Can you bench your own weight?

[enayes]

Can you?

I've always been primarily a runner, never a fan of weights.

I'm 5'9, 165 pounds and just benched 2 sets of 4x 155, so I can probably put up 165 but haven't yet.

:basketball

[D-Wade316]

Yes. Did 5 sets of 5x138 at 129-130. Could probably do 165 with 1 set of 3-5 reps. My height is 5'6"

[Scholar]

Maybe. I'm 5'10", 149-151 lbs (depends on the scale it seems. I weigh 149 some days, 151 others). I haven't had a gym membership since 2010, but I was benching my weight at the time, which was ~145 lbs.
When I work out at home, it's with dumbbells. Biggest I have are 30 lbs.

[DaHeezy]

Can you?

I've always been primarily a runner, never a fan of weights.

I'm 5'9, 165 pounds and just benched 2 sets of 4x 155, so I can probably put up 165 but haven't yet.

:basketball

I'm about your height, same weight. I can do 4 x 205. I try not to go heavier with no spotter. I did 255 one rep with a spotter at my peak.

[Rake2204]

I have to imagine the ability to bench one's own weight is heavily dependent upon what that weight is and body type. I think I luck out because I'm 6'3'', and 170lbs. As such, benching that amount is not asking a whole lot. I'm strong enough to be not weak yet I weigh less enough to make this task easy to accomplish.

In short, yes I can bench my own weight.

[LBJMVP]

im only 135 and im pretty active sports wise... basketball, running, tennis.

i dont work out with weights that much, but when i do i cannot bench my own weight.

[Dictator]

Goddamn you guys are skinny. I was in my 200s in highschool.

No, I wasn't fat.

[Meticode]

I've never tried, but I'm going to give a big now. Hell I can barely do 30 pushups in a row right now. Although I went from 238 in January and down to 185 right now. Been holding steady at that weight the last month.

[LBJMVP]

Goddamn you guys are skinny. I was in my 200s in highschool.

No, I wasn't fat.


the sad part is that im 135 and about to start my second year of college.... the only part of me that grows fast is my facial hair and leg hair.


dont worry about the pubic hair, i shave it.

[LBJMVP]

I've never tried, but I'm going to give a big now. Hell I can barely do 30 pushups in a row right now. Although I went from 238 in January and down to 185 right now. Been holding steady at that weight the last month.


damn 50 pounds in 6 months is really good.

i can do a ton of pushups... but for some reason weigh lifting, especially bench press kills me.

i know there is technique to it and all, but i just can't do it very well.

[Meticode]

damn 50 pounds in 6 months is really good.

i can do a ton of pushups... but for some reason weigh lifting, especially bench press kills me.

i know there is technique to it and all, but i just can't do it very well.
Yes, I'm trying to get to 178 which puts me right in the middle of the average BMI index. I know BMI can be fault because it depends on your muscle, etc. But I think it would be perfect for me and then just stay between 170 to 180 while building muscle.

To be honest I've slacked the last couple weeks. I haven't gained weight, but I've not worked out or built muscle either. I have to get back on the horse again and beat my ass.

Anyone know the best way to build chest muscles besides? I don't have access to a benchpress either.

[DeuceWallaces]

i can't bench 180 but my left shoulder has been bad for decades now. Maybe now that I'll have access to a gym again.

[knickballer]

I've been able to bench my own weight since like 9th or 10th grade. It's not hard at all

[blacknapalm]

i can't even bench the bar :cry:

[L.Kizzle]

Yeah, I bench 400 lbs easily!!

[Deuce Bigalow]

damn 50 pounds in 6 months is really good.

i can do a ton of pushups... but for some reason weigh lifting, especially bench press kills me.

i know there is technique to it and all, but i just can't do it very well.
maybe it's because you rarely do it? :confusedshrug:
When I started benching, it was embarrassingly low, now it's okay since I've been doing it on and off for a while when I'm not lazy.

[JEFFERSON MONEY]

yse.

but benching doesn't mean sh!t.

its time u guys get on the push press program.

especially cuz u like basketball.

i can do 165*13-15-ish

find it pointless because if u wanna punch hard or have good free throw form or whatever might as well just hammer your tricpes harder and if u want tittiez might as well pick up some dumbells and incline that sh!t

[LBJMVP]

Yes, I'm trying to get to 178 which puts me right in the middle of the average BMI index. I know BMI can be fault because it depends on your muscle, etc. But I think it would be perfect for me and then just stay between 170 to 180 while building muscle.

To be honest I've slacked the last couple weeks. I haven't gained weight, but I've not worked out or built muscle either. I have to get back on the horse again and beat my ass.

