http://sports.sina.com.cn/s/2004-02-12/0151166379s.shtml According to Rockets' trainer, Yao's bench press was 235 lbs when he came to Huston last year, now it's 300lbs.
The trainer said Yao is as strong as Hakeem used to be. But he also implied that Yao haven't learned how to use use his strength yet.
Shaq should be able to bench at least 400 or so. The thing is that it will be skewed for big men, since their arms are longer.
For Shaq: "................. LEGS: Leg Press Warm-up (180 pounds - 20 reps) Warm-up (270 pounds - 15 reps) 1 set (360 pounds - 12 reps) 1 set (450 pounds - 10 reps) 1 set (550 pounds - 6-8 reps) "In the off season, we may go heavier," Cotta explains. (Shaq can press more than 1,000 pounds). "I'm not trying to kill him, but we need to go heavy enough to get something out of it." Step-Ups...." And his compelete work out schedual is here
Nah-uh... There's only a few players in the NBA that are part of the 400LB club; Kevin Willis, Anthony Goldwire, Charles Oalkey (back in the day), and Karl Malone...there's some others...but I can't remember. Diminutive Earl Boykins can bench 300+. When Shaq first came into the league he could NOT bench even 150 LBS (I think even less). He can bench over 300 now. Yao is strong. He just has trouble putting on bulk. Not sure we'd want that though. Remember, it's harder for big guys to bench larger amounts since their arms have to travel farther than say a shorter person.
Wow ya mean I could bench more than Shaq when he came into the league?? 150 is not alot at all, especially if youre a 7'1 center.
yaopao, just because a person is big doesn't mean that they are strong. Shaq didn't walk around on his arms! The statement of his low bench press has been discussed by Jim Cotta, Lakers trainer (and Shaq himself). Look around in books written about him; strength articles. I remember hearing his trainer talk about it and thinking "Damn! I can bench more than Shaq? No way!" So, there. You have your "break." And you need to stop comparing Shaq NOW, to the Shaq of the PAST. He was not that strong back in 1991. In fact, he prided himself on NOT lifting weights because it was "old school."
