Military vs Bench

I was wondering what you guys think is better overall: military (standing of course) or bench press. Whenever I do military, I feel that I get much more out of it than the bench. Somehow, I think it does work the chest (more specifically the upper) to some extent as I feel it in my upper chest area while doing it, it engages the core more and I actually have sore abs after doing heavy sets of military, and of course, my shoulders and triceps get fried since that's the whole point of the movement. However, the bench does incorporate more muscles (more chest while still engaging the shoulders and triceps), but I get the feeling that the military press is a better indicator of strength and athleticism than bench. Does anyone else feel that way, or is it just me?

bench press is better, involves anterior delts as well as pecs and triceps.

you can't compare the two exercises, they work different muscles.

[QUOTE=gordonrumble;412671931]you can't compare the two exercises, they work different muscles.[/QUOTE]

what he said

[IMG]http://i47.tinypic.com/rbi6oy.jpg[/IMG]

They're both good. Do both.

[QUOTE=-LJ-;412683171]They're both good. Do both.[/QUOTE]

On seperate days of course.

OP,

First off, Lucifer's orange is slightly heavier than his apple, so if the orange represents the military press then in HIS mind, the press is better. On the other hand, if the orange represents the bench press, then that means the bench press is better.

Simple.

In all seriousness, the Devil-man is correct; you're comparing two exercises which work different muscles, and it depends on what you, OP, want to get out of your training. If you're into bodybuilding/general strength training, then you should be doing both. The bench works your anterior delts, tris, and pecs, and while it may work one area more than another depending on grip, body proportions and whatnot, it's still an effective exercise. The overhead press works the front delts from a different angle, the side and rear delts somewhat, and even the traps, and as you mentioned, your abs have to be strong along with your lower back to support all that weight. If you're into Olympic lifting, benches won't help much; if you want "teh big peks and the swole look" then have at the bench, that is, if you can feel it.

And BTW, I like oranges more than apples...

[QUOTE=GuyJin;412687371]And BTW, I like oranges more than apples...[/QUOTE]

Haha, me too. Vitamin C is good.

[QUOTE=Senecan;412683501]On seperate days of course.[/QUOTE]

I agree.

[QUOTE=-LJ-;412683171]They're both good. Do both.[/QUOTE]

+2 they are both in my routine now. Love em.

Better idea.
Say you do chest/shoulders, twice a week.

On the 1st day, give priority to chest, so do bench then shoulder press.
On the 2nd day, give priority to shoulders, so shoulder press then bench press.

But honestly, i would military press if it came down to pick one or die, lol.
Love having nice shoulders.

[QUOTE=GuyJin;412687371]OP,

First off, Lucifer's orange is slightly heavier than his apple, so if the orange represents the military press then in HIS mind, the press is better. On the other hand, if the orange represents the bench press, then that means the bench press is better.

Simple.

In all seriousness, the Devil-man is correct; you're comparing two exercises which work different muscles, and it depends on what you, OP, want to get out of your training. If you're into bodybuilding/general strength training, then you should be doing both. The bench works your anterior delts, tris, and pecs, and while it may work one area more than another depending on grip, body proportions and whatnot, it's still an effective exercise. The overhead press works the front delts from a different angle, the side and rear delts somewhat, and even the traps, and as you mentioned, your abs have to be strong along with your lower back to support all that weight. If you're into Olympic lifting, benches won't help much; if you want "teh big peks and the swole look" then have at the bench, that is, if you can feel it.

And BTW, I like oranges more than apples...[/QUOTE]

I'm going for better strength and athletic performance, so I'm guessing that military is better since it engages the core and is a much more realistic movement in real-life then? I never really cared much for bench though, so I could be biased.

Wtf? WHy are you comparing Bench with millitary press?


Two different exercises that target different muscles.

However they are both equally effective for the muscles they work.

[QUOTE=-LJ-;412683171]They're both good. Do both.[/QUOTE]

totally agree

Both are good lifts? Its like asking whats better, deads or squats, or Jessica Alba or Jessica Biel, both are good but both are different.

However, I do enjoy doing overhead pressing more and...I like Jessica Biel more...

Both are good, but if I had to pick one, it would be the pressing move.

Like everyone else said its apples and oranges. Id do both, if you are feeling your upper pecs while doing military you are probably arching your back too much. Regardless they work completely different muscles, so you cant compare.

Its a really tough decision, But Id definately have to say Jessica Alba...Wait what was the question....Oh yeah ummm, Just do both!!!!!!!!!!

[QUOTE=gordonrumble;412671931]you can't compare the two exercises, they work different muscles.[/QUOTE]

Yep

[QUOTE=SuicideGripMe;412775331]Both are good lifts? Its like asking whats better, deads or squats, or Jessica Alba or Jessica Biel, both are good but both are different.

However, I do enjoy doing overhead pressing more and...I like Jessica Biel more...[/QUOTE]

Jessica Biel.

On a related note... Which is better?

Squats or pullups?

Bench press or deadlift?

Preacher curls or skullcrushers?

[QUOTE=musicality213;413334961]On a related note... Which is better?
Squats or pullups?
Bench press or deadlift?
Preacher curls or skullcrushers?[/QUOTE]

Neither.

Kickbackz is the winnar!

Along with kickbakz and a helthy dose of Sel-Tek, wrist curlz (in the skwat rack) pullovers on a major decline and one-legged big-toe-only raises FTMFW!