Anyone know the best way to build chest muscles besides? I don't have access to a benchpress either.


pectoral wise i know that if you want a really simple way then pushups area really good, and as for the rest of your stomach just do sit ups or crunches.

cruches workouts really aren't that bad and they are really simple. im not an intense workout guys so ill just go on youtube and look up crunch workouts and you will get a ton of different types.

they really do help. you just have to do alot of them if you want results.

the way i posted is if you just want a simple way, but you gotta trust that it will bring results.

[Kobe 4 The Win]

Ha, you guys are pu$$ies. Grow stronger.

[LBJMVP]

Ha, you guys are pu$$ies. Grow stronger.

you feel good about your comment?
you can lift weights better than other people, cool.

[JtotheIzzo]

yse.

but benching doesn't mean sh!t.

its time u guys get on the push press program.

especially cuz u like basketball.

i can do 165*13-15-ish

find it pointless because if u wanna punch hard or have good free throw form or whatever might as well just hammer your tricpes harder and if u want tittiez might as well pick up some dumbells and incline that sh!t

Bench is very important J$, c'mon fella. Combined with shoulder press it really give you a steady upper body starting point for your jumper and helps increase the accuracy of long range and off balance shots. More importantly it adds strength, helping you rebound, go through screens, battle for position, and stand your ground on defense.
It is not the most basketball specific skill, but it is the best measure of raw upper body strength.

As I am older now, I usually do 135 (1 plate) for sets of 30+ when I go to the gym as part of my circuit training (high rep counts, lighter weight, 30 seconds rest between exercises, entire body workouts), I am 6'5" 240 so I need to maintain and stay lean, doing shorter sets at heavier weight will just add pounds to my frame.

Once in a while I will add a little weight to see where I am, this spring (perhaps inspired by the NFL combines) I tried 225 (2 plates) and got 12 reps. I was very happy with that.

You young guys needn't fret too much about your strength, 3 solid months of 3 days splits (3 days on, one day off working 2 muscle groups a day) is more than enough to make huge gains in strength, but this style of working out will add bulk, if you want to do something with less strength gains and more lean shaping, visit the forums and find the latest shit.

Every five years your body goes through a massive transformation so you need to adjust to the new realities.

Age 16-23 is where you can really build your adult physique.

[Mamba]

you boys really need to start eating or something.

6'3 200 pounds with a bmi of 13 (got this properly tested)

im able to bench 1 max rep 270 pounds.

but than again ive been training non-stop for the last 2 years and have really started to gain muscle after i lost all my fat. about 18 pounds of muscle i've added in the last 2 years, with a strict diet

[Cali Syndicate]

I don't consider myself a "strong" guy but I can rep 185 a few times. I'm 5'10" 165lbs. Haven't been to the gym in like 3 months though. Probably can still bench my weight though.

[Dwade305]

Can bench 175 10 times and I am 190. I have unsually long arms though, so it makes it difficult to continue moving up in weight in the press, therefor I prefer doing dumbells for chest more than often. Can lift 70s on a good day.

[ClutchOver9000]

to answer the OP, yes.

but to all the posters who want to develop strength I say to you; calisthenics.

weights are great and all but your own bodyweight can prove to be a very effective/low-cost method of getting stronger.

[bmulls]

I weigh about 175 and put up 185x25 last Monday, and that wasn't even a max effort. I bet I could have gotten at least 5 more.

I think anybody who lifts weights should be able to bench their body weight pretty easily.

[D-Wade316]

I weigh about 175 and put up 185x25 last Monday, and that wasn't even a max effort. I bet I could have gotten at least 5 more.

I think anybody who lifts weights should be able to bench their body weight pretty easily.
After 3-4 months maybe. I don't know anyone who can bench their own weight after only 1-2 months of benching. Most don't even last 4 months and quit.

[Ketchup]

I've been able to bench my own weight since like 9th or 10th grade. It's not hard at all

Well considering the average 1 rep max for males is 135lbs, I'd say most people actually can't, and it is in fact hard for most people.

As a 16 year old at 6'3 I benched 135lbs as my one rep max 4 years ago without ever picking up a weight. 5 years later and the most I've ever benched was 355lbs at weighing at 215lbs.

I think it took me almost a year before I could bench my own weight, and I was around 17 and 205 lbs.

[Velocirap31]

Benching your own weight is a pushup duh. Everyone can do at least 1 pushup. Dumb thread. Sike

[ace23]

:facepalm

Yes

[JustinJDW]

Of course.

