't done any earth shaterring workouts. I'm not really eating at surplus so my gains aren't that huge.

I did an incline bench ME lift of 135, which is a record for me.

I also 3 sets of max reps at 95lbs.

95lbs 30x, 12x, 7x

I'm doing WS4SB and this is first lift for the RE day. Does anyone know if there I benefit more from keeping it at this weight? Or would it be better to raise it so my max reps look more like 12x, 5x, 3x?
Thanks and congrats on your new PR on incline bench.

Think I might try 8x8s on bench for awhile and see how it goes... I figured as soon as I started to cut again that I'd want to bulk more. :)

Well tonights chest session was gooooood. I didn't hit 225 but I did get 205 x 2 1/2. For that I am happy with my progress. I also did an ISO hold of 225 for 1 min. Arms extended but not locked. Rested two mins and did 6 x 1/4 Reps with 225. I think I will be there soon. :tu:

For that I am happy with my progress. I also did an ISO hold of 225 for 1 min. Arms extended but not locked. :tu:
hi can you elaborate on what a iso hold is?? and what benefits it provides

thanks

hi can you elaborate on what a iso hold is?? and what benefits it provides thanks

An exersice a buddy suggested. I wanted to try it out to see what it does (if anything). This was my first time trying it, so I cant really say if it does anything. But basically you get a weight heavier than you can normally lift; unrack it; and hold it up for as long as you can. I think thats called an Isometric Hold. I could be wrong on the terminology.

Waterbury also has a program that uses these isometric holds.


TSP. (http://www.t-nation.com/readArticle.do?id=1676278)


You can use the technique for bench, deads, and squats.

There was another workout out there that used the holds but I can't remember what it was called. I never tried it though.

Thanks and congrats on your new PR on incline bench.

Thanks!



I'm not sure how much the incline bench helps to improve the regular bench but here is my bench portion of the workout for today.

Incline Bench Press 65/5, 75/5, 85/5, 95/3, 115/3, 145/3 *PR

DB Bench Press 50lbs 20x, 16x

Another personal best for the incline. I was so happy when I finally graduated to the big plates on this exercise. :cry:

The incline bench improved NOTHING in the regular bench. This was today's workout.

Bench:
75x3
95x5
115x5
135x3
155x3
175x1.5
165x2

I did 175 3x at the start of March but then I only did 2 towards the end. I switched up and made some pretty good progress on the incline but now I only did 1 full rep at 175. I didn't eat that clean at the start of the month and maybe those cheat meals helped out in the strength department, even if they did nothing for my fat levels (but increase them). I'm not trying to bulk up right now just trying to maintain my strength while leaning out. I guess the increases had to stop at some point. I guess I'll have to wait until I bulk up before I see anymore real progress in the bench.

I'm happy to finally be able to claim a 225 pound bench press and above.

My last set of military presses tonight was also 135x10, performed with relative ease. Apparently this gives me a neat e-stat of a 1RM of 180 for my Military Press, on the high end of "advanced" for my weight.

Surprisingly enough, I haven't been lifting again for very long at all, and I've been on a cut the entire time. I did four days of calorie surplus to attempt to restart my metabolism after a plateau, and my strength went through the roof. Hopefully it lasts.

My pushing strength was and is a big weakness. My bench has always been well below BW, and my max 1RM probably was only ever 75 kg. I've been away from lifting for a variety of reasons, and am determined to get back into it. If there was a lighter bench club, I'd be joining that one. As it is, this will be a significant challenge for me, and this post is to mostly have a reminder every time I view subscribed threads that I need to be lifting, and that I'm lagging behind.

Andrew.

My pushing strength was and is a big weakness. My bench has always been well below BW, and my max 1RM probably was only ever 75 kg. I've been away from lifting for a variety of reasons, and am determined to get back into it. If there was a lighter bench club, I'd be joining that one. As it is, this will be a significant challenge for me, and this post is to mostly have a reminder every time I view subscribed threads that I need to be lifting, and that I'm lagging behind.

Andrew.

You know you actually should work on your pushing also because you use a rowing erg quite a bit. Back when I was putting in a lot of work on the erg I found that the pressing work really helped balance out my shoulders.

