Training bench and press simultaneously?train

Hi BBM,

I’m currently in the peaking block of the Med ISF 4 Day template and looking forward to setting new PRs in a couple weeks (at least I think I will). Outside of the standard lifts in powerlifting, I’ve also always tested and trained the overhead press simply because I like it. Prior to the Med 4 Day, I ran the Low ISF 4 Day as well and really like how you can select exercises. What I’ve been doing is in each training block I would alternate focus on the presses, ie Block 1 would focus on BP, Block 2 OHP, then back to BP on Block 3. I’ve seen improvements in both presses, but I recently came across something on the internet where someone stated (I don’t remember who) they don’t recommend training both at once at it will result in mediocre gains in both. My question is, does that statement have any validity? Generally speaking, would I be better off running a 13-16 week program that focuses only on one of the two? Thanks in advance!

In general, I don’t think most folks will make significant progress in both unless they’re a beginner. There’s obviously a bit of transference between the two, but not so much where I would prioritize the press during a phase where I was focusing on the bench and vice versa. Usually that means I’d relegate one or the other to accessory only.