Lifting my head during flat bench press

Preacher · 03-06-2002, 02:57 PM

I found that when I lift my head from the bench at the lowest point of my bench press,
I can stabilize the weight better (it doesn't make it any lighter, but it just feels more comfortable).

Am I doing something really bad here or is this one of the do-as-you-damn-well-please things people do all the time?
I just don't want to pull anything or put any unnecessary pressure on my neck etc ...

The rest of my bench is rather strict (flat back, feet firmly placed on ground (or 90° on light days)). - my excuse for using so little weight ...

mmafiter · 03-06-2002, 03:14 PM

I don't know if THAT will hurt you or not, but keeping your head flat and pressing into the bench with your neck helps your stability and strength, allowing you to bench more.

I used to do the exact same thing, until my strength coach came to the gym with me for the first time; after he watched my form (and stopped giggling) he gave me a bunch of pointers, one of which was to keep my head and neck flat on the bench and pressing into the bench.

**gopro** · 03-06-2002, 07:43 PM

I answered this question in my Q & A. When benching you should actually push your head back into the bench. This will make your body activate all muscles involved in stabilizing, as well as help you recruit more of the necessary muscles involved with benching more weight.

KANE_VICIOUS · 03-07-2002, 01:32 PM

and also never lift up your ass and lower back when benching to get more power, cause you might mess up your back

**Prince** · 03-07-2002, 02:15 PM

here is the Q & A link >>

http://www.ironmagazine.com/qacolumn.htm

the question for this is in the archive section.

03-06-2002, 02:57 PM	#1
Preacher Strongest of all Hobbits Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Belgium - Western Europe Posts: 413 Photos: 2	Lifting my head during flat bench press I found that when I lift my head from the bench at the lowest point of my bench press, I can stabilize the weight better (it doesn't make it any lighter, but it just feels more comfortable). Am I doing something really bad here or is this one of the do-as-you-damn-well-please things people do all the time? I just don't want to pull anything or put any unnecessary pressure on my neck etc ... The rest of my bench is rather strict (flat back, feet firmly placed on ground (or 90° on light days)). - my excuse for using so little weight ...
	"When the going gets though, the Tough get Duct-tape!"

03-06-2002, 07:43 PM	#3
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Florida Posts: 10,523	I answered this question in my Q & A. When benching you should actually push your head back into the bench. This will make your body activate all muscles involved in stabilizing, as well as help you recruit more of the necessary muscles involved with benching more weight.
	Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. GOLIATH LABS Sponsored Athlete/Board Rep www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

03-07-2002, 02:15 PM	#5
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,982 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320	here is the Q & A link >> http://www.ironmagazine.com/qacolumn.htm the question for this is in the archive section.
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System. Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL (CEE) On Sale $17.49 per bottle!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Training to Earn My Masters Pro Card at 63	Old Navy	Online Journals	57	11-09-2006 07:21 AM
Reasons	TJ Cline	Open Chat	2548	03-13-2006 09:04 PM
IRON MANS' "Bulking Routine" and "Powerlifting Routine"	IRON MAN	Training	0	02-17-2006 12:25 PM
p/rr/s class presentation?	DeadBolt	Training	22	12-02-2004 10:40 PM
Increasing bench max for chest size/form?	Josh	Training	3	10-28-2002 01:03 PM

03-06-2002, 03:14 PM	#2
mmafiter Red Rocket! Red Rocket! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Do you EVEN FUQQING care? Posts: 2,020	I don't know if THAT will hurt you or not, but keeping your head flat and pressing into the bench with your neck helps your stability and strength, allowing you to bench more. I used to do the exact same thing, until my strength coach came to the gym with me for the first time; after he watched my form (and stopped giggling) he gave me a bunch of pointers, one of which was to keep my head and neck flat on the bench and pressing into the bench.

03-07-2002, 01:32 PM	#4
KANE_VICIOUS Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: mass Posts: 122	and also never lift up your ass and lower back when benching to get more power, cause you might mess up your back