In last week’s blog, I focused on the bench press, and how the lifting regimens that I listed allowed you to surpass your current plateaus and to help you go after a dense, lifters physique. The programs mentioned could be utilised on all the ‘big’ exercises, including the dead-lift, squat and even the clean-and-press, giving the reader a breath of fresh air in their workouts to make some noticeable gains in size and strength.

I think it’s fair to say that the title of this week’s blog represents the quintessential question that is asked of anyone who is deemed to be “in shape”. Of all the feats of strength that can be performed in the gym, the legendary flat-bench press will forever be regarded as the generalised measuring stick of an individual’s strength and power.