Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below
napsgear
genezapharmateuticals
domestic-supply
puritysourcelabs
UGL OZ
UGFREAK
napsgeargenezapharmateuticals domestic-supplypuritysourcelabsUGL OZUGFREAK

Which "big three" exercise is your strongest?

What is your strongest lift/press?

  • Bench press

    Votes: 31 19.9%

  • Dead lift

    Votes: 78 50.0%

  • Squat

    Votes: 46 29.5%
  • Total voters
    156
Status
Not open for further replies.
Im 17, been working out for about 3 years now. Im 5' 6'', and I weigh 125.

1. Deadlift ( Most ive done was 290 )
2. Squat ( I tried last week, and did 270, but failed at 300 )
3. Bench ( 200, not bad for my weight, but eh )
 
Im looking at the poll results and have to conclude that most people deadlift more than they squat or bench.

Yet when you look at powerlifting records, im under the impression that in the 800-1000lbs range, deadlifting poundage is lower than squat poundage.

Is that correct?
 
Squats, definately. Deadlifts are right behind Started lifting in Jan; and started a 5x5 program in March. Squat & Deadlift weight goes up 5-10lbs per week (no where near as heavy as you guys - but I will be near there soon!).
 
My max raw full squat is about 315 right now. My max deadlift with a belt is 405. My max raw bench is 275.

Based off the relation of the numbers and exercises and the time I've been back in training it appears that bench is my best lift.
 
My squat is my strongest, but I don't do them anymore b/c I'm an endo w/ disproportionate sized leg and butt muscles. They grow easily anyways b/c of genetics (my dad has big legs) and I can just fill them out if I would ever need to.
 
hmmm....tough call here because I havent PL squatted in a while

deads are 325
full Oly squats are up to 295
last time I PL squatted it was up around 335 which was over 2 months ago, so its probably higher now.
bench is obviously trailing around 275
 
It depends on how you squat

With a BBer quarter squat (if not a 2 inches squat), the squat is the strongest exercise

With an ass to the grass oly squat, it's the deadlift
 
I'm not the strongest on benchpress. Deadlifts, I'm going to start again, but squats - I've done 3 reps at 405. Normally I can do 325 several times (6-8 reps).
 
prob deadlift

have done 405 raw, 495 with straps

my best squat is 435 for 5

bench is weak, i rarely do it, i think its been close to 6 months since i have done flat bb, but i have gotten my incline up to 245 for 5
 
OK best lifts: (No belt, RAW)

Squat: 440lbs (fucking really deep!) and 225 x 30 reps 135 x 70 reps (you try it!)

Deadlift: 550lbs and 23 x 315 (I did use straps to hold on to the bar)

Bench: 325lbs and 225 for 16 (ass stays on the bench - cheaters!)
 
all my lifts are raw, in sandals!!! i also put the belt on my head or in front of me to mock me when i deadlift. so other than my sandals i got nothing, not even chalk
squat..... i do 315 for 4 sets of 8 so....probably a quality amount
deadlift...... 515 in my awesome sandals
bench..... i always try 315 but actually have never been able to do it i was always struggling to get it, i think its a mental thing because i cam take 275 and do reps
 
My 590lb "beast lift" was my strongest lift. Its a deadlift just not the standard type. I do it with the bar behind the legs. Standard dead was my second strongest at 510lbs.
Flat Bench comes next at 395x1 and 400 just short of lockout. I was 185-195 when these lifts were done. Incline comes next at 375x1. Squats Ive never really done, so they wouldnt be on the list. Only counting freeweight movements.

Heres the 590lbs "Beast Lift" completed:

4906203November2003_039.JPG


505lb Deadlift:

4906203November2003edit_001.jpg


400Lb Bench Press Attempt. Spotters hands touched just where I stalled. Definately not my best attempt but the only one I have a picture of. A few weeks later I was only a slight movement from lockout. Very close. :

49062P1010011-med.JPG


45Lb Hammer Curl!! KILLED THAT SHIT!!:

49062P1010078-med.JPG


BEST SHAPE OF MY FUCKIN LIFE!! (current pic):

49062revived.jpg



Around 185lbs in the deadlifting pics. Done on same day. Around 195lbs in bench pic. KILL THAT SHIT!!

49062P1010097-med.JPG
 
you look smaller in the current pic, can you hit those maxes now? that beast lift looks mean, I would not know where to begin when trying that one...and those piercings look meaner :shitspants:
 
Mithrandir said:
you look smaller in the current pic, can you hit those maxes now? that beast lift looks mean, I would not know where to begin when trying that one...and those piercings look meaner :shitspants:
Click to expand...


