Let’s keep this simple. If you’d like to win one of ten free copies I’m giving out of my new Bench Press Explosion eBook that contains 18 of the best bench press routines I have ever come across here’s your big chance!
The problem as I see it is addressing how powerbuilders can simultaneously achieve big numbers in their bench press weight and still develop sculptured, striated pecs in a minimal amount of time. That is the challenge I strive to address with this book.
Here’s what you need to do for a chance to win.
Look over these two interview posts below (will open in new windows) where I talk about my powerbuilding approach to bench pressing for BOTH strength and size.
Part 1: How To Bench Press 300 Pounds & Beyond!
Part 2: How To Bench Press 300 Pounds & Beyond!
Now leave a comment below on this page using 250 words or less explaining why you want to increase your bench press to get bigger and stronger and how my new eBook Bench Press Explosion would help you reach your goals of gaining this strength and size.
This contest will be open until the end of the day on Monday, March 12th. Everyone has the same fair chance to win and all entries will be read. Just do me a favor and don’t use lack of finances as a reason you want to win. Even if you don’t win I’m going to make this super affordable so everyone can get their hands on it next week when it’s released.
Good luck. Enter you comment below to win. Contest ends at the end of the day on March 12th.
like GSP said …im a fighter not a body builder…he said he doesnt train like a body builder…whats the point being really big anyways ? are you really tougher bigger ? look at junior dos santos,jon jones,anderson silva,GSP,ALI back in the day and the other heavyweights…these guys HARDLY look like the big body builders we see in the magazines …SO is being really big really mean you can handle yourself better in a confrontation then if you were thinner? obviously being big is mostly show….if these huge body builders were really someone to be scared and respected because oh there so big they can take on most other smaller people easily in a confrontation…..oh … they can kick someones ass easily and the false bravado we are all brainwashed that oh,you better not mess with him ! look at those big muscles ! then you would see guys as big as ronnie coleman ,dorian yates ,jay cutler,branch warren,arnold schwarzenegger in the ring fighting and kicking ass and taking championships ! but guess what? looks like the opposite is true…the guys who hit the hardest and fight the best are the lean guys who DONT look like brock lesnar lol…or a buff body builder…sure these guys have muscles but not the huge bodybuilding muscles we were all brainwashed to believe that bigger is better and makes someone better able to handle themselves in a fight …..i think ive made my point so next time i have this big bodybuilder guy kicking sand in my face with my smaller leaner body ….maybe ill just stand up and kick his huge muscular ass and huge muscles into the sand where he belongs ! lol !
Hi Mike,
Great interviews. Thank you for the information. I have always enjoyed your blogs and used LHM to great results.
For some time now I have wanted to increase my bench press max. I have added weight over the last two years, but I am nowhere near approaching 300lbs and it’s bugging me.
I feel in order to feel like I have accomplished something the amount should increase by at least 25-50 lbs. I don’t expect it to happen overnight, but I have the confidence that using your Bench Press Exposion is the tool that I need to put me over the top. The information you shared is similar enough to what I am doing already that I won’t be drastically changing what I am doing now. It will be like the icing on the cake.
I am looking forward to the release of the program and will look out for the details as they become available. Thank you again.
like GSP said …im a fighter not a body builder…he said he doesnt train like a body builder…whats the point being really big anyways ? are you really tougher bigger ? look at junior dos santos,jon jones,anderson silva,GSP,ALI back in the day and the other heavyweights…these guys HARDLY look like the big body builders we see in the magazines …SO is being really big really mean you can handle yourself better in a confrontation then if you were thinner? obviously being big is mostly show….if these huge body builders were really someone to be scared and respected because oh there so big they can take on most other smaller people easily in a confrontation…..oh … they can kick someones ass easily and the false bravado we are all brainwashed that oh,you better not mess with him ! look at those big muscles ! then you would see guys as big as ronnie coleman ,dorian yates ,jay cutler,branch warren,arnold schwarzenegger in the ring fighting and kicking ass and taking championships ! but guess what? looks like the opposite is true…the guys who hit the hardest and fight the best are the lean guys who DONT look like brock lesnar lol…or a buff body builder…sure these guys have muscles but not the huge bodybuilding muscles we were all brainwashed to believe that bigger is better and makes someone better able to handle themselves in a fight …..i think ive made my point so next time i have this big bodybuilder guy kicking sand in my face because he is so big from body building and because he THINKS because he is bigger and lifts such heavy weights he thinks he can intimidate me and THINKS because he is so big he can be an asshole to me ….maybe ill just stand up and kick his huge muscular ass and huge muscles into the sand where he belongs ! lol !
