We Created the Official Gym Bro Strength Standard ft. Jesse James West
In a Nutshell
Three creators tested gym bro strength standards on pull-ups, close grip incline bench, and lateral raises, using a five-tier classification system from beggar to god status. Jared Feather and the host both scored 12 points for king status, while Jesse James West scored 9 points for warrior status. The host plans to improve to 13-14 points for demigod status and challenges viewers to attempt the standardized lifts.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Three creators are participating in a gym bro strength challenge focused on vanity muscles only, excluding lower body. The three lifts are pull-ups, close grip incline bench, and lateral raises. The goal is to determine who the strongest gym bro is among the participants, with viewers encouraged to test themselves at home.
The pull-up allows neutral grip, underhand grip, or overhand grip, though overhand is considered too difficult for gym bros. Technique standardization requires chin to reach the bar with a momentary dead hang at the bottom and no egregious swinging. A warning system counts "warning" when a rep looks questionable, signaling participants to stop swinging as this is a test, not training.
Jesse James West completed 16 pull-ups. The host achieved 19 pull-ups. Jared Feather completed 20 pull-ups. During testing, there was discussion about whether the final rep counted, with some debate about technique.
A five-tier classification system based on rep ranges: beggar class (0-4 reps), peasant (5-11 reps), warrior (12-19 reps), king (20-29 reps), and god status (30+ reps). Points are awarded per lift: beggar gets 1 point, peasant gets 2 points, warrior gets 3 points, king gets 4 points, god status gets 5 points. Final classification determined by total points across all three lifts.
Jesse James West achieved warrior status with 16 reps. The host achieved warrior status with 19 reps. Jared Feather achieved king status with 20 reps.
Grip must be as close as possible while still allowing the bar to touch the chest. A momentary pause at the bottom is required, along with full lockouts at the top.
Jesse James West completed 12 reps, achieving warrior status. The host completed 27 reps. Jared Feather completed 28 reps. During the host's set, a notable scream occurred that became a meme reference.
Using 25-pound dumbbells, participants must pause just above parallel at the top of each rep before lowering. The goal is to determine if anyone achieves god status on this lift alone.
Jesse James West completed 15 reps, achieving warrior status. The host completed 33 reps, achieving god status. Jared Feather completed 24 reps, achieving king status. There was discussion about counting lengthened partials and technique requirements.
Jesse James West achieved warrior status on all three lifts for a total of 9 points, placing him in warrior elite classification. Jared Feather achieved king status on all three lifts for a total of 12 points. The host achieved 3 points (warrior) on pull-ups, 4 points (king) on incline bench, and 5 points (god) on lateral raises, totaling 12 points and king status.
The host plans to train specifically to achieve demigod status with a total score of 13-14 points by improving pull-up performance to 20 reps, bench press to 30 reps, while maintaining 30+ lateral raises.
Viewers are encouraged to attempt the challenge with strict technique standards, film all three lifts, and post compilations on Instagram tagging @RPstrength and @drmikeisraetel for potential feature consideration. The host mentioned offering $10,000 to the winner with the best Instagram score.
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