I can do a ton of pushups, but can't bench much?

Question

I can do over 50 pushups in one go. But my max bench is like 130. I am 16, 5'8 and 140 pounds.

Answer 1

You have trained your muscles for endurance as opposed to strength...work on the heaviest weight on the bench for 8-10 reps...don't make the mistake of ignoring back exercises and your core muscles as well


Make sure you have a spotter

Answer 2

I tend not to think that people under 18 should lift, but if you're already doing it then change up the workout. Push ups are easy for you because it's an endurance exercise and because it's body weight based and you're light. You can almost lift your body weight which is really good. Try some flyes and pullovers to hit the muscle form different angles. Bench presses are not the best exercise in the world just the most popular. Also try doing incline bench. I was 5'8" 140 when I started working out at 19 and now I'm 215 at 5'11". You may still grow, I kept growing until I was 27.

Answer 3

Your 16---what you are doin is push ups and a lot of them...That is the right way to be working out. I want you to bench 60 pounds 25 times for every workout of push ups. For get the 160 lbs and anything above that. Gona hurt something and it is gona hurt---and be expensive. Tear a muscle and you may have to have sergury to fix it. Please use the 50-60 pounds and do bench reps. I hope your doin the same for the legs and glutes... 20lbs bumbells for curls and other arm and shoulder chest workouts---reps...Your building muscle not power lifting---OK Get a book if you think this gray haired geezer is not telling how it is...

Answer 4

the mechanics of the push up and the bench press are not exactly the same so there is no carry-over from one exercise to the other. the be an efficient bench presser you have to bench press. also the push-up only utilizes 60% of the total bodyweight of the person if they are fairly symmetrical.

Answer 5

its because you are only pushing your body weight. youll never exceed unless you start to lift more than your body weight. once you start lifting more, your muscles are going to grow and so on and so forth.