Correctly Performing the Bench Press

by on 2010/03/09

A bench press is a quite simple and particularly popular strength building exercise. The real reason for performing a bench press – other than simply the bragging rights – is to build strength in your pectoral muscles in addition to your triceps. A number of other core muscles are involved in this movement, but those two muscle groups benefit the most by doing this particular exercise. A great bench to look into is the Powertec WB-LS Workbench Leverage Gym.

The correct manner of completing a bench press depends on a couple of basic actions, but there are several more details which the weightlifter should be aware of so as to avoid injury. You should be lying supine on your weight bench, with your feet solidly on the floor. The barbell ought to be hanging on pins over your shoulders. You will need to pinch your shoulder blades together in order to isolate the intended muscles during this exercise. Then, grab the bar putting your hands the same distance from the center, and line up your elbows exactly beneath your wrists. Take hold of the barbell, lower it gradually to your chest, then pause and press it back up. Push the bar up until your arms are straight and locked, then lower the bar again. Redo the movements as needed, then re-rack the bar on the pins with your elbows locked.

The apparatus called for to perform bench presses is as basic as the exercise itself. A barbell along with the normal collection of graduated discs is a sensible starting point. Next, you will want a combination bench and support rack. A simple bench alone won’t work, as you will require a solid rack on which to hang a heavy barbell. Easily the most vital bit of equipment to use for bench pressing would be a spotter. This is a person whose job it is to be certain you don’t end up with several hundred pounds of steel on your neck. You can get great results on the Powertec WB-LS Workbench Leverage Gym.

While we’re discussing safety, you will find three basic ways to avoid muscle damage as you are accomplishing a bench press. The first approach is simply to be reasonable. Don’t ever lift a heavier load than you can manage. You’ll realize pretty fast if you are about to do that, and at that point your spotter becomes especially useful. The second way is to be certain you are stable. No part of your body should be unsupported, and there should be no chance of tilting sideways. Putting your feet solid on the floor, your butt against the bench and exercising with a barbell instead of two dumbbells will probably keep you out of intensive care. Finally, don’t “bounce” the barbell off of your body at the bottom of the movement. Your rib cage is not sturdy enough for that kind of abuse.

A bench press has long been an especially common gym exercise, and consequently the one that results in the most injuries. Bench presses permit your upper torso to lift the largest amount of weight, so a bench press can be a effective muscle building exercise as well as a fantastic inspirational exercise. Bragging rights is a rather effective motivator, too.


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