Two Friends Bench Question

The only isolation exercises i haven't beat him in are those geared towards back and deltoids (havent tried either yet).

My deltoids are pretty solid so i dont think thats the problem, but i know my back is my weakest link i just never thought it played that huge of a role in bench press (we will see the results thursday when we work out together).

Also on another note, you guys always talk about Mark Rippetoe and his books, which ive only read little parts of. I was curious as to whether or not i should go out and buy his 2nd edition starting strength, and practical programming, or just starting strength? Also does it contain actual workout cycles i could attempt using?

well the big thing about starting strength is that it teaches you how to properly perform the big lifts. It also goes into how to properly perform important assitance exercises. It outlines a very basic cycle, but it is a useful one.

Practical programing goes into more about setting up your programs and how to progress, a great book to get AFTER you read SS and run that program.

You will learn a lot by reading starting strength, a great investment for anyone.

current 3x3 max's (Work in progress)
Squat:325
Deadlift:380
Bench:265
BB Row:225
My lifting journal
http://strengthmill.net/forum/showthread.php?p=16591#post16591