ThanX brother!! Not only did I lose size in the current pic (nearly 5 inches on the arms), but 8 years, 4 tattoos and 11 piercings. I did the bench max a few months ago before injuring my spine. Definately cant do those maxes now. It could be a while.ThanX again!!
 
Smurfy said:
Probably deadlift but i dealift less frequently than I squat and bench press. My bench is very weak for my size, i hate to say. Same with my squat.
Click to expand...

I've always believed that if you wanted to pull big numbers you need to be a little crazy in the head. :)

;)

I guess it would be my deadlift as well.

Raw Deadlift: 730, near miss with 750
Raw Squat: 664
Raw Flat Bench (haven't done in a LONG time: 431.5 x 1

B True
 
Deads for me...

Deadlifts - 495 x 4
Squats- 315x 8 - 3 sets.. havn't tried more
Bench- 275 x7
 
Smurfy said:
LOL. Im getting there.
Click to expand...

When you do get there...come on by. I'm a little nutso too:) Everyone tells me that I'm always too calm...way to relaxed and calm to lift weights. THEN they see me train or that crazy look I get in my eyes from time to time. A buddy that I competed against a few weeks ago in Poland told me that I had the biggest heart for weight lifting he had ever seen...never seen anyone who WANTED it more than me. That was about the best compliment he could have given me.

People like yourself have given me the belief in myself...even when I didn't have it to give.

B True
 
Mithrandir said:
holy crap truth...that is alot of deadlift weight, and squat weight...nutso (some day me!)

Mith
Click to expand...

Thanks man...but I haven't done anything that you can't. I truly believe that with lots of time, hard work, and obsession you could surpass me easily.

B True
 
SublimeZM said:
at 125?

wtf man
Click to expand...

yeah lol. Ive gotten alot of reactions like that lol. Im actually kinda interested in competing in some junior powerlifting meets if there are any... I think i can do pretty good. I mean in my weightlifting class im lifting more than kids who weigh 30 pounds more than me.
 
My DL, relatively.

DL - 265
FB - ~195
SQ - 260

The squats should be my best, because my legs are really much stronger than the rest of me. The problem is that my back doesn't stabalize that weight very well, so right now my strongest is my DL. For Reps I do 5x5 245+. For sqat reps, I do 185 5x5 but can put 600+ up on the incline press.
 
Santa_Claus said:
Im looking at the poll results and have to conclude that most people deadlift more than they squat or bench.

Yet when you look at powerlifting records, im under the impression that in the 800-1000lbs range, deadlifting poundage is lower than squat poundage.

Is that correct?
Click to expand...

You are right - there are a few things going on.

1) Equipment - bench shirts and squat suits can really provide some major benefit. Using these (particularly shirts) are a skill in their own but some people can get humongous gains over their raw lifts. There are some deadlift suits and such but their value can be questionable and regardless, they don't provide near the benefit.

2) Body Weight - the bench and squat are both impacted very positively by weight gain. Add some muscle or even pure fat and your leverage (even range of motion in the bench) improves dramatically. It's just not the case with the dead. Even a lot of extra muscle can work against your ability to pull and negate the strength gains it provides. Weight gain isn't exactly antithetical to the deadlift but it isn't anywhere near the outrageous positive that it is for the squat or bench.

3) Technique - no such thing as a high deadlift or a short pause or whatever. You pull and lock out or you don't. No monolift, no bullshit, no argument, no nothing. Granted there's still some subjectivity at the lock out and maybe if there's a hitch in the pull but magnitudes less. There is just no way around pulling a weight from the floor - it's an obstacle and there's no way to manipulate it.

So you take a look at the improvments in the record lifts for the bench and squat (even look at totals) that people have made over the past 10-15 years and then take a look at how much the dead has progressed - way way less. There have certainly been some great pulls and new records set but the 900 barrier is still the realm of the gods of the pull.
 
Last edited:
deadlift by a mile.. I'm positive I'll be getting 675 in the next 2 months but my other 2 lag way behind that (squats are crippled by hamstring injuries and my shoulder is made of glass.. benching anything over 365 feels risky as hell)
 
I think PL squat weights kind of biases the population a bit. I'm not sure what kind of squats most people in the thread are doing but the difference between an unequipped raw full range olympic squat and a fully equipped PL squat is pretty large (especially when someone specifically trains to max it). That can kind of distort numbers a bit but it is sort of odd, there are a lot of people who are just built to squat or bench and don't pull all that well. I don't know why we aren't seeing them.

