USAWA

David Beversdorf and the
Best Roman Chair Bench Press of All-Time

by Al Myers

David Beversdorf, of Clark’s Championship Gym,  has been training a lift that most other all-rounders want to avoid – the Roman Chair Bench Press.  This past weekend, Dave was the lone entrant at a record day held at Clark’s Gym. Last spring David performed a 215 pound RC Bench, which was the top mark of All-Time in the USAWA, until now. At this Record Day he upped that to 250 Pounds in the Roman Chair Bench Press. Dave said to me in an email, “Got 250 on the Roman Chair Bench. Had to double it because in the excitement I forgot to wait for the press command the first time.” All I can say is WOW –  I have trained the RC Bench myself some and can tell you from experience it is a lift that puts unbelievable pressure on the lower back. Dave obviously has a very strong back to go along with his tremendous abdominal strength.  If Dave did 250# for a double  – he may soon be upping this record again!

But there is more!  He did several other presses for records – such as a 310# Hands Together Bench Press, 405# Alternate Grip Bench Press, 380# Reverse Grip Bench Press, 130# Left Hand Bench Press, and a 160# Right Hand Bench Press. After all this, Dave still tried to go for the Feet in the Air Bench Press record but said, “he was out of gas”. Truly a great day of pressing for David Beversdorf!!  David wanted to make sure to thank Bryan Mann of the MU Strength Team and James Foster of Clark’s Gym  for spotting and helping him.

With the rise of Dave Beversdorf and newcomer Ernie Beath in All-Rounds – I’m glad I’m not a SHW!!! Now that is a competition I would pay to see – Dave versus Ernie in a Press Off!!

FULL MEET RESULTS:

Clark’s Record Day
Columbia, Missouri
October 11th, 2009

Meet Director:  Bill Clark

Official (1 official system used):  Bill Clark

Results:

David Beversdorf   296 pounds BWT, 44 years old
Roman Chair Bench Press  250#
Bench Press – Hands Together 310#
Bench Press – Alternate Grip 405#
Bench Press – Reverse Grip 380#
Bench Press – Left Hand 130#
Bench Press – Right Hand 160#