Thread: form question

lifting his ass off the bench makes it harder- sorry bud

i thouh it was easier, knda gives u more leg drive but ok thanks mike

Lifting your ass off the bench is easier, which is the reason why they don't allow it in powerlifting meets. I bet 260 or so.

I read an article on how to bench heavier, and it said never to take your ass off the bench, because this will make the lift harder...

Well most of the time I agree with you Mike, but on this one not at all. Its not goin to tell you to lift your ass off the bench because your not suppose to lift up. By doing that you are actually sacrificing form. By lifting off the bench you decrease your range of motion.

ps-nice avatar!

Originally Posted by mike456

I read an article on how to bench heavier, and it said never to take your ass off the bench, because this will make the lift harder...

Let me see the link. I'm pretty damned sure that lifting your ass of makes it easier, which is why you get red lighted in competition if this happens.

I didn't think I would find it since, I read it about a year ago, but here it is, go to tip#16 http://www.teenbodybuilding.com/anthony14.htm

I don't want to start another thread on a simple question about Benching, so here it is, when bench pressing my hamstrings usually cramp up and I am forced to lift my feet off the floor to stop the pain while I am lifting the bar! does this happen to anyone else? what can I do to prevent it?

Originally Posted by mike456

I don't want to start another thread on a simple question about Benching, so here it is, when bench pressing my hamstrings usually cramp up and I am forced to lift my feet off the floor to stop the pain while I am lifting the bar! does this happen to anyone else? what can I do to prevent it?

Are you feet flat on the floor? Is your ass pushed into the bench?

It sounds like some part of your benching form is off and your hamstrings are trying to compensate.

Originally Posted by mike456

I didn't think I would find it since, I read it about a year ago, but here it is, go to tip#16 http://www.teenbodybuilding.com/anthony14.htm

Hrm, okay. Well empirically and logically I have to disagree. Interesting find though. I'll try to see what I can find out about that.

Originally Posted by DOMS

Are you feet flat on the floor? Is your ass pushed into the bench?

It sounds like some part of your benching form is off and your hamstrings are trying to compensate.

Yeah, the hamstrings will try and compensate when the glutes aren't doing their job.

lifting ass off benchb = easier (think decline bench press).

why do big benchers strive for such a large arch in their back? decrease the ROM, get the chest out there and use the hips to get the bar moving. why are they red lighted for their ass coming off the bench? because it makes the lift easier since it increases all those things mentioned.

pretty common sense if you think about it.

Originally Posted by CowPimp

Yeah, the hamstrings will try and compensate when the glutes aren't doing their job.

My question about foot placement was a bit of a ruse. I'm not sure if it's proper form, but I find than pushing the balls of my feet into the floor seems to transfer more power than going flat-footed.

Do you see any problem with that?

I always keep my ass on the bench and feet flat on the floor, could it be maybe my legs are pushing hard against the floor, but I am also flexing my hamstrings by pulling back with my legs somehow?? hard to explain.

Originally Posted by mike456

I always keep my ass on the bench and feet flat on the floor, could it be maybe my legs are pushing hard against the floor, but I am also flexing my hamstrings by pulling back with my legs somehow?? hard to explain.

Try is the way I do it: Use the balls of your feet, place them behind your knees (on the horizotal plane).

Come to think of it, the bench may be too high or low. Is it?

Actually, my bench is pretty low(I workout at home)

So do I. Can you adjust your bench up?

If not, try my other suggestion.

Heh, another thought: Does the cramping happen with you do declines?

no it is like a 30 year old bench, no technology... it is starting to squeek when I bench... lol

does not have decline option, but it does have incline

P.S. the cramping only recently started happening, since I have been having knee problems, it is hard for me to bend my lower leg(so that my heel touches my hams)

I don't suppose you have a spare $150 or so?

Originally Posted by mike456

does not have decline option, but it does have incline

P.S. the cramping only recently started happening, since I have been having knee problems, it is hard for me to bend my lower leg(so that my heel touches my hams)

Okay, it definantly sounds like you have a form problem stemming from a physical problem.

Whats wrong with you knees? Have you had a doctor look at them? Are you taking glucosamine?

no lol

You shouldn't take risks with your knees. Go see a doctor.

I haven't seen a doctor, I am not taking glucosamine, and I don't know what the hell happened to my knees, anytime after I run they hurt like hell, but even when I don't run they still have problems..

Yea I been telling my mom to take me to the doctor,and everytime I tell her she says next week( I am only 15 years old, if you didn't know that)