Quote:
Originally Posted by gringo220  It all depends. If you were in a bench contest than no. You have to start from fully extended and touch your chest then fully extend it again. If you're just in the gym then it's up to how you feel. If that works better for you then yes if not then no you should change it. I don't touch my chest all the time because it hurts my shoulders but thats just me. And remember, don't bring your ass off the bench or pick up your head and keep your shoulders tucked together. But again it's all up to what works the best for your body because what's good for one isn't always good for another. |
i agree with what you said, just not that part.. "don't pick up your head" --- i disagree. in competition, you pick up your head to watch the BB touch your chest. and i personally believe this becomes habit.. but yes, everyone is different.
my two cents:
stay tight throughout your bench. don't let your shoulder blades relax from one another. high arc in your back. feet flat on the ground (some people stay tight on their toes, however - whatever feels natural). stay solid. get a lift off - it aids in staying tight... down slow - touch the chest - explode off the chest to lockout. although complete lockout isn't really necessary when repping weight.
i personally believe you should go all the way to your chest and near complete lockout during reps. some people say they can't go to their chest b/c of their shoulders -- i get it if they have REALLY messed up shoulders. but i have trained with a guy who has had reconstructive shoulder surgery who now has 6 screws in his shoulder and benches 600 in competition. if your shoulders hurt that bad when benching, strengthen them and stretch more. until then, don't go so heavy until the pain subsides... IMO
