Why is it that my brother can bench press more than I can, yet I am able to curl more than him?

Answer 1

Your specific strenghts and weaknesses with the muscles involved in each lift are what seperate you and your brother. Your training techniques or your form on those lifts may vary or it could simply be a case of preferability that you find curling more interesting than benching so you do more of it since you like it. It's all in the head, and it gets a lot more complicated.

Answer 2

Totally different muscle groups involved here.

Curling primarily involves biceps and depending upon how much body english you use, your front delts and forearms.

Bench pressing uses a ton of muscles including: front delts, pectorials and triceps. Usually, the amount you can bench is somewhat related to your body weight, so if your brother weighs more than you, he'd have an advantage.

The bottom line is you guys are built differently in terms of muscle composition. You can definitely train to get better at benching by working your pecs and triceps.

Answer 3

Everyones bodies are different. You may have more muscle mass in one area than he does, and vice versa. Try gradual conditioning of the area, and add more weight or resistance when you are ready. Just don't get stuck on having to be better. You may never be able to bench more than him.

Answer 4

bench press is different in people of different builds

for example, if you are built compact--(not as lanky) you will be able to bench press more (simply because the mechanics of bones and angle geometry)

if you are lankier--you will be able to bench press less--for the same reasons as above

moreover, everybody has various strengths and weaknesses
what i believe in, when working out, is working on weak-point training--as in, train hardest on your weakest areas