[j_w_f04]

about 2 months ago i quit arching my back at all when benching because i wanted to feel it in my chest more and its definatley working but i cant lift near as much which i new would happen. my question is would it be ok to throw in a couple sets and arch in them just to handle heavier weights?

[gringo220]

I don't know what other guys will tell you but I never arch my back. You can't do as much because you are doing it more correctly now. Arching will hurt you. Don't worry about how much you can lift just worry if you are doing it correctly. your goal should be to grow and not hurt yourself. Good luck!

[aznsyndicate609]

IMO, you should have atleast a small arch in your back.
Just don't let your ass off of the bench.

[gringo220]

^^^
Yeah the only time I do have a little arch is when I am struggling on the last rep. But it's not a big arch at all. Just a little to give me that small amount of help.

[bulk then cut]

i duno why, but my old trainer used to tell me to arch my back on chest machines, wada retard

[KM]

Eh, I arch my back very rarely. Weight doesn't matter if your doing the exercise wrong. Try doing every set with perfect form and you'll get better results.

If you have to arch on a struggling rep, then do so.

[j_w_f04]

ok ill keep concentrating on perfect form. i work out in a small gym and most of the people that workout there have awful form and are always bouncing the weight off thier chest and arching really bad and then they come up to me and brag about how much they just lifted.

[rIPPDUP]

the weight will increase naturally bud...give it time. proper form is whats key to bodybuilding. we're not training for ego's anymore.

[Kaboom]

I cant help but to arch my back.I have a naural arch in it thats is more prominent than most but if your shoulder blades and lower back are on the bench youre fine

[m_taylor]

i agree with gringo yeah. i used to arch my back. i noticed i could do the heavier weights but my back would be killing me. Doing it correctly is yes the goal u want to persue correct but if u want to feel a little bit better and put on that extra 5 -10 lbs every once and a while try just takin a little bit more break before your last set.

[gringo220]

Originally Posted by j_w_f04

ok ill keep concentrating on perfect form. i work out in a small gym and most of the people that workout there have awful form and are always bouncing the weight off thier chest and arching really bad and then they come up to me and brag about how much they just lifted.

There you go. Learn from others mistakes. If you know they are doing something wrong then don't do it. You want to grow not hurt yourself and not be able to workout for a month or so. Remember it's not how much you can do but how you do it.

[Cork]

Originally Posted by Kaboom

I cant help but to arch my back.I have a naural arch in it thats is more prominent than most but if your shoulder blades and lower back are on the bench youre fine

This is an important thing to remember. Everyone's body is different and if it takes force to keep your back flat on the bench, then it might not be beneficial to you. I also keep the slight natural arch in my back when benching. Keep the shoulder blades flat, your back stiff, and your ass seated, and you'll be fine.

[42gunz]

kaboom is right... you have a natural arch to your back. this is when your back is at its strongest, aslong as your shoulders and butt stay on the bench your fine. infact.. if your back stays completely flat on the bench...it actually puts more stress on your back