Alright, guys, let’s talk about this 225-pound bench press thing at the NFL Combine. I decided to give it a shot myself, just to see what these football players go through. I mean, it’s a classic test, right? Everyone talks about how many reps you can do. So, I started hitting the gym, focusing on my bench press.
First thing I did was just to see where I was at. Let me tell you, 225 pounds is no joke. I struggled to get even a few reps in the beginning. It was rough, but I kept at it. I started with what I could handle and slowly added more weight over time. It was all about pushing myself a little bit each session.
- Started with lower weight to get the form right.
- Gradually increased the weight as I got stronger.
- Focused on consistency, hitting the gym regularly.
I also started paying attention to how these NFL guys train. They don’t just jump straight to 225 pounds, you know? They work their way up. They have these whole routines focused on building up strength and endurance. So, I started doing more sets and reps with lighter weights, just to get my muscles used to the movement and build up that endurance.
Changing up the Routine
After a while, I hit a plateau. I was stuck. That’s when I realized I needed to change things up. I started incorporating different exercises to work different muscle groups, like incline presses, and flyes. I even threw in some push-ups for good measure. The goal was to get stronger overall, not just in the bench press itself.
And you know what? It started to work. Slowly but surely, I started to see progress. I could do more reps at 225 pounds. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. But I kept pushing, kept showing up. I documented every workout, tracked my reps, my sets, the weight. It was motivating to see those numbers go up, even if it was just by one rep.
I’m still not at the level of those NFL guys, not even close, but now I can do more reps than before. Now I can get 10 reps of 225, I’m not sure if that’s good or not, but it’s a big deal for me. It just goes to show what consistent effort and a bit of strategy can do. And it’s given me a whole new respect for what those athletes do at the Combine. It’s not just about lifting heavy, it’s about the hard work and dedication you put in day in and day out.
So, that’s my 225 bench press journey. It’s been tough, it’s been rewarding, and it’s definitely been a learning experience. If you’re thinking about trying it, my advice is to start slow, be patient, and don’t be afraid to mix things up. And remember, it’s not just about the weight, it’s about the journey.