bench for abortion rights
Come join us on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 9AM for our annual bench press competition! Last year we raised over $30,000 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:
How does the competition work?
Registration for this event is completely free! Athletes are encouraged to recruit sponsors who will donate based on their max bench press. We suggest a donation of $1 per pound lifted, but all donation amounts are welcome.
Bench 100 lbs for 1 rep = suggested $100 donation
Each athlete will have 3 attempts to establish their heaviest 1-rep max bench press. You choose the weight for each attempt, and our coaches will be there to help you choose your weights, spot you, and load your bar.
Athletes will be assigned a heat time and will have space to warm up before lifting. When it’s your turn, you’ll be the only athlete benching, with everyone cheering you on!
Your heaviest successful lift becomes your base score. Each sponsor you recruit acts as a multiplier for your score.
For example, if you bench 100 lbs:
1 sponsor = 100 points
3 sponsors = 300 points
10 sponsors = 1,000 points
The athlete with the highest final score wins!
This is a beginner-friendly competition exclusively for Iron + Mettle members, clients, and friends.
when
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026. Lifting begins at 9:15AM and is expected to wrap up around 11AM, depending on the number of competitors.
Athletes will be assigned a heat and will receive their individual start time 24 hours before the event. Please arrive with enough time to check in and warm up before your heat.
We encourage everyone to come early (or stay after their heat!) to cheer on the other lifters!
where
Iron and Mettle, 3769 24th St.
Noe Valley, San Francisco
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 athletes, 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 on competition day. Click Sign Up to Participate and select Volunteer when you fill out the form.
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 9:15AM 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 will allow you to donate in any increment you’d like.
how does the competition work?
You’ll be assigned a heat time and have space to warm up before lifting. When it’s your turn, you’ll be the only athlete on the platform, with coaches there to spot you, load your bar and help you choose your weights.
You’ll have 3 attempts to establish your heaviest 1-rep max bench press. Your heaviest successful lift becomes your base score.
Each sponsor you recruit acts as a score multiplier. If you bench 100 lbs and have 10 sponsors, your final score is 1,000. The athlete with the highest final score wins!
Sponsors are encouraged to donate $1 per pound lifted, but any donation amount is welcome.
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.