This was always one of my favorite squat photos. http://www6.mailordercentral.com/ironmind/prodinfo.asp?number=PH-ICTR
 
Illuminati said:
you think? i dont think many people here really squat. there only a few of us PLers here.
Click to expand...

well forget bench because everyone thinks they have a great bench..even guys throwing up 225 get up off the bench like it was 600..

deads- I never see anyone in my gym doing them..maybe a handful of guys..i never see anyone pulling over 315-365

i would imagine most people here in the training forum utilizie some form of Oly squat and not a PL squat..dunno just guessing???
 
Improve leverage by increasing resistance. I've heard some people have had issues even touching their chest with an ultra-fit bench shirt. If you've ever squatted in jeans you have an inkling of the possibilities - personally I've never worn any equipment like this. Now think about entire garments made explicity for this purpose. I remember Lattimer posting what he was able to get out of his bench shirt over his raw bench - it was rediculous. Of course, there is skill in maximizing your lift. A novice can't just throw on a bench shirt and run into the gym and bench a huge increase. He has to learn the shirt and how to bench out of it.

Obviously there is some disagreement as to whether this alters the sport or whatever but this stuff is here to stay at this point and there are always raw meets. The only issue I have is that it makes the old records uncomparable and you can't really say if someone today is stronger than Kaz or Reinholdt etc. To me that kind of sucks but...you have golf pros all hitting metal woods whereas persimon heads weren't as good and old-timers actually had to purposely swing slowly to compensate for irregular wooden shafts in clubs. The only constant is change.
 
wnt2bBeast said:
well forget bench because everyone thinks they have a great bench..even guys throwing up 225 get up off the bench like it was 600..

deads- I never see anyone in my gym doing them..maybe a handful of guys..i never see anyone pulling over 315-365

i would imagine most people here in the training forum utilizie some form of Oly squat and not a PL squat..dunno just guessing???
Click to expand...

that is what i was getting at. most people only train their upper body. the gym that i lift at, the only people that i have ever seen doing either squats or deads are me and my training partner.
 
New personal record on deadlift just the other day. From 335 to 365* Woohoo. I'd say that's my best. I don't want to claim that number just yet though because my form may have been a little off. BTW, 6' 180 lbs.
 
Madcow2 said:
The only issue I have is that it makes the old records uncomparable and you can't really say if someone today is stronger than Kaz or Reinholdt etc. To me that kind of sucks but...you have golf pros all hitting metal woods whereas persimon heads weren't as good and old-timers actually had to purposely swing slowly to compensate for irregular wooden shafts in clubs. The only constant is change.
Click to expand...

true..but its a mirror of the world we live in technology..It happens in every sport..exercise science as well..you could say that smae thing about using bands/chains in your training..these werent available years ago..samething with steroids..just like in bodybuilding the doses guys use today are nothing like what was used yeas ago..

As far as equipment goes..its a whole new ballgame..it seems those that dont use it deem it as cheating..i know no one has said that here but i sure its bound to pop up..bottom like there are raw meets there are meets for 1-ply and there are meets for 2-ply+..

I think it is totally F'in retarded for someone to compare a 2-ply bench or squat to a raw one or even someone using single ply gear..years ago guys would wrap elbows and use things that today are against the rules etc so it makes it hard to compare..

I will say this many feel that Ed Coan is the greatees powerlfiter and rightfully so..well Travis Mash who normally lifts in the wpo which allows the most ply's is going to compete head to head with Coan..so we will see just what he can do
 
In fairness to Ed - he's pretty old now. He still puts up great lifts but time has taken its toll. He's bigger and that helps his squat and bench (and total) but his deadlift I don't think is comparable. In his prime he just had no one to really push him. I don't think that without competition no matter how disciplined someone is, that you really see their best. It's been a while since I saw any recent lifts from him. I did see him about a year or so ago spectating at a strongman competition. I kind of thought he didn't look so healthy - sort of too big for his frame (sacrelidge on a BBing forum - but that's just my taste). BTW - when and where is this contest?
 
Madcow2 said:
In fairness to Ed - he's pretty old now. He still puts up great lifts but time has taken its toll. He's bigger and that helps his squat and bench (and total) but his deadlift I don't think is comparable. In his prime he just had no one to really push him. I don't think that without competition no matter how disciplined someone is, that you really see their best. It's been a while since I saw any recent lifts from him. I did see him about a year or so ago spectating at a strongman competition. I kind of thought he didn't look so healthy - sort of too big for his frame (sacrelidge on a BBing forum - but that's just my taste). BTW - when and where is this contest?
Click to expand...

i agree that head to head is hard since ED is past his prime..
But at least Mash will compete in single ply gear and its up to him to beat ED's old records..

