The bench press is the squat of the pectoralis, or pecs, muscle group. Squats are considered by most bodybuilding authorities to be the best exercise for building the thighs or quadriceps. The bench press is considered by most authorities to be the best exercise for building up the chest, or pecs. This article will explain to you how to perform a proper and safe bench press.
Preparing:
I'm going to assume that your equipment is in proper condition and working properly. Lay on the bench with the end with the bar at your head. Place your upper back and butt flat on the bench. When lowering the bar to your chest, make sure you are positioned so that it won't hit the supports.
First grasp the bar shoulder width apart. If your grip is wider then you will place more demand on your pecs, but you will also place more demand on your shoulder joints. The narrower your grip your triceps will be worked more. You will need to practice a few times to find out the right positioning on the bar for you. Now without using any weight I want you to slowly lower the bar to your chest. Now very controlled, raise the bar until a near full extension. Now practice this a few times to feel the correct motion.
Execution:
Load some weight on the bar, and make sure to keep it even. If you put a 10lb plate on one side, put the same amount on the other side. Just as practiced, grab the bar above you with a grip that is most natural to you. This grip will be at least 12inches apart, but no more than 6 inches greater than shoulder width apart. Now with the help of your spotter, slowly lift the bar to the starting position. Make sure to have the weight steady and still before lowering. Now slowly lower the bar to your chest, taking about four seconds to lower the weight. Let the bar slightly touch your chest. Once it does, press the bar back up to the starting position, taking about 2 seconds to lift the bar. Repeat this lift for the desired amount of reps.
The bench press is a fundamental exercise that all bodybuilders and weight trainees should be familiar with. Keep up the great work and great form, and with practice, you will notice your weight increasing month after month. - 31525
Preparing:
I'm going to assume that your equipment is in proper condition and working properly. Lay on the bench with the end with the bar at your head. Place your upper back and butt flat on the bench. When lowering the bar to your chest, make sure you are positioned so that it won't hit the supports.
First grasp the bar shoulder width apart. If your grip is wider then you will place more demand on your pecs, but you will also place more demand on your shoulder joints. The narrower your grip your triceps will be worked more. You will need to practice a few times to find out the right positioning on the bar for you. Now without using any weight I want you to slowly lower the bar to your chest. Now very controlled, raise the bar until a near full extension. Now practice this a few times to feel the correct motion.
Execution:
Load some weight on the bar, and make sure to keep it even. If you put a 10lb plate on one side, put the same amount on the other side. Just as practiced, grab the bar above you with a grip that is most natural to you. This grip will be at least 12inches apart, but no more than 6 inches greater than shoulder width apart. Now with the help of your spotter, slowly lift the bar to the starting position. Make sure to have the weight steady and still before lowering. Now slowly lower the bar to your chest, taking about four seconds to lower the weight. Let the bar slightly touch your chest. Once it does, press the bar back up to the starting position, taking about 2 seconds to lift the bar. Repeat this lift for the desired amount of reps.
The bench press is a fundamental exercise that all bodybuilders and weight trainees should be familiar with. Keep up the great work and great form, and with practice, you will notice your weight increasing month after month. - 31525
About the Author:
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