clewsad's picture
clewsad
  • 26
2008

+ 1 one of the worst exersizes to do "THE FLAT BENCH PRESS BARBELL STYLE"

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If you ever run into somebody that works out or that knows that you work out they will usually ask the question HEY MAN HOW MUCH CAN U BENCH? I get so tired of getting asked that question. I don't understand why people think flat benching 500lbs is that important. Here is my view of the flat bench and I why I don't like it that much. The number one reason is it is one of the worst exercises u can do cause it can cause you to tear pectoral tendons and muscles. Most of the time this happens because people go way to wide and way to much weight. The only way a person should flat bench is to have there elbows tucked in and chest rolled out keeping most of the weight off the deltoid muscles and not touching there chest keeping it a inch above. If you keep it above about a inch this keeps you from over stretching the tendons and pectoral muscles. I know this from experience cause I strained my pectoral muscles a few times and most people wont stop flat benching until something like this happens. I can think pretty much every other type of chest exercise is way better than flat benching. I mean how many times do you hear I got hurt on the incline press or decline. I myself do a lot of incline pressing and pretty heavy I go up to 365 for about ten to 15 reps and I do higher incline about 75 degree and those never cause me any pec strains. Im not saying flat benching should be totally avoided but there are better muscle building exercises out there for building muscle mass. Imo the only reason for maxing for bench press is if your a powerlifter if not who the hell cares how much u can bench.

cmo25cent's picture

I only use dumbells. Better for the core. Both sides of the chest worked out evenly. Incline should be about 30 degrees.

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klon's picture

As with all lifts, individual morphology plays a large part in exercise safety. In the case of the bench press, individuals with long forearms must use a narrow grip to avoid excessive stretching of the pectoralis. I typically use a biacromial grip and modify my routine every 6 sessions to avoid overuse injuries.

outofacomic's picture

I don't think I've used a flat barbell in nearly 2 years.. any barbell really in about 1.5 years.
I use to all the time, I would feel it in my chest the next day but Soooo much more in my front delts.
I don't even work out my front delts anymore, they get plenty work from chest days. After ditching the barbell I switched to dumbbells and never looked back. As for flat bench, I haven't worked that in nearly two years,. I get everything I need from just doing incline.. I fortunately don't have to worry about my chest.. it grows like a weed, natty.. Haven't started using...yet.

clewsad's picture

I used to love bench when I played football but it doesn't matter to me anymore

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Bassnectar's picture

Yeah, I will never touch Barbell bench ever again after partially tearing my pec!

malikiie's picture

the man has a point i get more out of the pec fly and that other odd arm pushing machine then i do from bench gains wise then again i still bench a lot because all my friends do and its all about who is the stronger human at 1 lift

Greg's picture

I'll continue doing bench presses as long as there is even the slightest chance I'll be trapped under a Volkswagen someday...

Muffins's picture

Which is entirely possible. I got one in the garage, if you ever want to give it a trial run.

Greg's picture

LOL... I'm not quite ready yet

ScripthookV's picture

So... How much DO you bench?

Jokes aside, I completely agree with your post. I think benching is useful though, but through controlled weight and movement, not just throwing a bunch of weight up and down.

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clewsad's picture

the most I have ever tried to do was 455 which I did but I never max anymore

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ScripthookV's picture

Oh don't get me wrong, I love jumping around on 1 leg with 450 lbs on my traps with alternating legs and a standing military every third hop. I also do a lunge every 6th hop and a good morning every 8th hop.

I've only fractured three ribs, I feel fine though. I actually just broke my plateau... And my other rib! Shit!

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GRIMEY's picture

But you do have that Pineapple Express now dont ya....

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Pepwarehouse's picture

bad for you? what about for a pre workout? lol

malikiie's picture

drugs are tools and anyone can abuse tools such as drills with dildos on the end

as for a pre workout 40mg halo 2 scoops of jack3d (original) worked well for me for a long time

i do not see a point in percs as a pre workout though for me the pain is always the next day

J.Mc.'s picture

LMFAO