I know some will argue that single ply gear today is not the same as it was back ten (totally true) but at least you can compare from the same federation ..

Ill post it up when it happens im not exactly sure of the date
 
do you mean in comparison with other peoples lift which is like proportinally best
or which is our highest of the three
I'm voting for highest of the three so I hope that's what you ment
Squat
 
Squat: 315x5 (Hit this PR today)
Deadlift: 335x5
Bench: 225x5

I don't really like to deadlift. I think my squat will soon surpass my deadlift.
 
wnt2bBeast said:
i agree that head to head is hard since ED is past his prime..
But at least Mash will compete in single ply gear and its up to him to beat ED's old records..

I know some will argue that single ply gear today is not the same as it was back ten (totally true) but at least you can compare from the same federation ..

Ill post it up when it happens im not exactly sure of the date
Click to expand...

Ed mostly lifted in old raggid gear when he competed.

At the Mt. Cup this year Ed beat Mash but almost 100 pounds. Not shabby for the fact how old he is and that he is still arguably one of the top in his class for so many years.

Kc
 
Bench used to be my favorite. Now I got squats down. Took quite a while while to get it right. I weigh 203 and im squating 200x10x3. I still get the best pump in my arms though :rolleyes:
 
Im 6'3" 250#
deadlift- 1rm at 465# (from about 6" above height of 45# plate, not from floor)
squat- 1rm 405 raw with belt (465 knees wrapped)
bench- 1rm 405 raw (elbows wrapped 405 x3 and 465 x 1)
 
Right now just started intenstiy phase of 5x5 so these are going up. Love this fucking program. Its a dead heat!!

Squat- 285x3
Dead- 285x3
Incline- 190x3 (haven't done flat in long time)
 
How the hell do you guys lift so much? I lift the following:

Deadlift: 90lb (never tried any more)
Squat: 100lb (never tried any more)
Bench: 60lb (this is poor, i am really weak at bench) [can't lift anymore]

p.s. I am an Ectomorph at 140lb, 16% BF and 3 months lifting experience.
 
275 lb bench
335 lb squat
385 lb deadlift

at 5'8'' 188lbs boy do i feel weak compared to these other numbers
 
How the hell do you guys lift so much? I lift the following:

Deadlift: 90lb (never tried any more)
Squat: 100lb (never tried any more)
Bench: 60lb (this is poor, i am really weak at bench) [can't lift anymore]
Click to expand...

Are you maybe thinking kilograms?? I can't imagine a healthy male weighing 140lbs, only being able to bench 60 lbs.. Unless you were joking around??
 
Just lift the weights and keep trying to lift more. You'll grow and in a year's time you can pass the advice on to someone else. Good luck.
 
im 6'2"
and hovering around 260lbs at a pretty high bf%
the most ive pulled on each are

1rep 235 bench press
5rep 295 deadlift
5rep 235 squat

i keep hurting my lower back so im afraid to attempt a 1rm for deadlift and squat
 
370 ass to the grass squat. 100# less than last year. Had to take some time off due to the flu... like two months off. :-( but i'm coming back

Whiskey
 
Protobuilder said:
What exactly is the point of these type of threads???
Click to expand...
Two find awt who is mad cawk deez bra! :rolleyes:

It is spring break time for the kiddies, remember?

It's a good thread actually. Interesting even if it's been done ad nauseum before.
 
i have a hard time seeing how anyone can bench more than they can dead...

i guess they have some sort of serious back problem that limits them on the dead...
 
20 years old, 5'8", 215, about 9% BF
Bench - 365
Deadlift - 565
Squat - 585 - very deep squat butt below the knees but with knee wraps
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

SouthernCalifornianBody
Dumb. Biceps curl Sudden loss of reps in dominant arm, not neurological. Any1 experience this b4, want 2 avoid doc. Please help
Replies
50
Views
11K
the_alcatraz
the_alcatraz
FishyAnchovy
Approved Log My Orals-Only Pre-Cycle LOG
Replies
21
Views
4K
MUSTANG_18
MUSTANG_18
Richardbrown
Napsgear: 3 Banded Exercises to Improve Your Deadlift
Replies
13
Views
3K
Tiger Salman Khan
Tiger Salman Khan
Richardbrown
Napsgear: Reverse Hypers: Don’t Neglect Your Glutes
Replies
13
Views
3K
Tiger Salman Khan
Tiger Salman Khan
Richardbrown
Napsgear: The Top 6 Trap Bar Exercises That Aren’t Shrugs or Deadlifts
Replies
12
Views
3K
SteveMobsterG
SteveMobsterG
Top Bottom