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You don't need to. But it will allow you to press more weight with less risk of injury. It only feels unnatural because you're used to just lying flat on the be
by scott_s 8y ago
You don't need to. But it will allow you to press more weight with less risk of injury. It only feels unnatural because you're used to just lying flat on the bench with a relaxed back - doing that now feels "unnatural" to me.
Try this: walk over to a nearby wall and "try" to push it over. That is, put yourself into the position that feels like you have the best brace and power to transfer force into the wall, and actually do it. Notice where your hands, elbows and shoulder blades end up. That's basically the same position as a good powerlifting bench.
- 0xfeba 8y agoWhat about back arch? I just cannot arch as much as some people seem to without it really feeling painful. Perhaps coincidentally, my bench is considerably weaker than my other 2 lifts.
- scott_s 8y agoDo my push-wall exercise in front of a mirror, and look at your back. I bet you it's arched. Obviously, don't do something that's painful. But it's important to recognize the difference between "painful" and "uncomfortable." One is a sign you are doing something detrimental to your body; the other is a sign you are doing something you are unfamiliar with. If a low to moderate arch is what works for you, that's fine. I bench with a low to moderate arch, and yes, my bench is also considerably weaker than my other lifts.
- rvn1045 8y agoImproving your squat and deadlift will make your back more flexible.
- 0xfeba 8y ago335 squat, 440 deadlift, 215 bench... I feel my deadlift and squat are good. Squat a bit weak but it's progressing. I've been at 215-235 bench for years.
- skellera 8y agoWow. As someone who has been lifting for almost 2 years now, that was the best visual I’ve ever read for bench form. Thank you. Why have I not seen it before? It’s such a straight forward explanation.