What Is the 1000 Pound Club?
The 1000lb Club is an unofficial badge of honor earned when a person lifts a combined total of 1000 or more pounds in the following lifts: bench press, squat, deadlift. There is no official governing body for the club, but Strength Challenges has their own challenge.
What Are the 1000 Pound Club Rules?
In order to join the elite ranks you must total 1000 or more pounds when combining your barbell bench press, squat, and deadlift in a single gym session.
Although there is no standardization, these are the general guidelines for each lift:
Bench Press Rules
- Shoulders and butt must remain in contact with bench
- Bar must touch chest, but not bounce off of chest
- Elbows must lock out at the end of the lift
Squat Rules
- Must squat to parallel (hip crease in line with knee crease) or lower
- Must return to fully upright position at end of the lift
Deadlift Rules
- No supporting the bar on the thighs
- Must lockout knees and hips with shoulders back, bar under control
What Equipment Is Allowed for the 1000 Pound Club?
- Chalk
- Weightlifting belt
- Knee/elbow sleeves
- Wrist support wraps
What Equipment Is Not Allowed for the 1000 Pound Club?
- Straps, gloves, or other grip wearables
- Elbow/knee wraps
- Lift suits
- Specialty bars
Is the 1000 Pound Club Impressive?
For the average population, totaling 1000 pounds is impressive. The table below shows strength standards for a 198 pound male according to ExRx.net.
As you can see, most untrained men aren’t even halfway to a 1000 pound total. Hitting the mark requires some specific and dedicated weight training. For most, this translates to several years of lifting depending on your size. This may seem like a novel milestone to a powerlifter, but it is definitely noteworthy for the average gym-goer.
