The Bench Press is at least in mainstream America the question that men ask each other to access their strength. The NFL combine requires maximum reps with 225 pounds (185 for backs) as it’s primary test of strength. CrossFit would say that to judge ones strenght based upon a single exercise to be a poor choice. In fact you will commonly hear the question, “What’s your Fran time ” in a CrossFit gym rather than, “What do you bench”. 
That said you will see the Bench Press performed in a few CrossFit workouts such a Linda. CrossFit definately breaks from the traditional Monday night has to be a chest workout starting with the Bench and moving on to dumbell flies.
Speaking of Linda this Saturdays Heavy Metcon will be Linda (aka the three bars of death)
Linda
19-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Reps for time of the following
Bench Press at bodyweight
Deadlift 150% of bodyweight
Power Clean 75% of bodyweight.
The Heavy Metcon Class is limited to 12 lucky souls. So I will see 12 of you this Saturday.
In the meantime you can read more about Linda and the bench press in this CrossFit journal article.


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