Thank you for coming. You are going to find out about some of the most remarkable records for the senior bench press here in this post. They are much more substantial than you could possibly imagine!
It’s safe to say that the bench press is the single most well-known exercise that can be done in a gym. To sum it up in a single word, it’s iconic.
There is a good reason why the bench press is included in the workout routines of people located all over the world.
The fact that the exercise is one of the key events in powerlifting is significant for more than one reason.
In contrast to any other workout, the bench press both develops and demonstrates your pressing strength as well as your general upper body strength.
Even though most older people don’t participate in powerlifting competitions, the bench press is still an excellent exercise for you to practice.
It’s possible that you believe that people over the age of 60 are unable to bench press high weights because of aging, but you’re in for a big surprise!
Before we go into the bench press records for the various age groups, let’s begin with a brief review of the exercise.
What Is The Bench Press?
If you arrived at this page via a search engine, it is very probable that you are familiar with the term “bench press.” However, in the event that you are unaware of what the bench press is, allow me to provide a brief summary.
lifting exercises include the bench press, which consists of lifting a barbell up from your chest while laying on a specific bench designed for press exercises.
The bench provides support for your back, while the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and chest do the majority of the work when lifting.
Because of the stationary position, the bench press is an excellent indicator of the strength of your upper body. You won’t be able to drive the bar up with your legs and hips to any significant degree.
A hefty bench press is still an exercise that engages the entire body. For the majority of lifters, driving the bar up actually requires some contribution from the legs and hips as well. However, rather than being an actual driving force, this effect is more of a stabilizing one.
Because of this difference, the bench press is a more straightforward exercise to judge in a competition than, for example, the overhead press.
When performing the bench press, it is still feasible to cheat by bouncing the barbell off the rib cage or performing half reps.
Because of this, there are a few standards that must be followed in order for a lift to be considered legitimate in powerlifting and bench press competitions.
The lift must begin from a full lockout, and it must remain stationary on the chest until a judge gives the signal to press. The lockout occurs at the very end of the lift as well.
Because of the lockouts and the wait, the bench press is a reasonably straightforward exercise to compete in and judge. They eliminate any element of uncertainty regarding the lift.
In the page titled “Lifting Weights for Seniors,” you can find some additional information regarding the lifting weights.
Raw Vs Equipped.
It is very vital that you grasp the difference between raw lifting and equipped lifting before we move on to talking about the records for the various age groups.
Because there are so many different federations, clubs, and leagues for powerlifting and bench pressing these days, it is difficult to directly compare the results of each competition.
The primary lifting rules of the majority of federations are typically very similar; however, one significant variance is in the types of equipment that are permitted.
When we talk about “raw lifting,” we imply that we are not allowed to use any equipment that assists us in directly lifting more weight. This indicates that the only permitted (affiliate link) lifting belts, wrist bands, chalk, and singlets are those that have been pre-approved.
The standard equipment for equipped bench pressing consists of a specialized shirt designed for bench pressing that has a strong elastic pull across the chest. This contributes a sizeable amount of force to the bottom movement of the lift, which in turn has the potential to boost the lift by more than one hundred pounds.
When performing a bench press with appropriate equipment, (affiliate link) thicker wrist wraps and elbow sleeves may also be utilized. I’m not going to get into specifics regarding the apparatus at this juncture.
In addition to the importance of having the proper gear, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the major impact that both your gender and your body weight have on your overall strength. Particularly in the position of the bench press.
Therefore, the record for a raw male bench press that is super heavy equipment will be far higher than the record for a raw female bench press that is light equipment.
Senior Bench Press Records For Over 50
I want to begin keeping track of the records beginning with the over 50 class. I am aware that people who are fifty years old or older are not typically regarded as seniors. When you consider athletes, though, the situation is rather different.
Just consider how many athletes in professional sports like football or hockey, gymnastics, or running are above the age of 50.
When you are above the age of 50, it is inevitable that the effects of aging will begin to show in your physical performance. irrespective of the quality of your genetic make-up.
Therefore, someone who is over the age of 50 can already be considered a senior lifter for the purposes of powerlifting and bench pressing.
The raw record for the bench press in the Master 50-59 series stands at 562 pounds at the moment. It was established on April 21st, 2018, in the category of super heavyweight by Kole Carter of the United States.
