Dave's quest to 500lbs flat bench

[DFRELAT]

I have Crohn's disease and I've been sick non stop for the last few years and stopped training completely for 2-3 years because of this. But I've been fortunate, I finally caught a break and started working out again about a year and a half ago. And when I did, the thing I wanted the most was to gain back some of my former strength, but most importantly, to get back to at least a 500lbs bench. It's been really hard but now I'm finally getting close to it. I'll be posting my progress along with pics and videos as I hopefully get it back in the following weeks.

I was really tired today but I still decided to try 5 plates. I missed it but I got a real good feel for it, I'll do better in the following weeks! I'm happy, hadn't tried this heavy in years! I put in some incline bench too, I also hadn't done this heavy on this in a real long time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S42-nUU1Vns

[turkishexpress]

That's really good weight given the past. You'll get the 500 in a week or two looking at the control.

[Braveone]

The video won't play on my Evo. But good for you brother. My old boss had chrons and he could barely lift a pen. It's a terrible disease. Hope you take that ****in bar for a big ride.

[BgMc31]

You have the power for sure. Did you realize that you use absolutely NO leg drive when you bench. I guarantee if you get some leg drive into your bench 500 will fly up! Looking strong, brotha!

[DFRELAT]

Yeah thats one thing I have to work on.

[songdog]

Good luck bro.

[oldschoolfitness]

500 in the future for sure. impressive!!

[DFRELAT]

Still no 500lbs bench but I'm sure I would've gotten my 5 plates by myself (495lbs+/-) if I had my regular training partner with me. The guy spotting me followed the bar even though I told him to only touch it It I get stuck. He said he just followed and didn't help at all, but it still pisses me off! I count it as a miss! Second try I went to slow and got stuck, but can't complain since it's my first chest workout since I got sick and it's been over 2 weeks since the last one...Next week! Did some high reps stamina sets after, went ok, did a decent amount of reps, gave a great pump!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSbm6qG52q0

[powerliftmike]

I would never suicide grip 495lb!! be careful bro

[brad1986]

You have the power for sure. Did you realize that you use absolutely NO leg drive when you bench. I guarantee if you get some leg drive into your bench 500 will fly up! Looking strong, brotha!

leg drive? Maybe in a power lifting comp that might help otherwis that sounds redicules.... esspecially to train that way.... leg drive is just going to excessivly arch your lower back