Lifting Raw--still train with chains?

BIGZ · 01-27-2009, 11:46 PM

How many of you who lift raw train with chains or bands. Do you see improvement in weak areas ...like with board benching or does it just create weak areas. Can't wrap my head around it.........doing research but would appriciate the imput.

I like the bands better(easier), but without a rack at home I think chains are the only option ...ideas?

Thanks

**Zack** · 01-28-2009, 07:17 PM

i've used boards, bands, and chains.... it doesn't matter if ur raw or shirted. It helps you no matter what.

**JakeVendetta** · 01-28-2009, 08:03 PM

I've used bands and it did/does help with raw lifting (although it might simulate being suited to an extent) It teaches you to push through the bar on the bench and through the floor on the squat. Boards are an advantage to an extent, especially if you have weak points but again not to the extent that they are of value to a geared lifter. I've never used chains but i can imagine them being tedious if you lift by yourself.

**Zack** · 01-29-2009, 02:56 PM

Chains are fantastic because they never are the same from rep to rep. This is going to help you dynamically and will bring up your stabilizers a great deal. Which overall that will help your bench in more areas than just doing straight benching.

BIGZ · 01-29-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZackKnight

Chains are fantastic because they never are the same from rep to rep. This is going to help you dynamically and will bring up your stabilizers a great deal. Which overall that will help your bench in more areas than just doing straight benching.

Thats what I was thinking, but one of the guys I know who pl's said it would create weak points for lifting raw and was designed to simulate geared lifts. I think it has helped push though weak areas and allows to work with more weight with no spot..........

**Zack** · 01-29-2009, 11:41 PM

It creates really no weak points. Like honestly chains are one of the best things you can use.

BIGZ · 01-30-2009, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZackKnight

It creates really no weak points. Like honestly chains are one of the best things you can use.

Thanks.... I would rep for all the quick replies...but can't....so the thanks hopefully will do..........back to the chains.

**Zack** · 01-30-2009, 01:30 AM

haha have fun with the chains brah

klusmier · 02-02-2009, 01:39 PM

i still lift RAW however i don't use chains or bands
(maybe i will in the future)

**islander** · 02-04-2009, 04:38 AM

we dont have chains in my rec centre gym lol but of course we do have those tubey things. this one guy got creative and looped it on the end of the bench bar after he loaded his plates then under the bench under a 80lb lookin dumbbell and up over the other end of the bar. pretty creative with sorta the same effect. not quite as cool looking as chains of course.

JackSh0w · 03-06-2009, 12:59 AM

Guys at my gym use chains, and their gold medalists and have alot of success, so do it big

Grambo · 03-06-2009, 03:41 PM

I looooove benching with chains and always bench raw. It is a completely different feeling and seems to help a ton. I need to get me some its been awhile.

**WaRz0n3** · 04-02-2009, 10:12 AM

on dynamic days, we bench, squat and deadlift with chains. Always raw. I don't use briefs, but when i do use a bench shirt on max effort days, never w/ chains or bands, just to chest or board.

Freakster · 07-08-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGZ

How many of you who lift raw train with chains or bands. Do you see improvement in weak areas ...like with board benching or does it just create weak areas. Can't wrap my head around it.........doing research but would appriciate the imput.

I like the bands better(easier), but without a rack at home I think chains are the only option ...ideas?

Thanks

Accomodating resistance either bands or chains maximizes tension. Whether you're lifting raw or equipped, this will benefit you ALOT.

spooner21 · 07-15-2009, 01:22 AM

i dont think accommodating resistance will matter shirted or not. but then again ive never tried it shirted. i built myself a powerbench for my basement and bought a bunch of chains for it. i love them cause we dont have much at my gym and we only have one bench you have to share it usually. my bench has really started to go up now that ive diversified my training with chains and different lifts. if only i could get my hands on some bands and wed be all set.

thebeginning · 07-20-2009, 10:15 PM

I would LOVE to bench/squat with chains...if my gym doesn't have them, what's the chance of getting them, do you think? Are they expensive?

Second thing...newbie question - does lifting with chains largely benefit strength, not size gains? That may seem taboo in the powerlifting world, but I'm not solely looking for strength gains.

**HawaiianPride.** · 07-20-2009, 10:49 PM

APT Pro Gear - Weight Lifting Chain Powerlifting Strength Chains Resistance

**HawaiianPride.** · 07-20-2009, 10:49 PM

Pricey if you ask me.

thebeginning · 07-20-2009, 10:57 PM

yeah, definitely pricey.

I think it's safe to say that any gym that has chains on the floor is a serious gym. Unfortunately mine does not.

spooner21 · 07-21-2009, 12:14 AM

i just picked up a few sets of some chains at a welding and repair shop in town. pretty cheap.

rjohnson5481 · 07-21-2009, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spooner21

i just picked up a few sets of some chains at a welding and repair shop in town. pretty cheap.

i was going to suggest something around that.

**islander** · 07-21-2009, 01:07 PM

I wonder how much your raw bench would improve after lifting shirted? I know they must not train shirted all the time but would lifting shirted help with your raw bench?

**HawaiianPride.** · 07-21-2009, 01:16 PM

I don't think it would IMO. I believe it's just the other way around. The more you improve your raw bench the more your shirted bench will be.

**islander** · 07-21-2009, 01:57 PM

oh for sure. I was just wondering if doing those heavier lifts would help somehow.

tigeraj2 · 07-21-2009, 03:45 PM

chain bench is awesome!