Senior Bench Press Records For Over 60
Even if you have never participated in sports in your life, if you are beyond the age of 60, you are considered a senior.
There are a lot of incredibly strong people in their sixties who participate in powerlifting, which is an interesting aspect of the sport.
At the age of sixty, the age-related physical decline might not be as dramatic as it otherwise would be if you have been lifting weights for several decades and have maintained your health. In the article “Weight Training for Men Over 60,” I went into greater detail about this topic.
These extremely respectable bench press records for adults beyond the age of 60 are evidence of this phenomenon.
The raw record for the bench press in the Master 60+ series currently stands at 501 pounds. It was established on April 19, 2018, in the category of super heavyweight by Jim Ray (USA).
Records for Seniors Over 70 and 80 Years Old in the Bench Press.
The amount of weight being lifted in the category for people aged 60 and beyond might surprise you, but the competition doesn’t stop there.
When it comes to powerlifting, there are plenty of athletes over the age of 70 and even over the age of 80 who can still put up significant numbers.
At this age, general health and genetics really start to begin to have a significant impact on a person’s physical performance. However, if you train consistently for a long time and take precautions to avoid catastrophic injuries, you can keep a large portion of your strength far into your 80s.
In many events, there are no official divisions for persons beyond the ages of 70 and 80 because these participants are typically included in the group for those 60 and older. Here are some incredible lifts that people in various age ranges have accomplished:
Ash Sinclair holds the world record for the up to 82.5% kg class in the bench press with 135 kg. That equates to approximately 298 pounds, with a bodyweight of approximately 180. It’s very astonishing that you can maintain that weight at 71 years old.
Even more astonishing is the fact that Phil Poppino still manages to bench press 330 pounds at the age of 80.
The Bottom Line
I really hope that this post I wrote about the senior bench press records was both helpful and fascinating to you. Feel free to post a comment below if you have anything to say about this.
An activity known as the bench press is one in which the effects of aging may not be felt to the same degree. In comparison to Olympic weightlifting, it is possible to perform it at a slower pace, and it is generally easier on the back than the squat and the deadlift.
Therefore, there are a significant number of elderly athletes who are capable of bench pressing decent weights in competition. When looking at these records, it is very important to keep in mind that they do not in any way reflect typical or realistic strength requirements for regular individuals. This is something that needs to be kept in mind at all times.
All of these records have been accomplished by athletes who, in the majority of cases, have spent decades honing their skills.
Realizing that many strength athletes might use performance-enhancing substances even if they compete in federations that test for doping is another key point to keep in mind.
A decline in essential hormone levels is associated with aging, particularly in testosterone. As a result, a significant number of male athletes, particularly older males, might be participating while taking testosterone replacement medication, which is permitted by the rules.
Even if they have been regularly engaging in strength training throughout their entire lives, it is still going to provide them a huge advantage over typical seniors.
Therefore, if you are a senior who enjoys bench pressing, it is essential to prioritize your own performance and health above all other considerations.
I am aware of the fact that it might be entertaining to find out what other individuals are capable of doing, of course.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and I’ll see you again soon!
FAQs
Senior Bench Press Records represent the highest achievements in bench press strength within the senior age categories, showcasing the incredible feats of individuals aged 60 and above.
Records are typically set and recognized by powerlifting federations or organizations. They require strict adherence to competition rules and regulations, ensuring fair and standardized assessments.
Absolutely! Senior athletes passionate about bench pressing can compete in recognized competitions to attempt breaking records. It’s essential to adhere to competition guidelines and qualify for the specific age category.
Records can be updated whenever a senior lifter successfully surpasses the existing record in an official competition. The frequency depends on the number and timing of such competitions
Yes, senior bench press records are often categorized by weight classes to ensure fair competition. Athletes compete against others with similar body weights
It’s crucial for seniors to consult with healthcare professionals before engaging in strenuous activities. With medical clearance, many seniors can safely participate in bench press competitions.
Yes, each competition follows a set of rules established by the organizing body, ensuring a standardized assessment. Rules cover factors such as proper form, equipment, and execution.
Check with local powerlifting federations, fitness organizations, or online platforms that share information about upcoming events. These sources often provide details about competitions, including registration requirements.