[NotYetGreat]

Ha, you guys are pu$$ies. Grow stronger.

Elliott Hulse?

Anyway, I don't know. I've never included benches in my training because I don't have a bench at home. Im currently taking weight training for PE in college but can't really test myself because I wanna save it for my training and the prof is an absolute bitch. It was my first day and I was just about to bench an empty bar to try it out, then she dogged at me because I'm "too weak" for it. :oldlol:

I did weighted push-ups to replace it and I got up to doing a set of 3 good reps at 162 lbs. I'm around 168 right now but I'm not focusing in it. Wanna bring up my deadlifts, squat, and military press. I'm 6 flat.

[step_back]

Yes. Benching your body weight shouldn't be too difficult.

[code green]

I usually stay at 145 and do 4 sets of 10 just to focus on toning at this point. For the hell of it, I threw on 185 yesterday and put up 5 or 6 reps after my normal benching routine, and I'm 160 lbs, so yes.

To be honest, 4 months ago I was struggling to put up 95 lbs. Never really messed with weights before recently. I've been going hard in the paint since.

[Myth]

I benched 225 when I weighed 165 or so. Now I'm heavy and weaker, so I'm not sure anymore, haven't tried in years. It would be close.

[elinss86]

im 5'11" and 140. In college I repped 185x8, maxed at 235. Now I have a bunch of injuries from bball so i just lift real light now, i do my sets of 135x20

[Raz]

I'm 6'4" and 210lbs. I never try to bench the bar in the mornings, because there's basically no one in the gym. I use 65lb free weights on a decline bench. On the horizontal bench, I do 75lb each arm. I doubt I could bench 210 on the bar.

[Cangri]

Benching your own weight is a pushup duh. Everyone can do at least 1 pushup. Dumb thread. Sike
No it's not. :hammerhead:

[JohnnySic]

I'm 210 lbs and can bench 225 for 10, max 265. But I dont train for strength anymore.

In my younger days I was a 265 lb load and benched 350.

[Raz]

I'm 210 lbs and can bench 225 for 10, max 265. But I dont train for strength anymore.

In my younger days I was a 265 lb load and benched 350.

Holy shit, good effort. I'm a weakling compared to you

[code green]

to answer the OP, yes.

but to all the posters who want to develop strength I say to you; calisthenics.

weights are great and all but your own bodyweight can prove to be a very effective/low-cost method of getting stronger.

my favorite workout is doing dips. :rockon:

[DaHeezy]

Yes. Benching your body weight shouldn't be too difficult.


Depends on how much you weigh in comparison to your height.

[PistonsFan#21]

im 5'8" 155lbs and i maxed out at 240lbs for 1 rep. Stopped doing it for over 6 months now

[GreatGreg]

I am 6'1 and weigh 155, so it's really not much of a challenge...

[neilio23]

Benching your own weight is a pushup duh. Everyone can do at least 1 pushup. Dumb thread. Sike

I actually missed where you said sike haha, so you got me. But, I think that the average person thinks this is true. It's obviously a common misconception, and just flat out wrong.

[Sarcastic]

Almost twice my weight.

[rezznor]

Easily

[rknine15]

I weigh 160 lbs and can bench 230 lbs, 8 reps.....

[Hazard]

I'd probably max out at around 225, I weight ~170ish now. I don't bench though, I do weighted elevated push ups and pull ups. I do reps of 20 push ups with 2 45s on my back and 2 reps of 10 pull ups with a 25 3 times a day.

[ThaRegul8r]

Why wouldn't you? If you can you pushups, it's just doing pushups in reverse. Instead of pushing your weight up off the ground, you're pushing it up above your head.

[Cali Syndicate]

Why wouldn't you? If you can you pushups, it's just doing pushups in reverse. Instead of pushing your weight up off the ground, you're pushing it up above your head.

Whatever weight you're pressing is directly situated above your chest when benching. With a push up, you're only pushing a fraction of your total body weight.

If you elevate your feet when doing a push up, the angle creates more weight onto the push-up however it becomes more of an incline press than a standard flat bench press. Either way, push ups are not the same as benching your own weight. Still a good resistance exercise though. Clapping push ups are even better.

[Parasite]

6'2" 200lbs and yes I can bench my own weight.

[enayes]

In college my father was 5'7 150 pounds and could put up 300.

Get on his level.

[WockaVodka]

Why wouldn't you? If you can you pushups, it's just doing pushups in reverse. Instead of pushing your weight up off the ground, you're pushing it up above your head.
Being able to do a push up is probably like being able to bench half your weight.

