bridging back during bench press

jazztrumpet · 07-06-2009, 09:07 PM

Why do some people bridge/arch their back during bench press?

theshoupguy · 07-06-2009, 09:10 PM

Have you ever tried it?

Also:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=116435491

400Lb Gorilla · 07-06-2009, 09:11 PM

i do but its nothing extreme. just my natural arch

jazztrumpet · 07-06-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theshoupguy

Have you ever tried it?

I haven't tried it, that's why I was asking. I was wondering what the point/purpose of it is.

vvarhead17 · 07-06-2009, 09:24 PM

A lot of people are able to put up more weight when they bridge their back. It is not the correct way to perform a bench press though, yes you can put up more weight but your chest will not develop to its potential. A few people may disagree, but in my opinion only bridge your back on that last rep when you need that extra push.

Bridging your back is more common with powerlifters. At competitions the judges will only allow a competitor to bridge their back so much or the lift is no good.

Freakzila · 07-06-2009, 09:52 PM

Powerlifters do that.

DJAuto · 07-06-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAPjunky

i do but its nothing extreme. just my natural arch

^^^

I'm not a fan of the powerlifter's arch (I train as a bodybuilder).

Mad_Dog_Divine · 07-06-2009, 10:09 PM

I use a natural arch, I don't overdo it. I'm not exactly a powerlifter but I'm not a bodybuilder either. Arching a little can make you more stable.

jgrube · 07-06-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazztrumpet

I haven't tried it, that's why I was asking. I was wondering what the point/purpose of it is.

im not sure if you are speaking about the natural arch in one's lower back, or butt off the ground type arch.

anyways maintaing a tight lower back arch provides a good foundation and puts your chest above your shoulders.

if you just lay flat on a bench.. you will be using mostly shoulders and will have a ****ty foundation (i'm sure you've seen people squirming around while benching and all that.. thats from a bad foundation)

in addition to a high ribcage/tight lower back arch, your shoulders should be back and tucked..

it has nothing to do with powerlifting. its good from and brings your chest into the movement more. i'm sure more chest involvement is what bodybuilders are looking for in their bench press

AHTTG · 07-06-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgrube

im not sure if you are speaking about the natural arch in one's lower back, or butt off the ground type arch.

anyways maintaing a tight lower back arch provides a good foundation and puts your chest above your shoulders.

if you just lay flat on a bench.. you will be using mostly shoulders and will have a ****ty foundation (i'm sure you've seen people squirming around while benching and all that.. thats from a bad foundation)

in addition to a high ribcage/tight lower back arch, your shoulders should be back and tucked..

it has nothing to do with powerlifting. its good from and brings your chest into the movement more. i'm sure more chest involvement is what bodybuilders are looking for in their bench press

I can see from your profile that you're clearly an expert on ****ty foundations, I'll take your word for it. Thanks

jgrube · 07-06-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHTTG

I can see from your profile that you're clearly an expert on ****ty foundations, I'll take your word for it. Thanks

hahahahaha. started at 117 lbs bro

edit: Stats: 6'6" 20 lbs

RoccoTanno123 · 07-06-2009, 11:04 PM

The arch helps lift more weight, because by elevating the chest the bar has less distance to travel and your body's levers are put in a more advantageous position. By distributing the load, pressure is taken off the shoulders, decreasing the chance for injury.

wolfbaden6 · 07-06-2009, 11:18 PM

It's been established that there are 2 styles of benching - a bodybuilder's bench and a powerlifter's bench. One is designed to help the muscle grow and one is designed to utilize the maximum amount of strength a person has.

With this in mind, you should have an arch in your back for either bench. One may not be as extreme as the other, but it should be there regardless.

Here's a good example.

Powerlifting bench:

Bodybuilding bench:

mikay456 · 07-06-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoccoTanno123

The arch helps lift more weight, because by elevating the chest the bar has less distance to travel and your body's levers are put in a more advantageous position. By distributing the load, pressure is taken off the shoulders, decreasing the chance for injury.

/thread

spirit3530 · 07-08-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfbaden6

It's been established that there are 2 styles of benching - a bodybuilder's bench and a powerlifter's bench. One is designed to help the muscle grow and one is designed to utilize the maximum amount of strength a person has.

With this in mind, you should have an arch in your back for either bench. One may not be as extreme as the other, but it should be there regardless.

Here's a good example.

Powerlifting bench:

Bodybuilding bench:

strong decline