like GSP said …im a fighter not a body builder…he said he doesnt train like a body builder…whats the point being really big anyways ? are you really tougher bigger ? look at junior dos santos,jon jones,anderson silva,GSP,ALI back in the day and the other heavyweights…these guys HARDLY look like the big body builders we see in the magazines …SO is being really big really mean you can handle yourself better in a confrontation then if you were thinner? obviously being big is mostly show….if these huge body builders were really someone to be scared and respected because oh there so big they can take on most other smaller people easily in a confrontation…..oh … they can kick someones ass easily and the false bravado we are all brainwashed that oh,you better not mess with him ! look at those big muscles ! then you would see guys as big as ronnie coleman ,dorian yates ,jay cutler,branch warren,arnold schwarzenegger in the ring fighting and kicking ass and taking championships ! but guess what? looks like the opposite is true…the guys who hit the hardest and fight the best are the lean guys who DONT look like brock lesnar lol…or a buff body builder…sure these guys have muscles but not the huge bodybuilding muscles we were all brainwashed to believe that bigger is better and makes someone better able to handle themselves in a fight …..i think ive made my point so next time i have this big bodybuilder guy kicking sand in my face because he is so big from body building and because he THINKS because he is bigger and lifts such heavy weights he thinks he can intimidate me and THINKS because he is so big he can be an asshole to me and THINKS HE CAN KICK MY ASS BECAUSE HE IS SO BIG ….maybe ill just stand up and kick his huge muscular ass and huge muscles into the sand where he belongs ! lol !
I wanna get bigger, and this book’ll do it man !!
REVISIONS AND CHANGES HAD TO BE MADE THATS WHY I HAVE MY POSTINGS 3 TIMES..IF THERE WERE A WAY TO DELETE THE PREVIOUS POSTINGS I HAD ..I WOULD HAVE…..HAVE A NICE DAY !
Mike,
We are currently using a 12 week bench cycle that we read about from your Critical Bench program (floating around somewhere on the internet). My son is a 17 year old, high school junior and varsity football player. At 190 lbs., he can squat 555, clean 225 and deadlift 425, but his bench has lagged behind. I am a former competitive bodybuilder whose chest was never my strength and whose bench was pitiful. I am not a good resource for him in the bench press arena. My son recently benched 185 for 8 reps at a combine, which was a PR. We are midway through the 12 week cycle and it is working, although, he says he feels like he is about to hit a wall. We are hoping to get his max up to around 260, although we rarely try max attempts. Our short-term goal is to get him pressing 225 or better for reps (regular workouts). Also, @ 5’9″ he has struggled to get his lean body weight up. We would like to get him to a solid body weight of 200 before the season starts in August. I have been a football coach for 18 years and never seen a kid worker harder than my own son. Fortunately, I know my limits of expertise and will defer to you in this situation. Being selected to receive your program would go a long way towards helping him reach his dream of playing Division-1 football. Thanks, in advance, for considering him.
James
HA by the way looks like charles atlas advertisements were WRONG in the day….the ad should have showed the little guy getting sand kicked in his face by the big muscular guy THEN later the smaller guy coming back NOT MUCH BIGGER THAN PREVIOUSLY than he was before and then showed the much bigger guy again being the jerk intimidating the smaller guy then the smaller guy KICKING THE BIGGER GUYS ASS and bigger guy humiliated crying back home to his mama hahaha
Saludos desde Veenzuela!!!!. So Jose Araque, tengo 42 años, soy entusiasta de fisicoculturismo, me gustaria llegar a tener un cuerpo expectacular con grandes musculos. Hace 1 año que me dedico al gym y mi mayor problema ha sido el press de banca (pecho) ya que hasta ahora solo llego a la cantidad de 50Kg. y verdaderamente quiero aumentar mi capacidad de levantamiento y por supuesto incrementar mi masa muscular y fuerza, no solo en el pecho sino que en todo el resto de mi cuerpo. Agradezco oportuniddes como esta en la que un profesional ofrece sus conocimientos y asesoria para principiantes como yo. Gracias de antemano y espero poder continuar y crecer cada dia mas!!!!
