The 225–1b Reps-to-Fatigue Test as a Submaximal Estimate of 1-RM Bench Press Performance in College Football Players

This study examined the relationship between 1-RM bench press performance and the 225-lb bench press reps-to-fatigue test. Using NCAA Div. II football players at a north central university (N = 98), this study found that the 225-lb bench press reps-to-fatigue test is a valid estimate of 1-RM performance in trained college football players (r = 0.96, p < 0.001) with a standard error of ±10.8 lbs (4.9 kg). The estimation of 1-RM bench press performance was improved when repetitions were 10 or less (R2 = 0.85 vs. 0.76). Thus this study supported the validity of the 225-lb bench press reps-to-fatigue test as a submaximal estimate of 1-RM bench press performance in college football players who are familiar with the exercise and sufficiently conditioned to perform reps with 225 lbs.