Gym---- bench press
27 February 2007, 05:41 PM
#32
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There are the sort of conversations I used to have with my mates that would make outragous strength claims - I'd then get them down the gym and sling them a 50kg dumbell and watch them drop it!! They could hardly hold it let alone bench it 
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27 February 2007, 05:44 PM
#34
Is there a rough pertentage difference between dumbells and barbell?
I mean, if you can bench 30kg dumbells what would your barbell bench press be?
I've never benched with dumbells, only used barbell but I will give it a try (when my back eventually gets better)
My bench press is pathetic though, my weakest part.
I mean, if you can bench 30kg dumbells what would your barbell bench press be?
I've never benched with dumbells, only used barbell but I will give it a try (when my back eventually gets better)
My bench press is pathetic though, my weakest part.
27 February 2007, 05:52 PM
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It really depends on how much you have trained in a certain way. For example: back in the day I used to be obsessed with the A-frame machine and did all my benches on that as opposed to free. I was up to around 100kg and thought I was the man compared to the weeds doing free benches with an olympic bar for a total of around 75kg. One day some guy was hogging the A-frame to hell so I fired into 80kg on the free bench to 'warm up' 
. I got if off the rungs and very quickly realised my error when I couldn't stop it moving around. Like a moving building I knew it was coming down and I managed to chuck the bar off to one side so it didn't crush my chest. I learnt a lot about lifting weights in those few seconds FWIW I was only good for around 50kg although my progress to 75-80kg was pretty quick as it was more about my muscles learning than actually growing
. I got if off the rungs and very quickly realised my error when I couldn't stop it moving around. Like a moving building I knew it was coming down and I managed to chuck the bar off to one side so it didn't crush my chest. I learnt a lot about lifting weights in those few seconds FWIW I was only good for around 50kg although my progress to 75-80kg was pretty quick as it was more about my muscles learning than actually growing Is there a rough pertentage difference between dumbells and barbell?
I mean, if you can bench 30kg dumbells what would your barbell bench press be?
I've never benched with dumbells, only used barbell but I will give it a try (when my back eventually gets better)
My bench press is pathetic though, my weakest part.
I mean, if you can bench 30kg dumbells what would your barbell bench press be?
I've never benched with dumbells, only used barbell but I will give it a try (when my back eventually gets better)
My bench press is pathetic though, my weakest part.
27 February 2007, 06:04 PM
#37
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I use 2x 30 kg dumbells and just wondered if its average, and my form is spot on the whole time. I think i could do more maybe but that is the max weight at my gym.us
27 February 2007, 06:11 PM
#40
It really depends on how much you have trained in a certain way. For example: back in the day I used to be obsessed with the A-frame machine and did all my benches on that as opposed to free. I was up to around 100kg and thought I was the man compared to the weeds doing free benches with an olympic bar for a total of around 75kg. One day some guy was hogging the A-frame to hell so I fired into 80kg on the free bench to 'warm up' . I got if off the rungs and very quickly realised my error when I couldn't stop it moving around. Like a moving building I knew it was coming down and I managed to chuck the bar off to one side so it didn't crush my chest. I learnt a lot about lifting weights in those few seconds FWIW I was only good for around 50kg although my progress to 75-80kg was pretty quick as it was more about my muscles learning than actually growing
. I got if off the rungs and very quickly realised my error when I couldn't stop it moving around. Like a moving building I knew it was coming down and I managed to chuck the bar off to one side so it didn't crush my chest. I learnt a lot about lifting weights in those few seconds FWIW I was only good for around 50kg although my progress to 75-80kg was pretty quick as it was more about my muscles learning than actually growing I started training last year from scratch. Slowly built up the weights so as not to injure myself. Started a routine based around compound stuff. After 5 months my bench with free weight barbell was 62kg for reps. I hurt my back in december and haven't touched weights since. It's been a real struggle for me though and I've worked hard to get there, shame I've thrown it away really
Thing is my bench is poor compared to ther lifts IMO, I can barbell curl 40kg's on my ez bar for reps etcMy mate I consider quite strong and he's currently on 42kg dumbells.
I guess people talking about 'average' and 40kg dumbells in the same sentence must be thinking average person that's been going to the gym for a couple of years.
