Full disclosure: I hate bench pressing. Not because I think it’s dangerous or anything. I’m just no good at at. By that token I also hate, in no particular order:
1. Salsa dancing
2. Driving stick shift
3. Chess
4. Talking about feelings
Well, maybe I’m not giving myself enough credit. My best bench press is 315 lbs (at a bodyweight that hovers around 200 lbs), and while I recognize that that number won’t turn any heads at a local powerlifting meet, it’s not something to shrug off. It’s still 1.5x bodyweight, which for many guys is more than enough and represents a strength marker that’s above average. Especially considering it’s a raw lift and my anthropometry (leverages).
I.e., I have very long arms.
Funnily enough, I remember a while back I wrote an article on T-Nation where I was discussing bench technique (much like the video below) and one guy, after reading in the first paragraph what my max bench press was, made a comment that he was done reading after that.
“Why would I take advice from a guy who only has a 315 lb bench press?” he stated.
To which I shot back, “Well, my internet max is like 455. I obviously know what I’m talking about.”
Count it!
Listen, I’ll be the first to admit I’ll never break any bench pressing records. But I know how to coach, and I know how to coach the bench press.
Below is a video I shot a few months ago that for some reason I completely forgot about. I happened to come across it this morning and figured it would be a nice thing to share with the masses.
Yeah, you’re welcome…..;o)
In it I discuss two common bench pressing mistakes that I see a lot of trainees make and how to address/fix them – especially if pressing hurts your shoulder(s).
Zero points awarded to me for the lame attempt at a beard.
Note: this IS NOT an all-points tutorial on bench pressing. I only wanted to highlight these two common mistakes. So, to the guy giving my flak for not saying anything about leg drive. Relax. Go watch a Dave Tate video.
In Addition
For some more insight on how you can make bench pressing a little more “shoulder friendly” check out THIS article from a few months ago discussing five other strategies you can implement today.
