Or, in a more likely scenario, I can quietly fume at the water fountain while an elderly man sits on the Maxx Bench with a crossword puzzle and “recovers” between sets of 10-pound bicep curls.

Question: I lift weights at home alone at 4:30 a.m., and I don’t have anyone around to spot me. What would be my maximum weight, and how can I test it on the bench press without risking injuries?

The Maxx Bench uses 11 gauge steel tubing, so it’s made tough and up to snuff. It’s been approved for both home and commercial use, and The Maxx Bench team claims it will hold 4,000lbs ...

If you're pushing through rep after rep of bench press at the same weight, more bench press is probably not the solution. This happened to me a few years ago, and I’ll be honest: It was aggravating.

If you're pushing through rep after rep of bench press at the same weight, more bench press is probably not the solution. This happened to me a few years ago, and I’ll be honest: It was aggravating.

Arent suggests keeping your expectations simpler: “If you can bench press your body weight, you’re doing pretty good,” he says. “If you’re a powerlifter, you’ll be able to do much more ...