bench press - ok to bring close to chest?

Question

hello all, i was wondering

when i bench press, i bring it within one inch of my chest - is that ok?

Answer 1

I think it is okay given that you are properly stretched and do not have any previous shoulder issues. Too many times bad form in the gym and too much weight can cause some rotator cuff injuries. Far too often when people put too much weight, proper form goes to pot, they waggle everywhere squirm about, and not only do they increase their chance of injury, they lose some of the benefit of the lift.

If you see people on the bench that have to lift their butt way off the deck to get the weight up... thats an injury waiting to happen. Keep in mind that heavy weight is not necessarily the best weight to get bigger or stronger.

That being said, I dont think you are losing anything by stopping an inch from your chest, the stretch at that point is at 95% of the maximum angle so any benefit from going any lower is minimal. If stopping there prevents you from bouncing and slows your rep coming down... then you are perfectly fine.

Answer 2

What you are describing in your question is fine, especially if the spotter is going to provide resistence on the bar on the way back up or if you want to get a maximum range of motion per press.

Answer 3

Yes. You get more benefit from an exercise by working the full range of motion.

You can even touch your chest with the bar - just don't bounce it off of your chest.

Answer 4

Yeah thats ok some ppl prefer doing it that way. Even though i prefer all the way down to our chest.

Answer 5

That's exactly what you are supposed to do. Keep doing it! Don't cheat - you'll only get half the workout if you do.