What percentage of adults can do both of the following: run a sub seven minute mile and benchpress 250 pounds?

This fitness question or fitness challenge is perfect for N.F.L. defensive backs, receivers and N.C.A.A. D-1 Power 5 Conference defensive backs and receivers. Based on my observation from some of my university's receivers in Advanced Physical Conditioning, (95-97.5)% of N.F.L. defensive backs, receivers and N.C.A.A. D-1 Power 5 Conference defensive backs and receivers can run sub-7 mile and bench press more than 250 lbs. during one P.E. class. The percentage gradually goes down to D-3 defensive backs and receivers. I believe most D-3 defensive backs and receivers can do it during one P.E. class.

Another group with vast majority able to do it within one hour: U.S. special forces plus U.S.M.C. recon.

Original question: Less than 1% of men can do it within one hour.

I agree. Both of these things are legitimate challenges. They aren't random things. I agree with the poster who put it at 1 in 1000.

The median mile time for a 17 yr old boy is 7:04. So at 17, probably 45% of boys can run under 7 minutes.

https://gilmore.gvsd.us/documents/Info/Forms/Teacher%20Forms/Presidentialchallengetest.pdf

I neglected to include U.S.M.C. S.T.A. platoon. Most of the men in S.T.A. can do both within an hour.

This is actually really interesting, although it's using 1985 data. I'd be interested to see an updated table for 2023. Highly doubt the median time for a 17 year old is still 7:04.

Even if it is, that's still the most fit age group of any "adult", if you can even call them that. I'd also venture that less than 5% of 17 year olds can bench 250, meaning only 4.5% of the fittest age group could complete this fitness challenge.

You can't just multiply those probabilities - doing so assumes that the same fraction of sub-7:00 runners can bench 250 as the general population. But that may not be true. For example, maybe a greater fraction of people who can break 7 can bench 250 compared to the general population because they are generally taking better care of their bodies and working out. Or maybe the opposite because benching 250 requires too much upper body mass to break 7 - my point is you can't just multiply the probabilities.

Yes. There is an assumption that these are independent variables, when they most certainly are not. They both require a certain level of fitness, meaning there’s some overlap in these skills. To clarify, here’s an example:

If you took the top 1% of height and the top 1% of IQ, then %0.01 of people would be in both groups. If you took the top 1% of height and the top 1% of leg length from the population, then there’d be much more overlap and the percentage of the population in both groups would be pretty damn close to 1%.

Good news guy, I ran 6:58 and benched 225 three times immediately afterwards. I’m getting closer to my goal.

57%

I imagine most weight lifting guys at the gym can do this. 7 min mile is a joke. Don't count them out. These guys can still run fast in shorter stuff.

Guys I benched 235 yesterday.

My new goal is to bench 250 and run a 6 minute mile. I really have no clue if I could do sub 6 but I'm going to try. Will keep everyone updated as I know most people here are interested in my progress.

I tried for 240 last night and couldn't get it. Got 235 again though, so at least I know that wasn't a fluke.

I'm going to try to come up with a "scoring table" for this competition. As in, give points for how fast you can run a mile and the same for bench press, and the highest combined points wins. Any suggestions on how to start?

Perhaps look at the mile WR and benchpress WR and work backwards? A WR is 1000 points and just decrease the points from there maybe.

Check out the Arnold Pump and Run.

The event consists of 2 parts. First you bench press your bodyweight as many times as you can (up to 30reps). Then you run a 5k. Take your 5k time and subtract 30 seconds for each rep you did in the bench portion. That's your final "time". Lowest time wins.

Last year the winner was a 47 year old guy who ran a 17:06 5k and benched his weight 30x. Fastest time on the 5k portion of the event was 15:20 but the dude only benched 2 reps so he finished in 215th place. Most of the top-10 are 17-19min 5k guys that can actually lift.

A really awesome event IMO.

Interesting concept... about 20 years ago after I had to give up serious running due to injuries I did 255lb bench press but was probably in close low 17's (low 14 min 5k was my best). I weighed about 140lbs. Good old days.

Young me could do 300 & 5. This version 200 & 6.

Good news guys, I ran a 6:37.50 mile yesterday.

I still haven't benched more than 235, but haven't maxed out in honestly a couple months. Will max out soon and report back here.

My new goal is bench 250 and run a sub 6 mile by summer. I think I can do it.

rahtg

Hi all, I am on the 5x5 bench training plan. I am currently lifting 220 pounds at 5 sets, although on the most recent workout I was only able to do sets of: 5 reps, 5 reps, 3 reps, 3 reps, 3 reps.

I was disappointed because I was able to complete the 5 sets of 5 reps at 215 pounds.

Either way, my bench is definitely in the best shape it's ever been. I'm still shooting for 250 pounds and a sub 6 mile, but who knows. I suspect right now I'll be able to bench over 250 if I max out but run above a 6 minute mile, even when going all out.

Will continue to report back and update my fans.

I’d say less than 10% age 18-30

less than 1% 30-40

less than 0.1% 40+