For a traditional bodybuilding bench press using a barbell, lie down flat on the bench and grasp the bar slightly wider than shoulder width. Unrack the bar and slowly lower it in a controlled manner to your chest. From there, push the bar upward and complete the repetition with arms almost perpendicular to the floor and your elbows locked out or slightly bent.
In powerlifting, which requires moving a very heavy weight, the bench press involves more muscles than just the pectorals. With a powerlifting form of the bench press, the lower body is also utilized. The torso is stabilized by driving one's legs into the ground. In addition to this, the shoulders are retracted and the back is flexed which also helps to keep the torso stabilized as well as to provide more surface area against the bench (which helps to support the load). Usually the back will be slightly arched when performing this motion to generate extra power in the lift.http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/hardgainer6.htm
The bench press is well known among people as the ultimate gauge of strength. Although this is not necessarily true, it is a relatively good gauge of one's upper body power, as it engages the pectorals, shoulders, and the triceps. Performing a correct bench press is extremely important, as doing incorrectly could lead to serious injury (torn muscle, crushed ribcage, etc.).http://stronglifts.com/how-to-bench-press-with-proper-technique-avoid-shoulder-injuries/The purpose of this page is to help one understand the proper technique involved so as to prevent injury and improve muscle-building techniques.
Incline Barbell Press Demonstration
Here we see Mike illustrating the flat bench press. It's important to note that when the bar reaches your body, you use your muscles to avoid it from reaching your chest. This resistance is key to maximizing the exercise and gaining the very most from your workout. By using proper form, you will reach maximum results, with minimal chance of injury.
Step 1: Get in Position
Lie flat on a bench and grasp the barbell. Your hands should be a bit wider apart on the bar than shoulder width. Don't arch your back too much, as this can cause chronic lower back pain and other more serious problems.http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/hardgainer6.htmFinally, place your feet firmly on the ground, or proper foot holds, depending on what the equipment provides you.
Step 2: Un-racking
Un-rack the bar and lower it to your chest until it touches right around the nipple area. Do not bounce it off the chest because this can cause damage to the ribcage. You will also be using more muscle if you do your bench presses without bouncing the weight off your chest, so you get a better workout.http://strengthtraining.suite101.com/article.cfm/how-to-bench-press-more-weight
Step 3: Lift and Repeat
Drive the bar upward until arms are straight or slightly bent. When you push the weight up, exhale, and inhale when you lower it down towards your chest.http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/exercise-workout/incline-bench-press-decline.htmlRepeat this motion, and keep the speed slower and under control to avoid injury.http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/hardgainer6.htmThe weight you use to bench press should provide you resistance, but not be so much as to cause strain. You want to get the maximum amount of reps for the best workout. Try to bench an amount of weight that will allow you 8 reps or more.http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/hardgainer6.htm
More How To Get Into Shape Videos on Mahalo
Check out the how tos below to learn more about how to get into shape.
- How to do Barbell Curls
- How to do Dumbbell Curls
- How to do Seated Bicep Curls
- How to do Concentrated Bicep Curls
- How to do Incline Dumbbell Bicep Curls
- How to do Single Arm Dumbbell Incline Curls
- How to do an Incline Dumbbell Press
- How to do an Incline Barbell Press
- How to do Incline Dumbbell Flyes
- How to do Push Ups
- How to do Tricep Push Ups
- How to do a Flat Bench Press
- How to do a Close Grip Tricep Bench Press
- How to do Wrist Curls
- How to do Forearm Exercises With a Barbell
- How to do a Front Deltoid Raise
- How to do a Front Deltoid Raise Using a Barbell
- How to do a Shrugs
- How to do Tricep Extensions
- How to do a Lateral Raise
- How to do Standing Tricep Extensions
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a history of heart problems or any other physical ailments that might prohibit you from physical activity, please contact your doctor before using these steps.