Bulldog Gym Strength Threshold Clubs

Official Rule Book

1. Purpose

The Bulldog Gym Strength Threshold Clubs exist to recognize real, earned strength while reinforcing safe lifting standards, good preparation, and community support. These clubs are not competitions. There are no rankings, leaderboards, or comparisons within a club level.

Once achieved, membership in a Bulldog Strength Club is permanent.

2. Eligible Lifts

Strength Threshold Club totals are calculated using the combined weight of the following three lifts:

  • Back Squat
  • Bench Press
  • Deadlift

All three lifts must be completed and verified within the same one-hour session.

3. Club Levels

Membership is earned by achieving a combined total of the three lifts listed above. Club levels are:

  • Bulldog Strength Club – 500
  • Bulldog Strength Club – 750
  • Bulldog Strength Club – 1000
  • Bulldog Strength Club – 1250
  • Bulldog Strength Club – 1500

There is no ranking within each club. Members are recognized solely for achieving the threshold total.

4. Attempt Window & Session Flow

  • All three lifts must be completed within a single one-hour window.
  • The one-hour window includes all warm-up sets.
  • Lifts must be performed in the following order:
    • Back Squat
    • Bench Press
    • Deadlift
  • Multiple attempts are allowed for the lift you are currently performing, provided the total time does not exceed one hour.
  • No revisiting: Once you move on to the next lift in the order above, you may not return to a prior lift for additional attempts.

The official session clock begins when the participant starts their first warm-up set for the back squat.

5. Movement Standards

All lifts must meet the following minimum standards to count toward a Bulldog Strength Club total. Bulldog Gym staff will verify each successful attempt.

Back Squat

  • Barbell positioned on the upper back (high-bar or low-bar permitted)
  • Feet remain planted throughout the lift
  • Hip crease must reach at least parallel with the top of the knee
  • Full hip and knee extension at the top

Bench Press

  • Barbell must be lowered under control to the chest
  • Touch-and-go or paused reps are both acceptable
  • Feet must remain in contact with the floor
  • Full elbow lockout at the top

Deadlift

  • Bar must start on the floor
  • Conventional deadlift only
  • Straight bar or trap bar are both acceptable
  • Full hip and knee extension at the top with shoulders back and hips through

6. Equipment & Attire

The following equipment is allowed but not required:

  • Weightlifting belts
  • Knee sleeves
  • Wrist wraps
  • Chalk (liquid chalk only)

The use of straps, hooks, or adhesive gripping aids is not permitted unless explicitly approved by staff due to medical necessity.

7. Verification & Staff Authority

  • A Bulldog Gym staff member must be present for all Strength Threshold Club attempts.
  • Staff will:
    • Confirm bar weight and total load
    • Verify movement standards
    • Confirm successful completion of each lift
  • Staff decisions regarding lift validity are final.

Any lift that does not clearly meet movement standards will not be counted toward a club total.

8. Scheduling Requirements

  • Strength Threshold Club attempts must be scheduled in advance.
  • Attempts must occur during staffed hours.
  • Walk-in or unscheduled attempts may be declined at staff discretion.

This ensures proper supervision, safety, and verification.

9. Safety & Staff Discretion

Bulldog Gym prioritizes member safety above all else.

Staff may pause or stop an attempt if: – Movement quality presents a clear injury risk – The participant appears unprepared or unsafe – Equipment or facility conditions are not appropriate

Participation in the Strength Threshold Clubs is voluntary and undertaken at the member’s own discretion.

10. Recognition & Records

  • Successful achievements will be:
    • Recorded in Bulldog Gym systems
    • Displayed in-gym by club level and achievement date
    • Recognized through in-gym and social media announcements (with member permission)

11. Advancement & Re-Attempts

  • Members may attempt to advance to higher Bulldog Strength Club levels at any time, provided scheduling requirements are met.
  • Members are not required to re-test once a club level is achieved unless attempting to move up.

12. Amendments & Final Authority

Bulldog Gym reserves the right to clarify, update, or amend these rules as needed to maintain safety, fairness, and program integrity.

The most current version of this rule book serves as the final authority for the Bulldog Gym Strength Threshold Clubs.