I read more than I post here because most questions are repetive in nature, and because of this, the answers are already here, and since I don’t take sarcasm well, I will search and look for answers before I ask questions. Besides, after a while, even sarcasm begins to look childish, instead of funny.
However, try answering this question in regards to ‘balanced’ strength. It’s been said that you should be able to ‘row’ at least 80% of your bench. Does this mean that if you can bench 500lbs, you should be able to ‘bentover row’ 400lb?
The way you worded the question, that is the only answer that makes sense, because given the premise of the 80% figure, then since 400 is 80% of 500, that’s what you should be able to handle.
Did you intend to ask if the 80% figure is accurate? Do you have a source for this? Or were you simply looking for confirmation that your math was right? I’m asking this to get a clarification of your intent, not to introduce sarcasm to the thread.
Seems to me like a chest supported row would make more sense, as low back strength/stability would be a major limiting factor in bent over rows. However, chest supported rows aren’t as cool and not everyone has one, me included.
The question has too many uncontrolled variables to accurately answer. With the bench, you control the angle of the lift with the angle of the bench. With a bent barbell row, you control the angle of the lift yourself and flexibility is often a limiting factor. Then you must ask, “what is balanced strength, and in what context?”
It seems to me that you must consider that it is almost impossible to duplicate the reverse of bench biomechanics, which is probably the only meaningful comparison. Yes, a chest supported row comes close, but the elbows wouldn’t travel the same path and the mechanics of the machine would change the bar/handle path.
If you want balance, I’d look to Cressey’s and Robertson’s articles to address postural balance. Strength balance will be addressed by any of the programs on this site. If you are worried about balance and how it applies to performance in a sport, an analysis of technique breakdown would show you if you have any imbalances.
Conor, where did you get that avatar? I ask because it seems like the same setting and possibly the same girl as in juice20jd’s avatar, and I believe I’m in love… what an ass! Do you know the model’s name?