Hi Mike
I’m 16 years old and I play football defensive end and deep snapper.
As you know Mike football is a physically demanding job.
I have been lifting weights for 2 years now and i eventually got stuck in a plateu.
I over came this with your critical bench press program so with this success I have full confidense that anything your willing to share will help me reach my goal of
playing in college football.
Ps. Thank you for your knowledge and emails you share.
I think I really need this book because I have reached a plataeu at 250 on my bench for a entire year now. It seemx all the routines and programs I have tried so far are not working so this may be the program that helps bust out of this rut.
Simply put… I crave the best of both worlds, a powerful & sculpted upper body. I’ve been following mike & Elliott for about 2 years & have made great gains in the process. 3 years ago I was the shot in the chest during a robbery. At the time, I was 245 lbs (6’5″), after a lengthy stay in the hospital I dropped to 165 lbs. As I said, you guys have helped me tremendously on my road to recovery of my former body. I’m up to 215lbs & I feel this book will give me the info I need to push me over the hump!
Thank & be blessed!
mike,
thnks alot for this oppurtunity i think tht it will help me alot because i am a very dedicated football player and have a gauranteed future because of my speed and endurance but i could only bench press 225 1 time. Tht is very pathetic for a football player but my coach is thinking about droping me 2 the lowest group in the weight room the highest bencher is a linemen he bench 300 1 time. He thinks hes so bad and tough because he got 300 but hes been stuck there for a while so i know hes not working hard and ive been working my ass off wit incline fat and decline bench presses but my result will be like 5 pounds in 3 weeks. So this program will help me become the baddest player on my football team and guarantee me a scholarship in football if it can get me benching more than 225. thnks for reading and i hope tht you really see how bad i want the program because i really do.
NO PAIN NO GAIN !!
THIS WORK FOR ME
Mike,
I am 45 and looking forward to more information from you!
About 1 1/2 years ago I started competing in powerlifting. This after lifting weights for 25 years. I started weight lifting while a Chaplain in the Army. It is a hobby that I have greatly enjoyed. Once I started competing, it became obvious that my weakest lift is the bench press. At 55 years old, 198 lb, I am squatting and deadlifting 400-425 lb. However, my bench press is only 250-260. I would like to make my bench press at least as good as my squat and deadlift.
Hello Mike,I am 61 yrs old and been working out for at least 45 yrs.My favorite lift has been the bench press for many years.My best lift was 365 back in the 80’s.My work-out bench is 225×5,6,or 7,depends how I feel.My bodyweight is between 175 to 195 for many years.Not to long ago I was benching 275x5x5 and 315,325,340×1,2,or3.Now,I am trying to get 225×10 and higher,but get to tied after my 6th rep.I had prostate cancer a year ago and was treated with radiation treatments.I believe thats where all strength and energy was deleted from the treatments.I like reading articles and reports about anything too better myself.I hope that I’ll be one of the lifter’s to win the book,thank-you.
Hi Big Mike.I’ll be honest-at the moment my bench sucks.I am lower body dominant,my legs are massive and strong-my upper body is so unproportional comparing to legs,gluts.In the gym where I workout I am one of not many guys who deadlift and squat.Those are my favourite exercises,and I am very strong at them.Unfortunately when it comes to benching I suck…I am ectomorph,I used to suffer from asthma,and I was always getting sick a lot.Strength training is my passion,together with proper eating cured me from everything. Bench is my weak link.Please help me overcome it…
Mike,
I’m a true follower of your program. It is amazing how you have helped improve many people in all aspects of bench. I would love to also be part of that. I currently am making the switch from bodybuilding to power lifting and strongman and I have to tell you it has not been an easy change. I have never been so challenged in my life, seems like all the routines I did with bodybuilding are complete opposite from what really helps you with strength and most importantly getting my bench developed. If you decide to pick me for the free program It would really Help me in getting my bench to optimal level. I would make sure that I promote it all around my gym and let people know and see the importance of the proper process for a better bench.
