Update: After smashing 155 I tried 160 on my next workout and felt like I went up 50 pounds!
So I backed off on my next workout and did 155 for 2. Second rep was a battle, but I kept good form and stayed tight and overall felt REALLY good about the lift afterwards.
I also messed around with starting the lift from the starting position, but racked. If anyone watches Eric Bugenhagen, he does his presses in a similar fashion. I don’t think I will use this as my technique, but sorta as a “pin press” variation, so I can mess with heavier weight, without having to brace it in the “starting position”.
If that makes sense.
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Wow, coming back to this thread was great! I am the OP btw, changed account names a while back. Anyway, the best i was able to get was a 205 strict OHP at a weight of 208.
Since my original post (where i was 185) i have gained quite a bit of muscle, 215-220 now, and my OHP has definitely increased. Seeing my original post stating that my PR was 150 is suprising.
My last PR for OHP was 145 10x10, but havent really tried to keep up with single rep heavy weight since i have a SLAP tear in left shoulder now. Last PR was still at 205, but i should attempt more because i am much stronger now.
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I’m glad you revived it. It’s been a little pet project of mine.
In 2020, in one of the windows our gym was open, I took a crack at it…
I weighed 275, so it was quite a hoist and I caved at eye level, twice.
Then I lost a shitload of gut and thought it might be in reach. Instead, I lost a whole lot of upper body strength, and shifted my center of mass a bit. Even a two plate press was too much.
Since, I’ve put a little mass back on (I’m at 240 now) and in the process got 225 back, so maybe this is still possible. At age 55 I know time is running out…
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My sticking point was always right above my forehead. I remember when i first started seriously lifting I thought “if I can get to 135 i will be happy” well that is now 225, I have some work to do.
SUCCESS!!!
I am the OP if anyone didn’t read above.
After having some setbacks, including a torn labrum in my left shoulder, and generally not going for “strength” gains. I was finally able to get a 210 OHP at a body weight of 209.
I have noticed that I have had success lifting very heavy weight when the night before, or day before, i have eaten some “junk” including cookies and just in general, more food than i would normally eat. This was Saturday night that i pigged out, on weekends, my diet is definitely loosened. Sunday morning i was able to achieve my goal. I dont go overboard, but i definitely do not hold back from enjoying some sweets, or just eating more than i generally would. Just an interesting point.
Reading back, i see alot of people recommended dips, which have become an standard part of my training.
I have also increased my rear delt and lat strength and size considerably as @T3hPwnisher recommended.
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Thank you! It was a big goal for me. Remembering when i first thought “if i can just OHP 135 i will be happy” to now… Its been a journey.
I need to remind myself that injuries are not always the end of the journey, even though, at the time, it definitely feels like it is.
Once i saw my torn labrum on the MRI, and had my doctor describing how bad it was, i was sure i would never reach my goal…
Next goal 225… (at any bodyweight LOL)
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