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bench press question...

yooperjim Posts: 104 Joined: 2005/09/01	2005/10/18, 05:03 AM Hey all, When you do a bench press and your arms are fully extended and locked, should you push up a few more inches with your shoulders? Sort of like a flat shrug I guess...Does anyone know what I mean? Jim
	2005/10/18, 07:07 AM yes...if you would like to dislocate your shoulders...or create a joint injury...or not do any pressing movements for a couple of years after you injure your shoulders....so sarcasm aside...that's just plain dangerous and has no benefit....why would you want to do it? Jim creativity is very good and you can think of many good exercises when you use your mind....but it seems like you went overboard with this one....
yooperjim Posts: 104 Joined: 2005/09/01	2005/10/18, 02:12 PM not sure if that's exactly what I meant...there is just a point once my arms are locked that I can push up a couple of more inches, shoulders go forward a bit, and pecs come together.
bropie Posts: 1,084 Joined: 2004/12/04	2005/10/18, 02:35 PM if you're looking to get more out of your bench press, squeeze the contraction at the top of the movement.
wrestler125 Posts: 4,619 Joined: 2004/01/27	2005/10/18, 02:57 PM yes, but when you squeeze, your shoulders shouldnt move. By letting your shoulders travel, you are putting yourself at high risk of injury. There is no reason to push your shoulders forward at the end of the bench press, unless you are looking for a shoulder injury. -------------- Your two most important minerals: Iron and Chalk. If you smoke or don’t wear your seatbelt, please don’t tell me the deadlift is dangerous.
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2005/10/18, 05:02 PM IF your looking for a better contraction use dbs... -------------- Friends don't let friends squat high... People don't reach thier true potental, only those who seek it.
	2005/10/18, 06:22 PM to get the extra 'squeeze'....do so with your pecs.....pause and squeeze your pecs at the top.....
yooperjim Posts: 104 Joined: 2005/09/01	2005/10/18, 06:30 PM cool, thanks
519 Posts: 69 Joined: 2003/11/03	2005/10/20, 11:07 AM if you want a hard contraction at the top of your bench press, don't extend your arms to the point that your joints lock out. go 98% of the way to the lock out point, then make sure the rest of the contraction is happening in your chest. It forces you to concentrate on the contraction and reduces the risk of injury to your joints. Locking out your arms takes more strength from your tris than your chest anyway.
Jdelts Posts: 1,218 Joined: 2003/10/19	2005/10/22, 10:24 PM Good posts guys...519, I liked you post, but I have to add something...do not do this if you are pushing up alot of weight(like a max rep or a set of 2-3 struggling) it can really F with your shoulders. Its perfect for light to moderate weight. I'm not talking out my ass, I have been a competative powerlifter for some time...thats my sourse -------------- Shut up and grow. Thank God I don\'t have to got through another year of the Yankees winning the World Series.