Hi Mike….Great material. I think you’re on to something here. I’m a 55 year old former athlete (did I say former?) who has had 2 shoulder operations. I love to bench. It has always been my goal to bench 360 (350 to me was just making it). At any rate I’m stuck at 330. I’m hoping your book will not only show me the techniques, form and rep ranges to achieve my goal but also to do it in such a way that I minimize any chance of injuring my shoulder again. The problem is two fold…1) I weigh 223 lbs. and would like to get down to 210. Too often I hear you can’t lose weight and increase your bench. I don’t buy into that. I think it can be done. But I need help. 2) After my second surgery I was told not to lower thee weight all the way down to my chest. This has helped relieve some of the tension on the shoulder and tendons but I sometimes feel as though I’m not doing a complete lift. I never believed age should be a factor; so yes I’m still a little competitive in the gym. I hope to never lose that. I hope your book can help me…and if I’m a winner so much the better. Thank you!
Hi Mike
The most important reason why i want that book is beacause im joining the Navy SEAL’s in 3 years and befor that i need to become extremely strong, it could really help me if i had the chance to follow your book because there is not alot of strenght geek like you who can help me.
Hi Mike,
First I’d like to say thanks for all your tips and advice on health and fittness, by following the advice on proper lifting technique I’ve not only improved my 1RM but also prevented futer injurys. And thats priceless so thank you.
I think i should win your new E-Book because I’ve been following yours and Elliots web sites and youtube channels for some time now, and have become some what obsessed with becomeing the strongest version of myself! Studying Health & Fittness, Training 5 times a week, reading and re-raeding books and endlessly watching vidieos. And then taking all this new knowledge into the gym.
After the gym though I take all this motivation into all the other asspects of my life and use the same motivation I use in the gym to constantly improve other areas, such as my working life and relationships with family and friends.
I am now spending my life trying to become the most complete version of myself I can be. Always looking for new ideas and being openminded to things others might think weird.
Now then, in my direct line of fore-farthers, we have always been good, strong & athletic men. and I believe it my duty in my life to do my best to rise the bar for all the future generations. I’m going to become the strongest, fastest, healthyest man my family has ever produced and after i have done this. It will be my job to train, educate, sculpt and motivate my son to do better. not only the gym but at every part of life, and will do this by using the knowledge I’m gaining now about the gym and personal growth, personal development & copetetiveness as a metephor for the using the correct attitudes and moralitys in the real world.
Thank you for taking your time to read this, best of luck in futer projects
Yours
Michael C.
Mike,
I want a shot at your FREE book because my bench press absolutely needs it. I have been battling injuries and quite honestly “motivation” issues due to said injuries. As it turns out my biggest issue, was working out on the equipment that was available to me whilst deployed with the Coast Guard. Since being reassigned to land I have made positive strides to better my bench. I also assist with workout advice and information for my shipmates at my unit.
Very respectfully,
Pat
Mike,
I want your new bench press program for a few reasons. As of three weeks ago, I am a D1-aa outside linebacker for Illinois State. I transferred there from a DIII school, and I’m really looking to make a big impact in spring ball. The only thing holding me back right now is my size, specifically my upper body. I have been following you and Elliot for about three years now, and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am right now without you guys, and I really want to take it to the next level. You’ve helped me a great deal already, don’t stop now! Thank You.
As a student of your Critical Bench Program I have seen my bench increase to a single rep best of 250. I started your program below 200.I am now competing in powerlifting events at age 61. Won my first 2 entered thanks to your program. I want to take my success to the next level and your new publication will surely get me there. I have my eye on the state record and beyond. With your help I know I can get there. Thanks for all the great advice. It works!
Dagnabit Mike I need this!! Let the knowledge you provide be put to the test and use me as a walking advertisement of the results. I am constantly searching for the best and latest tips and information to improve my lifting routines. I’m no bodybuilder but previous health concerns have made me change to a more healthy lifestyle so I’ve decided to put my all into it and this would be a huge asset to add to my arsenal.
