Bench Press

Import · February 16, 2001, 7:12am

I am 5’9, 160 pounds and 19 years old. Is a 5 RM bench press of 210 pounds ok or is it kind of low?

Import · February 16, 2001, 6:10pm

I think it is OK…compare 2 your bw…
How long have you been training 4…

Import · February 16, 2001, 6:35pm

I’ve been training for around 1 and a half years, starting from a bodyweight of 130 pounds.

Import · February 17, 2001, 5:30am

Ok for what? You’re stronger than the average cat who doesn’t work out but not that great. How’s that? I think we all fall in this boat. Better than the average chump, but not quite where we want to be. That goes for everyone all the way up to Ed Coan.

Import · February 17, 2001, 10:08am

I think its great. That means your one-rep max is probably in the 230 range. That’s pretty good for your size and weight. When I graduated high school, I was 18 years old, 6’2" 240 and I could only bench 205 ONCE. And I had been working out for 3 years!
Granted, I’m not very strong in the bench compared to other exercises, but still. You’re doing great.

Import · February 17, 2001, 10:15am

I forgot to add one more thing. Many highly-regarded authors in the field of physical fitness say that reasonable goals for genetically average, drug free competitors are to squat 2x bodyweight, deadlift 2x BW and bench press 1.5x BW. You’re already there in the bench! Or 10 pounds away, assuming your max is 230. That’s awesome. And you’re only 19, so you have many years to get better.

BTW, the experts I’m quoting are Brooks Kubik, Stuart McRobert, and Dr. Ken Leistner.

Import · February 17, 2001, 11:22pm

I think after only 1.5 year traning it is good…whitout juice.

Import · February 21, 2001, 10:18am

Well, it s not bad but there are a handful of chicks in my gym that can do that too and they still look feminine. I would personally only consider “good” a weight that no women can handle.