Should I be going all the way down to my chest when I bench press. Im kinda a tall skinny guy so I have really long arms. In order for me to touch the bar to my chest I have to pretty much pull my arms back as far as they will go. It seems like I have to do more work than people with shorter arms an bigger chest.
2006-10-11 06:06:20 · 6 answers · asked by usc_drew 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
It should touch your chest, but don't bounce it off your chest. Control the weight as you lower it - this is known as resistance. If you were to ever enter any lifting competition, the standard for the bench is to touch your chest. If you feel uncomfortable, lift less weight, but don't reduce the range of motion.
2006-10-11 06:18:43 · answer #1 · answered by strider89406 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This all depends... It is okay to allow travel all the way down to your chest. Doing so will effect a greater stretch to the muscles once you pass through the zero point. The zero point is the exact position where your elbows are level with your chest muscles. Anything beyond this point and below is to full advantage for stretching but little for muscle growth. The most important thing to remember is to not "pop" or bounce the weight off your chest if you do come all the way down. Doing so only defeats the purpose of lifting in the first place. Always allow your compression stoke (the down movement) to last twice as long as the release (the upward movement). When you do go back up with your lift.... force it as fast as possible but hold as long as possible when returning down. This will promote large muscle growth and weight gains. Good luck.
2006-10-11 06:17:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, your bench press should go all the way down to the chest. Do not bounce the bar off of your chest.
2006-10-11 06:14:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bar should be above your nipples but does not have to touch your chest. In fact, it is best if you stop about 2 - 3 inches above your chest and then return to the up position.
Everybody is different and certain adjustments need to be made to accomodate those different body styles in a workout. You will find the spot that is comfortable for you, which is going to be different than a guy that is 5'4" and stocky.
2006-10-11 06:11:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Keep with the full range of motion, touch or stop the bar on the chest then push to your full arm extension.
I don't like the partial lifting movements because I feel that it effects your muscles full range and may cause overuse injuries over time.
Try different hand spacing for variety from the 32 inch maximum to close grips with your hands on the bar less then max.
Remember over time with good exercise habits and proper eating, you will build size and power even with longer arm length.
2006-10-11 06:17:23 · answer #5 · answered by yaksterbay.rugby 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
dude, either you want to excersie or not, if you are going to half as* your sets don't do them at all, what a lazy sentiment
2006-10-11 06:27:17 · answer #6 · answered by ninja cat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