Hey Mike,
Thanks for all the hard work you put into your programs. I have been an avid fan of you and your work for about a year now. I am 31 years old and since my years of wrestling I have been a committed fitness enthusiast. I have worked extremely hard over the past two years to get stronger and look better. I am 5’10”, 200 lbs. I have worked my deadlift up to 545 for 1 and my squat up to 425 for 1. I have built an impressive back and legs with this but my chest and bench are lagging far behind at only 295 for 1. I know that your work could be all that is needed to get me over the hump. Thanks again for all you do.
Jack
Hi Mike,
I am 16 years old and have been gyming for about a year now, and for about 6 months of that I have been trying really hard to increase my bench. I have reached a couple of plateus, and the last one I believe I got through by reading one of your free PDF’s with the seven bench tips, and good form was what I was lacking. My current bench is just 95kg, not alot compared to most, but my next goal is 100kg, which will give me 150% my own body weight, which I really really want!!!
Hopefully with a copy of your Bench Press Explosion I could achieve this.
Alex
Hi mike,
Im 18 years old and living.in england- and this august i have rugby trials for irish exiles u20 and leicester tigers u20, they’re big teams like your football teams such as saints. My athletic ability in the past has been limited by crippling asthma up to the ages of 16, despite this i have been given one shot at making it as a proffesional rugby player which would be an absolute dream come true. In terms of strength and size in bench i am a little bit behind my competition and this guide you offer could be a life changing book for me!
Im a big fan of your podcasts and i humbly ask for this guide for free.
Many thanks, Jonny Kilgallon.
Mike,
I have been trying to get stronger for a long time. And nothing seems to work. However, I used some of your techniques mentioned in your most recent emails and I have already been seeing results. Mike I think that your program could greatly increase my strength, and also make me a healthier person in the long run. I have had health problems recently and it may be because I have not been able to get in good shape. But I feel that your critical bench program could greatly influence my strength increase. Your help and understanding to help me get my body in shape would be greatly appreciated
Thanks!
On my way to a 1000 pound powerlifting series, I first want to get a 225 BP (two wheels on each end!) which I never have. Then if I could get up to bewteen 275 and 300 the 1K would be easy (400 DL, 350 SQ are the other goals for now.)
How I look is secondary, but big solid muscle with reasonably low fat that can move big weight is better-actually put 1 inch or more on biceps in 6 weeks working out 3x a week and zero curls.
Excellent interview part 1 and 2. Your best of bench would help
Me with my bench since I been stuck between 275-295 for
A long time squat and deadlift has increased but bench have
Been the same. So your book would help me
You and Eliot Huze do good work sending email and posting
Videos. Keep up the good work
Mike:
I am trying to prove that, just because someone is approaching 60 years of age, that should not be a barrier to being the best that you can be (without joining the Army..). my bench is around 310-315 (@ age 58 1/2 ), but I refuse to believe this is as high as I’ll ever go. I am a determined person, and a 37 year cancer survivor who believes that you truly can achieve whatever you can conceive – if you have the right tools and information – I believe your materials and the inherent motivation would give me just the “push” I need to REALLY start setting and achieving my goals.
Thanx so much for this opportunity – and for your continuous helpful insights.
As I get older(52) I have found its getting harder and harder to keep improving with all my workouts. One of the reasons is my time is more limited, but the real problem is my body. It hurts more now. I work hard to set goals to help me keep on track, and still make gains. I have rarely been able to bench 300 lbs. in the years I have worked out. I feel this book would give me an opportunity that I may not get again. Set the goal, and work hard to be more focused on keeping the muscle. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book. Kevin
Hi Mike.
I’ve just recently started working with weights. With my martial art background I always thought I’d get by just fine with pure bodyweight exercises – I proved myself wrong a year ago when I started doing weights. I’ve put on a lot of muscles, and become a lot stronger. In the first three months I increased my bench from 70kg to 90kg, and two months later I had my 1RM at 105kg (not too bad since I’m at 75kg in bodyweight, but I’d like to get it up to double my own weight). Since then I’ve really plateaued, and I can’t seem to make any serious gains. I’m hoping this book will be the answer to my problem.