Agreed, it's finding the time's the hard part.

The last time I saw a significant change in my splits was when I was lifting regularly [and I suppose the increases would have been that bit better if I'd had access to a rack].

Andrew.

Agreed, it's finding the time's the hard part.

The last time I saw a significant change in my splits was when I was lifting regularly [and I suppose the increases would have been that bit better if I'd had access to a rack].

Andrew.

I haven't done much erg in a while, and nothing for time. My trainer actually asked me to consider getting back into it, and I might now that I'm on an HDL quest which wants lots of exercise Calories.

The lift that helped me a lot with the erg (and vice versa) is the deadlift I got the idea of endurance deadlifting from erging.

160x5x3
165x2x1

I'm getting there! I tore a muscle in my shoulder area a few weeks back and it put me back quite a bit and now I've a glute problem keeping me from squatting heavy. :(

My pushing strength was and is a big weakness. My bench has always been well below BW, and my max 1RM probably was only ever 75 kg. I've been away from lifting for a variety of reasons, and am determined to get back into it. If there was a lighter bench club, I'd be joining that one. As it is, this will be a significant challenge for me, and this post is to mostly have a reminder every time I view subscribed threads that I need to be lifting, and that I'm lagging behind.

Andrew.

Tell me about it. I think my 1rm is creeping up to my bodyweight now but it's still painfully far away from this challenge. Maybe we need to 85 or 90kg bench challenge. Doesn't sound nearly as impressive though.

Tomorrow I'll be going for 3x5x69kg. Does anyone think I could get to 100kg before the end of the year?

Tell me about it. I think my 1rm is creeping up to my bodyweight now but it's still painfully far away from this challenge. Maybe we need to 85 or 90kg bench challenge. Doesn't sound nearly as impressive though.

Tomorrow I'll be going for 3x5x69kg. Does anyone think I could get to 100kg before the end of the year?

maybe we could start a 200 lb. bench club. 200 is a bigger deal imho, 225 gets the press because it's 2 plates.

maybe we could start a 200 lb. bench club. 200 is a bigger deal imho, 225 gets the press because it's 2 plates.

It will look so cool though!

I totally stunk it up today. I'm losing strength in my bench

Bench

75x5
95x5
115x5
135x3
150x3
165x3

I lost about 10lbs of strength:(. My max was 175x3

It will look so cool though!

I totally stunk it up today. I'm losing strength in my bench

Bench

75x5
95x5
115x5
135x3
150x3
165x3

I lost about 10lbs of strength:(. My max was 175x3

where i go, most everyone uses 2 plates + 25lbs. minimum, at least when i'm there. they also weigh about 100 lbs. more than me, too so I don't care. lol. i'm talking some huge 6'5" freaks of nature here. so my view on what's gonna look cool is dampered quite a bit, lol.

Does it count if it was on a smith machine? I had no spot :(

195x5
200x2

i think i could do 225x1...

Hey, from today's workout (1st time lifting 225#):

225X6

HOOrah!

(Also I think I'm ready for weighted dips:D)

Does it count if it was on a smith machine?

Hate to pee in your cheerios, but I would have to say no...
The few times I tried it, I could bench and press way more on the smith machine.
It eliminates the need for involving many stabilizing muscles therefore making it easier....


Of course that is just one man's opinion...:o

Hate to pee in your cheerios, but I would have to say no...
The few times I tried it, I could bench and press way more on the smith machine.
It eliminates the need for involving many stabilizing muscles therefore making it easier....


Of course that is just one man's opinion...:o

Plus, a Smith machine bar weighs less......so, it was probably actually a little bit lighter than 225.

I'm definitely in this club. I was able to bench 225 once about three weeks ago, so it's for sure a bit higher, although how much I'm not sure.

I'm definitely in this club. I was able to bench 225 once about three weeks ago, so it's for sure a bit higher, although how much I'm not sure.

Nice going! :claplow: Now time to shoot for the 300lb club. :flex:

Nice going! :claplow: Now time to shoot for the 300lb club. :flex:
Yeah, I already posted in that thread. It'll take a while, but I'll get there before TOO long I hope. I think my current 1RM may be close to 240lbs, so that's about 15lbs added to my max in just under a month. With 60lbs to go, it'll take a while.