27 February 2007, 06:19 PM
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I used to like the Smith machine that help when bench pressing, or having a mate to spot, keep the form as you lift up.
Also, depends what you after here, do you lift to tone, to bulk ? Sometimes more cardio, reducing your body fat, makes you more cut, and look deceptively stronger.
Genetics plays a vital part. Im sure most people who go to the gym, knows of a chap that lifts vast amounts without any problem, that isnt on the gear. A natural so to speak. I wouldnt worry about others, train to your own body requirements.
I personally hate weight training, but I love the after feeling, your body is pumped, your arms, shoulders look good and you feel powerful. Its like jogging, hate it, but once finished, you feel on a high.
Another thing I love was being on the juice ! I loved it, from the moment I jabbed it in me ! Mmmmmm the gains were amazing, but you must remember to eat good clean food, as to bulk, you've got to eat. I used to train with a group, and was amazed at how quickly I was out training them. Mind you, I suffered terrible roid rage. Didnt get the spots, just rage !
Now, Im just natural, I work out to stay strong, feel firm, and keep fit.
SBK
Also, depends what you after here, do you lift to tone, to bulk ? Sometimes more cardio, reducing your body fat, makes you more cut, and look deceptively stronger.
Genetics plays a vital part. Im sure most people who go to the gym, knows of a chap that lifts vast amounts without any problem, that isnt on the gear. A natural so to speak. I wouldnt worry about others, train to your own body requirements.
I personally hate weight training, but I love the after feeling, your body is pumped, your arms, shoulders look good and you feel powerful. Its like jogging, hate it, but once finished, you feel on a high.
Another thing I love was being on the juice ! I loved it, from the moment I jabbed it in me ! Mmmmmm the gains were amazing, but you must remember to eat good clean food, as to bulk, you've got to eat. I used to train with a group, and was amazed at how quickly I was out training them. Mind you, I suffered terrible roid rage. Didnt get the spots, just rage !
Now, Im just natural, I work out to stay strong, feel firm, and keep fit.
SBK
27 February 2007, 06:36 PM
#43
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Telboy and I don't see eye to eye often but I totally agree with his sentiments here. Generally if I saw someone rack up two 25kg plates on a 20kg bar then I'd regard them as fairly strong (70kg).
I would say 95% of 90-100kg Rugby players dream of benching 180kg ONCE
I'd say my natural state of strength is below average but when I trained I could achieve around 85kg (on a bar)(I'd say individual dumbells is harder as you use other parts of your muscle to stabilise the movement). Anything over 100kg is pretty impressive to me - it was generally the bigger guys or the very well cut guys that were pushing over 100kg in my Gym. I saw a guy hitting 140kg once and he was a total beast!! Again, I think its absurd to think a 100kg Rugy player is going to be benching near 200kg?! Where is he going to develop this strength without hours and hours in the gym, a perfect eating routine and probably 'other' assistance.
I think a lot of peeps in this thread are talking lbs thinking they are talking kg
I would say 95% of 90-100kg Rugby players dream of benching 180kg ONCE
I'd say my natural state of strength is below average but when I trained I could achieve around 85kg (on a bar)(I'd say individual dumbells is harder as you use other parts of your muscle to stabilise the movement). Anything over 100kg is pretty impressive to me - it was generally the bigger guys or the very well cut guys that were pushing over 100kg in my Gym. I saw a guy hitting 140kg once and he was a total beast!! Again, I think its absurd to think a 100kg Rugy player is going to be benching near 200kg?! Where is he going to develop this strength without hours and hours in the gym, a perfect eating routine and probably 'other' assistance.
I think a lot of peeps in this thread are talking lbs thinking they are talking kg
27 February 2007, 08:00 PM
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It's true about the guided bench press and the free too...I can bench 120 on the guided, but can only just do 80 on the flat and decline bench. As for dumbell press, I can only just do 40, but I don't really do it much. I tend to do lower weights greater reps now anyway as I want more definition.
There are some monsters in my gym that can bench 160+ on the free bench...I susupect most of them to be on some kind of gear.
There are some monsters in my gym that can bench 160+ on the free bench...I susupect most of them to be on some kind of gear.