Regards,
Patrick
As a 26 year old Chinese whose weight is only 75kg, my 1RM for my bench press now is a 110kg which I feel is not bad for somebody who used to struggle with even my bodyweight bench a few years ago. However, I want to go on to the next level and hit 140kg (or 315lbs) where nobody in my gym has ever ventured to. In fact, what pisses me most is that I see people in the gym doing lousy form bench presses that make me want to kick their asses and be the strongest in the gym where bench pressing is concerned. And I wonder, why not be ambitious? To be honest, my bench press is the weakest amongst all compound lifts. If you are so willing to teach me the secrets, I will be very grateful. Thank you! 🙂
hi mike
hi im very interested in your workout program. im 14 years old and play outside linebacker football for the sycamore aviators in cincinnati ohio. i would really love to have have your product but cant afford it. my goal for this next year is to start the varsity football squad i dont think i can do it without your help. my goal is to become a five star recruit and go to a d 1 university. please i need your help. my mom is a social worker she works with mentally challenged adults. my dad is a alcoholic and drug attic and i have not seen him for 5 years. please help me mike i will be so great full and not forget what you did for me i will keep you updated on my results. i want to also lead my team to the promise land of the state championships
dear mike
hi im very interested in you workout program. im 14 years old and play outside linebacker football for the sycamore aviators in cincinnati ohio. i would really love to have have your product but cant afford it. my goal for this next year is to start the varsity football squad i dont think i can do it without your help. my goal is to become a five star recruit and go to a d 1 university. please i need your help. my mom is a social worker she works with mentally challenged adults. my dad is a alcoholic and drug attic and i have not seen him for 5 years. please help me mike i will be so great full and not forget what you did for me i will keep you updated on my results. i want to also lead my team to the promise land of the state championships
Hey Mike,
My reason for your free book is because I train by myself in my home gym
Where I have a good selection of free weight, I have a good squat, n Deadlift
But if i want to compete next year in powerlifting im going to have to increase
My bench at the moment I can push 110kg for 1rep but need to get at least 140kg
So there you go that’s my reason.
I am looking into setting a world record for the fastest Olympic marathoner with the biggest bench. I am a state champion wrestler and have carried with me solid strength with excellent endurance. I recently ran the St. George Marathon, out of the almost 6000 runners, I finished 7th place overall and broke the course record for my age group, with a time of 2 hrs. and 30 minutes! That’s a 5:45 average mile! Only 10 min away from the Olympic qualifying times! As far as the weights go, I love lifting heavy! I have been a follower of critical bench for almost 10 yrs. I have recently competed in a bench competition; I weighed in just less than 150 lbs and hit 305. I am finishing up my degree in biochemistry and exercise physiology, I feel confident in my knowledge I have gained over the years and generally wouldn’t put much stock into these types of programs from “online experts”; however, I have respect for critical bench and believe that this program may help me succeed in achieving my goals.
I really want to win a free program and put it to the test. I want this, not because of a lack of finances, but rather because—sorry to say—I am “Skeptical”. I hope to get a free copy, put it to the test and become a true hybrid machine! How neat would it be if it was your program that helped me achieve such a fantastic record!
hi Mike, I REALLY need your help. I’m embarrassed to bench when the gym is busy.
My deadlift and squat are pretty average but Bench Press? Forget about it. I can’t even do reps with bodyweight!!
I started weight training over 30 years ago, to shed fat. I’ve never been strong and tend to not eat to get strong because I fear putting the fat back on again.
I used to get shoulder pain a lot when benching so would back off until the injury healed then start all over again. In recent months I read your suggestions including tucking the elbows in and have found the shoulder problem has ceased!
I train on my own and bench once a week. I’m making very slow progress. My first goal is to get to doing reps with body-weight. At the moment I’m not even at a point where I can do 1 GOOD rep.
I love weight training but using more respectable weight, in everything, is my immediate desire.
After reading the material put up by yourself and Elliott I have changed to
using the lifts that involve the large muscle groups. Squats, Deadlifts, Benchpress and Power Clean & Press are my current mainstays.
regards,
Gordon
I will be turning 50 in July and want to increase my stength in the bech press as well upper body size. You have so much knowledge about lifting I know that this book will help me greatly. Thank you.