[shlver]

I tried benching once at my university gym. It was hard to stabilize but I think I did a bit more than my body weight. On the machine I did close to 200.

[Eat Like A Bosh]

I can max over my own weight though. Probably can't do regular reps

[macmac]

Lol at everyone on ISH pushing two plates or more, max rep doesn't mean with the help of two spotters and bringing it down a good foot away from your chest

[Ketchup]

Lol at everyone on ISH pushing two plates or more, max rep doesn't mean with the help of two spotters and bringing it down a good foot away from your chest

I'd be inclined to agree with this. Completely forgot about it. For those saying they don't bench regularly, I doubt they touch the chest, etc.

I see most newbies at the gym put on too much weight and at times not even do a half rep.

[B-Low]

Yeah now that i bought an actual bench I do 5 sets of 5 at 210 pounds. I'm 195

[bagelred]

I tried benching my own weight, but its impossible. My body just doesn't bend that way.

[raiderfan19]

6-2, 260 max is 405 but I rarely max. General finish my bench days with a set of 6 with 315

[PistonsFan#21]

Lol at everyone on ISH pushing two plates or more, max rep doesn't mean with the help of two spotters and bringing it down a good foot away from your chest

anyone that trains seriously for it should be able to do 2 plates on bench barring any injuries or really shitty genetics. I dont consider myself strong at benching and i could probably do a few reps with 2 plates weighing 155lbs. Its not some insane feat. Deadlift and squats were my best exercises

[Juges8932]

I am 190-195. About 3 years ago I remember trying one set of 185 to failure after my friend talking to me about it and got 24. About 3 months or so ago I tried a set of 225 to failure and got 14, but that was after having done a chest workout out a few days prior and at the end of vball practice. Usually on my medium days, I do 5x8-10 of 225. Heavy days, I start at 270 and go to 290 5x3-5. Light days, 5x15-20 at 135.

[LA_Showtime]

anyone that trains seriously for it should be able to do 2 plates on bench barring any injuries or really shitty genetics. I dont consider myself strong at benching and i could probably do a few reps with 2 plates weighing 155lbs. Its not some insane feat. Deadlift and squats were my best exercises

He was talking about 225 not 135.

[PistonsFan#21]

He was talking about 225 not 135.

yea i was talking about 225lbs too. When i said 2 plates i meant per side

[Remix]

6'4/205. At the end of second semester I was up to weighing 210-212 and 1rm ~240 (225x4). Havent been lifting since (May 15) lost 10lbs and would guess I could could 205 a couple times still.

I have long arms too, makes it pretty difficult to move up weight.

[LT Ice Cream]

Any healthy male that doesn't have unusually long arms should be able to bench their weight, if not several times.

[bmulls]

yea i was talking about 225lbs too. When i said 2 plates i meant per side

Even still that's not a crazy weight. Go to any gym in the country and at least half the guys will be able to press 225.

[macmac]

lol this is so stupid. I know it's not crazy weights, but you're saying half the regulars at a gym can push 225, ok i guess, but that's 50% of guys that devote at least 3-5days out their week to working out. On ISH, 90% can push 225 like it's a joke. So what you're saying is ISH is basically an accumulation of elite weightlifters who coincidentally also like wasting time comparing Kobe and Lebron's social skills and bus/plane seating arrangements.


I'm a big guy 6'2 205, and when i was going to the gym i was maxing out at around 275. But that shit hurts your joints like a muphucka, pushing too much weight can easily lead to injuries. I have plenty of athletic friends who go the gym pretty regularly and don't push two plates so I have a hard time believing that all of ISH can do it no problem, especially dudes weighing in at a buck and a half, a buck and three quarters.

[alwaysunny]

I came close to maxing my weight when I was in high school, but then I tore my rotator cuff and it hasn't been the same since. I'd do a light bench press and my shoulder would hurt like hell the next day.

[Ketchup]

lol this is so stupid. I know it's not crazy weights, but you're saying half the regulars at a gym can push 225, ok i guess, but that's 50% of guys that devote at least 3-5days out their week to working out. On ISH, 90% can push 225 like it's a joke. So what you're saying is ISH is basically an accumulation of elite weightlifters who coincidentally also like wasting time comparing Kobe and Lebron's social skills and bus/plane seating arrangements.


I'm a big guy 6'2 205, and when i was going to the gym i was maxing out at around 275. But that shit hurts your joints like a muphucka, pushing too much weight can easily lead to injuries. I have plenty of athletic friends who go the gym pretty regularly and don't push two plates so I have a hard time believing that all of ISH can do it no problem, especially dudes weighing in at a buck and a half, a buck and three quarters.

