Thread: Getting my bench respectable :) after an old injury.

Hi everyone,
Approximately 18 years ago, I powerlifted, and had good squats and deadlifts, and a reasonable bench. I messed up my shoulder playing Rugby, and had to have a distal repair on it. Since then, I haven't been able to bench much of anything.
Since I have now been going back to the gym on a very regular basis (5 days a week; train chest and arms M, W, F; legs and back Tues and Thurs), I've noticed that my bench is slowly going up. The problem, is that I'm getting gains in the order of 10 lbs a week, whereas with my legs, I'm getting massive strength gains and significant (ie. noticeable by my wife) changes to my size. I suspect the limitation is more psychological than anything else.

Does anyone have any tips that worked for them? I understand that everyone is different. I remember reading a post earlier about someone who hit a plateau... I haven't hit a plateau, just the strength isn't going up as I believe it should be. (I know, I should just learn to be patient). As I said, I suspect it has more to do psychologically than anything else... when I go to squat or deadlift, in my mind I know I can do the weight... with bench, I am paranoid about having my shoulder getting screwed up again, so I baby it.

Thanks in advance (and if I'm whining, I apologize).

-Dan

I would kill for a 10lb/week gain in bench. Maybe just change up your workout. Do a search on Westside. Good for building strength