A crucial component of any strength program, including those based on the Bilbo Method, is knowing precisely how to calculate RM—or one-rep max—for each primary lift. This calculation not only informs the loading percentages for different phases of training but also provides a benchmark for tracking progress over time. While direct testing can offer the most accurate assessment, it carries an inherent risk when lifted to absolute failure. As an alternative, athletes often employ predictive formulas, such as the widely used Epley or Brzycki equations, which estimate RM based on the number of repetitions completed at a submaximal weight. For instance, if a lifter can press 100 kilograms for five reps, the Bilbo Method protocol might recommend using the formula 100 kg × (1 + 5 × 0.0333) to estimate the one-rep max. This approach allows coaches and lifters alike to calibrate training intensities—typically prescribing sets in the 70–95 percent RM range—while preserving safety and consistency in programming. Ultimately, the convergence of the Bilbo Method’s structured programming, precise guidelines on how to calculate RM, and real-world inspiration from the world record raw bench creates a comprehensive blueprint for serious trainees. Whether one’s goal is to set new personal records, compete on the national stage, or simply maximize functional strength, this integrated approach offers a clear roadmap. It highlights the necessity of blending scientific principles—such as autoregulation and velocity-based training—with the invaluable lessons drawn from the performances of the strongest bench pressers in history. Through adherence to these tenets, athletes can pursue ever-greater levels of performance, confident in the knowledge that each element of their regimen contributes meaningfully to their long-term development. In the realm of strength training and powerlifting, the Bilbo Method has emerged as a distinctive approach aimed at optimizing maximal strength gains while minimizing the risk of injury. Developed by seasoned coaches who sought to blend the principles of progressive overload with the practicalities of everyday life, the Bilbo Method emphasizes a balance between high-intensity work and strategic recovery. Athletes following this protocol begin by establishing a solid foundation of technique through meticulously recorded video analysis, ensuring that every rep of the squat, deadlift, or bench press adheres to biomechanical best practices. From there, the program introduces undulating periodization, cycling through phases of volume-focused hypertrophy, strength intensity, and peaking, all while maintaining an eye on the individual’s response to fatigue. By integrating mobility drills, targeted accessory movements, and personalized deload weeks, the Bilbo Method aims to create a sustainable path toward increasing one’s one-rep max without succumbing to chronic overtraining.