A Comparison of Maximal Push-Up and Bench Press Performance and Their Prediction Based on Load-Velocity Relationships

Abstract

van den Tillaar, R, Falch, HN, and Larsen, S. A comparison of maximal push-up and bench press performance and their prediction based on load-velocity relationships. J Strength Cond Res 39(9): 919-923, 2025-This study aimed to compare maximal push-up and bench press performance, and their prediction based on the load-velocity relationships. Eleven resistance-trained men (age 25.3 ± 4.0 years, body mass 84.2 ± 6.1 kg, and body height 1.80 ± 0.06 m) performed push-ups and bench presses with 4 different loads randomly. Push-ups were performed with and without a 10-20-30 kg weight vest. Bench press was performed with similar weights as in the push-ups, followed by finding 1RM in each exercise. A linear encoder measured barbell and push-up velocities during the exercises, and force plates were used to measure the average force on the arms during the push-ups. A load-velocity relationship was established between the load and velocity for the push-up and bench press per subject and the equation used to establish a predicted 1RM. The main findings of this study demonstrate that 1RM for push-ups was significantly higher than with bench press (112.4 ± 18.9 vs. 106.4 ± 20.4 kg); meanwhile, there were no differences in the predicted 1RM. Furthermore, an extremely strong association was observed between the actual 1RM loads performed with the push-up and bench press ( r = 0.92). Even with different load-velocity relationships for the 2 exercises, it was possible to predict a cross-over 1RM between them, which was not significantly different from the actual 1RM loads. For coaches and athletes, this method is an easy, cost, and time-effective option for standard 1RM bench press testing to predict maximal upper body strength.

Keywords: 1RM; mean velocity; resistance training; strength; upper body.