I got 100kg (220lbs) for 3 reps this morning. :) Good progress for cutting.

195#x3 yesterday... non-smith, no spot. I'm almost ready to go for 1RM of 225#

i can get 190 for one rep, maybe by the end of June i will be at 225

I got 100kg (220lbs) for 3 reps this morning. :) Good progress for cutting.

I don't seem to gain on my bench while cutting. Awesome job imagine if you were eating for srength!

195#x3 yesterday... non-smith, no spot. I'm almost ready to go for 1RM of 225#

i can get 190 for one rep, maybe by the end of June i will be at 225

Almost there guys!

It's going to take me a while to get there. I decided to punish my triceps with dips to see if that will help my bench development.

just hit 205#'s :D im determined to hit 225 by the end of this month

Been a while since I have posted anything in this challenge. Shortly after my last post I started to do alot of Crossfitting and neglected my BP. When I started to BP again I was hella weak on it. I had hit 205 x 2 (1 raw & 1 spot) previoulsy and couldn't even hit 185 when I got back at it. So I have been fine tuning my workouts, re-focusing, & dedicating myself to a new level of intencity in the gym. Now in 3 weeks I have gone from 180 x 1 to 205 x 3 (2 raw & 1 spot). I think I will hit my goal of 225 in a few more weeks.

Interesting challenge. I just recently went over 225 for the first time in my life yesterday. My workout went - 135 x 10, 175 x 10, 175 x 12, 175 x 9. This was my best performance at 175, which tells me I should move up in my bench press soon. Then when I thought I was done my friend came in and I decided to keep going. Hit 215 x 4 and then 235 x 1 without any help. After that I went for 245 but could barely get it a few inches off my chest. My arms felt like they were going to rip out of my skin after that.

I've been lifting for about 4-5 months now. My previous max was 215 3 years ago when I was lifting to keep in shape after high school. Then I stopped lifting and ran a lot to keep in shape. My bodyweight got as low as 145 at some points. When I came back in March I could barely do 175 so I'm really happy for my progress and I weigh 170 now. Hoping for 250 before the leaves fall!

well im in the 225 barbell bench club... put up 255 last week so working toward that 300...

I did rack lockouts - 3 x 225, set the pins fairly low (11 on my cage, 7 is where I put them for bench spotting). It was a big mental boost for me, logically I only need to get the bar up 3-4" from my chest now and this challenge is closed for me. :) Two more weeks of RLOs and I'll attempt it. :spaz:

1x225 last week. shootin for 250 now.:tu:

1x225 last week. shootin for 250 now.:tu:

Nice lift Bt. :tucool:

Finally, a club low enough that my weak ass can join! :spaz: All those other clubs with their beastly numbers are so far out of my reach it's pathetic.

I have no idea what my 1RM is, but I did 8x3 for 165lbs yesterday. Ok so that was actually decline, so my flat is probably around 155lbs for working sets. With the way my chest has been increasing in strength the last month or so, 225 doesn't seem like the impossible dream that it used to be.

Hit 225lbs on the BP last week!

1x6, 5, 5, 4. Still low for my weight but i'm making progress.

245X1 on Smith pretty easy (No spot so I had to do smith) and tried 265lbs almost had it.

Cousin is coming over and he will spot me later on. :tucool:

225lbs BB 3/3 cadence :tucool:

225lbs BB 3/3 cadence :tucool:


that's pretty good at that cadence.

My Floor Press was 195 this week. I'm not sure what is more difficult the FP or the BP. If they are the same then I should be benching 225 in about 6 weeks. Can't wait!

that's pretty good at that cadence.

My Floor Press was 195 this week. I'm not sure what is more difficult the FP or the BP. If they are the same then I should be benching 225 in about 6 weeks. Can't wait!
While it differs from person to person, I generally found that floor press was either slightly harder or about the same as your bench press.

225lbs BB 3/3 cadence :tucool:

Strong lift CA$ON. :bb:

Thanks everyone and is there another Challenge after the 225lbs I should be looking for?>:tu:

It took a little while but I got 225# 2x on Tuesday. So I guess I get to move on to the next weight challenge now! :D