Founded by strength coach Mike Westerdal, Critical Bench is a performance-driven training platform dedicated to muscle building, strength development, and injury-conscious programming. With roots in classic strength training and modern sports science, the brand delivers practical systems designed to help lifters build size, increase pressing power, and train smarter not just harder.

Originally recognized for its specialization in bench press development, Critical Bench has evolved into a comprehensive strength education hub covering hypertrophy, joint health, testosterone optimization, and corrective exercise strategies. Their content bridges old-school lifting principles with structured progression models, making advanced training methods accessible to everyday athletes.

Critical Bench stands out for its emphasis on biomechanics, injury prevention, and longevity—particularly in shoulder health, rotator cuff integrity, and pressing mechanics. On FitnessPros.com, they represent the Strength Training & Muscle Development category, with a strong sub-specialty in Bench Press Optimization & Upper Body Power.