Using the lats on bench press?

[gtbmed]

I've been reading up on bench press form a bit and I've read multiple times that engaging the lats will really help to bring up a weak bench press.

My question is, how exactly do you use the lats? I know I'm supposed to squeeze my back muscles and dig into the sides of the bench, but I really don't feel myself using the lats when I do this.

 

[juggernaut]

at the bottom of the drop, try and "crunch" your shoulder blades together like you have a ball between your blades.

 

[plums_jp]

i just flex my lats ( like a lat pose) right before i bring the weight back up, then squeeze the pecs once you're up

 

[The Monkey Man]

Work on the feet placement on the floor. (body arch)

Check out VIDs of Kara Bohigan.

She works the body placement to optimize PR's...

Unless you worried about form VS size?

 

[Patrick_01]

It may be, like Plums suggests, a matter of mind/muscle connection - force your body to use your lats and you'll feel it. They're never going to feel as worked as the pecs are though.

 

[Hoglander]

You need big lats. When you flex them it's like the load is supported at the lower end of the movement by the mass of your flexed lats, IMHO.

 

[HialeahChico305]

If you bech dumbells, just pause for a sec or two when your lowering the weight then explode all the way up. Using good form will most def make you use your lats, and it really helps on the development of your chest.