Bench Press is overrated exercise

Simon Dean SG

I can assure you, that most people despite being able to bench 90kg might not even be able to handle a 60kg military press.Simply put, their lower back is too weak to support.

There was this case where i persuaded a guy to try military presses, he can bench 95kg but struggles with a light weight like 42.5kg with military presses.If you are sceptical about this, try experimenting it with a person who does bench press only all the time.

I am not saying bench press is bad but rather over- prescirbed.I recommend doing/alternating both.

Military press is this case is standing up with dumbbells or barbells.

Xtrider SG

mmmm…miltary press not do shoulders meh? they target different areas wat..how to compare…

Marco_Simone SG

The military press definitely works a lot more muscles than the bench.

It is also harder to cheat.

Simon Dean SG

Bench press is a horizontal push movement pattern, military press is a vertical push movement pattern.

Dont both patterns need to be somewhat propotional?

If both movement patterns show a huge discrepancy between themselves.Then something is wrong somewhere.

You are only as strong as your WEAKEST LINK.

eagle SG

I agree fully. Ever since I read the Train Movements article and many other posts here, I have been trying to work on military press. It is definitely not easy.

I got a question: What is a good balance of strength for each movement? As in, if you do 80kg bench press for max, what is the ideal max weight for military press? Or any other movements too?

galapogos SG

My current bench 1RM is 115kg and my military press is 72.5kg, but my true military press 1RM is probably slightly higher than that because this is measured after 8 sets of bench press and 5 previous sets of military press, almost all heavy. I'd say if fresh I can probably press ~80kg overhead.

Oh btw I'm between 72-74kg so I guess I'm not doing too bad.

airgrinder SG

wah!!! you can bench me and shoulder press me....and i'm heavier than u..

sigh....

when can i at least do a decent say bench press say 60kg? Now all I can do (not a 1RM) is 12.5kg on each side, plus bar so about 45kg. I can do abt 9-10 reps with it, 3 sets....

Simon Dean SG

My bench 1RM isnt that much honestly at 87.5kg however i can military press 65kg 1RM strictly starting from my chest.Bw is 75kg.

I will be putting my military press singles video soon...

Marco_Simone SG

You people should try an even harder exercise-standing shoulder presses with dumbbells.

Simon Dean SG

did it before.

Marco_Simone SG

My max MP is slightly over 80kg but I struggle to do DB presses with 30kg.