Shoulder Pressing 225 Pounds
This is my new years goal for 2009 (‘goal’ sounds way better than ‘resolution’)
I’ve actually been working at this goal for a couple of months now, ever since I got involved in a friendly wager with the boys over at AdonisEffect.com.
The deal is this – It’s a race to see who can do a standing barbell shoulder press with 225 pounds first. The only rules is that it has to be with as little leg drive as possible, and we have to be under 200 pounds of body weight when we do the lift (I’m always between 175 and 180 so this won’t be a problem).
So My mini-goal is to push 185 by March 1st.
My plan is to keep my upper back strong and to make my lower back even stronger. This will help tremendously with this lift, since I am pushing from a standing position, every part of my body from my hands to my feet are going to have to be strong to make this happen.
I won’t be changing my diet (I’ll still be fasting once or twice a week), and I won’t be taking any extra supplements or radically changing my workout routine (I only really enjoy training when it’s 3 or 4 times a week MAX).
In fact, this is really a test to see just how much can be accomplished by using a well structured and goal oriented training program, rather than just going to the gym to go through the motions.
I’ll keep you updated on my progress and even post some videos when I get the chance.
Getting stronger while fasting,
BP
That’s a quite ambitious goal; similar in scope to bench pressing 340-350 lbs. I’d be impressed if you get it. Good luck with that, Brad.
Based on published performance standards for powerlifting, an overhead press of 234 lbs (1 rep max) in the 198 weight class puts you in the “elite” category. In the 181 pound class, 218 qualifies as elite.
Definitely a lofty goal. But that’s how goals should be.
I like your mini-goal as well. Old-time strength trainers figured that all men should be able to overhead press their own bodyweight.
If I could offer one tip (not that you asked…), it would be this: Get some fractional plates. 5 pound jumps in the overheard press are damn near impossible after the first few weeks of training.
Hi Martin,
Good to hear from you.
I was a 350 – 365 pound bench presser through out my twenties, which is part of the reason i picked the 225 number for shoulder press.
We’ll see how it goes.
B
Hi Matt,
Good call on the fractional plates.
BP
I’m smoking your ass, Pilon!
Almost had 195 the other day.
Love,
B
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please allow me to introduce you to the infamous Brad Howard from AdonisEffect.com!
Brad,
Some quick smack talk for you..
There are 3 things I know how to do really well
1 – Get lean & stay lean
2 – Get strong
3 – stay lean while getting strong
Remember my friend, the deal is that we have to press 225 at a bodyweight of under 200 (I’m going to do it at under 180)
BP
(Oh, and I’ll have a better AI then you when I do it too!)