How Much Can You Bench?
Maybe it’s just me, but I think this is quite possibly the worst question you can ask a girl. I don’t mind answering most questions, but come on, be original! Actually, this hasn’t been an issue here on Bodyspace (which I am very thankful for), but it is out in my day-to-day interactions with people that this seems to get asked quite frequently.
Just because I lift weights does not mean I am trying to break any strength records. This kind of relates back to that earlier blog that I wrote. But the interesting thing is that I really don’t bench press at all. I train in a way that works the muscles that I want to develop, because my goal is purely aesthetic. Correct me if I am wrong, but pectoral muscles don’t seem to be the main factor in figure judging. And I am talking about MUSCLES here, not anything else that may be a part of a woman’s chest.
My chest workout usually is just a few sets of incline dumbbell presses, with moderate weights. I actually set the incline up pretty steep so I still get quite a bit of front delt work as well. The way I see it, doing flat barbell presses will do nothing to enhance my physique in a way that will accomplish my personal goals. So I don’t do it. So if you ask me how much I can bench, I will not answer you.
I feel like I am being compared to one of the guys when you ask me a question like that, and that is the last thing I want! I work out to feel fit and feminine, so don’t be cheesy and ask me something original. I would be happy to answer any question but that one.
June 4, 2007 at 5:20 pm
So, how much do you squat?
June 5, 2007 at 12:11 am
hi michelle, that’s a good blog entry. I actually find it curious why you were asked such question. it is nice to know that you truly understand how to sculpt and build the muscle not targettng on strength building.
June 5, 2007 at 12:14 am
I figured you have very nice shaply legs. may be your squat or leg press a bit. perhaps you can help step some of metrosexuals/ college boys at my gym……to the point of their negging pain.
:p
nice work, michele.
June 5, 2007 at 2:05 pm
How many beer bottle caps can you bend closed using your index finger and thumb in a minute?
June 5, 2007 at 6:26 pm
I get torn on the whole benching thing. Part of me is scared to build my pecs too much because it does seem to flatten and widen the breasts (implants), leading to a less feminine physique and absolutely no cleavage.
On the other hand, I do admire women with thick solid built chests as well.
Plus, benching is just fun. I miss it when I don’t do it.
I have cut back recently to one chest workout every other week.
The strange thing is, that since I have cut back, my pecs seem to have developed more.
This leads me to believe I may be overtraining my other body parts, and less really is more as far as frequency of workouts. Any response?
June 6, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Maddi, less is definately more! I have found that it is easy for me to get into overtraining mode, so I think you are onto something.