You're completely right.
I read a study/survey and it showed 8% of males that actually lifted could put up 225lbs. It dropped to about 4% for 315lbs.

So this notion that half the guys in the gym can put it up is absolutely ridiculous. I had to work out a whole year to get to a 225lbs bench press. Another 3 years to get to 350lbs. And I'm a thick build and pretty heavy guy at 210lbs and 6'3.

Bench press is the compound movement you get the slowest gains on and the most stalls/plateaus. Its a forum though, you expect 150lbs to move 225lbs ten times like its nothing, who apparently don't lift that often. :oldlol:

[tontoz]

I came close to maxing my weight when I was in high school, but then I tore my rotator cuff and it hasn't been the same since. I'd do a light bench press and my shoulder would hurt like hell the next day.


Rotator cuff injuries suck. I strained mine over a year ago and havent been on a bench since.

Most i ever benched was 270. I weigh about 190. Anyone who can't bench their weight is either very fat or very weak.

Before the injury i was doing roughly 10 reps at 195.

[Hazard]

lol this is so stupid. I know it's not crazy weights, but you're saying half the regulars at a gym can push 225, ok i guess, but that's 50% of guys that devote at least 3-5days out their week to working out. On ISH, 90% can push 225 like it's a joke. So what you're saying is ISH is basically an accumulation of elite weightlifters who coincidentally also like wasting time comparing Kobe and Lebron's social skills and bus/plane seating arrangements.


I'm a big guy 6'2 205, and when i was going to the gym i was maxing out at around 275. But that shit hurts your joints like a muphucka, pushing too much weight can easily lead to injuries. I have plenty of athletic friends who go the gym pretty regularly and don't push two plates so I have a hard time believing that all of ISH can do it no problem, especially dudes weighing in at a buck and a half, a buck and three quarters.
I don't think 90% of ish posted in this thread.

[mr beast]

anyone that trains seriously for it should be able to do 2 plates on bench barring any injuries or really shitty genetics. I dont consider myself strong at benching and i could probably do a few reps with 2 plates weighing 155lbs. Its not some insane feat. Deadlift and squats were my best exercises

why would 2 plates be a measure of strength ?

the point of measure should be how many times a person can lift against his own weight

a 200 lb person benching 225 is different than a 150lb person benching 225

[Bosnian Sajo]

6-2, 260 max is 405 but I rarely max. General finish my bench days with a set of 6 with 315

:oldlol: :facepalm

[KDTrey5]

i use to, havent worked out for ages tho.

[cuad]

Do you count the weight of the bar? If not, then I can't bench my own weight. If so, well, I still can't.

[D-Wade316]

Bars must be counted in the weight. You're also benching it along with the plates.

[QUIZZLE]

probably twice

People care way too much about benching though. It's silly. You people trying to gain more pounds on it like it's such an accomplishment should focus more on exercises like deadlifts and squats that do way more for you.

[Jello]

lol this is so stupid. I know it's not crazy weights, but you're saying half the regulars at a gym can push 225, ok i guess, but that's 50% of guys that devote at least 3-5days out their week to working out. On ISH, 90% can push 225 like it's a joke. So what you're saying is ISH is basically an accumulation of elite weightlifters who coincidentally also like wasting time comparing Kobe and Lebron's social skills and bus/plane seating arrangements.


I'm a big guy 6'2 205, and when i was going to the gym i was maxing out at around 275. But that shit hurts your joints like a muphucka, pushing too much weight can easily lead to injuries. I have plenty of athletic friends who go the gym pretty regularly and don't push two plates so I have a hard time believing that all of ISH can do it no problem, especially dudes weighing in at a buck and a half, a buck and three quarters.
Why do you care so much?

[Juges8932]

probably twice

People care way too much about benching though. It's silly. You people trying to gain more pounds on it like it's such an accomplishment should focus more on exercises like deadlifts and squats that do way more for you.

Your body is only as strong as its weakest link. Definitely agree squats and DLs are the two most important lifts, but bench is right there at #3 (though I guess you could make an argument for overhead press as well, but that's #4, IMO). It is the most telling and common measure of upper-body strength. Squats and DLs are more of an entire body workout, though obviously emphasizing legs. It is silly to just dismiss bench as though it is useless, when it isn't, lol. Squats and bench are my 2 favorites, so I love both exercises and they both do a lot. I prefer Romanian deads as opposed to conventional because I do DLs for hammies/glutes and I feel it better in those areas doing Romanians.

[baseketball4life]

yes, I can rep it close to 10 times 3 sets in a row. I'm light though, 165 at 6 feet.