Mike,
My name is Dedrick Henry. I am a bench only (raw) powerlifter competing mainly in the Southern Powerlifting Federation (SPF), 198lbs division. I am currently 3rd worldwide and 1st statewide (Georgia) in the 198 lbs raw submasters bench press in this federation (http://southernpowerlifting.com/record_output.php) with a 390 lbs benchpress in 2009. I pretty much have been at this level since 2009. I am looking for new workout ideas to get past this range and achieve and pass the 400lbs bench press. I believe your book will get me to and past 400lbs. I will turn 39 years old this year and would love to celebrate 400lbs plus bench before my 40th birthday, which will be when I transition from “sub-masters” to “masters”.
Thanks and preciate all you done for the sport and lifters in general.
Dedrick “Ded Serious” Henry
Ive got my first high school powerlifting competition coming up in a couple of months, and my chest has always been my biggest ‘problem area.’ My squat and deadlift are doing decently (just over twice my bodyweight), but my squat is quite bad (around 175…). Ive put a lot of work and time into helping develop my chest and bench press, but nothing seems to help. Any assistance at all would be greatly appreciated as I don’t have a coach, or a trainer, or anything like that to help out. Everything Ive done up until now has been all me, and there’s not a whole lot else I can think to try.
Honestly, I just want this program to increase my bench press max so I can kick my follow head coach’s ass at work! He keeps on telling me he can bench this and that, thats all he works out..just bench every day…and he never shuts up. He weighs about 50-60lbs more than I do and he keeps on telling me he can do 255 20 times, 275, 15 times, and 315 2 times but he cant even do one pullup! When i was a senior in highschool i maxed out at 315lbs and I only weighed 180lbs so i know that if i get a dedicated bench program, i can kick his ass in a few weeks and finally shut his mouth up and show him that a 185 lb dude (me) can out bench a fat PMS 250+lbs dude (him)!
Perhaps as an outlier, I lift as a spiritual practice. As an old guy soon to be 62, lifting is essential for me to feel like a man. I also do cardio, run, swim, and practice yoga as well as meditation. Several months ago, I was easily benching 320 with a projected max of 360. However, some things went wrong, and I ended up homeless. I was no longer able to lift, became very ill, and was constantly in pain. I lost much weight and strength but I am back in the gym now, happily recovering what I lost. I love the process of recovery and am patient. Also, I fell great again.
I am all for adventure, experimentation, and discovery. I am always open to new methods to increase my strength and athleticism in order to remain a spiritual warrior. Mind and body are not two. Also, mind, body, and spirit are not three. Everything is interdependent. We get to keep ourselves healthy the best we can in all three dimensions.
In Europe, many men say they feel emasculated. I see a growing similar trend in the USA. It is important that we end this, express what we really be, take on our freedom, and engage in those activities that are life-giving for us. I have watched many of your videos, Mike, and I appreciate your honest, unpretentious, no bullshit approach to what is needed for strength and athleticism. Always, you place honesty above marketability.
Salute,
Sean McKenzie (aka Silent Temple)
Hi Mike
I am 47 yes old and a former rugby player 20 years ago. Started going to the gym last year to rebuild my body before it is too late. I have tried a few programs and being an ectomorph I have all sorts of trouble trying to build decent muscle. I have searched hi n lo thru the web, magazines, book, chatted with fellow gym guys, etc and I am really frustrated in trying to achieve my goals. I am 180lbs or 82 kgs. Maybe this book will point me in the right direction to help me be the right stuff.
Cheers Greg
I was stuck. My hard gainer mates were blitzing past me and I couldn’t get my bench to improve!!
When you’re the guy at the gym who’s lifting way less than your training partners, yet you still can’t make improvements as fast as them, if at all, it becomes a sad way to train.
The tips you’ve given so far have helped me start improving again, and i’m sure that with your program I can catch and even overtake them. It’d be absolutely epic if I could win!
Either way cheers for helping me out dude!
hey mike,
Been reading and studying your emails and tried alot too, i call myself a hard gainer, i train hard with my mate same length of time, same work outs but he grows and i don’t, i eat right train right chest is my weakest no matter what i Try just seem not to grow i’n that area or lift heavy, so this book might be what i need, would love to win this book and give it my all and finally get some where
Neil
hi mike you have done a very good job this far im proud of you thanks for everything , i want to get bigger, stronger and i bevlieve that this book will do it