Pressing events are a staple of strongman competition. Whether it’s a max log press, an axle clean & press, or a timed overhead medley, these lifts showcase upper body power, coordination, and grit. This page outlines Grinder Gym’s performance benchmarks for pressing events, based on United States Strongman (USS) weight classes and divisions.
What’s Included on This Page
Pressing Events Covered:
- Log Press
- Axle Clean & Press
- Block Press
- Circus Dumbbell Press
- Press Medleys (guidelines only; standards vary by event setup)
Each lift includes performance tiers by:
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Elite
Standards are shown for each USS weight class, by Men’s Open and Women’s Open divisions. Teen and Masters divisions may use adjusted implements; use Novice benchmarks as a guide.
Log Press Standards (1RM)
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | ||||
| 165 lbs | 115 | 145 | 175 | 215+ |
| 181 lbs | 125 | 155 | 185 | 225+ |
| 198 lbs | 135 | 165 | 195 | 245+ |
| 220 lbs | 145 | 175 | 205 | 255+ |
| 242 lbs | 155 | 185 | 215 | 265+ |
| 275 lbs | 165 | 195 | 225 | 275+ |
| 308 lbs | 175 | 205 | 235 | 285+ |
| 308+ lbs | 185 | 215 | 245 | 295+ |
| Women | ||||
| 123 lbs | 55 | 75 | 95 | 110+ |
| 132 lbs | 65 | 85 | 105 | 120+ |
| 148 lbs | 75 | 95 | 115 | 130+ |
| 165 lbs | 85 | 105 | 125 | 140+ |
| 181 lbs | 95 | 115 | 135 | 150+ |
| 198 lbs | 105 | 125 | 145 | 160+ |
| 199–242 lbs | 115 | 135 | 155 | 170+ |
| 242+ lbs | 125 | 145 | 165 | 180+ |
Axle Clean & Press Standards (1RM or Clean Each Rep)
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | ||||
| 165 lbs | 135 | 165 | 195 | 235+ |
| 181 lbs | 145 | 175 | 205 | 245+ |
| 198 lbs | 155 | 185 | 215 | 255+ |
| 220 lbs | 165 | 195 | 225 | 265+ |
| 242 lbs | 175 | 205 | 235 | 275+ |
| 275 lbs | 185 | 215 | 245 | 285+ |
| 308 lbs | 195 | 225 | 255 | 295+ |
| 308+ lbs | 205 | 235 | 265 | 305+ |
| Women | ||||
| 123 lbs | 65 | 85 | 105 | 120+ |
| 132 lbs | 75 | 95 | 115 | 130+ |
| 148 lbs | 85 | 105 | 125 | 140+ |
| 165 lbs | 95 | 115 | 135 | 150+ |
| 181 lbs | 105 | 125 | 145 | 160+ |
| 198 lbs | 115 | 135 | 155 | 170+ |
| 199–242 lbs | 125 | 145 | 165 | 180+ |
| 242+ lbs | 135 | 155 | 175 | 190+ |
Block Press Standards
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men (All) | 100 | 140 | 180 | 220+ |
| Women (All) | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125+ |
Note: Block press standards vary based on equipment and availability. Most often used in medley events or max reps formats.
Circus Dumbbell Standards (One-Arm Overhead)
| Weight Class | Novice | Intermediate | Advanced | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men (All) | 70 | 100 | 120 | 140+ |
| Women (All) | 35 | 50 | 65 | 80+ |
Coaching Notes
- Axle clean and press favors athletes with strong hip drive and wrist mobility due to the double-overhand clean.
- Log press emphasizes clean mechanics and triceps drive. Log diameter and neutral grip can change lifter leverage.
- Dumbbell and block presses require rotational control and unilateral stability. These are excellent tools for building overhead capacity and event-specific skill.
Related Links
- Strongman Performance Standards
- Strongman Carry Event Standards
- Strongman Deadlift Event Standards
- Strongman Loading Event Standards
- Strongman Throwing Event Standards
- Strongman Grip Event Standards
- Strongman Events
- Apply for Coaching
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