Bench Press Maxing - Comments & Poll

[MarineHillsTuff]

I was told it's bad to max on the flat bench. Anyone have an opinion on this topic?

[BrettT07]

I think it's fine to do occasionally if you're prepared for it. (I assume you're referring to a 1 rep max)

Example: I bench 250x8, which should put me around 300 for one. However, there is no way I'm going to try 300+ until I start training with heavier weight getting me closer to there (with less reps obviously). I think the risk of injury if I tried that right now would be too great.

Also, there is no real benefit to hitting a 1rm except knowing where you stand. As you can see in my sig though, I am currently planning on going for a 1rm next April. I could go for one much sooner, but I'll be fine doing this way.

[SpeedDemon5]

I was told it's bad to max on the flat bench. Anyone have an opinion on this topic?

Who has told you all of this stuff. It's bad to run? Bad to bench? Granted you shouldn't do max reps all the time but it will not hurt you!

[KarmicEffects]

I dunno man I am not a fan. There's just too many variables to hitting a max bench. You have a ****ty day and might max 30 lbs less and never know. 5 reps has always been my definition of legit "strength" vs. a good day. Personally, my body doesn't start really feeling warmed up till about 20 min. into a routine so I would never know when to actually go for it...and the chance of injury just isn't worth it unless I'm getting paid for it. As long as the lifts keep going up, I'm fine.

[Bumpus]

I agree that its ok every now and then. Seems like people that are doing it often are either competitors or ego-padders. People want to be able to claim the highest weight lifted possible. Plus I don't think most understand 205x8, they just hear oh you only bench 205.

[chazzy1864]

I haven't hit 1RM in quite some time. That is just becuase I haven't cared to.

I don't see an issue with finding out your 1RM.

[SpeedDemon5]

I haven't hit 1RM in quite some time. That is just becuase I haven't cared to.

I don't see an issue with finding out your 1RM.

Ya, I kinda feel the same way. Im not one of those guys going around the gym asking what their max bench is constantly.

[AZFitnessGuy]

I wouldn't say bad, but weighing risk vs reward maxing doesn't really make you stronger unless you are a total endomorph, you risk injury more with a max and will make little gains as opposed to doing a set of at least four, but damn it! It feels awesome having all the weight on you so I still do it once in a blue!

-joe

www.fitnessfromgroundzero.blogspot.com

[DJAuto]

I prefer not to max on any movement (save the occasional DL or rack pull). Largely useless for bodybuilding purposes.

[400Lb Gorilla]

I think it's fine to do occasionally if you're prepared for it. (I assume you're referring to a 1 rep max)

Example: I bench 250x8, which should put me around 300 for one. However, there is no way I'm going to try 300+ until I start training with heavier weight getting me closer to there (with less reps obviously). I think the risk of injury if I tried that right now would be too great.

Also, there is no real benefit to hitting a 1rm except knowing where you stand. As you can see in my sig though, I am currently planning on going for a 1rm next April. I could go for one much sooner, but I'll be fine doing this way.

on spread lol i agree with Brett. if you prepare for it then there is nothing wrong with testing your max strength. if your program calls for you to know your max then obviously it is really helpful

[chazzy1864]

I prefer not to max on any movement (save the occasional DL or rack pull). Largely useless for bodybuilding purposes.

Agreed.

In the running thread, it was made clear the person telling him these absolutes was a competitive BBer. So it makes more sense. Running isn't necessary (in and of itself) and maxing is near useless for a BBer.

[ShortDave]

Since maxing out regularly (once every 6 weeks or so) I have found that I am able to handle submaximal weights much easier. My body seems more prepared for the weight so everything less than my max feels more like a warmup and less like hard work.

[4g64fiero]

A higher work capacity does not always equal a proportionately higher max. You might find out that you can do much more or less than you originally thought based of your volume sets. This happens allot to me with the compound movements I do 5x5 on.

This justifies taking some time to periodize a max into your routine if you care at all about max strength.

[k9pit]

As long as you have a spotter (or 2)..............

[XXX666]

i max out every week

i have no joint issues

only major injuries i have ever had that effected me in the gym was a torn ACL *football* and a umbilical hernia *that was bound to happen*