Help me get a 300 bench in 13 weeks
 

Alright, my next meet is in 13 weeks. I've plateaued at 275lb. and my all time bench PR is 290...but that was several years ago. (stuff happened between now and then, long story, no one cares)

I talked it over with my buddy and here's what we came up with:

Next 4 weeks, high volume: 4x15 or repeated effort twice a week. Day 1 will be reg bench, Day 2 will be OH press or incline bench. Support work after that.

3 weeks after that: Day 1 will be sets of 5. Do as many sets of increasing weight until bar speed drops significantly; then support work. Day 2 will be 3x5 (speed sets), lats, 3x3 (speed sets), tri's.

2 weeks after that: Same thing but sets of 3 on Day 1.

2 weeks after that: Same thing but heavy singles on day 1.

2 weeks after that: Deload

1 week after that: Competition.


So, I know for a fact, that will be good enough to bust my current plateau, but do you think that'll be enough to get to 300??

I will also add that's my basic template for squat too. Since I'm coming back from a quad injury, the first 4 weeks are going to be 10x10, twice a week starting at 50%. Day 1 is back squat, Day 2 is front squat. I will say it now: FUCK ME!

Also, no deadlifting at all during those 4 weeks. I'll hit some glute hams and good mornings as support lifts, but that's it.

I'll pick up deads again starting after those 4 weeks and knock squat down to once a week'ish.

It's hard to tell, but as long as your tailoring it to your body, you should be fine.

I would recommend heavy, 4-6 rep tricep work each week. Close grip benches, or something similar. And don't forget heavy overhead pressing with 4-6 reps. While training the bench, also strength the tris and shoulders.

Mileage may vary.

My personal experience is that when my overhead pressing and triceps got crazy strong, my bench rocketed up. As I moved from 185 to 245 for reps on seated overhead presses, my bench press continue to move up using linear progression each week until it hit around 430.

This is just my 2 cents, and not the Gospel ;)

Start with 5 reps or less and stay there. if you need/want extra low-load volume, do a "flush" set right after your heavy bench sets. If you can do 3 sets of 3 with a heavy negatives right before the flush, you will get strong, fast. start with 101% of your max and increase 1% each week until 4 weeks out, then cut out the negatives. 2 weeks out cut out the flushes

Best Assistive Tri-Exercises
Close-Grip
Overhead Press
Incline Press
JM Presses
Weighted Dips

That's exactly what I've been doing the past 5 weeks. The 4 weeks worth of volume is to change things up.

I'll keep those heavy negatives in mind once I get through the first 4 weeks though. Didn't think of those.

Might also add in some pin press on Day 2. Yes, no?

pin presses are hard, but I feel they are effective. they will humble you. the volume will definitely enhance your GPP, which will help you around weeks 8-13, when you are trying to get multiple sets with heavy weight

Pin presses are probably one of my least favorite bench movements. I don't always feel comfortable with them. You might consider a 2-board press with 3 rep sets instead. You can use heavier weight, and it will help mentally and physically.

If you don't have boards or a decent spotter, you can bench in a rack down to 2 or 3-board depth.

But, with that said, I'd rather see you get in a good volume of lower rep bench presses first and foremost. Whatever you decided to do, get under some heavy weight for low reps.

Also, you have a video of you benching. Maybe we can peek at your form...

Well, I wanted to incorporate the pin press to develop power off the bottom. Board press is just to hammer the triceps, no?

I haz video. Haven't actually reviewed it yet. I filmed my entire workout 2 weeks ago. Been meaning to splice it all together and throw it up, but just haven't had time.

But speaking of form, I've been messin with my foot position and think I finally got it figured out last night. My quads and entire back are hashed today.

I would try pin presses. Just make sure you have the bar aligned correctly and play with the groove before going crazy with the weight. They are a bear. And they are effective. I'm not telling you NOT to do them. They're just one of my least favorite approaches to training the bench simply because I'm old and have to watch my shoulders. I fear the wrong groove with pin presses.

Always try everything reasonable, and fashion your routine around your preferences and experiences.

make sure the bar is aligned at the bottom of the chest to start. it will hurt like heck if you start too high, and the shoulders will suffer the consequences.

Board presses are pretty much for lockout strength of the tris, but the shoulders and chest still acquire the load