27 February 2007, 08:16 PM
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Come on, let's be realistic. Most blokes can't even pick up a pair of 60k dumbells. The record in my gym is 70s for 6 reps, but that's from a 23 stone guy taking a cocktail of stuff. Day to day most guys don't get much past 35, the serious guys to about 45 and the druggies something beyond that. Very very few men can bench twice their bodyweight, that's competitive to a very high standard. In the real world 1x bodyweight is good, 1.5x is outstanding.
@ druggies
27 February 2007, 08:23 PM
#46
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f'me there are some superb claims on here..
I would say a normal grown man, flat dumbell press WITH CORRECT FORM (repeat) GOOD FORM, not this 2 inches down and back up, 25kg to 30kg.
I recommend you post this question on muscletalk.co.uk you would get a far more objective answer
I would say a normal grown man, flat dumbell press WITH CORRECT FORM (repeat) GOOD FORM, not this 2 inches down and back up, 25kg to 30kg.
I recommend you post this question on muscletalk.co.uk you would get a far more objective answer
27 February 2007, 08:36 PM
#47
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I would say average is around your body weight on the bench, As for dumbells, these are a differnt story if your not used to them as they use a wider muscle group to stabilise the arm!!
On dumbells I would say that around 30kgs are average!
I pushed out 6 the other day on 45kgs, and they were heavy!!!! I was well impressed with myself, especially as the biggest guy in the gym said to me and my mate 'I am the only guy in here who can lift them'.
Not bad for a guy who weighs 12 stone I reckon!!!
On dumbells I would say that around 30kgs are average!
I pushed out 6 the other day on 45kgs, and they were heavy!!!! I was well impressed with myself, especially as the biggest guy in the gym said to me and my mate 'I am the only guy in here who can lift them'.
Not bad for a guy who weighs 12 stone I reckon!!!
27 February 2007, 08:44 PM
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It also depends how far into your work out you are. I have been going to the gym for about 18 months now and when i am on chest and tri day i rotate my exercises. If i do dumbbell presses first then i use 40s or 42s (if i have a friend spotting me). If i do some other chest exercises first then come to do dumbell presses then i can normally only use something like 34s.
I would consider myself reasonably strong. From looking round my gym i would say that most men press between 30-40. Then again we are talking about gym people here. I would say that the 'average' UK male could press no where near that.
All IMO of course.
I would consider myself reasonably strong. From looking round my gym i would say that most men press between 30-40. Then again we are talking about gym people here. I would say that the 'average' UK male could press no where near that.
All IMO of course.
27 February 2007, 09:23 PM
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ok if anyone on here wants to take up this challenge
i will wager 50 quid that no scoobynetter can press 60 kg dumb bells for 4 sets of 6 reps
id struggle to get 3- 4 reps and im STRONG
im in st helens but willtravel
money to go to children in need
i will wager 50 quid that no scoobynetter can press 60 kg dumb bells for 4 sets of 6 reps
id struggle to get 3- 4 reps and im STRONG
im in st helens but willtravel
money to go to children in need
27 February 2007, 09:26 PM
#50
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Its a weight over reps equation.
I would say 35's or 42's for 10-12 for 4 sets, with good form.
But never forget:
Pre-exhaust
Supersets
Drop sets
All in combination over months. Never stick to straight bench, bar or dumbs. Its the mix that builds.
I would say 35's or 42's for 10-12 for 4 sets, with good form.
But never forget:
Pre-exhaust
Supersets
Drop sets
All in combination over months. Never stick to straight bench, bar or dumbs. Its the mix that builds.
27 February 2007, 09:50 PM
#51
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Dumbell press:
Normal bloke: Between 25-30kg
Regular gym-goer: 35-40kg
Natural bodybuilder, 15/16 stone-ish: 40-50kg
Steroid bodybuilder, 18-20 stone: 50-60kg
IMO.
Normal bloke: Between 25-30kg
Regular gym-goer: 35-40kg
Natural bodybuilder, 15/16 stone-ish: 40-50kg
Steroid bodybuilder, 18-20 stone: 50-60kg
IMO.
27 February 2007, 09:53 PM
#52
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120kg is a very large amount to be able to bench press IMO, i only know a few people that can manage over that and there all on steroids.
