Best way to bench your max

**LexusGS** · 09-05-2005, 08:52 AM

Sup guys. Im just wondering how should I go about benching my max?
Should I do it bodybuilder style where i expand my chest out and let the pecs do most of the lift? Or should i do it powerlifting style where i let all my supporting muscle (side and front delts, tris, lats) just to kind of push the weight up?

**P-funk** · 09-05-2005, 08:54 AM

the best way to bench big numbers is obviously to bench like a powerlifter.

However, if you don't bench like that or are not used to it then benching that way could also shoot yourself in the foot. either learn to do it properly or bench whatever way you feel most comfortable.

**LexusGS** · 09-05-2005, 09:04 AM

thanks on the input, but I'm still confused, do powerlifters use only their supporting muscles? or does the chest also get involved just as much?

**Mudge** · 09-05-2005, 01:44 PM

I dont bench with my elbows out and I bench low. I still get plenty of chest work, I do nothing else for them. While supposedly it will not work your chest as much, I find bodybuilder style benching hits my arms more because that is what gets tired first.

**CowPimp** · 09-05-2005, 02:14 PM

I prefer PL style because it takes some stress of your shoulders and allows for bigger numbers. Granted, I benched just as much when I did it BB style, but I also weighed 20 pounds more. Not to mention I lost a bunch of strength at one time because of illness and cutting too aggressively.

**Squaggleboggin** · 09-05-2005, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mudge

I dont bench with my elbows out and I bench low. I still get plenty of chest work, I do nothing else for them. While supposedly it will not work your chest as much, I find bodybuilder style benching hits my arms more because that is what gets tired first.

That's exactly how I feel. When I bench with a machine or high up (about nipple line), my arms feel like they got a great workout, but my chest is not the least fatigued.

**Mudge** · 09-05-2005, 03:44 PM

Yeah, strange how that is supposed to be the opposite but I much prefer a PL style bench. I put 15 pounds on my bench my first time trying to get the form down. I remember practicing with 135 for a week with it, trying to remember all the ques.

**god hand** · 09-05-2005, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by LexusGS

Sup guys. Im just wondering how should I go about benching my max?
Should I do it bodybuilder style where i expand my chest out and let the pecs do most of the lift? Or should i do it powerlifting style where i let all my supporting muscle (side and front delts, tris, lats) just to kind of push the weight up?

DO some warm up exercises for your back. I bet u find the weight easier to lift.

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