bench for abortion rights
Come join us on October 25, 2025 at 9AM for our annual bench press competition! Last year we raised over $20,000 and this year we are not backing down.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Iron & Mettle’s Annual Bench Press Competition
FAQ, Schedule & Details below
COMPETITION DETAILS:
WHAT
Registration for this event is completely free - but you are encouraged to seek sponsors and/or donate based on your max weight lifted. The more weight you lift for 1 rep, the more $ you (and your sponsors) donate!
Bench 100lbs for 1 rep = $100 donation
Each athlete will be given 3 attempts to bench press 1 rep. You will choose what weight you will lift during each attempt (and your coaches will be there to help you, spot you, and guide you along the way). Your highest completed weight lifted will be your total score.
This will be a beginner's competition, for members, clients and friends of Iron and Mettle only.
when
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025. Check-in begins at 9AM
Athletes will be placed in heats and receive their start time 24 hours in advance. We encourage all athletes to come early and cheer on other lifters. Depending on total number of competitors, the lifting will start at 9:30AM and be completed around 11AM.
where
Iron and Mettle, Noe Valley, San Francisco
*Note: Sponsors are not required to attend the event and will receive a text message with a donation link + total after their sponsored athlete completes their lift
FAQs
i’ve only learned to bench in the last 6 months, can/should i participate?
Yes!!! We encourage all Iron and Mettle clients to participate (personal training & Semi private members). For many of our clients, this is their first ever athletic competition! The atmosphere is warm, supportive, electric and AMAZING. We promise you will feel so powerful afterwards, and your coaches and trainers will be in full support.
can i bring guests?
Yes! You can bring as many spectators as you like, spouses, children, etc are all encouraged to attend.
i’m a little nervous to participate, but can i still help?
Absolutely! We always need volunteers the day-of to help out. Please sign up using our volunteer sign up here and tell us what hours you can help.
Can i request a specific heat time?
Yes! Please email us ahead of time and we will schedule for a heat time that works with your schedule. The heats will be assigned as early as 9:30AM and as late as 11AM.
i wont be in town - can i donate or sponsor an athlete?
Yes! Please use our sponsor sign up here and pick someone you know from the studio to sponsor! Or a coach!
Do I have to donate $1 per lb lifted?
We recommend donating $1 per pound lifted, but it is not required. If you sponsor an athlete, the link you receive to donate on October 25th will allow you to donate in any increment you’d like.
how does the competition work?
Every person who signs up to compete will be assigned a heat time. You will show up during your assigned heat and have space to warm up your bench press. Once it is your turn to lift, you will be the only lifter on the platform. The bar will be loaded with a weight that feels appropriate for you, and you will bench the weight for one rep. You will have a total of 3 attempts to bench press as much weight as possible for a single rep. Your highest weight lifted successfully becomes your “score.” You are able to multiple your score by having more sponsors. Sponsorships act as score multipliers. So for example, if you bench 100lbs for your highest weight - all of your sponsors have to donate $100. If you have 10 sponsors, your total score is 1000. The lifter with the highest “score” will be awarded a medal.
is there a sponsorship page?
Yes! Use this link to share with friends, family, and local businesses: ironandmettlefitness.com/sponsor-bench.
The more sponsors you bring in, the bigger your multiplier and total score!
how long will the competition take and do i need to stay the whole time?
The entire event usually runs 3 hours from check-in through awards. You don’t need to stay the whole time, but we encourage you to cheer on other lifters - the energy and support make the event even more special!
Where are the donations going this year?
Due to our current political climate, we’ve chosen the Planned Parenthood Action Fund as the recipient of all proceeds this year.