As someone previously mentioned i think for a average man to be able to bench press there own body weight is a good level.
The strongest guy at my old gym managed 26 reps of 140kg
(20kg bar and 6 plates) and the most i ever seen him do was 200kg 
As someone previously mentioned i think for a average man to be able to bench press there own body weight is a good level.
The strongest guy at my old gym managed 26 reps of 140kg
(20kg bar and 6 plates) and the most i ever seen him do was 200kg
27 February 2007, 10:02 PM
#53
How can anyone advise that 60 or whatever KG is good average? I would say that 80-90% of your body weight is a good start assuming that you're relatively lean eg 17-23% bodyfat. Experienced trainers should be able to bench free weight barbell in excess of 100% of their bodyweight. However, you won't be able to the same weights with dumbells since this requires more use of supportive muscles. Smith machines allows you to "cheat" and therefore allow you to lift heavier weights however doesn't develop your supportive muscles like free weights.
27 February 2007, 10:21 PM
#54
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i can lift, well, regularly lift, 20-25kg on each dumbell for around 3 sets of 8 reps, and im 12 stone, 5'11" and been lifting for about 3 months, 3x a week, id consider myself totally average!... more than that i think my chest would be tearing apart lol, but then again my form is pretty bang on and well timed, which make me feel more on the muscle than quick short motion with larger weights
27 February 2007, 10:47 PM
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I think the general feeling is around your own body weight is good/average!! I would steer clear from the Smith machine unless you train by yourself and go 'heavy'! I don't like Smith machines at all!!!! All free weights!!
27 February 2007, 10:52 PM
#56
I benched 200 kilos free weight the other day, I was very grateful when those lads lifted it off me.
Makes me laugh all the ***** waving, I lifted 120 kilos once, two lads spotting me and I got it most of the way back up, therefore I can bench 120 kilos.
I have seen a proper monster, hard core bodybuilder, not on gear do 2 * 60 dumbells in a proper bodybuilding gym and it caused a stir, it is not a routine occurance.
Makes me laugh all the ***** waving, I lifted 120 kilos once, two lads spotting me and I got it most of the way back up, therefore I can bench 120 kilos.
I have seen a proper monster, hard core bodybuilder, not on gear do 2 * 60 dumbells in a proper bodybuilding gym and it caused a stir, it is not a routine occurance.
28 February 2007, 12:02 AM
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I benched 200 kilos free weight the other day, I was very grateful when those lads lifted it off me.
Makes me laugh all the ***** waving, I lifted 120 kilos once, two lads spotting me and I got it most of the way back up, therefore I can bench 120 kilos.
I have seen a proper monster, hard core bodybuilder, not on gear do 2 * 60 dumbells in a proper bodybuilding gym and it caused a stir, it is not a routine occurance.
Makes me laugh all the ***** waving, I lifted 120 kilos once, two lads spotting me and I got it most of the way back up, therefore I can bench 120 kilos.
I have seen a proper monster, hard core bodybuilder, not on gear do 2 * 60 dumbells in a proper bodybuilding gym and it caused a stir, it is not a routine occurance.
Jacko, maybe its me but i didn't really understand your question, if you are saying that lifting 2x 60kg is not a regular occurance (which is true to a degree) then **** me if you can bench press with proper form 200kg free weight then you should be entering strongman comps my friend.
seriously that is a serious weight - unless your taking the pee of course
28 February 2007, 12:05 AM
#58
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28 February 2007, 07:22 AM
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Jacko, maybe its me but i didn't really understand your question, if you are saying that lifting 2x 60kg is not a regular occurance (which is true to a degree) then **** me if you can bench press with proper form 200kg free weight then you should be entering strongman comps my friend.
seriously that is a serious weight - unless your taking the pee of course
seriously that is a serious weight - unless your taking the pee of course
28 February 2007, 07:55 AM
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The 23 stone man must be using crap gear. Im 5' 10" and slightly over 15 stone and can do 62kg for 3 sets of between 9 dropping to 6 reps by my last set. Yes i take steroids but id expect a 23 stone man to be able to lift a lot more than me. The bigger heavier blokes in my gym certainly can anyway.
@ druggies
@ druggies