Postal Bench Press Competition

Many BWLA members and friends are fascinated by the Bench Press and may welcome a new straightforward incentive scheme based on it.

We already have two Postal schemes: the Lift of the Quarter, and the Postal Clean & Jerk scheme that attracts 1200 under 19s every year. The LOQ covers 22 lifts over a 5 year cycle and attracts up to 100 people of all ages. It includes an informal club ranking as well as one for individuals based on percentage of body weight.

The three Powerlifting feats and the Olympic duo are left out as they provide opportunities via formal championships. But now that BWLA no longer runs Powerlifting BWLA loyalists and general weight trainers are left with no remnant of the three basic strength feats. So for enthusiasts who wish to test themselves on the Bench we are starting the Postal Bench press comp. during Oct. – Dec. 2010 with a closing date of Jan 31 2011. It’s simple: send your lift, bodyweight, gender, club, age; witness’ name and contact details to Jim Smith at Longwood House, Shifford lane; Standlake; Witney; Oxon or silentsmith@talk21.com with £0.50 per entry, payable Jim, by Jan 8. Have as many tries as you like but the lift must be refereed by a witness, not necessarily a qualified ref..  It will be a big help if you declare your category: Powerlifter; bodybuilder; recreational weight trainer or Weightlifter (Olympic lifts) and, if you are a BWLA member your current membership number. Membership is not obligatory but if taken out gives you £5 million third party insurance.

Any scales will do.

The Bench Press rules are important: Max distance between hands is 81 cms. ; length of bench at least 1.22 m.; width min. 29 cm., max 32; height min. 42, max 45. Head, shoulders and buttocks must be in contact with bench throughout; feet must be flat on floor and not move at all. Short lifters may have blocks under their feet;  the spotters must hand the lift in to arms length; after it is lowered the ref must signal ‘Press!’ when it is motionless on the chest. It is then pressed to arms length without any pause or deviation from parallel to the floor. The feet may not touch any part of the bench. The bar may not contact the uprights if the bench has them. The spotters may not touch the bar until it is at arms length and the ref calls ‘Rack!’. It is not allowed for the bar to sink into the chest after the ‘Press!’ command. The hands may not move in or out along the bar.

Good luck!  If this proves popular we will extend it further into the new year. Your ideas will all be welcomed.

Jim.