I've heard both sides to this, so i figured i'd throw this out there to see what everyone thought.
I've always gone ALL the way down to my chest when benching, but see guys going about a inch off their chest at times. Is there a big difference? Too be honest i've tried it and i get the same amount of reps w/ same weight, so was wondering if its just a preference.
perhaps its to preserve the rotator cuff??? I can understand this because i've always had issues with mine as a result of benching
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Dr Supplement wrote:perhaps its to preserve the rotator cuff???
i've asked same question before and thats the answer i got. plus i sometimes bounce heavy weight off my chest like a dumbass, so stoppin obviously prevents this
I find i have more control if i stop an inch or two above my chest. Unless you are a powerlifter i dont think locking out is smart either. Its alot easier on your joonts and tendons to stop just shy top amd bottom.
I agree with D... don't lockout! I concentrate on a very smooth turn around at the top and bottom. No jerk, bounce, butt or back lifting allowed. Typically I go with a 3sec positive and a 5 sec negative. The first part of the lift from the chest hits the pecs the most and transfers over to your triceps as the lift gets higher. Locking out at the top allows your fast twitch muscle fibers to recover which inhibits inroading to deeper medium and slow twitch fibers where muscle growth is really stimulated.
yeah, i've noticed since stopping just shy of the chest i feel alot less pain in joints. I've torn my rotator cuff 3x now from benching, so im trying to avoid it at all costs. I'd stop lifting weights, but then there would be no point in breathing air..
All posts are for educational purposes only! Statements made are opinions. Consult with your physician before taking any dietary supplements or beginning any exercise program.
