Bench Shirts as a training aid

[Alison]

Greetings! I am a lifting newbie (started January '02) and have a question about using a bench shirt as a training aid. Here's the thing: my bench weight is not progressing beyond 65lbs. Whenever I try to add weight it feels like my left shoulder is going to pop right out of the socket. I've had a full medical eval and there is no evidence of shoulder injury or other issues. I am 5'5", 124lbs. My squat weight is 250lbs., and my military press weight is 85lbs. So why the problem with benching? Would a bench shirt help the shoulder issue? I have no interest in competing at this time, so that isn't it. I just want to progress. My form is fine, according to my trainer. Any information is appreciated.

[freaker]

I'd say skip the bench shirt if you're not competing. I'll say it is odd though that you can military press more than you can bench. My advice would be to alternate between different exercises for chest and different rep ranges. Don't try to max out too often. You may be overtraining. Try using dumbbells, do incline and decline, dips, flies, etc. Change your rep range up frequently so you hit different types of muscle fibers. After a month, come back to the bench and see if you gained some strength.

[Steinkalt]

I'm a dumbass. What is a bench shirt?

[Machine]

Originally posted by Steinkalt
I'm a dumbass. What is a bench shirt?

yeah, I'm wondering that also

[Alison]

Check out examples here:
http://www.monstermuscle.com/bench-shirts.asp

I see lifters wearing them when event training.

[Alison]

Thanks, Freaker, for your reply. I'll run it by my trainer. It is odd that my mils are better than my bench, since the weight increase is usually the opposite. Go figure.

[MDC]

Alison,
Have you tried replacing the barbell bench with dumbells for a while? I used to have a problem where my shoulder would just give out after a few reps when I tried heavier weights. I had a hard time progressing until I dropped all of the exercises I had problems with and pushed myself hard with dumbells. I don't have a hint of that problem after 15 years of doing light weights to avoid it.

I think I experienced a slight tear in one of the muscles when I was a teen, and never rehabilitated it properly. Until now that is.

[ctgblue]

Skip the bench shirt, in order to be effective, they are EXTREMELY tight and uncomfortable
you need assistance to get in AND out of them and they tend to cut into the skin on the upper chest
IE.. competition ONLY