Question on max bench attempts

[tweakxc03]

Hey Andy,

I am very new to working up to a max on bench. I have noticed that when I do hit a top single, it seems like i stall out really fast after 1-2 top end attempts.

For example, todays session went:

265x1 - last warmup
275x1 - tied my PR. Bar speed was fast, felt pretty easy
280x1- 5lb PR, felt very smooth, almost no struggle.
285 miss... totally dead, couldnt get the bar an inch off my chest.
Backed off and hit 245 for an easy 3x3.

What gives? Is it just experience grinding on top end loads?

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Yep. You only get a few attempts at the top end before you are smoked. It's not an exact science. For instance, maybe if you had skipped 280 and tried 285 immediately after 275 you would have gotten it, but there is no way to know for sure. Be happy with whatever PRs you can get.