Thread: DB benchpress hitting tri's

Originally Posted by pakkya

Hi,

I havnt done any benching in the last 3 months. So today I decide to go in for a light weight (around 50-60% of 1RM) DB benchpress. Thing is I didnt feel my chest muscles being worked out at all, only tris. I lowered the weight, still same scenario.
My form is fine, I had a friend spot me for the 1RM.
umm, so wat am I doing wrong guys?

thanks

friend spotted you for a 1RM? I thought you worked at 50-60%??

Anyway, to answer your question.....yes, the triceps work when performing a chest press (horizontal press)....so does the chest and the shoulders. that is why we say not to train body parts but movements rather.

You may be feeling it in your tri's more because you haven't performed the movement in awhile. Maybe your tri's have gained a fair amount of strength over the past few weeks. Who knows.......the point is to move the weight from point A to point B you are using everything (chest, shoulders and tri's).

Thanks P-funk! Sorry I mistyped bout the spotting. I mean he spotted me for those reps.
I understand your point about the various parts getting involved. I too think my tris have gotten stronger and so I dont feel my chest. But is it gettin worked out? Should i continue with the benchpress. I m confused

of course it is getting worked. yes, you can continue with the bench press. try and be midful of your technique and the way you are pressing. How deep are you coming on your reps? Also, try playing with rep tempo....mainly the eccentric and isometric (on the chest) portions of the lift to increase tension.

Originally Posted by P-funk

of course it is getting worked. yes, you can continue with the bench press. try and be midful of your technique and the way you are pressing. How deep are you coming on your reps? Also, try playing with rep tempo....mainly the eccentric and isometric (on the chest) portions of the lift to increase tension.

I imagine that there is a bar b/w the DBs and make sure it just touches the mid chest area. I ll change the rep tempo a bit and see if it helps.

Cheerios!

Keep your shoulder blades on the bench and feel the squeeze in your pecs as you bring the DB's slightly together at the top, and don't lock out your elbows. Helps me anyway...........