Arched Back During Bench Press?

[Joe10081]

Does it really matter if the back is slightly arched while doing bench press?
Does it make a difference if the back is arched or not?

[EuropeanHammer]

A lot of people arch their back, that actually helps you lift more

[CallMeBarron]

Arching extremely won't make a difference unless you lift extremely heavy. It is, however, important to keep tension in your back and pressure on the floor with your feet throughout the lift.

[VrnRap]

Does it really matter if the back is slightly arched while doing bench press?
Does it make a difference if the back is arched or not?

I think the arch does help me and now it actually feels really wierd if i dont arch.

[BamaBruce]

yeah, arching helps. so does exploding through your legs on shoulder press, bouncing the weights, going 1/2 way down on squats, and having someone help you lift the weight. but that doesn't mean it should be done.

[royalz19]

arching helps.. just make sure your ass doesn't leave the bench.

[eldoradofootbal]

All the sources ive heard, the only help it does is raise your chest up a little so theres less distance to go down. It saves energy, somewhat.

[CupcakeSquats]

yeah, arching helps. so does exploding through your legs on shoulder press, bouncing the weights, going 1/2 way down on squats, and having someone help you lift the weight. but that doesn't mean it should be done.

wanna explain how arching your back during bench is even related to the other things?
I suppose you think that arching is cheating. No, it's mechanically advantageous and basically gives you the most bang for your buck.
"But but that doesnt stimulate your chest brooo if the bar moves more then more chest is used broooo"
Is that what you thought?
Don't be retarded.

[itwasntme184]

arched back = stronger base to push from


not talking pl-style arch, thats a bit extreme but keeping a neutral spine like with any other lift is preferable

[tallntoned]

wouldnt it be bad for your back? i see huge guys arching their back when benching like a few plates so i guess they know what they're doing

[BamaBruce]

wanna explain how arching your back during bench is even related to the other things?
I suppose you think that arching is cheating. No, it's mechanically advantageous and basically gives you the most bang for your buck.
"But but that doesnt stimulate your chest brooo if the bar moves more then more chest is used broooo"
Is that what you thought?
Don't be retarded.

If you want to kill your back, be my guest. I'm just saying that while it may help lift more,it also raises the risk of injury. Please let us have a logical discussion about this without attacks or name-calling.

[CupcakeSquats]

If you want to kill your back, be my guest. I'm just saying that while it may help lift more,it also raises the risk of injury. Please let us have a logical discussion about this without attacks or name-calling.

You're right, the name calling was totally uncalled for. I'm sorry.
I still stand by my opinion though. Retaining your body's natural arch while benching won't hurt your back. In fact, if anything, it presses your upper back into the bench which actually gives you a stronger base. Eric spoto benches 700+ while retaining an arch. He also has an injured/weak lower back that prevents him from squatting and deadlifting. What does that tell you?
Also, if you lay your back flat against the bench, then coming down low enough to touch your chest will put a lot of strain on your shoulders and possibly damage them.

[BamaBruce]

You're right, the name calling was totally uncalled for. I'm sorry.
I still stand by my opinion though. Retaining your body's natural arch while benching won't hurt your back. In fact, if anything, it presses your upper back into the bench which actually gives you a stronger base. Eric spoto benches 700+ while retaining an arch. He also has an injured/weak lower back that prevents him from squatting and deadlifting. What does that tell you?
Also, if you lay your back flat against the bench, then coming down low enough to touch your chest will put a lot of strain on your shoulders and possibly damage them.

We have a simple misunderstanding, I completely agree. A completely flat back and touching chest is possibly dangerous, well, depending on your arm positioning I suppose (grip width, etc). I usually do keep a natural arch in my back and feel much more power without strain on the vertebrae. The problem I have is when someone's back is super-arched. Then again, if you're in competition, all you care about is moving the most weight within the rules, so it can be a tad different from daily training.

[CupcakeSquats]

We have a simple misunderstanding, I completely agree. A completely flat back and touching chest is possibly dangerous, well, depending on your arm positioning I suppose (grip width, etc). I usually do keep a natural arch in my back and feel much more power without strain on the vertebrae. The problem I have is when someone's back is super-arched. Then again, if you're in competition, all you care about is moving the most weight within the rules, so it can be a tad different from daily training.

You're right. Sorry about the misunderstanding. Take my measlies.

[plainpat31]

A slight arch helps greatly when you bench to hit the pecs more .
If you are flat your back and other muscles can help with the lift (doesnt make you stronger necessarily)
also if you bring the bar down just above your nipple line (twards your neck) it activates the
pecs the best.

[BamaBruce]

You're right. Sorry about the misunderstanding. Take my measlies.

We gravy, bro. Keep pushing that weight. or pulling it. lol