Thread: no flat bench?

i on the other hand go all the way down without bouncing it off my chest. I guess its different strokes for different folks.

Originally Posted by davethaflave

i on the other hand go all the way down without bouncing it off my chest. I guess its different strokes for different folks.

Although you can use the full range of motion to execute a bench press, it does not mean you should as the range of motion of our joints is often different from range of motion needed to fully exert your muscles in an exercise while preventing joint injury.

Jdb3 and HalfApint are right in that the 90 degree rule in bench press is the bio-mechanically correct technique, and assures the proper range of motion to reach and affect the proper muscle group with minimum risk of injury. While some joints do have a greater range of motion capability, this does not mean that we use the entire range during exercise. Although our shoulders are capable of circumduction, we don’t do weight bearing exercise swinging our arms around in circles. The reason for that is because our joint's range of motion is often different from the range of motion needed for an exercise and proper range of motion can prevent joint injury.

Originally Posted by flash83

Some douch at the gym told me that decline and incline were all a chest needs. Flat bench was a waste

flat bench is not a waste, who ever told you that is a waste of intelligence

Originally Posted by beanlicker

Flat bench puts an incredible amount of strain on your shoulders and if you have shoulder issues you can still build your chest without doing flat bench press.

So true.

I had shoulder surgery also and can not do any benching or overhead shoulder presses with the bar. Dumbells have become my best friend. I probably could work my way back up to doing movements with the bar with weight I use to work out with... but absolutley will not due to the risk of re- injury. Down time after surgery is almost as bad as being in prison.

Originally Posted by halfApint

I had shoulder surgery when I was 17, flat bench or incline hurts my shoulder ...

I dont flat bench at all, just dumbells ... I dont know if its just me but it puts a lot less strain on my shoulder

call me a pussy but I gatta do what I gatta do

Chest is considered probably the #1 staple in BB and power lifting, at least when people are trying to talk about
their manhood, however its also one of the least important

Gotta realize there are those who can't flat bench with the bar for injury reasons, perfectly understandable.

You need that flat bench wether w/dumbbells or barbell